Equipment, system and method for improving exercise efficiency in a cardio-fitness machine

• Main Author: Smith, Kelly Ann
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.09.2019
• Subjects: ACOUSTICS; AMUSEMENTS; APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING,CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; CALCULATING; CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; COMPUTING; COUNTING; ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; ELECTRICITY; ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING ORPROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA; HUMAN NECESSITIES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTEDFOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICS; PHYSICS; SPORTS; TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION; TRAINING EQUIPMENT; VIDEO GAMES

A system, equipment and process to guide a user in the experience of rhythmic exercise. Playback of an audio file/signal, such as a musical phrase, that has known rhythmic structure (e.g., beat pattern) is accompanied, by non-audio sensory cues such as a light signal or tactical signal (vibration) to mark rhythmic events in the audio playback (such as the beginning and end of playback and/or audio pulses (beats). In addition, equipment is provided to guide the user in performing a GDM (goal directed movement) sequence that is selected to be performed in synch with the rhythm of the audio signal. The user's motion is detected and compared to desired GDM in the selected sequence and also compared to the rhythm of the audio signal. Sensory cues are provided to guide the user in performing the GDM sequence rhythmically. The system may be implemented in cardio fitness equipment including treadmill, AMT, stationary exercise bike and elliptical type exercise equipment.