U.S. patent application number 10/538486 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for cross reference to related applications.
Invention is credited to HaoH Yang.
Application Number | 20060063644 10/538486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32825242 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060063644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; HaoH |
March 23, 2006 |
Cross reference to related applications
Abstract
An embodiment of the present invention provides for a system
including an exercise apparatus, a controller and a video display.
The controller receives input signals from the exercise apparatus.
The controller tracks a distance traveled by the user. To motivate
the user, the controller displays images on the video display based
on the distance traveled and corresponding to an actual
location.
Inventors: |
Yang; HaoH; (Ann Arbor,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
32825242 |
Appl. No.: |
10/538486 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/02245 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60442596 |
Jan 24, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 ;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 69/16 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2071/0644
20130101; A63B 2024/009 20130101; A63B 2022/0641 20130101; A63B
21/0051 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101; A63B 69/06 20130101; A63B
2220/34 20130101; A63B 21/0058 20130101; A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B
21/225 20130101; A63B 2071/0641 20130101; A63B 2071/0691 20130101;
A63B 2225/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/004 ;
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A system for providing exercise to a user while generating an
entertainment or motivational stimulus, the system comprising: an
exercise apparatus configured to facilitate motion of the user; a
controller in communication with the exercise apparatus and
configured to track a distance traveled; a video display in
communication with the controller and configured to display video
images to the user; and wherein the controller is configured to
display video images on the video display based on the distance
traveled and corresponding to an actual location.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller provides
the user information about the actual location.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the information is
sociological or cultural information related to the actual
location.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the information about
the actual location is in a visual format.
5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the information about
the actual location is in an audio format.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to track an accumulated distance over multiple sessions
and display video images on the video display based on the
accumulated distance and corresponding to the actual location.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to display a map of the actual location.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus
is an exercise bike.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus
is a treadmill.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to store user data.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is
configured to store the user data on a server for access on other
machines.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein distance traveled and
the video images displayed corresponds to an actual distance.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the video image
corresponding to the actual location is a combination of an
animated scene, preshot video films, and 2D maps.
14. The system according to claim 1, wherein a difficulty of the
exercise apparatus is varied based on the actual location.
15. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor
attached exercise apparatus and configured to sense markers on a
track of the exercise apparatus to determine a track speed.
16. A system for providing exercise to a user while generating an
entertainment or motivational stimulus, the system comprising: an
exercise apparatus configured to facilitate motion of the user; a
controller in communication with the exercise apparatus and
configured to track a distance traveled; a video display in
communication with the controller and configured to display video
images to the user; wherein the controller is configured to display
video images on the video display based on the distance traveled
and corresponding to an actual location and actual distance, and
the controller provides the user sociological or cultural
information about the actual location.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the information about
the actual location is in a visual format.
18. The system according to claim 16, wherein the information about
the actual location is in an audio format.
19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured to track an accumulated distance over multiple sessions
and display video images on the video display based on the
accumulated distance and corresponding to the actual location.
20. The system according to claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured to display a map of the actual location.
21. The system according to claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured to store user data.
22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the controller is
configured to store user exercise history.
23. The system according to claim 21, wherein the controller is
configured to store the user data on a server for access on other
machines.
24. The system according to claim 16, wherein a difficulty of the
exercise apparatus is varied based on the actual location.
25. A system for providing exercise to a user while generating an
entertainment or motivational stimulus, the system comprising: an
exercise apparatus configured to facilitate motion of the user; a
controller in communication with the exercise apparatus and
configured to track a distance traveled; a video display in
communication with the controller and configured to display video
images to the user; wherein the controller is configured to display
video images on the video display based on the distance traveled
and corresponding to an actual location, and the controller is
configured to track an accumulated distance over multiple sessions
and display video images on the video display based on the
accumulated distance and corresponding to an actual location.
26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the controller
provides the user information about the actual location.
27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is
configured to display user information including accumulated
exercise effort and averages of exercise intensity measures.
28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the exercise
intensity measures are in the terms of exercise effectiveness over
a specific period of time.
29. The system according to claim 25, wherein the controller is
configured to display a map of the actual location.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
application 60/442,596, filed Jan. 24, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An aspect of fitness exercise is to make the body to endure
certain physical strain. The intensity of physical strain is
important to the effectiveness of the exercise. The physical
strain, however, discourages the exercisers from continuing, and
therefore, negatively impacts certain aspects of exercise.
[0003] This invention provides various ways, especially of using
virtual reality scenes and video games, to make physical challenge
a favorable factor in exercise.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention is embedding video based
motivation into exercise programs. Physical challenge becomes a
part of achieving a goal. An embodiment of the present invention
provides for a system including an exercise apparatus, a
controller, and a video display. The controller receives input
signals from the exercise apparatus. The controller tracks a
distance traveled by the user. To motivate the user, the controller
displays video images on the video display based on the distance
traveled and corresponding to an actual location. One example, the
system incorporates a mountain bike program to a stationary
exercise bike. When riding through challenge areas in the course
such as, hills, sand, or bumpy sections, the resistance of the bike
increases. The exercise will be both physically challenging and
fun.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to recognize
significant achievements as the incentive to persistent effort. For
example, the invention includes virtual cross-country
jogging/walking programs. The exerciser selects a program, e.g.,
running coast-to-coast. The exercise machine keeps the log of each
user and accumulates the distance the user travels over multiple
sessions. Day after day, month after month, the user runs through
many major milestones, such as passing through major cities, and
eventually reaches a goal.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to reward the
exercisers with knowledge and virtual world experience. For
example, a video will display a scene as if the exerciser was
actually running on the highway/country road of the particular
area. There is video/audio introduction to the attractions along
the journey.
[0007] The present invention also includes various kinds of
software which are provided for different users with different
physical conditions, different interest, and different exercise
objectives.
[0008] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from consideration of the following
description and the appended claims when taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise bike of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat frame having a
bouncing motion simulation sub-system of the exercise bike in FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a treadmill of another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the treadmill where it shows
the add-on sensors to pick the motion of the tread;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment that has multiple display panels
which offers panoramic view of the scenes; and
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the architecture of networked exercise machines
and information management framework.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Now referring to FIG. 1, a system embodying the principles
of the present invention is illustrated therein and designated at
9. The system 9 includes an exercise bike 10, a support frame 11, a
display screen 19, and a controller 22.
[0016] The support frame 11 is sturdy to support the weight of the
user and the other components. The support frame 11 suspends the
display screen 19 and controller 22 in a manner that provides
access to the user during operation of the exercise bike 10.
[0017] The display screen 19 displays animated graphic images or
real video images including road scenes or off-road scenes. It may
also serve as the input device with a touch screen input feature.
It is to be understood that animated or video images may be
implemented within the system by any suitable means without falling
beyond the scope or spirit of the present invention. Speakers 20
are provided that play audio sound, include music, voice, and
simulated background noise. Headphones could also be used to
provide sound where lower noise levels or privacy is desired.
[0018] The controller 22 has a microprocessor, a software input
device (such as a CD or a DVD reader), on board memory (hard disk),
and a peripheral control board (such as analog/digital converters).
A pulse sensor 23 is connected to the handlebar 17 and picks up the
pulse of the operator as the operator touches the electrical
conductive part of the pulse sensor 23. The pulse sensor 23 can
also pick up pulse signals wirelessly from a sensor unit on the
operator's wrist, chest, or neck.
[0019] Switch buttons 24 are provided for basic functions (such as
On/Off, start, stop, pause, audio volume, etc.) and are located on
the display. More detailed selections will be inputted from the
touch screen menus.
[0020] Software is located in the controller 22 and is configured
to receive the following input signals: pedaling rotational motion
signal, handlebar direction signal, brake signal, gear selection
signal, pulse readings from the pulse sensor, switch status, user
login information, and other user profile input. The software is
configured to provide output signals including: signals to control
the amount of pedaling resistance, signals to drive seat vertical
motion, visual display graphics, audio sound signal, and user
exercise effectiveness information.
[0021] The exercise bike 10 generally includes a seat frame 12, an
electric motor 13, a magnetic resistance device 14, and a handlebar
17. The support frame 11 is attached to the seat frame 12. The
motor 13, the magnetic resistance device 14, and the handle bar 17
are coupled to the seat frame 12.
[0022] Now referring to FIG. 2, the seat frame 12 has one end
attached to the support frame under the handlebar 17 with a
rotational joint and another end underneath the seat connected to a
crank 28.
[0023] The electric motor 13 which may take the form of a
conventional DC motor, a servo motor, or a step motor, drives the
crank 28 making the seat frame 12 to pivot about the rotational
joint in the front. This approximates the seat vertical motion to
simulate a bike bouncing effect. The motion produced by the motor
13 is synchronized to the scene.
[0024] A magnetic resistance device 14 applies resistance to a
ferrous flywheel to simulate the climbing or road/wind resistance.
The resistance level is controlled by electronic signals sent from
the controller 22 and synchronized to the scene. A step motor 26
and a worm-gear are used in one of the possible embodiments of the
magnetic resistance device 14. The step motor 26 drives a worm-gear
and then drives a dial to control the resistance.
[0025] Two brakes 15 are mounted on the handlebar 17 and connected
with braking signal sensors. The braking signal sensors provide a
signal to the controller 22 indicating the user's intent to slow
down.
[0026] Two gear selectors 16 are mounted on the handlebar 17 and
provided for the operator to indicate the gear selection. The gear
selection is sensed through angular sensors or rotary switches.
[0027] An angular sensor is coupled with the handlebar 17 and
configured to sense the rotational angle of the handlebar 17. The
angular sensor sends a signal to the controller based on the
rotational angle of the handlebar 17.
[0028] A pair of pedals 18 are coupled to a chain or a belt. The
chain or belt drive a ferrous flywheel. The speed of pedaling is
determined by a Reed switch or a photoelectric sensor mounted
proximate the ferrous flywheel.
[0029] Now referring to FIG. 3, another system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The system
includes a treadmill 40, a display device 44, and a controller 48.
The display device 44 and speakers 45 which have features similar
to the ones used in the exercise bicycle device. The controller 48
is configured to receive input signals from the system sensors
including: the speed of the tread belt, walking direction intention
signal, switch status, pulse signal, user login information, and
user profile input. The controller 48 will provide output signals
to drive the display graphics, audio sound signal, inclination of
the tread, and the user exercise effectiveness information. Switch
buttons 49 are also provided for basic functions such as On/Off,
start, stop, pause, audio volume, etc. More detailed user
selections will be inputted from the touch screen menus. The
display device 44 and controller 48 are supported by the frame 41
of the treadmill.
[0030] The frame 41 supports the user, and system components
including the tread belt, the motor, and the inclining mechanism
43, the controller 48, the display device 44, etc. A tread speed
sensor 42 is provided to measure the speed of the tread belt. The
tread speed sensor 42 is made of a photoelectric sensor which picks
up rotational motion signals from the tread driving axel.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the tread speed can also be
picked directly from the tread by adhering a tape 60 on the edge of
the tread. The tape is printed with reflective marks. A lamp 61
casts a ray of light on the tape 60. Having a photoelectric sensor
62 picking the reflection of the light, the tread motion can be
determined. Both the lamp 61 and the photoelectric sensor 62 can be
mounted on a bracket 63 that can be installed on most of the
existing treadmills. With this setting, this invention can be used
on many existing equipments without complicated alteration
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3, the inclining mechanism 43
controls the slope of the tread. A motor is provided to drive the
inclining mechanism 43. Walk direction sensors 46 are attached to
the frame and used to indicate the intentional walking direction of
the operator at the crossroad scenes. This is realized with a pair
of proximity sensors on the handlebar. A pulse sensor 47 is also
mounted on the frame and picks up the heart beat rate of the
operator. The walk direction sensors 46 can be combined with the
pulse sensor 47.
[0032] It is also contemplated that other forms of exercise
equipment such as rowing machines or elliptical trainers may be
used in the same manner as the bike and treadmill described
above.
[0033] In the mountain bike embodiment, there are various road
conditions corresponding to different scenes. The exercise bike
will generate bouncing effect when pedaling in a bumpy road scene.
The riding resistance will increase when pedaling through virtual
scenes of uphill, against the wind, in sand, or other obstacles.
Shifting the gear down will reduce the resistance, but however,
will also slow down the moving speed. Shifting the gear up will
increase the resistance but also increase the moving speed. Scores
will be given based on the hardness of the passing scene, the
distance to travel, and the time in completing the course. In the
treadmill embodiment, the inclination of the tread is driven by a
DC motor according to the scenes in the course. The steeper the
tread, the more difficult is the exercise.
[0034] The system includes a program providing virtual geographic
scenes of landscapes of city in which an exerciser is virtually
located. For example, the program may be configured in any suitable
manner to include details specific to each road or off-road, such
as historic architectures, monuments, sculptures, landscapes or
other actual locations, in a particular town or city. As such, the
distance the user travels on the exercise apparatus determines when
they will reach the next location thereby displaying the
corresponding images. Further, the distance the user must travel to
reach each location may be related to the actual distance between
actual locations. The program allows the exerciser to journey or
roam about any given city. Other interactive features may be
implemented to simulate an actual jog or ride along a particular
road or off-road. For example, the program may include a chase
feature wherein the exerciser has an option of pursuing an animated
figure or being pursued by an animated figure to encourage physical
activity. In another example, the program may include other
interactive features such as moving vehicles, cycles, and
individuals within the area in which the exerciser is virtually
located.
[0035] In addition, video photography is used to present the scene
of the world that the exerciser is located. To make video scenes,
mpeg video clips are shot and indexed to corresponding spots along
the journey. The video will be mostly shot from the exercisers view
by a moving camera. At the time of playback, the video clip will be
played at the speed synchronized to the jogging/riding speed. For
example, if the camera was moving at 25 mph (miles per hour) when
the video was shot at 29.97 fps (frames per second), the video will
be played at roughly 4.995 fps if the exerciser's jogging speed is
at 6 mph. A 3D animation image of a jogger/rider can be overlaid
with video image to create a more personalized feel. Panoramic view
video clips are also shot to supply the exercisers with even better
feeling of the surrounding areas and clips from these video clips
will by cut-in making the journey more interesting.
[0036] Instead of monotonic display of either an animated scene or
a video photography, the software presents the theme contents using
a combination of various type of material. 2D and 3D animation will
be used to increase the artistic presentation of the setting.
Video, 3D animated terrain with historic buildings, rendering of
weather conditions, and dynamic zooming in/out of a map where the
exercise is located are alternatively used to increase the visual
effects of the software. Further, multiple displays 66 may be used
to provide peripheral vision or show panoramic images, as shown in
FIG. 5. In addition, music of user's preference is also available
to entertain the exerciser.
[0037] In cross-country traveling course programs, the accumulated
mileage from multiple sessions of a specific user will be used to
indicate how far the user has traveled and to determine which scene
to display. For example, in the TransAmerica program, the jogger
starts from the east coast in Virginia beach, he/she runs from town
to town, state to state, passing Kentucky, Missouri, Colorado, . .
. , and finally reaches the west coast in Oregon. Along the
"journey", other than the scenes presented with video and 3D
animated world, the software presents information about historical
landmarks, architectures, local attractions, local events, local
culture/social knowledge, and even real time local news. It is an
experience of a few in the real world, but is possible for many in
the virtual world. "You don't see until you reach there" creates
motivational anxiety and excitement, which encourages persistent
exercise effort and reduces boredom. The information about the
historical sites, local culture, architectures, local attractions,
and etc. can be collected from the Internet, travel books, tour
guides, etc. Connected to the Internet, the latest local news can
be presented with technologies that convert text to voice. Further,
the system can provide a virtual reality experience of famous race
events, such as marathons known around the world and the Tour de
France.
[0038] Now referring to FIG. 6, the system keeps the user profiles
and exercise history. Connected to the Internet 68, the user
profile and exercise history can be stored on a global server 70.
The exercise history can be retrieved from exercise machines 72
with the same function anywhere around the world. While using such
an exercise machine, a user can choose to enter his/her screen name
every time he/she uses the device, and hence exercise history can
be logged and retrieved for each user. Statistics such as frequency
of exercise, intensity and duration of exercise, total exercise
achievements within certain period can be easily calculated and
recorded. In addition, accumulated exercise effort over multiple
sessions and averages of exercise intensity measure can be
provided. Preferably, the exercise intensity measures are in terms
of exercise effectiveness over a specific period of time. The
personal exercise history and statistics can be compared with
exercise goals. User profile and exercise history can also be
carried with portable data storage devices such as a smart card, a
floppy disk or a USB storage drive. In case that the Internet
connection is not available or the user prefers not to use the
global server, a user can log or retrieve the exercise history by
simply inserting the data storage media into any exercise machine
with the same function.
[0039] Exercise history can be used for virtual group exercise in
cross-country courses. For example, family members can exercise at
different times but reference to each other as if they jog/walk at
the same time, with shadow image or indicating symbols on the map.
Once the controller is connected to the web, the exercise history
can be shared among friends and family members located at different
locations via Internet. In this embodiment, the system allows the
exerciser to interact with other users. Interactiveness with other
users allows continued encouragement of physical activity while
maintaining a level of entertainment.
[0040] Connected through the Internet, this software also provides
social setting that promotes the exercisers communicating with each
other. The global server presents the users who are joining the
program and their virtual traveling locations on the map.
Therefore, Kitty (screen name), for example, may see five people
"traveling" in the vicinity of her virtual location. She could
chat/e-mail with them on and off the line. Such social setting adds
motivation and can naturally facilitate the formation of a forum
among the users. Certainly, exercisers can opted to make them
silent or "hidden" if they prefer to do so.
[0041] As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the
above description is meant as an illustration of implementation of
the principles this invention. This description is not intended to
limit the scope or application of this invention in that the
invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change,
without departing from spirit of this invention, as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *