U.S. patent application number 11/007137 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for virtual reality exercise system and method.
Invention is credited to Ronnie D. Felix.
Application Number | 20060122035 11/007137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36575065 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060122035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Felix; Ronnie D. |
June 8, 2006 |
Virtual reality exercise system and method
Abstract
System and method for providing virtual reality exercise
equipment are disclosed. In one form, a virtual reality exercise
system includes an exercise system including a video projector
operably coupled to a media player. The exercise system responsive
to video programming displayed by the video projector. A virtual
reality control system is coupled to a platform of the exercise
system and includes a mode selector operable to receive a mode of
operation, a speed selector operable to receive a speed of
operation and a scene selector operable to receive a scene to be
displayed using the video projector.
Inventors: |
Felix; Ronnie D.; (Des
Moines, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIMON, GALASSO & FRANTZ PLC
P.O. BOX 26503
AUSTIN
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
36575065 |
Appl. No.: |
11/007137 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 22/0257 20130101; A63B 22/0285
20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 22/025 20151001; A63B 2024/009
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2071/0644 20130101; A63B
2220/34 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/009 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise system operable to project video programming during
use comprising: a video projector coupled to a treadmill platform
and operable to display video programming at a distance away from
the treadmill platform; a virtual reality control system coupled to
the treadmill platform and including a scenery selection button
operably coupled to a virtual reality processor, the scenery
selection button operable to select a type of scenery to display
using the video projector; and a treadmill motor operable to drive
a treadmill belt coupled to the treadmill platform and an incline
motor operable to incline the treadmill platform, each motor
operable in response to the video programming and the type of
scenery selected.
2. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the virtual reality
control system comprises: a virtual reality processor coupled to a
platform sensor module operable to provide an operating status of
the treadmill motor and the incline motor; an input controller
coupled to the virtual reality processor and operable to input one
or more parameters to determine the video programming; a platform
controller operably coupled to the virtual reality processor, the
treadmill motor, and the incline motor; wherein the platform
controller receives inputs in response to the video programming;
and a media player operably coupled to the virtual reality
processor to play the video programming in synch with an operating
speed of the treadmill motor.
3. The system as recited in claim 2 further comprises wherein the
media player is operable to: increase the speed of playing the
video programming when the treadmill motor increases the operating
speed; and decrease the speed of playing the video programming when
the treadmill motor decreases the operating speed.
4. The system as recited in claim 2 wherein the media source
includes one of the following: a CD-ROM encoded with CD-ROM encoded
video segments; a DVD encoded with DVD encoded video segments; a
local video library storing plural local video segments; and a
remote video library storing plural remote video segments.
5. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the media player is an
MPEG media player and the video programming is MPEG encoded video
programming.
6. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the virtual reality
processor includes: a frame analyzer operable to determine a
current frame based on encoded media within the MPEG encoded video
programming; a speed analyzer operable to determine a current speed
of the treadmill motor relative to the playing of the MPEG encoded
video programming; and an incline analyzer operable to determine a
current incline of the incline motor relative to the playing of the
MPEG encoded video programming;
7. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the scenery includes at
least one of the following: a beach scene; a city scene; a
country-side scene; a mountain scene; a desert scene; and a park
scene.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising; the treadmill motor
operable to produce an operating speed between zero miles per hour
and fifteen miles per hour; and the incline motor operable to
provide an operating incline between one degree and twenty five
degrees.
9. The system as recited in claim 1 comprising a heart rate monitor
system operably coupled to the virtual reality processor, the
virtual reality processor operable to provide video programming in
response to a user's heart rate detected by the heart rate monitor
system.
10. The system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a display
coupled to the treadmill platform and operable to selectively
display one or more of: distance traveled; elapsed time; calories
burnt; and distance remaining.
11. A method for providing video programming for exercise equipment
having a video projector to produce virtual reality environment
during use comprising: determining a platform status of one or more
controllable outputs associated with an exercise equipment;
determining a selected scene to display using a video projector
operably coupled to the exercise equipment; generating a platform
output based on the selected scene to control a portion of the
exercise equipment; generating video programming based on the
selected scene and the platform output; controlling the portion of
the exercise equipment using the platform output to simulate the
generated video programming; and displaying the video programming
in synch with controlling the portion of the exercise
equipment.
12. The method as recited in claim 11 further comprising: accessing
a sensor module to determine an operating speed of a motor
associated with the exercise equipment; and altering the operating
speed of the motor in response the video programming.
13. The method as recited in claim 11 further comprising: accessing
a sensor module to determine an incline of a motor associated with
the exercise equipment; and altering the incline using the motor in
response the video programming.
14. The method as recited in claim 11 further comprising enabling a
frame analyzer to determine the video programming to use in
association with an operating status of the exercise equipment.
15. The method of claim 11 further comprising displaying the video
programming using a video projector coupled to the exercise
equipment.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising: detecting a stop
mode operable to stop the exercise equipment; reducing the platform
output in response to detecting the stop mode; and dimming the
video projector.
17. The method of claim 11 further comprising: determining a
selected speed of operating the exercise equipment; determining a
selected mode of operating the exercise equipment; determining a
selected incline of operating the exercise equipment; generating a
platform output control based on the selected scene, selected
speed, selected mode, and selected incline to control a portion of
the exercise equipment; and generating the video programming based
on the selected scene, selected speed, selected mode, and selected
incline.
18. A virtual reality exercise system comprising: an exercise
system including a video projector operably coupled to a media
player, the exercise system responsive to video programming
displayed by the video projector; a virtual reality control system
coupled to a portion of a platform of the exercise system, the
control system comprising: a mode selector operable to receive a
mode of operation; a speed selector operable to receive a speed of
operation; and a scene selector operable to receive a scene to be
displayed using the video projector; and a virtual reality
processing system coupled to the virtual reality control system and
an platform control module, the virtual reality control system
operable to process the selected mode, the selected speed, and the
selected scene to provide an output to the platform control module
to control a portion of the exercise system.
19. The system of claim 18 further comprising wherein the
selectable mode include at least one of a manual mode, random mode,
pre-programmed mode; wherein the selectable speed range between
zero and fifteen miles per hour; wherein the selectable scene
includes one of: a beach scene; a city scene; a country-side scene;
a mountain scene; a desert scene; and a park scene.
20. The system of claim 18 further comprises at least one of a
treadmill exercise system, a stair climbing exercise system, a
rowing exercise system, and a cycling exercise system.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and
more particularly to a virtual reality exercise system and
method.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Just about any exercise done outdoors can also be done
indoors, thanks to aerobic machines. Some of the more popular
aerobic machines include treadmills, stationary bikes, steppers,
and row machines to name a few. Treadmills are great because of
their simplicity and are great for beginners. If a user has bad
knees, weak ankles or back pain, a treadmill may be preferred to
streets and sidewalks because it's kinder on the joints. Most
conventional treadmills offer excellent shock absorption.
[0003] There are two basic types of treadmills, manual and
electric. Manual treadmills are powered by the user. One advantage
of a manual treadmill is that it is much more affordable than the
automatic treadmill. Other advantages include lower maintenance and
less costly repairs. However, manual treadmills are more difficult
to accelerate, stop and maintain a consistent speed than electric
treadmills. Also, manual treadmills seldom offer incline
adjustments.
[0004] Most conventional treadmills are electric treadmills and are
powered by a motor. Electric treadmills typically have two motors,
one to drive the belt and the other for incline purposes. Typical
electric treadmills include a continuous-duty motor that runs the
belt with at least a 1.5 horsepower motor. Electric treadmills
allow users to customize workouts through adjusting the running
speed, range of incline and overall difficulty of the workout.
Other advantages of electric treadmills include a quiet, smoother
workout.
[0005] Stationary bikes are also available and are typically
provided in two styles, upright and recumbent. Upright bikes
simulate regular bikes, while recumbent bikes have bucket-style
seats and pedals in front. These bikes offer more back support and
provide less strain on the knees, while offering a terrific aerobic
workout. Steppers, or stair climbers, are an excellent way to burn
calories and tone the legs and buttocks. Users that typically like
to ski, climb, hike, or run, most likely enjoy using the stepper to
stay in shape.
[0006] Most aerobic exercise equipment is interactive in that they
provide feedback, such as how many calories burned, the distance
traveled, the amount of time elapsed, speed, etc. Some equipment
includes a manual mode that allows a user to control the intensity
of the workout and some offer pre-programmed workout options. These
options include altering the speed, incline and difficulty of a
workout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
invention, as well as methods, operation and functions of related
elements of structure, and the combinations of parts and economies
of manufacture, will become apparent upon consideration of the
following description and claims with reference to the accompanying
drawings, all of which form a part of the specification, wherein
like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the
various figures, and wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a virtual reality exercise system
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a virtual reality control system for use
with exercise equipment according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
processing system according to one embodiment of the invention;
and
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for providing
a virtual reality display according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] A system and method for providing virtual exercise equipment
are disclosed. A virtual reality exercise system may be provide in
association with multiple types of exercise equipment including,
but not limited to, treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical bikes,
cycling machines, rowing machines, etc. In one form, an exercise
system operable to project video programming during use comprising
includes a video projector coupled to a treadmill platform and
operable to display video programming at a distance away from the
treadmill platform. A virtual reality control system is coupled to
the treadmill platform and includes a display and a scenery
selection button operably coupled to a virtual reality processor.
The scenery selection button is operable to allow a user to select
a type of scenery to display using the video projector. A treadmill
motor is provided and is operable to drive a belt coupled to the
treadmill platform and an incline motor. Each motor operates in
response to the video programming and based on the type of scenery
selected.
[0013] In another form, a method for providing video programming
for exercise equipment having a video projector to produce virtual
reality environment during use is disclosed. The method includes
determining a platform status of one or more controllable outputs
associated with the exercise equipment and determining a selected
scene to display using a video projector operably coupled to the
exercise equipment. The method further includes generating a
platform output based on the selected scene to control a portion of
the exercise equipment and generating video programming based on
the selected scene and the platform output. The method also
includes controlling the portion of the exercise equipment using
the output to simulate the generated video programming and
displaying the video programming in synch with controlling the
portion of the exercise equipment.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a virtual reality exercise system
according to one embodiment of the invention. A virtual reality
exercise system 10 includes a treadmill 19 having a treadmill
platform 12 coupled to a frame 11. Treadmill 19 includes a
treadmill belt 16 coupled to a treadmill motor 15 operable to
rotate treadmill belt 16 during operation. Treadmill platform 12
further includes a handle 13 and a video projector 14 operable to
display video programming on screen 18. Treadmill motor 15 and/or
incline motor 17 may be provided as either AC or DC motors. For
example, treadmill motor 15 may be a AC motor rated at greater than
1.5 horsepower and capable of providing incremental operating
speeds of treadmill belt 16 that range between zero and twelve
miles per hour. Treadmill belt 16 may be seventeen to twenty-two
inches wide and forty to sixty inches long and may be a single ply
or multi-ply belt made from a durable rubber/non-slip material.
Incline motor 17 may be operated to provide various degrees of
incline ranging between two and twenty-five degrees.
[0015] During use, virtual reality exercise system 10 allows for a
user to run or jog on treadmill 19 as treadmill belt 16 is rotated
using treadmill motor 15. As treadmill belt 16 is rotated, video
projector 14 displays video programming on screen 18 to produce a
selected scenery. For example, video projector 14 may display a
jogging or running path within a park, a elongated beach, a hilly
region, a metropolitan area, or any other type of scenery. Video
programming is output by video projector 14 in synch with treadmill
19. For example, as incline motor 17 raises treadmill platform 12
to create an incline, video projector 14 displays a graphic
representation of an uphill jogging trail, hilly region, mountain
trail, etc. Similarly, as incline motor 17 is lowered, video
projector 14 may display a level terrain on screen 18. In another
embodiment, as treadmill motor increases or decreases in operating
speed, video projector 14 outputs video programming at a faster or
slower rate respectively.
[0016] In one embodiment, treadmill 19 may be operated in response
to a predetermined video program. For example, as media associated
with video programming is processed by virtual reality exercise
system 10, treadmill 19 and associated platform motors are
controlled by a virtual reality processor (not expressly shown)
which alters the speed and incline of treadmill 19 based on video
programming being displayed. For example, treadmill 19 would be
synchronized with video programming being output and incline and
speed of treadmill 19 would be altered based on the scene being
displayed.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a virtual reality control system for use
with exercise equipment according to one embodiment of the
invention. Virtual reality control system 22 includes a display 23
which may include a flat panel LCD that may be operated in
association with several function buttons including a mode selector
24, a speed selector 25, a scene selector 27, an incline selector
35, an ok button 26 and a cancel button 28. Speed selector 25
allows for a user to increase or decrease the speed of operation
and incline selector 35 allows a user to increase or decrease a
percentage or degree of incline. Virtual reality control system 22
further includes a start button 32 for initializing operation and a
stop button 33 for stopping or pausing operation. A video projector
31 is provided to display or project video programming and focus
controls 34 may be used to adjust image or display quality. Virtual
reality control system 22 further includes handles 29 having heart
rate monitors 30 for determining the current heart rate of a user.
In one embodiment, heart monitors 30 may be provided via a wireless
monitor coupled to the user and detectable using a wireless
transceiver provided as a part of virtual reality control system
22. Speaker 36 may provide audio output to a user such as music,
audio associated with video programming displayed by video
projector 31, an alarm to indicate a limits for a heart rate,
speed, distance, etc. For example, heart monitor 30 may provide an
average heart rate for a workout, and an audio alarm may be
provided via speaker 36 and a visual alarm may be provided using
display 23 to let the exerciser know when they're above or below
their target heart rate, compute the total exercise time spent in,
above, and below the target heart zone.
[0018] Display 23 may also display one or more of speed, time,
distance, number of calories burned, heart rate. Virtual reality
control system 22 may also include preset and/or customizable
programming capabilities. For example, preset programs may be
stored within virtual reality control system 22 for ease of access.
In another embodiment, virtual reality control system 22 may also
record a person's workout history and display 23 may display a
workout log to a user.
[0019] In one embodiment, virtual reality control system 22 may
automatically adjust incline, which changes depending upon the
exerciser's heart rate as detected by heart rate monitor 30. For
example, a heart rate may be communicated to virtual reality
control system 22 via a wireless heart rate monitor (not expressly
shown) and automatically adjusts the percentage or degree of
incline to keep the person within their target heart range. Virtual
reality control console 22 would detect the change and video
programming may be altered in synch with changing the degree of
incline accordingly.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a virtual reality
processing system according to one embodiment of the invention.
Virtual reality processing system 40 may be provided as one or more
electronic device or integrated circuits as needed and includes a
virtual reality processor 41 coupled to an input controller 47 and
a platform sensor module 42. Virtual reality processor 41 is
further coupled to a media player 45 and a platform controller 43
for altering operation of one or more operating characteristics of
equipment such as a treadmill, stair climber, rowing machine, or
cycling machine (not expressly shown). Media player 45 is coupled
to a media source 44 operable to provide digital representations of
video programming or segments and may include a CD-ROM encoded with
CD-ROM encoded video segments, a DVD encoded with DVD encoded video
segments, a local video library storing plural local video
segments, a remote video library storing plural remote video
segments. Media may be stored local to exercise machine, within a
local area network such as a wireless Intranet, or at a network
location accessible via the Internet. Though not illustrated, Media
source may be accessed using high-speed wireless or wire line
communications. Media player 45 may be operable to process MPEG
encoded video and may be operated and controlled by virtual reality
processor 41 to output or display media using media output device
46. Virtual reality processor further includes one or more modules
for processing media and sensor inputs to provide video programming
including a frame analyzer, a speed analyzer, an incline analyzer,
etc.
[0021] During operation, virtual reality processing system 40
receives inputs from input controller 47 and platform sensor module
41 to determine a platform status for producing video programming
and platform output controls. Virtual reality processor 41 analyzes
sensory inputs to determine a current speed and incline of a
platform and compares each input to a current media being displayed
by media player 45. If a change in media is determined through
analyzing future video segments or frames of the media as provided
by media source 44, virtual reality processor 41 alters platform
operating characteristics based on the video programming about to
be played by media player 45.
[0022] In another embodiment, inputs provided by platform sensor
module 42 and/or input controller 47 may be used to determine video
programming to be played by media player 45. A user may manually
adjust the speed and/or incline of an exercise equipment. As such,
virtual processing system 40 may adjust the output and/or content
of video programming being displayed by media output device 46. For
example, if a user manually increases or decreases the speed of
operation, virtual reality processor may increase the speed at
which media player 45 outputs video programming. In a similar
manner, as a user slows down the speed of operation, virtual
reality processor may decrease the speed at which media player 45
output video programming. A user may also alter the type of media
content being output through increasing or decreasing an incline of
an exercise equipment. For example, a user may add incline to a
treadmill thereby causing virtual reality processor 41 to request
media from media source that may include a hill. Similarly, if an
exercise bike is being used, a hill may be encountered, if a rowing
machine is being used, an increase in a current may be used, if a
stair stepper is being used steeper steps may be encountered. As
such, a user providing manual control of an exercise equipment may
alter video programming being output or displayed by media output
device 46.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for providing
a virtual reality display according to one embodiment of the
invention. The method begins generally at step 60 when a user
powers up or initializes exercise equipment such as a treadmill. At
step 61, a mode of operation is determined and may include manual
mode, preprogram mode, custom program mode, random mode, etc. At
step 62, a selected speed is determined for a mode of operation and
may include an upper speed limit, a range of desired speeds, etc. A
desired incline is determined 63 and may be set to a specific
angle, a range of angles, linked to a heart monitor for altering an
incline, provided as a random mode, etc. A scene selection is then
determined 64 from a users selection and may include one or more
types of scenes such as hill scene, beach scene, mountain scene,
city scene, country scene, random scenes and/or various
combinations of scenes. Scene types are displayed to a user via a
user interface or display operably associated with a virtual
reality control system associated with the exercise equipment.
Based on the determined variables, each input is processed 65 to
determine a media output or video programming to be displayed.
Media is then obtained 66 based on the processed inputs. For
example, media may include MPEG encoded video having encoded
information such to identify a type of scene to display. As such,
the MPEG encoded video may be determined for a desired scene or
scenery and combined to provide the output video programming. Each
portion of the media may be stored as a discrete chapter within a
library and as a requested media type is determined, a media source
may provide the segment to a virtual reality processor for output.
In this manner, smaller segments of video may be accessed and
displayed as needed.
[0024] Upon obtaining media, a platform status of the exercise
equipment is determined 67 and one or more control outputs 68 are
provided to a platform controller based on the media to be
displayed. For example, the speed and/or the incline of a treadmill
may be adjusted accordingly. Video programming is then output to a
media player 69 and a video projector displays or outputs video
programming 70. At step 71, if a user selects the stop button, the
method proceeds to step 72 and the platform is reduced to a stop 72
and the display is dimmed 73. If a stop button is not activated by
a user, the method proceeds to step 67 where the status of the
platform is determined and the method proceeds accordingly
controlling the platform in response to the video programming being
output. The method of FIG. 4 may also be modified to allow a user
to interact with controls associated with the treadmill. As such,
media output may be altered based on increasing/decreasing
operating speed and or incline of the equipment.
[0025] Note that although an embodiment of the invention has been
shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants
thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the
teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those
skilled in the art. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to
problems have been described above with regard to specific
embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element
of any or all the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not
intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but
on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *