Computer interactive isometric exercise system and method for operatively interconnecting the exercise system to a computer system for use as a peripheral

• US 20040110602A1
• Filed: 12/04/2002
• Published: 06/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nintendo Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Powergrid Fitness Inc. (InterAction Laboratories, Inc.)
• Inventors: Feldman, Philip G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,121,982 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/002 isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion or wherein the speed of the motion is independent of the force applied by the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0429 with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by being cantilevered about a horizontal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/90 Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison

Abstract

A computer interactive isometric exercise system includes an effector, a sensor coupled at a selected location on the effector to measure a force applied by a user to the effector, where the applied force effects a strain on the effector, and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a processor that receives and processes data corresponding to applied force information measured by the sensor for transference to a host computer. The processed data is transferred in a format compatible with the host computer and facilitates user interaction with the host computer in response to effector manipulation by the user. A plurality of effectors may further be combined together to form a system frame that provides a variety of isometric exercises for the user in combination with user interaction with the host computer.

Claims

1. An isometric exercise system serving as a peripheral to facilitate user interaction with a host computer, comprising:

at least one effector providing an isometric exercise for a user;

at least one sensor coupled at a selected location on said at least one effector to measure at least one force applied by said user to said at least one effector, wherein said applied force effects a measurable strain on said at least one effector; and

a processor including a data processing module to receive and process data corresponding to applied force information measured by said at least one sensor for transference to said host computer, wherein said data processing module produces information in a format resembling data output from a host computer peripheral to facilitate user interaction with said host computer in response to manipulation of said at least one effector by said user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said system further comprises:

a frame including a plurality of effectors securable to each other via at least one connector.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein orientation of said effectors in said frame is selectively adjustable to permit customization of said frame based upon a user preference.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said frame includes a seat to support at least one user and first, second and third effectors connected to each other via a first connector, said first effector extending from a base of said frame to said first connector, and said second and third effectors extending in opposing directions from said first connector and in directions transverse to a longitudinal dimension of said first effector.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a display controlled by said processor to output information relating to effector manipulation by said user during system operation.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one input device to provide additional information to said processor for processing and transference to said host computer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said system includes at least one input device that is manipulable by said user to effect at least one of isokinetic and isotonic exercise by said user during system operation.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one effector facilitates isometric exercise of muscle groups associated with a plurality of body parts in response to effector manipulation by said user.

9. A method of performing an isometric exercise utilizing a system that serves as a peripheral to facilitate user interaction with a host computer, said system including at least one effector, at least one sensor coupled at a selected location on said effector, and a processor, the method comprising:

(a) measuring at least one force applied by a user to said at least one effector with said at least one sensor, wherein said at least one effector provides an isometric exercise for said user and said applied force effects a measurable strain on said at least one effector;

(b) processing data corresponding to applied force information measured by said at least one sensor; and

(c) transferring said processed data to said host computer in a format resembling data output from a host computer peripheral to facilitate user interaction with said host computer in response to manipulation of said at least one effector by said user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein step (a) further includes:

(a.1) securing a plurality of effectors to each other via at least one connector to form a frame.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein step (a.1) further includes:

(a.1.1) selectively orienting said effectors in said frame to permit customization of said frame based upon a user preference.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein step (a.1) further includes:

(a.1.1) providing a seat to support said user on said frame; and

(a.1.2) providing first, second and third effectors connected to each other via a first connector, said first effector extending from a base of said frame to said first connector, and said second and third effectors extending in opposing directions from said first connector and in directions transverse a longitudinal dimension of said first effector.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said system further includes a display controlled by said processor, and the method further comprises:

(d) displaying output information, via said display, relating to manipulation of said at least one effector by said user during system operation.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein said system further includes at least one input device, and the method further comprises:

(d) providing additional information, input by said at least one input device to said processor, for processing and transference to said host computer.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said system includes at least one input device, and the method further comprises:

(d) facilitating at least one of isokinetic and isotonic exercise by said user during system operation via manipulation of said at least one input device.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

(d) facilitating isometric exercise of muscle groups associated with a plurality of body parts in response to manipulation of said at least one effector by said user.