U.S. patent application number 09/374324 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for interactive fitness equipment.
Invention is credited to PYLES, NATHAN, STANZIANO, STEVEN M..
Application Number | 20020055418 09/374324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23476289 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020055418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PYLES, NATHAN ; et
al. |
May 9, 2002 |
INTERACTIVE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Abstract
The invention relates to a modular fitness device consisting of
a stationary fitness device with a video display mounted thereon,
an electronic media interface and an exercise sensor. The interface
enables connection of the display to one or more of a variety of
electronic media, including PC, video/audio recorder, set top box,
games console etc. Preferably, a connection to the internet can be
provided. User interfaces for control of the device can include a
combination of voice-activation, a touch mouse pad or a keyboard
movably attached to the device.
Inventors: |
PYLES, NATHAN; (LAKE MILLS,
WI) ; STANZIANO, STEVEN M.; (WATERLOO, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & CLARK LLP
740 REGENT STREET SUITE 400
P.O. BOX 1507
MADISON
WI
537011507
|
Family ID: |
23476289 |
Appl. No.: |
09/374324 |
Filed: |
August 13, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 24/00 20130101; A63B 2225/305 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/00; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
1. A modular fitness device comprising: a stationary exercise
device; a video display monitor mounted on the exercise device; and
an electronic media interface mounted on the exercise device.
2. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising:
an exercise sensor mounted on the exercise device, for generating
signals corresponding to an exercise condition; and the electronic
media interface for receiving the signals from the exercise
sensor.
3. The modular fitness device of claim 2, wherein the exercise
sensor generates signals corresponding to a plurality of exercise
conditions.
4. The modular fitness device of claim 2, wherein the exercise
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a tachometer; a
heart rate monitor; an odometer; a variable resistance mechanism;
belt speed monitor; tilt monitor; and torque sensor.
5. The modular fitness device of claim 2, wherein the electronic
media interface further comprises an activity-based controller for
processing exercise condition signals and generating exercise
device control signals.
6. The modular fitness device of claim 5, wherein the
activity-based controller includes a programmable operator
interface.
7. The modular fitness device of claim 1, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to an Internet site.
8. The modular fitness device of claim 1, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to a digital playback device.
9. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising: a
data processor in signal communication with the electronic media
interface.
10. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising:
a voice-activated operator input.
11. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising:
a second display monitor mountable on an exercise device.
12. The modular fitness device of claim 1, wherein the video
display monitor is a flat screen television.
13. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising:
a touch mouse pad mounted on the exercise device.
14. The modular fitness device of claim 1, and further comprising:
a keyboard movably attached to the exercise device.
15. A modular fitness device comprising: an exercise sensor
mountable to an exercise device, for generating exercise signals
corresponding to an exercise condition; and an electronic media
interface for receiving the signals from the exercise sensor.
16. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the exercise
sensor generates signals corresponding to a plurality of exercise
conditions.
17. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the exercise
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a tachometer; a
heart rate monitor; an odometer; a variable resistance mechanism;
belt speed monitor; tilt monitor; and torque sensor.
18. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the electronic
media interface further comprises an activity-based controller for
processing exercise condition signals and generating exercise
device control signals.
19. The modular fitness device of claim 18, wherein the
activity-based controller is a programmable operator interface.
20. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to an Internet site where the
signals from the exercise sensor are analyzed.
21. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to a data display unit.
22. The modular fitness device of claim 15, and further comprising:
a data processor in signal communication with the electronic media
interface.
23. The modular fitness device of claim 15, and further comprising:
an voice-activated operator input.
24. The modular fitness device of claim 15, and further comprising:
a second display monitor mountable on the exercise device.
25. The modular fitness device of claim 15, wherein the video
display monitor is a flat screen television.
26. The modular fitness device of claim 15, and further comprising:
a touch mouse pad mounted on the exercise device.
27. The modular fitness device of claim 15, and further comprising:
a keyboard movably attached to the exercise device.
28. A modular fitness device comprising: a stationary exercise
device; a video display monitor mounted on the exercise device; an
electronic media interface mounted on the exercise device; an
exercise sensor mounted on the stationary exercise device, for
generating signals corresponding to an exercise condition; and a
voice-activated operator input for controlling electronic
media.
29. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the exercise
sensor generates signals corresponding to a plurality of exercise
conditions.
30. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the exercise
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a tachometer; a
heart rate monitor; an odometer; a variable resistance mechanism;
belt speed monitor; tilt monitor; and torque sensor.
31. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the electronic
media interface further comprises an activity-based controller for
processing exercise condition signals and generating exercise
device control signals.
32. The modular fitness device of claim 31, wherein the
activity-based controller includes a programmable operator
interface.
33. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to an Internet site.
34. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to a digital playback device.
35. The modular fitness device of claim 28, and further comprising:
a data processor in signal communication with the electronic media
interface.
36. The modular fitness device of claim 28, and further comprising:
a second display monitor mountable on the exercise device.
37. The modular fitness device of claim 28, wherein the video
display monitor is a flat screen television.
38. The modular fitness device of claim 28, and further comprising:
a touch mouse pad mounted on the exercise device.
39. The modular fitness device of claim 28, and further comprising:
a keyboard movably attached to the exercise device.
40. A modular fitness device comprising: a stationary exercise
device; a video display monitor mounted on the exercise device; an
electronic media interface mounted on the exercise device; an
exercise sensor mounted on the stationary device, for generating
signals corresponding to an exercise condition; a voice-activated
operator input for controlling electronic media; and a personal
computer mounted on the exercise device, the personal computer
including digital data drives.
41. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the exercise
sensor generates signals corresponding to a plurality of exercise
conditions.
42. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the exercise
sensor is selected from the group consisting of: a tachometer; a
heart rate monitor; an odometer; a variable resistance mechanism;
belt speed monitor; tilt monitor; and torque sensor.
43. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the electronic
media interface further comprises an activity-based controller for
processing exercise condition signals and generating exercise
device control signals.
44. The modular fitness device of claim 43, wherein the
activity-based controller includes a programmable operator
interface.
45. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to an Internet site.
46. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the electronic
media interface can be coupled to a digital playback device.
47. The modular fitness device of claim 40, and further comprising:
a data processor in signal communication with the electronic media
interface.
48. The modular fitness device of claim 40, and further comprising:
a second display monitor mountable on the exercise device.
49. The modular fitness device of claim 40, wherein the video
display monitor is a flat screen television.
50. The modular fitness device of claim 40, and further comprising:
a touch mouse pad mounted on the exercise device.
51. The modular fitness device of claim 40, and further comprising:
a keyboard movably attached to the exercise device.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to fitness
equipment, and particularly to fitness equipment that is
interactive with computers, the Internet, and other electronic
media devices.
[0002] Some types of fitness equipment such as treadmills and
exercise bicycles are sold with video monitors for watching
television while exercising. Other fitness machines have on-board
computers and video monitors for calculating and displaying
exercise rates and heart rates, while some are even capable of
sending control signals back to the fitness device to control
resistance and other exercise parameters. Thus, these machines have
limitations in versatility and will not be as capable of keeping
exercisers mentally stimulated while they are being physically
challenged by the fitness device. This is important because
exercise programs are known to be more successful when there is
mental stimulation above and beyond that which accompanies the act
of exercising.
[0003] Recently, with the advent of the Internet, fitness devices
have been developed and marketed that can be connected to the
Internet so that exercise data can be transmitted to a central web
site computer. That computer can function much as the on-board
computer described above, and additionally can report to health
clubs regarding equipment use frequency and other general
information.
[0004] Despite the above advances in fitness equipment, each
machine is limited to use with the particular electronic media
device that is built into the piece of fitness equipment. As
electronics develop the original piece of equipment can become
obsolete. Obsolescence in fitness equipment can be expensive,
particularly when electronics are built in. Further, many prior art
machines have bulky and top heavy video monitors that cause fitness
machines to be obsolete because of their ungainly appearance.
[0005] Even recent machines with on-board computers have drawbacks
in the way that they are operated. Some use traditional keyboards
which are difficult to manipulate while exercising. Others use
touch screens which can become smudged with perspiration during
exercise.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for fitness equipment that is
adaptable to a variety of electronic media devices, is easy to
operate, and has a balanced weight and appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is a fitness
device that is adaptable to being used with a variety of electronic
media while at the same time including only the bare essentials of
electronics to interact with the various media forms. Such a
fitness device will provide a variety of intellectual stimulation
to an exerciser while remaining relatively inexpensive and less
likely to become obsolete as new electronic equipment and Internet
connectivity methods are developed.
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is a fitness
device having an on-board display screen and an interface jack or
jacks that are able to connect to a variety of electronic media
devices such as computers, set-top boxes, cable boxes, video
cassette recorders, and digital recording and playback devices.
("Set-top boxes" as used herein, refers to devices that feed
televised and Internet signals to a video monitor, as for example,
WebTV.TM..) Additionally, there may be an electronic sensor for
monitoring a particular exercise parameter and sending a
corresponding signal to an interface. The interface is capable of
connection to a variety of electronic media, such as computers, the
Internet, television, and radio. Among other things, the electronic
media will be displayed on an on-board video monitor that can
display video images from any media source. The media source may or
may not utilize the exercise sensor signal, but the sensor will be
used by computers and certain Internet web sites that function to
monitor and/or control the exercise program being carried out on
the fitness device.
[0009] As stated, the fitness device and video monitor are adapted
to interface with any number of electronic media devices to provide
a high degree of adaptability for the fitness device as a variety
of electronic media are desired to interact with the fitness
device. The ability to interact with electronic devices such as
television, computers, or the Internet via personal computer,
set-top devices, or cable modem boxes provides intellectual
stimulation during an exercise program without the added expense of
all the possible media hardware being sold as part of the fitness
device. As media hardware becomes obsolete, it can be replaced
without the added expense of replacing the fitness device itself.
Further, these various media devices are already available in many
homes and fitness centers so there is no significant additional
expense to many purchasers of the exercise equipment.
[0010] Such a fitness device allows the user to watch television
and recorded video, listen to music, monitor the news, communicate
with other people, and play games with a computer or over the
Internet. The Internet link can also be used to connect to a
special web site portal where a data base of health and exercise
information is processed for individual users of the fitness
equipment, thus, saving the expense of specialized computer
software in home or fitness center situations. When the Internet
site portal is accessed, a special data base having that user's
personal workout and health history can be accessed. The user can
upload and display all pertinent exercise information, including
workout history, goals, fitness programs, and even the weather and
other sports related information for outdoor workouts. The web link
and computers can generate control signals that adjust the fitness
device to increase or decrease resistance and workout times to
maintain a user's heart rate and exercise regimen. Goals for
fitness can be input by the user through an operator interface, and
the web site or computer will track progress, set new goals, or
provide health information for the user.
[0011] In addition, the present invention provides operator
interfaces that are unique to fitness equipment. Rather than the
typical touch screen monitor that can be smeared by sweat or a
standard keyboard that is difficult to operate while exercising,
the present invention can include voice-activated software and/or a
touch mouse pad. These modes of inputting information or calling up
a variety of electronic devices are beneficial because they do not
interfere with the exercise program and do not cause smearing or
blocking of the video monitor.
[0012] To achieve the above goals, the present invention includes:
a modular fitness device having: a video monitor and an interface
that is adaptable for connection to a variety of electronic media
hardware. The device may further include an exercise sensor to
monitor an exercise condition and generate signals corresponding to
an exercise condition; and an interface for receiving the signals
from the exercise sensor and receiving signals from a variety of
electronic media.
[0013] The exercise sensor may generate signals corresponding to
any number of exercise conditions for a stationary fitness device.
The exercise sensor can be a tachometer; a heart rate monitor; an
odometer; a resistance mechanism; speed sensor elevation monitor;
torque sensor; or any type of sensor that monitors an exercise
condition.
[0014] The modular fitness device may also include an on-board
activity-based controller that can control the fitness device based
on signals received from the exercise sensor or any of the various
electronic media that communicate with the fitness device
interface. The modular fitness device interface may be coupled to
an Internet site or computer where the signals from the exercise
sensor are analyzed, or a television link, digital video and audio
playback equipment, game stations (particularly those using
voice-activation), or any other electronic media device.
[0015] The modular fitness device may farther include an operator
voice-activated input or a mouse touch pad as operator interface
devices that are easily operated while exercising.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a fitness device in accordance with the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an alternate fitness device in accordance with the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control panel in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted a fitness device 20
in accordance with the present invention including an exercise
bicycle 22, a video monitor 24, and an electronic media interface
26. The exercise bicycle 22 includes a frame 28, an adjustable seat
30, a pedal 32, a first pair of handle bars 34 on a front post 36,
and second pair of handle bars 38 mounted on the seat 30.
[0020] The video monitor 24 is preferably mounted on the front post
36 as illustrated, but other mounting devices can be used that will
provide clear and unobstructed views of the video display. The
video monitor 24 is preferably an active matrix LCD TV display with
a 12.1 inch screen, model LCD-101, by Action Electronics in Chung
Li, Taiwan, but other types of monitors can be used in accordance
with the present invention that are able to display television
and/or Internet images. Further, there can be multiple video
monitors 24 for simultaneous viewing of different electronic
media.
[0021] The interface 26 in its most fundamental form is essentially
a jack or jacks that is able to connect to any type of electronic
media, such as cable, satellite or computer jacks. Suitable jacks
include coaxial, video in and out (RCA), VGA, mouse jacks,
microphone, audio in, or RS232 and/or USB.
[0022] In addition, the interface 26 may, and preferably does,
include some limited computing ability to perform such functions as
converting and formatting data to be displayed on the video monitor
24, and/or control the exercise device 20 to optimize a user's
workout. Thus, the interface 26 includes jacks or similar devices
to communicate with media hardware that is not part of the fitness
device 20. The interface 26 may also include a printed circuit
board or programmable device for the purposes of formatting and
organizing workout data and/or controlling the operation of the
fitness device 20 as a result of signals received from an exercise
sensor or from an off-board computer or Internet website. Further,
the interface 26 may include voice-activation software when that
type of operator interface is used. In some embodiments it may be
preferable that the voice activation software can be loaded in the
external linking mechanisms, such as a PC.
[0023] At the lower end of the video monitor 24, there is an
operator interface 40 that includes a number of oversized buttons
42 for easy access when the operator is exercising and/or is
fatigued. The operator interface 40 here is depicted as a series of
large buttons 42, but as described more fully below, other types of
interface devices can be used in accordance with the present
invention.
[0024] Also depicted in FIG. 1 are a pair of speakers 46 for
generating sound corresponding to the video display or other
Internet or computer data being conveyed through the invention.
Although the speakers 46 are mounted adjacent the video monitor 24,
they may be mounted anywhere there will be adequate audio
projection to the user, including a head set or ear phones such as
a headset/microphone made by Andrea Game Ware, model no. NC-65 Pro
of Long Island, N.Y.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted an alternate
embodiment of a fitness device 50 in accordance with the present
invention, which includes an operator interface 40, an elliptical
motion trainer 52 having a frame 54, a pair of pedal arms 56, and
an upright post 58 supporting a pair of handle bars 60. On the
upright post 58, there is mounted a video monitor 64 and interface
jacks that are similar, if not identical, to the video monitor and
interface jacks described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. Also,
speakers 66 and operator interface 68 including oversized buttons
70 are included, as described above in the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a control panel in
accordance with the present invention. Centrally located in the
diagram is a panel 200 which includes a mixer 202, a tuner 204, an
amplifier 206, and data formatting software 208 pre-programmed on a
circuit board or similar programming medium. Although shown on the
panel 200, the operative components described below can be mounted
anywhere on the fitness device 20, including in the frame or base
of the bicycle 22.
[0027] The mixer 202 functions to sort and combine data for display
on the monitor. The tuner 204 is a television or radio signal tuner
that can be mounted in the control panel 200, in the video monitor,
or off-board in another piece of hardware to select a desired
television or radio frequency from a coaxial cable, for example.
The amplifier 206 amplifies sound signals from any of the sources
described below. The data format software 208 can be any software
that processes signals that are unique to the fitness device, and
formats data from any of the data sources described below for view
on the video monitor.
[0028] The panel 200 is preferably mounted on the fitness device 20
that can be any of the devices described herein or any other
fitness device including weight machines, treadmills, ski machines,
etc. As indicated by the lead arrows joining the panel 200 and the
fitness device 20, the fitness device will generate signals
corresponding to an exercise condition such as heart rate, distance
traveled, rate of travel, and others. These signals are transmitted
to the panel 200 in any convenient manner, such as wire, infrared
transmission, and either by digital or analogue. Further, the
fitness device 20 can be controlled by another device that
transmits its signals through the control panel and to the fitness
device 20. The control signal can adjust resistance or other
exercise parameters.
[0029] The panel 200 can be linked to a computer 230 for a variety
of interactive functions. For example, when the interface 26 does
not include any computing capability as discussed above, the
computer 230 can process exercise signals received from an
exerciser sensor 235. The exercise sensor 235 can be any number of
sensors including, tachometers, odometers, heart rate monitor,
variable resistence mechanism, belt speed monitor, tilt monitor,
and torque sensor. The signals can be processed to calculate any
number of exercise conditions, such as heart rate, velocity,
distance traveled, calories burned, etc. The computer 230 can also
compare exercise data to data from previous workouts to calculate
progress over time or generate control signals that are transmitted
to the fitness device 20 to control resistance and keep an
exerciser within a target heart rate range.
[0030] Further, the computer 230, the Internet, or the on-board
software in the interface 26, can generate signals that are
transmitted to a video display 240 or speakers 250 so that any
interested person can review the data. Interested people include
the person exercising, training instructors, equipment designers,
and equipment repair and maintenance personnel.
[0031] The computer 230 or Internet can be activated by an operator
using any type of operator interface, but it is preferred that the
operator interface 254 that is a voice activated control system, or
a touch mouse pad 255. The voice-activated interface allows a user
to search the web by voice command, call up favorite web sites, or
call out hyper-links to connect the exerciser to any media source
desired. The voice-activated interface can be a headset or be
mounted on the fitness device 20 or elsewhere. A suitable headset
is made by Andrea Game Ware, model no. NC-65 Pro, and suitable
voice software is Conversa Web 3.0 by Conversational Computing
Corporation. When used as a headset there are jacks provided that
connect to the a headset. When a mouse touch pad is used, it
preferably is mounted in the control panel for additional
navigational ease. Preferably, the voice-activation and the mouse
pad are used together for optimum controllability.
[0032] Another optional operator interface to be used alone or in
conjunction with the mouse pad and/or voice-activation device is a
keyboard 40 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that preferably is of a reduced size
from standard computer keyboards, and is able to slide or fold out
of the way when not in use (dashed lines).
[0033] Preferably, the computer 230 has at least a Pentium
processor with at least 166 mHz of processing speed, with an
iternet connection, such as a 28.8 MHz modem, and preferably, a
Windows 98 or similar type of operating software. An Internet
website such as MyFitness.com by Vision Fitness of Lake Mills, Wis.
is preferably used to upload exercise data to, and provide
additional fitness information, as discussed above. Preferred web
browser software is Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0.
[0034] The computer 230 is preferably capable of interfacing with
the Internet 270, which can provide any of the myriad of services
available over the Internet, but preferably the Internet will be
used to access a web site specialized to process, record, and
provide data relating to signals generated by the fitness device
20. The web site can track data, compute data if the computer 230
is not used for computation, compare data over a series of
workouts, and supply summary data to be used by any interested
person. The web site will have individual mail boxes or disc space
on the server on which an individual's exercise data is stored.
[0035] Once processed by the web site, the data is converted to
signals that can be displayed on the video monitor 24, broadcast
through the speakers, or transmitted to another location for use by
interested persons.
[0036] As an alternative to the PC, the set-top box 290 transmits
television signals for the tuner 204 to select from and then
transmit a selected frequency on to the video monitor 24.
[0037] Also, in a preferred embodiment, the fitness device 20 is
connectable to either a personal computer with a DVD (or other type
of audio/video player) to provide the advantages of
computer/Internet links and to enable viewing of recorded digital
movies and music. Other electronic media devices such as video and
audio recorders, game stations, and satellite web TV, can be
connected to this versatile invention, as well. One further example
of a suitable media device is a 333 MHz personal computer with CD
ROM by e-machine, model no. 333ci.
[0038] The above detailed description of the drawings is meant for
clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations
therefrom should be read into the following claims.
* * * * *