Treadmill Proximity Sensing for Rear-Deck Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines, such as treadmills, lack effective mechanisms to detect objects proximate to their operation area, leading to potential dangers or sub-optimal conditions due to inadequate protection and alert systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing sensors like time-of-flight (ToF), millimeter wave (mmWave), and computer vision (CV) technologies to detect objects near or moving towards the treadmill, triggering alerts or operational adjustments to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no object detection mechanism is implemented, then the treadmill operates continuously without interruption, but user safety is compromised and objects may collide with the moving belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with optical sensors (time-of-flight sensors, millimeter wave sensors, and computer vision cameras) to detect objects proximate to the treadmill. This substitution maintains high reliability for safety while reducing mechanical complexity, as optical systems have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the user/environment and the treadmill control system. These sensors act as mediators that detect objects and transmit information to the controller, which then adjusts treadmill operation accordingly. This intermediary layer enables safety without requiring direct mechanical interaction or complex integrated systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are used for comprehensive object detection, then detection accuracy and coverage are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple specialized sensor modules, each optimized for specific detection tasks. Time-of-flight sensors handle depth and proximity detection, millimeter wave sensors detect motion and velocity, and computer vision cameras provide visual identification and classification. This segmentation allows each sensor type to excel at its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types that can serve multiple functions within the same system. For example, the sensor array can detect both stationary objects and moving objects, determine both proximity and velocity, and provide both safety alerts and performance feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If the treadmill continuously monitors for objects using advanced sensors, then safety and detection capability are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning and monitoring cycles rather than continuous high-power operation. The sensors can operate in alternating modes of high-power active scanning and low-power standby, adjusting their activity based on detected motion or proximity events. This periodic action maintains safety monitoring capability while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic sensor operation where detection sensitivity, scanning frequency, and power consumption are adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions. For example, sensors can increase monitoring intensity when objects are detected near the belt and reduce to minimal scanning during safe periods. This dynamic adaptation maintains high reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user safety by providing real-time object detection and proactive operational adjustments, such as slowing or stopping the treadmill, to prevent accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor is a time-of-flight sensor that detects that the object is proximate to a rear area of the treadmill
Implementation Method 2
the second sensor is a millimeter wave sensor that identifies a motion state of the object that is proximate to the rear area of the treadmill
Implementation Method 3
the second sensor is a computer vision camera that captures a plurality of images that identifies a motion state of the object
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine can include sensors to detect objects proximate to and/or moving towards the exercise machine. For example, a treadmill, or a control system associated with the treadmill, can determine an object is moving towards or is already proximate to a deck of the treadmill (e.g., a front area, middle area, or rear area of the deck of the treadmill) and modify operations of the treadmill in response to the determined or detected object or object movement. The treadmill can utilize various detection mechanisms when determining an object is within a proximity to the treadmill, such as time-of-flight (ToF) sensors or cameras, millimeter wave (mmWave) sensors, computer vision (CV) technology, and so on, to detect the proximity of the object (or movement of the object).