Sensor Technology Endows Treadmills With New Safety Features

SALT LAKE CITY /PRNewswire/ -- PCE Health & Fitness, manufacturer of LifeSpan fitness equipment, will incorporate a unique, load-sensing feature into LifeSpan HOME series and PRO series treadmills. The U.S. patent office recently approved a patent covering LifeSpan's Intelli-Sense Automatic User Sensing Technology. Intelli-Sense is an intelligent, feature that increases treadmill safety and allows for step-based programming.

Intelli-Sense automatically detects the impact of a foot striking the treadmill belt, providing greater step count accuracy than a traditional pedometer. When abnormal running or walking conditions exist, Intelli-Sense automatically shuts off the treadmill. For example, if a user suddenly leaves the treadmill to answer the phone and forgets to stop the treadmill, Intelli-Sense will first pause then reset the treadmill. Intelli-Sense will also shut off a treadmill if it detects a constant load, which happens when a user accidentally falls on the treadmill or clothing jams in the treadmill belt.

LifeSpan treadmills will still include a traditional safety device for emergencies; however, these devices require action by the user that may not happen. Intelli-Sense provides treadmill users an additional level of safety, without being obtrusive or requiring any action. Adding Intelli-Sense to treadmills is similar to adding airbags to cars to supplement seat belt use. Both automated features detect impact to increase safety.

Besides obvious safety benefits, this new feature, by accurately counting the user's steps on the treadmill will be used to develop motivating step-based workout programs and daily living programs on LifeSpan treadmills. Intelli-Sense also provides the ability to track and verify treadmill usage.