Wireless Workout Audio Sync via Automatic Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in seamlessly enjoying audio components of multimedia content during workouts due to complex headset connection procedures and interruptions when switching between exercise machines, leading to a discontinuous and time-consuming experience.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables wireless data connection between exercise machines and portable electronic devices, allowing synchronized playback of audio and video components of multimedia content, with options for background music selection, reducing the need for manual headset connections and enabling smooth transitions between machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users connect headsets to exercise machines using wired or wireless procedures, then audio component playback is enabled, but the connection procedure becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio playback reliabilityVSAvoidconnection procedure simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and connects the user's portable electronic device to the exercise machine without requiring manual pairing or connection steps. The portable device is automatically identified when it comes into proximity with the exercise machine, and the connection is established autonomously, eliminating the need for users to follow complex pairing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The exercise machine acts as an intermediary that facilitates automatic connection between the portable electronic device and the audio output system. The machine detects the portable device, establishes a data connection, and routes audio content through the machine's speakers or connected headphones, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between user devices and workout equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If users manually connect headsets to each exercise machine, then audio playback is enabled on each machine, but time is lost during transitions between machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio playback continuityVSAvoidtransition time between machines
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and connection setup automatically before the user needs to use the audio function. When the user approaches or mounts the exercise machine, the system proactively detects the portable electronic device and establishes the data connection in advance, so audio playback can begin immediately without waiting for manual connection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous audio playback capability across machine transitions by automatically re-establishing connections to portable devices. As users move between exercise machines in a circuit, each machine automatically detects and connects to their device, ensuring the audio experience continues without interruption or manual reconnection, maintaining the continuity of the workout instruction audio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If exercise machines use dedicated headset connections, then audio playback is reliable, but users cannot easily personalize content on their own devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio playback stabilityVSAvoidcontent personalization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the reliability of dedicated exercise machine audio output with the versatility of personal portable electronic devices. The exercise machine serves multiple functions: it provides stable audio playback through its own speakers and simultaneously acts as a playback device for content stored or streamed on the user's personal portable device, allowing users to access their personalized playlists, podcasts, or workout instructions while maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4009646A1Method and system for improving the workout experience of a user
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 TECHNOGYM SPA
  • EP4009646A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4009646A1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1e
  • EP4009646A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method (300) for enjoying an audio component of a multimedia content during a workout, comprising steps of: - establishing (301), by a portable electronic device of the user, a data connection with a user interface of an exercise machine which may be employed by the user during a workout; - providing (302) a video component of a multimedia content which may be used during the workout at the exercise machine which may be employed by the user for the workout; - streaming (303) an audio component of the multimedia content to the portable electronic device of the user, adapted to perform the workout at the exercise machine; - playing (304), by the portable electronic device of the user, the audio component of the multimedia content by means of an audio speaker operatively associated with the portable electronic device of the user during a playing time, by the user interface of the exercise machine, of the video component of the multimedia content by means of a display module of the user interface of the exercise machine.