Body-mounted video game exercise device

• US 4,925,189 A
• Filed: 01/13/1989
• Issued: 05/15/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas F. Braeunig
• Original Assignee: Thomas F. Braeunig
• Inventors: Braeunig, Thomas F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coven, Edward M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jackson, Gary
• Application Number:
  US07/296,705
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 273/85 G, 273/DIG. 28, 200/6 A, 340/825.19, 340/709, 272/143, 272/96, 272/67, 272/93, 272/94
• US Class Current: 273/148.00B
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/02 posture
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• 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 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/0457 for actuating a switch by gravity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1012 involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8082 Virtual reality
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 Employing specific graphic or video display

Abstract

A video game controller which attaches to the user'"'"'s upper body allowing the user to play a video game by leaning the upper body in any direction, simulating the movement of a joystick. The controller attaches to the user'"'"'s upper back with an arrangement of straps and buckles. The tilt of the user'"'"'s upper body is detected by an array of mercury switches with the resultant electrical signals being transmitted to the input of a video game. The specific angle of tilt required to actuate the mercury switches can be adjustable, thereby varying the degree of upper body movement needed to play a particular video game. Additional controls for the video game, such as a firing control, are provided by a hand held pushbutton attached to the controller via a flexible cord. Playing a video game using this arrangement results in vigorous exercise of the abdominal, back and lateral muscles.

Claims

1. A combination video game control and exercise apparatus comprising:

a. a tilt-detecting means with at least one electrical control element, where said control element is activated by tilt, and is capable of producing a control signal recognizable to a video game to control movement on a video screen;

b. an interface means to transmit said control signal to said video game;

c. an attachment means to attach said tilt-detecting means to a user'"'"'s upper torso maintaining said electrical control element in a predetermined alignment and orientation with reference to said user'"'"'s upper torso, whereby;

said electrical control element will be activated by the tilt of said user'"'"'s upper torso, producing a control signal depending upon said tilt of said user'"'"'s upper torso.

2. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

d. at least one manually operated electrical control element which, when operated, produces a control signal recognizable to said video game for controlling additional game functions, and;

e. an additional control interface means to transmit said control signal from said manually operated electrical control element to said video game.

3. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 2 where said manually operated electrical control element comprises at least one hand-held momentary contact pushbutton switch.

4. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 2 where said additional control interface means comprises at least one flexible cord of sufficient length to allow said user to hold and manipulate said manually operated electrical control element while playing said video game.

5. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 1 where said alignment and orientation of said electrical control element is adjustable with reference to said user'"'"'s upper torso, whereby:

the degree of tilt of said user'"'"'s upper torso necessary to activate said electrical control element is adjustable.

6. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 1 where said electrical control element comprises at least one mercury switch.

7. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 1 where said attachment means for attaching said tilt-detecting means, attaches to said user'"'"'s upper back.

8. A video game control and exercise apparatus according to claim 7 where said attachment means comprises at least one flexible strap.