WO2010145896A1

WO2010145896A1 - Fitness device comprising courseware

Info

Publication number: WO2010145896A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/056671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günter Struck
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2009-06-16
Filing date: 2010-05-14
Publication date: 2010-12-23
Also published as: DE102009025440A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fitness device. In order to study while being physically active, a fitness device is provided, comprising a computer unit, on which a courseware can run, wherein at least one output device and at least one input device are provided for the interaction between a user and the courseware, wherein the courseware, the at least one output device and the at least one input device are designed such that a sequence of motion common during use of the fitness device is not affected by the interaction.

Description

description

FITNESS DEVICE WITH LEARNING SOFTWARE

The invention relates to a fitness device.

Such a fitness device is used in particular in fitness studios and at home. There are also these endurance or cardio devices called fitness equipment in various versions, such as. as exercise bikes, crosstrainers, ergometers, treadmills, rowing machines, steppers, etc. These devices are in a special way by the uniform movement in order to not waste time for the mind next to the physical exercise. It is known that the combination of constant physical activity and learning is very effective in learning, as attention and concentration are increased.

So far, however, this concept has not yet been translated into a technical solution. "Bypass solutions" that capitalize on the effect of the combination have been developed, for example, by the Studienstudentschaft Studienkreis, which consists of a treadmill, video beamer, sound system and multimedia PC, and is correspondingly expensive.

The invention has for its object to provide a fitness device, which makes it possible to learn in addition to the physical exercise.

This problem is solved by a fitness device with a

Computer unit, on which a learning software can be executed, wherein at least one output device and at least one input device are provided for an interaction between a user and the learning software, wherein the learning software, the at least one output device and the at least one input device are designed such that when using the fitness device usual movement is not affected by the interaction. The object is further achieved by systems, a learning ^¬ soft ware and a computer program product with the specified correspond to the requirements in ^¬ chen 13 to 16 characteristics.

The interaction according to the invention ensures the interaction, without interfering with the normal movement sequence, so that the user / user of the sports equipment can use this as well as the learning software without any problems or ^expense . This means that a software application - the learning software - has been specially developed and installed on a computer unit integrated in the fitness device, and that input and output devices are mounted on the sports device in such a way that communication / interaction with the software application is ensured. is lent. The communication should be as simple as possible, so that the user can concentrate on the learning material instead of the interaction with the learning software.

Advantageously, the educational software is designed to offer the user a limited number of choices. This can be done for example by applying the known Lernkartenimethode, in which - in the paper version - on a front page of a flash card a keyword (eg Voka, date, etc.) or a question is written and on the back of the solution to be learned. Now, for example, several compartments are set up in a file box and all learning cards are first placed in the first compartment. If the solution of one card is known, it comes in the second compartment, whereby the cards in the second compartment are repeated at a lower frequency than those in the first compartment. If a solution is known here, the card moves to a third slot (whose cards are repeated at a lower frequency), if the solution is not known, the card returns to the first slot. For the number of subjects (typically between three and five) and the frequency of repetition (regular, eg subject one daily, subject two every two days etc., or irregularly, eg compartment two only when almost full) there are several variants.

In one embodiment, in which the learning software uses the learning card method, the user is in a suitable form by means of the at least one output device, the question / the keyword / the word o.a. presented, whereupon the user must signal only by means of at least one input device of the learning software, whether he knows the solution or not. This can be done, for example, by a "yes / no" input option, but also by a positive acknowledgment within an adjustable time, whereby no input within this time means "no: solution unknown". The question with which subject the training session should be started or whether the learning software should proceed with the status of the last session can advantageously be entered by the user at the beginning of the session.

In another advantageous embodiment, the learning software uses the multiple-choice method. In this case, one or more of the solutions offered can be selected either by means of the at least one input device, or it is also possible here to select by confirmation within an adjustable time, the possible solutions being offered to the user in succession.

As has been pointed out, a variety of realizations for the educational software are possible, which, matched to the respective input and output devices of a fitness device according to the invention, enable learning during a training session without disturbing the inherent natural motion sequence of the respective fitness device. The advantage for the user is effective learning through and with sports on a sports equipment, which can be offered more cost-effectively than the known solution.

In an advantageous embodiment of the embodiment, at least one output device is designed as a display. This allows the Questions / keywords / vocabulary and / or solutions are presented to the user in a particularly simple and clear way. In addition, this also makes more complex questions in subjects possible, for example, have sketches or geometric figures. Of course, the complexity of the learning software has to be adapted to the size and / or resolution of the display so that the user can grasp the facts effortlessly. Of course, for a vocabulary training according to the learning card method, a small, monochrome display is sufficient, which can be produced inexpensively and is therefore particularly suitable for fitness equipment in the lower price segment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one output device is designed as a loudspeaker. This is in addition to a voice output of e.g. Vocabulary also other sound output possible if the educational software, for example, in the subject music music pieces briefly alludes and the user gives the composers to choose from. Especially in combination with a display as a further output device here arise diverse presentation possibilities for the questions / keywords etc. of the learning software.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one output device can be connected to the computer unit via a wireless connection. In this way, for example, a speaker can be used as a output device in the form of a wireless headset by a user, which is particularly advantageous for gyms, so that the customer does not interfere with each other. In a further variant, the display can also be displayed by the user e.g. be worn as glasses, so that the combination results in a cyber-glasses, with the questions etc. can be presented visually and acoustically.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one output device forms a structural unit with the computer unit. In particular, when recording a display results a similar appearance to a conventional training computer, as is common in fitness equipment, which can be adapted according to the design. Computer unit with, for example, display can then also be arranged close to the conventional training computer, if present, since both should be in the field of vision of the user, so as not to disturb the natural movement when reading the respective displays.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one input device is designed as a sensor or a button. Of course, several sensors or buttons (switches) may be present on the fitness device, e.g. two for the learning card method described above, one standing for "yes, solution known" and one for "no, solution unknown", or more for selecting one of several possible solutions offered by the educational software. The sensors or buttons are arranged where the user holds his hands on the sports equipment while exercising, so that he can operate the sensors / buttons without any problems and effort.

If the fitness device has several possible grip positions, corresponding sensors / buttons are advantageously provided at each grip position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one input device is designed to be movable. In this way, must not be arranged at every possible grip positions sensors / buttons in fitness equipment with multiple grip positions, but the user can easily attach to any grip position, the movable input devices. The releasable mechanical connection to be produced may be e.g. as a plug or clamp connection (similar to the hand pulse sensors known in fitness equipment) or be designed as a magnetic connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one input device can be connected to the computer unit via a wireless connection. This will provide the flexibility for heightened the user once again, as he can now easily hold the wireless input devices in his hand and operate without having to hold on to the handles of the sports equipment. This type of operation of the sports equipment is more common in treadmills, for example.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one input device is designed as a microphone. The learning software, which has a voice recognition module in this embodiment, can therefore also accept more complex inputs from the user without this being disturbed in his movement. Especially in combination with a loudspeaker as an output device, it is possible that the user simply speaks the translation of the corresponding vocabulary into the microphone. Of course, the inputs can also be applied to simple commands such as "yes", "no", e. for the learning map method or "a", "b" etc. to limit the choice of solutions. Together with a similarly wireless headset, a "wireless headset" can also serve as a combined input / output device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one input device with the computer unit forms a structural unit. For this purpose, a microphone as an input device is primarily suitable, but it is also possible to provide input devices for configuring the learning software, by means of which, for example, is determined for the learning card method, with which tray is started or whether the status of the last training session is to be continued, or with which the time period within which an acknowledgment, as described above, has to be made, is set.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the computer unit has at least one interface via which data of the user and / or the learning software can be read. As a result, user-specific data, such as the achieved learning progress, can be recorded for each user on each egg ^¬ ner chip card, so that the fitness device can be used by several users with the same educational software. In addition, this makes it possible to also read in another learning software in addition to or instead of the previous learning software, so that - assuming a corresponding functionality of the fitness device, ie several sensors / buttons are available - from a vocabulary training according to the Lernkartenimethode to a history learning program after the multiple Choice method can be changed. If the computer unit has the means to offer several learning programs at the same time, selection means are provided with which a user can select the desired learning software at the beginning of the training session.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least the computer unit is formed as an integral part of a training computer. Many fitness devices have such a training computer, so that not only space and costs can be saved by the integration, but also the user a comfortable operation of only one device is made possible. Here is at least one on or

Output device, e.g. a display, designed as a structural unit with the computer unit, so of course this is now integrated into the training computer. In this case, "integrated" means that, for example, part of the display already present in the training computer can now also be used by the learning software and that the computer unit has, for example, a main processor and / or main memory in common with the training computer, so it is not just a spatial one but also includes functional integration.

With a system according to the invention comprising a computer unit, at least one input device and at least one output device for a fitness device according to one of claims 1 to 11, conventional fitness devices can also easily be retrofitted with the described learning functionality, wherein different systems can be offered according to the respective embodiments. The same applies to a system according to the invention comprising a training computer, at least one input device and at least one output device for a fitness device, in which at least the computer unit is designed as an integral part of the training computer. Of particular advantage is it ^¬ in naturally when at least one display is also integrated as an output device, be it as an extra screen or by using a portion of a common displays for learning ^¬ software and computer training. Is made in training sessions, in de-nen no use of the learning function, it also then not used by the educational software part of the display can be otherwise used by the training computer ^¬ to.

A learning software that can be stored on a computer program product, in the particular embodiment of the fitness device concerned with the existing input and output devices allows interaction with the user.

In the following, the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the figure. The figure shows:

a section of a Fitnessgerä- tes invention.

The figure shows a section of a Fit ^¬ nessgerätes 1 of the invention in the form of a stylized handlebar, as it occurs, for example, in a stationary bike or ergometer to which a training computer 9 is attached. In the training computer 9, a computer unit 2 according to the invention is integrated, on which a learning software 3 runs. As an output device, a part of the display 4 is provided on the outputs of both the training computer 9 and the learning software 3 can be displayed. In addition, a speaker 5 for optiona ^¬ le speech is present. As input devices are on the handles two sensors / buttons 6 and a microphone 7 for an optional voice input available. By means of a cut For example, data of a user about the progress of the user with respect to the learning software can be stored on a chip card, so that the learning software can always begin in the right place even with several users.

If the learning software 3 uses, for example, the learning card method, the user can signal a "no" by simply pressing the switch (sensor / button) 6 with the thumb of the left hand, by pressing the switch 6 with the

Thumbs of the right hand can be signaled a "yes" of the learning software 3. This is sufficient to realize a basic functionality of the Lernkartenimethode, for example, vocabulary, which are output on the display 4 and / or by means of the speech output via the speaker 5, as The arrangement of the switches 6 where the user holds his hands on the sports equipment 1 during the training, the interaction with the learning software 3 is ensured, without that is disturbed by the normal for the respective fitness device 1 movement.

In summary, the invention relates to a fitness device. In order to learn in addition to the physical exercise, a fitness device is proposed with a computer unit on which a learning software can be executed, wherein at least one output device and at least one input device are provided for an interaction between a user and the learning software, wherein the learning software at least one output device and the at least one input device are designed in such a way that a movement sequence which is customary when using the fitness device is not impaired by the interaction.

Claims

claims

1. fitness device (1) with a computer unit (2) on which ei ^¬ ne learning software (3) can be executed, wherein for an interaction between a user and the learning software (3) at least one output device (4, 5) and at least one input device (6, 7) are provided, wherein the learning software (3), the at least one output device (4, 5) and the at least one input device (6, 7) are designed such that when using the fitness device (1) usual movement through the interaction is not affected.

2. Fitness device according to claim 1, wherein at least one output device (4, 5) as a display (4) is formed.

3. Fitness device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one output device (4, 5) is designed as a speaker (5).

4. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one output device (4, 5) via a wireless connection to the computer unit (2) is connectable.

5. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one output device (4, 5) with the computer unit ^¬ unit (2) forms a structural unit.

6. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input device (6, 7) as a sensor or button (6) is formed.

7. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input device (6, 7) is designed to be movable.

8. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input device (6, 7) via a wireless connection to the computer unit (2) is connectable.

9. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input device (6, 7) as a microphone (7) is formed.

10. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input device (6, 7) with the computer unit ^¬ unit (2) forms a structural unit.

11. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer unit (2) has at least one interface (8), via the data of the user and / or the Lernsoft ^¬ ware (3) are read.

12. Fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the computer unit (2) is formed as an integral part of a training computer (9).

13. The system of a computer unit (2), at least one A ^¬ reproducing apparatus (6, 7) and at least one output device (4, 5) for a fitness device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. System comprising a training computer (9), at least one input device (6, 7) and at least one output device (4, 5) for a fitness device (1) according to claim 12.

15. learning software (3) for running in a computer unit (2) for a fitness device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

16. Computer program product on which a learning software (3) according to claim 15 is stored.