Robotic Exercise Machine with Vision-Based Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack precision in tracking three-dimensional motions, fail to provide adequate control over resistance forces, and do not automatically adjust their user interface orientation, limiting their safety and effectiveness, especially for users with injuries or those requiring integrated warm-up and recuperative activities.
Innovation Solution
A robotic exercise machine equipped with at least one computer, sensors, and robotic arms that can exert force and torque, allowing for precise control over the user interface's position, orientation, and resistance forces, and integrating software for creating personalized exercise plans and real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing exercise machines are used, then basic strength training capability is provided, but precision in tracking three-dimensional motions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motion tracking systems with computer vision technology. Multiple cameras capture images of the user's body markers, and image processing algorithms calculate three-dimensional joint positions and motion trajectories. This substitution enables higher precision in motion tracking while maintaining system reliability through automated real-time computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual reality headsets and haptic feedback devices as intermediary elements between the user and the exercise system. These intermediaries provide immersive visual feedback and tactile resistance forces, enhancing the user's perception of three-dimensional motion accuracy and improving overall training effectiveness without requiring direct mechanical coupling.
2Force
If existing exercise machines are used, then basic resistance training is possible, but control over resistance forces in three-dimensional space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable resistance forces that change in real-time based on the user's motion state. Haptic feedback devices can modulate force magnitude and direction dynamically during exercise movements, allowing the system to adapt resistance characteristics to match the user's capabilities and exercise goals, thereby providing superior control over resistance forces in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters of resistance forces simultaneously, including magnitude, direction, and temporal variation. The computer controls haptic devices to vary force parameters along three-dimensional trajectories, enabling precise control over resistance characteristics that adapts to different exercise phases and user requirements, thus enhancing both force control and interface adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If existing exercise machines are used, then basic exercise functions are provided, but automatic adjustment of user interface orientation is not implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the exercise machine automatically adjusts the user interface orientation based on real-time detection of the user's body pose and exercise requirements. The system autonomously repositions haptic feedback devices and virtual reality overlays without requiring manual user input, thereby simplifying operation while managing complexity through automated control algorithms that process sensor data and execute appropriate interface adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion sensors and cameras to continuously monitor the user's position and exercise progress. This feedback is processed by the computer, which automatically adjusts the orientation of the user interface elements to maintain optimal positioning throughout the exercise routine, reducing the need for manual adjustment and improving ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing exercise machines are used, then strength training can be performed, but integration of warm-up and recuperative activities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the exercise system to be universal, capable of supporting multiple types of exercises including strength training, warm-up activities, and recuperative therapy. The same hardware platform with adjustable haptic feedback devices and virtual reality interfaces can be configured for different exercise modalities, allowing a single machine to provide comprehensive fitness and rehabilitation functions while maintaining high safety and effectiveness standards across all activity types.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine includes computers, sensors, and at least one robotic arm, each robotic arm has a connector through which the robotic arm exerts force and torque on a user. Each robotic arm moves along a reference trajectory. The computer controls the robotic arm according to the corresponding reference trajectory. The sensors include force-torque sensors configured to measure the force and torque exerted on the user and vision sensors configured to measure the user's body posture. A method for controlling the exercise machine includes selecting an exercise motion, setting initial values for resistance force magnitude parameters and state variables, determining the user is ready to start exercising, obtaining measurements from the sensors, and based on the obtained measurements, updating the resistance force magnitude parameters and the state variables.