IHO2-ChristineShih

From IEOR 170 Spring 2007

Problem Description:

The goal of this project is to find a simple and efficient way to keep RSF members from using exercise machines for more than 30 minutes. The problem is currently handled by a complex and confusing sign-up process described below.

How Signups Currently Work

• Write your name, machine #, and starting time on the sign-up sheet prior to using the machine.
• If all the machines are being used, write your name down and wait until someone leaves a machine and then signup for the machine.
• If someone is waitlisted before you, but they aren’t there when a machine becomes available, call their name 3 times before taking their spot.
• When you are finished using a machine, cross your name out on the sheet (note: nobody does this).

Problems with This Sign-up Process

• Difficult to determine which machines are not being used, when machines will become available, and what to do if all the machines are being used
• Nobody I talked to knows what the microphone is used for even though there are detailed (but confusing) instructions nearby.
• Does not enforce 30 minute time limit on machines. What do you do if you discover someone has exceeded their time limit?

Target User Group: RSF members- mostly students. People who exercise frequently. I suspect many people who go to the gym to use the machines are time conscientious. They want to be in and out. The faster they can get a machine and finish exercising, the better.

Problem Context and Forces:

I did a quick internet search on this problem and I found that it was not exclusive to the Berkley RSF. Other college sport facilities and some professional gyms have also resorted to the sign-up sheet to handle this issue.

Aspects that Influence the Solution

• Time. Some hours are more popular than others. For example: if a member came at 6:00 am to use the treadmill and there were no people at the gym, it would make less sense to enforce 30 minute time limit.
• Number of machines. The more machines, the less probability that a member will have to wait.
• Whether members follow the rules. Many people ignore the current sign-up process and just use the machines.

Solution Sketch:

This gadget keeps track of how long a person has been using a treadmill. It flashes red when the time has exceeded 30 minutes. It can sense motion so when the treadmill starts, stops, or time limit reaches 30 minutes, it takes a picture of the person using the machine. The gadget will flash orange when machine is on hold (default: no color)

This is a screen of a computer program, which RSF staff will use to keep track of how long people are using the machines for. The duration for a particular user will be calculated using a picture comparison program. An alert will be generated if duration exceeds 30 minutes. Waitlisted people will be given a buzzer, which staff will set to flash green when a machine becomes available.