Training Accessory for Electronic Device

Abstract

The invention concerns a training accessory for an electronic device and a training method configured to provide training feed-back in real-time. The training accessory comprises a housing suitable for holding the electronic device (400) having a graphical user interface (401), a data interface between the accessory (1) and the electronic device (400), one or more elastically deformable holding means (20), and one or more sensors (3), including at least a force sensor in the accessory (1), the force sensor being configured to determine the force exerted by the holding means (20). The method includes the steps of determining or receiving a safe training range of an individual user, receiving user training data pertaining to the user's execution of a training exercise in real-time, and based on said user training data calculating corrections in real-time and communicating instructions to the user in real-time to permit the user to correct his execution of the exercise such that the exercise is executed within a safe training range.

Claims

1. An accessory for an electronic device for performing physical exercise, comprising a housing suitable for holding the electronic device, the electronic device including a graphical user interface, a data interface between the accessory and the electronic device, one or more, preferably two elastically deformable holding means, with a first holding portion for holding the holding means and a second, elastically deformable portion, wherein the elastically deformable portion of each holding means is attached to the housing, and one or more sensors, including at least a force sensor in the accessory, the force sensor being configured to determine the force exerted by the holding means, and wherein each holding means can freely swivel around its attachment point.

2. The accessory of claim 1, comprising a bi-directional data interface.

3. The accessory of claim 1, each holding means being pivotably attached on a separate attachment point to the housing.

4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the holding means can be elastically pulled.

5. The accessory of claim 1, having two holding means, wherein a first holding means is operated with the left hand of the user and a second holding means is operated with the right hand of the user.

6. The accessory of claim 1, having means to attach mountable weights on the housing of the accessory, for example through a locking mechanism and/or magnetically.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory is configured for communicating visual, audio and/or tactile cues to the user.

8. The accessory of claim 1, the accessory in combination with the electronic device comprising a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer.

9. The accessory of claim 1, comprising a heart rate sensor, a pulse sensor, and/or a sensor to determine galvanic skin response or other electrodermal responses, which are preferably comprised in the holding portions of the holding means.

10. The accessory further to claim 1, the accessory in combination with the electronic device comprising a processor for receiving real-time input data and for generating output data in real-time.

11. A method for adjusting physical exercise to physical capabilities of users with reduced physical capabilities using the accessory of claim 1, comprising determining or receiving a safe training range, receiving user training data pertaining to the user's execution of a training exercise in real-time, and based on said user training data calculating corrections in real-time and communicating instructions to the user in real-time to permit the user to correct his execution of the exercise such that the exercise is executed within a safe training range.

12. The method for adjusting physical exercise of claim 11, including determining the safe training range comprising defining a calibration exercise to be performed by a user on the accessory, receiving user calibration data pertaining to the execution of the calibration exercise by the user, defining a user profile based on the user calibration data or refining a predetermined/predefined user profile based on the user calibration data, defining a safe training range based on user calibration data for the individual user profile.

13. The method for adjusting physical exercise of claim 12, wherein instructions for corrections are communicated to the user in respect of each user extremity operating a holding means.

14. The method for adjusting physical exercise of claim 12, to wherein instructions for corrections are communicated through the graphical user interface of the electronic device.

15. The method for adjusting physical exercise claim 12, wherein instructions for corrections are communicated through the electronic device and through the accessory in the form of visual, acoustic and/or tactile cues.

16. The method for adjusting physical exercise further to claim 12, wherein the individual user profile and/or the user safe range is dynamically refined based on the real-time user training data.

17. A Computer program product which contains instructions for performing the steps of the method of claim 12, which, when loaded on a computerised system or a computer, allows that computerised system or the computer to perform the steps of the method of claim 11.

18. A Computer program product which contains instructions for performing the steps of the method of claim 13, which, when loaded on a computerised system or a computer, allows the computerised system or the computer to perform the steps of the method of claim 13.

19. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory is held by the holding means only, such that the spatial movement of the accessory results solely from the sum of forces exerted through the holding means, provided such sum is not equal to zero.

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Exemplar embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the description and illustrated by the drawings in which:

[0074] FIG. 1A depicts a schematic front view of a preferred embodiment of the training accessory,

[0075] FIG. 1B depicts a schematic back view of a preferred embodiment of the training accessory,

[0076] FIG. 1C depicts a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the training accessory,

[0077] FIG. 1D depicts a schematic top view of a preferred embodiment of the training accessory, and

[0078] FIG. 2 depicts an operational mode diagram of a preferred embodiment of the claimed.

EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0079] A preferred embodiment of the training accessory 1 is schematically shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B. The accessory comprises a housing, in which the electronic device 400 is mounted. The electronic device 400 has a graphical user interface (GUI) 401, preferably a tactile screen. Information and/or instructions for the user can be displayed on said GUI 401. Moreover, the user can enter information, data or adjustments of settings by means of the user interface. The housing in this embodiment has a rectangular back wall 11 with a left and a right attachment point comprised in attachment elements 12 positioned on the horizontal line of symmetry of the back wall. The housing shown herein furthermore has an upper retaining means 13 and a lower retaining means 14, which are arranged for holding the electronic device 400. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D the retaining means are brackets. The electronic device 400 is preferably removably inserted between the upper and the lower holding brackets 13, 14.

[0080] It is clear, that the housing is not limited to this preferred embodiment, but it can take different shapes and forms suitable for holding the electronic device 400. The housing may for example also comprise one to four side walls in addition to the backwall.

[0081] Preferably the dimensions of the housing device are fitted to the dimensions of the electronic device 400. The dimensions of the accessory are such that the electronic device can be securely fastened to the accessory 1, preventing it from disengaging from the accessory 1 during the performance of an exercise. To this end, suitable structural elements, such as the upper and lower brackets 13, 14 in this preferred embodiment, are comprised in the accessory 1.

[0082] In order to enable the use of the accessory 1 with different sizes of electronic devices 400, depending for example on the manufacturer or the type of device. It is for example possible to include structural features to adjust the dimensions of the housing in order to suit the dimensions of the device. Different adjustment mechanisms, such as extendable elements of the housing, such as the brackets, are thinkable. Such extendable elements should be capable of being fixed in a desired position, respectively at a desired length. Other suitable mechanisms are possible.

[0083] Although the preferred shape of the housing is a rectangular shape, the invention is not limited to this shape.

[0084] The housing 11 shown in FIG. 1B furthermore comprises two magnetic areas 15 each positioned between one of the two attachment elements 12 and the lower bracket 14. The magnetic areas 15 are intended for fastening weights comprising ferromagnetic material to the back wall 11 of the housing. Other means for fastening weights are possible. Such other mechanism may for example be a locking mechanism which locks weights to the housing.

[0085] Preferably, the accessory includes means or portions for attaching two weights on its back wall 11, one to the left and the other one to the right of the geometrical centre of the back wall 11 of the accessory. This is the preferred arrangement for an accessory adapted to be manipulated by the left and the right hand of the user. However, it is also possible to attach either more weights or less weights on different positions on the accessory.

[0086] The weight attached to the left or the right magnetic area 15 may be chosen according to the user's training needs and/or physical abilities. The weight chosen for one side does not have to be identical with the weight chosen for the other side. For example, a weight of 300 g may be chosen for the left hand, while a weight of 100 g may be chosen for the right side. Recommendations pertaining to suitable weights to be attached to the left and the right magnetic area can for example be provided on the basis of the user profile determined by the claimed method and communicated through the graphical user interface 410 of the electronic device 400.

[0087] This preferred embodiment is operated by the left and right hand of the user holding a left and a right holding means 20. Each holding means 20 shown in this embodiment comprises an elastic portion, specifically a portion comprising two elastic bands 25. The elastic bands 25 are pivotably attached to an attachment point on one end and to a handle 22 for gripping on the other end. The handle 22 is the holding portion of the holding means 20. The two bands 25 of the left holding means are attached to the left attachment point and the two bands 25 of the right holding means are attached to the right attachment point.

[0088] The handle 22 of this embodiment has a convex curved part 222, which resemble a section of a steering wheel. In this preferred embodiment one elastic band 25 is attached to either end of the curved part 222. The handle 22 furthermore comprises a grip part 221, which is designed to improve the ergonomics of the handle. The user holds the handle in the middle portion of the curved part 222 to which the grip part 221 is fixed on the inside of the curvature. The outer side of curved part, which connects with the palm of the user's hand when held, furthermore may comprise one or more sensors 3 for measuring physical parameters of the user, such heart rate, pulse, force of the grip, galvanic skin response or other electrodermal responses, and others.

[0089] Further sensors may be included in the holding means and integrated at suitable positions. A force sensor, which is an essential element of the accessory, may for example be positioned in the elastic bands 25 in order to determine the force exerted by the user through each band 25.

[0090] The holding means preferably furthermore comprise a an on/off button 83. The on/off button serves to activate the electronic components of the accessory.

[0091] In this preferred embodiment the attachment elements 12, which comprise the attachment points of the holding means 20, can tilt in relation to the plane of the back wall 11 of the housing. The tilt may be induced in the direction of the movement of and/or by the force enacted on the holding means 20. Preferably the structural elements of the attachment elements 12 are connected, for example through a bridging connection 16, such that the dynamics of their tilting movements are joined. In other words, the bridging connection 16 may be configured to cause the two attachment structures to perform their tilting movement synchronously.

[0092] The bridging connection 16 may actively be adjusted, either mechanically or by means of a computer program, in response to the user's specific capabilities and/or the different forces the user exerts on each holding means 20. The bridging element 16 may furthermore be arranged to adjust the attachment elements 12 according to the instructions received by the computer program. The accessory 1 can thus be kept in a centred position despite an imbalance of force. This may for example be useful, if the strengths of the user's arms are largely different, for example as a result of an injury.

[0093] The two independent attachment elements 12 may optionally comprise a servo mechanism which corrects the performance of the exercise, for example in form of an active force feed-back. Preferably the servo mechanism is dynamically adjusted by means of a computer program. The preferred parameters of the servo mechanism may also be predetermined, respectively pre-programmed.

[0094] The holding means presented in this embodiment are a preferred example for a training accessory operated by the user's hands. However, other executions of holding devices are possible. The elastic part of the holding device may for example be suited to receive a push force rather than a pull force. The elastic portion may also be a portion suited to receiving a squeezing force. It may also be suited to receive a combination of these forces. The shape, composition and/or suitable material of the elastic portion will vary according to the intended mode of operation.

[0095] The holding portion of the holding means may also take different forms and does not have to be a curved handle. The holding portion may be suited to be gripped by a hand. It may also have a shape, for example a loop, suited to be fastened to a foot. Other variations are possible.

[0096] The accessory comprises a data interface, preferably a bi-directional data interface with the electronic device. Such data interface may be a physical connection point suited for transmitting data. The data interface may also be a means enabling wireless communication, for example means configured for Bluetooth communication or wireless network protocols.

[0097] As mentioned, the accessory comprises a at a least one force sensor. The accessory and/or the electronic device mounted in the accessory may comprise further sensors for detecting the movement of the device, such as a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer.

[0098] FIG. 2 presents schematically a preferred embodiment of the claimed method. Solid arrows indicate flow of data and/or instructions X, Y, Z, while dashed arrows indicate actions A, B, C, D.

[0099] While preforming the exercise E, the user holds the accessory 1 with the mounted electronic device 400. User input data are processed by one or more controllers, respectively processing units 104, which generate output data in real-time, including instructions for the user Z. The processor 104 may be comprised in the electronic device 400 only. It is also possible that both, the electronic device 400 as well as accessory 1 include controller units 104. Data are preferably exchanged between the accessory 1 and the electronic device 400 through a bidirectional communication protocol.

[0100] The one or more processor 104 can receive X user input data through the sensors 3.1, 3.2, 3.n of the accessory 1, and/or the electronic device 400. User input data can be entered into the electronic device through the sensors 3.3, 3.4. 3.n and/or a GUI 401.

[0101] Sensors may for example measure physiological parameters of the user, such as heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, and others. These sensors are preferably comprised in the handle 22 of the accessory 1. The accessory furthermore comprises a force sensor. Additional sensors pertaining to the evaluation of the motion performed by the user, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, are preferably comprised in the electronic device. However, said sensors determining the motion may also be comprised in the accessory.

[0102] The one or more processor calculates output data which is transmitted Y to the accessory 1 and/or the GUI of the electronic device 400.

[0103] Information and/or instructions is conveyed z to the user by means of the electronic device 400 and/or the accessory 1. Preferably information and/or instructions are displayed on the GUI 401 of the electronic device. Information and/or instructions for the user can also be conveyed by means of the accessory 1, for example in form of an acoustic or verbal instruction, in form of a tactile feed-back, such as a vibration, and/or by visual means, such as light signals emitted for example by an LED light strip 75 comprised in the accessory (FIGS. 1A, 1B). Light signals may be a pattern of colours and/or sequence in time of the emitted light.

[0104] The instruction should be conveyed in a user friendly, adequate manner. It can, for example be an arrow with a short, written statement, such as pull more on right displayed on the GUI. For some user groups acoustic or tactile signals may be the preferred option. Preferably, the mode of communication of said instruction can be determined by the user.

[0105] The user executes C the exercise E according to the instructions. Based on his operation of the accessory D information pertaining to the execution of the prescribed exercise and the user's physiological parameters is received through the sensors 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 3.n.

[0106] In addition, the user may adjust A certain settings or features of the accessory according to the received instructions. For example, the user may attach weights on the accessory 1. The user can also enter information, specific settings and/or preferences B by means of the GUI of the electronic device 400.

[0107] The method as provided herein provides real-time feed-back to the user based on the user's performance of the exercise. Exercise data are preferably received at high frequency by the electronic device 400 and/or accessory 1 are processed in real time in the processing unit 104 to generate output data. Such output data pertain to the user's execution of the exercise, for example the force exerted, the motion smoothness, motion speed and/or motion agility. The processor 140 compares the input data to a standard range of parameters for a specific exercise. In cases where the user input data lie outside said range, an instruction for correction of the exercise may be displayed through the GUI or the accessory.

[0108] The real-time feedback loop therefore includes the user performing the exercise and generating input data C, D, the processing unit 104 receiving the input data X, the processing unit calculating output data in real time and conveying said output data Y, Z, for example in form of instructions, through the electronic device and/or the accessory to the user in real time.

[0109] The standard range may be a predetermined range, which may be associated with a user profile. In a preferred option, the standard range for a given exercise is obtained as part of a calibration step. An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, such as a supervised machine learning algorithm, is preferably employed to determine the standard range. The so determined standard range corresponds to a safe training range for an individual user. In addition, and if desired, the standard range may be dynamically adjusted throughout a training program.

[0110] Optionally, data pertaining to the user and his performance of the training can be stored in a remote server, such as a cloud server.

[0111] User data collected during a work-out session may be used to provide a summary of the overall performance, optionally with suggestions regarding possible improvements. User data may also be used to determine and suggest a suitable training program for an individual user. Such training program may be tailored to reach objectives as defined by the user or a supervisor. Stored data may be shared with a supervising trainer, such as a medical professional, a physiotherapist or a physical training instructor, for information and further analysis.

[0112] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiment described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.