Incline Exercise Frame Haptics With Synchronized Actuator Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise devices fail to provide a seamless integration of visual and auditory simulations with haptic feedback, leading to a disconnect between the user's sensory experience and the simulated outdoor activity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a movable frame relative to a base, utilizing incline motors and actuators to provide rapid and sustained haptic simulations by changing the inclination and position of the frame in response to simulation data, enhancing the integration of visual, auditory, and tactile experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If video and audio information of outdoor activity is presented to the user, then visual and auditory simulation is improved, but haptic feedback remains disconnected from the simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video information, audio information, and haptic feedback into a unified simulation system. The processor integrates multiple data sources (video, audio, workout data) to generate coordinated haptic responses through actuators, merging previously separate sensory channels into a cohesive experience where visual, auditory, and tactile feedback are synchronized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the processor continuously receives workout data and simulation data, analyzes the discrepancy between expected and actual haptic responses, and adjusts actuator commands in real-time. This closed-loop feedback ensures haptic feedback accurately reflects the simulated outdoor activity conditions.
2Reliability
If actuators are added to provide haptic simulation, then device complexity increases, but haptic feedback capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators serve multiple functions: they adjust the incline of the exercise device, provide haptic feedback for terrain simulation, and respond to both video and audio data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing haptic simulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the actuators and the simulation data. It translates complex simulation requirements into simplified actuator commands, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple actuators with multiple data sources through a centralized control logic.
3Reliability
If the frame is moved rapidly and sustained to provide haptic simulation, then haptic realism is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic simulation uses periodic actuator movements that correspond to the rhythmic nature of exercise and the periodic features of outdoor terrain. Rather than continuous high-energy movement, the system applies periodic haptic cues that synchronize with the user's workout rhythm and the simulated environment, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes actuator movement parameters (speed, amplitude, frequency) based on the simulated terrain and workout intensity. During low-intensity phases or flat terrain, movement parameters are reduced, lowering energy consumption. During high-intensity phases or rough terrain, parameters are increased to enhance realism, optimizing the balance between haptic realism and energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
A haptic simulation exercise device includes a frame, a base supporting the frame, and an incline motor. The incline motor is configured to move the frame relative to the base to provide haptic simulation during a workout routine. An actuator moves the frame faster than the incline motor to simulate outdoor conditions during a workout routine.