TWI866230B - Sports equipment and protection method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A sports equipment and a protection method thereof are provided. In the method, multiple alarm areas relative to the current location of sports equipment are configured through a controller; visual alarm messages corresponding to the alarm areas are configured through the controller, where the visual alarm messages of different alarm areas are different in at least one of color and area size; when an object is detected that entering one of the alarm areas through a distance sensor, a corresponding visual alarm message is displayed by a display. Accordingly, security can be improved while using sport equipment.

Description

Sports equipment and its protection methods

The present invention relates to a sports protection technology, and in particular to a sports equipment and a protection method thereof.

Generally, families usually place treadmills in large spaces such as living rooms or garages. However, there may be many variables in these places. For example, family members such as children and pets walking around at home, and objects that are easy to roll, such as ball toys and vacuum cleaners. When a runner stands on a treadmill and jogs, the running belt may run at an average speed of more than 7 kilometers per hour. At this time, if there are variable factors such as children and pets approaching, the runner may be caught in the running belt because he or she does not notice these variable factors, and then cause serious injuries. There have been many accidents in the market due to foreign objects entering the running belt, which eventually caused multiple casualties.

In view of this, the embodiment of the present invention provides a sports equipment and a protection method thereof, which can detect foreign objects and prevent the foreign objects from approaching.

The protection method for sports equipment of the embodiment of the present invention includes (but is not limited to) the following steps: setting multiple warning ranges relative to the location of the sports equipment through a controller; setting visual warning messages corresponding to these warning ranges through the controller, wherein the visual warning messages of different warning ranges are different in at least one of color and range size; when an object is detected to enter one of these warning ranges through a distance sensor, the corresponding visual warning message is displayed through a display.

The sports equipment of the embodiment of the present invention includes (but is not limited to) a display, a distance sensor and a controller. The controller is coupled to the display and the distance sensor. The controller is configured to: set multiple warning ranges relative to the location of the sports equipment, set visual warning messages corresponding to these warning ranges, and when an object enters one of these warning ranges through the distance sensor, display the corresponding visual warning message through the display. The visual warning messages of different warning ranges are different in at least one of color and range size.

Based on the above, the sports equipment and protection method according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide a corresponding visual warning message for the warning range that the object enters, and distinguish different visual warning messages in color and/or range size. In this way, the user can be assisted in informing the possibility of facing danger, thereby reducing the probability of injury.

In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following is a detailed description of the embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

1:Sports equipment

11: Display

12: Input device

13, 14: Sensing module

15: Speaker

16: Controller

121: Control Panel

122: Emergency stop button

131: Shell

132: Distance sensor

133: Lens

134: Transmission line

17: Camera

18, 18’: Extrapolation mechanism

19:Sensor module

181: Shell

182:Active parts

183, 183’: Motor

184: Motor support seat

185: Tooth

186: Main gear

1821: Extrapolation block

1822: Soft cushion

D1~D3: Distance

187:Lead screw

191, 192: Distance sensor

S410~S430, S710~S760, S810~S830, S910~S920, S1010~S1070, S1210~S1220, S1410~S1420, S1510~S1520: Steps

R1~R3: Warning range

VSR: Visual Safe Region

SP: S points

EP: Point E

730: Obstacle removal prompt

750: Scan again prompt

830: Range selection

W1: Warning icon

O1, O2: Objects

W2, W3: Visual warning message

W211, W221, W231: Color blocks

W212, W222, W232: warning icon

WV1, WV2, WV3: virtual vector

V1, V2, V3: warning vectors

W31: Virtual entity icon

Figure 1A and Figure 1B are three-dimensional diagrams of a sports device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is an exploded view of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a sports device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a sensing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2D is a partial enlarged view of a sports device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3A is a partial enlarged view of the extrapolation mechanism and the sensing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3B is an exploded view of an extrapolation mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG3C is a schematic diagram illustrating an extrapolation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG3D is a schematic diagram illustrating an extrapolation operation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for protecting sports equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the warning range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a visual blind spot according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6C is a top view of the warning range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7A is a flow chart of setting the warning range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of an obstacle removal prompt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a re-scan prompt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8A is a flow chart of setting the warning range according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG8B is a schematic diagram of range selection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flow chart of auditory prompts according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10A is a flowchart of abnormal warning and elimination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of three warning ranges and warnings according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning in the third range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning in the second range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning in the first range according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a visual alert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram illustrating three warning ranges and visual warnings according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram illustrating three warning ranges and visual warnings according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14A is a flow chart of the speed reduction decision according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a comparison chart of time and treadmill speed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a flow chart of the extrapolation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are three-dimensional diagrams of a sports device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , the sports device 1 includes (but is not limited to) a display 11, an input device 12, sensing modules 13, 14, a speaker 15, and a controller 16. It should be noted that the sports device 1 in the figure is a treadmill as an example, but according to different design requirements, the sports device 1 can also be a bicycle, a sliding stepper, a flywheel fitness bike, a weight training machine, a racing machine, or other sports equipment.

The display 11 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or other display. In one embodiment, the display 11 is used to play images.

The input device 12 includes a control panel 121 and an emergency stop button 122. The control panel 121 may be a touch panel of a resistive, capacitive or other touch mechanism. In one embodiment, the control panel 121 is used to receive a touch operation of a user. The emergency stop button 122 may be a physical or virtual button. The virtual button is presented, for example, through the display 11. In one embodiment, the emergency stop button 122 is used to trigger the operation stop of the sports device 1.

FIG2A is an exploded view of a sensing module 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG2A , the sensing module 13 includes (but is not limited to) a housing 131, a distance sensor 132, a lens 133, and a transmission line 134.

The distance sensor 132 and the transmission line 134 are disposed in the accommodation space formed by the outer shell 131 and the lens 133.

The distance sensor 132 can be an infrared transceiver, a lidar, a radar, a ToF sensor, or a depth camera. In one embodiment, the distance sensor 132 is used to detect external objects and their distances.

The lens 133 allows the wireless signal of the distance sensor 132 to pass through. For example, infrared light may be passed through, but it is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the type of the distance sensor 132.

Transmission line 134 is used to transmit signals and/or power.

The sensing module 14 includes the same or compatible components as the sensing module 13, which will not be described in detail here.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a sports device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the assembly of sensing modules 13 and 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, the sensing modules 13 and 14 are respectively arranged at the edge of the bottom of the sports device 1, so that the distance sensors 132 of the sensing modules 13 and 14 can detect (external) objects outward.

In one embodiment, the speaker 15 is used to play sound.

The controller 16 is coupled to the display 11, the input device 12, the sensing modules 13, 14 and the speaker 15. The controller 16 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), or other programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), programmable controller, field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), neural network accelerator or other similar components or a combination of the above components. In one embodiment, the controller 16 is used to perform all or part of the operations of the sports equipment 1. In some embodiments, the functions of the controller 16 can be implemented through software or chips.

FIG2D is a partial enlarged view of a sports device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG2D , the sports device 1 may further include a camera 17. In one embodiment, the camera 17 is used to shoot toward a specific field of view and obtain an image accordingly. The image can be further used to identify an object and its distance. That is, the camera 17 can also be used as a distance sensor.

FIG3A is a partial enlarged view of the extrapolation mechanism 18 and the sensing module 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG3A , the sports equipment 1 may further include an extrapolation mechanism 18 and a sensing module 19. The extrapolation mechanism 18 and the sensing module 19 are disposed at the bottom of the sports equipment 1.

FIG3B is an exploded view of the extrapolation mechanism 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG3B , the extrapolation mechanism 18 includes a housing 181, a movable member 182, a motor 183, a motor support seat 184, a gear 185, and a main gear 186. The movable member 182, the motor 183, the motor support seat 184, the gear 185, and the main gear 186 are disposed in the accommodation space of the housing 181.

The movable member 182 can be extended or retracted relative to the outer shell 181.

The motor 183 is disposed on the motor support seat 184 and can drive the main gear 186 and the gear 185 to extend or retract the movable member 182. That is, the transmission mechanism is the main gear 186 and the gear 185.

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating an extrapolation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3C , the movable member 182 may include an extrapolation block 1821 having a tooth 185 and a soft pad 1822 (which may be plastic, styrofoam or other buffering material) disposed at one end of the extrapolation block 1821. When the movable member 182 is extrapolated, the extended length is a distance D1 (e.g., 10, 20 or 35 cm). In other words, if an object is located at a distance less than D1 from the soft pad 1822 before the movable member 182 is extrapolated, the extrapolated movable member 182 will push against the object so that the object is at least away from the distance D1. In addition, when the motor 183 is operating, the tooth 185 can move at a specific rate. For example, 3 cm, 5 cm or 10 cm per second.

FIG3D is a schematic diagram illustrating an extrapolation operation according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG3D , the difference between the extrapolation mechanism 18 and the extrapolation mechanism 18' is that the extrapolation mechanism 18' includes a lead screw 187 disposed on the extrapolation block 1821. That is, the transmission mechanism is the lead screw 187. In addition, the motor 183' is used to drive the lead screw 187 to push out or retract the movable member 182.

It should be noted that, depending on different design requirements, the components and actions of the extrapolation mechanisms 18, 18' may have other changes.

Please refer to FIG. 3A , the sensing module 19 at least includes distance sensors 191 and 192. The distance sensors 191 and 192 are disposed on one side or both sides of the housing 181. The functions and implementations of the distance sensors 191 and 192 can be found in the description of the distance sensor 132 and will not be elaborated here.

In the following, the method described in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with various devices, components and modules in the sports equipment 1. Each process of the method can be adjusted according to the implementation situation, but is not limited to this.

FIG4 is a flow chart of a method for protecting a sports equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG4, the controller 16 sets a plurality of warning ranges relative to the location of the sports equipment 1 (step S410). Specifically, each warning range is a range that is based on the location of the sports equipment 1 and expands outward. For example, FIG5 is a schematic diagram of warning ranges R1, R2, and R3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG5, the range sizes are arranged from small to large in the order of warning ranges R1, R2, and R3. That is, the warning range R1 is smaller than the warning range R2, and the warning range R2 is smaller than the warning range R3.

FIG6A and FIG6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a blind spot according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG6A and FIG6B , the blind spot may be a range of a distance D2 (e.g., 100 cm) from the left and right sides of the sports equipment 1 and a distance D3 (e.g., 150 cm) from the rear. The visual safety zone VSR is located in front of the person and is fan-shaped.

FIG6C is a top view of the warning ranges R1 to R3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG6C , the visual safety zone VSR has a wide range of 140 degrees and is an area that the human eye can easily see during movement. The 220-degree annular area behind the user is the dangerous area/blind area; the dangerous area expands outward in a circular shape with the user as the center, and defines three elliptical shapes corresponding to the warning ranges R3, R2, and R1 of light, medium, and severe dangers, respectively. For example, the safety detection range within 150 cm behind point E EP at the tail end of the sports equipment 1 is further divided into 150 cm, 70 cm and 20 cm, and these warning ranges R3, R2, and R1 can be named Notice, Warning, and Advanced Warning. In addition, the safety detection range within 100 cm in both directions from point S SP at the center of the sports equipment 1 is further divided into 100 cm, 50 cm and 20 cm, and these warning ranges R3, R2, and R1 can be named Notice, Warning, and Advanced Warning. However, the size and shape of the warning ranges R3, R2, and R1 can still be changed according to actual needs.

In one embodiment, the controller 16 can receive user input settings through the input device 12. For example, the control panel 121 receives the user's input operation, and this input operation corresponds to the user input setting. However, according to different design requirements, the input operation may also be voice input or gesture. The controller 16 can define multiple warning ranges, multiple visual warning messages corresponding to the warning ranges, and/or auditory warning messages according to the user input settings.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart of setting the warning range according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A , the controller 16 may display a setting interface through the display 11 (step S710). The setting interface presents the selection of one or more warning ranges and their sizes. The controller 16 may determine whether the environment reaches the limit of the warning range through the distance sensor 132 in the sensing module 13, 14 (step S720). There may be obstacles in the environment (e.g., walls, electrical appliances, or furniture). If the obstacle is within the warning range, it may affect the judgment of the proximity of other objects. In other words, in the set scenario, there should be no other objects within the warning range except the sports equipment 1. The distance sensor 132 in the sensing modules 13 and 14 can detect the distance between obstacles in the environment and the sports equipment 1 on both sides and/or the rear, and generate side and/or rear distance parameters accordingly. However, according to different design requirements, the sensing direction of the distance sensor 132 can still be adjusted according to actual needs.

If the environment reaches the limit of the warning range (i.e., there are no obstacles within the warning range; for example, the distance parameters of the objects (e.g., obstacles) detected on both sides and/or the rear are greater than the detection distances on both sides and/or the rear defined by the warning range), the warning range setting is completed (step S760), and the display 11 can further display the sports interface (e.g., sports items, speed adjustment, or training scenarios) (step S770).

If the environment does not reach the limit of the warning range (i.e., there are obstacles in the environment; for example, the distance parameters of the objects detected on the sides and rear are less than the side and/or rear detection distances defined by the warning range), the controller 16 can prompt the object (e.g., obstacle) to be removed outside the warning range through the display 11 or the speaker 15 (step S730). For example, FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of an obstacle removal prompt 730 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7B, it is assumed that the detection distances on the sides and/or rear defined by the three warning ranges are 100, 50, and 20 centimeters, respectively (corresponding to attention, warning, and advanced warning (or emergency)). The distance sensor 132 detects that there is an obstacle 60 cm away from the right side of the sports equipment 1 (i.e., the distance of the obstacle is less than the maximum detection distance of 100 cm), and there is no obstacle within 100 cm on the left side and the rear (indicated by Finished!). The display 11 can display an obstacle removal prompt 730 to facilitate the user to understand the location of the obstacle.

Alternatively, if the environment does not reach the limit of the warning range (i.e., there are obstacles in the environment), the controller 16 can prompt to readjust the warning range through the display 11 or the speaker 15 (step S740), and receive the user input settings again through the input device 12.

Next, the controller 16 scans the environment again through the distance sensor 132 (step S750) to determine whether the environment reaches the limit of the adjusted warning range. For example, FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a re-scan prompt 750 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7C, there are no obstacles on the left, right and rear sides (indicated by Finished!). Similarly, if the environment reaches the limit of the warning range (i.e., there are no obstacles within the warning range), the warning range setting is completed (step S760), and the display 11 can further display the sports interface (e.g., sports items, speed adjustment, or training scenarios) (step S770).

FIG8A is a flowchart of setting the warning range according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG8A , the input device 12 receives the user's operation, and the display 11 can display the manual safety distance range input interface (step S810). This interface can present options such as the left side, right side or back side corresponding to the detection distance of the safety distance range (for example, corresponding to the maximum warning range). The controller 16 can preliminarily scan the environment through the distance sensor 132 (step S820), such as step S720 to confirm whether there are obstacles in the environment. Then, the controller 16 can receive the user input setting about the warning range through the input device 12 (step S830).

FIG8B is a schematic diagram of range selection 830 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG8B , taking the detection distance option on the right side as an example, one of 60 to 100 cm (in units of 10 cm) can be selected. The detection distance on the left side has been set to 60 cm, and the detection distance on the rear side has been set to 150 cm. After confirming the detection distance, it can be used as a reference for the warning range. For example, the warning range is constructed by the boundary limited by the detection distance.

In one embodiment, the controller 16 may display the side and/or rear distance parameters (e.g., the distance to the obstacle is 50 cm) through the display 11. When the distance is less than the preset side and/or rear safety detection range (e.g., 100 cm), the controller 16 issues an obstacle warning. Then, when the distance parameters of other objects are between the distance parameters of the obstacle and the preset side and/or rear safety detection range (e.g., between 50 cm and 100 cm), they are not detected by the controller 16 and a warning is issued (e.g., a visual/audio warning message described later).

FIG9 is a flow chart of an auditory prompt according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG9 , the controller 16 can set the auditory warning message corresponding to these warning ranges (step S910). For example, the user input setting is received through the input device 12. For another example, the controller 16 defines the auditory warning message for each warning range based on a comparison table or rule. The user input setting, comparison table or rule defines the content of the auditory warning message corresponding to a specific warning range.

In one embodiment, the auditory warning messages of different warning ranges are different in frequency or volume. For example, the smaller the warning range, the more "pressing" sounds per unit time. For another example, the larger the warning range, the higher the pitch or volume of the "pressing" sound. In another embodiment, the auditory warning message can also be a voice message related to the approach distance or the warning range. For example, "There is a foreign object approaching 50 cm" or "There is a foreign object entering the warning area." However, the type and content of the auditory warning message can still be changed according to actual needs.

When the distance sensor 132 detects that an object enters one of these warning ranges, the controller 16 can send a corresponding audible warning message through the speaker 15 (step S920). The controller 16 can determine whether the object is in or enters the warning range based on the distance of the object. For example, compare whether the distance of the object is within the range of detection distances defined by each warning range. Then, the controller 16 can send an audible warning message corresponding to the warning range according to the setting of step S910. Taking Figure 5 as an example, if an object is detected in the warning range R3, the speaker 15 sends out a first audible warning message; if an object is detected in the warning range R2, the speaker 15 sends out a second audible warning message, and so on, and these audible warning messages are different in frequency or volume.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the controller 16 can set visual warning messages corresponding to multiple warning ranges (step S420). Specifically, the display 11 can display visual warning messages. Visual warning messages of different warning ranges differ in color and/or range size. For example, the visual warning message of the smallest warning range is red, and the visual warning message of the largest warning range is yellow. For another example, the circle range size of the visual warning message of the smallest warning range is the smallest, and the circle range size of the visual warning message of the largest warning range is the smallest.

In one embodiment, the warning range includes a first range and a second range, and the first range is smaller than the second range. The visual warning message includes a color block. The shape and color of the color block can be changed according to actual needs. The controller 16 can set the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the first range to be larger than the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the second range. In other words, the warning distance between the body of the sports equipment 1 and the object is related to the range size of the color block. The user's attention is increased by occupying a larger range of color blocks (corresponding to a closer warning range). In other embodiments, if there are warning ranges of other sizes, the range size of the color block can be set according to its size, which will not be repeated here.

In one embodiment, the visual warning message includes or further includes a warning icon corresponding to the object. Examples of the warning icon are exclamation marks, prohibition symbols, or specific warning slogans.

However, the type and content of visual warning messages can still be changed according to actual needs.

Referring to FIG. 4 , when an object is detected to enter one of these warning ranges, the controller 16 displays a corresponding visual warning message through the display 11 (step S430). The controller 16 can determine whether the object is in or enters the warning range based on the distance of the object. For example, the controller 16 can compare whether the distance of the object is within the detection distance interval defined by each warning range. Then, the controller 16 can display the visual warning message corresponding to the warning range according to the setting of step S420. Taking FIG. 5 as an example, if an object is detected in the warning range R3, the display 11 displays a first visual warning message in yellow with a small circle; if an object is detected in the warning range R2, the display 11 displays a second visual warning message in orange with a medium circle; if an object is detected in the warning range R1, the display 11 displays a third visual warning message in red with a large circle. However, the type and content of the visual warning message can still be changed according to actual needs.

In one embodiment, the controller 16 can provide both a visual warning message and an audible warning message. For example, FIG. 10A is a flowchart of abnormal warning and elimination according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10A , when an object is detected to enter a third range (e.g., the warning range R3 of FIG. 5 ) (step S1010), the controller 16 can display a visual warning message corresponding to the third range and/or send an audible warning message corresponding to the third range (step S1030). When an object is detected to enter the second range (e.g., the warning range R2 in FIG. 5 , which is smaller than the third range) (step S1020), the controller 16 may display a visual warning message corresponding to the second range and/or issue an audible warning message corresponding to the second range (step S1030).

Then, the controller 16 may stop displaying the visual warning message through the display 11 after a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds) (i.e., the screen of the visual warning message disappears) (step S1041). Alternatively, when the ignore option or other physical button on the control panel 121 receives the user's operation (i.e., when the ignore instruction corresponding to the operation is detected), the controller 16 may cancel the display of the visual warning message or cancel the issuance of the auditory warning message according to the ignore instruction corresponding to the operation (step S1042). Alternatively, the user may perform a stop/slowdown operation on the sports equipment 1 by himself (step S1043). For example, the control panel 121 receives an operation about slowing down or stopping.

If the visual/audio warning message is stopped/ignored/cancelled, the controller 16 can restore the original screen through the display 11 (step S1050). For example, a sports interface or a situational interface.

On the other hand, when an object is detected to enter the first range (for example, the warning range R1 in FIG. 5, and its range is smaller than the third range and the second range) (step S1060), the controller 16 may display a visual warning message corresponding to the first range and/or send an audible warning message corresponding to the first range, and gradually reduce the operating speed of the sports equipment 1 (step S1070). For example, the running belt speed of the treadmill is reduced or the rotation speed of the flywheel is reduced.

For another example, FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of three warning ranges and warnings according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10B , when the object enters the third range (e.g., 150 cm), only a visual warning message is provided. When the object enters the second range (e.g., 70 cm and less than the third range), visual and auditory warning messages can be provided at the same time. The auditory warning message is, for example, a "pressing" sound with a gradually increasing tone or volume. When the object enters the first range (e.g., 20 cm and less than the second range), visual and auditory warning messages can be provided at the same time. The auditory warning message is, for example, a louder "pressing" sound followed by a lower "pressing" sound repeatedly played.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning of the third range according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11A , the third range (e.g., the warning range R3 of FIG. 5 ) can be defined as a warning range. When the object O1 enters the third range defined as, for example, 150 cm, a flashing warning icon W1 (i.e., a visual warning message) appears on the display 11 occupying approximately 1/3 of the screen. Depending on the number of seconds that the object O1 stays in the third range, the controller 16 can extend the time for providing the visual warning message or continue to provide the visual warning message within the number of seconds.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the warning of the second range according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11B , the second range (e.g., the warning range R2 of FIG. 5 ) can be defined as a warning range. When the object O1 enters the second range defined, for example, within 70 cm, a flashing warning icon W1 (i.e., a visual warning message) appears in the display 11 occupying about 1/3 of the screen, and the speaker 15 emits a "pressing" sound with a gradually increasing tone or volume. Depending on the number of seconds that the object O1 stays in the second range, the controller 16 can extend the time for providing the visual/audio warning message or continue to provide the visual/audio warning message within the number of seconds.

FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram illustrating a warning of a first range according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11C , the first range (e.g., the warning range R1 of FIG. 5 ) may be defined as an advanced warning or critical range. When the object O1 enters the first range defined, for example, within 20 cm, a flashing warning icon W1 (i.e., a visual warning message, and larger than the range size of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B ) appears in the display 11 and occupies approximately the entire screen, and the speaker 15 emits a rapid "pressing" sound. Depending on the number of seconds that the object O1 stays in the first range, the controller 16 may extend the time for providing the visual/audio warning message or continue to provide the visual/audio warning message within the number of seconds. Alternatively, if the release button or the emergency stop button 122 on the display 11 receives a press operation from the user, the controller 16 may stop providing the visual/audio warning message.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a visual warning according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12 , the controller 16 can detect the foreign object position information of the object relative to the sports equipment 1 through the distance sensor 132 (step S1210). The foreign object position information includes distance and direction. That is, the distance and direction of the object relative to the sports equipment 1 or the distance sensor 132. The visual warning message further includes a warning icon corresponding to the object. The examples of the warning icon can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

The controller 16 may display a warning icon according to the foreign object position information (step S1220). That is, the position of the warning icon displayed by the display 11 is related to the foreign object position information. For example, if the object is located on the right side of the sports equipment 1, the warning icon is located in the right area of the screen displayed by the display 11.

In one embodiment, the foreign object position information includes a warning vector, and the warning vector is formed by the position of the object and the motion device 1. A vector can be defined by a relative distance and a relative direction. Therefore, the warning vector is defined by the relative distance and the relative direction of the position of the object and the motion device 1. The controller 16 can generate a virtual vector based on the warning vector. The distance of the warning vector can be proportional to the distance of the virtual vector, and the direction of the warning vector is the same as the direction of the virtual vector. The display 11 can further display the virtual vector (i.e., a vector icon). The virtual vector corresponds to the connection line between the warning icon and the color block. The controller 16 can correspond the position of the warning icon in the screen displayed by the display 11 to the position of the object, and the position of the color block in the screen to the position of the sports device 1. Since the virtual vector includes the distance and direction characteristics of the warning vector, the virtual vector also implies the relative distance and relative direction between the sports device 1 and the object. Therefore, the length and direction of the connection between the warning icon and the color block representing the object and the sports device 1 can be defined by the virtual vector.

For example, FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram illustrating three warning ranges and visual warnings according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13A , the visual warning message W2 for the third range includes a color block (e.g., orange and horizontally elliptical) W211, a warning icon W212 (e.g., a triangle with an exclamation mark) and a virtual vector WV1. Referring to the lower left figure, a warning vector V1 is formed between the object O2 and the sports device 1. Referring to the upper left figure, the warning icon W212 (corresponding to the location of the object O2) and the color block W211 (corresponding to the location of the sports device 1) in the screen displayed by the display 11 have a virtual WV1 corresponding to the warning vector V1. For example, object O2 is located behind the left side of sports equipment 1, so the warning icon W212 is located at the lower left of color block W211, so as to understand the relative position of object O2.

The visual warning message W2 for the second range includes a color block (e.g., red and in an upright ellipse) W221, a warning icon W222 (e.g., a triangle with an exclamation mark), and a virtual vector WV2. Referring to the lower middle figure, a warning vector V2 is formed between the object O2 and the sports device 1. Referring to the upper middle figure, the warning icon W222 (corresponding to the location of the object O2) and the color block W221 (corresponding to the location of the sports device 1) in the screen displayed by the display 11 have a virtual WV2 corresponding to the warning vector V2. For example, the object O2 is located at the left rear of the sports device 1, so the warning icon W222 is located at the lower left of the color block W221, so as to understand the relative position of the object O2. The size of color block W221 is larger than that of color block W211, so the severity/positive/closeness can be distinguished.

In addition, the visual warning message W2 for the first range includes a color block (e.g., red and in an upright ellipse) W231, a warning icon W232 (e.g., a triangle with an exclamation mark), and a virtual vector WV3. Referring to the lower right figure, a warning vector V3 is formed between the object O2 and the sports device 1. Referring to the upper right figure, the warning icon W232 (corresponding to the location of the object O2) and the color block W231 (corresponding to the location of the sports device 1) in the screen displayed by the display 11 have a virtual WV3 corresponding to the warning vector V3. For example, the object O2 is located behind the right side of the sports device 1, so the warning icon W232 is located at the lower right side of the color block W231, so as to understand the relative position of the object O2. The size of the color block W231 is larger than that of the color block W221, and the warning icon W232 is larger, so that the severity/positive/closeness can be distinguished.

In one embodiment, the visual warning message further includes a virtual entity icon corresponding to the sports equipment 1. For example, a pattern, number or text corresponding to the type of the sports equipment 1. The controller 16 can display the virtual entity icon through the display 11 according to the representative position of the visual warning message. The representative position is, for example, the lower left or center of the screen, and may change depending on the relative distance of the object or other factors. In addition, the virtual entity icon can represent the location of the sports equipment 1.

For example, FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram illustrating three warning ranges and visual warnings according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13B , compared to FIG. 13A , the visual warning message W3 for the first, second, and third ranges further includes a virtual entity icon W31 (e.g., a treadmill). The position of the virtual entity icon W31 is approximately near the center of the color blocks W211, W221, and W231. Therefore, the relative position of the virtual entity icon W31 and the warning icons W212, W222, and W232 can also represent the relative position of the object O2 and the sports equipment 1. In one embodiment, the virtual entity icon W31 can directly replace the color blocks W211, W221, and W231.

In this way, the following can be known through the visual warning message W3: 1. Whether there is an object approaching; 2. The severity/aggression/degree of proximity of the object; 3. The relative position of the object.

It should be noted that the patterns shown in Figures 12A to 13C are only used as examples, and the user can adjust the patterns according to actual needs.

In one embodiment, when the controller 16 detects that an object enters one of the multiple warning ranges through the distance sensor 132, the controller 16 can gradually reduce the operating speed of the sports equipment 1. The operating speed is, for example, the running belt speed, the flywheel speed, or the motor speed, and is related to the type of movement of the sports equipment 1. When the distance parameter of the object is less than the detection distance defined by the warning range, the operating speed of the sports equipment 1 is reduced to notify the user of the approach of the foreign object and reduce the user's movement speed. In this way, accidents caused by the movement state can be avoided or reduced.

FIG14A is a flow chart of a speed reduction decision according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG14A , the controller 16 detects that an object enters a first range (e.g., a minimum warning range, but can still be changed to other warning ranges as needed) through the distance sensor 132 (step S1410). Then, in addition to providing visual and/or auditory prompt messages, the controller 16 can gradually reduce the operating speed of the sports equipment 1 (step S1420).

For example, FIG. 14B is a comparison diagram of time and running belt speed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14B , the sports equipment 1 is a treadmill as an example. Under normal running speed, brisk walking is about 6 kilometers per hour, and jogging is about 9 kilometers per hour. Therefore, the maximum speed of the treadmill should be more than 16 to 20 kilometers per hour. The speed boundary between "walking" and "running" is about 8 kilometers per hour, so 7 to 8 kilometers per hour is the easiest running speed.

If the running belt speed is defined as decreasing by 3 kilometers per second, then:

When walking (strolling), the running belt speed drops from 8 kilometers per hour to 0, and it takes about 2 to 3 seconds to completely stop the running belt.

When running, reduce the speed from an average speed of 9 kilometers per hour to 0, and stop the running belt completely in about 3 to 4 seconds.

When running, lower the belt to 0 at the maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour, and it will take about 5 to 7 seconds to completely stop the belt.

It should be noted that the deceleration curve shown in FIG. 14B (i.e., the correspondence between the time from the operating speed in the motion state to zero and the operating speed) is only used as an example, and the user can still adjust the correspondence between the time and the operating speed according to needs.

In one embodiment, an extrapolation mechanism 18, 18' as shown in FIG. 3C or FIG. 3D may be provided. When the distance sensor 132 detects that an object enters one of the multiple warning ranges, the controller 16 may drive the transmission mechanism (e.g., the main gear 186 and the gear 185 of the extrapolation mechanism 18 or the lead screw 187 of the extrapolation mechanism 18') through the motor 183/183' to make one end of the movable member 182 (e.g., the soft pad 1822) extend from the motion device 1 (e.g., extend from the rear side of the motion device 1). It should be noted that the movable member 182 of the extrapolation mechanism 18, 18' shown in Figures 3A to 3D extends from the rear side of the sports device 1, but the user can still adjust the direction of the extrapolation mechanism 18, 18' or the extension direction of the movable member 182 according to actual needs.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the extrapolation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15 , the controller 16 detects that an object enters a first range (e.g., the minimum warning range, but can still be changed to other warning ranges as needed) through the distance sensor 132 (step S1510). Then, in addition to providing visual and/or audible prompt messages, the controller 16 can drive the transmission mechanism (e.g., the main gear 186 and the gear 185 of the extrapolation mechanism 18 or the lead screw 187 of the extrapolation mechanism 18') through the motor 183, 183' to make one end of the movable member 182 extend from the body of the motion device 1 (step S1520). When an object is located in front of the movable member 182, the outward push of the movable member 182 will push the object away from the motion device 1.

In summary, in the sports equipment and protection method of the embodiment of the present invention, within a specific safety distance around the sports equipment, corresponding visual and/or auditory warning messages are provided to help inform the user of the possibility of danger, thereby reducing the probability of serious injury. In addition, when a foreign object is detected entering a dangerous area or a smaller warning range, the extrapolation mechanism is activated to push the foreign object outward to prevent the foreign object from touching the sports equipment.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of the attached patent application.

S410~S430: Steps

Claims (24)

A protection method for sports equipment, the sports equipment includes a controller, a display and a distance sensor, the protection method includes: setting a plurality of warning ranges relative to the location of a sports equipment through the controller; setting a visual warning message corresponding to the warning ranges through the controller, wherein the visual warning messages of different warning ranges are different in at least one of color and range size. When the distance sensor detects that an object enters one of the warning ranges, the display displays a corresponding visual warning message; an extrapolation mechanism is provided, wherein the extrapolation mechanism includes a motor, a transmission mechanism and a movable member; and when the object is detected to enter one of the warning ranges, the transmission mechanism is driven by the motor so that one end of the movable member extends from the motion device. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the warning ranges include a first range and a second range, the first range is smaller than the second range, the visual warning message includes a color block, and the step of setting the visual warning message corresponding to the warning ranges includes: setting the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the first range to be larger than the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the second range through the controller. A protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 2, wherein the visual warning message further includes a warning icon corresponding to the object, and the protection method further includes: detecting a foreign object position information of the object relative to the sports equipment through the distance sensor; and displaying the warning icon according to the foreign object information through the display. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 3, wherein the foreign object position information includes a warning vector, the warning vector is formed by the location of the object and the sports equipment, and the step of displaying the warning icon according to the foreign object information includes: generating a virtual vector according to the warning vector by the controller, wherein the virtual vector corresponds to the connection between the warning icon and the color block. A protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the visual warning message further includes a virtual entity icon corresponding to the sports equipment, and the protection method further includes: displaying the virtual entity icon according to a representative position of the visual warning message through the display. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1 further includes: setting an audible warning message corresponding to the warning ranges through the controller, wherein the audible warning messages of different warning ranges are different in frequency or volume; and When the object is detected to enter one of the warning ranges, a corresponding audible warning message is issued through a speaker. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the warning ranges include a first range and a second range, the first range is smaller than the second range, and the protection method further includes: when the object is detected to enter the second range, a visual warning message corresponding to the second range is displayed on the display; and when the object is detected to enter the first range, one end of the movable member is extended from the sports equipment through a transmission mechanism. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1 further includes: when an ignore command is detected, canceling the display of the visual warning message through the controller. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1 further includes: when the object is detected to enter one of the warning ranges, the operating speed of the sports equipment is gradually reduced through the controller. A protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the warning ranges include a first range, a second range, and a third range, the first range is smaller than the second range, and the second range is smaller than the third range. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 10 further includes: When the object is detected to enter the third range, a visual warning message corresponding to the third range is displayed through the display; when the object is detected to enter the second range, a visual warning message corresponding to the second range is displayed through the display; and when the object is detected to enter the first range, a visual warning message corresponding to the first range is displayed through the display, and the operating speed of the sports equipment is gradually reduced through the controller. The protection method for sports equipment as described in claim 1 further includes: receiving a user input setting through an input device; and defining the warning ranges, the visual warning messages corresponding to the warning ranges, and one of an audible warning message according to the user input setting through the controller. A sports equipment comprises: a display; an extrapolation mechanism comprising a motor, a transmission mechanism and a movable part; a distance sensor; and a controller coupled to the display and the distance sensor and configured to: set a plurality of warning ranges relative to the location of the sports equipment; set a visual warning message corresponding to the warning ranges, wherein the visual warning messages of different warning ranges are different. The display message is different in at least one of color and range size; when the distance sensor detects that an object enters one of the warning ranges, the display displays a corresponding visual warning message; and when the distance sensor detects that the object enters one of the warning ranges, the motor drives the transmission mechanism so that one end of the movable member extends from the motion device. The sports equipment as described in claim 13, wherein the warning ranges include a first range and a second range, the first range is smaller than the second range, the visual warning message includes a color block, and the controller is further used to: set the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the first range to be larger than the range size of the color block of the visual warning message of the second range. The sports equipment as described in claim 14, wherein the visual warning message further includes a warning icon corresponding to the object, and the controller is further used to: detect a foreign object position information of the object relative to the sports equipment through the distance sensor; and display the warning icon according to the foreign object information. The sports device as described in claim 15, wherein the foreign object position information includes a warning vector, the warning vector is formed by the location of the foreign object and the sports device, and the controller is further used to: generate a virtual vector based on the warning vector, wherein the virtual vector corresponds to the connection between the warning icon and the color block. A sports device as described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the visual warning message further includes a virtual entity icon corresponding to the sports device, and the controller is further used to: Display the virtual entity icon through the display according to a representative position of the visual warning message. The sports equipment as described in claim 13 further includes: a speaker coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is further used to: set an audible warning message corresponding to the warning ranges, wherein the audible warning messages of different warning ranges are different in frequency or volume; and when the distance sensor detects that the object enters one of the warning ranges, the corresponding audible warning message is issued through the speaker. The sports equipment as described in claim 13, wherein the warning ranges include a first range and a second range, the first range is smaller than the second range, and when the distance sensor detects that the object enters the second range, the display displays a visual warning message corresponding to the second range; and when the distance sensor detects that the object enters the first range, one end of the movable member extends from the sports equipment through the transmission mechanism. The sports equipment as described in claim 13 further includes: an input device coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is further used to: cancel the display of the visual warning message when an ignore command is detected through the input device. The sports equipment as described in claim 13, wherein the controller is further used to: gradually reduce an operating speed of the sports equipment when the distance sensor detects that the object enters one of the warning ranges. The sports equipment as described in claim 13, wherein the warning ranges include a first range, a second range, and a third range, the first range is smaller than the second range, and the second range is smaller than the third range. The sports equipment as claimed in claim 22, wherein when the distance sensor detects that the object enters the third range, the display displays a visual warning message corresponding to the third range; when the distance sensor detects that the object enters the second range, the display displays a visual warning message corresponding to the second range; and when the distance sensor detects that the object enters the first range, the display displays a visual warning message corresponding to the first range, and the controller gradually reduces the operating speed of the sports equipment. The sports equipment as described in claim 13 further includes: an input device coupled to the controller and used to: receive a user input setting, and the controller is further used to: define the warning ranges, the visual warning messages corresponding to the warning ranges, and one of an audible warning message according to the user input setting.

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