WEARABLE DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED EXERCISE COACHING FUNCTION AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/009851 designating the United States, filed on Jul. 8, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0121652, filed on Sep. 6, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0142277, filed on Oct. 17, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Certain example embodiments may relate to a wearable device and/or an electronic device for providing a customized exercise coaching function, and/or an operating method of the wearable device and/or the electronic device.

2. Related Art

A walking assistance device may generally refer to a machine and/or a device that helps a person such as a patient unable to walk on their own because of diseases, accidents, or other causes with their walking exercises for rehabilitation treatment, and/or helps a person with workouts or the like. In our current, rapidly aging society, a growing number of people experience inconvenience when walking or have difficulty with normal walking due to malfunctioning joints, and there is increasing interest in walking assistance devices. A walking assistance device is to be worn on a user's body to assist the user by providing muscular strength and/or to assist the user with their exercises and/or walking by inducing the user to walk such that the user may walk in a normal walking pattern. The walking assistance device may assist the user with various leg exercises (e.g., one or more of power walking, jogging, stair climbing, lunging, and stretching).

The above information may be presented as the related art to help with the understanding of the disclosure. Any of the above description is not claimed as the prior art related to the present disclosure or is not used to determine the prior art.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify main features or necessary features of claimed elements nor to help determine the scope of the claimed elements, and is not intended to be limiting as to claims.

According to an example embodiment, an electronic device may include a communication circuit, at least one processor including processing circuitry, and memory storing computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the electronic device to perform, based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the sensor data, controlling of exercise coaching content to be output during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device. The sensor data is received via the communication circuit and is to be measured by one or more sensors of the wearable device. The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include, based on the sensor data received from the wearable device, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output.

According to an example embodiment, a wearable device may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may obtain sensor data including motion information of the wearable device by measuring motion of the wearable device corresponding to motion of a user wearing the wearable device, at least one processor including processing circuitry, and memory storing computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may cause the wearable device to perform, based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the sensor data, controlling of exercise coaching content to be output during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device. The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include, based on the obtained sensor data, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output.

According to an example embodiment, an operating method of an electronic device may include receiving, from a wearable device worn on a body of a user, sensor data measured by one or more sensors of the wearable device, determining exercise coaching content based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the sensor data during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device, and controlling the determined exercise coaching content to be output. The controlling of the determined exercise coaching content to be output may include, based on the sensor data received from the wearable device, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a wearable device worn on a body of a user, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exercise assistance system according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a rear schematic view of a wearable device according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a left side view illustrating a wearable device worn on a body of a user, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating components of an electronic system of a wearable device, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an interaction between a wearable device and an electronic device, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating components of an electronic device according to various example embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of providing exercise coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating exercise target indicators for each exercise program and types of exercise coaching content provided according to the exercise program, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of an operating method of an electronic device for providing an exercise coaching function according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing periodic coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing immediate coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing tendency coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing motivational coaching content after providing tendency coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing progress coaching content according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operations of performing exercise coaching by changing an exercise target indicator, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating how to handle a case of overlapping output of pieces of exercise coaching content, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of changing an output condition of exercise coaching content according to the performance of a user, according to various example embodiments.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating an example in which an exercise target indicator that is a target of exercise coaching is changed during exercise performance, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of exercise coaching when a case of overlapping output of pieces of exercise coaching content occurs, according to various example embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating examples of changing an output condition of exercise coaching content according to an exercise performance situation of a user, according to various example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, certain example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a wearable device worn on a body of a user, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a wearable device 100 may be a device worn on a body of a user 110 to assist the user 110 in walking, exercising, and/or working. The wearable device 100 may be used to measure physical ability (e.g., walking ability, exercise ability, or an exercise posture) of the user 110. In some embodiments, the term “wearable device” may be replaced with “wearable robot,” “walking assistance device,” or “exercise assistance device”. The user 110 may be a person who walks, exercises, or performs a task while wearing the wearable device 100.

In some embodiments, the description is provided based on an example in which the wearable device 100 is a hip-type wearable device as shown in FIG. 1. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. As described above, the wearable device 100 may also be worn on other body parts (e.g., upper arms, lower arms, hands, calves, or feet) other than the waist and thighs. The shape and configuration of the wearable device 100 may vary depending on the body part on which the wearable device 100 is worn.

The wearable device 100 may include a support frame (e.g., a waist support frame 20 of FIG. 3) configured to support the body of the user 110 when the wearable device 100 is worn on the body of the user 110, a driving module (e.g., a first driving module 45 and a second driving module 35 of FIG. 3) configured to generate torque to be applied to the legs of the user 110, a torque transmission frame (e.g., a first torque transmission frame 55 and a second torque transmission frame 50 of FIG. 3) configured to transmit the torque generated by the driving module to the legs of the user 110, a sensor circuit including one or more sensors configured to acquire sensor data including motion information on a body motion (e.g., a leg motion and a pelvic motion) of the user 110, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit 510 of FIG. 5) configured to control an operation of the wearable device 100, and a battery configured to supply power to each component of the wearable device 100.

In an embodiment, the sensor circuit of the wearable device 100 may include an angle sensor (e.g., a first angle sensor 524 and a second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (e.g., an IMU 522 of FIG. 5). The angle sensor may measure a rotation angle of the torque transmission frame of the wearable device 100 corresponding to a hip joint angle of the user 110. The angle sensor may include, for example, an encoder and/or a Hall sensor. In an embodiment, the angle sensor may be disposed adjacent to a position where a motor included in the driving module is connected directly or indirectly to the torque transmission frame. The IMU may include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer and may measure a change in acceleration and/or angular velocity according to the motion of the user 110. The IMU may measure the motion of the waist support frame or a base body (e.g., a base body 80 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device 100, for example. The motion of the waist support frame or the base body measured by the IMU may correspond to a pelvic motion (or an upper body motion) of the user 110.

In an embodiment, the IMU, the control circuit, a peripheral circuit (e.g., a sound output circuit, a communication circuit, or a haptic circuit), and a battery may be disposed in the base body of the wearable device 100. The base body may be on the waist of the user 110 when the user 110 wears the wearable device 100. The base body may be formed on or attached to the outside of the waist support frame of the wearable device 100. The base body may support the lumbar region of the user 110.

The wearable device 100 may be worn on the body (e.g., a lower body (the legs, ankles, knees, etc.) and/or an upper body (the torso, arms, wrists, etc.)) of the user 110 to apply an external force such as an assistance force and/or a resistance force to the body motion of the user 110. The assistance force may be a force assisting the body motion of the user 110, which is applied in the same direction as a direction of the body motion of the user 110. The resistance force may be a force applied in a direction opposite to the body motion direction of the user 110, the force hindering the body motion of the user 110. The term “resistance force” may also be referred to as “exercise load”.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may operate in a walking assistance mode for assisting the walking of the user 110. In the walking assistance mode, the wearable device 100 may assist the walking of the user 110 by applying an assistance force generated through a driving module (including a motor) of the wearable device 100 to the body of the user 110. The wearable device 100 may expand the walking ability of the user 110 by allowing the user 110 to walk independently or walk for a long time by providing a force needed for the walking of the user 110. The wearable device 100 may help improve the walking of a user having an abnormal walking habit or gait posture.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may operate in an exercise assistance mode for enhancing the effect of exercise of the user 110 or providing various exercise experiences to the user 110. The exercise assistance mode may include a resistance mode and an assistance mode. The resistance mode of the exercise assistance mode may be a mode for hindering the body motion of the user 110 or providing resistance to the body motion of the user 110 by applying a resistance force generated by the driving module to the body of the user 110. When the wearable device 100 is a hip-type wearable device that is worn on the waist (or pelvis) and legs (e.g., thighs) of the user 110, the wearable device 100 may provide an exercise load to the leg motion of the user 110 while being worn on the legs in the resistance mode, thereby enhancing the effect of exercise on the legs of the user 110. The assistance mode of the exercise assistance mode may be a mode for applying an assistance force to assist with the body motion of the user 110 to the body of the user 110. In the assistance mode, an assistance force in the same direction as a body motion may be provided to the user 110. For example, when a person with a disability or an elderly person wears the wearable device 100 to exercise, the wearable device 100 may provide an assistance force to assist a body motion. In the assistance mode, the wearable device 100 may provide a force in the same direction as a direction of the leg motion of the user 110, and the user 110 may exercise with a small force through the force provided by the wearable device 100. In an exercise program performed using the wearable device 100, the resistance mode and the assistance mode may be combined and operated. For example, the wearable device 100 may provide an assistance force and a resistance force in combination for each exercise session or time interval in such a manner of providing an assistance force in one exercise session and providing a resistance force in another exercise session.

In the exercise assistance mode, various exercise programs may be operated depending on the exercise purpose and/or a physical ability of the user 110. The exercise program may be exercise content that the user 110 performs using the wearable device 100 and may include, for example, cardio exercises, strength training, posture balancing, or any combination thereof. The types of exercise programs are not limited thereto and may be various. The resistance mode and the assistance mode may be alternately activated appropriately depending on an exercise program performed by the wearable device 100, and a target exercise speed that is suitable to a physical condition (e.g., a heart rate) of the user 110 may be guided to the user during the exercise of the user 110.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may operate in a physical ability measurement mode to measure the physical ability of the user 110. The wearable device 100 may measure motion information of the user 110 using sensors (e.g., an angle sensor and an IMU) provided in the wearable device 100 during walking and/or exercise of the user 110 and may evaluate the physical ability of the user 110 based on the measured motion information. A walking index (e.g., step count, total walking distance, or step length) and/or an exercise ability indicator (e.g., muscular strength, exercise endurance, or posture balance) of the user 110 may be estimated through the motion information of the user 110 measured by the wearable device 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exercise assistance system according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exercise assistance system 200 may include the wearable device 100, an electronic device 210, another wearable device 220, and a server 230. At least one (e.g., the electronic device 210, the other wearable device 220, or the server 230) of the devices excluding the wearable device 100 may be omitted from the exercise assistance system 200, or at least one device (e.g., a dedicated controller for the wearable device 100) may be added to the exercise assistance system 200.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may be worn on a body of a user to assist the motion of the user in a walking assistance mode. For example, the wearable device 100 may be worn on the legs of the user to help the user in walking by generating an assistance force for assisting the leg motion of the user.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may generate a resistance force for hindering the body motion of the user and/or an assistance force for assisting the body motion of the user and apply the generated resistance force and/or assistance force to the body of the user to enhance the effect of exercise of the user in the exercise assistance mode. In the exercise assistance mode, the user may select an exercise program (e.g., cardio exercise such as power walking and outdoor walking, strength training such as squats, split lunges, dumbbell squats, and lunge and knee ups, a stretching exercise, a posture balancing exercise, or any combination thereof) that the user desires to conduct using the wearable device 100 through the electronic device 210 and/or an exercise intensity applied to the exercise program. The wearable device 100 may control a driving module of the wearable device 100 based on the exercise program and/or the exercise intensity selected by the user. The wearable device 100 may adjust the strength of the resistance force and/or the assistance force generated by the driving module based on the exercise intensity selected by the user. The wearable device 100 may control the driving module to generate a resistance force corresponding to the exercise intensity selected by the user. As the exercise intensity increases, the strength of the resistance force applied to the user may increase.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may be used to measure the physical ability (e.g., the walking ability) of the user by interoperating with the electronic device 210. The wearable device 100 may operate in a physical ability measurement mode, that is, a mode for measuring the physical ability of the user, by control of the electronic device 210 and may transmit sensor data including the motion information of the wearable device 100 according to the physical motion of the user in the physical ability measurement mode to electronic device 210. The electronic device 210 may evaluate the physical ability of the user by analyzing the sensor data received from the wearable device 100 and may provide the evaluation results to the user. The electronic device 210 may recommend an exercise program that may be beneficial to the user based on the evaluation results of physical ability or may provide a guide voice during an exercise.

The wearable device 100 may transmit sensor data measured through an angle sensor and/or an IMU and the device information (e.g., charging state information, operation mode information, setting information) of the wearable device 100 to the electronic device 210 and/or the server 230 and may receive a control signal for controlling the operation of the wearable device 100 from the electronic device 210 and/or the server 230.

The electronic device 210 may communicate with the wearable device 100 via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) or wired communication, may remotely control the wearable device 100, or may provide state information on a state (e.g., a booting state, a charging state, an exercise program operation state, or an error state) of the wearable device 100 to the user. The electronic device 210 may recommend an exercise program conducted by using the wearable device 100 to the user and may analyze an exercise performed by the user. The electronic device 210 may receive, from the wearable device 100, sensor data obtained by a sensor (e.g., the angle sensor or the IMU) of the wearable device 100 and may estimate a current exercise state, an exercise result, an exercise posture, and/or physical ability of the user based on the received sensor data. The electronic device 210 may provide the user with the estimated current exercise state, exercise result, exercise posture, and/or physical ability of the user through a graphical user interface (GUI).

In an embodiment, the user may execute a program (e.g., an application) on the electronic device 210 to control the wearable device 100 and adjust an operation or a setting value (e.g., the magnitude of torque output from a motor of a driving module, the volume of audio output from a sound output circuit (e.g., a sound output circuit 550 of FIG. 5), or the brightness of a lighting module (e.g., a lighting module 85 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device 100 through the corresponding program. The program executed by the electronic device 210 may provide the GUI for an interaction with the user. The electronic device 210 may be a device in various forms. For example, the electronic device 210 may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, or a home appliance (e.g., a television, an audio device, or a projector device) but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may be connected to the server 230 using short-range wireless communication or cellular communication. The server 230 may receive user profile information of the user who uses the wearable device 100 from the electronic device 210, and store and manage the received user profile information. The user profile information may include, for example, information about at least one of the name, age, gender, height, weight, medical history, or body mass index (BMI). The server 230 may receive exercise history information about an exercise performed by the user from the electronic device 210, and store and manage the received exercise history information. The server 230 may provide the electronic device 210 with various exercise programs or physical ability measurement programs to be provided to the user. In an embodiment, the server 230 may be connected to the wearable device 100. The server 230 may receive, from the wearable device 100, the sensor data measured by the wearable device 100 and transmit, to the wearable device 100, a control signal for controlling an operation of the wearable device 100 and/or data related to the exercise program. In an embodiment, the server 230 may be a cloud server.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may provide (or output) feedback (e.g., visual, auditory, or haptic feedback) corresponding to a state of the wearable device 100 according to a control signal received from the electronic device 210. For example, the wearable device 100 may provide visual feedback through a lighting unit (e.g., the lighting module 85 of FIG. 3) and provide auditory feedback through an sound output circuit (e.g., the sound output circuit 550 of FIG. 5). The wearable device 100 may provide haptic feedback in the form of vibration to the body of the user through a haptic circuit (e.g., a haptic circuit 560 of FIG. 5). The electronic device 210 may also provide (or output) feedback (e.g., visual, auditory, or haptic feedback) corresponding to the state of the wearable device 100.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may perform an exercise coaching function in real time while the user is exercising and provide relevant information to the user through various feedback means. For example, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may output exercise coaching content to guide the user's exercise while the user is wearing the wearable device 100 and exercising. Exercise coaching content may provide, for example, real-time guide to improve the user's walking ability, a notification of a change in an exercise type/exercise intensity, the provision of exercise-related information, and auditory content related to encouragement (e.g., guide voice). The guide voice may be provided to the user through a sound output circuit (e.g., the sound output circuit 550) of the wearable device 100, a sound output circuit (e.g., the sound output circuit 750 of FIG. 7) of the electronic device 210, and/or another wearable device (e.g., wireless earphones 222 or a smartwatch 224 of FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 210. In an embodiment, the exercise coaching content may include visual content (e.g., a guide screen) output on a display of the electronic device 210 and/or a display of another wearable device (e.g., the smartwatch 224).

According to an embodiment, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may be connected directly or indirectly to the other wearable devices 220. Exercise result information, physical ability information, and/or exercise posture evaluation information of the user that are determined by the electronic device 210 may be transmitted to the other wearable device 220 and provided to the user through the other wearable device 220. State information of the wearable device 100 may also be transmitted to the other wearable device 220 and provided to the user through the other wearable device 220. In an embodiment, the wearable device 100, the electronic device 210, and the other wearable device 220 may be connected to each other through at least wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth™ or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication). The other wearable device 220 may be, for example, the wireless earphones 222, the smartwatch 224 (or a watch-type wearable device), or smartglasses (a wearable device in the type of glasses or goggles) 226, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the wireless earphones 222 may be wirelessly connected to the electronic device 210 and/or the wearable device 100 to output exercise coaching content, music, and/or sound effects related to an exercise program. The wireless earphones 222 may provide, for example, a guide voice to provide information (e.g., introduction of the exercise program or a remaining exercise time) related to the exercise program and/or a guide voice for real-time exercise coaching to the user. The wireless earphones 222 may include a microphone, and the microphone may receive a voice input from the user. The voice input received through the microphone may be transmitted to the electronic device 210, and voice recognition for the voice input may be performed by the electronic device 210.

In an embodiment, the smartwatch 224 may include a biometric sensor (e.g., a heart rate sensor or an electromyography sensor) configured to measure a biosignal, including heart rate information of the user, and transmit the biosignal measured by the biometric sensor to the electronic device 210 and/or the wearable device 100. For example, the electronic device 210 may estimate the heart rate information (e.g., the current heart rate, the maximum heart rate, and the average heart rate) and/or electromyography information of the user based on the biosignal received from the smartwatch 224, and provide the user with the estimated heart rate information and/or electromyography information. In an embodiment, the smartwatch 224 may output a guide screen for guiding exercise coaching and/or an exercise performance method to the user while the user is exercising.

In an embodiment, the smartwatch 224 may include an IMU configured to measure motion information of the user and/or a position sensor configured to measure position information of the user, and transmit the motion information and/or position information of the user to the electronic device 210 and/or the wearable device 100. The smartwatch 224 may include a communication circuit (e.g., a short-range communication circuit) for communicating with another device (e.g., the electronic device 210 or the wearable device 100). In an embodiment, the smartwatch 224 may provide an interface related to an exercise program through a display. The interface related to the exercise program may be implemented through a separate application installed on the smartwatch 224. The user may also control the wearable device 100 through the smartwatch 224.

In an embodiment, the smartglasses 226 may provide information to the user through a display in the form of glasses. For example, the smartglasses 226 may output information such as the current exercise speed, a target exercise speed, the currently achieved exercise amount, the exercise time, and/or biometric information through a display during the performance of the exercise program.

FIG. 3 is a rear schematic view of a wearable device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a left side view illustrating a wearable device worn on a body of a user, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the wearable device 100 according to an embodiment may include the base body 80, the waist support frame 20, the driving modules 35 and 45, the torque transmission frames 50 and 55, thigh fastening portions 1 and 2, and a waist fastening portion 60. In an embodiment, at least one of the components described above may be omitted from the wearable device 100, or one or more other components may be added to the wearable device 1000.

The base body 80 may be on the waist of a user when the user wears the wearable device 100. The base body 80 worn on the waist of the user may cushion and support the waist of the user. The base body 80 may be above the hip of the user when the user wears the wearable device 100 such that the wearable device 100 may not deviate downward due to gravity or reduce the possibility of deviation. The base body 80 may distribute some of the weight of the wearable device 100 to the waist of the user while wearing the wearable device 100. The base body 80 may be connected directly or indirectly to the waist support frame 20. Waist support frame connection elements (not shown) which may be connected directly or indirectly to the waist support frame 20 may be at both edges of the base body 80.

In an embodiment, at least one of a processor (e.g., a processor 512 of FIG. 5), a battery, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) configured to convert power from the battery to an operating voltage of each component of the wearable device 100 and supply the converted power to each component, a memory (e.g., a memory 514 of FIG. 5), an IMU (e.g., the IMU 522 of FIG. 5), a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit 516 of FIG. 5), a sound output circuit (e.g., the sound output circuit 550 of FIG. 5), or a haptic circuit (e.g., the haptic circuit 560 of FIG. 5) may be positioned inside the base body 80. The base body 80 may protect the components inside the base body 80.

In an embodiment, a display (not shown) may be provided on the outer surface of the base body 80. The display may provide a screen for various pieces of visual information related to the wearable device 100 (e.g., state information of the wearable device 100) and a UI.

The waist support frame 20 may support a body part (e.g., the waist) of the user when the wearable device 100 is worn on the body of the user. The waist support frame 20 may extend from both ends of the base body 80. The lumbar region of the user may be accommodated inside the waist support frame 20. The waist support frame 20 may include at least one rigid body beam. Each beam may be a curved shape with a preset curvature such that the beam may enclose the user's waist. The waist fastener 60 may be connected directly or indirectly to an edge of the waist support frame 20. The driving modules 35 and 45 may be directly or indirectly connected to the waist support frame 20.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may include a sensor circuit including one or more sensors. The sensor circuit may include one or more sensors configured to acquire sensor data including motion information of the user and/or motion information of the components of the wearable device 100. For example, the one or more sensors may include the IMU (e.g., the IMU 522 of FIG. 5) configured to measure the pelvic motion of the user or the motion of the waist support frame 20 and/or an angle sensor (e.g., the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) configured to measure a hip joint angle of the user or an angle of a torque transmission frame (e.g., the first torque transmission frame 50 or the second torque transmission frame 55), but examples are not limited thereto. A hip joint angular velocity of the user or an angular velocity of the torque transmission frame may be determined by differentiating the hip joint angle of the user or the angle of the torque transmission frame measured by the angle sensor.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may further include at least one of a position sensor, a torque sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a biosignal sensor (e.g., a heart rate sensor or an electromyography sensor), a distance sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, or a proximity sensor. When the wearable device 100 includes a barometric pressure sensor, the altitude and/or slope of the terrain at which the user is located may be measured using the barometric pressure sensor.

The waist fastening portion 60 may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the waist support frame 20 to fasten the waist support frame 20 to the waist of the user. The waist fastening portion 60 may include, for example, a pair of belts.

The first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 may generate an external force (or torque) to be applied to the body of the user based on the control signal generated by the processor. For example, the first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 may generate an assistance force or a resistance force applied to the legs of the user. In an embodiment, the first driving module 45 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the right hip joint of the user, and the second driving module 35 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the left hip joint of the user. The first driving module 45 may cause the first torque transmission frame 55 to move (or rotate) in the forward direction or backward direction of the wearable device 100 by generating a torque. The second driving module 35 may cause the second torque transmission frame 50 to move (or rotate) in the forward direction or backward direction of the wearable device 100 by generating a torque. The forward direction may be a direction corresponding to the front direction of the user or the flexion motion of a leg, and the backward direction may be a direction corresponding to the rear direction of the user or the extension motion of a leg.

The first driving module 45 may include a first actuator and a first joint member, and the second driving module 35 may include a second actuator and a second joint member. The first actuator may provide power to be transmitted to the first joint member, and the second actuator may provide power to be transmitted to the second joint member. The first actuator and the second actuator may each include a motor configured to generate power (or torque) by receiving power from the battery. When the motor is driven as the power is supplied thereto, the motor may generate a force (an assistance force) for assisting the body motion of the user or a force (a resistance force) for hindering the body motion of the user. In an embodiment, the processor may adjust the strength and direction of the force generated by the motor by adjusting a voltage and/or a current supplied to the motor.

In an embodiment, the first joint member and the second joint member may receive power from the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, and apply an external force to the body of the user based on the received power. The first joint member and the second joint member may respectively be at positions corresponding to joints of the user. One side of the first joint member may be directly or indirectly connected to the first actuator, and the other side of the first joint member may be directly or indirectly connected to the first torque transmission frame 55. The first joint member may be rotated by the power received from the first actuator. An encoder or a Hall sensor that may operate as an angle sensor to measure a rotation angle (corresponding to a joint angle of the user) of the first joint member or the first torque transmission frame 55 may disposed on one side of the first joint member. One side of the second joint member may be connected to the second actuator, and the other side of the second joint member may be connected to the second torque transmission frame 50. The second joint member may be rotated by the power received from the second actuator. An encoder or a Hall sensor that may operate as an angle sensor to measure a rotation angle of the second joint member or the second torque transmission frame 50 may be disposed on one side of the second joint member.

In an embodiment, the first actuator may be disposed in a lateral direction of the first joint member, and the second actuator may be disposed in a lateral direction of the second joint member. A rotation axis of the first actuator and a rotation axis of the first joint member may be spaced apart from each other, and a rotation axis of the second actuator and a rotation axis of the second joint member may also be spaced apart from each other. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and an actuator and a joint member may share a rotation axis. In an embodiment, each actuator may be spaced apart from a corresponding joint member. In this case, each of the first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 may further include a power transmission module (not shown) configured to transmit power from the actuator to the joint member. The power transmission module may be a rotary body, such as a gear, or a longitudinal member, such as a wire, a cable, a string, a spring, a belt, or a chain. However, the scope of the embodiment is not limited by the positional relationship between an actuator and a joint member and the power transmission structure described above.

In an embodiment, when the wearable device 100 is worn on the legs of the user, the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 may transmit torque generated by the first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 to the body (e.g., the legs) of the user, respectively. The transmitted torque may function as an external force applied to the leg motion of the user. Respective ends of the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 may be directly or indirectly connected to the joint member and rotate. As the other ends of the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 are directly or indirectly connected to the first thigh fastening portion 2 and the second thigh fastening portion 1, the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 may transmit the torque generated by the first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 to the thighs of the user while supporting the thighs of the user. For example, the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 may push or pull the thighs of the user. The first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the thighs of the user or may be bent and enclose at least some portions of the circumferences of the thighs of the user. The first torque transmission frame 55 may be a torque transmission frame for transmitting torque to the right leg of the user, and the second torque transmission frame 50 may be a torque transmission frame for transmitting torque to the left leg of the user.

The first thigh fastening portion 2 and the second thigh fastening portion 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50, respectively, and fasten the wearable device 100 to the legs (specifically, thighs) of the user. The first thigh fastening portion 2 may be a thigh fastening portion to fix the first torque transmission frame 55 to a leg (e.g., a right thigh) of the user, and a second thigh fastening portion 1 may be a thigh fastening portion to fix the second torque transmission frame 50 to a leg (a left thigh) of the user.

In an embodiment, the first thigh fastener 2 may include a first cover, a first fastening frame, and a first strap, and the second thigh fastener 1 may include a second cover, a second fastening frame, and a second strap. The first cover and the second cover may apply torque generated by the first driving module 45 and the second driving module 35 to the thighs of the user, respectively. For example, the first cover and the second cover may be respectively disposed on respective sides of the user's thighs and may push or pull the thighs of the user. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed in the circumferential directions of the thighs of the user. The first cover and the second cover may extend to both sides from the other ends of the first torque transmission frame 55 and the second torque transmission frame 50, and may include curved surfaces corresponding to the thighs of the user. The respective ends of the first cover and the second cover may be directly or indirectly connected to the first fastening frame and the second fastening frame. The other ends of the first cover and the second cover may be directly or indirectly connected to the first strap and the second strap.

For example, the first fastening frame and the second fastening frame may be disposed to enclose at least some portions of the circumferences of the thighs of the user, thereby the thighs of the user may be prevented, or chances thereof reduced, from being separated from the wearable device 100 or a possibility of separation may decrease. The first fastening frame may have a fastening structure that connects the first cover to the first strap, and the second fastening frame may have a fastening structure that connects the second cover to the second strap.

The first strap may enclose the remaining portion of the circumference of the right thigh of the user that is not covered by the first cover and the first fastening frame, and the second strap may enclose the remaining portion of the circumference of the left thigh of the user that is not covered by the second cover and the second fastening frame. The first and second straps may include, for example, elastic material (e.g., a band).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating components of an electronic system of a wearable device, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic system of the wearable device 100 may include the control circuit 510, the communication circuit 516, one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1), driving modules 530 and 530-1, an input circuit 540, the sound output circuit 550, and the haptic circuit 560. At least one of said components (e.g., the input circuit 540, the sound output circuit 550, or the haptic circuit 560) may be omitted from the electronic system, or one or more other components (e.g., a display circuit, a lighting circuit for driving the lighting module 85, or a PMIC) may be added thereto.

The driving module 530 may include a motor 534 and a motor driver circuit 532 for driving the motor 534, and the driving module 530-1 may include a motor 534-1 and a motor driver circuit 532-1 for driving the motor 534-1. Although FIG. 5 illustrates two driving modules, this embodiment is just an example. In some embodiments, there may be one driving module or three or more driving modules. The driving module 530 including the motor driver circuit 532 and the motor 534 may correspond to the first driving module 45 of FIG. 3, and a driving module 530-1 including the motor driver circuit 532-1 and the motor 534-1 may correspond to the second driving module 35 of FIG. 3. Each “driving module” herein may comprise a motor and/or a driver circuit (e.g., see FIG. 5).

The one or more sensors may include a sensor configured to acquire sensor data (or sensed values). The one or more sensors may transmit the acquired sensor data to the control circuit 510. The one or more sensors may include, for example, the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and/or the second angle sensor 524-1. Each of the sensors may be provided in plurality, and some of the sensors may be omitted.

The IMU 522 may measure the motion of the body of the user. The IMU 522 may sense the accelerations, angular velocities, and rotation angles (e.g., roll, pitch, and yaw) of x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis according to the motion of the user. The IMU 522 may measure, for example, the pelvic motion of the user. The IMU 522 may measure an anterior-posterior tilt for the forward and backward tilt of the user's pelvis, a lateral oblique for the left and right tilt of the pelvis, and a rotation of the pelvis. The roll, pitch, and yaw measured from the IMU 522 may each correspond to one of the anterior-posterior tilt, the lateral oblique, and the rotation of the pelvis. The pelvic motion of the user may correspond to the motion of a waist support frame (e.g., the waist support frame 20 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device 100. In an embodiment, the IMU 522 may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) in a base body (e.g., the base body 80 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device 100 and may measure a gradient indicating the degree of tilting of the wearable device 100 and/or a change in the direction the wearable device 100.

In an embodiment, the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 may measure hip joint angles according to the leg motion of the user. The first angle sensor 524 may sense the hip joint angle of the right leg of the user, and the second angle sensor 524-1 may sense the hip joint angle of the left leg of the user. Each of the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 may include, for example, an encoder and/or a Hall sensor. The hip joint angle of the right leg sensed by the first angle sensor 524 may correspond to the motion (e.g., the angle) of a first torque transmission frame (e.g., the first torque transmission frame 55 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device, and the hip joint angle of the left leg sensed by the second angle sensor 524-1 may correspond to the motion (e.g., the angle) of a second torque transmission frame (e.g., the second torque transmission frame 50 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device.

In an embodiment, the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 may be angle sensors configured to sense a knee joint angles or hip joint angles according to the leg motion of the user.

In an embodiment, the processor 512 may determine the angular velocity of the first torque transmission frame by differentiating a change in the angle over time of the first torque transmission frame sensed by the first angle sensor 524, and determine the angular velocity of the second torque transmission frame by differentiating a change in the angle over time of the second torque transmission frame sensed by the second angle sensor 524-1.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors may further include a torque sensor configured to sense a torque value, a position sensor configured to acquire a position value of the wearable device 100, a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of an object, a biosignal sensor configured to detect a biosignal of a user, a distance sensor configured to measure the distance to an object, a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure value, and/or a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature.

The input circuit 540 may receive instructions or data to be used by a component (e.g., the processor 512) of the wearable device 100 from the outside (e.g., the user) of the wearable device 100. The input circuit 540 may include, for example, a key (e.g., a button) and/or a touch screen.

The sound output circuit 550 may output a sound signal to the outside of the wearable device 100. The sound output circuit 550 may include a speaker that outputs a guide sound signal (e.g., a driving start sound, an operation error notification sound), music content, and/or auditory exercise coaching content (e.g., a guide voice).

The driving modules 530 and 530-1 may generate external force to be applied to the legs of the user under the control of the control circuit 510. The driving modules 530 and 530-1 may be disposed in positions corresponding to the positions of the hip joints of the user, and may generate torque to be applied to the legs of the user based on a control signal generated by the control circuit 510. The control circuit 510 may transmit the control signal to the motor driver circuits 532 and 532-1, and the motor driver circuits 532 and 532-1 may control the operation of the motors 534 and 534-1 by generating a current signal (or a voltage signal) corresponding to the control signal and supplying the current signal (or the voltage signal) to the motors 534 and 534-1. The current signal may not be supplied to the motors 534 and 534-1 according to the control signal. The motor driver circuits 532 and 532-1 may convert a direct-current (DC) voltage supplied from a battery into an alternating-current (AC) voltage and may supply the converted voltage to the motors 534 and 534-1. One or more motors (e.g., the motors 534 and 534-1) included in the wearable device 100 may generate torque by control of the processor 512. When the motors 534 and 534-1 are driven as the current signal is supplied to the motors 534 and 534-1, the motors 534 and 534-1 may generate assistance forces for assisting leg motions of the user or resistance forces for hindering leg motions of the user. The motor 534 or 534-1 may generate torque based on electrical energy supplied from the battery. The motor 534 or 534-1 may be, for example, a brushless DC (BLDC) motor or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM).

The control circuit 510 may control the overall operation of the wearable device 100, and generate a control signal to control each component of the wearable device 100. The control circuit 510 may include the processor 512 and the memory 514.

The processor 512 may execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the wearable device directly or indirectly connected to the processor 512, and perform a variety of data processing or computation. For example, the processor 512 may control the operation of the motors 534 and 534-1. As at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 512 may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., the communication circuit 516) in the memory 514, process the instructions or data stored in the memory 514, and store result data acquired as the result of processing in the memory 514. The processor 512 may include one or more processors, and the operations of the wearable device 100 described in the present disclosure may be performed by one processor or by a combination of multiple processors.

According to an embodiment, the processor 512 may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. The processor 512 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or an IC configured to perform processing. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as a part of the main processor.

Herein, each “processor” may include a processing circuit or may include a plurality of processors. For example, as used in the present disclosure including in the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, in which the at least one processor may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner individually and/or collectively. When the present disclosure describes the “processor”, “at least one processor”, or “one or more processors” as being configured to perform a plurality of functions, these terms include situations where one processor performs some of the functions and the other processors perform the other functions or where a single processor performs all the functions, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

In addition, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform various cited/disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute computer-executable instructions to accomplish or perform various functions.

The memory 514 may store data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 512) of the wearable device 100. The data may include, for example, software, input data or output data for instructions related thereto, and sensor data. In an embodiment, the memory 514 may store user information (e.g., age, gender, exercise target, and BMI) about a user, sensor data, and information about an exercise program. The memory 514 may include at least one computer-executable instruction executable by the processor 512. The memory 514 may include one or more memories, and the instructions controlled by the processor 512 to perform the operations of the wearable device 100 described herein may be stored in one memory or divided and stored in multiple memories. The memory 514 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

The communication circuit 516 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the control circuit 510 and another component of the wearable device 100 or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 210 or the other wearable device 220 of FIG. 2) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication circuit 516 may transmit sensor data obtained by one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, the second angle sensor 524-1) of the wearable device 100 to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 210 of FIG. 2) and receive a control signal from the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 516 may include one or more CPs that operate independently of the processor 512 and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 516 may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit), and/or a wired communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may communicate with another component of the wearable device 100 and/or an external device via, for example, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, infrared data association (IrDA), a legacy cellular network, a fifth-generation (5G) network, a next-generation network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)).

The haptic circuit 560 may provide haptic feedback to the user by control of the processor 512. The haptic circuit 560 may include one or a plurality of haptic actuators. The haptic actuator may include, for example, a piezo actuator, a bander type actuator, and/or a vibration motor-based actuator. One or a plurality of haptic actuators may be provided. In an embodiment, the haptic actuator may be disposed in at least one of the base body, a torque transmission frame (e.g., a first torque transmission frame 55 or a second torque transmission frame 50 of FIG. 3), and a thigh fastening portion (e.g., the first thigh fastening portion 2 or the second thigh fastening portion 1 of FIG. 3) of the wearable device 100.

The wearable device 100 according to an embodiment may provide an exercise coaching function that provides exercise coaching content according to an exercise performance situation of a user during the process of the user wearing the wearable device 100 and exercising. The exercise coaching function may be provided under the control of the electronic device 210 through cooperation with the electronic device 210 or may be provided under the control of the wearable device 100.

When a voice coaching function is provided under the control of the electronic device 210, the wearable device 100 may transmit sensor data and/or exercise data (e.g., step length, walking time, step count) determined by the processor 512 based on the sensor data to the electronic device 210 through the communication circuit 516, and the electronic device 210 may control the exercise coaching function based on the data received from the wearable device 100. An embodiment in which the voice coaching function is provided under the control of the electronic device 210 is described in more detail below.

When the voice coaching function is provided under the control of the wearable device 100, one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1) of the wearable device 100 may obtain sensor data including motion information of the wearable device 100 by measuring the motion of the wearable device 100 corresponding to the motion of the user wearing the wearable device 100. The memory 514 may store computer-executable instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor 512, may cause the at least one processor 512 to perform a voice coaching function. For example, the at least one processor 512 may control exercise coaching content to be output based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the obtained sensor data during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device 100.

The exercise coaching content may include periodic coaching content for periodically guiding exercise-related information, immediate coaching content for guiding a sudden change in an exercise performance situation when such sudden change is detected, tendency coaching content for guiding a tendency of the exercise performance situation of the user, progress coaching content for guiding the progress of the exercise performance situation of the user, and motivational coaching content for motivating the user to perform exercise. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Depending on the exercise performance situation of the user and the exercise program, the periodic coaching content, the immediate coaching content, the tendency coaching content, the progress coaching content, and the motivational coaching content may be appropriately provided to the user. The periodic coaching content, the immediate coaching content, the tendency coaching content, the progress coaching content, and the motivational coaching content are discussed in more detail below. The exercise coaching content may include auditory exercise coaching content including a guide voice and/or visual exercise coaching content including a guide screen. The auditory exercise coaching content may be an audio signal generated via a text-to-speech (TTS) function. The auditory exercise coaching content may be output through a sound output circuit 550 and/or wireless earphones (e.g., the wireless earphones 222 of FIG. 2) connected to the wearable device 100, and the visual exercise coaching content may be output through a smartwatch (e.g., the smartwatch 224 of FIG. 2) and smartglasses (e.g., the smartglasses 226 of FIG. 2) connected to the wearable device 100.

In an embodiment, based on the sensor data obtained by the one or more sensors, the at least one processor 512 may determine the performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in exercise program information and control first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output based on the determined performance regarding the first exercise target indicator. For example, when the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the walking speed of the user measured in real time based on sensor data may be determined as the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, and exercise coaching for the walking speed may be performed. When the number of times the first exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches a threshold number, the at least one processor 512 may change the output frequency of the first exercise coaching content or change an objective condition for the first exercise target indicator. When the determined performance satisfies an objective condition set for the first exercise target indicator, the at least one processor 512 may determine the performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator and control second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output based on the determined performance regarding the second exercise target indicator. For example, when the performance of the user in relation to walking speed determined during the execution of exercise satisfies (e.g., maintaining a walking speed greater than a target walking speed during a set time period) a target condition, the performance of the user in relation to step length may be determined and exercise coaching for step length may be performed. When the number of times the second exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches a threshold number, the at least one processor 512 may change the output frequency of the second exercise coaching content or change a target condition for the second exercise target indicator. The first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator may be, for example, any one of walking speed, step length, gait symmetry index, heart rate, step count, hip joint angle, distance traveled, exercise time, and calorie consumption, and the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator may be different from each other. A plurality of exercise target indicators and the priority between the exercise target indicators may be defined in the exercise program performed by the user. In addition to the operations described above, the at least one processor 512 may perform an operation of exercise coaching (e.g., an exercise coaching-related operation performed by the electronic device 210) described in the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an interaction between a wearable device and an electronic device, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, the wearable device 100 may communicate with the electronic device 210. For example, the electronic device 210 may be a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet personal computer (PC)) of a user who uses the wearable device 100. According to an embodiment, the wearable device 100 and the electronic device 210 may be connected to each other through short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth™ or Wi-Fi communication).

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may check a state of the wearable device 100 or may execute an application to control or operate the wearable device 100. A screen of a UI may be displayed to control the operation of the wearable device 100 or determine an operation mode of the wearable device 100 on a display 212 of the electronic device 210 through the execution of the application. The UI may be, for example, a GUI.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may display, on the display 212, a UI screen for controlling an operation of the wearable device 100 or performing an exercise program. The user may input a command (e.g., a command to execute a walking assistance mode or an exercise assistance mode) to control the operation of the wearable device 100 through a GUI screen on the display 212 of the electronic device 210 or select an exercise program to perform through the wearable device 100. Additionally, the user may input user information or set an exercise target through the GUI screen. The user may change settings (e.g., torque parameter and sound/lighting) of the wearable device 100 through the GUI screen. The electronic device 210 may generate a control command (or a control signal) corresponding to an operation control command or setting change command input by the user and may transmit the generated control command to the wearable device 100. The wearable device 100 may operate according to the received control command and may transmit a control result according to the received control command and/or data (e.g., sensor data or result data processed by the wearable device 100) to the electronic device 210. The electronic device 210 may provide information (e.g., current exercise state information, exercise result information, exercise coaching content) based on a control result and/or data received from the wearable device 100 to the user through the display 212.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 and the electronic device 210 may perform an exercise coaching function in real time while the user performs exercise through an exercise program. Exercise-related information or exercise coaching content to encourage the user to perform exercise may be provided to the user through the exercise coaching function. When the exercise coaching function is performed under the control of the electronic device 210, the wearable device 100 may transmit sensor data obtained by one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) to the electronic device 210, and the electronic device 210 may determine exercise coaching content to be provided to the user based on the sensor data received from the wearable device 100. The electronic device 210 may determine the current exercise performance situation of the user based on sensor data and information on an exercise program being performed by the user, select exercise coaching content appropriate for the current exercise performance state of the user, and provide the selected exercise coaching content to the user. As described above, the exercise coaching function may be performed under the control of the wearable device 100. In this case, the wearable device 100 may determine exercise coaching content to be provided to the user based on the obtained sensor data. The wearable device 100 may provide determined exercise coaching content to the user.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating components of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device 210 may include a processor 710, a memory 720, a communication circuit 730, a display circuit 740, a sound output circuit 750, and an input circuit 760. In an embodiment, at least one (e.g., the sound output circuit 750) of these components may be omitted from the electronic device 210, or one or more other components (e.g., a sensor circuit, a haptic circuit, and a battery) may be added thereto.

The processor 710 may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 210 and may perform a variety of data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 710 may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., the communication circuit 730) in the memory 720, process the instructions or data stored in the memory 720, and store result data in the memory 720. The processor 710 may include one or more processors, and the operations of the electronic device 210 described in the present disclosure may be performed by one processor or by a combination of multiple processors.

According to an embodiment, the processor 710 may include at least one of a main processor (e.g., a CPU or an AP) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a GPU), an NPU, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, or a CP) that is operable independently of, or in conjunction with the main processor. The processor 710 may be implemented as an SoC or an IC configured to perform processing.

The memory 720 may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 710 or the communication circuit 730) of the electronic device 210. The data may include, for example, a program (e.g., an application) and input data and/or output data on a command related thereto. In an embodiment, the memory 514 may store user information (e.g., age, gender, exercise targets, BMI) about a user, sensor data received from the wearable device 100, and information about an exercise program. The memory 720 may include at least one computer-executable instruction. The memory 720 may include one or more memories, and the instructions controlled by the processor 710 to perform the operations of the electronic device 210 described herein may be stored in one memory or divided and stored in multiple memories. The memory 720 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

The communication circuit 730 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 210 and another electronic device (e.g., the wearable device 100, the other wearable device 220, or the server 230) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication circuit 730 may include a communication circuit configured to perform a communication function. The communication circuit 730 may include one or more CPs that operate independently of the processor 710 (e.g., an AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication circuit 730 may include a wireless communication circuit configured to perform wireless communication (e.g., a Bluetooth communication circuit, a cellular communication circuit, a Wi-Fi communication circuit, or a GNSS communication circuit) or a wired communication circuit (e.g., a LAN communication circuit or a power line communication (PLC) circuit). For example, the communication circuit 730 may transmit a control instruction to the wearable device 100 and receive, from the wearable device 100, at least one of sensor data including body motion information of a user who is wearing the wearable device 100, state data of the wearable device 100, or control result data corresponding to the control instruction.

The display circuit 740 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., the user) of the electronic device 210. For example, the display circuit 740 may include a display, such as a liquid-crystal display (LCD) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a hologram device, or a projector device. The display circuit 740 may further include a control circuit configured to control the driving of a display. In an embodiment, the display circuit 740 may further include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the magnitude of force generated by the touch. The display circuit 740 may output a UI screen for controlling the wearable device 100 or providing a variety of information (e.g., exercise program information and setting information of the wearable device 100). The display circuit 740 may provide visual exercise coaching content to the user, for example, through the UI screen.

The sound output circuit 750 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 210. The sound output circuit 750 may include a speaker that plays a guide sound signal (e.g., a driving start sound or an operation error notification sound), music content, or auditory exercise coaching content (e.g., a guide voice) based on a state of the wearable device 100. The sound output circuit 750 may output exercise coaching content.

The input circuit 760 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (e.g., the processor 710) of the electronic device 210 from the outside (e.g., the user) of the electronic device 210. The input circuit 760 may include an input component circuit and may receive a user input. The input circuit 760 may include, for example, a touch recognition circuit for recognizing a touch on a key (e.g., a button) and/or a screen.

In an embodiment, the user who wears the wearable device 100 and desires to perform an exercise may command the electronic device 210 to execute an exercise program through a user input. The electronic device 210 may display recommended exercise programs to the user through a display of the display circuit 740 and receive a user selection input for one of the recommended exercise programs through the input circuit 760. In response to receiving the user selection input, the electronic device 210 may cause the communication circuit 730 to transmit, to the wearable device 100, a control signal for executing a selected exercise program. When receiving a control signal for executing a predetermined exercise program from the electronic device 210, the wearable device 100 may execute the exercise program and sense the motion of the wearable device corresponding to the body motion of the user through one or more sensors. The wearable device 100 may generate an assistance force and/or a resistance force through a motor depending on the exercise program to be executed. The communication circuit 730 may receive sensor data sensed by one or more sensors of the wearable device 100. The sensor data may include motion information on the motion of the wearable device 100 corresponding to the body motion of the user. Sensor data may include, for example, a motion value measured by an IMU (e.g., the IMU 522 of FIG. 5) of the wearable device 100 and an angle value measured by an angle sensor (e.g., the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5). The motion value measured by the IMU may include information about the waist motion or pelvic motion of the user, and the angle value measured by the angle sensor may include information about the leg motion of the user.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may provide an exercise coaching function while the user is wearing the wearable device 100 and performing exercise using an exercise program. The exercise coaching function may involve providing exercise-related information to the user or providing auditory and/or visual feedback to encourage the user to perform exercise based on an exercise performance situation of the user and/or a physical condition (e.g., heart rate) of the user. For example, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with exercise coaching content related to real-time guidance for improving an exercise effect for the user, changing exercise type/intensity, guidance, information provision, encouragement, or praise.

In an embodiment, the communication circuit 730 may receive, from the wearable device 100 worn on the body of the user, sensor data measured by one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) of the wearable device 100. The memory 720 may store computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 710 individually or collectively, may cause the at least one processor 710 to perform an operation of a voice coaching function of the electronic device 210 described in the present disclosure. For example, the at least one processor 710 may control exercise coaching content to be output based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the received sensor data during the execution of the exercise program using the wearable device 100. When the exercise coaching content is auditory exercise coaching content, the at least one processor 710 may control the exercise coaching content to be output through at least one of a sound output circuit 750, the wearable device 100, or wireless earphones (e.g., the wireless earphones 222 of FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 210. When the exercise coaching content is visual exercise coaching content, the at least one processor 710 may control the exercise coaching content to be output through at least one of the display circuit 740, a smartwatch (e.g., the smartwatch 224 of FIG. 2), and smartglasses (e.g., the smartglasses 226 of FIG. 2). The exercise coaching content may include periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content as described above.

In an embodiment, the at least one processor 710 may determine performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in exercise program information based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100 and control first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output based on the determined performance regarding the first exercise target indicator.

In an embodiment, the first exercise coaching content may include periodic coaching content that includes a guidance comment regarding at least one of the first exercise target indicator and a current performance of the user determined for the first exercise target indicator. The periodic coaching content may be output at a determined time interval from the exercise program information. For example, for the first exercise target indicator, a guidance comment for informing a current exercise state and/or target condition of the user may be output as the periodic coaching content at an interval of n (natural number) seconds. When it is determined that the first exercise target indicator is being performed well (e.g., when the current performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies a target condition), the at least one processor 710 may control motivational coaching content to be output to motivate (e.g., praise or encourage) the user to perform exercise between time points at which the periodic coaching content is output. When it is determined that the user is performing well on the first exercise target indicator during a set time period, the at least one processor 710 may control periodic coaching content for a second exercise target indicator with a lower priority to be provided to the user. The periodic coaching content for the second exercise target indicator may include a guidance comment regarding at least one of the second exercise target indicator or current performance of the user determined for the second exercise target indicator. When it is determined that the first exercise target indicator is not being performed well (e.g., the current performance on the first exercise target indicator does not satisfy the target condition), the at least one processor 710 may control motivational coaching content to be output to assess and improve the exercise performance of the user between time points at which the periodic coaching content is output.

In an embodiment, the exercise program may include a first exercise session and a second exercise session that is subsequent to the first exercise session, and the at least one processor 710 may reduce a time interval (e.g., change the time interval from 30 seconds to 20 seconds) at which the periodic coaching content is output in the second exercise session when the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator determined in the first exercise session fails to satisfy a target condition determined for the first exercise session. For example, when the percentage of time during which the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies a target range is less than 60% of the total time of the first exercise session, it may be determined that the target condition set for the first exercise session is not satisfied. As the time interval at which the periodic coaching content is output is reduced, the periodic coaching content may be output more frequently in the second exercise session than in the first exercise session. When it is determined that the target condition set for the first exercise session is satisfied, the time interval at which the periodic coaching content is output may remain unchanged in the second exercise session. As such, an exercise coaching interval may be flexibly adjusted depending on an exercise performance situation of the user.

In an embodiment, the first exercise coaching content may include immediate coaching content that includes a guidance comment for informing that a change in performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is significant. The immediate coaching content may be output, for example, when the amount of change in performance on the first exercise target indicator during a time period is greater than a threshold value. When an average value of performance regarding the first exercise target indicator changes drastically during a time period, the at least one processor 710 may control the immediate coaching content, which may include a guidance comment for informing the drastic change in performance to alert the user or improve the performance, to be output. For example, when the amount of change in the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator for n (natural number) seconds is greater than 20% of the previous performance, the immediate coaching content for informing that the change in the performance is significant.

In an embodiment, when the performance on the first exercise target indicator measured over a determined time period is within a target range, the first exercise coaching content may include tendency coaching content including a comment to motivate the user to perform exercise. The tendency coaching content may be output whenever the determined time interval is reached. When the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator measured during the determined time period is not within the target range, the tendency coaching content may include a guidance comment for informing the result of analyzing an exercise tendency of the user. For example, when the average value of the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator for n (natural number) minutes satisfies the determined target range, the at least one processor 710 may control the tendency coaching content, which may include a comment to praise the exercise performance of the user, to be output. When the average value of the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator for n minutes is greater than or less than the determined target range, the at least one processor 710 may control the tendency coaching content, which may include a guidance comment for informing the first exercise target indicator and the result of analyzing the exercise tendency of the user, to be output.

In an embodiment, the first exercise coaching content may include progress coaching content including a guidance comment for informing progress information on performance of an exercise program. The progress coaching content may be output when the progress of an exercise program satisfies a set condition. The progress coaching content may be provided to the user, for example, at the beginning of exercise, at a time point at which exercise progress reaches 50% of the total planned exercise period, and at the end of exercise. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. When an exercise program is N (natural number) % complete, the at least one processor 710 may control the progress coaching content, which may include a guidance comment on the amount of exercise performed and the amount of exercise remaining in the exercise program, to be provided. When the progress coaching content is provided, additional information, such as calories burned during a period, may be provided in addition to progress information.

In an embodiment, the first exercise coaching content may include motivational coaching content including a comment to motivate the user to perform exercise. The motivational coaching content may include a comment of empathy, praise, or encouragement to help the user complete exercise by determining an exercise performance situation of the user. The motivational coaching content may be output, for example, when the amount of change in performance regarding the first exercise target indicator during a time period is greater than a threshold value. When the amount of change in the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is greater than a threshold value and an exercise target of an exercise program corresponds to an exercise target set by the user, the motivational coaching content to praise the exercise performance of the user may be output. In an embodiment, even when an exercise target of an exercise program does not correspond to the exercise target set by the user, the motivational coaching content may be output to encourage the user to continue exercising. Alternatively, the motivational coaching content may be output when performance enters a predefined exercise period or when performance regarding the first exercise target indicator continues to fall below a target condition.

In an embodiment, when the number of times the first exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches a threshold number, the at least one processor 710 may change the output frequency of the first exercise coaching content or change a target condition for the first exercise target indicator. For example, the interval at which the first exercise coaching content is output may be shortened, or the target condition for the first exercise target indicator may be lowered.

In an embodiment, when output conditions of at least two types of exercise coaching content are simultaneously satisfied among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content, the at least one processor 710 may only output exercise coaching content with the highest priority among the at least two types of exercise coaching content of which the output conditions are simultaneously satisfied. The priorities may be predefined among periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content, and when the output conditions of the at least two types of exercise coaching content are simultaneously satisfied, it may be determined that the exercise content with the highest priority is output. For example, when the output conditions of periodic coaching content and immediate coaching content are simultaneously satisfied, the immediate coaching content with a higher priority may be output, and the periodic coaching content may be omitted or the output frequency of periodic coaching content may be changed. When an output condition of another exercise coaching content is satisfied while one exercise coaching content is being output, the at least one processor 710 may control the other exercise coaching content not to be output. For example, when an output condition of tendency coaching content is satisfied while the immediate coaching content is being output, the tendency coaching content may not be output.

In an embodiment, the at least one processor 710 may perform exercise coaching centered on a second exercise target indicator when it is determined that determined performance satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. For example, when performance regarding walking speed determined while the user is exercising satisfies a target condition (e.g., the walking speed for 3 minutes is greater than or equal to a threshold value), the performance of the user regarding step length may be determined and exercise coaching for step length may be performed. The first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator may be, for example, any one of walking speed, step length, gait symmetry index, heart rate, step count, hip joint angle, distance traveled, exercise time, and calorie consumption, and the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator may be different from each other. The first exercise target indicator may correspond to a main exercise target indicator determined in an exercise program, and the second exercise target indicator may correspond to a sub-exercise target indicator. There may be one or more sub-exercise target indicators.

When the determined performance satisfies an objective condition set for the first exercise target indicator, the at least one processor 710 may determine the performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator and control second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output based on the determined performance regarding the second exercise target indicator. Similar to the first exercise coaching content, the second exercise coaching content may also include periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content. Depending on whether an output condition is satisfied, any one of periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content may be output as the second exercise coaching content.

In an embodiment, when selecting the second exercise target indicator for which exercise coaching is performed following the first exercise target indicator, the at least one processor 710 may select, as the second exercise target indicator, a second candidate exercise target indicator with the highest priority among a plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in exercise program information. The at least one processor 710 may determine performance of the user regarding the selected second exercise target indicator. Alternatively, the at least one processor 710 may select, as the second exercise target indicator, a second candidate exercise target indicator with the lowest performance among the plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in the exercise program information and determine performance of the user regarding the selected second exercise target indicator.

In an embodiment, when the number of times the second exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches a threshold number, the at least one processor 710 may change the output frequency of the second exercise coaching content or change a target condition for the second exercise target indicator. For example, the interval at which the second exercise coaching content is output may be shortened, or the target condition for the second exercise target indicator may be lowered.

In an embodiment, an output condition of at least one of the first exercise coaching content and the second exercise coaching content may be determined based on user information (e.g., gender, age, exercise target, and BMI) defined for the user. The electronic device 210 may provide a personalized exercise coaching function for each user by providing exercise coaching content that reflects individual characteristics of each user according to user information. In an embodiment, an output condition of exercise coaching content may vary depending on user information. For example, when a user is over 60 years old, the electronic device 210 may increase the interval at which periodic coaching content and tendency coaching content are output from an initial value and adjust a threshold value for determining a time point at which the immediate coaching content is output to be smaller than the initial value. As such, an output condition of each exercise coaching content may be adjusted according to a user characteristic defined by user information.

In an embodiment, when performance determined for the second exercise target indicator satisfies a target condition set for the second exercise target indicator, the at least one processor 710 may perform exercise coaching centered on a third exercise target indicator. The third exercise target indicator is different from the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator and may be predefined in exercise program information.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is low while performing exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator, the exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator may be stopped and exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator may be resumed. After the operation of controlling the second exercise coaching content to be output when it is determined that the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator fails to satisfy a target condition, the at least one processor 710 may control the first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output based on the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of providing exercise coaching content according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in a situation in which a user wears the wearable device 100 and performs an exercise program, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may provide a real-time exercise coaching function to the user. The wearable device 100 may transmit, in real time, to the electronic device 210, sensor data obtained by measuring the motion of the user while the user is performing an exercise program, and based on the sensor data received from the wearable device 100, the electronic device 210 may measure exercise target indicators designated for the exercise program currently being performed by the user. According to an embodiment, the exercise target indicators may be measured by the wearable device 100.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example in which auditory exercise coaching content 810 is output. A voice coaching function may be implemented through the output of the auditory exercise coaching content 810. The voice coaching function may be implemented through voice-based human-robot interaction (HRI), and the voice coaching function may provide real-time exercise guidance for improving the exercise effect for the user, provide exercise program information, change exercise type/exercise intensity, and provide a guidance voice related to encouragement and praise.

While the user is exercising, the auditory exercise coaching content 810 may be output through the wearable device 100, the electronic device 210, the wireless earphones 222, and/or a speaker of the smartwatch 224. In an embodiment, when the wireless earphones 222 and/or the smartwatch 224 are worn on the body of the user and connected to the electronic device 210 and/or the wearable device 100, voice coaching content for the voice coaching function may be output through the wireless earphones 222 and/or the smartwatch 224. When the wireless earphones 222 and the smartwatch 224 are not connected, the voice coaching content may be output through the electronic device 210 and/or the wearable device 100. The output control of the voice coaching content may be performed by the electronic device 210.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example in which visual exercise coaching content 820 and 830 is output. Visual exercise coaching content 820 may be output on the display of the electronic device 210, or visual exercise coaching content 830 may be output on the display of the smartwatch 224.

The auditory exercise coaching content 810 and the visual exercise coaching content 820 and 830 may include the periodic coaching content, the immediate coaching content, the tendency coaching content, the progress coaching content, and the motivational coaching content described above and may be output when each output condition defined in an exercise program is satisfied.

In an embodiment, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may provide a personalized exercise coaching function based on an exercise performance situation of the user by providing the auditory exercise coaching content 810 and/or the visual exercise coaching content 820 and 830 while the user is performing an exercise program. The personalized exercise coaching function may improve the exercise effect for the user, provide the user with an advanced exercise experience using the wearable device 100, and induce the user to actively participate in exercise.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating exercise target indicators for each exercise program and types of exercise coaching content provided according to the exercise program, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9, a user may wear the wearable device 100 and perform various exercise programs (e.g., interval walking, power walking, and target exercise walking). When providing an exercise coaching function, the wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may provide an experience that enables the user to continue exercising by providing immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, tendency coaching content, and progress coaching content in accordance with an exercise program selected by the user for exercise performance indicators (e.g., walking speed, step length, gait symmetry index, step count, progress rate) measured while the user is exercising. The wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may provide a personalized exercise coaching function for each user by determining a real-time exercise performance situation and performance of the user. The wearable device 100 and/or the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching and motivational coaching according to the exercise performance situation of the user.

For each exercise program, a plurality of exercise target indicators and exercise coaching content to be provided may be defined in exercise program information. In the table shown in FIG. 9, a first exercise target indicator may correspond to the most important main exercise target indicator, and a second exercise target indicator, a third exercise target indicator, and a fourth exercise target indicator may correspond to sub-exercise target indicators. For example, according to the table, for interval walking, walking speed corresponds to the main exercise target indicator, and step length, gait symmetry index, and heart rate may correspond to sub-exercise target indicators. There may be priorities among exercise target indicators. For example, the priority may be lowered in the order of the first exercise target indicator, the second exercise target indicator, the third exercise target indicator, and the fourth exercise target indicator. Here, the priority may indicate the order in which exercise target indicators are selected as targets for exercise coaching.

In an embodiment, exercise coaching content may be designated for each exercise program. For example, according to the table, when interval walking is performed, immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, and tendency coaching content may be provided, but progress coaching content may not be provided. Motivational coaching content may be provided regardless of the type of exercise program, when a designated output condition is satisfied.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of an operating method of an electronic device for providing an exercise coaching function according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the electronic device 210 may be connected to the wearable device 100. A user may wear the wearable device 100 to perform exercise using the wearable device 100. When the wearable device 100 is powered on and activated, the electronic device 210 may be connected to the wearable device 100 via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication). If the wearable device 100 is connected to the electronic device 210 for the first time, a pairing process between the two devices may be performed first.

In operation 1020, the electronic device 210 may start an exercise program selected via a user input in response to receiving the user input. In an embodiment, information on recommended exercise programs may be provided to the user through the display of the electronic device 210, and the user may select, through the user input, an exercise program among the recommended exercise programs that the user desires to perform while wearing the wearable device 100.

In operation 1030, the electronic device 210 may receive sensor data measured by one or more sensors (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) of the wearable device 100 worn on the body of the user.

In operation 1040, the electronic device 210 may determine exercise coaching content based on exercise program information of an exercise program and sensor data while performing the exercise program using the wearable device 100. The exercise program information may include, for example, setting information (e.g., purpose and properties of the exercise program, duration of the exercise program, amount of exercise) about the exercise program, information about exercise target indicators set for the exercise program, and information about the type of exercise coaching content to be provided. The frequency and timing of providing exercise coaching content may vary depending on the amount of exercise set in the exercise program. The exercise program information may be stored in a separate database. The sensor data may include, for example, motion information of the wearable device 100 and sensing information about the terrain (e.g., uphill, downhill, or flat ground) on which the user is exercising. The electronic device 210 may determine exercise coaching content based on setting information (e.g., exercise mode or exercise intensity) of the wearable device 100 and user information in addition to the exercise program information and the sensor data. The user information may include, for example, information about age, gender, measurements of exercise ability, BMI, underlying health conditions, medications taken, exercise purpose, and exercise history (e.g., performed exercise count). The user information may be stored in a separate database. The user may set an exercise purpose (e.g., improving physical strength, improving muscle strength, losing weight, and having good posture) desired by the user and input other user information through an application running on the electronic device 210. The user information may be stored in a separate database.

The exercise coaching content may include periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content as described above. Based on an exercise performance situation of the user and a determined output condition of each exercise coaching content, the electronic device 210 may select exercise coaching content to be provided to the user among periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content.

In operation 1050, the electronic device 210 may control the determined exercise coaching content to be output. When the exercise coaching content is auditory exercise coaching content, the electronic device 210 may control the exercise coaching content to be output through at least one of a sound output circuit (e.g., the sound output circuit 750 of FIG. 7), the wearable device 100, and wireless earphones (e.g., the wireless earphones 222 of FIG. 2) connected to the electronic device 210. When the exercise coaching content is visual exercise coaching content, the electronic device 210 may control the exercise coaching content to be output through at least one of a display of a display circuit (e.g., the display circuit 740 of FIG. 7), a smartwatch (e.g., the smartwatch 224 of FIG. 2), and smartglasses (e.g., the smartglasses 226 of FIG. 2).

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching tailored to the exercise performance situation of the user in real time by utilizing the exercise program information, the sensor data, and/or the user information. The electronic device 210 may provide personalized exercise coaching for each user that reflects user characteristics based on the user information. The electronic device 210 may determine the real-time exercise performance situation of the user and performance information based on sensor data, determine whether the performance of the user is below/appropriate/exceeds a target for an exercise target indicator, and provide exercise coaching corresponding to the determination result. The electronic device 210 may select exercise coaching content based on an exercise coaching item defined in exercise program information.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may determine whether to change an exercise target indicator that is a target of exercise coaching and/or whether to change a condition for providing exercise coaching content based on performance indicating the degree to which the user performs exercise regarding an exercise target indicator. For example, when the performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator satisfies a target condition while exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator is being provided, the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching for a second exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching information tailored to the exercise performance ability of the user based on the real-time performance of the user or provide a personalized exercise coaching experience by changing an exercise target indicator and/or the timing of providing exercise coaching content. For example, when a situation arises where multiple types of exercise coaching content need to be output simultaneously, the electronic device 210 may either omit the output of one type of exercise coaching content or adjust its output timing (or frequency). When the performance of the user in an exercise session of a previously performed exercise program fails to satisfy a target condition, the electronic device 210 may change (e.g., shorten an interval at which exercise coaching content is output) the provision condition of exercise coaching content to be provided in the next exercise session. When exercise coaching content with the same comment is accumulated and output N (natural number) or more times, the electronic device 210 may change a target condition for an exercise target indicator or change (e.g., shorten an interval at which exercise coaching content is output) the provision condition of exercise coaching content.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which exercise coaching content is determined and provided in an exercise coaching process are described in detail. Although an embodiment in which exercise coaching content is provided under the control of the electronic device 210 is described below, operations performed by the electronic device 210 to provide exercise coaching content may also be performed by the wearable device 100. Additionally, operations of providing exercise coaching content in the descriptions below may include directly outputting exercise coaching content or indirectly outputting exercise coaching content through another wearable device (e.g., wireless earphones or a smartwatch).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing periodic coaching content according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11, exercise coaching may be performed according to the priorities of exercise target indicators set in an exercise program while a user wearing the wearable device 100 is exercising. In operation 1110, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator. For example, when the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may measure the walking speed of the user based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100. The measured walking speed may correspond to the performance.

In operation 1120, the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for the first exercise target indicator according to a determined time interval. For example, the periodic coaching content may be provided at an interval of n (natural number) (e.g., 30 seconds) seconds for the first exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed) and may include an average value of measured values for the first exercise target indicator and a guidance comment regarding a target range set for the first exercise target indicator.

In operation 1130, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target range set for the first exercise target indicator.

In an embodiment, when the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator fails to satisfy the target range set for the first exercise target indicator (e.g., when it is determined that the performance falls below or exceeds the target range) (if “No” in operation 130), the electronic device 210 may start again from operation 1110. In this case, the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for informing that the performance of the user falls below or exceeds the target for the first exercise target indicator. For example, periodic coaching content, such as “Your walking speed is slow. Please maintain 6 kilometers per hour (km/h)”, may be output. Then, when it is determined that the walking speed is still slow, periodic coaching content such as “You're still slow. Please maintain 6 km/h” may be provided.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target range (if “Yes” in operation 1130), the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for informing that the performance of the user is appropriate for the target for the first exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching for a second exercise target indicator. For example, periodic coaching content, such as “Your walking speed is just right”, may be provided.

In operation 1140, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator. For example, when the second exercise target indicator is step length, the electronic device 210 may measure the step length of the user based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100. The measured step length may correspond to performance. Performance regarding the second exercise target indicator may be determined in operation 1140 or prior to operation 1140.

The second exercise target indicator may be an exercise target indicator with the next highest priority after the first exercise target indicator among multiple exercise target indicators set in an exercise program. When it is determined that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target range, exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator may be provided. As such, when the first exercise target indicator is fulfilled, exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator may be performed, and exercise coaching content may be changed in real time while the user is exercising.

In operation 1150, the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for the second exercise target indicator according to a determined time interval. For example, the periodic coaching content may be provided at an interval of n (natural number) seconds for the second exercise target indicator (e.g., step length) and may include a measurement value for the current second exercise target indicator and a guidance comment regarding the target set for the second exercise target indicator.

In operation 1160, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the performance regarding the second exercise target indicator satisfies the target range set for the second exercise target indicator.

In an embodiment, when the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator fails to satisfy the target range set for the second exercise target indicator (e.g., when it is determined that the performance falls below or exceeds the target range) (if “No” in operation 160), the electronic device 210 may start again from operation 1140. In this case, the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for informing that the performance of the user falls below or exceeds the target for the second exercise target indicator. For example, periodic coaching content, such as “Your step length is short. Please keep 50 centimeters (cm)”, may be provided.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the performance regarding the second exercise target indicator satisfies the target range (if “Yes” in operation 1160), the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for informing that the performance of the user is appropriate for the target for the second exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching for a third exercise target indicator. For example, periodic coaching content, such as “Your step length is just right”, may be provided.

In operation 1170, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the third exercise target indicator. For example, when the third exercise target indicator is step count, the electronic device 210 may measure the step count of the user based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100. The measured step count may correspond to performance. Performance regarding the third exercise target indicator may be determined in operation 1170 or prior to operation 1170.

The third exercise target indicator may be an exercise target indicator with the next highest priority after the second exercise target indicator among multiple exercise target indicators set in an exercise program. When it is determined that the performance regarding the second exercise target indicator satisfies the target range, exercise coaching for the third exercise target indicator may be provided. As such, when the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator are fulfilled, exercise coaching for the third exercise target indicator may be performed.

In operation 1180, the electronic device 210 may provide periodic coaching content for the third exercise target indicator according to a determined time interval. For example, the periodic coaching content may be provided at an interval of n (natural number) seconds for the third exercise target indicator (e.g., step count) and may include a measurement value for the current third exercise target indicator and a guidance comment regarding the target set for the third exercise target indicator.

Then, in the same way as the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator, it may be determined whether to perform exercise coaching for a fourth exercise target indicator with the next priority by comparing the performance to the target range for the third exercise target indicator.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing immediate coaching content according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1210, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of a user regarding a first exercise target indicator. For example, when the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may measure the walking speed of the user based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100.

In operation 1220, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the amount of change in the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is greater than a threshold value. For example, it may be determined whether the amount of change in the average value of the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is greater than 20%. The electronic device 210 may determine whether the average value of the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is changed drastically during a time period of the previous n (natural number) seconds. A sudden change in the average value may include a sudden increase or decrease in the average value.

When it is determined that the amount of change in the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator is greater than a threshold value (if “Yes” in operation 1220), the electronic device 210 may provide immediate coaching content for the first exercise target indicator in operation 1230. For example, when a walking speed suddenly decreases, immediate coaching content, such as “You've suddenly slowed down a lot! Stay focused!”, may be provided. When the walking speed suddenly increases, immediate coaching content, such as “You've suddenly sped up to 7.1 km/h! Be careful!”, may be provided. After such alert and immediate coaching content is provided, a guidance comment (e.g., “Our target walking speed is 6.2 km/h”) for informing the target for the first exercise target indicator may be provided.

In operation 1240, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content based on user information. When the purpose of an exercise program is the same as the exercise purpose set by the user, it may be determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, motivational coaching content may be provided to remind the user of the exercise purpose and encourage exercise motivation. For example, motivational coaching content, such as “Remember, the goal of this exercise is to improve muscle strength! You need to work harder to stimulate your muscles!” or “Remember, the goal of this exercise is weight management! So, let's work harder to lose weight!”, may be provided. When the purpose of an exercise program is not the same as the exercise purpose set by the user, motivational coaching content may not be provided.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing tendency coaching content according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, in operation 1310, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of a user regarding a first exercise target indicator during a determined time period. For example, when the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may measure the average values of the walking speed of the user for the previous n (natural number) minutes based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100.

In operation 1320, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the performance determined in operation 1310 falls within a set target range when the determined time period is reached.

When it is determined that the performance is within the set target range (If “Yes” in operation 1320), the electronic device 210 may provide first tendency coaching content including a comment to motivate the user to perform exercise in operation 1330. The first tendency coaching content may include a comment indicating an exercise performance tendency of the user, a comment indicating a target for the first exercise target indicator, and a comment indicating property information of an exercise section currently being exercised. For example, the first tendency coaching content may include comments such as “You've maintained the ideal speed for 3 minutes straight”, “You've got an excellent sense of pace!”, and “You're doing amazing, especially in this challenging fast-paced section.”

When it is determined that the performance is not included in the determined target range (e.g., when the performance exceeds or falls below the target range) (if “No” in operation 1320), in operation 1340, the electronic device 210 may provide second tendency coaching content including a guidance comment for informing the user of the first exercise target indicator and the result of analyzing the exercise tendency of the user. The second tendency coaching content may include a comment indicating an exercise performance tendency of the user, a comment indicating a target for the first exercise target indicator, and a comment indicating property information of an exercise section currently being exercised. When the performance falls below the target range, the second tendency coaching content may include comments such as “Your pace has been slow for 3 minutes”, “Please maintain 6 km/h”, and “Of course, this fast-paced section might be challenging.” When the performance exceeds the determined target range, the second tendency coaching content may include comments such as “Your pace has been fast for 3 minutes”, “Please maintain 6 km/h”, and “Of course, it's natural to speed up as if carried by inertia. I understand”.

In operation 1350, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Operations of providing motivational coaching content after tendency coaching content is provided are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing motivational coaching content after providing tendency coaching content according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of operations of providing motivational coaching content after a user is provided with tendency coaching content that assesses the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content to sympathize with and comfort the user having a low performance based on user information.

In operation 1410, the electronic device 210 may provide tendency coaching content. The electronic device 210 may provide tendency coaching content according to the process of operation 1310 to operation 1340 of FIG. 13.

After providing the tendency coaching content, in operation 1420, the electronic device 210 may measure a change in the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may determine the change in the performance by comparing the existing performance measurement result of the user to details of the tendency coaching content.

In operation 1430, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content based on the change in the performance. When the performance measured after the tendency coaching content is provided falls below the target range for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content for empathy. For example, motivational coaching content such as “Looking at your measurement records, it seems your speed is usually slower, which might make things more challenging” may be provided. Additionally, when the age of the user is identified as being over a predetermined age range (e.g., 70s) based on user information, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content designed for older age groups, such as “For someone in your age group, it's perfectly normal to find it challenging to maintain this walking speed.”

When the performance measured after the tendency coaching content is provided exceeds the target range for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content for empathy. In addition, the electronic device 210 may provide a comment indicating information about the measured performance and the target range.

In an embodiment, when the performance exceeds or falls below the target range for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content such as “Cheer up! If you work hard every day, you will find yourself improving before you know it!”

In operation 1440, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the amount of exercise performed by the user satisfies a set condition. For example, when the amount of exercise performed by the user is 70% or more of the planned amount of exercise or the exercise time is more than 30 minutes, it may be determined that the amount of exercise performed by the user satisfies the set condition.

When it is determined that the amount of exercise performed by the user satisfies the set condition (if “Yes” in operation 1440), the electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content in operation 1450. The electronic device 210 may provide motivational coaching content that may include an empathetic comment about the user's high level of exercise. For example, motivational coaching content such as “It's great that you're doing a lot of exercise!” may be provided.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations of providing progress coaching content according to various embodiments.

Depending on the exercise program, time points at which progress is coached may be defined based on the amount of exercise time. For example, time points may be defined such that progress coaching content is provided at 10%, 20%, 50%, 70%, and 100% of the total exercise time set for an exercise program.

In operation 1510, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator. For example, when the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may measure the walking speed of the user based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100.

In operation 1520, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the progress (or progress rate) of an exercise program satisfies a set condition. For example, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the progress of an exercise program (e.g., exercise time performed so far) corresponds to 10%, 20%, 50%, 70%, or 100% of the total exercise time set for the exercise program.

When it is determined that the progress of the exercise program satisfies the set condition (if “Yes” in operation 1520), in operation 1530, the electronic device 210 may provide progress coaching content including a guidance comment informing progress information on the performance of the exercise program.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may assess and compare the amount of completed exercise to the amount of remaining exercise. When the amount of remaining exercise is greater than the amount of completed exercise, the electronic device 210 may provide progress coaching content including a guidance comment informing the amount of completed exercise and the amount of remaining exercise. For example, progress coaching content including comments such as “You're already 40% done” and “There are 6,200 steps left. Let's try a little harder!” may be provided. When the amount of remaining exercise is less than the amount of completed exercise, the electronic device 210 may provide progress coaching content including a comment informing the estimated amount of remaining exercise (or remaining time), such as “You have about 35 minutes left to achieve your target”, along with a comment informing current progress information.

In operation 1540, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the provided progress coaching session corresponds to the last session. The electronic device 210 may determine whether the progress coaching content provided in operation 1530 is intended to inform the completion or termination of the exercise. When the provided progress coaching session does not correspond to the last session (if “No” in operation 1540), the electronic device 210 may return to operation 1510 and continue performing progress coaching. In an embodiment, when the progress coaching content provided in operation 1530 is the first session, the electronic device 210 may provide a comment informing tip information related to performing exercise. For example, a comment, such as “To make long walks less boring, try using an exercise mode with varying intensity”, may be provided.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operations of performing exercise coaching by changing an exercise target indicator, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of operations of performing exercise coaching by changing an exercise target indicator when a predetermined condition is satisfied in relation to an operation of controlling exercise coaching content to be output. During an exercise coaching process, it may be determined whether to change the priority of exercise coaching between the main exercise target indicator and one or more sub-exercise target indicators based on the real-time exercise performance of the user, and exercise coaching may be provided for the exercise target indicator with the highest priority according to the exercise performance situation of the user.

In operation 1610, based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed) designated in an exercise program. For example, the electronic device 210 may extract signal feature points from the sensor data and determine, based on the time interval between the extracted feature points and/or the sizes of the feature points, walking speed, step length, hip joint angle, calorie consumption, heart rate, and gait symmetry index. In another example, the electronic device 210 may obtain performance regarding each exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed, step length, hip joint angle, calorie consumption, heart rate, and gait symmetry index) from a performance determination model based on a trained neural network by inputting sensor data of an IMU (e.g., the IMU 522 of FIG. 5) and sensor data of an angle sensor (e.g., the first angle sensor 524 and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5) obtained from the wearable device 100 to the performance determination model.

In operation 1620, based on the determined performance regarding the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may control first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output. The first exercise target indicator may correspond to the main exercise target indicator set in an exercise program being performed. The electronic device 210 may provide the first exercise coaching content including periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and/or motivational coaching content for the first exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may control the first exercise coaching content satisfying an output condition to be output when an output condition set for each of the periodic coaching content, the immediate coaching content, the tendency coaching content, the progress coaching content and/or the motivational coaching content included in the first exercise coaching content is satisfied.

The electronic device 210 may determine whether to change the priority of exercise coaching between the main exercise target indicator and one or more sub-exercise target indicators based on the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator determined in real time while the user is exercising. In operation 1630, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the determined performance satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. For example, when the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies a defined target range N (natural number) times in a row, it may be determined that the performance satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. When the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator falls below or exceeds the defined target range, it may be determined that the performance fails to satisfy the target condition. When it is determined that the performance fails to satisfy the target condition (if “No” in operation 1630), the electronic device 210 may continue performing the exercise coaching process for the first exercise target indicator of operation 1610 and operation 1620.

When it is determined that the performance satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator (if “Yes” in operation 1630), exercise coaching for a second exercise target indicator (e.g., step length) with a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator may be performed. The electronic device 210 may set the second exercise target indicator as the main exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching. In this case, exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator may be omitted. The priority between exercise target indicators, including the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator, may be designated in exercise program information. The main purpose of exercise coaching performed by the electronic device 210 is to help the user exercise while maintaining the exercise target. When determining that the user is performing the main exercise target indicator well, the electronic device 210 may perform exercise coaching centered on other exercise target indicators so that the user may also perform other exercise target indicators well.

In an embodiment, when selecting the second exercise target indicator for which exercise coaching is performed following the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may select, as the second exercise target indicator for which exercise coaching is performed, a second candidate exercise target indicator with the highest priority among a plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in exercise program information. The priorities among the second candidate exercise target indicators may be preset in the exercise program information or adjusted based on the exercise purpose and/or underlying health conditions of the user.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may select a second candidate exercise target indicator that is determined to require relatively more exercise coaching among the second candidate exercise target indicators corresponding to sub-exercise target indicators and determine to perform exercise coaching for the selected second candidate exercise target indicator. For example, the electronic device 210 may select, as the second exercise target indicator for which exercise coaching is performed, a second candidate exercise target indicator with the lowest performance among the plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in the exercise program information. The electronic device 210 may select a second candidate exercise target indicator of which the performance differs the most from the target defined in the exercise program as the second exercise target indicator for which exercise coaching is performed.

When it is determined that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator (if “Yes” in operation 1630), in operation 1640, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator. For example, when the second exercise target indicator is step length, the electronic device 210 may measure changes in the step length of the user over time based on sensor data received from the wearable device 100.

In operation 1650, based on the determined performance regarding the second exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may control second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output. The electronic device 210 may provide the second exercise coaching content including periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and/or motivational coaching content for the second exercise target indicator.

In operation 1660, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the exercise program is terminated. When the exercise program is not terminated (if “No” in operation 1660), the electronic device 210 may return to operation 1630 and determine whether the performance determined for the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. When it is determined that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator fails to satisfy the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator while the electronic device 210 performs exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator (if “No” in operation 1630), the electronic device 210 may stop the exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator and resume exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator. When it is determined that the original main exercise target indicator fails to satisfy a target condition, the electronic device 210 may stop exercise coaching for a candidate exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching for the main exercise target indicator again. When it is determined that the user is not performing well on a higher priority exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may give priority to exercise coaching for the higher priority exercise target indicator.

The embodiment in which exercise coaching is switched between the exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator and the exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator is described. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition to the first and second exercise target indicators, exercise coaching may also be performed for a third exercise target indicator and/or a fourth exercise target indicator. For example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator (e.g., when the performance regarding the second exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the second exercise target indicator), exercise coaching for the third exercise target indicator may be performed, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the exercise coaching for the third exercise target indicator (e.g., when the performance regarding the third exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the third exercise target indicator), exercise coaching for the fourth exercise target indicator may be performed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating how to handle a case of overlapping output of pieces of exercise coaching content, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 17, in operation 1710, the electronic device 210 may detect that an output condition of exercise coaching content is satisfied.

In operation 1720, the electronic device 210 may determine whether a situation of overlapping output of at least two types of exercise coaching content among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content (e.g., periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, and progress coaching content) is expected. For example, when output conditions of at least two types of exercise coaching content among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content are satisfied simultaneously, it may be expected that a situation of overlapping output of the at least two types of exercise coaching content occurs.

When a situation of overlapping output of exercise coaching content is not expected (if “No” in operation 1720), in operation 1730, the electronic device 210 may control exercise coaching content of which the output condition is satisfied in operation 1710 to be output.

When the situation of overlapping output of exercise coaching content is expected (if “Yes” in operation 1720), in operation 1740, the electronic device 210 may control exercise coaching content with a higher priority (or the highest priority) related to output among exercise coaching content of which the output conditions are satisfied to be output. Priority related to output may be predefined among periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, progress coaching content, and motivational coaching content. For example, immediate coaching content may be the most prioritized, followed by tendency coaching content, periodic coaching content, and then progress coaching content. The electronic device 210 may compare the priorities among pieces of exercise coaching content of which the output conditions are satisfied and output only the content with the highest priority.

In operation 1750, the electronic device 210 may determine whether exercise coaching content with a lower priority is periodic coaching content. When the exercise coaching content with a lower priority is not periodic coaching content (if “No” in operation 1750), in operation 1760, the electronic device 210 may control the exercise coaching content with a lower priority not to be output. For example, when both the output conditions of immediate coaching content and tendency coaching content are satisfied, the immediate coaching content may be output and the tendency coaching content may not be output. As such, when a situation of overlapping output of pieces of exercise coaching content is expected, it is determined that exercise coaching content with the highest priority is output, and the output of other pieces of exercise coaching content may be omitted.

When the exercise coaching content with a lower priority is periodic coaching content (if “Yes” in operation 1750), in operation 1770, the electronic device 210 may adjust the output frequency of the periodic coaching content. In an embodiment, when periodic coaching content is not output because a situation in which the periodic coaching content and immediate coaching content or tendency coaching content are output simultaneously is expected, the output frequency of the periodic coaching content may be reset and adjusted based on the time point at which the immediate coaching content or the tendency coaching content is output.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of changing an output condition of exercise coaching content according to the performance of a user, according to various embodiments.

The descriptions of operation 1610, operation 1620, and operation 1630 of FIG. 16 may apply to operation 1610, operation 1620, and operation 1630 illustrated in FIG. 18, so any repeated description thereof is omitted.

When performance regarding a first exercise target indicator fails to satisfy a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator (if “No” in operation 1630), in operation 1810, the electronic device 210 may determine whether the number of times first exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches a threshold number (e.g., N (natural number) times).

When it is determined that the number of times the first exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches the threshold number (if “Yes” in operation 1810), in operation 1820, the electronic device 210 may change the output frequency of the first exercise coaching content and/or change the target condition for the first exercise target indicator. When the output frequency of the first exercise coaching content is changed, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with a comment for informing the change in the output frequency. For example, a comment for informing the change in the output frequency of exercise coaching content, such as “From now on, we will coach your walking speed more often”, may be provided to the user.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 210 may change the time point at which the first exercise coaching content is output according to a correlation among periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, and progress coaching content that may be provided as the first exercise coaching content. For example, when immediate coaching content or tendency coaching content is repeatedly output with the same comment (or the same details), the electronic device 210 may adjust an output condition of the tendency coaching content. An output condition of the tendency coaching content may be adjusted such that exercise coaching is performed more tightly (e.g., the time condition among the output conditions of the tendency coaching content is shortened) when it is determined that the exercise performance of the user is unsatisfactory and that exercise coaching is performed more loosely (e.g., the time condition among the output conditions of the tendency coaching content is lengthened) when it is determined that the user is exercising well. It is assumed that the time set for tendency determination for the tendency coaching content is 2 minutes. When the time condition of the tendency coaching content is shortened, for example, the time set for tendency determination is shortened to 1 minute, the tendency coaching content, such as “Your walking speed was slow for 1 minute”, may be output. When the time condition of the tendency coaching content is lengthened, for example, the time set for tendency determination is lengthened to 3 minutes, the tendency coaching content, such as “The walking speed was just right for 3 minutes”, may be output.

In an embodiment, when progress coaching content is analyzed to determine that the pace of the user's exercise performance is gradually decreasing, the electronic device 210 may reduce the output frequency of the periodic coaching content and/or the tendency coaching content output for exercise coaching for sub-exercise target indicators. In such case, the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching more frequently so that the pace of the user does not slow down.

In an embodiment, when it is determined that the number of times the first exercise coaching content of the same comment is output reaches the threshold number and the target condition for the first exercise target indicator is changed, the target condition for the first exercise target indicator may be adjusted depending on whether the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator is appropriate, under- or over-performing. In this case, the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator that the user is expected to achieve so far may also be adjusted. When the first exercise coaching content is repeatedly output, indicating that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator falls below the target range set for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may maintain or lower the target condition for the first exercise target indicator. When the first exercise coaching content is repeatedly output, indicating that the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator exceeds or falls within the target range set for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may raise the target condition for the first exercise target indicator. For example, when the walking speed of the user continues to fall within a range greater than 4 km/h and less than 6 km/h of the target range set for walking speed, the target range for walking speed may be changed to a range greater than 4.5 km/h and less than 5.5 km/h.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating an example in which an exercise target indicator that is a target of exercise coaching is changed during exercise performance, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, in operation 1910, a user may select an exercise program (e.g., an interval walking program) to be performed through an application running on the electronic device 210 and command the start of the exercise program. The user may select an exercise program through a user input and request the start of the exercise program.

In operation 1920, the exercise program is performed, and sensor data may be obtained by one or more sensors of the wearable device 100 (e.g., the IMU 522, the first angle sensor 524, and the second angle sensor 524-1 of FIG. 5). The sensor data may be transmitted to the electronic device 210. The electronic device 210 may calculate the performance (or measurement value) of the user corresponding to each of exercise target indicators (e.g., walking speed, step length, heart rate, and step count) set in the exercise program based on the sensor data. According to an embodiment, the wearable device 100 may calculate the performance of the user corresponding to each of the exercise target indicators based on the sensor data, and the calculated performance may be transmitted to the electronic device 210.

In operation 1930, exercise coaching for a first exercise target indicator set in exercise program information of the exercise program being performed may be performed in real time. The first exercise target indicator may correspond to the main exercise target indicator with the highest priority. The type of exercise coaching content provided for each exercise target indicator may be defined in the exercise program information, and the electronic device 210 may provide the user with exercise coaching content set for the first exercise target indicator. Exercise coaching content may be output from at least one of the wearable device 100, the electronic device 210, the wireless earphones 222, and the smartwatch 224. When the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching content of immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, and tendency coaching content focusing on walking speed. For example, the user may be provided with periodic coaching content such as “Try walking a little slower than you are now” in relation to the walking speed of the user.

In operation 1940, when it is determined that the performance of the user for the first exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed) is appropriate, the electronic device 210 may perform exercise coaching for a second exercise target indicator (e.g., step length) that has a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may determine that the walking speed of the user is appropriate, for example, when the periodic coaching content of praise is output N (e.g., 3) times in a row in relation to the walking speed of the user. The second exercise target indicator may correspond to a sub-exercise target indicator defined in an exercise program setting. When there is a plurality of sub-exercise target indicators, it may be determined that exercise coaching is performed for a sub-exercise target indicator with the lowest performance or a sub-exercise target indicator with the highest priority among the sub-exercise target indicators. When the target of exercise coaching is changed, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with a comment for informing that the exercise target indicator that is the target of exercise coaching is changed. For example, a comment such as “We will focus on coaching your step length from now on” may be provided to the user.

In operation 1950, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching for the second exercise target indicator based on the determined performance. When the second exercise target indicator is step length, the electronic device 210 may set step length as the main exercise target indicator and provide the user with immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, and tendency coaching content for step length. For example, in relation to the step length of the user, periodic coaching content such as “Your step length is short. Try increasing your step length” may be provided to the user.

In operation 1960, when it is determined that the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator (e.g., step length) is appropriate, the electronic device 210 may perform exercise coaching for a third exercise target indicator (e.g., heart rate) that has a lower priority than the second exercise target indicator. The electronic device 210 may determine that the step length of the user is appropriate, for example, when the periodic coaching content of praise is output N (e.g., 3) times in a row in relation to the step length of the user. In the exercise program information, the third exercise target indicator may be designated as an exercise target indicator with a lower priority than the second exercise target indicator. The third exercise target indicator may be the second highest priority sub-exercise target indicator among the sub-exercise target indicators. When the target of exercise coaching is changed, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with a comment for informing that the exercise target indicator that is the target of exercise coaching is changed. For example, a comment such as “We will focus on coaching your heart rate from now on” may be provided to the user.

In operation 1970, the electronic device 210 may determine the performance of the user regarding the third exercise target indicator and perform exercise coaching for the third exercise target indicator based on the determined performance. When the third exercise target indicator is heart rate, the electronic device 210 may set heart rate as the main exercise target indicator and provide the user with immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, and tendency coaching content for heart rate. For example, in relation to the heart rate of the user, tendency coaching content such as “Your heart rate tends to be at level 2, which is low” may be provided to the user.

In operation 1980, the electronic device 210 may continuously measure the performance regarding the first exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed) and then change the target of exercise coaching to the first exercise target indicator when detecting that the performance fails to satisfy a target condition. For example, when it is determined that the walking speed falls below a target range N (e.g., 3) times while exercise coaching for heart rate is being performed, the electronic device 210 may stop the exercise coaching for heart rate and perform exercise coaching for walking speed again. When the first exercise target indicator is walking speed, the electronic device 210 may again provide exercise coaching content of immediate coaching content, periodic coaching content, and tendency coaching content focusing on walking speed. For example, exercise coaching for heart rate may be stopped, and in relation to the walking speed of the user, periodic coaching content such as “Your walking speed is slow. Try walking faster than you are now” may be provided to the user.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of exercise coaching when a case of overlapping output of pieces of exercise coaching content occurs, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 20, in operation 2010, a user may select an exercise program (e.g., an interval walking program) to be performed through an application running on the electronic device 210 and command the start of the exercise program.

In operation 2020, the exercise program is performed and sensor data may be obtained by one or more sensors of the wearable device 100. The sensor data may be transmitted to the electronic device 210. The electronic device 210 may calculate the performance (or measurement value) of the user corresponding to each of exercise target indicators set in the exercise program based on the sensor data. Exercise coaching may be performed in real time for a first exercise target indicator set in exercise program information based on the performance of the user.

During exercise coaching for the first exercise target indicator, the electronic device 210 may determine whether a situation of overlapping output of at least two types of exercise coaching content among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content (e.g., periodic coaching content, immediate coaching content, tendency coaching content, and progress coaching content) is expected. For example, when output conditions of at least two types of exercise coaching content among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content are satisfied simultaneously, it may be expected that a situation of overlapping output of the at least two types of exercise coaching content occurs. When a situation of overlapping output of the at least two types of exercising coaching content is expected, the electronic device 210 may provide exercise coaching content with the highest priority.

For example, it is assumed that a first exercise target indicator is walking speed and that tendency coaching content has a higher priority for output than periodic coaching content. In this case, when the output conditions of the periodic coaching content and the tendency coaching content for walking speed are satisfied simultaneously, the electronic 210 may only provide tendency coaching content such as “You suddenly sped up too much! Be careful!” to the user and may not provide the periodic coaching content, as in operation 2030. The electronic device 210 may change the output frequency of the periodic coaching content and may provide the user with the periodic coaching content such as “Your walking speed is just right”, as in operation 2040, when the changed output frequency of the periodic coaching content is reached.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating examples of changing an output condition of exercise coaching content according to an exercise performance situation of a user, according to various embodiments.

The descriptions of operation 2010 and operation 2020 of FIG. 20 may apply to operation 2010 and operation 2020 of FIG. 21, so any repeated description thereof is omitted. While exercise coaching is being performed for a first exercise target indicator (e.g., walking speed), the electronic device 210 may determine whether performance regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator.

In operation 2130, the electronic device 210 may change the output timing of first exercise coaching content depending on whether the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. When it is determined that the exercise performance of the user is poor because the performance of the user continues to fail to meet the target condition, the electronic device 210 may change exercise coaching based on the first exercise coaching content to be tighter. The electronic device 210 may, for example, reduce the output frequency of periodic coaching content and the output frequency of tendency coaching content and reduce a threshold value for determining whether to output immediate coaching content. When it is determined that the performance of the user continues to satisfy a target condition and thus the user is exercising well, the electronic device 210 may change exercise coaching based on the first exercise coaching content to be looser. The electronic device 210 may, for example, increase the output frequency of periodic coaching content and the output frequency of tendency coaching content and increase a threshold value for determining whether to output immediate coaching content.

When the output frequency of the first exercise coaching content is changed, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with a comment for informing the change in the output frequency. For example, a comment for informing the change in the output frequency of exercise coaching content, such as “We will start coaching your walking speed more frequently from now on”, may be provided to the user.

In operation 2140, the electronic device 210 may change the target condition for the first exercise target indicator depending on whether the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator satisfies the target condition set for the first exercise target indicator. Depending on whether the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator is appropriate, under- or over-performing, the target condition for the first exercise target indicator may be adjusted. For example, when the user continues to meet the target condition by increasing the walking speed, the target range set for the walking speed may be increased. For example, when the target range for the previously set walking speed is a section greater than 4 km/h and less than 6 km/h, the target range may be changed to a section greater than 4.5 km/h and less than 5.5 km/h.

When the target condition for the first exercise target indicator is changed, the electronic device 210 may provide the user with a comment for informing that the target condition, which is the evaluation criterion for the exercise performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, is changed. For example, a comment such as “We will start providing more detailed coaching on your walking speed from now on” may be provided to the user.

The electronic device 210 according to an embodiment may include a communication circuit 730, the at least one processor 710 including processing circuitry, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions.

The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 710 individually or collectively, may cause the electronic device 210 to perform, based on exercise program information of an exercise program and sensor data, controlling of exercise coaching content to be output during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device 100. The sensor data may be received via the communication circuit 730 and be to be measured by one or more sensors 522, 524 and 524-1 of the wearable device 100. The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include, based on the sensor data received from the wearable device 100, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output.

The first exercise coaching content may include periodic coaching content output at a time interval determined in the exercise program information.

The periodic coaching content may include a guidance comment related to at least one of the first exercise target indicator or current performance of the user that is determined regarding the first exercise target indicator.

The exercise program may include a first exercise session and a second exercise session that is subsequent to the first exercise session, and the controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include, when the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator determined in the first exercise session fails to satisfy a target condition set for the first exercise session, reducing a time interval at which the periodic coaching content is output in the second exercise session.

The first exercise coaching content may include immediate coaching content that is output when an amount of change in the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator during a time period is greater than a threshold value.

The immediate coaching content may include a guidance comment for informing that a change in the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator is significant.

The first exercise coaching content may include motivational coaching content that is output when the amount of change in the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator during a time period is greater than a threshold value.

The motivational coaching content may include a comment for motivating the user to perform exercise.

The first exercise coaching content may include tendency coaching content that is output each time a determined time interval is reached.

The tendency coaching content may include a comment for motivating the user to perform exercise when the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator measured during the determined time interval is within a target range, and a guidance comment for informing the first exercise target indicator and a result of analyzing an exercise tendency of the user when the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator measured during the determined time interval is not within the target range.

The determining of the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator may include selecting, as the second exercise target indicator, a second candidate exercise target indicator with a highest priority among a plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in the exercise program information and determining the performance of the user regarding the selected second exercise target indicator.

The determining of the performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator may include selecting, as the second exercise target indicator, a second candidate exercise target indicator with lowest performance among the plurality of second candidate exercise target indicators designated in the exercise program information and determining the performance of the user regarding the selected second exercise target indicator.

The first exercise coaching content may include progress coaching content that is output when progress of the exercise program satisfies a set condition.

The progress coaching content may include a guidance comment for informing progress information on performance of the exercise program.

An output condition of at least one of the first exercise coaching content and the second exercise coaching content may be determined based on user information defined by the user.

The controlling of the exercising coaching content to be output may further include, after the controlling of the second exercise coaching content to be output, when it is determined that the performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator fails to satisfy the target condition, controlling the first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output.

The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may further include, when output conditions of at least two types of exercise coaching content among a plurality of types of exercise coaching content are satisfied simultaneously, controlling only an exercise coaching content with a highest priority to be output among the at least two types of exercise coaching content to be output.

The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include controlling, when exercise coaching content is being output and an output condition of other exercise coaching content is satisfied, the other exercise coaching content not to be output.

The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may further include when a number of times the first exercise coaching content of a same comment is output reaches a threshold number, changing an output frequency of the first exercise coaching content or changing the target condition for the first exercise target indicator.

The first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator may be each one of walking speed, step length, gait symmetry index, heart rate, step count, hip joint angle, distance traveled, exercise time, and calorie consumption, and the first exercise target indicator and the second exercise target indicator are different from each other.

The electronic device 210 may further include the sound output circuit 750 that outputs the exercise coaching content.

The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may further include controlling the exercise coaching content to be output through at least one of the sound output circuit 750, the wearable device 100, or wireless earphones 222 connected to the electronic device 210.

A wearable device 100 may include one or more sensors 522, 524, and 524-1 configured to obtain sensor data comprising motion information of the wearable device 100 by measuring the motion of the wearable device 100 corresponding to the motion of a user wearing the wearable device 100, at least one processor 512 including processing circuitry, and memory 514 storing computer-executable instructions.

The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 512 individually or collectively, may cause the wearable device 100 to perform, based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the sensor data, controlling of exercise coaching content to be output during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device 100. The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may include based on the obtained sensor data, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output.

The controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output, performed by the wearable device 100, may further include when a number of times the first exercise coaching content of a same comment is output reaches a threshold number, changing an output frequency of the first exercise coaching content or changing the target condition for the first exercise target indicator.

An operating method of an electronic device 210 may include receiving, from a wearable device 100 worn on a body of a user, sensor data measured by one or more sensors 522, 524, and 524-1 of the wearable device 100, determining exercise coaching content based on exercise program information of an exercise program and the sensor data during execution of the exercise program using the wearable device 100, and controlling the determined exercise coaching content to be output. The controlling of the determined exercise coaching content to be output may include based on the sensor data received from the wearable device 100, determining performance of the user regarding a first exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information, based on the determined performance of the user regarding the first exercise target indicator, controlling first exercise coaching content for the first exercise target indicator to be output, based on a determination that the determined performance of the user satisfies a target condition set for the first exercise target indicator, determining performance of the user regarding a second exercise target indicator designated in the exercise program information and having a lower priority than the first exercise target indicator, and based on the determined performance of the user regarding the second exercise target indicator, controlling second exercise coaching content for the second exercise target indicator to be output. “Based on” as used herein covers based at least on.

In the operation method of the electronic device 210, the controlling of the exercise coaching content to be output may further include, when a number of times the first exercise coaching content of a same comment is output reaches a threshold number, changing an output frequency of the first exercise coaching content or changing the target condition for the first exercise target indicator.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “A, B, or C,” each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), the component may be coupled with the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via at least a third component(s).

At least one of the operations described in various embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed simultaneously or in parallel with other operations, and the order of the operations may be changed. In addition, at least one of the operations may be omitted, or another operation may be additionally performed.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a “module” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium that is readable by a machine (e.g., the wearable device 100 of FIG. 1 and the electronic device 210 of FIGS. 2 and 7). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 512 of FIG. 5 or the processor 710 of FIG. 7) of the machine may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium.

Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

The software may include a computer program, a piece of code, an instruction, or some combination thereof, to independently or collectively instruct or configure the processing device to operate as desired. Software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical or virtual equipment, or computer storage medium or device capable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by the processing device. The software also may be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the software is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The software and data may be stored by one or more non-transitory computer-readable recording mediums.

According to an embodiment, a method according to certain example embodiments may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly. If distributed online, at least portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

The units described herein may be implemented using a hardware component, a software component and/or a combination thereof. A processing device may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. The processing device may run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the OS. The processing device also may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to execution of the software. For purpose of simplicity, the description of the processing device is used as singular; however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the processing device may include a plurality of processing elements and/or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include a plurality of processors, or a single processor and a single controller. In addition, different processing configurations are possible, such as parallel processors.

The above-described hardware devices may be configured to act as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations of the above-described examples, or vice versa.

Although the present disclosure exemplifies and describes with reference to various embodiments, it shall be construed that various embodiments are for the illustrative purpose rather than limiting. It shall be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of this disclosure including the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents. In addition, it shall be construed that the embodiments described herein may be used with other embodiments of the present disclosure.