Adaptive motor resistance video game exercise apparatus and method of use thereof

• US 9,144,709 B2
• Filed: 01/09/2013
• Issued: 09/29/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Streamline Automation LLC
• Original Assignee: Alton Reich, James Shaw
• Inventors: Reich, Alton, Shaw, James
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US13/737,724
• Publication Number:
  US 20140194251A1
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482/51, 482/52, 482900-902, 434/247
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00178 for active exercising, the apparatus being also usable for passive exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00181 comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/151 Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/18 Inclination, slope or curvature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/72 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/74 Atmospheric pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• 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 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/067 : used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 : blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 : Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 : Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 : using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 : automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition

Abstract

The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using computer configured exercise equipment and an electric motor provided physical resistance in conjunction with a game system, such as a video game system, where the exercise system provides real physical resistance to a user interface. Results of user interaction with the user interface are integrated into a video game, such as running on a game console. The resistance system comprises: a subject interface, software control, a controller, an electric servo assist/resist motor, an actuator, and/or a subject sensor. The system provides actual physical interaction with a resistance device as input to the game console and game run thereon.

Claims

1. A method for a user exercising using an exercise system coupled with a video game system, comprising the steps of:

providing an exercise system, said exercise system comprising;

a user interface;

a cable; and

an electric motor, wherein said electric motor provides physical resistance to movement of said user interface through said cable;

altering a resistance profile provided to said cable from said electric motor between successive repetitions of movement of said user interface via software and without a mechanical change; and

means for communication between said exercise system and the external video game system,

wherein the user operates said user interface against resistance provided by said electric motor.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

said exercise system providing isometric resistance to an applied force of the user.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

running said cable through a force direction changing pulley; and

the user pushing against resultant resistance provided by said electric motor.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

increasing the physical resistance to the user interface by at least ten percent during one-half of a repetition of a weightlifting exercise.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

first increasing the physical resistance supplied by said electric motor during one-half of repetition of an exercise repetition; and

subsequently decreasing the physical resistance supplied by said electric motor during said one-half of said repetition of said exercise repetition.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of

increasing said resistance supplied by said electric motor when said user interface is accelerating.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of:

providing a sensor linked to said controller; and

using output of said sensor to determine when said user interface is accelerating.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

at least one of;

(1) a trainer and (2) a therapist remotely changing said physical resistance supplied by the electric motor to said user.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

capturing and storing energy generated by use of said exercise system into a battery.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

monitoring a heart rate of the user using output of a heart rate monitor; and

varying the physical resistance supplied by said electric motor to maintain the heart rate in a target zone.

11. A method for a user exercising using an exercise system coupled with a video game system, comprising the steps of:

providing an exercise system, said exercise system comprising;

a user interface;

a cable; and

an electric motor, wherein said electric motor provides physical resistance to movement of said user interface through said cable; and

means for communication between said exercise system and the external video game system,

wherein the user operates said user interface against resistance provided by said electric motor; and

using said electric motor for successive control of two or more exercise stations.

12. A method for a user exercising using an exercise system coupled with a video game system, comprising the steps of:

providing an exercise system, said exercise system comprising;

a user interface;

a cable; and

an electric motor, wherein said electric motor provides physical resistance to movement of said user interface through said cable; and

means for communication between said exercise system and the external video game system,

wherein the user operates said user interface against resistance provided by said electric motor,

wherein said physical resistance comprises a dynamic computer controlled iso-inertial resistance, varying based on acceleration of said user interface element.