Interval Training Control Unit for Personalized Exercise Timing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users in interval training methods struggle to determine the appropriate distance and duration for high and low intensity exercises without proper guidance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that calculates high intensity exercise time and low intensity exercise time based on input time information, using best records, running levels, and user-specific parameters, and displays this information for the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user performs interval training using a timer, then the user can track training time, but the user cannot determine the appropriate distance and duration for high and low intensity exercises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting training parametersVSAvoidlack of training guidance information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates and provides training guidance information (distance and duration for high/low intensity exercises) based on user input, eliminating the need for users to manually determine these parameters. The control unit computes appropriate training parameters and displays them, allowing the system to serve itself in providing expert training guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users by displaying calculated training parameters (distance and duration) based on their input. This feedback loop enables users to see the recommended training structure and adjust their exercise accordingly, transforming the timer from a passive time-tracking device to an active training guidance system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If training parameters are manually set by users, then the system remains simple, but the training cannot be easily personalized to user capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization of trainingVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter calculation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters (distance and duration for high/low intensity exercises) automatically based on user input such as age, gender, and fitness level. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust each parameter, the control unit computes optimized values by changing parameters according to user characteristics, enabling personalization without increasing user burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of training parameters before the user begins exercising. By pre-calculating the appropriate distance and duration based on user input, the system prepares personalized training guidance in advance, eliminating the need for users to figure out parameters during the workout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the system provides detailed training guidance, then training effectiveness improves, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of interval trainingVSAvoidcomplexity of training calculation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the training guidance into distinct components: high intensity exercise duration, low intensity exercise duration, and rest periods. By dividing the training structure into manageable segments, the system can provide detailed, reliable guidance for each phase independently, making the overall complex training protocol easier to manage and execute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10046201B2Electronic apparatus and program

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 ASICS CORP

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes: a control unit that, in an interval training in which a high intensity exercise and a low intensity exercise are repeated, calculates one or both of a high intensity exercise time for performing the high intensity exercise and a low intensity exercise time for performing the low intensity exercise based on input time information.