U.S. patent application number 12/507709 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for exercise equipment with movable handle bars to simulate steering motion in a simulated environment and methods therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Expresso Fitness Corp.. Invention is credited to John Fisher.
Application Number | 20100022354 12/507709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41569147 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100022354 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fisher; John |
January 28, 2010 |
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WITH MOVABLE HANDLE BARS TO SIMULATE STEERING
MOTION IN A SIMULATED ENVIRONMENT AND METHODS THEREFOR
Abstract
An apparatus of exercise equipment with movable handle bars to
simulate steering motion in a virtual environment and methods
therefor are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes,
exercise equipment having a display unit and a computing unit, a
foot actuator mounted on a frame of the exercise equipment, a seat
assembly coupled to a rail mounted on the frame of the exercise
equipment, and/or a handle bar coupled to the seat assembly on one
side. The handle bar can be programmable or reprogrammable to cause
a leftwards steering motion or a rightwards steering motion to be
simulated in the virtual environment in response to rotation in a
given direction.
Inventors: |
Fisher; John; (Los Gatos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 1208
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1208
US
|
Assignee: |
Expresso Fitness Corp.
Sunnyvale
CA
|
Family ID: |
41569147 |
Appl. No.: |
12/507709 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61083891 |
Jul 25, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 24/0084 20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 2230/75
20130101; A63B 2022/0652 20130101; A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B
2220/803 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2071/0636 20130101; A63B 2024/009
20130101; A63B 2220/78 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B
24/0062 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2220/80 20130101;
A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2220/76
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2071/0675 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/57 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 22/06 20060101 A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising, an exercise equipment having a display
unit and a computing unit; a foot actuator mounted on a frame of
the exercise equipment; a seat assembly coupled to a rail mounted
on the frame of the exercise equipment; a handle bar coupled to the
seat assembly on one side; wherein, the computing unit is able to
execute one or more instruction sets embodied on a machine-readable
medium, the one or more instruction sets causing the computing unit
to: generate a virtual environment for display on the display unit;
wherein, the handle bar is physically movable to simulate a
steering motion in the virtual environment; wherein, the handle bar
is programmable or reprogrammable to cause a leftwards steering
motion or a rightwards steering motion to be simulated in the
virtual environment in response to physical rotation of the handle
bar in a given direction.
2. An apparatus, comprising, an exercise equipment having a display
unit and a computing unit; a foot actuator mounted on a frame of
the exercise equipment; a seat assembly coupled to a rail mounted
on the frame of the exercise equipment; a handle bar coupled to the
seat assembly on one side; wherein, the computing unit is able to
execute one or more instruction sets embodied on a machine-readable
medium, the one or more instruction sets causing the computing unit
to: generate a virtual environment for display on the display unit;
wherein, the handle bar is physically movable to simulate a
steering motion in the virtual environment.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the exercise equipment is a
recumbent bicycle wherein, the foot actuator is displaced laterally
from the seat such that a user sits reclined in the seat
assembly.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the foot actuator comprises
pedals or steppers; and wherein, the virtual environment is at
least further simulated based on detected motion the foot
actuator.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the handle bar is physically
rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around an axis to simulate
the steering motion.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, the handle bar is physically
rotated via upwards or downwards motion of a hand of a user sitting
on the seat.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, clockwise motion of the
handle bar is programmable to cause simulation of a leftwards
steering motion or a rightwards steering motion in the virtual
environment.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, counterclockwise motion of
the handle bar is programmable to cause simulation of a leftwards
steering motion or a rightwards steering motion in the virtual
environment.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the handle bar is
programmable or reprogrammable.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, a magnitude of the steering
is proportional to a rotation angle of the handle bar from the
axis.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising, a second handle
bar coupled to a second side of the seat assembly.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, a magnitude of the steering
is proportional to a difference between a first rotation angle of
the handle bar from the axis and a second rotation angle of the
second handle bar from the axis.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, a positive or negative
value of the difference is configurable to cause simulation of a
leftwards steering motion in the virtual environment.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, a positive or negative
value of the difference is configurable to cause simulation of a
rightwards steering motion in the virtual environment.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, the side and the second
side are the left and right sides of the seat assembly.
16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the seat assembly further
comprises a back rest.
17. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising, a seat-adjustment
lever that is actuated to slide the seat assembly along the rail
for position adjustment.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, the handle bar is coupled
to the seat assembly such that the handle bar moves in conjunction
with the seat assembly when a position of the seat assembly is
adjusted.
19. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising, a gear shifting
unit disposed on the handle bar; wherein, the gear shifting unit is
adjusted to increase or decrease resistance to move the foot
actuator.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, the gear shifting unit
includes a first switch for upshifting the gear and a second switch
for downshifting the gear; wherein, the first and second switches
are programmable or reprogrammable.
21. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the display unit includes an
LCD display.
22. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the exercise equipment is
network-enabled and is connected to a remote server via the
Internet.
23. A machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a set
of instructions which when executed perform a method for simulating
a virtual environment for display on a display unit of a recumbent
exercise bicycle, the method, comprising, generating the virtual
environment and displaying the virtual environment on the display
unit of the recumbent exercise bicycle during an exercise session;
detecting a first displacement of a first handle bar of the
recumbent exercise bicycle from a first initial position; detecting
a second displacement of a second handle bar of the recumbent
exercise bicycle from a second initial position; simulating motion
through the virtual environment based on the first and second
displacements.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising, determining a first
angle of the displacement of the first handle bar from the first
initial position; determining a second angle of the displacement of
the second handle bar from the second initial position; computing a
difference between the first angle and the second angle; wherein,
the motion through the virtual environment is simulated based on
the difference.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising, in response to
receiving a configuration request, assigning clockwise motion of
the first handle bar to cause simulation of a leftwards steering
motion or a rightwards steering motion in the virtual environment;
further comprising, in response to receiving another configuration
request, assigning counterclockwise motion of the first handle bar
to cause simulation of a leftwards steering motion or a rightwards
steering motion in the virtual environment.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein, the configuration request is
placed by an exercising user of the recumbent exercise bicycle.
27. The method of claim 23, further comprising, responsive to a
request, configuring a first switch on the first handle bar for
gear upshifting and configuring a second switch on the first handle
bar for gear downshifting.
28. The method of claim 23, further comprising, detecting actuation
of a switch on the first handle bar; determining whether the
actuated switch is configured for gear upshifting or gear
downshifting; incrementing or decrementing resistance to moving
pedals of the recumbent exercise bicycle; accordingly simulating
upshifting or downshifting of the gear in the virtual
environment.
29. A machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a set
of instructions which when executed perform a method for simulating
a virtual environment for display on a display unit of an exercise
bicycle, the method, comprising, generating the virtual environment
and displaying the virtual environment on the display unit of the
exercise bicycle during an exercise session; determining a first
angle of displacement of the first handle bar from a first initial
position; determining a second angle of displacement of the second
handle bar from a second initial position; computing a difference
between the first angle and the second angle; simulating motion
through the virtual environment based on the difference between the
first and second angles; detecting actuation of a switch on the
first handle bar; determining whether the actuated switch is
configured for gear upshifting or gear downshifting; accordingly
simulating upshifting or downshifting of the gear in the virtual
environment; accordingly simulating upshifting or downshifting of
the gear in the virtual environment.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/083,891 entitled "Cardio-Fitness Station with
Virtual-Reality Capability and Enhanced Riding Control", which was
filed on Jul. 25, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Exercise equipment is ubiquitous in homes and fitness clubs.
Exercising in a fitness club or in one's home has become a
preferred way for some to satisfy their exercise routines. However,
on exercise equipment where the exercising user sits upright, the
user's weight and impact forces are generally focused on the lower
back and hip regions. This impact force could, in the long term,
potentially cause lower back and hip injuries.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of exercise equipment that are
network-enabled and are able to establish communication with one
another and/or with a host server.
[0004] FIG. 2 depicts an example exercise equipment having a
movable handle bar coupled to the seat assembly.
[0005] FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating how the handle bars
can be rotated to cause steering motion to be simulated in the
virtual environment.
[0006] FIG. 4 depicts gear shifting unit having one or more
switches that can be actuated for gear adjustment and simulation of
gear upshifting/downshifting in the virtual environment.
[0007] FIG. 5 depicts an example functional block diagram of the
computing unit of the exercise equipment that generates a virtual
environment through which a user travels during exercise in which
steering motion is simulated based on detected handle bar
motion.
[0008] FIG. 6 depicts an example block diagram of the components of
the computing unit of the exercise equipment.
[0009] FIG. 7A depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for simulating steering motion through a virtual
environment based on a difference in displacement angles between
first and second handle bars.
[0010] FIG. 7B depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for configuring the handle bars and switches for gear
shifting.
[0011] FIG. 7C depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for adjusting pedaling resistance and/or simulating gear
upshifting/downshifting in the virtual environment.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an example illustration of a keypad
panel.
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts an example image shown on the display unit of
the exercise equipment.
[0014] FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computing system within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment;
and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0016] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0017] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said
in more than one way.
[0018] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used
for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any
special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0019] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions will control.
[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure include exercise
equipment with movable handle bars to simulate steering motion in a
simulated environment. In general, embodiments are related to an
exercise equipment that is recumbent where the user sits reclined
in a seat assembly of the equipment.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of exercise equipment 108A-N that
are network-enabled and are able to establish communication with
one another and with a host server 100.
[0022] The exercise equipment 108A-N can be a recumbent unit. On a
recumbent unit, the exercise equipment 108A-N may be displaced
laterally from the seat such that a user sits reclined in the seat
assembly. In one embodiment, the seat assembly is coupled to a
handle bar which is generally movable to simulate steering motion
of a virtual body in the virtual environment. In addition, the
handle bar may be programmable or reprogrammable (e.g., by an
exercising user, system maintainer, via the equipment or via the
host server 100) to cause a leftwards steering motion or a
rightwards steering motion to be simulated in the virtual
environment.
[0023] In addition, the exercise equipment 108A-N can be
network-enabled to communicate with other equipment or devices over
a network (e.g., the Internet). For example, the exercise equipment
may communicate with other exercise equipment so that exercising
users can compete during an exercise session. In addition, the
exercise equipment 108A-N may be able to communicate with the host
server 100 or other devices (e.g., a computer or portable device)
via network connectivity.
[0024] In one embodiment, the hardware and/or software on the
equipment 108A-N can be configured and/or programmed remotely using
the host server 100 or other devices in communication.
Software/firm upgrades for the exercise equipment 108A-N can be
downloaded from the host server 100. In addition, the handle bar
may be programmed or reprogrammed remotely through the host server
100 to cause a leftwards steering motion or a rightwards steering
motion to be simulated in the virtual environment. The handle bar
may also be programmed or reprogrammed locally through settings
adjustable via the exercise equipment 108A-N. An example of the
exercise equipment 108A-N is illustrated with further reference to
FIG. 2.
[0025] The client devices 102A-N can be any system and/or device,
and/or any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish
a networked connection with another device, a server and/or other
systems. The client devices 102A-N and exercise equipment 108A-N
typically include display or other output functionalities to
present data exchanged between the devices to a user. For example,
the client devices 102A-N can be, but are not limited to, a server
desktop, a desktop computing unit, a computing unit cluster, a
mobile computing device such as a notebook, a laptop computing
unit, a handheld computing unit, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a
PDA, a Blackberry device, a Treo, and/or an iPhone, etc.
[0026] In one embodiment, the client devices 102A-N and exercise
equipment 108A-N are coupled to a network 106. In some embodiments,
the exercise equipment 108A-N may be directly connected to one
another. The client devices 102A-N can be used by exercising users
or other users (e.g., health care providers, fitness advisors,
etc.) to program/reprogram the handle bars or gear shifting
switches of a gear shifting unit on exercise equipment.
[0027] The network 106, over which the client devices 102A-N and
exercise equipment 108A-N communicate, may be a telephonic network,
an open network, such as the Internet, or a private network, such
as an intranet and/or the extranet. For example, the Internet can
provide file transfer, remote log in, email, news, RSS, and other
services through any known or convenient protocol, such as, but is
not limited to the TCP/IP protocol, Open System Interconnections
(OSI), FTP, UPnP, iSCSI, NFS, ISDN, PDH, RS-232, SDH, SONET,
etc.
[0028] The network 106 can be any collection of distinct networks
operating wholly or partially in conjunction to provide
connectivity to the client devices 102A-N, host server 100, and/or
the exercise equipment 108A-N and may appear as one or more
networks to the serviced systems and devices. In one embodiment,
communications to and from the client devices 102A-N and exercise
equipment 108A-N can be achieved by, an open network, such as the
Internet, or a private network, such as an intranet and/or the
extranet. In one embodiment, communications can be achieved by a
secure communications protocol, such as secure sockets layer (SSL),
or transport layer security (TLS).
[0029] In addition, communications can be achieved via one or more
wireless networks, such as, but is not limited to, one or more of a
Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a
Personal area network (PAN), a Campus area network (CAN), a
Metropolitan area network (MAN), a Wide area network (WAN), a
Wireless wide area network (WWAN), Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS),
Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-Amps), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Fixed Wireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G networks, enhanced data rates for
GSM evolution (EDGE), General packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced
GPRS, messaging protocols such as, TCP/IP, SMS, MMS, extensible
messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), real time messaging
protocol (RTMP), instant messaging and presence protocol (IMPP),
instant messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data networks
or messaging protocols.
[0030] The data repository 132 and/or content repository 134 can
store software, descriptive data, multimedia content, exercise
routes, user data, historical exercise records, user ID, user
preferences, user fitness information, user health information,
system information of exercise equipment, equipment
setting/configuration, drivers, and/or any other data item utilized
by other components of the host server 100 and/or the exercise
equipment 108A-N for operation.
[0031] FIG. 2 depicts an example exercise equipment 200 having a
movable handle bar 202A coupled to the seat assembly 204.
[0032] The exercise equipment 200 can generally be any type of
exercise equipment including but not limited to, cardio-fitness
equipment. For example, the exercise equipment 200 is a bicycle and
can include a handle bar 202A that is movable. The equipment 200
may further include a seat assembly 204 and a seat-adjustment lever
212. The seat-adjustment lever 212 can be actuated to slide the
seat assembly 204 along the rail 210 for position adjustment.
[0033] In general, the handle bar 202A is coupled to one side of
the seat assembly 204 such that the handle bar 202A can move in
conjunction with the seat assembly 204 when a position of the seat
assembly 204 is adjusted. The seat assembly can include a seat 206
and optionally a back rest 208. One embodiment of the equipment 200
can further include a second handle bar 202B connected to a second
side of the seat assembly 204. For example, the handle bar 202A can
be connected to the left side of the seat assembly 204 and the
handle bar 202B can be connected to the right side of the seat
assembly 204.
[0034] Depending on the type of equipment, the exercise equipment
200 can include a foot actuator mounted on a frame 220 of the
exercise equipment 200 including but not limited to a stepper,
pedals, or the like assembly. In the example of a bicycle, the
exercise equipment 200 includes pedals 214. In one embodiment, the
exercise bicycle is a recumbent bicycle where the foot actuator 214
is displaced laterally from the seat 206 such that a user can sit
reclined in the seat assembly 204.
[0035] The exercise equipment 200 can further include a computing
unit 250 (e.g., a computer) and/or a display unit 216 coupled to
the computing unit 250. The display unit 216 can include, for
example, one or more LCD displays. The computing unit 250 can
execute one or more instruction sets embodied on a machine-readable
(storage) medium. The instruction sets, when executed, can cause
the computing unit 250 to generate a virtual environment for
display on the display unit 216, for example, while a user is using
the equipment 200 to exercise.
[0036] The handle bar 202A can be coupled to the seat assembly 204
on one side and can be physically movable to cause the computing
unit 250 to simulate a steering motion in the virtual environment.
For example, the handle bar 202A can be rotated clockwise or
counterclockwise around an axis to simulate the steering motion.
The handle bar can be rotated via upwards or downwards motion of a
hand of a user sitting on the seat and holding the handle bar. The
translation of physical movement of the handle bar 202A and/or the
handle bar 202B to simulated steering motion in the virtual
environment by the computing unit 250 can be described with further
reference to the example of FIG. 3. In general, a magnitude of the
steering that is simulated is proportional to a rotation angle of
the handle bar 202A from an initial position about the axis. The
handle bar and the rotation from an initial position about an axis
are illustrated with further reference to the example of FIG.
3.
[0037] In one embodiment, the handle bar 202A is programmable or
reprogrammable to cause simulation of a leftwards steering motion
or a rightwards steering motion in the virtual environment in
response to physical rotation in a given direction. For example,
clockwise motion of the handle bar is configurable (e.g., by a user
or others) to cause simulation of a leftwards steering motion or a
rightwards steering motion in the virtual environment. Similarly,
counterclockwise motion of the handle bar is programmable to cause
simulation of a leftwards steering motion or a rightwards steering
motion in the virtual environment.
[0038] In addition, a user may optimize pedaling resistance by
adjusting the gear. Each gear can be designated with a number.
Other designations, such as, low, medium, high, or overdrive, are
possible, for example. The user can change the ratio between the
rotational-velocity of the pedals and the virtual speed of the
primary virtual body in order to optimize the force needed to turn
the pedals and go forwards. For motion of desired speed up a
virtual terrain of a given slope, a lower transmission ratio (or
lower gear) provides for smaller resistance to pedaling, but higher
cadence to achieve given bicycle speed. By changing the gear, the
user is able to adapt the exercise level to the virtual terrain and
desired virtual speed of bicycling.
[0039] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment 200 further
includes a gear shifting unit 211 disposed on the handle bar 202A
used to change the gear. The gear shifting unit 211 includes a
first switch 207 for upshifting the gear and its actuation can
further trigger simulation of gear upshifting. The gear shifting
unit 211 may further include a second switch 209 for down shifting
the gear and its actuation can further trigger simulation of gear
downshifting in the virtual environment.
[0040] Detection of actuation of one or more of the switches causes
the computing unit 250 to adjust the resistance to pedaling on the
exercise equipment and to simulate upshifting or downshifting of
the gear in the virtual environment. In general, first and second
switches 207 and 209 are programmable or reprogrammable. For
example, a first switch 207 on the handle bar 202A can be
configured for gear upshifting and the second switch 209 can be
configured for gear downshifting; and vice versa. The gear shifting
unit 211 is illustrated with further reference to the example of
FIG. 4.
[0041] In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit 211 includes a
two-pole momentary switch whose momentary connection to any one of
the two poles is made upon actuation of one or more of the switches
207 and 209. For example, the connection to one of the poles can be
interpreted by the computing unit 250 as an increment to a higher
gear number, while the momentary connection to the other pole is
interpreted by the computing unit 250 as a decrement in the gear
number.
[0042] In exercise equipment 200 shown in the example of FIG. 1,
the display unit 216 includes a video monitor (e.g., an LCD or CRT
display monitor). In some embodiments, video monitor of the example
of FIG. 1 may be replaced with and/or supplemented by other types
of display units. In general, display units include but are not
limited to video monitor, video monitor with video glasses which
when used jointly allow the user to view three-dimensional graphics
on a single monitor, video goggles that allow the user to
experience three-dimensional images (without the use a monitor),
and monitors that employ an array of cylindrical refractive lenses
that allow simulated three-dimensional imaging without the use of
any glasses or goggles. For example, a head-mounted display may be
coupled to the equipment 200 and used in lieu of or in conjunction
with the video monitor. In general, the display unit 216 is
positioned in the plain view of the user while the user is seated
on the seat 206.
[0043] The exercise equipment 200 may further be coupled to
headphones 224 and/or speakers which are output devices for sound.
Other output devices include a mechanism that provides response to
the forward-motion actuator on the exercise equipment. For example,
for an exercise bicycle the forward-motion actuator are the
rotating pedals, while the response from the virtual-reality
computing unit manifests itself as a varying resistance to pedal
rotation. At a given rotational velocity of the pedals referred to
as cadence, higher resistance to the rotation of the pedals results
in increased dissipation of power by the user during exercise.
Another example of an output device is a fan located on the front
of the exercise equipment and whose rotational velocity may be
controlled by the computing unit depending on the perceived
velocity of the virtual body in the virtual environment. The fan
gives the user the perception of wind resistance experienced when
moving forward. Another example of an output is the vibration of
part of the equipment, for example, the seat, which simulates
perceived road quality or impact with objects. Yet another example
of an output device is resistance to steering, if applicable.
[0044] While the user is exercising on the exercise equipment 200,
the user can view the images on the display unit 216, listens to
sounds coming from the headphones 224 and/or speakers, and/or speak
through a microphone. The headphones 224 can be coupled to the
equipment 200 through link 226 (e.g., an analog audio link or a
digital link). The microphone may be connected to the headphone set
224 and is in communication with the computing unit 250 via link
226 as well.
[0045] The exercise equipment 100 can be used by the exercising
user to control a virtual body, also referred to as a "primary"
virtual body in a virtual environment. The virtual body's movement
can be determined based on the motion of the user while exercising.
For example, the image shown on the display unit 216 can include
the first-person perspective view of the primary virtual body from
the exercising user as it moves in the virtual environment. An
example of such an image is shown in FIG. 9. Features of the
virtual environment are also further described with reference to
the example of FIG. 9.
[0046] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment 200 is
network-enabled. For example, the exercise equipment 200 can
established wired and/or wireless communications with other
exercise equipments, servers, and/or remote storage units via the
Internet or other types of networks (e.g., cellular, WiFi, etc.).
The exercise equipment 200 includes or is coupled to a biometric
sensor 228 which may be in communication with the computing unit
250. The biometric sensor may take any shape depending on what
biometric function it senses.
[0047] FIG. 3 depicts a diagram illustrating how the handle bars
302A and 302B can be rotated to cause steering motion to be
simulated in the virtual environment.
[0048] The handle bar 302A attached to exercise equipment can be
moved by a user sitting on the seat assembly of the exercise
equipment to rotate about an axis. A second handle bar 302B may
also be attached to the exercise equipment and be available for
physical movement by the user such that the handle bar 302B
rotates. Steering motion (e.g., left or right motion of a virtual
body in simulated environment), upon detection of physical movement
of one or more of the handle bars 302A and 302B, can be simulated
in a virtual environment that is depicted on a display unit
connected to the exercise equipment on which the user is exercising
or using.
[0049] In one embodiment, the handle bar 302A and/or 302B is
moveable to rotate around an axis 304. Either one of the handle
bars or both can be moved to rotate about the axis 304 to trigger
simulation of steering motion of a virtual body. The handle bar
302A and/or 302B can be moved from an initial position (e.g.,
indicated by dashed lines 303A and 303B respectively). The initial
position 303A and/or 303B is generally a position where the handle
bar 302A and/or 302B rests neutrally when not actuated by a
user.
[0050] When moved to rotate from the initial position, handle bar
302A forms an angle .alpha..sub.L 305A with the initial position
303A. In one embodiment, the handle bar 302A can be moved to rotate
either clockwise or counterclockwise. Alternatively, the handle bar
302A can be rotated in both clockwise (.alpha..sub.L>0) and
counterclockwise (.alpha..sub.L<0) directions relative to the
initial position 303A when the user shifts the handle bar 302A up
or down, respectively. When not pulled in either direction, the
handle bar can return to the initial position (.alpha..sub.L=0)
(e.g., via spring action). The right handle bar 403 operates
similarly: It forms an angle .alpha..sub.R relative to the initial
position 305B.
[0051] The steering of a virtual body within the virtual
environment can be determined from the angle formed between the
handle bar 302A and the initial position 305A. In addition, the
steering can be determined based on the movement of both of the
handle bars 302A and 302B. The movement may be quantified by the
displacement of the handle bars from their respective initial
positions.
[0052] For example, a magnitude of the steering can be proportional
to a difference (e.g., (.alpha..sub.L-.alpha..sub.R)) between a
first rotation angle .alpha..sub.L of the handle bar 302A from the
axis 304 and a second rotation angle .alpha..sub.R of the handle
bar 302B from the axis 304. In general, a positive or negative
value of the angle difference is configurable to cause either a
leftwards or rightwards steering motion to be simulated in the
virtual environment. In one embodiment, the user can set which of
two steering polarities to use during a particular exercise session
or for the machine.
[0053] Since the extent and direction of steering that depends on a
difference between rotation angles .alpha..sub.L and
.alpha..sub.r,steering can also be simulated when only one of the
handle bars (e.g., 302A or 302B) is moved to rotate--by leaving for
example .alpha..sub.L=0, and moving only the other handle bar
(varying .alpha..sub.R). In addition, steering with both hands by
depressing one handle bar and pulling the other facilitates
realizing a quicker turn than with only using one of the handle
bars. Moreover, since the steering does not depend on the average
position of the handle bars (.alpha..sub.R+.alpha..sub.L)/2, but
only on the difference in the angles (.alpha..sub.L-.alpha..sub.R)
it is possible to move straight ahead in the virtual environment
when both handle bars are held at an elevated (or depressed angle)
as long as .alpha..sub.R=.alpha..sub.L such that users with shorter
or longer arms may use the handle bars to achieve equally efficient
and comfortable steering.
[0054] FIG. 4 depicts a switch 407 on the gear shifting unit 400
that can be actuated for gear adjustment and simulation of gear
upshifting/downshifting in the virtual environment.
[0055] The gear shifting unit 400 can include a switch 407 which
can be actuated for adjusting the gear level. Another switch 409
can also be included in the gear shifting unit 400. Although two
switches 407 and 409 are shown, any number of switches can be
provided on a single gear shifting unit (e.g., unit 400). The
switch 407 and/or 409 on the gear shifting unit 400 can be actuated
during exercise on the exercise equipment independently or
simultaneously for gear adjustment to modify the resistance to
pedaling and/or to cause simulation of gear shifting. The switches
407 and/or 409, in one embodiment, are actuated via depressing and
releasing actions.
[0056] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment is equipped with
four switches: a gear-up and a gear-down switch on each of the
handle bars. For example, the handle bar 400 features a gear down
switch 407 and a gear up switch 409. The handle bar 400 can
optionally include heart-rate monitor pads 410. The detected
actuation (e.g., pressing and releasing) one of the switches can be
interpreted by the computer as a request to increment or decrement
the gear number. In general, each switch can be configured and/or
re-configured/reprogrammed for either gear upshifting or
downshifting.
[0057] In general, actuating a switch configured for upshifting
increments the gear number increasing the resistance to pedal, and
actuating a switch configured for downshifting decrements the gear
number thus decreasing the resistance to pedal. The switches can be
actuated together to achieve different gear adjustment results
and/or various simulation effects. For example, two upshifting
switches (e.g., on each handle bar) can be actuated simultaneously
such that more gear is added on over a period of time as compared
to only actuating one upshifting switch. Similarly, two
downshifting switches can be actuated simultaneously to decrement
more gear as opposed to actuating a single switch. Thus, a user can
change gears faster than that with actuating a single gear shifting
lever or switch--which can be used for racing in the virtual
environment.
[0058] FIG. 5 depicts an example functional block diagram of the
computing unit 550 of the exercise equipment that generates a
virtual environment through which a user travels during exercise in
which steering motion is simulated based on detected handle bar
motion.
[0059] The computing unit 550 includes a network interface 502, a
virtual environment simulator 504, a steering module 506, and/or a
gear shifting module 508. Additional or fewer modules can be
included without deviating from the novel art of this disclosure.
In addition, each module in the example of FIG. 5 can include any
number and combination of sub-modules, and systems, implemented
with any combination of hardware and/or software modules.
[0060] In the example of FIG. 5, the network interface 502 can be
one or more networking devices that enable the computing unit 550
to mediate data in a network with an entity that is external to the
computing unit, through any known and/or convenient communications
protocol supported by the host and the external entity. The network
interface 502 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a
wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a
wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol
converter, a gateway, a bridge, a bridge router, a hub, a digital
media receiver, and/or a repeater.
[0061] A firewall, can, in some embodiments, be included to govern
and/or manage permission to access/proxy data in a computer
network, and track varying levels of trust between different
machines and/or applications. The firewall can be any number of
modules having any combination of hardware and/or software
components able to enforce a predetermined set of access rights
between a particular set of machines and applications, machines and
machines, and/or applications and applications, for example, to
regulate the flow of traffic and resource sharing between these
varying entities. The firewall may additionally manage and/or have
access to an access control list which details permissions
including for example, the access and operation rights of an object
by an individual, a machine, and/or an application, and the
circumstances under which the permission rights stand.
[0062] Other network security functions performed or included in
the functions of the firewall, can be, for example, but are not
limited to, intrusion-prevention, intrusion detection,
next-generation firewall, personal firewall, etc. without deviating
from the novel art of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the
functionalities of the network interface 502 and the firewall are
partially or wholly combined and the functions of which can be
implemented in any combination of software and/or hardware, in part
or in whole.
[0063] The network interface 502 includes a communications module
or a combination of communications modules communicatively coupled
to the network interface 502 to manage a one-way, two-way, and/or
multi-way communication sessions over a plurality of communications
protocols.
[0064] One embodiment of the computing unit 550 includes a virtual
environment simulator 504. The virtual environment simulator 504
can be any combination of software agents and/or hardware modules
able to generate, simulate, modify, update, a virtual or
interactive environment that is shown on a display unit of exercise
equipment.
[0065] In general, the virtual/interactive environment includes an
exercise route in a landscape through which a virtual body moves.
Multiple virtual bodies maybe present in the virtual environment
however generally, at least one virtual body is The
virtual/interactive environment is depicted in FIG. 9 and
additional details regarding the features thereof are described
with further reference to the example of FIG. 9.
[0066] In one embodiment, the simulator 504 simulates steering
motion of the virtual body in response to movement of a handle bar
coupled to the exercise equipment. For example, the simulator 504
can communicate with the steering module 506 which can detect
physical movement/rotation of one or more handle bars (e.g.,
rotation about an axis) attached to the equipment. In addition, the
steering module 506 can determine (e.g., quantify) the displacement
due to physical motion/rotation of one or more of the handle bars.
For example, the steering module 506 can determine the angle of
displacement and/or the direction of the displacement, of one or
more of the handle bars. In one embodiment, the angle detector
senses the angle/direction of the displacement.
[0067] Based on the angle and/or direction of the displacement of a
handle bar, the simulator 504 can modify simulation of motion of
the virtual body through the virtual environment such that the
exercising user perceives steering motion according to the physical
movement/rotation of one or more handle bars. Note that angle
measurements can also be positive or negative to represent the
relative direction of the displacements of the handle bars.
[0068] The displacement of one handle bar can be used by the
simulator 504 for simulating steering motion. In addition,
displacement of each of multiple handle bars can also be used in
conjunction by the simulator 504 to simulate steering motion of a
virtual body. For example, the steering module 506 can determine
the difference between a first rotation angle of the handle bar
from the axis and a second rotation angle of the second handle bar
from the axis. The simulator module 504 can simulate steering
motion based on the difference in rotation angles between two
handle bars. Additional handle bars can also be used on a single
exercise machine and maneuvered by a user to simulate steering
motion while exercising.
[0069] In one embodiment, the simulator 504 simulates upshifting or
downshifting of a gear in response to actuation of a gear shifting
unit. For example, the simulator 504 can communicate with the gear
shifting module 508 which can detect actuation of one or more gear
shifting units or switches. The gear shifting module 508 can
determine whether the activated switches are configured for gear
upshifting or gear downshifting. For example, the
increment/decrement detector can determine whether the activated
switch or combination of switches increments or decrements the
gear. In some instances, activating multiple switches at a time can
cause the gear to increment more compared to activating one gear.
For example, for an exercise equipment with a gear shifting unit on
each of two handle bars, the upshifting switches on each of the
gear shifting units can be actuated (e.g., pressed and depressed)
simultaneously to increment more gear than when one switch is
activated. Similarly, both downshifting switches can be activated
simultaneously to decrement more gear.
[0070] The simulator module 504 is in communication with the gear
shifting module 508 can accordingly simulates gear upshifting or
downshifting in the virtual environment. Note that in general,
assignment of a switch on a gear shifting unit for upshifting or
down shifting is user-programmable or re-programmable (e.g., either
through the exercise equipment or a remote computer).
[0071] The computing unit 550, although illustrated as comprised of
distributed components (physically distributed and/or functionally
distributed), could be implemented as a collective element. In some
embodiments, some or all of the modules, and/or the functions
represented by each of the modules can be combined in any
convenient or known manner. Furthermore, the functions represented
by the modules can be implemented individually or in any
combination thereof, partially or wholly, in hardware, software, or
a combination of hardware and software.
[0072] FIG. 6 depicts an example block diagram of the components of
the computing unit 650 of the exercise equipment.
[0073] In one embodiment, computing unit 650 includes a network
interface 602, a processing unit 604, a memory unit 606, a storage
unit 608, a video processor 610, and/or a TV tuner 612. Additional
or less units or modules may be included. One example of a suitable
network interface 602 has been described in the example of FIG.
5.
[0074] One embodiment the computing unit 650 further includes a
processing unit 604. The data received from the network interface
602 can be input to the processing unit 604. The data that is
received can include search queries, content from various content
sources or a user content repository. The processing unit 604 can
include one or more processors, CPUs, microcontrollers, FPGAs,
ASICs, DSPs, or any combination of the above. Data that is input to
the computing unit 650 can be processed by the processing unit 604
and output to a display and/or output via a wired or wireless
connection to an external device, such as a mobile phone, a
portable device, a host or server computer by way of a
communications component.
[0075] One embodiment of the computing unit 650 further includes a
memory unit 606 and a storage unit 608. The memory unit 606 and a
storage unit 608 are, in some embodiments, coupled to the
processing unit 604. The memory unit can include volatile and/or
non-volatile memory. In dynamically configuring exercise equipment
and adjusting characteristics of virtual exercise routes, the
processing unit 604 may perform one or more processes related to
acquiring user exercise data (e.g., motion parameters and/or
biometric parameters) and comparing the exercise data with the
user's preferences.
[0076] In some embodiments, any portion of or all of the functions
described of the various example modules in the computing unit of
the example of FIG. 5 can be performed by the processing unit 604.
In particular, with reference to the computing unit illustrated in
FIG. 5, the functions and techniques executed by the virtual
environment simulator 504, the steering module 506, and/or the gear
shifting module 508 can be performed via any of the combinations of
modules in the control subsystem that are not illustrated,
including, but not limited to, the processing unit 604 and/or the
memory unit 606.
[0077] FIG. 7A depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for simulating steering motion through a virtual
environment based on a difference in displacement angles between
first and second handle bars.
[0078] In process 702, the virtual environment is generated and
displayed on the display unit of the recumbent exercise bicycle
during an exercise session. In general, the virtual environment can
be simulated based on detected motion of pedals of the exercise
bicycle. In addition, the virtual environment can be simulated to
modify the experience of the user while exercising in response to
detected physical motion of one or more handle bars attached to the
exercise equipment.
[0079] For example, the physical motion of the handle bars can be
translated to steering motion of a virtual body through the virtual
environment. In process 704, a first displacement of a first handle
bar of an exercise bicycle (e.g., recumbent bicycle) from an
initial position is detected. In process 706, a second displacement
of a second handle bar of the recumbent exercise bicycle from an
initial position is detected.
[0080] In general, motion through the virtual environment can be
based individually on the first and second displacements or in
combination. For example, a first angle of the displacement of the
first handle bar from the initial position can be determined and a
second angle of the second displacement of the second handle bar
from the initial position can be determined. In process 708, a
difference between the first angle and the second angle is
computed. In process 710, motion through the virtual environment is
simulated based on the computed difference.
[0081] Note that a positive difference can be associated with
either simulation of a left steering motion or a left steering
motion in the virtual environment. The user can adjust this setting
based on preferences or based on the virtual route through which
he/she is riding while exercising. The configuration process is
further illustrated with reference to the example of FIG. 7B. In
general, the larger the magnitude of the difference, the more
steering is simulated in the virtual environment.
[0082] FIG. 7B depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for configuring the handle bars and switches for gear
shifting.
[0083] In process 722, a request to configure a handle bar coupled
to exercise equipment (e.g., recumbent bicycle) is received. The
configuration request can be placed by an exercising user of an
exercise machine (e.g., a recumbent exercise bicycle) during
exercise or while setting up the machine. In addition, the request
can be submitted through a server connected to the exercise machine
over a network and provided by an equipment maintainer. In
addition, the handle bars may automatically be configured to a
default setting when software is installed and/or upgraded either
locally or remotely (e.g., via connection to a remote server).
[0084] In process 724, clockwise motion of the first handle bar is
assigned to cause simulation of a leftwards steering motion or a
rightwards steering motion. In process 726, counterclockwise motion
of the first handle bar is assigned to cause simulation of a
leftwards steering motion or a rightwards steering motion. In
process 728, a configuration request of the gear shifting switches
is received. The gear shifting switches may be un-configured or
configured to default settings. A user can request to
configure/program or reconfigure/reprogram the settings for the
gear shifting switches. For example, in process 730, a first switch
on the first handle bar is configured for gear upshifting. In
process 732, a second switch on the first handle bar is configured
for gear downshifting.
[0085] The switches can be reconfigured to trigger gear upshifting
or downshifting for a specific amount of time (e.g., for a certain
number of exercise sessions), for a specific type of virtual
exercise route, for a type of operating mode, or for use under
unspecified types of condition (e.g., indefinitely until the
switches are reconfigured/reprogrammed).
[0086] FIG. 7C depicts a flow diagram illustrating example
processes for adjusting pedaling resistance and/or simulating gear
upshifting/downshifting in the virtual environment.
[0087] In process 742, actuation of a switch on the first handle
bar is detected. In process 744, it is determined whether the
actuated switch is configured for gear upshifting or gear
downshifting. If the actuated switch is for configured for gear
upshifting, in process 746, upshifting of the gear is simulated in
the virtual environment. If the actuated switch is for configured
for gear downshifting, in process 746, downshifting of the gear is
simulated in the virtual environment. In addition, the pedaling
resistance experienced by a user when exercising on the equipment
can, though not necessarily be adjusted according to whether the
actuated switch is configured for gear upshifting or
downshifting.
[0088] FIG. 8 depicts an example illustration of a keypad panel
800.
[0089] The user's selection of exercise parameters and features is
performed via the keypad 800 (e.g., keypad 218 in the example of
FIG. 2). Selections are scanned using the cursors 807 and the
selection of entries using the enter key 808. The speaker or
headset volume is controlled using the volume control keys 805. The
selection of music or TV channel may be performed using the numeric
keypad 804. The numeric and character entry is possible through the
keyboard 804. Keys 801 and 802 can be used to select the exercising
mode and key 303 can be used to switch the TV on/off. The headphone
or the headset with microphone can be coupled to port 823.
[0090] FIG. 9 depicts an example image shown on the display unit
900 of the exercise equipment, according to one embodiment.
[0091] The exercise equipment 200 of the example of FIG. 2 can be
used to control a primary virtual body in a simulated virtual
environment (e.g., an interactive environment). In one embodiment,
the image shown on the display unit 900 (e.g., the display unit 216
of the example of FIG. 2) includes the first-person perspective
view of the primary virtual body as it moves in the virtual
environment. A view of an example of this image is illustrated in
FIG. 9.
[0092] In one embodiment, the image of a virtual environment on the
screen of the display unit 900 as it is seen by the primary virtual
body. In this embodiment, the user perceives him or her as riding a
virtual bicycle whose handle bars 901 are visible in the image. The
virtual environment can include a virtual countryside with a road
920, a tree 921, distant mountains 928, a house 927, and a pair of
bicycles with riders on it 906.
[0093] As the user turns the pedals of the exercise equipment, the
primary virtual body moves forward in the direction shown as middle
of the image. In addition to the mentioned virtual-reality image,
the image on the display unit 905 includes an information display
overlaid over the virtual reality image. In one embodiment, the
path on which the user is to ride is predetermined at the beginning
of the session. It is referred to as the virtual exercise route
(VER). The overlaid information may include a map 907 of the
virtual exercise route in the virtual landscape and user's own
virtual bicycle position on that path. It may also include a
summary of time, total dissipated calories (or Joules), miles
traveled, and distance remaining on that virtual exercise
route.
[0094] The video screen area 929 shows the written messages to the
user delivered by the computing unit and other innovative functions
that are part of the embodiments of this disclosure and will be
described in further text. The detailed view of the lower part of
the image 900 can be referred to as the "heads-up display" and
shows exercise information 930: Cadence (momentary rotational speed
of the pedals measured in revolutions per minute), gear number,
virtual slope against which the bicycle is moving (noted as grade),
momentary power dissipation by the user and heart-rate are can be
shown and displayed in the image.
[0095] The indicator "cadence" in the user interface can be
displayed to show the momentary rotational speed of the pedals
measured in revolutions per minute. The gear number indicator in
the user interface can correspond to the physical gear number to
which the exercise equipment is currently set. Cadence and the
current gear number can be used to determine the bicycle speed
measured in miles per hour or any other suitable speed units. The
speed can be computed in the virtual environment. The position of
the primary virtual bicycle in the virtual landscape determines the
slope against which the bicycle is moving (when pedals are
rotating).
[0096] The slope can be indicated by "grade". From the grade and
the speed of the primary virtual bicycle, the virtual reality
simulator can compute the resistance that the rider would
experience via the physical pedals to simulate a real-life like
experience. This information is communicated to the pedal, which
electronically adjusts the resistance to rotation. With known
resistance to rotation and cadence, the program can determine the
momentary power dissipation by the user. The instantaneous power
and heart-rate can be measured in Watts and beats-per-minute and
are shown with. The total time spent riding, the total energy
dissipated (calories), and miles traveled can also be depicted on
the user interface.
[0097] In one embodiment, the path on which the user is to ride
(or, "exercise route" or "virtual exercise route") is generally
determined at the beginning of the session. In this case, the map
and the elevation profile of the exercise route are known. The map
is schematically shown with while its elevation profile is also
depicted. The momentary position of virtual bicycle on this virtual
exercise route is noted in. The characteristics of the virtual
environment are described in more detail in the text below.
[0098] VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE MODEL: The control and power delivered by
the user to the bicycle, i.e., the motion parameters captured by
sensors of the exercise equipment are mapped to motion parameters
within the virtual world. In one embodiment, the virtual
environment and the user's interaction with the virtual environment
is designed so that virtual bodies/elements that move through it
obey physical laws of motion. In one embodiment, the mapping
between the real world motion parameters and the virtual-world
motion parameters are approximately one to one.
[0099] For example, if the virtual world is modeled after a
real-world landscape and contains a virtual exercise route that is
a representation of a real-world path of specified length and
elevation challenge, then the user exercising along this
virtual-exercise route with have to dissipate approximately the
same amount of energy and level of exertion as he would if he was
riding the real-world path: Bodies have size, mass, moment of
inertia, and the landscape has hills, bodies of water, and paths
with slopes and surface features that are similar to those
occurring in nature. In one embodiment, the virtual landscape is
modeled after a real landscape; it is a computing
unit-graphic-stylized exercise routes of a real-life landscape with
hills, valleys, road, and road obstacles.
[0100] In one embodiment, the virtual landscape features landscape,
roads, and road obstacles that are entirely fictional with features
and living beings that do not have real-world counterparts, but the
objects and the virtual exercise routes still obey real-world
physical laws of motion, hence the mapping between the motion
parameters on the exercise equipment are approximately mapped
one-to-one with the physical-law parameters in the virtual world.
In another embodiments, the virtual environment is a landscape on a
different planet that features weaker gravitational pull, hence the
mapping between the motion parameters captured on the exercise
equipment will map to the motion appropriate to the virtual
environment and the representation of the primary virtual body in
that environment.
[0101] In one embodiment, the view of the rendering of the virtual
environment provided to the user of the exercise equipment on the
display unit 705 is corrected for perspective.
[0102] MOTION CONTROL: The motion and location of any virtual body
in the virtual environment is determined by its virtual-motion
attributes. In an embodiment, the virtual-motion attributes include
but are not limited to the mass and moments of inertia of the
virtual body, its location, velocity and acceleration, and the
position of the steering mechanism (eg. handle bars), considering
that the velocity and the acceleration are vector quantities. The
virtual-motion parameters of the primary virtual body are
controlled by the motion and biometric parameters acquired from the
exercise equipment while it is operated by the user.
[0103] HILLS AND VALLEYS: In one embodiment, when the primary
virtual vehicle is moving up a hill in the computing unit-generated
landscape or any other virtual environment, it requires power
proportional to its mass and instantaneous velocity in the virtual
environment. In one embodiment, the power delivered to the virtual
body towards forward motion in a virtual-environment designed to
follow real-world physical laws is substantially equal to the
instantaneous power delivered to the exercise station by the user
pedaling. In other words, when the primary virtual body moves up a
hill in the virtual environment, the difficulty in pedaling for the
user exercising increases and the power necessary to surmount the
hill in the virtual environment is substantially equal to the power
that would be necessary for the user to surmount such a hill in
real life on a real bicycle.
[0104] VIRTUAL EXERCISE ROUTE: In one embodiment, the primary
virtual body is allowed to move on a specified path in the virtual
environment. This path is referred to as the Virtual Exercise Route
(VER). In another embodiment, the primary virtual body is allowed
to move anywhere through the virtual environment--to ride over the
entire virtual terrain. Virtual exercise route is a path in a
virtual landscape along which virtual vehicles move, at least one
of the virtual vehicles being controlled by the actions of the user
exercising on the exercise equipment. A related term is a virtual
tour, which is a sequence of events experienced by the user who is
sitting on the stationary exercise equipment, pedaling, steering,
changing gears and watching images of a virtual environment shown
on the video device in front of him or her. The user watches the
images on the video device and acts as if he or she is the driver
of the virtual vehicle or the runner running through the virtual
landscape or along a virtual exercise route.
[0105] SHAPE OF ROUTE: On any closed-loop virtual exercise route,
the virtual body may get from one arbitrary point on the exercise
route to another arbitrary point on the exercise route in at least
two ways: moving forward from one to the other point or by moving
backwards. This is the case the exercise path is a closed loop. In
one embodiment, the virtual exercise path has more than two ways
the virtual vehicle can get from one arbitrary point to another
arbitrary point on the virtual exercise route. For example, the
virtual path can be shaped as number eight (8) or any other
homotopic shape (homotopic shape=if one shape can be continuously
deformed into the other). This means that the virtual exercise path
features path branching at which the user can make a selection
which branch of the path she wants to take. In another embodiment,
the selection of the path is determined by another source. In
another embodiment, the virtual exercise route is a maze. For
example, the exercise route can be a tour puzzle containing loops
and the user may have to reach the finish in a given amount of
time. In another embodiment the virtual exercise route is a
nonplanar graph. In graph theory, a planar graph is a graph that
can be drawn so that no edges intersect in the plane. A nonplanar
graph cannot be drawn in the plane without edge intersections. In
another embodiment, the virtual exercise route comprises more than
one unconnected paths. In order to move from one closed path to
another the user is challenged to execute a goal. Reaching the goal
transports the user to one of the other unconnected paths. All the
described embodiments related to the shape of exercise route,
increase the entertainment potential of the exercise method
according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the virtual
vehicle may move freely on the surface of the virtual environment
with out being constrained to a path. In another embodiment, the
surface of the virtual environment is not simply connected. In
topology, a geometrical object or space is called simply connected
if it is path-connected and every path between two points can be
continuously transformed into every other. An object is simply
connected if it consists of one piece and doesn't have any "holes"
that pass all the way through it.
[0106] REPRESENTATION OF VIRTUAL VEHICLE: The primary virtual body
is the body that experiences sensation in the virtual environment
to relay these sensory experiences to the user exercising and the
body that exerts action in the virtual world under the control of
the user exercising. The primary virtual body is generally
associated with a virtual vehicle of some kind and when they are
inseparable in the virtual environment, we refer to the primary
virtual vehicle and the primary virtual body interchangeably since
they are not separable during the course of the exercise. The
primary virtual vehicle and its representation in the virtual
environment may vary. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment is
modeled after a real-life bicycle and the virtual representation of
the primary virtual vehicle is that of a computing unit-stylized
bicycle. In another embodiment, the exercise equipment is modeled
after a row boat and the primary virtual vehicle is represented as
a computing unit-stylized row boat. In yet another embodiment, the
primary virtual body is a fictitious object moving in an arbitrary
imaginary world.
[0107] DISPLAY OF BIOMETRIC DATA: In one embodiment, the video
device displays current exercise data collected on the user
exercising. Exercise data includes motion data and biometric data.
An example of biometric and motion data displayed on the video
device for the user to observe is shown in FIG. 2B. In one
embodiment, the video device displays meta-information such as
heart-zones, perceived exertion level, or similar quantities. In
another embodiment, the video device displays target exercise data
for the user to observe and attempt to reach. In one embodiment,
the exercise data targets have been set by a live coach. In another
embodiment the target exercise data have been set the computing
unit function referred to as "virtual coach". In yet another
embodiment, the displayed target exercise data have been previously
recorded by the same user on the same virtual exercise route
(VER).
[0108] VIRTUAL REALITY In the last decade, there has been
significant development of virtual reality software and programs
that have virtual reality attributes (inherent characteristics).
Virtual reality is an artificial environment, which is experienced
through sensory stimuli (most often by but not limited to sights
and sounds) provided by a computing unit and in which one's actions
partially determine what happens in the environment.
[0109] The essential elements of a virtual-reality system are (a)
computing unit that runs virtual reality program, (b) person ("the
user") using the system, and (c) set of interfaces, some of which
receive input from the user, and some of which deliver sensory
stimuli to the user. The function common to all virtual reality
programs is that the computing unit simulates the presence of a
virtual body in a virtual environment, and that the sensory
experiences of that virtual body are delivered to the person ("the
user") using sensory interfaces. In many virtual-reality systems,
the user also has the ability to control the actions of the virtual
body, and hence has an effect on the virtual environment.
[0110] Virtual environment may include activities of multiple
virtual bodies and activities resulting from natural and artificial
(fictitious) phenomena. Consequently, the tasks of the virtual
reality program are to (a) simulate the activities of mentioned
multiple virtual bodies and phenomena and (b) create the sensory
stimuli experienced by one virtual body we refer to as the primary
virtual body, or the recipient of the virtual sensory stimuli. A
virtual body within the virtual environment may be controlled by a
real-life person also referred to as the user of the virtual
reality system. The virtual body controlled by a user is referred
to as primary virtual body. Multiple users can control a variety of
virtual bodies within same virtual environment and they can
interact within the virtual environment. Interaction with the
virtual environment typically refers to causing any action to be
performed on any element/body in the virtual environment.
[0111] The control of the virtual bodies is realized by capturing
the actions of a user using input devices which are in turn
processed by the computing unit. When the primary virtual body is a
vehicle or a runner, the control parameters may include information
about the direction, velocity, and acceleration of that virtual
vehicle. In the following text the word vehicle or virtual vehicle
will be understood to mean any vehicle, a virtual runner or any
other virtual creature or virtual machine that moves through the
virtual environment.
[0112] The sensory experiences of the primary virtual body in the
virtual environment are delivered to the user, the sensory
recipient, using output devices. Depending on the architecture of
the virtual-reality system, the simulation of the activities of
multiple objects and virtual bodies may be indistinguishable from
creating stimuli experienced by the recipient. For the purpose of
this description, computing unit simulation of virtual body
activities also means computing unit generation of stimuli to be
delivered to the recipient.
[0113] A simulation is the imitative representation of the
functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of
another, i.e., a computing unit simulation. As a non-limiting
example, a road bicycle ridden through a real landscape is
imitatively represented by a computing unit-simulated bicycle
riding in a computing unit-simulated landscape. A computing
unit-simulated bicycle is also referred to as a virtual bicycle,
hence real road vehicles are represented as virtual vehicles,
including runners or climbers as virtual runners or virtual
climbers. Virtual vehicles may not be representations of real road
vehicles; they may also be fictional and do not necessarily have to
obey real-world laws of motion.
[0114] A related concept is computing unit reconstruction. To
reconstruct means to construct again: as to establish or assemble
again; to build up again mentally, a computing unit-reconstructed
landscape is a landscape that is modeled and its image simulated by
a computing unit, using a suitable computing unit program. The
objects and phenomena appearing within the computing unit-simulated
environment are referred to as "virtual" objects and phenomena. In
this application, the computing unit-simulated utilizes rendering
and allows interaction between the users and between the user and
the virtual objects/elements and phenomena. It can be referred to
as "simulated interactive environment", but the term "virtual
environment" for short can also be used.
[0115] Virtual bodies, other than the primary virtual body, may
exist in the virtual environment, regardless of whether they can be
seen, heard, or in any other way interact with the primary virtual
body. These virtual bodies are referred to as persistent virtual
bodies. Alternatively, virtual bodies that exist in the virtual
environment only in the regions where the primary body can see
them, hear them, or in any other way interact, but do not exist
when they cannot be seen, heard or interacted with, are regarded as
non-persistent.
[0116] Typically, a virtual reality program, or subset of such
program, provides stimuli to one user based on the experiences of
the primary virtual body. When two or more users interact in the
virtual environment, the virtual-reality system architecture may
include two or more computing units, each running its own virtual
reality program and each virtual-reality program with its own
primary virtual body, and each computing unit coupled to all other
computing units each running its own virtual reality program and
having its own primary virtual body. Some virtual bodies as
controlled by a computing unit and exhibit artificial intelligence.
There are other architectures that can be employed to serve
multiple users.
Viewing Angle and Appearance of Virtual Bodies
[0117] In a virtual reality application the sensory stimuli from
the computing unit is delivered to the user via visual and auditory
output devices. This creates the perception with the user that he
or she is experiencing the activity experienced by the primary
virtual body. If the viewing angle and the sounds delivered to the
user are those that the primary virtual body appears to experience
in the virtual environment, the experience is referred to as
first-person perspective. Most virtual reality programs operate in
this perspective as the user's control of the primary body's
activity in the virtual environment is by exercise routey nature a
first-person control. One embodiment of the present disclosure
employs the first-person perspective. It is also possible to create
a situation in which the user controls the virtual body as a first
person, but observes the actions of this body from a different
perspective, namely, from the perspective of a third person located
behind or some distance away from the primary body. This case is
referred to as third person perspective. In one embodiment of
present disclosure, the third-person perspective is realized by
placing a fixed camera view at some predetermined location within
the virtual environment. In yet another embodiment, the user is
allowed to choose the location of the camera, and hence, the user
is allowed to define his or her own third-person perspective angle
and location.
[0118] The appearance of virtual bodies in the virtual environment
is arbitrary. In one embodiment, the appearance is modeled after a
person or a vehicle of choice. In another embodiment, the
appearance is selected by the user.
[0119] EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AS A CONTROLLER: In the present
disclosure, the activity of the primary virtual body is controlled
by the user's motion on exercise equipment and user's biometric
data captured using biometric sensors that are coupled to the user
during exercise. The virtual reality program simulates the motion
of a vehicle or a runner moving within the virtual environment. The
input devices capture user's actions that define the direction,
velocity, and acceleration of the virtual vehicle. The input
devices may sense the activity of various control mechanisms on the
exercise equipment and the biometric monitors may sense user's
physical condition. In the present disclosure, any one or all of
the inputs captured by the input devices may be used to affect the
activity in with virtual environment. The motion of the virtual
vehicle is controlled using moveable elements on exercise equipment
that include but are not limited to steering mechanism (e.g. handle
bars), motion input devices (e.g. pedals, moving stairs, running
track, oars), motion retardants (e.g. brakes), gear shifter,
vibration sensors, or body movement sensors.
[0120] EXERCISE RECORD: The embodiments of this disclosure allow
digital recording (capturing and storing) of the motion of all
parts of the exercise equipment, all acquired biometric data, and
the activity simulated within the virtual environment. The data
recorded allow reconstruction of all of the activity occurring on
the exercise equipment at a later time for the purpose of analysis
or reconstructing the activity within the virtual environment. An
exercise record is associated with a user and comprises several
types of data: exercise session data, exercise preferences, and
fitness record. Exercise session data include biometric data and
motion data.
[0121] Biometric data is a term collectively used to describe a set
of instantaneous biometric parameters acquired during an activity
session, the temporal profile (history) of these parameters
acquired during an activity session, and the calculated quantities
calculated from these biometric parameters.
[0122] Motion data comprises physical quantities that describe
motion of the different parts of the exercise bicycle, quantities
that describe the virtual motion and activities of the primary
virtual body within a simulated interactive environment for the
specific session, and any quantity that is calculated from these.
Motion data is logged during an activity (exercise) session. In one
embodiment, motion data comprises a reduced set of above-mentioned
information: for example, rather than logging the velocity and
power as a function of time, the instantaneous position (of a
virtual body) versus time is logged.
[0123] Examples of motion data are instantaneous cadence, power
delivered to the exercise machine, gear number, position of the
handle bars, position, elevation, and velocity profile traversed by
the primary virtual body within the computing unit-simulated
interactive environment, the virtual-exercise route, the total
energy dissipated. Specifically, the pedal rotation velocity
(referred to as cadence) and the resistance to the pedaling
determines the instantaneous power dissipation by the user.
[0124] The instantaneous force pushing the pedals (controlled by
user and the pedal resistance) multiplied by the instantaneous
rotational velocity of the pedals equals the instantaneous power
delivered by the user to the exercise machine. The power delivered
to the exercise machine is expressed in Watts and is integrated
(accumulated) by the computing unit. The time integral of power is
energy, which is expressed in calories (or Joule). The gear number
determines the relationship between the cadence and the virtual
velocity of the vehicle in the virtual environment.
[0125] The instantaneous power, cadence, gear number, their
history, and the energy dissipated during one exercise session are
some of the motion data displayed on the computing unit screen for
the user to see and stored by the computing unit on storage unit.
Rotation (or steering) of the handle bars to a certain angle from
its steady state un-deflected position is another motion parameter.
An exercise or an activity session is a process that starts with
the user selecting the exercise mode and ends when the user
requests stop or abandons the exercise equipment. Biometric session
data are similarly logged and include instantaneous profile and
their history. Exercise session data (motion and biometric data)
are associated with an activity session.
[0126] Exercise preferences comprise personal preferences and
short-term and long-term fitness targets. For example, exercise
preferences may include a target to ride certain number of miles
week, burn a certain number of calories day on average or in total,
and maintain heart-rate below a specified number, time for
traversing a certain exercise route, weight, glucose level after
specified amount of caloric burn, etc. In one embodiment of the
present disclosure the computing unit program controlling the
exercise equipment compares current exercise-session data to the
user's exercise preferences and as a result sends messages to the
user when his or her fitness target has been reached.
[0127] Fitness record contains information on the overall
performance of the user, his or her physical condition and
capability; it may contain a high-level analysis of one's long-term
fitness plan. This information may be of interest to the user's
physician or personal trainer (coach).
[0128] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise
session data is stored on storage unit at the end of an exercise
session. The stored exercise session data are loaded into a
computing unit with virtual-reality capability and the entire
exercise session can be reviewed in completion. The session may be
reviewed from a different perspective: For example, the person
reviewing the exercise session may be using a third-person
perspective, while the person that created the exercise session
(the person exercising) was using first-person perspective. This
enables the reviewer to assess the exercise from a different point
of view and provide feedback to the user.
[0129] FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system 1000 within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.
[0130] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a
standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0131] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top
box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular
telephone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web
appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine
capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or
otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
[0132] While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable
storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single
medium, the term "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable
storage medium" should be taken to include a single medium or
multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of
instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" and
"machine-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set
of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the
presently disclosed technique and innovation.
[0133] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an
operating system or a specific application, component, program,
object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as "computer
programs." The computer programs typically comprise one or more
instructions set at various times in various memory and storage
devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or
more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the
computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the
various aspects of the disclosure.
[0134] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the
context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are
capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of
forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the
particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to
actually effect the distribution.
[0135] Further examples of machine-readable storage media,
machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media
include but are not limited to recordable type media such as
volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other
removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact
Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs),
etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital
and analog communication links.
[0136] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using
the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0137] The above detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described
above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications
are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled
in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or
blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may
perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in
a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted,
moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks
may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while
processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in
parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any
specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative
implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
[0138] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0139] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the
disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,
functions, and concepts of the various references described above
to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
[0140] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation
details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter
disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to
be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects
of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In
general, the terms used in the following claims should not be
construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed
Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the
actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed
embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or
implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0141] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For
example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 13, other
aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or
in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable
medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 13 will begin with the words "means for".) Accordingly,
the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the disclosure.
* * * * *