Exercise Equipment User Identification via Mobile Device Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user identification methods for exercise equipment are cumbersome, requiring users to remember login credentials or carry additional portable devices, and are not intuitive for older individuals unfamiliar with technology.
Innovation Solution
A system where users identify themselves using a mobile device with a camera or NFC reader to scan an equipment-specific code, eliminating the need for remembered login credentials and additional devices, and allowing seamless integration with exercise equipment and servers for personalized training programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual identification procedure is used (user inserts login and password), then user identification can be performed, but it requires user to remember login credentials and is not intuitive for elderly people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the equipment code and processes it to extract identification information. This replaces the need for users to manually input login credentials by copying visual information into a usable digital format for automatic identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input process (typing login and password on keyboard or touchscreen) with an automated optical recognition system using camera and image processing algorithms to identify the user.
2Loss of information
If supporting data portable device is used to store user identification data, then user does not need to remember login and password, but user has to carry additional device which can be lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone camera, which is a universal device already present in most users' daily lives, to perform the identification function. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated identification device by making the smartphone serve multiple functions including authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to autonomously perform identification by capturing the equipment code themselves using their smartphone camera, without requiring additional accessories or assistance from staff.
3Ease of operation
If supporting data portable device is used, then user identification can be performed without remembering credentials, but exercise equipment needs to be provided with slot to receive and read the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based identification system (requiring physical slots and connectors) with a non-contact optical system using camera and image processing, eliminating the need for physical interfaces on the exercise equipment.
4Reliability
If traditional identification methods are used, then user authentication can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the equipment code as an image and automatically processes it to extract identification information, replacing time-consuming manual input with rapid automated optical recognition and data extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual typing or device insertion operations with automated camera-based recognition and image processing, significantly reducing the time required for user identification while maintaining authentication reliability.
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 quick, intuitive user identification and personalized training programs without the need for remembering login information or carrying extra devices, enhancing user experience and accessibility for all users.
Implementation Method 1
a reader of bar codes or a tag reader, of the RFID or NFC technology
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method (200), a system (100) and a program product for identifying a user on an exercise equipment (101). An equipment identification code (IDE) associated to an exercise equipment (101) is acquired by means of an electronic portable device (104) of the user. The equipment identification code (IDE) and the user identification code are sent, by means of the electronic portable device (104), to an electronic calculator (105) operatively connected to the exercise equipment (101).