Exercise Device Communication Protocol for Low-Latency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols for software-controlled exercise devices, such as Bluetooth low energy and FTMS, are limited in capability and do not support the robust, low-latency, and power-efficient communication needed for modern exercise systems with features like resistance adjustment, incline, and virtual environment simulation.
Innovation Solution
A three-part communication protocol utilizing a custom implementation of Bluetooth® with asynchronous, synchronous transmit, and synchronous receive channels, along with USB or 802.11x wireless, to enable simultaneous data transmission and reception for various exercise devices, including trainers, indoor cycles, and treadmills, ensuring efficient and expandable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth low energy protocol is used for communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication capability and latency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into three distinct channels: asynchronous channel for power-efficient notifications, synchronous transmit channel for reliable command transmission, and synchronous receive channel for acknowledged data reception. This segmentation allows the system to use different communication modes depending on the data type and reliability requirements, optimizing both power consumption and communication capability.
2Loss of time
If traditional communication protocols are used, then device compatibility is maintained, but latency and communication efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a custom protocol implementation that acts as an intermediary layer between the exercise device and the software application. This intermediary protocol maintains compatibility with existing Bluetooth Low Energy devices while implementing optimized communication patterns that reduce latency and improve efficiency, bridging the gap between legacy hardware and modern performance requirements.
3Device complexity
If simple communication protocols are used, then implementation complexity is reduced, but functionality and expandability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single protocol framework supports multiple communication modes (asynchronous and synchronous transmit/receive channels) and various exercise device types (trainers, indoor cycles, treadmills). The protocol structure allows for future expansion to support additional features and device types without requiring fundamental redesign, achieving high functionality with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of operating a server device for use in conjunction with software operating on a client device to engage in exercise, the method includes establishing a three-part communication connection between the server device and the client device. The three parts are a first connection which is an asynchronous channel for transmission of streamed data to a receiving device, a second connection which is a transmission channel for transmission of messages that require a response from a receiving device, and a third connection which is a receiving channel for receipt of messages that are responses to a device requesting a response. The method then simultaneously communicates a first set of data over the first connection and a second set of data over at least one of the second connection and the third connection.