Networked Exercise System Real-Time Performance Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment and methods lack features that enable users to compete with each other, converse in real-time, and incorporate gamification elements, limiting engagement and accessibility of exercise classes.
Innovation Solution
The development of networked exercise systems and methods that integrate multimedia inputs and outputs, social networking capabilities, and gamification features, allowing users to participate in live or recorded exercise classes from any location, interact with instructors and other users, and share performance metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exercise equipment incorporates basic video displays for content presentation, then users can view exercise content, but the system cannot truly engage users in competitive or gaming scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple exercise devices (treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical trainer) into a single networked system that shares common control features, display capabilities, and communication interfaces. This merging allows the system to provide competitive and gaming features across different device types without requiring each device to be independently complex
Solution Approach 2:
The control features and display system are designed to serve multiple functions: presenting exercise content, enabling real-time communication between users, displaying competitive performance data, and providing gaming elements. This multi-functionality increases engagement capability while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each function
2Loss of information
If exercise systems lack real-time communication capabilities, then system complexity remains low, but users cannot converse or share information in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network communication intermediary that facilitates real-time data exchange between multiple exercise devices and users. This intermediary handles messaging, performance data sharing, and coordination without requiring complex communication hardware in each individual device, thus reducing information loss while managing system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If exercise classes are location-specific, then infrastructure requirements are minimal, but accessibility and availability to users are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network system is designed to deliver exercise class content universally across multiple locations and device types. The same content delivery infrastructure serves treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical trainers in different gyms or home locations, increasing accessibility while the standardized protocol keeps network complexity manageable
4Adaptability or versatility
If exercise equipment operates independently without networking, then device simplicity is maintained, but competitive and social features cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the competitive and social features into modular software components that can be added to individual exercise devices through network connectivity. This allows independent devices to maintain simplicity while gaining competitive capabilities through optional network integration, with features like performance comparison and leaderboards implemented as software modules rather than hardware requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise machine includes a processor, a first display, a deck, and a belt rotatable about the deck. The machine also includes a sensor operably connected to the processor and configured to detect a first performance parameter of a first user running on the belt of the exercise machine. The processor is configured to receive information indicative of a second performance parameter of a second user, the second performance parameter being detected at an additional exercise machine during display of the at least part of the exercise class on a display associated with the additional exercise machine. The processor is also configured to cause the second performance parameter to be displayed on the first display together with the first performance parameter.