Virtual Race System for Indoor Aerobic Exercise Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual races using indoor aerobic exercise devices lack motivation due to the absence of scenic changes and course undulations, leading to monotony for runners.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that generates drive information for indoor aerobic exercise devices based on virtual course geometry, corrects completion times using running and biometric information, and determines rankings, incorporating features like running form evaluation and biometric data to create engaging and varied experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual races are held using indoor aerobic exercise devices, then runners can participate independent from weather conditions, but the experience becomes monotonous due to absence of scenic changes and course undulations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts course geometry parameters (slope, distance, elevation) in real-time based on user performance data and preferences. The virtual course is not static but evolves during the race, creating varied terrain profiles that simulate outdoor conditions while using indoor equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual dimensional elements (elevation changes, slope variations, scenic views) to the otherwise two-dimensional indoor running experience. By overlaying virtual course geometry with augmented reality or display systems, runners perceive three-dimensional terrain changes without physical elevation changes.
2Device complexity
If completion time is used as the sole ranking criterion, then the ranking system is simple, but it fails to motivate runners in monotone indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for ranking from simple time-based metrics to composite scores that include pace consistency, effort level, virtual course completion, and performance improvement. This transforms the ranking system into a multi-dimensional evaluation that better motivates indoor runners.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to runners about their performance relative to virtual course requirements and other participants. This feedback loop includes real-time updates on virtual progress, effort recognition, and ranking predictions, creating engagement despite the单调 indoor environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indoor aerobic exercise devices are used for virtual races, then weather independence is achieved, but scenic changes and course undulations are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of outdoor courses with accurate geometric representations of terrain, elevation, and scenery. These digital replicas are then enhanced with dynamic adjustments to simulate the experience of running through varied landscapes without leaving the indoor facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual course geometry and augmented reality elements as intermediaries between the runner and the indoor exercise device. This mediator layer restores scenic and terrain information by overlaying virtual visual cues that correspond to the physical motion on the treadmill.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device in a virtual race provision system that provides a virtual race on a virtual course using an indoor aerobic exercise device, the information processing device comprising: a generator that generates drive information to drive an indoor aerobic exercise device run by a user that participates in a virtual race on the basis of course geometry set for a virtual course, the geometry including at least a running distance and slope; a time correction unit that corrects completion time of the virtual race by the user on the basis of running information acquired by a sensor device worn by the user when the user runs on the indoor aerobic exercise device; and a determination unit that determines a ranking of the user that participates in the virtual race on the basis of the corrected completion time corrected by the time correction unit.