Trainer control method and fitness device using the same

Abstract

A trainer control method is provided and includes mounting a sensor at a user's upper extremity, sending from the sensor a sensing signal variable with the position or motion of the upper extremity, and controlling the operating speed of a trainer by the user according to the upper extremity, wherein the sensing signal causes the trainer operating speed to increase and decrease whenever the upper extremity is in first and second states for predetermined duration, respectively. Accordingly, riot only does the user control the operating speed and state of the trainer easily, but user safety is also enhanced.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A trainer control method whereby a user controls an operating speed of a trainer, the trainer control method comprising the step of:
 a. mounting a sensor to an upper extremity of the user, the sensor being capable of sending a sensing signal variable with the position or motion of the upper extremity; and   b. controlling by the user the operating speed of the trainer with the upper extremity, increasing the operating speed of the trainer according to the sensing signal when the upper extremity has been in a first state for a period of time, and decreasing the operating speed of the trainer according to the sensing signal when the upper extremity has been in a second state for a period of time.   
     
     
         2 . The trainer control method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of setting a largest value and a least value of the operating speed of the trainer. 
     
     
         3 . The trainer control method of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is positioned in a manner to allow it to change its orientation in response to a swing of the upper extremity, such that the sensing signal varies with the orientation of the sensor. 
     
     
         4 . A fitness device, comprising:
 a sensor disposed at an upper extremity of a user and adapted to send a sensing signal variable with the position or motion of the upper extremity;   a controller for receiving the sensing signal, sending an acceleration signal when le sensing signal has stayed within a first numerical value range for a period of time, and sending a deceleration signal when the sensing signal has stayed within a second numerical value range for a period of time; and   a trainer for receiving the acceleration signal and the deceleration signal to thereby increase an operating speed of the trainer when the trainer receives the acceleration signal and decrease the operating speed of the trainer when the trainer receives the deceleration signal.   
     
     
         5 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the controller enables the user to set a largest value and a least value of the operating speed of the trainer. 
     
     
         6 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the trainer enables the user to set a largest value and a least value of the operating speed of the trainer. 
     
     
         7 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the trainer is a treadmill. 
     
     
         8 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is one of a gravity sensor and an acceleration sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the controller is disposed at the trainer. 
     
     
         10 . The fitness device of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor and the controller are disposed at a mobile device.