Voice-Controlled Exercise Machine Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack intuitive controls that allow users to accurately modify parameters during workouts, especially when performing motion-based activities, and do not effectively incorporate verbal cues from instructors.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures and processes audio and video content from instructors to generate executable controls, which are then displayed on exercise machines, allowing users to modify settings based on verbal commands and performance metrics in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional physical controls (buttons, switches, knobs) are provided on exercise machines, then users can modify exercise parameters, but it becomes difficult to accurately manipulate controls during motion-based activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controls (buttons, switches, knobs) with voice-based controls that capture verbal commands from instructors. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate controls during exercise, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving accuracy through automated voice recognition and timestamp synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer consisting of audio capture, processing, and timestamp association mechanisms. This intermediary translates instructor verbal commands into automated control signals, bridging the gap between instructional intent and machine response without requiring direct user interaction with physical controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise machines provide manual controls for parameter adjustment, then users have direct control over settings, but the controls do not correspond to verbal cues from instructors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual control systems with an automated voice recognition and timestamp-based control system. This substitution enhances adaptability by synchronizing machine controls with instructor verbal cues while managing complexity through automated processing rather than additional physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universal by accepting various types of verbal commands from instructors and translating them into appropriate machine control actions. The system handles multiple functions (parameter adjustment, timing synchronization, command recognition) through a single integrated voice-based interface.
3Productivity
If users manually adjust exercise machine parameters during workouts, then they can respond to instructor cues, but the process is time-consuming and reduces workout efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing control commands with instructor verbal cues through timestamp association. This allows the exercise machine to automatically execute parameter adjustments at the precise moment instructor commands are given, eliminating the time delay associated with manual control manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically capturing instructor verbal commands, processing them through recognition algorithms, and executing the corresponding control actions without requiring user intervention. This automation eliminates the time users would otherwise spend manually adjusting parameters, thereby improving workout efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes providing a first video file to a plurality of exercise machines, the first video file including content associated with an exercise class. The method also includes receiving user data from the plurality of exercise machines, the user data including respective settings associated with a common performance metric. In such a method, the respective settings are used on the plurality of exercise machines during playback of a particular part of the first video file. The method also includes identifying a timestamp associated with the particular part of the first video file, and generating an executable control corresponding to the performance metric. The method further includes generating a second video file comprising the content and the executable control. In such methods, playback of the second video file causes display of the executable control at a part of the second video file corresponding to the timestamp.