Exercise Machine Control Device Identification via Localized Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exercise machines lack effective identification of control devices, especially in low-light environments or when users are fatigued, leading to potential mistakes in workout performance and synchronization issues during group classes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lighting system on exercise machines that positions lights near or around control devices to facilitate easy identification, using LEDs and diffusers to ensure visibility even in dim conditions, and integrating a data processing unit to control light sequences based on user interactions and workout parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control devices are distributed on the exercise machine for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring worsens due to low lighting and user fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of control device accessVSAvoiddifficulty of control device identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies lighting devices that emit light of different colors to indicate different control devices. Each control device (e.g., speed control, gradient control) is associated with a specific color, allowing users to quickly identify the required control device even in low-light conditions or when fatigued. This resolves the contradiction by making distributed control devices easily detectable through color-coded visual cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces lighting devices as an intermediary element between the control devices and the user. These lighting devices are positioned near or on the control devices and can be selectively activated to guide the user's attention to the specific control device that needs to be operated, thereby facilitating easy identification without compromising the distributed layout for ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If lighting is dimmed or darkened during workout, then user focus on display/trainer is improved, but control device identification becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduced distraction from environmentVSAvoidcontrol device visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local lighting quality by positioning lighting devices specifically near control devices rather than providing general ambient lighting. This allows the overall environment to remain dim for better focus on the display or personal trainer, while specific local areas (control devices) are illuminated when needed, resolving the contradiction between environmental darkness for focus and control device visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting devices can be activated periodically or on-demand based on workout phase or user interaction, providing illumination only when control device identification is needed, rather than continuous lighting that would reduce focus on the workout content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control devices are provided for different functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkout control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol device quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By assigning different colors to different control devices and their associated lighting, the system provides an intuitive visual coding system that simplifies the user's interaction with multiple control devices. Each color represents a specific function or control type, making it easier for users to adapt to the various controls without being overwhelmed by the quantity or complexity of devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 timely and intuitive identification of control devices, reducing the risk of errors and improving user synchronization with workout programs, even in low-light settings or when users are fatigued.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffuser (4) positioned on the exercise machine (100) so that, when the light diffuser (4) is lit, it is possible to identify the at least one control device (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS11491386B2Exercise machine with facilitated identification of one or more control devices of such an exercise machine

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 TECHNOGYM SPA

AI summary

An exercise machine (100) used to perform physical activity includes at least one control device (1) which can be actuated by the user to impart a command to the exercise machine (100). The exercise machine (100) includes at least one lighting device (2), the at least one lighting device (2) being positioned on the exercise machine (100) so as to identify the at least one control device (1) with which the exercise machine (100) is provided when the at least one lighting device (2) is lit.