EMS Workout Output Synchronization with Instructor Media Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology requires a user and instructor to be collocated for proper operation, limiting the user's ability to perform workouts independently and effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes the output of a fitness apparatus, such as an EMS suit, with media content featuring an instructor's workout session, allowing remote control and customization of muscle contraction based on the instructor's intensity profile, enabling a hands-off workout experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an instructor and user are collocated for real-time EMS training, then the user receives proper instruction and intensity control, but the user cannot perform workouts independently and the system requires continuous instructor presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the instructor's workout session through media content (video recording) that captures the instructor's actions, verbal instructions, and timing. This copy enables users to independently follow along with the workout without requiring the actual instructor's presence, thus resolving the contradiction between independent workout capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instructor's workout session is recorded in advance, capturing all necessary instructions, demonstrations, and timing information before the user begins their workout. This preliminary action allows users to independently execute the workout by following the pre-recorded media content, eliminating the need for real-time instructor presence while maintaining workout quality
2Extent of automation
If the instructor manually controls EMS output intensity, then the intensity can be adjusted in real-time based on user feedback, but the user cannot focus entirely on exercise movements and the instructor must remain physically present
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies the instructor's intensity control decisions by analyzing the media content to determine when the instructor would have adjusted intensity levels. This automated copying of intensity control decisions allows the EMS device to automatically adjust output based on the pre-recorded instructor guidance, enabling both automation and reliability without requiring the instructor's physical presence during the workout
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates user feedback mechanisms where users can report their comfort level and intensity preferences during the workout. This feedback loop allows the automated system to adjust intensity levels appropriately based on real-time user conditions while still following the overall structure of the pre-recorded instructor session, maintaining both automation and control accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronous communication between instructor and user is used, then real-time interaction is possible, but users in different geographical locations cannot effectively participate in the same workout session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive copy of the instructor's workout session including visual demonstrations, verbal instructions, and timing information. This copy is distributed to users regardless of their geographical location, ensuring that all users receive identical high-fidelity instructions without loss of information, while simultaneously enabling geographical accessibility by allowing remote participation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to perform workouts independently with synchronized muscle contractions and intensity adjustments, providing a high-fidelity workout experience without real-time instructor presence, supporting various user types and resource conservation.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a technology that elicits muscle contraction using electrical impulses. The impulses are delivered via electrodes placed on the body near the muscles that are to be stimulated.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fitness apparatus output can be synchronized with media content that features an instructor conducting a workout session. An instructor conducts a workout session while using a recording device to generate media data, and while a computing device executes a client application to generate command data for controlling aspects of output provided by a fitness apparatus. The media data and the command data can be transmitted to user computing devices over a network. Users may consume the media data on-demand, or as a live stream while the instructor is conducting the workout session. Operations specified in the command data are driven by the timestamps in the media data to synchronize the output provided by a user's fitness apparatus with the visible cues and/or audible cues of the instructor in the media content. The intensity level of the fitness apparatus output may also be customized to the user.