Interactive exercise apparatus

• US 5,785,630 A
• Filed: 11/06/1996
• Issued: 07/28/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tectrix Fitness Equipment, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tectrix Fitness Equipment, Inc.
• Inventors: Lehman, Peter, Shepard, Eliot, Bobick, Aaron F., Ulrich, W. Thatcher, Lewis, J. Bryan
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Richman, Glenn E.
• Application Number:
  US08/743,715
• Time in Patent Office: 629 Days
• Field of Search: 482/1-8, 482/52, 482/53, 482/57, 482/72, 482/900-902, 434/247, 434/253
• US Class Current: 482/4
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0652 for cycling in a recumbent position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/009 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled in synchronism with visualising systems, e.g. hill slope
• 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 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0641 with a marker advancing in function of the exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0644 with display speed of moving landscape controlled by the user's performance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/005 using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0056 using electromagnetically-controlled friction, e.g. magnetic particle brakes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4034 for operation by feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0087 with a seat or torso support moving during the exercise, e.g. reformers A63B22/0076 takes precedence
• 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 22/04 with movable multiple steps , i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 : performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/16 : Platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis , e.g. axis through the middle of the platform; Balancing drums; Balancing boards or the like exercising apparatus with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0056; other exercising apparatus for improving balance A63B26/003
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 : Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/76 : Wind conditions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 : Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 : Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/01 : User's weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0476 : by rotating cycling movement arrangements on or for real bicycles A63B69/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• 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: A63B 26/003 : for improving balance or equilibrium balance beams A63B4/00; apparatus for rope dancing A63B7/08; balancing drums, balancing boards or the like A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0048 : for mountaineering, e.g. climbing-walls, grip elements for climbing-walls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 : specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 : Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/358 : Adapting the game course according to the network or server load, e.g. for reducing latency due to different connection speeds between clients
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/42 : by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 : automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/803 : Driving vehicles or craft, e.g. cars, airplanes, ships, robots or tanks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 : Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/816 : Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 : being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/50 : characterized by details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8005 : Athletics
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8017 : Driving on land or water; Flying
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry

Abstract

An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user'"'"'s mind and body. The apparatus comprises an exercise mechanism, a steering mechanism, and a control mechanism for manipulation by the user to achieve exercise, to indicate a direction of motion, and to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment. The exercise mechanism can be, for example, the steps of a stair climbing simulator or the pedals of a bicycle, preferably a recumbent bicycle. A simulated environment (e.g., an interactive simulated three-dimensional environment or an interactive simulated three-dimensional fluid environment) is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system for the user. In one embodiment, the simulated environment comprises an enclosed space representing a game field. In this embodiment, an interactive competitive ball game is played using networked exercise apparatus. The user manipulates the exercise mechanism, the steering mechanism, and the control mechanism to travel throughout the game field and interact with virtual objects to score points. The computer controls the exercise mechanism and monitors the exercise mechanism, the steering mechanism, and the control mechanism to determine user position and the position of virtual objects in the simulated environment. The display provides a visual display of the user'"'"'s position and the position of virtual objects in the simulated environment. A plurality of the interactive exercise apparatus can be networked together to allow group participation and competition in the simulated game.

Claims

1. A method for computerized networked exercising, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first networkable exercise apparatus and a second networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a control mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment;

(iv) a computer for generating the simulated environment and for monitoring user manipulation of the exercise, steering and control mechanisms to determine the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment and the user'"'"'s interaction with virtual objects in the simulated environment, the computer including a network interface to allow communication over a communication channel, the computer being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism; and

(v) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment;

(b) associating, in the computer of the first networkable exercise apparatus, a time delay with a predetermined event which the first networkable exercise apparatus causes to occur in the simulated environment;

(c) after the predetermined event occurs in the first networkable exercise apparatus, delaying the generation of the simulated environment for the associated time delay in the first apparatus'"'"' computer;

(d) sending data from the first networkable exercise apparatus to the second networkable exercise apparatus via the network interfaces, the data including an indication that the predetermined event occurred in the first networkable exercise apparatus and a timestamp indicating when the predetermined event occurred;

(e) processing, in the second apparatus'"'"' computer, the data received from the first apparatus to determine results of the predetermined event in the simulated environment; and

(f) after the time delay associated with the predetermined event, displaying on the display system of each networkable exercise apparatus, the results of the predetermined event in the simulated environment.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing a first networkable apparatus and a second networkable apparatus, further comprises the step of providing a computer configured to enable the user to interact with virtual objects in the simulated environment for each networkable apparatus.

4. The interactive exercise system of claim 2 wherein the processor of each of the plurality of networkable exercise apparatus is configured to enable the user to interact with virtual objects in the simulated environment.

3. An interactive exercise system, comprising:

a plurality of networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a control mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment;

(iv) a processor comprising;

a network interface to allow communication over a communication channel;

a first module generating the simulated environment;

a second module monitoring user manipulation of the exercise, steering and control mechanisms to determine the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment and the user'"'"'s interaction with virtual objects in the simulated environment;

a third module associating a time delay with a predetermined event which each of the networkable exercise apparatus causes to occur in the simulated environment, after the predetermined event occurs, the third module delaying the computer simulation in the computer of the apparatus in which the event occurred for the associated time delay and sending data to other networkable exercise apparatus via the network interfaces, the data including an indication that the predetermined event occurred and a timestamp indicating when the predetermined event occurred; and

a fourth module processing data received from other exercise apparatus to determine results in the simulated environment of predetermined events occurring in the other exercise apparatus,

the processor being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism; and

(v) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment, wherein after the predetermined event occurs and the associated time delay passes, the display system displays the results of the event in the simulated environment.

5. A method for computerized networked exercising, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first networkable exercise apparatus and a second networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a computer for generating a simulated environment and for monitoring user manipulation of the exercise and steering mechanisms to determine the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment, the computer including an interface to allow communication over a network, the computer storing in memory a transmission time factor, the computer being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism; and

(iv) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment;

(b) sending data from the first networkable exercise apparatus to the second networkable exercise apparatus via the interfaces, the data including a timestamp indicating when the data was sent;

(c) processing, in the second apparatus'"'"' computer, the data received from the first apparatus to calculate the amount of time between the time the data was sent from the first apparatus and the time the data was received by the second apparatus; and

(d) setting the stored transmission time factor equal to the calculated amount of time in the computer of the second apparatus when the calculated amount of time is less than the stored transmission time factor.

6. An interactive exercise system, comprising:

a plurality of networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a processor comprising;

an interface to allow communication over a network;

a first module generating the simulated environment;

a second module monitoring user manipulation of the exercise and steering mechanisms to determine user position in the simulated environment;

a third module storing a transmission time factor, the third module sending data from its respective networkable exercise apparatus to other networkable exercise apparatus via the interfaces, the data including a timestamp indicating when the data was sent; and

a fourth module processing data received from other exercise apparatus to calculate the amount of time between the time the data was sent by the other apparatus and the time the data was received by the fourth module, the fourth module setting the stored transmission time factor in the third module equal to the calculated amount of time when the calculated amount of time is less than the stored transmission time,

the processor being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism; and

(iv) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment.

7. An interactive exercise system for playing a competitive game, comprising:

a plurality of networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a control mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment;

(iv) a processor comprising;

a network interface to allow communication over a communication channel;

a first module generating the simulated environment, the simulated environment comprising an enclosed space representing a game field and at least one virtual object;

a second module monitoring user manipulation of the exercise, steering and control mechanisms to determine user position in the simulated environment and user interaction with the at least one virtual object in the simulated environment;

a third module associating a point value with a predetermined event which each of the networkable exercise apparatus causes to occur in the simulated environment, after the predetermined event occurs, the third module sending data to other networkable exercise apparatus via the network interfaces, the data including an indication that the predetermined event occurred; and

a fourth module monitoring each occurrence of the predetermined event in each networkable exercise apparatus, determining a scoring exercise apparatus, and tabulating points earned by each exercise apparatus,

the processor being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment and to interact with the virtual object in the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise, steering and control mechanisms; and

(v) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment.

8. An interactive exercise system for playing a competitive game, comprising:

a plurality of networkable exercise apparatus, each comprising;

(i) an exercise mechanism which a user manipulates to achieve exercise;

(ii) a steering mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to indicate direction of motion;

(iii) a control mechanism disposed proximate the exercise mechanism which the user manipulates to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment;

(iv) a processor comprising;

a network interface to allow communication over a communication channel;

a first module generating the simulated environment, the simulated environment comprising an enclosed space representing a game field, at least one virtual goal, and a virtual game ball;

a second module monitoring user manipulation of the exercise, steering and control mechanisms to determine user position in the simulated environment and user interaction with the virtual game ball in the simulated environment;

a third module associating a point value with an entry of the virtual game ball into the at least one virtual goal; and

a fourth module monitoring each entry of the virtual game ball into the at least one virtual goal in each networkable exercise apparatus, determining a scoring exercise apparatus, and tabulating points earned by each exercise apparatus,

the processor being configured to enable the user to travel throughout the simulated environment and to interact with the virtual game ball in the simulated environment by manipulating the exercise, steering and control mechanisms; and

(v) a display system coupled to the computer for providing a visual display of at least the user'"'"'s position in the simulated environment.