Musical Feedback Training Apparatus for Exercise Motivation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional training apparatuses are monotonous and repetitive, lacking motivation for users to engage in varied and intense physical exercise, as they focus solely on predefined movements without incentives for harmonic motoric movements.

Innovation Solution

A training system that converts into a music instrument by generating audio signals based on the user's configuration of the apparatus, allowing control over musical dynamics through movement, thereby increasing motivation and engagement by translating exercise movements into musical variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional training apparatuses use predefined uniform movements, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the user experience becomes monotonous and boring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the audio feedback adaptable and variable based on user movement. The system detects movement parameters (speed, amplitude, rhythm) and dynamically adjusts musical properties (tempo, pitch, rhythm, instrument selection) to create an engaging experience that evolves with user performance, transforming static exercise equipment into a dynamic interactive system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by mapping physical movement parameters to audio feedback parameters. Movement speed controls tempo, movement amplitude affects pitch or volume, and movement rhythm influences musical rhythm. This creates a continuous spectrum of possible feedback states, making the device adaptable to various exercise intensities and styles while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If training apparatus provides continuous feedback, then user motivation and engagement increase, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring movement sensors and providing real-time audio feedback through headphones or speakers. The system creates a closed-loop system where user actions are immediately reflected in musical feedback, reinforcing proper technique and maintaining engagement. The feedback is continuous but processed through relatively simple sensor-audio output connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing an audio feedback layer between the user and the exercise equipment. Rather than directly modifying the mechanical complexity of the resistance or movement mechanisms, the system adds a sensory layer (audio feedback) that mediates the user's interaction with the equipment, making the experience more engaging without fundamentally altering the core exercise mechanics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the training apparatus translates fine movements into gradual musical changes, then user control over musical experience is enhanced, but the measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a continuous mapping between movement parameters and audio feedback parameters. Rather than using discrete thresholds or binary states, the system dynamically adjusts musical properties in real-time based on sensor input, allowing fine-grained control where small movement variations produce corresponding subtle changes in tempo, pitch, or volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by establishing proportional relationships between physical movement parameters and audio feedback parameters. Small changes in movement speed, amplitude, or position result in corresponding small changes in musical tempo, pitch, or volume. This continuous parameter mapping allows precise control without requiring extremely high measurement precision, as the system responds to the full range of natural movement variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2575981B1Training apparatus and system with musical feedback
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
  • EP2575981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2575981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A training apparatus (100) according to the invention comprises - adjustable resistance means (110); - means (120) for continuously determining an actual configuration (130) of the training apparatus during exercise; - means (140) for generating a control signal for an audio device, the control signal being at least partially based on the actual configuration of the training apparatus; and - means for outputting the control signal.