Exercise machine controls

A method includes receiving electronic content via a network, the electronic content comprising an exercise class, and receiving user data associated with a user participating in the exercise class using an exercise machine. The method also includes generating an executable control for a user interface based at least in part on the user data, and providing the executable control, via a display of the exercise machine, while the user is participating in the exercise class. In such a method, the executable control is operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine while the user is participating in the exercise class.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of exercise equipment and methods associated therewith. In particular, this application relates to executable controls and control methods associated with exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

Exercise has become an increasingly important aspect of daily life, and most exercise regimens commonly involve the use of elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, treadmills, or other exercise machines. Such exercise machines are typically designed for use in a gym or other exercise facility, and may be configured such that a user can participate in various exercise classes, training programs, or other activities using such machines. In particular, such exercise machines generally provide the user with one or more buttons, switches, knobs, levers, or other mechanisms that enable the user to control various parameters of the exercise machine during use. For instance, a treadmill may include one or more controls dedicated to increasing and decreasing an incline of the treadmill deck, increasing and decreasing a speed of the treadmill belt, or modifying other parameters of the treadmill as the user walks, jogs, sprints, or performs various other activities on the treadmill. Similarly, a stationary bicycle may include one or more controls dedicated to increasing and decreasing a braking resistance of a flywheel of the bicycle, increasing and decreasing a pedal speed or cadence of the bicycle, or modifying other parameters of the stationary bicycle during use.

While such controls are commonplace on treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, and other known exercise machines, such controls can be challenging to use in some situations. For example, due to the dynamic nature of the motion-based activities typically performed on such exercise machines (e.g., running, cycling, etc.), it can be difficult for a user to manipulate such controls during a workout. Moreover, even if a user is able to manipulate such controls while running, cycling, or performing other motion-based activities, such controls may not be optimized for enabling the user to select a particular setting or other parameter of the exercise machine, with accuracy, as such motion-based activities are being performed.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward addressing one or more of the deficiencies of known exercise machines noted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, with a processor associated with an exercise machine, electronic content via a network, the electronic content comprising an exercise class, receiving, with the processor, user data associated with a user participating in the exercise class using the exercise machine, and generating, with the processor, an executable control for a user interface based at least in part on the user data. The method also includes providing the executable control, via a display of the exercise machine, while the user is participating in the exercise class. In such examples, the executable control is operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine while the user is participating in the exercise class.

In another example embodiment, an exercise machine includes a processor operably connected to a network, a display operably connected to the processor and configured to display electronic content received, by the processor, via the network, and a deck configured to move relative to a surface supporting the exercise machine. The exercise machine also includes a belt rotatable about the deck, a first motor operably connected to the processor and configured to drive the belt, and a second motor operably connected to the processor and configured to change a position of the deck relative to the support surface. In such an embodiment, the processor is configured to cause display of the electronic content via the display, the electronic content comprising an exercise class, receive user data associated with a user participating in the exercise class using the exercise machine, and generate an executable control based at least in part on the user data. The processor is also configured to provide the executable control, via the display, while causing the display of the electronic content. In such examples, the executable control is operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine.

In yet another example embodiment, a method includes capturing audio content and video content corresponding to an exercise class being performed by an instructor, the exercise class being performed at least partially on a first exercise machine. Such a method may also include generating a video file comprising the audio content and the video content, generating an executable control corresponding to the exercise class, the executable control being operable to modify a parameter of a second exercise machine, and associating the executable control with the video file such that playback of at least part of the video file by a processor of the second exercise machine, via a display of the second exercise machine, results in display of the executable control. Such a method may also include providing the control, with the video file, to the processor of second exercise machine via a network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use aspects of the example embodiments described herein. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure include exercise machines, networked exercise systems, and corresponding methods whereby one or more exercise devices, such as treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, or any other suitable equipment may be equipped with an associated local system that allows a user to fully participate in live or recorded exercise classes from any location that can access a suitable communications network. The example exercise machines of the present disclosure include one or more displays configured to provide various controls operable to change parameters of the exercise machines. In particular, the displays of the present disclosure may be configured to provide user interfaces that include one or more executable controls operable to modify respective parameters of the exercise machine while the user of the machine is participating in an exercise class and/or otherwise using the exercise machine.

Such executable controls may be generated by a processor of the exercise machine and/or by one or more servers of a networked exercise system located remote from the exercise machine. In particular, such executable controls may be generated based on user data indicating one or more preferences of the user, one or more previous exercise machine settings selected by the user during one or more previous workouts, one or more exercise machine settings previously specified by the user as a preference and/or as part of a user profile unique to the user, and/or based on other user-specific information. Additionally or alternatively, such executable controls may be generated based on one or more commands uttered by an instructor of an exercise class. In some examples, such executable controls may include a setting corresponding to a relatively specific instruction or command given by the instructor. In other examples, on the other hand, such executable controls may include a setting corresponding to a relatively vague or abstract command given by the instructor during the exercise class. In still further examples, one or more executable controls of the present disclosure may be operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine in order to assist the user in achieving one or more targets or exercise goals stored in a memory associated with the exercise machine.

Thus, the exercise machines, executable controls, and corresponding methods described herein, may enable a user to easily and accurately modify one or more parameters of an exercise machine while participating in an exercise class, and according to a control setting that is uniquely personal to the user. Various aspects of such exercise machines and executable controls will now be described in more detail.

Referring generally toFIGS. 1 and 2, in various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a local system100may include an exercise machine102, such as a treadmill, with integrated or connected digital hardware including one or more displays104for use in connection with an instructor-led exercise class and/or for displaying other digital content. While the exercise machine102may be described and/or otherwise referred to herein as a “treadmill102,” as noted above, example exercise machines102of the present disclosure may be any suitable type of exercise machine, including a rowing machine, stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, stair climber, etc. Accordingly, any of the examples described herein may be applicable to, incorporated in, performed by, and/or otherwise associated with a treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, stair climber, etc. For ease of description, however, an exercise machine102comprising a treadmill will be referred to below unless otherwise specified.

In various example embodiments, the one or more displays104may be mounted directly to the exercise machine102or otherwise placed within view of a user106. In various exemplary embodiments, the one or more displays104allow the user106to view content relating to a selected exercise class both while working out on the exercise machine102and while working out in one or more locations near or adjacent to the exercise machine102. In some examples, the exercise machine102may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket138or other suitable mechanism to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of the display104relative to the user106whether the user106is working out on the exercise machine102, or working out near or adjacent to the exercise machine102.

In example embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the exercise machine102may generally include a lower assembly108and an upper assembly110. The lower assembly108may generally include a deck112of the exercise machine102that provides support for the user106while the user106is working out on the exercise machine102, as well as other components of both the lower assembly108and the upper assembly110. For example, the deck112may support a first motor (not shown) of the exercise machine102configured to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise change an incline of the deck112relative to a support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed. The deck112may also include one or more linkages116coupled to such a motor and configured to, for example, raise and lower the deck112by acting on the support surface when the motor is activated. The deck112may also include a second motor (not shown) configured to increase, decrease, and/or otherwise change a rotational speed of a belt120connected to the deck112. The belt120may be rotatable relative to the deck112and, in particular, may be configured to revolve or otherwise move completely around (i.e., encircle) the deck112during use of the exercise machine120. For example, in embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the belt120may support the user106and may repeatedly encircle the deck112as the user106runs, walks, and/or otherwise works out on the treadmill. Such an example belt120may include one or more continuous tracks (not shown) movably coupled to a gear, flywheel, pulley, and/or other component of the deck112. In such examples, such a gear, flywheel, pulley, and/or other component of the deck112may be coupled to an output shaft or other component of the second motor described above. In such examples, rotation of the output shaft or other component of the second motor may drive commensurate rotation of the belt120.

The belt120may also include a plurality of laterally aligned slats126connected to the one or more continuous tracks described above. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, each slat126may extend substantially parallel to at least one adjacent slat126. Additionally, each slat126may be hingedly, pivotally, and/or otherwise movably coupled to the one or more continuous tracks of the deck120via one or more respective couplings. Such couplings may comprise, for example, a bracket, pin, screw, clip, bolt, and/or one or more other fastening components configured to secure a respective slat126to the continuous track described above, while allowing the slat126to pivot, rotate, and/or otherwise move relative to the track while the belt120revolves about the deck112.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the exercise machine102may also include one or more sidewalls128connected to the deck112. For example, the exercise machine102may include a first sidewall128on a left-hand side of the deck112, and a second sidewall128on the right-hand side of the deck112. Such sidewalls128may be made from cloth, foam, plastic, rubber, polymers, and/or other like material, and in some examples, the sidewalls128may assist in damping and/or otherwise reducing noise generated by one or more of the motors and/or other components of the deck112.

The exercise machine102may also include one or more posts130extending upwardly from the deck112. For example, the exercise machine102may include a first post130on the left-hand side of the deck112, and a second post130on the right-hand side of the deck112. Such posts130may be made from a metal, alloy, plastic, polymer, and/or other like material, and similar such materials may be used to manufacture the deck112, the slats126, and/or other components of the exercise machine102. In such examples, the posts130may be configured to support the display104, and in some examples, the display104may be directly coupled to a crossbar132of the exercise machine102, and the crossbar132may be connected to and/or otherwise supported by the posts130. For example, the crossbar132may comprise one or more hand rests or handles useful in supporting the user106during exercise. In some examples, the crossbar132may be substantially C-shaped, substantially U-shaped, and/or any other configuration. In any of the examples described herein, the crossbar132may extend from a first one of the posts130to a second one of the posts130. Further, in some examples, the posts130and the crossbar132may comprise a single integral component of the upper assembly110. Alternatively, in other examples, the posts130and the crossbar132may comprise separate components of the upper assembly110. In such examples, the upper assembly110may include one or more brackets134, endcaps136, and/or additional components configured to assist in coupling the one or more posts130to the crossbar132.

As noted above, the exercise machine102may also include a hinge, joint, pivot, bracket138and/or other suitable mechanism to allow for adjustment of the position or orientation of the display104relative to the user106whether they are walking, jogging, running, and/or otherwise working out on the exercise machine102, or working out near or adjacent to the exercise machine102. For example, such brackets138may include at least one component rigidly connected to the crossbar132. Such brackets138may also include one or more additional components rigidly coupled to the display104. In such examples, the components of the bracket138connected to the display104may be moveable, with the display104relative to the components of the bracket138connected to the crossbar132. Such components may include one or more dove-tail slider mechanism, channels, and/or other components enabling the display104to controllably slide and/or otherwise move relative to the crossbar132. Such components may also enable the user106to fix the position of the display104relative to the crossbar132once the user106has positioned the display104as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine102may also include one or more controls144,146configured to receive input from the user106. The exercise machine102may further include one or more sensors147configured to sense, detect, and/or otherwise determine one or more performance parameters of the user106before, during, and/or after the user106participates in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. In any of the examples described herein, the controls144,146and the one or more sensors147may be operably and/or otherwise connected to one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102.

The digital hardware148(shown in phantom inFIGS. 1 and 2) associated with the exercise machine102may be connected to or integrated with the exercise machine102, or it may be located remotely and wired or wirelessly connected to the exercise machine102. The digital hardware148may include digital storage (e.g., a hard drive or other such memory), one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor) or other like computers or controllers, communications hardware, software, and/or one or more media input/output devices such as displays, cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens, headsets, and/or audio speakers. In various exemplary embodiments these components may be connected to and/or otherwise integrated with the exercise machine102. All communications between and among such components of the digital hardware148may be multichannel, multi-directional, and wireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may include associated mobile and web-based application programs that provide access to account, performance, and other relevant information to users from local or remote exercise machines, processors, controllers, personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any other digital device or digital hardware. In any of the examples described herein, the one or more controllers, processors, and/or other digital hardware148associated with the exercise machine102may be operable to perform one or more functions associated with control logic of the exercise machine102. Such control logic may comprise one or more rules, programs, or other instructions stored in a memory of the digital hardware148. For example, one or more processors included in the digital hardware148may be programmed to perform operations in accordance with rules, programs, or other instructions of the control logic, and such processors may also be programmed to perform one or more additional operations in accordance with and/or at least partly in response to input received via one or more of the controls144,146, via one or more of the sensors147, and/or via various controls, user interfaces, or other components provided by the display104. In any of the examples described herein, the display104may comprise a touch screen, a touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitance-sensitive) display, and/or any other device configured to display content and receive input (e.g., a touch input, tap input, swipe input, etc.) from the user106.

In any of the examples described herein, one or more of the controls144,146associated with the exercise machine102may comprise an infinity wheel-type control. Such a control may be useful in changing and/or otherwise controlling, for example, the incline of the deck112, the speed of the belt120, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102associated with incremental increases or decreases. In an example embodiment, one or more of the controls144,146associated with the exercise machine102may include a rotary dial connected to a corresponding rotary encoder. In such examples, the rotary encoder may include one or more detents or other components/structures that may be tuned for a desired incremental change in a corresponding parameter of the exercise machine102. For example, the rotary encoder may be tuned such that each detent thereof may correlate to a 0.5% increase or decrease in an incline angle of the deck112. Alternatively, the rotary encoder may be tuned such that each detent thereof may correlate to a 0.1 mph increase or decrease in a speed of the belt120. In still further examples, percentages, speeds, and/or other increments greater than or less than those noted above may be chosen. Additionally, one or more such controls144,146may include one or more additional buttons, wheels, touch pads, levers, knobs, or other components configured to receive additional inputs from the user106, and such additional components may provide the user106with finer control over the corresponding parameters of the exercise machine102. One or more such controls144,146may also include a respective control housing configured to assist in mounting the control144,146to the crossbar132or other components of the exercise machine102.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, in various example embodiments, the one or more sensors147of the exercise machine102may be configured to sense, detect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a range of user data, parameters of the exercise machine102, and/or other information, from both the exercise machine102and the user106, instantaneously and/or over time. For example, the exercise machine102may include one or more sensors147that measure the incline of the deck112, the speed of the belt120, a load applied to the deck112, the belt120, one or more of the motors described above, and/or other components of the exercise machine102, an amount of energy expended by the user106, a power output of the exercise machine102, user weight, steps, distance, total work, repetitions, an amount of resistance applied to the belt120by one or more of the motors described above and/or other components of the exercise machine102, a pedal cadence, a brake force or resistance, as well as any other information associated with, for example, a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, or other exercise machine102. The exercise machine102may also include sensors147to measure user heart-rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, or any other physical performance metrics, or to receive such information from sensors provided by (e.g., worn by) the user106. Where appropriate, such information can be calculated as current/instantaneous values, maximum, minimum, average, or total over time, or using any other statistical analysis. Trends can also be determined, stored, and displayed to the user, the instructor, and/or other users. Such sensors147may communicate with memory and/or processors of the digital hardware148associated with the exercise machine102, nearby, or at a remote location, using wired or wireless connections. Such sensors147and/or the processors of the digital hardware148may also communicate with one or more processors disposed remote from the exercise machine102using such wired or wireless connections.

In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may also include one or more indicators (not shown) to provide information to the user106. Such indicators may include lights, projected displays, speakers for audio outputs, or other output devices capable of providing a signal to a user106to provide the user106with information such as timing for performing an exercise, time to start or stop exercise, or other informational indicators. For example, such indicators (e.g., lights or projected displays) could display information regarding the number of sets and repetitions performed by the user106at a location where it can be seen by the user106during the performance of the relevant exercise.

With reference toFIG. 2, and as noted above, the display104of the exercise machine100may comprise and/or may be driven by a user input device such as a touchscreen, mouse, voice control, or other suitable input device. In some examples, the display104or at least a portion thereof, may comprise a touchscreen configured to receive touch input from the user106. The display104may be any size, but optimally are large enough and oriented to allow the display of a range of information including one or more video streams, a range of performance metrics corresponding to the user106, a range of additional performance metrics associated with one or more additional users exercising on exercise machines remote from the exercise machine102, and a range of different controls. In various exemplary embodiments, the display104may include some or all of its area that can reflect the image of the user106to provide user feedback regarding their form and performance of various activities.

In various exemplary embodiments the user106can use the display104or one or more user interfaces200displayed on the display104to selectively present a range of different information including live and/or archived video, performance data, and other user and system information. In any of the examples described herein, such user interfaces200can provide a wide range of control and informational windows that can be accessed and removed individually and/or as a group by a click, touch, voice command, or gesture. In various exemplary embodiments, such windows may provide information about the user's own performance and/or the performance of other participants in the same exercise class both past and present.

Example user interfaces200presented via the display104may be used to access member information, login and logout of the system100, access live content such as live exercise classes and archived classes or other content. User information may be displayed in a variety of formats and may include historical and current performance and account information, social networking links and information, achievements, etc. The user interfaces described herein can also be used to access the system100to update a user profile (e.g., a user profile that is unique to the user106) or member information, manage account settings such as information sharing, and/or to modify one or more settings of a control included in the user interface200.

An example user interface200may also be presented on the one or more displays104to allow users to manage their experience, including selecting information to be displayed and arranging how such information is displayed on the display104. Such a user interface200may present multiple types of information overlaid such that different types of information can be selected or deselected easily by the user106. For example, performance metrics and/or other information may be displayed over video content using translucent or partially transparent elements so the video behind the information elements can be seen together with (i.e., simultaneously with) the performance metrics and/or other information itself. Further, example user interfaces200may present a variety of screens to the user106which the user106can move among quickly using the provided user input device, including by providing a touch input via the display104.

In any of the examples described herein, the processor and/or other components of the digital hardware148may control the display104and/or otherwise cause the display104to display the various user interfaces200of the present disclosure. For example, the processor or other components of the digital hardware148may cause the display104to display a user interface200comprising a home screen that provides basic information about the system100and/or the exercise machine102, as well as available options. Such a home screen may provide direct links to information such as scheduled classes, archived classes, a leaderboard, instructors, and/or profile and account information. The home screen may also provide direct links to content such as a link to join a particular class. The user106can navigate among the different portions of the home screen by selecting such links using the applicable input device such as by touching the display104at the indicated location, or by swiping to bring on a new screen. An example user interface200providing such a home screen may also provide other information relevant to the user106such as social network information, and navigation buttons that allow the user to move quickly among the different screens in the user interface200.

In various example embodiments, one or more of the user interfaces200may include various components configured to provide information to the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class. For example, as will be described in greater detail below, one or more example user interfaces200may include a timeline202(e.g., a segmented timeline) indicating portions of an exercise class being displayed on the display104, and a position and/or location within the timeline corresponding to the current portion of the exercise class being displayed. An example user interface200may also include a scorecard204, leaderboard, or other component providing rankings, output, exercise machine parameters, user data, and/or other information related to other users participating in (either in real time, or previously) the exercise class being displayed on the display104. An example user interface200may further include various display bars206or other components providing performance metrics, performance information, and/or other user data associated with the user106. Such information may include, for example, various settings or other parameters of the exercise machine102(e.g., a current incline of the deck112, a current speed of the belt120, a current pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a current braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, etc.), an output of the user106, and/or other information corresponding to the user106participating in an exercise class. Additionally, in some examples the user interface200may include one or more executable controls210operable to modify an incline of the deck112, a speed of the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in an exercise class. As shown in at leastFIG. 2, in such embodiments the timeline202, scorecard204, leaderboard, display bars206, executable controls210, and/or other components of the user interface200may be displayed on the display104together with (e.g., simultaneously with) content208comprising the exercise class that the use106is currently participating in.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user interfaces200described herein may be run through a local program or application using a local operating system such as an Android or iOS application, or via a browser-based system. Any of the performance metrics or other information described herein with respect to the various user interfaces200may also be accessed remotely via any suitable network such as the internet. For example, users106may be able to access a website from a tablet, mobile phone, computer, and/or any other digital device, and such users106may be able to review historical information, communicate with other participants, schedule classes, access instructor information, and/or view any of the information described herein with respect to the various user interfaces200through such a website.

FIG. 3illustrates an example networked exercise system300of the present disclosure including one or more exercise machines102that are in communication via an example network. Such an example networked exercise system300may be used to, for example, capture and/or otherwise generate audio content, video content, and/or other content corresponding to an exercise class being performed by one or more instructors. The networked exercise system300may also be configured to generate a video file and/or any other electronic file, digital file, or the like comprising the captured audio content and video content. In some examples, the networked exercise system300may also be configured to generate one or more of the executable controls210described herein with respect to the user interface200(FIG. 2), and to associate such executable controls with the video file such that playback of at least part of the video file by a processor of an exercise machine102(e.g., via a display104of the exercise machine102) may result in the display of the executable control210. In any of the examples described herein, content captured and/or distributed by the networked exercise system300may comprise live and/or archived exercise classes, live and/or archived instructional content such as video content explaining how to properly perform an exercise, scenic or map-based content, videos, and/or animations that can be rendered in three-dimensions from any angle may be created and stored in various local or remote locations and shared across the networked exercise system300.

In various example embodiments, the networked exercise system300may be managed through one or more networked backend servers302and may include various databases304for storage of user data, system information, performance information, archived content, etc. Example local systems100(FIG. 1) may be in communication with the networked backend servers302via any appropriate network306(e.g., a content distribution network306), including without limitation, the internet. As an example of an alternative distribution approach, in various exemplary embodiments the backend servers302could be eliminated and data could be communicated throughout the system in a distributed or peer-to-peer manner rather than via a central server network. In such a networked exercise system300, user data (e.g., performance data) may be broken up into small packets or “pieces” and distributed among user devices such that complete data sets are quickly distributed to all devices for display as required.

Content for distribution through the network306can be created in a variety of different ways. Content recording locations may include professional content recording studios, amateur and home-based locations, gyms, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, recording studios may include space for live instructor-led exercise classes with live studio participation, or may be dedicated studios with no live, in-studio participation. As shown inFIG. 3, recording equipment including one or more video cameras308, microphones310, mp3 players or other music players312, and/or other components and can be used to capture the instructor and/or participants during the class. Multiple cameras308can provide different views, and 3D cameras308can be used to create 3D content. In various exemplary embodiments, content may also be generated locally by users106. For example, exercise machines102may be equipped with recording equipment including microphones310and cameras308. Users106may generate live or recorded classes that can be transmitted, stored in or by the networked exercise system300, and distributed via the network306.

With continued reference toFIG. 3, class content may be generated by providing outputs of the one or more video cameras308, microphones310, and/or music players312as inputs to an audio mixer314. The audio mixer314may output content to an analog to digital converter316, which may provide converted data to a production switcher318. The production switcher318may send the production video to a video encoder320, which may store the encoded video to a local storage device322, and may also send it to a video transcoder324.

In some examples, the video encoder320may receive input from one or more users of the backend servers302comprising a command to associate an executable control210with the video file being created by the networked exercise system300. In such examples, the video encoder320may embed and/or otherwise associate such an executable control210with the video file, and at a desired location within the video file. Alternatively, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a verbal command from an instructor that is leading an exercise class. In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify the verbal command included in audio content received from a microphone310and/or from a video camera308. Such a command may correspond to a parameter of an exercise machine102(e.g., an incline of the deck112, a speed of the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, etc.). In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., a timestamp in the video content and/or the audio content corresponding to the command). In such examples, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may associate the executable control210with the video file by linking the executable control210to a part of the video file corresponding to the timestamp. Additionally in any of the examples described herein, the video encoder320and/or other components of the backend servers302may identify such a verbal command via natural language processing software or techniques.

Further, the video transcoder324may output transcoded data to a video packetizer326, which may then send a packetized data stream out through the network306to remote users106. In various exemplary embodiments, instructors and/or users106may be provided with access to a content creation platform that they can use to help them create content. Such a platform may provide tools for selecting and editing music, managing volume controls, pushing out chat or other communications to users106.

As described above with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2, through the display104and/or other user interface on their exercise machine102, users106may access lists, calendars, and schedules of live and recorded exercise classes available for delivery through the display104. In various exemplary embodiments, once the user106selects a class, the local system100may access and/or display a primary data stream for the class. This primary data stream may include video, music, voice, text, or any other data, and may represent a live or previously recorded exercise class. The local system100may be equipped for hardware video accelerated encoding/decoding to manage high definition video quality at up to 1080 pixels based on existing technology. The local system100may automatically adjust bitrate/quality of the data stream for the class in order to bring participant the highest quality video according to user's bandwidth/hardware limitations.

In various exemplary embodiments, networked exercise systems300and methods of the present disclosure may include multi-directional communication and data transfer capabilities that allow video, audio, voice, and data sharing among all users106and/or instructors. This allows users106to access and display multi-directional video and audio streams from the instructor and/or other users regardless of location, and to establish direct communications with other users106to have private or conferenced video and/or audio communications during live or recorded classes. Such data streams can be established through the local system100for presentation via the one or more displays104via one or more of the user interfaces200described above. In various exemplary embodiments, users106can manage multiple data streams to select and control inputs and outputs. The local system100may allow the user106to control the volume of primary audio stream for the class as well as other audio channels for different users or even unrelated audio streams such as telephone calls or their own music selections. For example, this would allow a user106to turn down the instructor volume to facilitate a conversation with other users.

For live classes, in various exemplary embodiments the instructor may have the ability to communicate with the entire class simultaneously or to contact individual users, and solicit feedback from all users regardless of location in real-time. For example, instructors could ask users verbally, or text a pop-up message to users106, seeking feedback on difficulty level, music choice, terrain, etc. Users106could then respond through components of the local system100by selecting an appropriate response, or providing verbal feedback. This allows instructors to use crowdsourcing to tailor a class to the needs of the participants, and to improve their classes by soliciting feedback or voting on particular class features or elements.

In various exemplary embodiments, instructors may also be able to set performance targets, and the system can measure and display to the user106and the instructor their performance relative to the target. For example, the instructor may set target metrics e.g. target power and speed, then display this next to users' readings with a color coding to indicate whether or not the user is meeting this target. The system may allow the instructor to remotely adjust exercise machine settings for individual users106. In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may also automatically adjust based on information from the user106, the instructor, or based on performance. For example, the exercise machine102may adjust the difficulty to maintain a particular performance parameter such as heart rate within a particular range or to meet a particular performance target. Any of the executable controls described herein may be generated and/or configured to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102in order to assist the user106in meeting and/or exceeding such performance goals or targets.

With continued reference toFIG. 3, in various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system300described herein may allow users106to create accounts (e.g., user profiles) and save and manage their user data (e.g., performance data). As discussed above, the system may allow users106to browse schedules for upcoming live classes, signup for future live streaming classes, and setup reminders. Users106may also be able to invite others to participate in a live class, and setup text, email, voice, or other notifications and calendar entries. Users106may be able to access system, account, performance, and all other data via web-based or application based interfaces for desktop and/or mobile devices, in addition to the user interface for the local system100associated with their exercise machine102.

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system300can provide for simultaneous participation by multiple users in a recorded class, synchronized by the system and allowing access to all of the same communication and data sharing features that are available for a live class. With such a feature, the participants simultaneously participating in the same archived class can compete against each other, as well as against past performances or “ghost” participants for the same class. In some of the examples described herein, one or more executable controls may be generated and/or configured to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102in order to assist the user106in keeping pace with such past performances, “ghost” participants, and/or other performance goals or targets.

In some examples, the networked computer system300may be configured to feed synchronized live and/or archived video content and live and/or archived sensor data to users over the network306. In various exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated inFIG. 3, the networked exercise system300may be configured with a plurality of user exercise machines102in communication with the video content distribution network306. The user exercise machines102may also be in communication with various other networks and servers. Additionally, in any of the examples described herein, a control station (not shown) may provide signals via the network306to control the collection, storage, and management of data (e.g., user data, video content, audio content, parameters of the various exercise machines102, etc.) across the networked exercise system300.

FIG. 4illustrates an example user interface400of the present disclosure, and the user interface400may be similar to and/or the same as the user interface200described above with respect toFIG. 2. In such examples, the user interface400may be provided to the user106during a selected exercise class. When an exercise class is being displayed and/or otherwise provided via the one or more displays104through the user interface400, in various exemplary embodiments the primary video feed may be shown as the background video full-screen or in a sub-window on the display104. Information elements may be provided on different parts of the display screen to indicate any performance metrics, including total time, elapsed time, time left, distance, speed (e.g., speed of the belt120), mile pace of the user106, incline (e.g., incline of the deck112), elevation, resistance, braking force, power, total work, energy expended (e.g., output), cadence (e.g., pedal cadence), heart rate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, and/or any custom performance scores that may be developed. The displayed information may also include the trend or relationship between different performance metrics. For example, the display104can indicate a particular metric in a color that indicates current performance compared to average performance for an exercise class or over time, such as red to indicate that current performance of the user106is below average or green to indicate above average performance. Trends or relative performance can also be shown using color and graphics, such as a red down arrow to show that current performance is below average.

In various exemplary embodiments, the display104may also display information that supports or supplements the information provided by the instructor. Examples include one or more segmented timelines402that are illustrated together with at least part of the selected exercise class in the user interface400. As shown in at leastFIGS. 4 and 5, an example segmented timeline402may include one or more segments404a,404b,404c. . .404n(collectively, “segments404”) corresponding to respective portions, parts, or other exercise segments of the selected exercise class. The size, length, width, height, relative position, color, opacity, and/or other configurations of such segments404may be representative of, for example, the length of the corresponding portions or parts of the selected exercise class. The segmented timeline402may also provide an indication406of elapsed time and/or remaining time for the present workout segment and/or for the exercise class generally. The segmented timeline402may also include one or more visual indica408a,408b,408c. . .408n(collectively, “indicia408”) indicating an activity requirement (e.g., run, jog, sprint, lift weights, etc.), an equipment requirement (e.g., dumbbells), and/or other requirement associated with a respective exercise segment of the selected exercise class. For example, the indicia408amay indicate that the segment404acomprises a walking segment, indicia408dmay indicate that the segment404ccomprises a running segment, and the indicia408bmay indicate that weights are required for at least part of the segment404a. In any of the examples described herein, such segmented timelines402may also include one or more lists or windows identifying and/or describing upcoming workout segments or features, instructional information such as graphics or videos demonstrating how to properly perform exercises, or other information relevant to the exercise class in progress. Such segmented timelines402may also provide and/or otherwise include information409indicating the current segment of the exercise class and/or the current activity that the instructor is requesting the user106perform.

As shown in at leastFIG. 4, the user interface400may include a primary window410configured to show the live or archived exercise class or other content that the user106selected. In various exemplary embodiments, the user interface400may further include one or more performance metric windows412(e.g., the “scorecard” illustrated inFIG. 4) overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410. Such performance metric windows412may show a ranking, total output, current output, incline, belt speed, mile pace, and/or other specific performance metrics for the user's current class, past classes, or other performance information. Such performance metric windows412may be presented anywhere on the display104, and may be user selectable such that they can be displayed or removed by a screen touch or gesture.

The user interface400may also allow the user106to toggle between display of maximum, average, and total results for different performance metrics. Additionally, the user interface400may allow the user106to hide or display information elements, including performance metrics, video streams, user information, etc. all at once or individually. Performance metrics and/or other performance information can also be displayed in various display bars414,416that can be hidden or displayed as a group or individually. The user interface400may provide for complete controls for audio volume, inputs, and outputs as well as display output characteristics.

In any of the examples described herein, the user interface400may also include one or more additional windows418overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410, and such additional windows418may include one or more executable controls operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in an exercise class. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, such an additional window418may include a plurality of executable controls configured to modify a speed of the belt120, an incline of the deck112, a resistance associated with the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, in embodiments in which the exercise machine102comprises a treadmill, the window418may include a “jog” executable control420, a “run” executable control422, a “sprint” executable control424, and/or other executable controls configured to modify a speed of the belt120. In particular, such executable controls may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. The “jog” executable control420, “run” executable control422, and “sprint” executable control424may be operable to modify the speed of the belt120based at least in part on such an input.

In such examples, the “jog” executable control420may be associated with a first speed of the belt120such that, upon receipt of a touch input via the executable control420, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may control the motor of the deck112driving the belt120to cause the belt120to rotate about the deck112, at a speed corresponding to a jogging pace of the user106. In some examples, the speed associated with the “jog” executable control420may be a default jogging pace stored in a memory of the digital hardware148and/or otherwise associated with the executable control420. Alternatively, in other examples the speed associated with the “jog” executable control420may be customized, programmed, entered, and/or otherwise selected by the user106, when establishing a user profile unique to the user106, before the user106begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user106is participating in the exercise class, and/or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user106may select a speed at which the user106desires the belt120to rotate when the user selects and/or otherwise, provides a touch input via the “jog” executable control420. In such examples, the speed of the belt120, and/or other parameter of the exercise machine102associated with the “jog” executable control420may be stored as part of the user profile of the user106in the memory associated with the digital hardware148and/or in, for example, the database304and/or other memory associated with the one or more servers302of the system300(FIG. 3).

In still further examples, the speed associated with the “jog” executable control420may be a speed that is identified, calculated, selected, and/or otherwise determined by, for example, the processor of the exercise machine102, and/or a processor or other component of the one or more servers306. In such further examples, the speed associated with the “jog” executable control420may be determined based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past user selections, past user performances, or other previous workouts of the user106. In such examples, for instance, the processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may sense, collect, and/or otherwise determine user data including belt speeds that the user106commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using the exercise machine102. In such examples, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may store such user data in a memory associated with the digital hardware148. The processor may also select, identify, and/or otherwise determine a belt speed frequently selected by the user106based at least in part on such user data, and may associate the selected speed with the “jog” executable control420. For instance, such a selected speed may be associated with a warm-up period/segment of previous exercise classes participated in by the user106, and such a speed may comprise a speed most frequently selected by the user106during such previous warm-up periods/segments. As will be described in greater detail below, in further examples, one or more additional methods may be used by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining which speed to associate with the “jog” executable control420.

It is understood that the “run” executable control422, the “sprint” executable control424, and/or other controls included in the window418may be configured in a similar fashion. For example, the “run” executable control422may be associated with a second speed of the belt120greater than the first speed described above with respect to the “jog” executable control420. In such examples, upon receipt of a touch input via the executable control422, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may control the motor of the deck112driving the belt120to cause the belt120to rotate about the deck112, at a speed corresponding to a running pace of the user106. In some examples, the speed associated with the “run” executable control420may be a default running pace stored in a memory of the digital hardware148and/or otherwise associated with the executable control422. Alternatively, in other examples the speed associated with the “run” executable control420may be entered, and/or otherwise selected by the user106, when establishing a user profile unique to the user106, before the user106begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user106is participating in the exercise class, and/or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user106may select a speed at which the user106desires the belt120to rotate when the user selects and/or otherwise, provides a touch input via the “run” executable control420. In such examples, the speed of the belt120, and/or other parameter of the exercise machine102associated with the “run” executable control420may be stored as part of the user profile of the user106in the memory associated with the digital hardware148and/or in, for example, the database304, and/or other memory associated with the one or more servers302of the system300(FIG. 3).

In still further examples, the speed associated with the “run” executable control422may be a speed that is identified, calculated, selected, and/or otherwise determined by, for example, the processor of the exercise machine102, and/or a processor or other component of the one or more servers306. In such further examples, the speed associated with the “run” executable control422may be determined based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past performances, selections, or other workouts of the user106. In such examples, for instance, the processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may sense, collect, and/or otherwise determine user data including belt speeds that the user106commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using the exercise machine102. In such examples, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may select, identify, and/or otherwise determine a frequently selected belt speed of the user106based at least in part on such user data, and may associate the selected speed with the “run” executable control420. For instance, such a selected speed may be associated with a relatively long and/or sustained period/segment of previous exercise classes participated in by the user106, and such a speed may comprise a speed most frequently selected by the user106during such previous relatively long and/or sustained periods/segments. As will be described in greater detail below, in further examples, one or more additional methods may be used by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining which speed to associate with the “run” executable control420.

It is understood that similar methods and/or processes may also be used by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining which speed to associate with the “sprint” executable control424. For instance, such a selected speed may be associated with a relatively short period/segment of previous exercise classes participated in by the user106, and such a speed may comprise a top speed most frequently selected by the user106during such previous relatively short periods/segments.

As illustrated inFIG. 4the window418may also include a plurality of additional executable controls426,428,430and/or other executable controls configured to modify an incline of the deck112and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. In particular, such executable controls426,428,430may be configured to receive one or more inputs from the user106while the user106is participating in an exercise class using the exercise machine102, and such executable controls426,428,430may be operable to modify the incline of the deck112based at least in part on such an input. One or more of the executable controls426,428,430may be configured through a process similar to that described above with respect to the executable controls420,422,424.

For example, the executable control426may be associated with a first incline of the deck112, the executable control428may be associated with a second incline of the deck428greater than the first incline, and the executable control430may be associated with a third incline of the deck greater than both the first and second inclines. In such examples, upon receipt of a touch input via the executable control426, the processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may control the motor of the deck112controlling the incline of the deck112to increase or decrease the incline of the deck112so that the incline of the deck112matches the incline associated with the executable control426. The processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may also control the motor of the deck112controlling the incline of the deck112to increase or decrease the incline of the deck in a similar fashion in response to receipt of a touch input via the executable controls428,430.

In some examples, the respective inclines of the deck112associated with the executable controls426,428,430may comprise respective default inclines stored in a memory of the digital hardware148and/or otherwise associated with the executable controls426,428,430. Alternatively, in other examples the respective inclines of the deck112associated with the executable controls426,428,430may be entered, customized, and/or otherwise selected by the user106, when establishing a user profile unique to the user106, before the user106begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user106is participating in the exercise class, and/or at any other time. Accordingly, in such examples the user106may select respective inclines at which the user106desires the deck112to be positioned, relative to a support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed, when the user106selects and/or otherwise provides a touch input via the various executable controls426,428,430. In such examples, the respective inclines of the deck112associated with the executable controls426,428,430may be stored as part of the user profile of the user106in the memory associated with the digital hardware148and/or in, for example, the database304, and/or other memory associated with the one or more servers302of the system300(FIG. 3).

In still further examples, the respective inclines of the deck112associated with the executable controls426,428,430may comprise inclines that are identified, calculated, selected, and/or otherwise determined by, for example, the processor of the exercise machine102, and/or a processor or other component of the one or more servers306. In such further examples, the respective inclines of the deck112associated with the executable controls426,428,430may be determined based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past performances or other workouts of the user106. In such examples, for instance, the processor and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may sense, collect, and/or otherwise determine user data including deck incline settings that the user106commonly selects during participation in exercise classes using the exercise machine102. In such examples, the processor, and/or other digital hardware148of the exercise machine102may store such user data in a memory associated with the digital hardware148. The processor may also select, identify, and/or otherwise determine one or more deck inclines frequently selected by the user106based at least in part on such user data, and may associate one or more such deck inclines with the respective the executable controls426,428,430. For instance, during a warm-up period/segment of multiple previous exercise classes participated in by the user106, the user may choose to jog at a relatively flat deck incline. In such examples, a deck incline most frequently selected by the user106during such previous warm-up periods/segments may be approximately 0.0 (e.g., a substantially horizontal deck position relative to a support surface on which the exercise machine102is located). In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may select, identify, and/or otherwise determine such a deck incline frequently selected by the user106based at least in part on user data collected over multiple exercise classes participated in by the user106via the exercise machine102. The processor of the digital hardware148may also associate such a deck incline with a respective one of the executable controls (e.g., with the executable control426shown inFIG. 4). The processor of the digital hardware148may associated respective deck inclines with the executable controls428and430in a similar manner. As will be described in greater detail below, in further examples, one or more additional methods may also be used by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining which deck incline to associate with the various executable controls426,428,430described herein. Additionally, as noted above, any of the processes described herein with respect to configuring, generating, providing, causing the display of, and/or modifying one or more of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430may be performed locally at the exercise machine102by the processor of the digital hardware148, remote from the exercise machine102by one or more processors of the server302, and/or by the processor of the digital hardware148operating in communication and/or in conjunction with one or more processors of the server302.

With continued reference toFIG. 4, in some examples the window418may include an executable control432operable to close the window418such that the window418(and the executable controls provided therein) is no longer displayed on the display402. Additionally, in any of the examples described herein the window418and/or other portions of the user interface400may include an executable control434operable to enable the user106to customize one or more of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430provided by the window418. For example, the executable control434may be configured to receive a touch input from the user106indicative of a request to modify at least one setting of one or more of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430provided by the window418. Based at least in part on such an input, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide one or more further controls, windows, or other components via the user interface400by which the user106may increase or decrease a belt speed associated with one or more of the executable controls420,422,424, may increase or decrease a deck incline associated with one or more of the executable controls426,428,430, and/or may modify (e.g., customize) one or more settings associated with any of the other executable controls provided via the user interface400. It is understood that any such modifications may be saved and/or otherwise associated with the user profile of the user106, and may be accessed, recalled, and/or otherwise utilized upon accessing the user profile on the exercise machine102and/or on other exercise machines102. For example, any such modified settings may automatically be used (e.g., may automatically be associated with one or more respective executable controls of the user interface400) when the user106participates in a future exercise class via the exercise machine102. Additionally, in some embodiments the window418may be omitted from the user interface400. In such embodiments, one or more of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430,434described above with respect to the window418may be displayed and/or otherwise provided via the user interface400without the window418.

FIG. 5illustrates another example user interface500of the present disclosure. In such examples, the user interface500may be substantially similar to the user interface400described above with respect toFIG. 4and/or may be substantially similar to the user interface200described above with respect toFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 5, such an example user interface500may include, among other things, a leaderboard502that is displayed so as to allow the user106to see his or her performance in comparison to other users participating in the same exercise class. In various exemplary embodiments, a leaderboard502may comprise a separate window overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410. An example leaderboard502may be configured to display the relative performance of all participants, and/or of one or more subgroups of participants. For example, the user106may be able to select a leaderboard502that shows the performance of participants in a particular age group, male participants, female participants, male participants in a particular age group, participants in a particular geographic area, etc. For instance, in the example shown inFIG. 5, the leaderboard502has been configured to show the performance of a group of female participants in their 20's. Users106may have the ability to individually curate and/or otherwise configure a leaderboard502, or have the local system100curate a leaderboard502by selecting an appropriate group of participants relative to the user106. Users106may be able to curate their own leaderboards502for specific previously recorded classes to create a leaderboard502that provides the maximum personal performance incentive to the user106.

Users106may also be provided with the ability to deselect the leaderboard502entirely and remove it from the user interface500. In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine102may incorporate various social networking aspects such as allowing the user106to follow other participants, or to create groups or circles of participants. User lists and information may be accessed, sorted, filtered, and used in a wide range of different ways. For example, other users can be sorted, grouped and/or classified based on any characteristic including personal information such as age, gender, weight, or based on performance such as current power output, speed, or a custom score.

The leaderboard502may be fully interactive, allowing the user106to scroll up and down through the participant rankings, and to select a participant to access their detailed performance data, create a connection such as choosing to follow that participant, or establish direct communication such as through an audio and/or video connection. The leaderboard502may also display the user's personal best performance in the same or a comparable class, to allow the user106to compare their current performance to their previous personal best. In some examples, such performance information may also be displayed in one or more of the display bars414,416. The leaderboard502may also highlight certain participants, such as those that the user106follows, or provide other visual cues to indicate a connection or provide other information about a particular entry on the leaderboard502.

In various exemplary embodiments, the leaderboard502may also allow the user106to view their position and performance information at all times while scrolling through the leaderboard502. For example, if the user106scrolls up toward the top of the leaderboard502such as by dragging their fingers upward on the display104, when the user106reaches the bottom of the leaderboard502, it may lock in position and the rest of the leaderboard502will scroll underneath it. Similarly, if the user106scrolls down toward the bottom of the leaderboard502, when the user's window reaches the top of the leaderboard502, it may lock in position and the rest of the leaderboard502will continue to scroll underneath it. In various exemplary embodiments, performance information about other users may also be presented on the leaderboard502or in any other format, including formats that can be sorted by relevant performance parameters. Users may elect whether or not to make their performance available to all users, select users, and/or instructors, or to maintain it as private so that no one else can view it.

As shown inFIG. 5, the example user interface500may also include one or more executable controls504that are generated based at least in part on a verbal command from an instructor of an exercise class. For example, the executable control504may correspond to the particular exercise class that the user106is currently participating in, and the executable control504may be provided to the user106via the user interface500while the user106is participating in the exercise class using the exercise machine102. Additionally, the executable control504may be operable to modify one or more parameters of the exercise machine106in response to one or more touch inputs. In such examples, the executable control504may be embedded within, linked to, and/or otherwise associated with a part of a video file comprising audio and video of the exercise class being presented via the user interface500. In particular, the executable control504may be linked to a part of the video file of the exercise class that corresponds to a timestamp associated with the verbal command uttered by the instructor of the exercise class. In such examples, upon displaying the exercise class via the user interface500(e.g., either in substantially real time via live streaming, and/or upon playback of the exercise class using an archived video file), the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the executable control504via the user interface500at the point in time during the exercise class in which the instructor uttered the verbal command.

In example embodiments, the executable control504may be substantially similar to an/or the same as one or more of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430described above with respect toFIG. 4. For example, the executable control504may correspond to an exercise class currently being performed by an instructor, and the executable control504may be operable to modify one or more parameters of the exercise machine102that the user106is using to participate in the exercise class. For example, the executable control504may be configured to modify a speed of the belt120of the exercise machine102being utilized by the user106, an incline of the deck112relative to the support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed, a resistance of the belt120, a pedal cadence, a braking force or resistance, and/or any other such parameters of the exercise machine102.

For example, in some embodiments the instructor may utter a relatively specific command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively specific commands may include, among other things, “run at a 6-minute mile pace,” “go to a 5.0 incline,” “reach your Zone 4 power output for the next 2 minutes,” or any other relatively definite command corresponding to a desired speed of the belt120, a desired running speed of the user106, a desired incline of the deck112, a desired power zone of the user106, a desired output level of the user106, a desired pedal cadence, and/or any other such parameter. Such commands may correspond to the current segment and/or current part of the exercise class. In response, an operator of the server302, and/or any other operator of a control station associated with the studio in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the verbal command uttered by the instructor, and may generate the executable control504based at least in part on the command.

In such examples, the operator may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., an elapsed time in a video file comprising audio content, video content, and/or other content corresponding to the exercise class) and/or otherwise identifying the time during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command. The operator may embed, link, and/or otherwise associate the executable control504with a video file comprising the exercise class. In particular, the operator may link, the executable control504to a part of the video file corresponding to the timestamp. As a result, when providing the exercise class to the user106via the user interface500(e.g., either in substantially real time via live streaming, and/or upon playback of the exercise class using an archived video file), the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the executable control504via the user interface500at the point in time during the exercise class in which the instructor uttered the verbal command.

Additionally or alternatively, it is understood that one or more such executable controls504may be generated utilizing natural language processing software and/or other at least partially automated techniques. For example, such natural language processing software operating on the server302may identify the verbal command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class, and/or after the exercise class has been completed. In such examples, the natural language processing software may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate the executable command504. In such examples, the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302may generate the executable control504based at least in part on such information. In some such examples, the natural language processing software may also provide the indication of the verbal command to one or more operators of the server302, and such operators may confirm, for example, the accuracy of the identified verbal command and/or the placement of a corresponding executable control504within the video file being generated at the server302.

In additional embodiments, the instructor may utter a relatively abstract or vague command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively abstract or vague commands may include, among other things, “jog for a few minutes,” “let's go up this hill,” or any other command that may have a different meaning for respective users106participating in the current exercise class, but that may still correspond to the current segment and/or current part of the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In response, an operator of the server302, and/or any other operator of a control station associated with the studio in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the verbal command uttered by the instructor, and may generate a corresponding executable control504based at least in part on the command.

In such examples, the operator may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., an elapsed time in a video file comprising audio content, video content, and/or other content corresponding to the exercise class) and/or otherwise identifying the time during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command. The operator may embed, link, and/or otherwise associate the executable control504with a video file comprising the exercise class. Additionally, the operator and/or the server302may configure the executable control504to affect a corresponding parameter of the exercise machine102in a manner that best fits and/or approximates the activity desired by the instructor, and that is tailored to the preferences, previous activities, physical abilities, and/or other characteristics of the particular user106participating in the exercise class. For example, the operator and/or the server302may configure the executable control504such that when a touch input is received via the executable control504(e.g., when the executable control504is selected by the user106), the processor of the digital hardware148may control and/or modify the speed of the belt120, the incline of the deck112, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or one or more other parameters of the exercise machine102in a manner that most closely approximates the intent of the instructor and/or the contextual meaning of the command.

For example, based at least in part on identifying the relatively abstract or vague command “jog for a few minutes,” the operator may generate an executable control504configured to cause the belt120to rotate at a 4-minute mile pace, and/or at any other relatively common jogging pace, and such a setting of the executable control504may comprise a default setting. Such default settings may be utilized by the operator in situations in which relatively little user data is available corresponding to the particular user106, a user profile of the user106does not include user data associated with a preferred jogging pace, and/or in any other situation in which the operator and/or the server302does not have access to adequate information corresponding to the user106. Alternatively, in examples in which a user profile of the user106identifies a preferred jogging pace, and/or in which the database304includes stored user data or other information indicating previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered jogging speeds of the particular user106, a weight, height, age, gender, or other physical characteristics of the user106, and/or other such information, the operator may generate an executable control504configured to cause the belt120to rotate at a jogging pace that corresponds to such user-specific information.

In particular, in any of the examples described herein in which a relatively vague or abstract command has been identified, the operator of the server302may generate an executable control504corresponding to such a command, and upon receiving a touch input via the executable control504while the exercise class is being presented to the user106via the user interface500, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate response (e.g., an appropriate modification of one or more parameters of the exercise machine102) based on user data stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304associated with the server302. As noted above, such an appropriate response, may comprise a default setting (e.g., a default jogging speed, and/or a default deck incline associated with jogging), a previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered setting (e.g., a jogging speed and/or a jogging deck incline included in the user profile of the user106), and/or a setting that is determined by the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by the processor of the server302based at least in part on user data (e.g., aggregate user data corresponding to the user106participating in one or more previous exercise classes using the exercise machine102) stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304.

FIG. 6illustrates a flow chart depicting an example method600of the present disclosure. The example method600is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. Such computer-executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method600is described with reference to the local system100, the exercise machine102, the user106, the user interfaces200,400, and/or other items shown inFIGS. 1-5. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method600may be performed by the one or more processors of the server302, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, unless otherwise specified, the method600will be described below with respect to the processor of the digital hardware148for ease of description.

With reference toFIG. 6, at602the processor of the digital hardware148may receive user data associated with a user106participating in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. For example, as described above, the exercise machine102may include one or more sensors147configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine performance metrics of the user106, parameters of the exercise machine102, and/or other information. For example, one or more such sensors147may comprise a heart rate monitor, a proximity sensor, and/or other biometric sensor configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a heart rate, a blood pressure, a body temperature, and/or other physical characteristics of the user102as the user participates in an exercise class using the exercise machine102. The exercise machine102may also include one or more additional sensors configured to sense, collect, measure, and/or otherwise determine a speed of the belt120, an incline of the deck112, a resistance of the belt120, a rotational speed of an output shaft of the motor utilized to drive the belt120, a position of an output shaft of the motor utilized to modify the incline of the deck112relative to the support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. In such examples, the one or more sensors147may include, among other things, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or other sensors configured to determine speed, motion, position, and/or other parameters. In any of the examples described herein, at602one or more such sensors147may provide signals (e.g., continuously, substantially continuously, and/or at regular intervals) to the processor of the digital hardware148including such user data and/or other information.

Additionally, at602the processor of the digital hardware148may receive electronic content via the network306described above. In such examples, such electronic content may comprise, among other things, one or more signals from the server302and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, and such signals may comprise any of the user data described above. Additionally and/or alternatively, such electronic content may comprise, among other things, an exercise class. For example, the user106may utilize the exercise machine102to participate in a live exercise class being streamed in substantially real-time, and in such examples, the electronic content may comprise one or more video files (e.g., a live stream) comprising audio content, video content, and/or other content associated with the live exercise class. Alternatively, the user106may utilize the exercise machine102to participate in an archived (e.g., previously recorded) exercise class, and in such examples, the electronic content may comprise one or more video files comprising audio content, video content, and/or other content associated with the archived exercise class.

Further, in any of the examples described herein, at602the processor of the digital hardware148may receive a plurality of user data corresponding to various exercise classes. For example, at602the processor of the digital hardware148may receive first user data corresponding to a first exercise class that the user106is currently participating in using the exercise machine102, or that the user106previously participated in using the exercise machine102. Further, at602the processor of the digital hardware148may receive additional user data corresponding to one or more additional exercise classes (e.g., a second exercise class, a third exercise class, etc.) that the user106previously participated in using the exercise machine102. In any such examples, the user data received at602may be stored locally (e.g., in a memory of the digital hardware148) and/or remotely (e.g., in the database304associated with the networked exercise system300). Additionally, it is understood that the user data received at602may comprise a plurality of belt speeds, a plurality of deck incline settings, a plurality of belt resistances, and/or any other collection of parameters that the user106selected, entered, and/or otherwise utilized while the user106participated in one or more respective exercise classes (e.g., a plurality of exercise classes) using the exercise machine102. Such user data may be received at602for each exercise class participated in by the user106.

At604, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether the user data received at602comprises greater than a minimum amount of user data required to generate an executable control of the present disclosure. For example, in order to determine, with a relatively high degree of confidence, one or more settings of an executable control being generated by the processor of the digital hardware148, the processor may determine whether a minimum amount of user data has been received. For instance, in embodiments in which user data associated with only a single exercise class (e.g., a minimum amount equal to two exercise classes) has been received at602, the processor may determine that the amount of user data received at602is less than the minimum required amount (604—No). On the other hand, in embodiments in which user data associated with three or more exercise classes (e.g., a minimum amount equal to two exercise classes) has been received at602, the processor may determine that greater than a minimum required amount of user data (e.g., first user data associated with a first exercise class, combined with second user data associated with a second exercise class, and combined with third user data associated with a third exercise class) has been received at602(604—Yes).

At606, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether the user data received at602is characterized by, is indicative of, and/or otherwise corresponds to one or more metrics above a required threshold. For example, even in embodiments in which greater than a minimum amount of user data has been received at602(604—Yes), such user data may or may not be sufficient to determine one or more settings of an executable control and/or otherwise sufficient to generate such an executable control. For instance, one or more minimum percentage thresholds, minimum length of time thresholds, frequency ranges, minimum and/or maximum parameter values, and/or other metrics may be established and/or otherwise utilized in the process of generating an executable control. In any of the examples described herein, at606the processor of the digital hardware148may compare the user data received at602with one or more such thresholds and/or other metrics in order to determine whether the received user data satisfies such thresholds and/or other metrics.

For example, in one embodiment, one or more such thresholds and/or other metrics may comprise a minimum percentage threshold (e.g., 20%, 25%, 30%, etc.) associated with the percentage of the total duration of the exercise class that the user106selected, entered, and/or otherwise utilized a particular belt speed, deck incline, belt resistance, and/or other parameter of the exercise machine102while the user106participated in the respective exercise class. In such an example embodiment, if the user106utilized a particular belt speed (e.g., a speed corresponding to a 6.0 minute mile pace) for greater than such a minimum percentage (e.g., 20%) of the total duration of the exercise class corresponding to the user data being considered at606(606—Yes), the processor of the digital hardware148would proceed to step608. Alternatively, if the user106utilized a particular belt speed or less than or equal such a minimum percentage of the total duration of the exercise class corresponding to the user data being considered at606(606—No), the processor of the digital hardware148would proceed to step602.

In another example embodiment, one or more such thresholds and/or other metrics may comprise a minimum length of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.) within and/or during the total duration of the exercise class that the user106selected, entered, and/or otherwise utilized a particular belt speed, deck incline, belt resistance, and/or other parameter of the exercise machine102while the user106participated in the respective exercise class. In such an example embodiment, if the user106utilized a particular belt speed (e.g., a speed corresponding to a 6.0 minute mile pace) for a length of time within the duration of the exercise class (e.g., the exercise class corresponding to the user data being considered at606) greater than such a minimum length of time (606—Yes), the processor of the digital hardware148would proceed to step608. Alternatively, if the user106utilized a particular belt speed for a length of time within the duration of the exercise class less than or equal to such a minimum length of time (606—No), the processor of the digital hardware148would proceed to step602. In further example embodiments, as noted above, one or more such metrics or thresholds may comprise a range of belt speeds, range of deck inclines, range of belt resistances, a range of pedal cadences, a range of brake forces or resistances, and/or other ranges of parameters associated with the exercise machine102. Additionally or alternatively, maximum and/or minimum belt speeds, deck inclines, resistance ranges, and/or other values corresponding to parameters of the exercise machine102could also be utilized by the processor of the digital hardware148for purposes of comparison at606.

At608, the processor of the digital hardware148may generate one or more executable controls for a user interface400based at least in part on the user data received at602. For example, as described with respect toFIG. 4, the user interface400may include a window418overlaid on and/or otherwise displayed together with the primary window410, and such a window418may include one or more executable controls operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in an exercise class. As shown inFIG. 4, such an additional window418may include a plurality of executable controls configured to modify a speed of the belt120, an incline of the deck112, a resistance associated with the belt120, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, and/or other parameters of the exercise machine102. For example, such executable controls may include a “jog” executable control420, a “run” executable control422, a “sprint” executable control424, one or more deck incline executable controls426,428,430, and/or other executable controls configured to modify a speed of the belt120and/or an incline of the deck112. In such examples, the speeds associated with the respective executable controls420,422,424may be default belt speeds stored in a memory of the digital hardware148and/or in the database304. Similarly, the deck inclines associated with the respective executable controls426,428,430may be default deck incline heights stored in the memory of the digital hardware148and/or in the database304. Alternatively, in other examples the speeds associated with the respective executable controls420,422,424may be entered, and/or otherwise selected by the user106when establishing a user profile unique to the user106, before the user106begins participating in the current exercise class, while the user106is participating in the exercise class, and/or at any other time. Similarly, the deck inclines associated with the respective executable controls426,428,430may be deck incline heights entered and/or otherwise selected by the user106in a similar manner. In still further examples, the speeds associated with the respective executable controls420,422,424and/or the deck inclines associated with the respective executable controls426,428,430may comprise respective speeds or deck inclines that are identified, calculated, selected, and/or otherwise determined by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or a processor or other component of the one or more servers306. In such further examples, the speeds associated with the respective executable controls420,422,424and/or the deck inclines associated with the respective executable controls426,428,430may be determined based on, for example, aggregate user data associated with past performances or other workouts of the user106(e.g., the user data received at602) and in accordance with the steps604,606described above. In any of the examples described herein, the one or more executable controls generated at608may comprise data files, text files, digital files, metadata, settings, requirements, instructions, and/or any other electronic file executable by the processor of the digital hardware148to modify at least one parameter of the exercise machine102.

In example embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the executable controls generated at608may comprise one or more settings associated with modifying a parameter of the exercise machine102. For example, as described above, one or more of the executable controls420,422,424may be configured to change, set, and/or otherwise modify the speed of the belt120, and the speeds associated with the respective executable controls420,422,424may comprise respective settings of the executable controls420,422,424. Likewise, one or more of the executable controls426,428,430may be configured to change, set, and/or otherwise modify the incline of the deck112, and the incline heights and/or decline heights associated with the respective executable controls426,428,430comprise respective settings of the executable controls426,428,430.

Additionally, in some examples the user interface400may include more than one executable control configured to modify a particular parameter of the exercise machine102, and in such examples, one or more such executable controls may exist as a component of the user interface400prior to the generation of one or more additional executable controls at608. Accordingly, at610, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether one or more of the executable controls generated at608includes a respective setting that is adequately spaced from the one or more respective settings of an existing executable control included in the user interface400. For example, in some situations, the user interface400may include a first executable control (e.g., executable control420) having a first setting (e.g., a belt speed equal to a 6.0 minute mile pace) corresponding to a speed of the belt120. In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may generate a second executable control (e.g., executable control422) having a second setting (e.g., a belt speed equal to a 5.0 minute mile pace) corresponding to the speed of the belt120. In such examples, at610the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether a difference between the first setting of the first executable control (e.g., executable control420) and the second setting of the second executable control (e.g., executable control422) exceeds a threshold. In such examples, such a threshold may have any desired value corresponding to the parameter of the exercise machine102associated with the various executable controls being considered at610, an age, gender, weight, health, physical fitness, and/or other physical condition of the user106, and/or any other characteristics associated with the exercise class being participated in by the user106. In such examples, if at610the processor of the digital hardware148determines that the difference between the first setting and the second setting does not exceed such a threshold (610—No), the processor may proceed to612where the processor may modify the setting of the newly created executable control in order to satisfy the difference threshold described above. Alternatively, at612the processor may delete the executable control generated at608. On the other hand, if at610the processor of the digital hardware148determines that the difference between the first setting and the second setting does exceed such a difference threshold (610—Yes), the processor may proceed to614.

Further, as noted above, in some examples of the present disclosure one or more controls434included in the user interface400may be operable to receive one or more touch inputs indicative of a request to customize and/or otherwise modify one or more settings of an executable control provided via the user interface400. For example, in response to receiving a touch input via the control434, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide one or more number pads, text entry fields, slider bars, control wheels, and/or other controls via the user interface400configured to receive further input from the user106. In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may receive one or more touch inputs via such additional controls, and such touch inputs may be indicative of a requested modification to the setting of at least one of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430included in the user interface400. In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may modify the setting of the at least one of the executable controls420,422,424,426,428,430included in the user interface400based at least in part on the one or more touch inputs received via such additional controls.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, in some examples one or more of the executable controls generated at608may be provided to the user106, via the user interface400, regardless of the various configurations and/or requirements of the exercise class that the user106is currently participating in. Alternatively, in other example embodiments one or more requirements associated with the particular exercise class that the user106is participating in may be taken into account by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining whether to provide the executable control while the user106is participating in the particular exercise class, and/or whether to modify one or more settings of the executable control. For example, an “advanced” exercise class may have higher level of difficulty requirements and/or other class-specific performance requirements than a “beginner” exercise class. For instance, example performance requirements of an “advanced” exercise class may dictate that a user106participating in such a class be able to sprint at relatively high speeds, for relatively long periods of time, and/or at relatively steep inclines, while corresponding performance requirements of a “beginner” exercise class may be relatively less demanding. For example, an “advanced” exercise class may specify performance requirements comprising a minimum belt speed corresponding to a 5.0 minute mile pace, and/or a minimum deck incline at a level equal to approximately 8 inches as measured between the front end of the exercise machine102and a substantially horizontal support surface on which the exercise machine102is disposed. An example “beginner” exercise class, on the other hand, may specify performance requirements comprising a minimum belt speed corresponding to an 8.0 minute mile pace, and/or a minimum deck incline at a level equal to approximately 3 inches as measured between the front end of the exercise machine102and a substantially horizontal support surface.

In such examples, at614the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether a setting (e.g., a belt speed) of the executable control generated at608has a value that is greater than or equal to the performance requirement specified by the current exercise class. In such examples, if at614the processor of the digital hardware148determines that the setting of the executable control generated at608has a value that is less than the performance requirement specified by the exercise class (614—No), the processor of the digital hardware148may proceed to616where the processor may modify the setting of the executable control generated at608such that the setting of the executable control satisfies the one or more requirements of the exercise class. At616, the processor may also verify that any modifications made to the settings do not contradict and/or violate any of the difference (e.g., spacing) thresholds considered at610. In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may then proceed to618. Alternatively, if at614the processor of the digital hardware148determines that the setting of the executable control generated at608has a value that is greater than or equal to the performance requirement specified by the exercise class (614—Yes), the processor of the digital hardware148may proceed to618without modifying the one or more settings of the executable control generated at608.

As noted above, an example exercise class of the present disclosure may include one or more exercise segments. Such exercise segments may be characterized by a desired physical activity (e.g., jog, sprint, lift weights, etc.) that the instructor of the exercise class commands the user106to perform during the respective exercise segment. In some examples, the user interface400may include one or more timelines, such as a segmented timeline402. An example segmented timeline402may include one or more segments404corresponding to respective portions, parts, or other exercise segments of the exercise class that the user106is currently participating in. The segmented timeline402may also include one or more visual indica408indicating an activity requirement (e.g., stretch, walk, run, sprint, lift weights, etc.), an equipment requirement (e.g., dumbbells, yoga mat, etc.), and/or other requirement associated with a respective exercise segment of the exercise class. In example embodiments, one or more activity requirements and/or other requirements associated with the respective exercise segments of the exercise class may be taken into account by the processor of the digital hardware148in determining whether to provide the executable control generated at608while the user106is participating in the particular exercise class, and/or whether to store or delete the executable control. For example, such activity requirements of the individual exercise segments may characterize the respective segments as being of a particular type (e.g., a stretching segment, a walking segment, a running segment, a sprint segment, a weight lifting segment, etc.). In such examples, the processor of the digital hardware148may only provide the executable control148generated at608in exercise segments with which the particular executable control corresponds or pertains. For example, an executable control generated at608configured to cause the belt120of the exercise machine102to move or rotate at a speed corresponding to a 5.5 minute mile pace may not correspond or pertain to a stretching segment, a walking segment, or a weight lifting segment. As a result, the processor of the digital hardware148may not provide such an executable control during such exercise segments based at least in part on the respective activity requirements associated with such exercise segments.

For example, at618the processor of the digital hardware148may identify an exercise segment of the exercise class that the user106is participating in, and may also identify an activity requirement associated with the exercise segment. At618, the processor of the digital hardware148may also determine whether a setting (e.g., a speed of the belt120, an incline of the deck112, a pedal cadence of a stationary bicycle, a braking force or resistance of the stationary bicycle, etc.) of the executable control generated at608corresponds to, pertains to, and/or otherwise satisfies the activity requirement associated with the exercise segment. As described above, in such examples the processor of the digital hardware148may determine, at618, whether the setting of the executable control is relevant to the type of exercise segment that the user106is currently participating in. In such examples, the exercise segment may be characterized by and/or may include metadata, a classification tag, and/or other information identifying the exercise segment as being of a particular type (e.g., a stretching segment, a walking segment, a running segment, a sprint segment, a weight lifting segment, etc.). The executable control generated at608may also be characterized by and/or may include metadata, a classification tag, and/or other information identifying the executable control as being of a particular type (e.g., a walking control, a running control, a sprint control, etc.), and such information may comprise one of the settings of the executable control. Accordingly, in some examples, at618the processor of the digital hardware148may determine whether the setting of the executable control (e.g., the information identifying the executable control as being of a particular type) corresponds to, pertains to, matches, and/or otherwise satisfies the activity requirement (e.g., information identifying the exercise segment as being of a particular type) of the exercise segment that the user106is currently participating in. If not (618—No), the processor of the digital hardware may proceed to620, and at620the processor may store the control in the memory associated with the processor and/or in the database304. Alternatively, if at618the processor of the digital hardware148determines that the setting of the executable control corresponds to, pertains to, matches, and/or otherwise satisfies the activity requirement of the exercise segment (618—Yes), the processor may proceed to622.

At622, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide the executable control, via the display104, while the user106is participating in the particular exercise class. In such examples, and as described above, the executable control provided at622may be operable to modify one or more parameters of the exercise machine102while the user106is participating in the exercise class.

At624, the processor of the digital hardware148may store the executable control in the memory associated with the processor of the digital hardware148and/or in the database304. In some examples, at624the processor may associate the executable control, in the memory of the digital hardware and/or in the database304, with a user profile unique to the user106. For example, as described above, the user106may generate a user profile during a set-up procedure of the exercise machine102, and may continue to update the user profile, over time, with preferences particular to the user106, desired exercise machine settings, and/or other information. In such examples, the user profile may be configured such that, when the user profile is accessed on the exercise machine102, and/or on one or more additional exercise machines102, the executable control stored in association with the user profile may be provided via a display104of such one or more additional exercise machines102, as the user106participates in one or more additional exercise classes.

FIG. 7illustrates a flow chart depicting another example method700of the present disclosure. Similar to the method600described above, the example method700is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Additionally, the method700may include any of the operations described above with respect to the method600, and vice versa. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method700is described with reference to the networked exercise system300, an instructor using a first exercise machine102to perform an exercise class in a studio or other location comprising one or more of the video cameras308, microphones310, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, a user106using a second exercise machine102, one or more user interfaces200,400,500, and/or other items shown inFIGS. 1-5. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method700may be performed by the processor of the digital hardware148, unless otherwise specified, the method700will be described below with respect to the one or more processors of the server302, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300for ease of description.

With reference toFIG. 7, at702the server302and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may capture content associated with an exercise class being performed by an instructor. In such examples, the instructor may be utilizing a first exercise machine102to perform the exercise class and a studio, gym, and/or other workout facility. In such examples, one or more video cameras308, microphones310, music players312, audio mixers314, and/or other components of the networked exercise system300may be utilized by and/or in conjunction with the server302to sense, record, and/or otherwise capture the exercise class content at702. For example, at702the server302may capture audio content corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor, as well as video content corresponding to the exercise class.

At704, the server302may generate a video file comprising the audio content, the video content, and/or any other content captured at702. For example, audio content may be captured at702in an audio track, and video content may be captured at702in a video track separate from the audio track. In such examples, at704the analog to digital converter316, the video encoder320, the video transcoder324, and/or other components of the server302may merge the audio track and the video track to form a single digital video file at704. Additionally or alternatively, the audio content and the video content may be captured at702utilizing at least one analog device. In such examples, at704, the analog to digital converter316and/or other components of the server302may convert any such analog content to digital content, and may generate a digital video file at704comprising digital audio content and digital video content. In still further examples, at702, the audio content and the video content may be captured in digital form and in a single content capture (e.g., digital recording) process. In such examples, a video file (e.g., a digital video file) may be generated at702upon and/or as part of capturing the audio content and video content.

At706, the server302may identify one or more performance commands uttered by the instructor during the exercise class. For example, natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may identify a verbal command uttered by the instructor during the exercise class, and/or after the exercise class has been completed. In such examples, at706the natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. In some examples, the natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software may additionally or alternatively provide the indication of the verbal command to one or more operators of the server302(e.g., via a display or other output device operably connected to the server302), and such operators may confirm, for example, the accuracy of the identified verbal command and/or the placement of a corresponding executable control within the video file generated at704. In still further examples, at706the performance command may be identified and/or recognized by an operator viewing the exercise class (in real time and/or upon playback of the exercise class) without the use of natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software.

As noted above, in some embodiments the instructor may utter a relatively specific command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively specific commands may include, “run at a 6-minute mile pace,” “go to a 5.0 incline,” “reach your Zone 4 power output for the next 2 minutes,” or any other relatively definite command corresponding to a desired speed of the belt120, a desired running speed of the user106, a desired incline of the deck112, a desired power zone of the user106, a desired output level of the user106, a desired braking force or resistance of the exercise machine102, a pedal cadence of the user106, and/or any other such parameter. In such examples, at706the server302, an operator of the server302, and/or any other operator of a control station associated with the location (e.g., a studio) in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the verbal command uttered by the instructor. In some examples, at706natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. Additionally, at706the server302may identify a timestamp associated with the command (e.g., an elapsed time in the video file generated at704). Such a timestamp may identify the time during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command.

In additional embodiments, the instructor may utter a relatively abstract or vague command during an exercise class. Examples of such relatively abstract or vague commands may include, “jog for a few minutes,” “let's go up this hill,” or any other command that may have a different meaning for respective users106participating in the exercise class, but that may still correspond to the current exercise segment and/or current part of the exercise class being performed by the instructor. In such examples, at706the server302, an operator of the server302, and/or an operator of a control station associated with the location (e.g., an exercise studio) in which the instructor is performing the exercise class, may identify the relatively abstract verbal command uttered by the instructor. In some examples, at706natural language processing software and/or other voice recognition software operating on the server302may provide an indication of the verbal command to the video encoder320, and/or other components of the server302operable to generate an executable command. Additionally, at706the server302may identify a timestamp associated with the relatively abstract command.

At708, the server302may generate an executable control504corresponding to the exercise class being performed by the instructor and operable to modify a parameter of an exercise machine102(e.g., a second exercise machine102used by a user106to participate in the exercise class). In particular, at708the server302may generate an executable control504corresponding to the performance command identified at706. As described above, one or more executable controls504generated at708may comprise data files, text files, digital files, metadata, instructions, and/or any other electronic file executable by the processor of the digital hardware148to modify at least one parameter of the second exercise machine102. In example embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the executable controls504generated at708may comprise one or more settings associated with modifying a parameter of the second exercise machine102.

For example, in embodiments in which the command identified at706comprises a relatively specific command, the server302may configure the executable control504such that, when the executable control504is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., of the second exercise machine102), the processor of the digital hardware148may cause a component of the exercise machine102(e.g., a motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120) to operate and/or perform an action specifically defined by the executable control504. For example, in embodiments in which an example relatively specific command identified at706comprises “run at a 6-minute mile pace,” at708the server302may generate a corresponding executable control504that includes instructions, metadata, and/or other information or components which, when executed by the processor of the digital hardware148, will cause the motor of the deck112controlling the speed of the belt120to drive the belt120to rotate at a belt speed corresponding to a 6-minute mile pace. Similar instructions may be included in an executable control504directed to a particular power zone, a particular incline of the deck112, a particular pedal cadence, a particular stationary bicycle braking resistance, and/or any other parameter of the exercise machine102.

On the other hand, in embodiments in which the command identified at706comprises a relatively vague or abstract command, the server302may configure the executable control504such that, when the executable control504is processed and/or executed by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., of the second exercise machine102), the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate (e.g., a best fit) response corresponding to the executable control504before causing one or more components of the exercise machine102to operate in a modified manner. For example, in embodiments in which an example relatively abstract command identified at706comprises “jog for a few minutes,” at708the server302may generate an executable control504including instructions, metadata, and/or other information which when executed by a processor of an exercise machine102(e.g., a second exercise machine102) may cause the belt120of such an exercise machine102to rotate at a 4-minute mile pace, and/or at any other relatively common jogging pace, and such a setting of the executable control504may comprise a default setting. Such a default setting may be associated with the executable control504at708in situations in which relatively little user data is available corresponding to the particular user106, a user profile of the user106does not include user data associated with a setting or preference of the user106related to the abstract command identified at706, and/or in any other situation in which the server302does not have access to adequate information corresponding to the user106. Alternatively, in examples in which a user profile of the user106identifies a preferred jogging pace, and/or in which the database304includes stored user data or other information indicating previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered jogging speeds of the particular user106, a weight, height, age, gender, or other physical characteristics of the user106, and/or other such information, at708the server302may generate an executable control504configured to cause the belt120to rotate at a jogging pace that corresponds to such user-specific information.

In any of the examples described herein in which a relatively vague or abstract command has been identified, the server302may generate an executable control504at708corresponding to such a command, and upon receiving a touch input via the executable control504while the exercise class is being presented to the user106via the user interface500, the processor of the digital hardware148may determine an appropriate response (e.g., an appropriate modification of one or more parameters of the exercise machine102) based on user data stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304associated with the server302. As noted above, such an appropriate response, may comprise a default setting (e.g., a default jogging speed, and/or a default deck incline associated with jogging), a previously selected, previously customized, and/or previously entered setting (e.g., a jogging speed and/or a jogging deck incline included in the user profile of the user106), and/or a setting that is determined by the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by the processor of the server302based at least in part on user data (e.g., aggregate user data corresponding to the user106participating in one or more previous exercise classes using the exercise machine102) stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or stored within the database304.

At710the server302may embed, link, and/or otherwise associate the executable control504with the video file generated at704such that playback of at least part of the video file by the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., by the processor of the second exercise machine102) via the display104may result in display of the executable control504. In particular, at710the server302may link the executable control504to a part of the video file corresponding to the timestamp associated with the command and identified at706. In such examples, the timestamp may comprise an elapsed time of the video file generated at704and/or during the exercise class at which the instructor uttered the command. As a result, when providing the exercise class to the user106via the user interface500(e.g., either in substantially real time via live streaming, and/or upon playback of the exercise class using an archived video file), the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., the processor of the second exercise machine102) may provide the executable control504at the point in time during the exercise class in which the instructor uttered the verbal command.

At712, the server302may provide the executable control504, together with the video file generated at704, to the processor of the digital hardware148. In such examples, the video packetizer326of the server302may provide one or more signals to the exercise machine102(e.g., the second exercise machine102) via the network306, and such signals may include, at least part of the video file and/or the executable control504embedded therein. In some examples, such as an example in which a user106is live streaming the exercise class in substantially real-time, the server302may provide the video file generated at704and the executable control504generated at708, via the network306, as part of a live stream of the exercise class. Alternatively, in examples in which the user106is participating in an archived exercise class, at712, the server302may provide the video file generated at704and the executable control504generated at708, via the network306, as part of a transmission of the archived exercise class. It is understood that, upon receipt of the executable control504, a processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., a processor of the second exercise machine102) may cause one or more components of the exercise machine102to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102based at least in part on the processor executing the executable control504.

Further, at714, the server302may save and/or otherwise store the executable control504generated at708together with the video file generated at704. In such examples, the executable control504may be linked to, embedded within, associated with, and/or otherwise stored with the video file such that, upon playback of the video file, the executable control504may be displayed as part of a user interface500presented to the user106via the display104. Further, while the previous disclosure indicates that the server302may perform one or more operations of the method700, in any of the examples described herein, any of the operations described above with respect to the method700may be performed, in whole or in part, by the server302, an operator of the server302, an operator of a control station at which an exercise class is being performed by an instructor, and/or by any combination thereof.

FIG. 8illustrates a flow chart depicting still another example method800of the present disclosure. Similar to the methods600,700described above, the example method800is illustrated as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the steps represent computer-executable instructions stored in memory. When such instructions are executed by, for example, the processor of the digital hardware148and/or by one or more processors of the server302described above, such instructions may cause the processor of the digital hardware148and/or the one or more processors of the server302to perform the recited operations. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described steps can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Additionally, the method800may include any of the operations described above with respect to the methods600,700, and vice versa. For discussion purposes, and unless otherwise specified, the method800will be described with respect to the local system100, exercise machine102, user106, one or more user interfaces200,400,500, and/or other items shown inFIGS. 1-5. In particular, although any part of and/or the entire method800may be performed by the one or more processors of the server302and/or other components of the networked exercise system300, unless otherwise specified, the method800will be described below with respect to the processor of the digital hardware148(e.g., the processor of the exercise machine102shown inFIG. 1) for ease of description.

In any of the example embodiments described herein, the local system100and/or the networked computing system300may be operable to assist a user106in achieving one or more workout targets or goals. Such targets or goals may be, for example, a best time for a 5 mile run performed by a particular user106, a longest distance ran by the user106in a particular length of time (e.g., a longest distance ran by the user106in 30 minutes), a highest output or calorie burn by the user106in a particular length of time, a best time for a 5 mile run performed by another user106(e.g., a friend, favorite user, workout partner, spouse, or colleague of the user106), etc. In some examples, information associated with such targets or goals may be stored within a memory of the digital hardware148and/or in the database304. In such examples, such information may be accessed and utilized by a processor of the digital hardware148and/or by the server302in order to generate and provide one or more executable controls corresponding to a target or goal of the user106.

For example, with reference toFIG. 8, at802the processor of the digital hardware148may provide a control menu, via the display104of the exercise machine102. In some examples, such a control menu may comprise, among other things, one or more windows, sections, and/or other portions of a user interface400displayed by the display104. For example, in some embodiments, such a control menu may comprise one or more windows418displayed within the primary window410. Such an example window418may be substantially similar to and/or the same as the window418described above with respect toFIG. 4. In such examples, the window418may include, among other things, one or more executable controls corresponding to one or more targets or goals of the user106. For example, one or more such executable controls provided via the window418may be operable to modify a parameter of the exercise machine102, while the user106is utilizing the exercise machine102. In such examples, the window418may comprise one or more lookup menus, and each of the executable controls provided via the window418may correspond to, for example, a 5 mile run previously performed by the user106, a longest distance ran by the user106in a particular length of time, a workout corresponding to a highest output or calorie burn by the user106, a best time for a 5 mile run performed by a friend, favorite user, workout partner, spouse, or colleague of the user106, a multi-session training and/or exercise program that the user106may be participating in with one or more additional users106, and/or any other targets or goals that the user106may desire to achieve. In such examples, any of the targets or goals described herein, and/or information associated with machine parameters corresponding to such targets or goals may be stored within the memory of the digital hardware148and/or within the database304of the networked exercise system300. Additionally, executable controls corresponding to such targets or goals may also be stored within the memory of the digital hardware148and/or within the database304. It is understood that the method800may include any of the processes, and/or other operations described above with respect to generating and/or providing such executable controls.

At804, the processor of the digital hardware148may receive an input corresponding to at least one of the executable controls provided via the user interface400. For example, at804. The user106may provide a touch input via the display104indicating selection of one of the executable controls provided therein. In response, the user interface400and/or one or more components of the display104may provide a signal to the processor of the digital hardware148indicating the selection of the particular executable control.

At806, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide one or more user interfaces corresponding to the executable control that was selected at804. For example, at804the user106may select an executable control displayed in the window418corresponding to a 5 mile run previously performed by the user106(e.g., a best time for a 5 mile run previously performed by the user106on a particular course). In such examples, at806, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide a user interface400corresponding to the particular target or goal associated with the selected executable control. In the example described above, at806, the processor of the digital hardware148may provide a user interface400corresponding to the best time for a 5 mile run previously performed by the user106. Such a user interface400may include, for example, one or more visual images replicating a road, scenery, and/or other items associated with a course of the targeted 5 mile run. Such a user interface400may also include a ghosted image of the user106performing the targeted 5 mile run along the course. Such a user interface400may further include information indicating stored user data (heart rate, blood pressure, output, calories burned, etc.) associated with the targeted 5 mile run, and/or information indicating current user data of the user106as the user106is participating in the targeted workout.

At808, the processor of the digital hardware148may operate the exercise machine102, according to the executable control selected at804. For example, in embodiments in which, at804, the user106selects an executable control displayed in the window418corresponding to a 5 mile run previously performed by the user106, based at least in part on such an input, the processor of the digital hardware148may control and/or modify one or more parameters of the exercise machine102in order to keep the user106on pace for the targeted 5 mile run. For example, the processor of the digital hardware148may adjust the incline of the deck112, the speed of the belt120, a resistance of the belt120, and/or any other parameters of the exercise machine102according to corresponding settings, and/or parameters associated with the targeted 5 mile run. In this way, the exercise machine102may operate, in real time, according to all portions of the targeted run to ensure that the user106stays on and/or ahead of the targeted pace, and that the user106experiences the conditions and parameters of the exercise machine102corresponding to the targeted run.

CONCLUSION