U.S. patent application number 12/188143 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for cardio-fitness station with virtual-reality capability.
Invention is credited to John Fisher, Luca Nicoli, Keith Thompson.
Application Number | 20100035726 12/188143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41653477 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100035726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fisher; John ; et
al. |
February 11, 2010 |
CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH VIRTUAL-REALITY CAPABILITY
Abstract
In one embodiment, a stationary exercise station is provided.
The stationary exercise station includes a computer which may run a
computer program. The computer program simulates the motion of a
first virtual bicycle and a second virtual bicycle. The first
virtual bicycle and the second virtual bicycle riding through a
predetermined landscape. The computer program simulates moving
images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while
riding through the predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise
station also include a video monitor in communication with the
computer. The video monitor displays the moving images seen by the
virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding through the
predetermined landscape. The stationary exercise station also
includes steerable handlebars, rotatable pedals, a force resisting
pedal rotation, and a movable gear-shifting member. The motion of
the virtual bicycle is determined by the steering of the steerable
handlebars, rotation of the rotatable pedals, and motion of the
moveable gear-shifting member. The force resisting pedal rotation
is proportional to the slope experienced by the virtual bicycle
riding through the predetermined landscape.
Inventors: |
Fisher; John; (Los Gatos,
CA) ; Thompson; Keith; (Mountain View, CA) ;
Nicoli; Luca; (San Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 1208
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1208
US
|
Family ID: |
41653477 |
Appl. No.: |
12/188143 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 2071/0636 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 24/0084
20130101; A63B 2071/068 20130101; A63B 2220/36 20130101; A63B
2225/105 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B
21/0053 20130101; A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B 2220/78 20130101;
A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2225/15 20130101; A63B 2230/75
20130101; A63B 2024/009 20130101; A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63B
2071/065 20130101; A63B 2220/76 20130101; A63B 2071/0691 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 2024/0093
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A method of a network-enabled fitness program, comprising:
storing a first set of data associated with a user provided via an
exercise equipment; transmitting a second set of data to the first
exercise equipment over a network; wherein the second set of data
comprises software upgrades for the exercise equipment.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first and second sets of
data are received over a network comprising one or more of, the
Internet or a TV cable.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to
receiving a request, providing the first set of data to the user;
wherein, the request is generated by the user via the exercise
equipment or a second exercise equipment; wherein the second
exercise equipment is physically located anywhere in the world.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, assigning a unique
identifier to the user.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the unique identifier is usable
by the user to retrieve the first set of data associated with the
user via the request.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the request is generated by
another user via another exercise equipment; wherein the another
exercise equipment is physically located anywhere in the world.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of data comprises,
one or more of, user profile information of the user and fitness
information associated with the user.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fitness information
comprises, statistical data, exercise data, performance of the user
exercising in a particular virtual environment, and historical
performance data.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein, the request, further comprises,
a request from another user to participate in an interactive
exercise session with the user.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, providing the
another user with a virtual environment that is same as a virtual
environment in which the user is exercising.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first and second sets of
data are stored and managed by a server having a physical location
that is remote from the exercise equipment.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the server is wirelessly
coupled to the first exercise equipment.
13. The method of claim 2, wherein the Internet connection is
established via a wireless connection.
14. The method of claim 2, further comprising, transmitting one or
more of, audio data, software upgrades, new virtual environments,
and fitness data to the first exercise equipment via the
network.
15. The method of claim 2, further comprising, receiving, one or
more of, audio data, software upgrades, new virtual environments,
and fitness data via the network.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein, the audio data comprises music
files or audible instructions.
17. A method of a network-enabled fitness program, comprising:
receiving a first set of data provided by an exercise equipment;
storing the first set of data associated with the user;
transmitting a second set of data to the exercise equipment over a
network; wherein the second set of data comprises virtual exercise
environments; and wherein, the first and second sets of data are
stored and managed by a server that is physically remote from a
location of the exercise equipment.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the exercise equipment and the
server are wirelessly coupled.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the second set of data further
comprises, fitness information comprising, statistical data,
exercise data, performance of the user in a particular virtual
environment, and historical performance data.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, assigning a unique
identifier to the user.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the unique identifier is usable
by the user to retrieve the fitness information associated with the
user.
22. An apparatus, comprising: an exercise equipment comprising
movable parts; a display unit coupled to the exercise equipment; a
processing unit able to execute one or more instruction sets
embodied on a machine readable medium, the one or more instruction
sets causing the processing unit to, when in operation: render a
simulated exercise environment to be displayed on the display unit;
and simulate movement of a virtual representation in the simulated
exercise environment based on movement of movable parts of the
exercise equipment; wherein, the processing unit is able to receive
data to update the one or more instruction sets.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the processing unit is
communicatively coupled to a server.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, the data is received from
the server via a network.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, the server is located a
location that is physically remote from the exercise equipment.
26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, the server is wirelessly
coupled to the processing unit.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the processing unit is
coupled to the display unit.
28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the exercise equipment
comprises one or more of, a treadmill, a rowing machine, a skier,
and a stair climber.
29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the exercise equipment,
comprises, a bike.
30. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, the movable parts comprise,
a handlebar and a set of pedals.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising, a motion
resistance module coupled to one or more of the set of pedals to
control a resistant force to movement of the set of pedals.
32. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising, a gear-shifting
unit coupled to the exercise equipment, wherein, the gear-shifting
unit is operable to adjust the value of the parameter.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein, the motion is simulated
based on detected steering motion of the handlebar, detected motion
of the set of pedals, and the value of the parameter.
34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein, the one or more instruction
sets causes the processing unit to adjust the resistant force to
movement of the set of pedals based on the parameter or
characteristics of the simulated exercise environment.
35. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, new simulated exercise
environments are received over the network.
36. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, fitness information are
received over the network.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein, the fitness information is
accessible with a unique identifier associated with the exercise
data is submitted.
38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein, the fitness information
comprises, statistical data, exercise data, performance of the user
in a particular virtual environment, and historical performance
data.
39. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, audio data is received over
the network; wherein, the audio data comprises one or more of,
music data and audible instructions.
40. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the server hosts and
manages, software upgrades, a plurality of new simulated exercise
environments, audio data, and fitness information associated with a
plurality of users.
41. A method of a revenue model, comprising: in response to
receiving a request for a simulated exercise route of a plurality
of simulated exercise routes; wherein the request is generated from
an exercise equipment over a network; transmitting the simulated
exercise route to the exercise equipment; and assessing a fee.
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising, managing the
plurality of simulated exercise routes on a server.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein, at least a portion of the fee
is provided to a developer of one or more of the plurality of
simulated exercise routes.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein, at least a portion of the fee
is provided to a maintainer of the server.
45. An apparatus, comprising: an first exercise equipment
comprising a set of movable part; a display unit coupled to the
first exercise equipment; a processing unit able to execute one or
more instruction sets embodied on a machine readable medium, the
one or more instruction sets causing the processing unit to, when
in operation: simulate movement of a first virtual body in a
simulated exercise environment based on movement of the set of
movable parts of the first exercise equipment; simulate movement of
a second virtual body in the simulated exercise environment;
wherein, the movement of the second virtual body is simulated based
on a set of exercise data recorded from a previous exercise
session; render visible display of the simulated exercise
environment on the display unit.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the movement of the second
virtual body is further simulated based on movement of a set of
movable parts of a second exercise equipment; wherein, the first
and second exercise equipments are coupled over a wired or wireless
network.
47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, the visible display of the
simulated exercise environment comprises a visible representation
of at least a portion of the second virtual body.
48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, the visible display of the
simulated exercise environment is rendered from the perspective of
the first virtual body.
49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein, the visible display of the
simulated exercise environment comprises a visible representation
of at least a portion of the first virtual body.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein, the visible representation
of the at least a portion of the first virtual body comprises a set
of handlebars.
51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, the visible display of the
simulated exercise environment comprises a visible representation
of a third virtual body.
52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the processing unit is
communicatively coupled to a server.
53. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the exercise data is
retrieved from a storage device.
54. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein, the exercise data is
received from the server via the network.
55. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein, the server is located at a
location that is physically remote from the first exercise
equipment.
56. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the first exercise equipment
comprises one or more of, a treadmill, a rowing machine, a skier,
and a stair climber.
57. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the first exercise
equipment, comprises, a bike.
58. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, the movable parts comprise,
a handlebar and a set of pedals.
59. A method for exercising in an interactive virtual environment,
comprising: generating a visible representation of a virtual
exercise environment for a first user of a first exercise
equipment; in response to receiving a request to participate in an
interactive exercising session, simulating a motion of a
competitive entity in the virtual exercise environment; simulating
the motion of the competitive entity based on a set of exercise
data recorded from a previous exercise session of the first user;
generating a visible representation of the competitive entity
against which the first user races in the virtual exercise
environment; and updating the visible representation of the virtual
exercise environment based on motion of the first user on the first
exercise equipment.
60. The method of claim 67, further comprising, further simulating
the motion of the competitive entity based on real-time movement of
a set of movable parts of a second exercise equipment; wherein the
visible representation of the competitive entity is a
representation of a second user of the second exercise
equipment.
61. The method of claim 60 wherein, the second user and the second
exercise equipment are physically located anywhere in the
world.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein the first and second exercise
equipments are coupled over a wired or wireless network.
63. The method of claim 60, further comprising, rendering the
visible representation of the simulated exercise environment from
the perspective of the first user on a display coupled to the first
exercise equipment.
64. The method of claim 60, further comprising, rendering the
visible representation of the simulated exercise environment from
the perspective of the second user on a display coupled to the
second exercise equipment.
65. A method for providing virtual coaching, comprising:
identifying a current set of exercise conditions of a user
exercising in a current exercising session; and providing a set of
exercise-related advice to the user based on the current set of
exercise conditions; wherein, the set of exercise-related advice
comprises a pathway suggestion.
66. The method of claim 65, further comprising, retrieving a set of
exercise preferences associated with the user.
67. The method of claim 65, further comprising, identifying a
historical set of exercise conditions associated with a previous
exercising session of the user.
68. The method of claim 67, further comprising, providing the set
of exercise-related advice based on the historical set of exercise
conditions.
69. The method of claim 75, wherein, the set of exercise-related
advice further comprises, a set of coaching instructions based on a
predetermined fitness plan.
70. The method of claim 75, wherein, the exercise conditions
comprises, one or more of, cadence, gear, and handle bar
position.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein, the exercise conditions
further comprise performance of the user.
72. The method of claim 70, wherein, the exercise conditions
further comprise, biometric data.
73. The method of claim 72, wherein, the biometric data comprises
heart-rate data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/680,446, entitled "CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH
VIRTUAL-REALITY CAPABILITY" and filed on May 11, 2005, and is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bicycling for competition has developed in Olympic sport and
has given rise to a major sports equipment industry over the last
decades. The quality of exercise and the entertainment value added
by riding through countryside and next to other bikers has resulted
in with a high interest in this activity. As an exercise, riding
outdoors also has exhibited disadvantages for some people. For
example, the ride cannot be interrupted at will, since one still
has to ride to return if one is away some distance from home.
Additionally, riding a real bicycle may prove to be dangerous for
unskilled bikers and the elderly. Exercising in a fitness club or
in one's home has become a preferred way for many individuals to
exercise in the last decades.
[0003] An entire industry has developed around providing fitness
equipment for home and indoors exercise. The stationary exercise
bicycle is a very popular exercise station due to the simplicity of
motion necessary for exercise (rotating pedals) and the simplicity
of manufacture. For this reason, many exercise equipment
manufacturers have developed stationary bicycles with added
features that provide a greater degree of control of the exercise
(for example, varying resistance to pedaling depending on desired
level of exercise) and monitoring of the exercise parameters on a
suitable monitor (for example, heart rate monitoring and calorie
dissipated).
[0004] However, even though the exercise program may provide users
with these additional features, people still find it tedious to
exercise regularly. Equipment manufacturers have been addressing
the entertainment issue by equipping their products with television
sets and music playback. However, bicycling on or off a path
through countryside and in company of other people is for many
people more interesting than watching television during the
exercise, and these features and form of entertainment have not
been provided with stationary exercise equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The present invention is illustrated by way of example in
the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood as
illustrative rather than limiting.
[0006] FIG. 1 provides a photograph of an embodiment of an example
cardio-fitness station.
[0007] FIG. 2 provides an example image shown on the video screen
in an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 provides an example illustration of the heads-up
display in an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of the hardware
elements of the cardio-fitness station in an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of the pedal
assembly in an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 provides an example illustration of electrical
interconnects between the alternator, electrical load, and the
computer in an embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 provides a schematic illustration of the steering
assembly in an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 8 provides a schematic illustration of the gear shifter
assembly in an embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 9 provides an illustration of an example of a keypad
front panel in an embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 10 provides an illustration of an electrical control
block diagram in an embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 11 provides an illustration of exercise modes in an
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 12 provides an illustration of a Tour Mode sequence in
an embodiment
[0018] FIG. 13 provides an illustration of a Hardware control
algorithm and operation states thereof in an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 14 provides an example of a video monitor image when a
cardio-fitness station is on a TV Mode in an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 15 provides an example of a schematic of exercise mode
actions with one user exercising in an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 16 provides an example of a schematic of exercise mode
action when there are two users exercising on two cardio-fitness
stations in communication in an embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 17 provides an illustration of exercising in a virtual
environment using a wireless link between two stations in an
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 18 provides an illustration of networked exercise in a
virtual environment using cardio-fitness stations in an
embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a
cardio-fitness station with virtual-reality capability. In one
embodiment, a stationary exercise station is provided. The station
includes a computer, the computer running a computer program, a
video monitor in communication with the computer, and a stationary
bicycle including handlebars and pedals, the pedals able to
rotate.
[0025] Various embodiments relate to exercise equipment, stationary
exercise bicycles, cardio-fitness, and in particular to exercise
equipment with interactive virtual reality systems. The specific
embodiments described in this document represent example instances
of the present invention, and are illustrative in nature rather
than restrictive in terms of the scope of the present
invention.
[0026] A cardio-fitness station with virtual reality capability may
include a frame, seat assembly, pedal assembly, a steering
assembly, and a computer with a video monitor mechanically attached
to the frame. The steering assembly may include a movable
gear-shifting member for gear shifting, steerable handlebars,
heart-rate monitors, input keypad, headphones and optionally a
microphone. The computer may run a virtual reality program and
provides sensory stimuli to the user exercising. The sensory
stimuli include images on the video monitor, sound on stereo
headphones, and difficulty in pedaling the pedals in the pedal
assembly. The computer may include mass storage media and
connections to the Internet and TV cable. The cardio-fitness
station machine can be selectively operated as either a stand-alone
unit or in an interactive exercise mode, wherein the exercise data
generated by one cardio-fitness machine is communicated to at least
one other similar machine allowing two or more users to exercise
together or race against each other in a virtual environment. The
other cardio-fitness station may be located anywhere in the world.
A remote server may maintain exercise data on all users and enables
retrieval of this data by the user anywhere in the world.
[0027] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid obscuring the invention.
[0028] Reference in the 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 invention. 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.
[0029] In one embodiment, a cardio-fitness station with virtual
reality capability is provided. A concept that may underlay many
such embodiments is to model a stationary exercise equipment after
a specific outdoor exercise (or recreational) equipment in such a
way that (a) the controls of the outdoor exercise equipment are
maintained, (b) the sensory stimuli resulting from outdoor exercise
associated with the specific exercise equipment are provided to the
user by a virtual reality system, and (c) availability of a network
connection between like cardio-fitness stations enables users of
exercise equipment to access their profile and fitness information
on a cardio-fitness station anywhere in the world, and more than
one user, where each user may be located anywhere in the world, to
participate and interact in the same virtual environment while
exercising on a cardio-fitness station.
[0030] One embodiment is a cardio-fitness station that exploits
outdoor bicycling. The cardio-fitness station includes an
enhancement to the conventional stationary exercise bicycle.
Stationary bicycle is an exercise apparatus that can be pedaled
like a bicycle, called also stationary bike, and is generally
understood to be different from mounting a road bicycle on a
rear-wheel trainer to make the road bicycle stationary for purposes
of in-house training. Hardware enhancements are added to the
stationary bicycle providing controls that are present on a real
road bicycle. The conventional stationary exercise bicycle is known
in the art: it includes a frame, seat assembly, a rest for the
arms, and a pedal assembly. Enhancements provided may include
hardware improvements, including a hardware control algorithm, and
functionality improvements. These improvements will be described in
the following text in more detail. (In the following text the
referrals to the user of cardio-fitness station user shall always
refer to a user of female gender, but it is understood that the
user may be male, and that the gender of the user is irrelevant to
the description.) Exercise is a regular or repeated use of a
faculty or bodily organ; bodily exertion for the sake of developing
and maintaining physical fitness.
[0031] The hardware improvements may include several elements, with
each of the elements potentially providing an invention separate
from the combination with added functionality.
[0032] The hardware improvements to the conventional stationary
bicycle disclosed in this application are a movable member for gear
shifting, improved steering assembly, a computer and a monitor. It
also includes a transceiver for wireless communication between
adjacent cardio-fitness stations. The hardware control algorithm
improvements include the program algorithm that results in a
reliable operation of the cardio-fitness station.
[0033] The functionality improvements rely on the virtual-reality
program running on the mentioned computer. The improvements include
numerous features present in real life bicycling, but not in
stationary exercise equipment, and other features that are not
possible in real-life bicycling.
[0034] The hardware, the hardware control algorithm, and the
functionality improvements potentially result in greater
entertainment value and commitment to exercise of the user.
[0035] The station includes a force resisting pedal rotation. The
force resisting pedal rotation is determined by the computer
program. Additionally, the station includes a movable gear-shifting
member. The movable gear-shifting member is mechanically coupled to
a first electrical sensor. The first electrical sensor provides a
first electrical signal to the computer when the movable
gear-shifting member is set in motion, the first electrical signal
used to adjust the force resisting pedal rotation.
[0036] In another embodiment, a cardio-fitness station with
virtual-reality capability is provided. The station includes a
stationary bicycle, a computer--the computer running a computer
program. The computer program simulates the motion of a virtual
bicycle riding through a predetermined landscape. The computer
program simulates moving images seen by a virtual rider of the
virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape.
The station includes a video monitor in communication with the
computer. The video monitor displays the moving images seen by the
virtual rider of the virtual bicycle while riding through the
predetermined landscape. The stationary bicycle includes steerable
handlebars, rotatable pedals, a movable gear-shifting member and a
force resisting pedal rotation. The motion of the virtual bicycle
through predetermined landscape is determined by the steering of
the steerable handlebars, rotation of the rotatable pedals, and
motion of the movable gear-shifting member.
[0037] In another embodiment, a cardio-fitness station with
virtual-reality capability is presented. The station includes a
stationary bicycle, a computer running a computer program. The
computer program simulates the motion of a first virtual bicycle
and at least one other virtual bicycle. The first virtual bicycle
and at least one other virtual bicycle riding through a
predetermined landscape. The computer program simulates moving
images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while
riding through the predetermined landscape.
[0038] The station also includes a video monitor in communication
with the computer. The video monitor displays the moving images
seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual bicycle while riding
through the predetermined landscape.
[0039] The stationary exercise station also includes steerable
handlebars, rotatable pedals, a force resisting pedal rotation, and
a movable gear-shifting member. The motion of the virtual bicycle
through predetermined landscape is determined by the steering of
the steerable handlebars, rotation of the rotatable pedals, and
motion of the movable gear-shifting member. The force resisting
pedal rotation is proportional to the slope experienced by the
virtual bicycle riding through the predetermined landscape.
[0040] In yet another embodiment, a method of exercising is
provided. The method includes a user exercising while sitting on a
stationary bicycle equipped with a computer, a video monitor, an
input device, steerable handlebars, pedals, and a movable
gear-shifting member. The method also includes the computer running
a control program and displaying information to the user on the
video monitor.
[0041] The method further includes selecting one of any number of
virtual exercise tours displayed on the video monitor by using the
input device. Additionally, the method includes using the steerable
handlebars to steer and the pedals on the stationary bicycle to
virtually move forward through a landscape shown on the video
monitor. Furthermore, the method includes using the movable
gear-shifting member to adjust the ratio between cadence of the
pedals and velocity of the forward motion through the landscape
shown on the video monitor.
[0042] In still another embodiment, a cardio-fitness station with
virtual-reality capability is presented. The station includes a
stationary bicycle and a computer which runs a computer program.
The computer program simulates the motion of a first virtual
bicycle and a second virtual bicycle.
[0043] The first virtual bicycle and the second virtual bicycle
ride through a predetermined landscape. The computer program
simulates moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first
virtual bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape.
The stationary exercise station includes a video monitor in
communication with the computer, with the video monitor displaying
the moving images seen by the virtual rider of the first virtual
bicycle while riding through the predetermined landscape.
[0044] The stationary bicycle includes steerable handlebars,
rotatable pedals, a force resisting pedal rotation, and a movable
gear-shifting member. The motion of the first virtual bicycle is
determined by the steering of the steerable handlebars, rotation of
the rotatable pedals, and motion of the movable gear-shifting
member. The force resisting pedal rotation is proportional to the
slope experienced by the first virtual bicycle riding through the
predetermined landscape. The motion of the second virtual bicycle
is determined by a user exercising on another similar stationary
exercise station.
[0045] Virtual Reality
[0046] 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 (as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which
one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment.
The following description of virtual reality applies to various
embodiments.
[0047] The essential elements of a virtual-reality system are (a)
computer 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 computer simulates the presence of a virtual body in a
virtual environment, and that the sensory experiences of that
virtual body (vision and sound) are delivered to the person ("the
user") using the virtual-reality system. 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.
[0048] Virtual environment may include activities of multiple
virtual bodies and activities resulting from natural phenomena.
Consequently, the tasks of the virtual reality program are to (a)
simulate the activities of mentioned multiple virtual bodies and
natural 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. The sensory stimuli of
the primary virtual body are delivered to the user. 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, computer simulation
of virtual body activities also means computer generation of
stimuli to be delivered to the recipient.
[0049] A simulation is the imitative representation of the
functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of
another, i.e., a computer simulation. For the purposes of this
description, a road bicycle ridden through a real landscape is
imitatively represented by a computer-simulated bicycle riding in a
computer-simulated landscape. A computer-simulated bicycle is also
referred to as a virtual bicycle. A related concept is computer
reconstruction. To reconstruct means to construct again: as to
establish or assemble again; to build up again mentally, a
computer-reconstructed landscape is a landscape that is modeled and
its image simulated by a computer, using a suitable computer
program.
[0050] The actions of virtual bodies other than the primary virtual
body may be controlled by a specially written subprogram, in which
case we speak of a computer-generated other virtual bodies. The
computer-generated virtual bodies may have attributes of artificial
intelligence or specific character. Virtual bodies other than the
primary may be controlled by another user of the same virtual
reality system. In the latter case, two or more users interact
within the virtual reality environment. More specifically, two or
more users also communicate with each other via sound: one user
speaks and other users hear. As described below, using an Internet
connection, the users may be miles apart.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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 computers, each running its own virtual reality
program and each virtual-reality program with its own primary
virtual body, and each computer in communication with all other
computers each running its own virtual reality program and having
its own primary virtual body. There are other architectures that
can be employed to serve multiple users.
[0053] The sensory stimuli delivered by the computer to the user
are provided via sensory interfaces, also referred to as output
devices. A User's actions are captured by the computer via input
devices or receptor interfaces. Examples of sensory interfaces for
sight are video monitors and video goggles. Examples of sensory
interfaces for sound are speakers (ex. surround-sound speaker
system) and stereo headphones. The type of input device depends on
the type of activity for which the virtual reality system is
intended. The most sophisticated virtual-reality systems are flight
simulators used to train pilots and astronauts, and here, the input
devices here are numerous, as they include complete set of controls
that an airplane would have. In an embodiment, the input devices
capture the actions of the user of the cardio-fitness station and
voice, while output devices deliver image, computer-generated
sound, voices and sounds coming from other users, music, and change
the difficulty in pedaling. In other embodiments, the output
devices deliver air blown by fans at speeds dependent on perceived
velocity of the virtual bicycle, or vibration of part of the
station based on perceived road quality, for example.
[0054] A person using a virtual-reality program watches and listens
to an action that is virtual--generated by a computer--and via the
input devices participates in this action. The position, direction,
motion of the virtual user is represented with a number of
parameters. The number and the type of parameters depend on the
type of action necessary and the degree of reality rendering. In
some computer games, for example, the virtual user is represented
with hundreds of parameters that include his or her
three-dimensional image in addition to the position, direction, and
speed of movement, position of limbs and their respective
movements. In simpler virtual-reality systems, only the position
and the motion used to represent the virtual user in the virtual
environment. (A game is an activity engaged in for diversion or
amusement; equipment for a game; a physical or mental competition
conducted according to rules with the participants in direct
opposition to each other; set of rules governing a game; any
activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry;
strategy, or struggle.)
[0055] Computer games today take advantage of some virtual reality
attributes, and in some cases these developments have been employed
with exercise equipment in order to make the exercise more
interesting. However, the attempts to provide an exercise machine
with game-like capability have been focused on enhancements to a
single exercise control or entertainment aspect, rather than
focusing on reconstructing the experience of outdoor exercise (for
example, riding a bicycle through countryside). For this reason
prior art exercise equipment exhibits computer programs that have
limited set of controls and functionality, and they focus on a
single aspect of the exercise.
[0056] For example, a stationary bicycle may exhibit resistance to
pedaling that varies with the programmed slope that could be
interpreted as a hill, but no attempt was made to make the user
have the impression that she is riding on a hill. Additionally, the
user may have had control over the speed of moving through a
virtual landscape, but there were no obstacles and no means of
avoiding obstacles and changing the efficiency of her pedaling.
Namely, there were no capabilities for steering and gear shifting
as one would in a real bicycle.
[0057] It may be useful to provide a cardio-fitness station that
uses virtual reality to create a perception for the user. This
perception may convey riding a bicycle though a predetermined
bicycle route, thereby creating a greater interest in riding and
exercise. The perception may also convey riding a bicycle though a
predetermined landscape without being confined to a route or a
trail, thereby creating a greater interest in riding and exercise
(off-trail biking).
[0058] Similarly, the perception may convey racing against other
virtual (computer generated) bikers on a predetermined route or in
a predetermined landscape, thereby creating a more realistic
experience in riding for exercise (race against virtual riders).
Moreover, the perception may convey following a rider who is set to
either constant pace, constant power or fixed time for the
predetermined trail, thereby executing a predetermined exercise
plan (this type of rider is referred to as a pacer). Additionally,
the perception may convey riding a bicycle through a predefined
trail or in a predetermined landscape in another country, thereby
creating more interest in riding for exercise. In this case the
user exercising experiences virtual tourism as the landscape may be
an attempt to mimic countryside or a trail in another country.
Similarly, the perception may convey racing a bicycle against or
riding next to a virtual rider whose actions and performance are a
recording of the user's previous ride through a predetermined trail
or predetermined landscape, thereby offering means for
self-improvement in exercise (this type of rider is referred to as
a ghost rider).
[0059] Likewise, the perception may convey racing a bicycle against
or riding next to riders whose actions are responses to the user's
actions, namely, the virtual riders have predefined personalities,
such as, aggressive rider, tailer, slow rider, and sprinter,
thereby creating a more realistic experience in riding for exercise
by using riders with personality. A tailer is a bicycle rider that
follows closely behind another, and has similar analogs in other
sports. Additionally, the perception may convey riding a bicycle
through a real biking trail, in which the trail has forks, e.g.,
user may make a choice of path during the ride. The perception may
convey having a virtual coach that advises the user on which path
to take when the trail has a fork, and what pace to take depending
on the user's current condition and exercise history (virtual
coach). The perception may also convey riding along with virtual
riders whose actions are controlled by other users of similar
cardio-fitness stations, wherein the users and their (similar)
cardio-fitness stations may be distant (located in another country)
on a predetermined route or in a predetermined landscape, thereby
creating a more realistic experience in riding for exercise (riding
with other real remote riders). Similarly, the perception may
convey participating in a game involving a treasure hunt or
orienteering with a virtual game coach.
[0060] It may also be useful to provide a cardio-fitness station in
which, via the virtual reality features, the users riding on two or
more similar stations can race against each other or ride next to
each other via a network connection (race against remote riders).
Similarly, it may be useful to provide a cardio-fitness station in
which the exercise data from each user are stored locally or at a
remote location and may be retrieved at the same or a different
cardio-fitness station. Moreover, it may be useful to provide a
stationary exercise bicycle that includes pedals, steerable
handlebars, heart-rate monitor, and a gear shifting hardware.
Likewise, it may be useful to provide a cardio-fitness station in
which exercise conditions include cadence, gear, handlebar
position, and heart rate. Also, it may be useful to provide a
stationary exercise bicycle in which the user experiences one or
both of a resistance when pedaling and a resistance when turning
handlebars depending on the conditions set and the conditions
encountered in the virtual environment. Similarly, it may be useful
to provide an exercise system in which the user can plan a fitness
program to achieve a fitness goal, save his or her fitness plan,
and then exercise according to the predefined plan on any such
exercise system connected via the Internet (fitness planning).
Moreover, it may be useful to provide an exercise system in which
the user can exercise according to a set tour in multiple segments.
Namely, the user can interrupt an exercise session at any time,
save it and then continue at a later time (multi-segment rides).
Additionally, it may be useful to provide an exercise system in
which biometric data (exercise conditions) are shown on a video
monitor overlaid over a TV program.
[0061] Introduction
[0062] FIG. 1 shows a photograph of an embodiment of an example
cardio-fitness station. The shown cardio-fitness station is modeled
after a real outdoor bicycle. The cardio-fitness station includes a
steering assembly E107, pedal assembly E105, seat assembly E109, a
computer E103 and a video monitor E101, all mechanically connected
or attached to a frame E102. The user, desiring to exercise, sits
on the seat E108 as one would on a real bicycle and turns the
pedals E104 while holding the handlebars E106 on the steering
assembly E107. The video monitor is positioned in the plain view of
the user while the user is seated on the seat. The user watches the
images on the video monitor E101, listens to sounds coming from the
headphones (not shown), and optionally speaks into a microphone
(not shown).
[0063] In one embodiment, there are three exercise modes available
on the cardio-fitness station: Manual Mode, TV Mode and Tour Mode.
In the Tour Mode, the computer E103 runs a virtual reality program
and is connected to the video monitor E101. The virtual-reality
program simulates the motion of at least one virtual bicycle (with
a virtual rider on it) riding through a predetermined virtual
landscape.
[0064] In one embodiment, the virtual reality program also
simulates select natural phenomena occurring in the same virtual
landscape simultaneously with the presence of the at least one
virtual bicycle. In some embodiments, the virtual reality program
simulates two or more virtual bicycle riding through the
predetermined virtual landscape. Whether only one virtual bicycle
or more than one virtual bicycle is simulated, one virtual bicycle
is the primary virtual body (as defined in the introduction) and
will from now on be referred to as user's own virtual bicycle.
[0065] Under the control of the computer, (a) the video monitor
displays what the virtual rider of user's own virtual bicycle would
see, (b) the headphones provide sound of what the user would hear,
and (c) the force resisting the pedaling approximates what a rider
would experience when riding through a landscape that is
represented by the virtual predetermined landscape shown on the
video monitor. In some embodiments, wind and vibration effects
(such as through fans or vibration of the bicycle) are provided to
represent physical effects of the speed and landscape of the ride,
for example. In one embodiment, the headphones play music. The
user's own virtual bicycle is a representation of the user's
bicycle (i.e., the stationary bicycle that the user is riding) in
the virtual environment. The actions of the user's own virtual
bicycle are determined by its virtual-user-bicycle attributes. In
an embodiment, these attributes include location, direction,
velocity, and the angular position of the handlebars. The
attributes are used to place the user's own virtual bicycle at a
specific location, with a specific velocity, and direction of
motion in the virtual environment.)
[0066] The motion of the user's own virtual bicycle in the virtual
landscape and select natural phenomena generated by the virtual
reality program are determined by the exercise parameters acquired
from the stationary bicycle while the bicycle is operated by the
user. Exercise parameters are physical variables defining the state
of operation of the cardio-fitness system during its use by a
person exercising. The examples of exercise parameters are (a)
angular velocity of pedal rotation, also referred to as, cadence,
(b) angular velocity of the alternator shaft, (c) angular position
of the handlebars, (e) user's heart rate, (f) pedal resistance
experienced by the user (expressed as torque), (g) gear number, and
(f) the history of all of those parameters. Specifically, turning
the stationary bicycle pedals by the user results in forward motion
of the user's own virtual bicycle. Steering the handlebars on the
stationary bicycle results in user's own virtual bicycle turning
left or right in the predetermined virtual landscape. (Angular
velocity is the rate of rotation around an axis usually expressed
in radians per second (revs) or revolutions per minute (RPM)).
[0067] In one embodiment, the predetermined landscape displayed on
the video monitor is a computer-generated landscape, and in another
embodiment the landscape displayed on the video monitor is a
combination of computer-generated landscape with real landscape
images. Such virtual-reality representations of computer-generated
landscapes are well known in the art of video games and animation.
The virtual reality program shows landscape terrain over which and
through which a virtual bicycle can be ridden.
[0068] In one embodiment, the user is free to steer and ride the
user's own virtual bicycle in any direction through the virtual
landscape, bound only by the limits of the virtual landscape. This
is referred to as off-road riding in the virtual landscape. In
another embodiment, the virtual reality program displays a path on
which the user is advised to keep user's own virtual bicycle. The
path on which the user is advised to stay is a closed-loop path
with a predetermined length and height profile. Such a closed-loop
path is referred to as virtual exercise route (VER). The virtual
terrain or the VER exhibits upward or downward slopes.
[0069] If the elevation of the path in the virtual environment
increases as the virtual bicycle is moving forward, the slope is
said to be positive or upward and the resistance to pedal rotation
is increased proportionally to the slope. If the elevation of the
path in the virtual environment decreases as the virtual bicycle
moves forward, the slope is said to be negative or downward and the
resistance to pedal rotation is reduced to a minimum value, namely,
the resistance does not become negative. As the user's own virtual
bicycle rides along this terrain or VER, the virtual reality
program communicates to the pedal assembly to adjust the pedaling
resistance. In this way, the user turning the pedals on the
stationary bicycle experiences more difficult pedaling when the
user's own virtual bicycle riding on an upward slope, and less
resistance when the user's own virtual bicycle riding on a downward
slope.
[0070] The resistance experienced by the user is related to the
slope of the terrain (or VER) at the position and the direction of
the virtual bicycle motion in the virtual environment. (Virtual
exercise route (VER) is a closed-loop bicycle path in a virtual
landscape along which virtual bicycles ride, at least one of the
virtual bicycles being controlled by the actions of the user
exercising on the cardio-fitness station. A related term is a
virtual ride or 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 monitor in front of him or her. The
user watches the images on the video monitor and acts as if he or
she is the biker riding through the virtual landscape or along a
virtual exercise route shown on the video monitor.)
[0071] In accordance with an embodiment, the user may optimize her
pedaling resistance by adjusting the gear. Commonly known, gear is
a state of transmission between the generator of rotational motion
(for example, an internal combustion engine on a motor vehicle or
the pedals on a bicycle, for example) and the wheels that move a
vehicle (bicycle or a motor vehicle) forward. Using a bicycle as an
example, the gear is characterized by a predetermined transmission
ratio between the pedal rotation and the velocity of the bicycle. A
road bicycle has an integer number of gears--typically between 1
and 15. For the purposes of this description, gear is a
predetermined ratio between the angular velocity of the pedals and
the virtual velocity of user's own virtual bicycle.
[0072] Each gear is designated with a number. It is clear that
other designations, such as, low, medium, high, or overdrive, are
possible, for example. In an embodiment, the cardio-fitness station
incorporates a movable member used to change the gear. In an
embodiment, the number of gears is greater than one, typically
thirty gears. In one embodiment, with every single increment in the
gear number the transmission ratio increases by a constant
percentage. This results in an exponential increase in the
transmission ratio with each increment in the gear number. It is
clear that other and varying ratios between adjacent transmission
ratios (gear numbers) can be used with various embodiments.
According to an embodiment, the user changes the ratio between the
rotational-velocity of the pedals and the virtual speed of the
user's own virtual bicycle 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 necessary to achieve given bicycle speed. By changing the
gear, the user is able to adapt her exercise level to the virtual
terrain and desired virtual speed of bicycling.
[0073] The pedal rotation velocity and the resistance to the
pedaling determine the instantaneous energy dissipation by the
user. 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 computer. The time integral of power is
energy, which is expressed in calories (or Joule). The
instantaneous power, its history, and the energy dissipated during
one exercise session are displayed on the computer screen for the
user to see. An exercise session is a process that starts with the
user selecting the exercise mode and ends with the user abandons
the exercise station or, in the Tour Mode, requests stop.
[0074] In one embodiment, at the end of the exercise session, the
history of dissipated power, velocity, and motion is logged on mass
storage media for later use. Storing the history of exercise
parameters enables the virtual reality program to reconstruct the
entire exercise session at a later time. This also enables the user
to interrupt an exercise session and save her virtual position and
exercise data at the point of interruption, and to load the
information at a later time to continue the exercise session.
[0075] As mentioned above, more than one virtual bicycle can ride
next to the user's own virtual bicycle. These other bicycles may
have different functions, and are referred to as AI riders where AI
implies artificial intelligence. The riding programs of AI riders
(and their bicycles) is generally independent of the user's own
virtual bicycle. In one embodiment, the AI riders are
non-persistent and appear only in the region where they can
interact, can be seen or heard by the virtual rider of the user's
own virtual bicycle. In one embodiment, the AI riders number and/or
speed are partially influenced by the presence of the user's own
virtual bicycle. Namely, when the user's own virtual bicycle is
moving slow, the AI riders appear to pass her, thereby creating an
impression of being among the slowest of the riders. Alternatively,
when the user's own virtual bicycle is moving fast, the number of
AI riders reduces, and they appear in front the user's own virtual
bicycle so that the user may pass them, further creating an
impression that the user is moving faster than the average rider
would.
[0076] In one embodiment, a second virtual bicycle (with a virtual
rider) is a previously recorded exercise session. In this
embodiment, a user records an exercise session, and then at a later
time exercises while watching the video monitor where the one of
the shown virtual bicycles is a pre-recorded virtual bicycle with
motion from her own (or somebody else's) session recorded
previously. In this way, the user has the ability to race against
one's own previous recording. The prerecorded exercise session
results in a rider whose ride is independent from the user's own
virtual bicycle.
[0077] In another embodiment, a second virtual bicycle (with a
virtual rider) has a predetermined program, in which the bicycle
traverses a predetermined path in a fixed amount of time, at a
fixed speed, or by dissipating a fixed amount of power during
riding. Such a virtual bicycle (with its virtual rider) is referred
to as the pacer. In this embodiment, the user has the ability to
pace herself against the pacer who sets the pace. The pacer's ride
is independent from the user's own virtual bicycle.
[0078] In another embodiment, the cardio-fitness station (referred
to as Station 1) is in communication with another similar
cardio-fitness station (referred to as Station 2). User 1 exercises
on Station 1 and watches the video monitor of Station 1. User 2
exercises on Station 2 and watches the video monitor of Station 2.
Virtual bicycles 1 and 2 are two of the bicycles tracked by the
virtual reality program. On Station 1, virtual bicycle 1 is the
primary virtual body, while virtual bicycle 2 is the primary
virtual body on Station 2. In this way, user 1 and 2 may ride
together or race against each other in a predetermined landscape:
on a path or in open off-road biking. More than two bikers can race
in this way. In one embodiment, the communication between two or
more stations is realized using a wireless link. In another
embodiment, the communication includes an Internet link in which
the virtual bicycles racing against each other are located
remotely, possibly even in different countries.
[0079] In another embodiment, the virtual reality program also
contains a virtual coach function. This function monitors the
user's exercise history, current heart rate, user's performance in
the current exercise session and makes suggestions to the user on
how to proceed on an exercise path. For example, if the heart rate
increase would go high, the virtual coach would suggest to the user
to slow down or to take an easier route in a virtual exercise
path.
[0080] Hardware Description
[0081] The hardware configuration of one embodiment of the
cardio-fitness station is shown schematically in FIG. 4. The
cardio-fitness station includes the following components and
assemblies: frame assembly B110, seat assembly B114, pedal assembly
B112, steering assembly B115, video monitor B160, and computer
B150.
[0082] The components and assemblies B114, B112, B115, B160, and
B150 are mechanically connected to the frame assembly B110. The
purpose of the frame assembly B110 is to support the user and all
of the associated components and assemblies of the cardio-fitness
system. The frame assembly B110 may be made out of metal or is
assemblies of parts that may include metals and other materials as
commonly known in the art of manufacturing road bicycles and
stationary bicycles for exercise purposes.
[0083] The seat assembly B114 includes a seat B116 coupled to a rod
B118 that is mechanical connected to the frame B110. In one
embodiment, the seat assembly includes means for adjustment of seat
height and means for adjustment of seat position along the
forward-backward direction of the stationary bicycle (not shown).
The means for adjustment of seat position in the forward-backward
direction include a bar along which the seat can be slid for the
purpose of adjustment, and the bar has several holes into which a
pin or similar lever may be placed to lock the seat into a specific
position. The purpose of the seat is for the user of the
cardio-fitness system to sit while exercising in a manner similar
to a bicyclist would sit on a road bicycle.
[0084] The purpose of the pedal assembly B112 is to provide the
user of the cardio-fitness system means to exercise ones leg
muscles and dissipate energy while exercising. The pedals B113
(only one shown in FIG. 4) are rotated in the same manner as one
would when riding a road bicycle. The pedal assembly B112 is in
electrical communication with the steering assembly B115
schematically depicted by the link B212. The pedal assembly B112 is
described in more detail in a later section below.
[0085] The purposes of the steering assembly B115 are (a) to
provide the user means to steer the direction of the virtual user
bicycle, (b) to monitor the user's heart rate, (c) to accept user's
input in choosing different exercise programs and exercise modes,
(d) to accept user's input on the choice of gear number, accept
user's input via an optional microphone, and (e) deliver sensory
stimuli to the user via headphones that are plugged into the
steering assembly. The steering assembly is in electrical
communication with the pedal assembly B112 via a link B212 and in
electrical communication with the computer B150 via a link B211.
The steering assembly B115 is described in more detail below.
[0086] The computer B150 is in electrical communication with the
steering assembly B115 via a link B211 and with the video monitor
B160 via a link depicted with B210. The computer B150 runs a
virtual reality program which sends sensory stimuli to the user by
(a) sending images and information to the video monitor B160 via
link B210, (b) sending sound to the user's headphones that are
plugged into the steering assembly B115 via link B211, and (c)
controlling the resistance of the pedal rotation in the pedal
assembly B112 via links B211 and B212. Furthermore, the computer
B150 acquires exercise parameters by receiving information about
the pedal B113 rotation via link B212 and B211, position of the
handlebars, gear number, heart rate, and user program selection
from the steering assembly B115 via link B211. The computer B150
further includes a wireless transceiver with an antenna B151, an
optional Internet connection B152, and an optional TV cable B153.
Mass storage (not shown) in the computer B150 contains compressed
files with music programs.
[0087] Pedal Assembly
[0088] A pedal is a foot lever or treadle by which a part is
activated in a mechanism; in case of a road bicycle there are two
pedals, the rotation of the pedals sets the bicycle in motion; on a
stationary bicycle, there also two pedals and their rotation is
used to provide exercise to the user of the stationary bicycle in
the same sense as rotation of the pedals, i.e., pedaling, the
pedals on a real bicycle. The pedals are rotatable, i.e. they can
be rotated by the action of feet as on a typical road bicycle or a
typical stationary bicycle.
[0089] The pedal assembly B112 is explained using FIG. 5. The user
rotates the pedals M130 while exercising. The resistance to
rotation of the pedals M130, also referred to as pedaling
difficulty, is varied in a controlled manner, thereby delivering to
the user a varying degree of exercise difficulty. The varying
exercise difficulty is interpreted by the user as increased
difficulty in riding the user's own virtual bicycle on a virtual
terrain with different slopes.
[0090] The pedals M130 are mechanically coupled to the alternator
M140 using a system of pulleys M101, M102, M103, M104, and M105 and
belts M134 and M112. An alternator is an electric generator for
producing alternating current. For the purpose of this description,
an alternator includes a rectifier and a voltage regulator, which
enables the alternator to produce DC voltage of a constant
(regulated) voltage. The number of pulleys and belts may vary, and
the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 is an example. The pedals M130 are
mechanically coupled to the pedal pulley M101. The velocity of
rotational motion M131, referred to as cadence, of the pedals M130
(and the pulley M101) is different from the angular velocity M147
of the alternator shaft M120. The ratio of the angular velocity
M147 to cadence M131 is fixed by the ratio of the perimeters of the
pulleys (M101, M102, M103 and M104 in this example). The typical
value of this ratio range from 25:1 to 35:1, with the alternator
shaft M120 rotating faster than the pedal pulley M101 (i.e., the
pedals M130). Cadence is the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical
motion or activity, for the purposes of this description, the
angular velocity of pedal rotation.
[0091] The power delivered by the user to the rotational motion of
the pedals M130 is converted to electrical energy using an
alternator M140 and subsequently dissipated on an electrical load
M141. The electrical load M141 is in electrically connected to the
alternator M140. The details of the electrical connection M142 are
described later. A simplified explanation of this conversion
follows: The rotational motion M131 of the pedals M130 is converted
into rotational motion M147 of the shaft M120 of the alternator
M140. The alternator M140 converts rotational motion of the shaft
M120 into electrical power delivered to the electrical load M141
via the electrical connection M142. Adjusting the amount of power
dissipated on the electrical load M141 results in the adjustment of
the resistance to rotation M147 of the alternator shaft M120, and
consequently the rotation M131 of the pedals M130, according to the
law of energy conservation: If one allows small amount of power to
dissipate on the electrical load M141, the pedals M130 rotate
easily. If one allows large amount of power to dissipate on the
electrical load M141, then high resistance to rotation M131 of the
pedals M130 will be experienced by the user. The amount of power
dissipated on the electrical load M141 is controlled by the
cardio-fitness' control program running on the computer B150 (shown
in FIG. 4) via links B211 and B212 (shown in FIG. 4).
[0092] The cadence M131 is detected using an electrical sensor
M111, which includes a momentary switch that closes once every
revolution of the pedal pulley M101. The angular velocity M147 of
the alternator shaft M120 is detected by monitoring the voltage
output from one of the alternator coils. The control of the
alternator is described in more detail with the help of FIG. 6. A
sensor is a device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat,
light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and
transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a
control). (A transducer is a device that is actuated by power from
one system and supplies power usually in another form to a second
system. An actuator is device that actuates; specifically: a
mechanical device for moving or controlling something.)
[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates the electrical interconnects between the
alternator A101 (also M140 in FIG. 5), the electrical load A110
(also M141 in FIG. 5) and the computer A150 (also B150 in FIG. 4).
The dashed rectangle A100 surrounds components that are contained
in the pedal assembly B112 in FIG. 4. The dashed rectangle A300
surrounds components that are contained in the steering assembly
B115 in FIG. 4.
[0094] The alternator shaft A103 rotates and produces an
alternating voltage, which is then rectified and regulated using a
regulator A102 as well known in the art. In order to convert the
mechanical energy into electrical energy of constant voltage, a
start voltage A105 has to be delivered to the alternator. This
concept is well known in the art of building alternators without
permanent magnets. One of the alternator terminals is grounded, as
indicated with A108.
[0095] The output A104 from the alternator is a regulated DC
voltage that is subsequently dissipated on the high power load
A110. The amount of power dissipation for a given voltage generated
at the alternator is regulated using an electronic circuit (not
shown) located in the alternator board A111. The circuit that
alters the duty cycle of the power dissipated on the load A110.
These concepts are well known in the art of electronic circuits.
The amount of power to be dissipated on the load is determined by
the computer A150 (same as B150 in FIG. 4) and communicated via a
digital link A210 to a control board A301 located in the steering
assembly A300. The digital information is converted to an analog
load signal A207 and delivered to the alternator control board
A111. The load signal A207 is then used to control the amount of
power dissipated on the electrical load A110.
[0096] The angular velocity of the alternator shaft A103 is
monitored by detecting the frequency of the alternating electrical
signal coming from the alternator "tap" output A105. The "tap"
output provides an electrical waveform whose repetition directly
proportional to the angular velocity of the alternator shaft A103,
and hence allows the direct detection of the angular velocity of
the alternator by using an electrical circuit, design of which is
well known in the art. The circuit that detects the angular
velocity of the alternator shaft A103 is located in the control
board A301 in the steering assembly A300. The information about the
angular velocity of the alternator shaft A103 is converted to
digital information on the control board A301 and communicated to
the computer A150 via link A210.
[0097] Most of the power delivered at the output A104 of the
alternator A101 is dissipated on the load A100. Some of the power
is also used to power electronic devices on the control board A301
in the steering assembly A300. The power is delivered to the
control board A301 using wire A204.
[0098] Steering Assembly
[0099] The steering assembly B115 in FIG. 4 is shown in detail in
FIG. 7. The steering assembly C115 includes a handlebar assembly
C101, keypad assembly C104, and a gear-shifter assembly C117. These
assemblies are mechanically supported by the steering-assembly
frame C110.
[0100] Handlebar Assembly
[0101] A handlebar is a straight or bent bar with a handle at each
end; specifically: one used to steer a bicycle or similar
vehicle--usually used in plural as handlebars. The handlebar
assembly C101 includes handlebars C107, handlebar shaft C106,
handlebar spring C105, a potentiometer C108, and two heart-rate
sensors C121 and C122. The handlebars C107 are attached to a
handlebar shaft C106, which is mechanically attached to the
steering-assembly frame C110 in a way that allows the handlebars to
rotate around an axis that is vertical or close to vertical as they
would on a real bicycle. The range of angles for handlebar rotation
is at least .+-.20.degree. to each side from the central position.
The central position is that in which the both handlebar ends are
equally distanced from the seat assembly. In an embodiment, the
angular rotation of the handlebars is resisted by the use of a
spring C105. The function of the spring C105 is to return the
handlebars into their central position when no force is applied to
them. The presence of the spring action on the handlebars is
intended to create a realistic feeling which mimics the resistance
to turning on a real bicycle, and is an integral part of the
embodiment.
[0102] The handlebar shaft C106 is coupled to a variable electrical
resistor, which in one embodiment is an electrical potentiometer
C108. A potentiometer is a three-terminal electrical resistor with
a sliding contact: a resistor that has a terminal on each end and
an adjustable center connection, also known as the tap, that can be
moved mechanically from one end of the resistor to the other. Note
that this tap is different from tap A106, mentioned above. When a
voltage is applied at the two ends of the resistor the potential
difference between the tap and one of the terminals is directly
controlled by the mechanical position of the tap relative to the
electrical resistor. Consequently, the turning of the handlebar
shaft C106, changes the position of the tap and results in a
voltage difference between the tap and one of the resistor end
terminals that is directly proportional to the angular position of
the handlebars. The voltage between the tap and one of the end
terminals is sensed by a suitable sensor on the control board C133.
(The taps and the end terminals of the potentiometer are not shown
in FIG. 7 as the concept of a potentiometer and its voltage
dividing function is well known in the art.)
[0103] In one embodiment, the handlebars include heart-rate
monitoring sensors used by the computer to determine the user's
heart rate in beats per minute and displays the determined value on
the monitor. Two heart-rate sensors C121 and C122 are located on
the handlebars C107 in a way that hands of the user can touch
them.
[0104] At the bottom of the steering assembly is gear-shifter
assembly C147 of which a housing C149 and the gear shifter handle
C148 are shown.
[0105] Gear-Shifting Assembly
[0106] The purpose of the gear-shifter assembly C119 is to allow
the user to optimize between pedaling speed (cadence) and pedaling
resistance in according to his or her exercise level and ability.
Hence, the purpose is identical to the purpose of gear shifting on
real bicycles with multiple speeds, as is well known in the
art.
[0107] The gear-shifter assembly C119 is explained with the help of
FIG. 8. The movable member (or the handle) D118 (C118 in FIG. 7) is
internally coupled to a momentary two-pole electrical switch D120
(or an equivalent circuit configuration known in the art). The
coupling between the handle D118 and the switch D120 is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 8 with dashed line D117. When the
gear shifter handle D118 is left untouched, it remains in the
central position as shown with D118. In this position the
electrical switch D120 allows electrical connection from the common
terminal D140 to the terminal D142.
[0108] When the gear shifter handle D118 is pushed upwards to the
position referred to as the up-shifting position D133, a connection
is established between the common terminal D140 to terminal D141.
This connection remains active as long as the handle is in the
up-shift position D133. The connection is discontinued when the
handle is released. When the handle is released, (a) the handle
returns to the central position D118, (b) the electrical connection
between terminals D140 and D141 is broken, and (c) the connection
the common terminal D140 and the terminal D142 is established.
Similarly, when the handle D118 is pushed downwards to the position
referred to as the down-shift position D132, an electrical
connection is established between the common terminal D140 and the
terminal D143. When the handle is released, (a) the handle returns
to the central position D118, (b) the electrical connection between
terminals D140 and D143 is broken, and (c) the connection the
common terminal D140 and the terminal D142 is established. These
electrical connections are detected and used by the control board
C133 (shown in FIG. 7) and the computer B150 (in FIG. 4) to sense
when the user desires to change the gear or level of pedal
resistance (as described in later text).
[0109] Keypad Assembly
[0110] Keypad assembly C102 includes a keypad C131 with
touch-sensitive keys for user entry and a control board C133 with
electronic circuitry. A keypad is a small, often handheld keyboard.
A keypad is an input device, a device used to input information
into a computer, and can be replaced with a keyboard, mouse, or any
other computer input device known in the art, for example. The
control board C133 and the keypad C131 are both situated in a
housing C133 that is mechanically supported by the steering
assembly frame C110. The keypad includes a connection for
headphone, and in one embodiment, a connection of a microphone. The
keypad is described in more detail in later text.
[0111] The function of the control board C133 in FIG. 7 (also A301
in FIG. 6) is to convert digital communication coming and to the
computer via link B211 into analog signals used to control the
cardio-fitness station and vice versa, to take the analog signals
describing exercise parameters and the input from the user (via a
keypad C131) and convert them into digital information and
communicate this data to the computer via link A210 in FIG. 6 (also
B210 in FIG. 4).
[0112] The keypad C131 contains keys that allow the user to input
commands, such as, program start and end, and make selections, such
as, tour number or music channel. An example of the keypad is shown
in FIG. 9. The key pressed on the keypad C131 is captured by the
control board C133 and communicated to the computer via link B210.
The keypad housing C132 contains a connector for headphones (not
shown in FIG. 7, but indicated with K123 in FIG. 9).
[0113] The electrical control diagram is described with the help of
FIG. 10. The control board H142 is located in the keypad housing
H141 (also C132 in FIG. 7). The keypad housing is an element of the
steering assembly shown by B115 in FIG. 4. The control board H142
is a printed circuit board with digital and analog circuitry
required to send and accept information to and from the controller
H150 via a digital link H143. The digital link H143 may be
implemented using Universal Serial Bus, also known as USB, but
other protocols may be used. The keypad housing H141 also includes
a socket for plugging in headphones. The headphones are to be used
by the user to hear sounds and music delivered by or through the
computer H150 via audio link H171.
[0114] The control board H142 accepts user input from the keypad
device H144, and senses the following states of the exercise
equipment: position of the potentiometer indicating a turn in the
handlebars H150, the momentary switch actuation in the gear shifter
H151, frequency of the switch actuation indicating cadence H152,
and the heart-rate signal from the heart-rate monitors on the
steering assembly H153. The control board H142 also communicates
with the alternator board H145 via communication link H146.
[0115] Dynamic Alternator Control Algorithm
[0116] The operation of the cardio-fitness station during random
uses in a health club or home may require a fail-safe and reliable
control algorithm for operating the alternator. The alternator
shaft may require a certain minimal angular velocity in order to
generate constant voltage and enable setting of the resistance to
rotation. The algorithm described is used to reliably maintain the
alternator operation. In one embodiment, the cardio-fitness station
has several operation states, and employs a specific algorithm to
move the cardio-fitness station from one to another operational
state. The virtual reality program and the hardware control both
sense and act depending on the current operational state of the
cardio-fitness station.
[0117] Specifically, the cardio-fitness station may require a set
of parameters determining when it is in use. Secondly, in order to
realize resistance to the pedaling, power is required to be brought
to the alternator, and since the alternator has a minimum angular
velocity of the shaft for which it can deliver regulated power, a
hardware control is used to ensure that the states of the machine
are defined and reliably move the cardio-fitness station from state
to state. The algorithm and the associated computer program
tracking and setting the rules for transiting from one to another
state are called a state machine. The hardware state machine is
described with the help of FIG. 13.
[0118] When the cardio-fitness station is powered, but not in use,
or a user is sitting on the seat, but not turning the pedals, the
cardio-fitness station is said to be IDLE. Once the pedals start
turning the machine moves to state S1. State S1 is a state in which
the under the action of the user, the pedals rotate (user is
pedaling). Rotation of the pedals results in the rotation of the
alternator shaft, as described previously. The angular velocity of
the alternator shaft has to reach 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)
in order for regulator on the alternator to function properly, and
enable the virtual-reality program to control the resistance to
pedal turning.
[0119] State S1 has a time out of 2 seconds. If the specified 1200
RPM value has not been reached by then, the state machine returns
to IDLE. If on the other hand, the specified RPM is reached the
machine moves to state S2, which is the preamble for normal
operation (alternator). If the state S2 is maintained for at least
2 seconds, the state machine moves to the normal operation state
denoted with RUN. In this state the power generated by the
alternator is sufficient to realized the resistance to pedaling,
and the virtual-reality program can function uninterrupted
accepting the information from the input sensors and tracking the
motion of the user's own virtual bicycle.
[0120] Inasmuch as the alternator shaft, in one embodiment,
requires minimum 1000 RPM to provide pedaling resistance, the state
machine will move to SHUT state if this condition is not met. Since
it is possible that this condition is accidentally met while the
user is still pedaling and has a pause in pedaling, if while in the
SHUT state, the RPM increases above 1000 RPM again, the state
machine moves to RUN again. If the alternator shaft has angular
velocity less than 1000 RPM for longer than 2 seconds, the state
machine moves from SHUT to IDLE. The hardware state machine is
active regardless of in which exercise mode (described below)
cardio-fitness station is operated. It is clear that different
alternators may use different values for a minimum RPM, and thus
that the nominal values of 1000 and 1200 RPM for this embodiment
may be different in other embodiments.
[0121] Operation of an Embodiment
[0122] Exercise Modes
[0123] The cardio-fitness station in one embodiment exhibits three
exercise modes: Manual Mode, TV Mode, and Tour Mode. The entry into
these modes can be executed at the beginning of exercise or anytime
during the exercise on the cardio-fitness station by pressing the
appropriate keypad on the user input keypad shown in FIG. 9: Key
K101 for Manual Mode, key K102 for Tour Mode, and K103 for TV Mode.
The features of each these modes are explained with the help of
FIG. 11.
[0124] In the Manual Mode, the user exercises while sitting on the
cardio-fitness station and pedaling. In this mode, the resistance
to pedaling (the level of force resisting the pedal rotation) can
be selected from an integer number of resistance levels. The number
of levels is 15 in one embodiment, but may be larger or smaller.
Each resistance level corresponds to a constant, but different
force necessary to rotate the pedals, i.e., the pedals require
fixed, cadence-independent torque to rotate. The user can change
the resistance level (pedal torque) through an integer number of
levels by using a control level available on the cardio-fitness
station. In one embodiment the pedal resistance levels are
incremented or decremented using the gear-shifter handle C148. The
force resisting the rotation is independent of cadence.
[0125] The user further optionally selects a type of music she
wants to hear on the headphones by pressing one of the channel keys
K104 on the keypad K100. The volume of the music heard on the
headphones is adjusted using the volume keys K105. A static
predetermined image may be displayed on the video monitor. The
headphones play selected music type delivered directly from the
computer H150. The music files played upon selection are stored on
the storage media in the computer H150.
[0126] In the TV Mode, the user exercises while sitting on the
cardio-fitness station and pedaling. She enters the TV Mode by
pressing key K103 on the user input keypad (FIG. 9). In this mode,
the resistance to pedaling (the level of force resisting the pedal
rotation) can be selected from an integer number of resistance
levels. The number of levels is 15 in one embodiment, but may be
larger or smaller. Each resistance level corresponds to a constant,
but different force necessary to rotate the pedals, i.e., the
pedals require fixed, cadence-independent torque to rotate. The
user can change the resistance level (pedal torque) through an
integer number of levels by using a control level available on the
cardio-fitness station. In one embodiment the pedal resistance
levels are incremented or decremented using the gear-shifter handle
C148. The force resisting the rotation is independent of cadence.
She selects a television program she wants to watch by pressing one
of the channel keys K104 on the keypad K100. The television program
is displayed on the video monitor and the headphones play the sound
associated with the same television program, all delivered by a
television cable via the computer H150 (shown in FIG. 10). FIG. 14
shows an example screen in the TV Mode.
[0127] In both the Manual Mode and the TV Mode, the video monitor
also displays exercise parameters. FIG. 14 shows an example of the
display on the video monitor during an exercise in the Manual Mode
or the TV Mode. The exercise parameters shown are updated in real
time, while the user exercises, and one or more of the following
are displayed on the monitor at any given time: current pedal
resistance level J101, instantaneous cadence J102, instantaneous
dissipated power J103, and measured heart-rate J104.
[0128] Exercise in the Tour Mode
[0129] In the Tour Mode, the user exercises by sitting and pedaling
on the cardio-fitness station, while being engaged in a virtual
activity via the video monitor and headphones. The user enters this
mode by pressing key K102 on the user input keypad (FIG. 9). FIG.
12 shows the method of practicing the Tour Mode.
[0130] By pressing the Tour Mode key K102 (entering the tour mode
G102), the video monitor displays several virtual exercise routes
(VERs) for the user to choose from. The user is asked to select
(G103) one of the available virtual exercise routes (VERs) (G101)
by means of moving the up and down keys K107 (in FIG. 9) and making
a selection using the ENTER key K108 (in FIG. 9). In the example
shown in FIG. 12, the user selects VER designated with number m. In
one embodiment, each virtual exercise route has a name and a
difficulty level displayed next to the selection. Upon selection
the desired VER, the user is offered a choice whether a pacer is to
be present (G104). The selection is performed similarly to above,
using the keys K107 and K108. If pacer is selected, the user is
offered to set the power level (G105) that that the pacer should
dissipate while riding through the selected virtual exercise route.
In the next step, the user is asked select whether additional
riders should be present (G106) on the virtual exercise route. At
this point the user is instructed by a text on the video monitor to
start pedaling (G107). If the user was already pedaling is
inconsequential.
[0131] As the user starts pedaling (G108), the video monitor shows
a virtual landscape and the image that the virtual rider of the
user's own virtual bicycle sees in front of her. The virtual
countryside or the virtual exercise route is determined at the
start of the tour and it does not change unless the user exists the
tour. With these actions, the user is experiencing a virtual tour.
The user may interrupt (G109) the Tour Mode by pressing the TV Mode
key K103, the Manual Mode key K102, or ceasing the pedaling. After
a predetermined time with no pedaling, the cardio-fitness station
will go back into the idle state. Alternatively, the user may
complete the entire virtual exercise route and the upon reaching
the finish line, the tour ends, providing the user with a summary
of information. In one embodiment, the user is offered to save
(G110) the exercise parameters acquired during her exercise on the
virtual exercise route, and the data is then saved (G111) on mass
storage. At this point, the process terminates (G112).
[0132] FIG. 2 shows an example image V400 on the video monitor that
the user will see while operating the cardio-fitness station in the
Tour Mode. The user's own virtual bicycle is perceived as riding
through a predetermined virtual landscape V122. In the image shown
in FIG. 2 a predetermined path V120 is set and the user is advised
to maintain the user's own virtual bicycle on this predetermined
path V120 in predetermined virtual landscape V122. The example
landscape V122 also includes virtual trees V121, virtual houses
V127, and virtual hills V128. The image also includes other virtual
bicycles with computer-generated bikers V107. The image V400 shows
two example virtual bikers V107 in the known presence of the user's
own virtual bicycle. The user's own virtual bicycle is not shown on
the screen. The image on the video monitor V400 optionally shows an
image of virtual handlebars V101 on the user's own virtual bicycle
in order to infer the presence of the user's own virtual bicycle.
Not shown are animals and other objects or obstacles that may
appear in the virtual environment.
[0133] In addition to the mentioned virtual-reality image, the
image V400 on the video monitor includes information display
overlaid over the virtual reality image. This overlaid display
includes the following information: V100 is the map of the virtual
exercise route in the virtual landscape and user's own virtual
bicycle position on that path. V108 shows a summary of time, total
dissipated calories (or Joule), miles traveled, and distance
remaining. In the case where off-road biking is allowed, the
distance remaining may not be present. Area V129 shows the
instructions to the user. In one embodiment, where the virtual
coach is employed, this area is used to give instruction to the
user. The detailed view of the lower part of the video screen V400,
referred to as the heads-up display is shown in FIG. 3.
[0134] The example heads-up display shown in FIG. 3 displays
exercise information: Cadence Z101 is the momentary rotational
speed of the pedals measured in revolutions per minute. The gear
number V108 (and Z102) is gear number to which the user's own
virtual bicycle is currently set. Cadence Z101 and the current gear
number Z102 determine the bicycle speed Z103 measured in miles per
hour or any other suitable speed units. The position of the virtual
bicycle in the virtual landscape determines the slope against which
the bicycle is moving (when pedals are rotating). The slope is
noted with "grade" Z104. From the grade Z104 and the speed Z103 of
the user's own virtual bicycle, the virtual reality program
calculates the resistance the rider should feel on the pedals
consistent with the real life experience. This information is
communicated to the pedal assembly, which adjusts electronically
the resistance to rotation. With known resistance to rotation and
cadence, the program also calculates the momentary power
dissipation by the user. This power is measured in Watts and it is
shown with Z110. The total time spent riding, the total energy
dissipated (calories), and miles traveled are shown with V108.
[0135] In one embodiment, the path on which the user is to
virtually ride is predetermined at the beginning of the session,
i.e. virtual exercise route. In this case, the map and the
elevation profile of the virtual exercise route are known. The map
is schematically shown with V100 and the elevation profile is shown
on the screen (example is shown on V102 and V111). The momentary
position of virtual bicycle on this virtual exercise route is noted
in V100 and V112. In addition, the distance remaining on the
predetermined path is shown in V108.
[0136] Storing and Replaying Exercise Sessions
[0137] In one embodiment, the user executes one exercise session
(or interrupts a session) and saves the information about the tour
and exercise parameters. In other words, the temporal information
of the user's own virtual user bicycle position, direction, speed
and acceleration through the entire path since the beginning of the
session in the Tour Mode is saved on mass storage. This action is
referred to as saving the session. The information saved is
sufficient to reconstruct the entire virtual ride upon request. In
one embodiment the user reviews this information at a later time,
in order to assess his exercise ability or for purposes of
statistical data collection. In another embodiment, the user may
watch the entire pre-recorded session on the monitor screen, and in
yet another embodiment, the user may use the saved session to
control one of the virtual riders in the same virtual landscape and
then next to this prerecorded rider. Finally, in another
embodiment, the recorded session is not recorded by the user, but
by user's instructor or coach. In this way the user may race
against oneself and or use one's pre-recorded session to improve
one's performance.
[0138] Networked Exercise
[0139] In one embodiment of a method of exercise, a single user is
exercising on a cardio-fitness station and interacting with the
virtual environment provided by the computer on the cardio-fitness
station. FIG. 15 summarizes what bicycles are tracked and shown on
the video monitor, and virtual objects (persons) are controlled in
this embodiment. User 1 rides on Station 1. Station 1 video monitor
shows that the virtual-reality program running on the computer on
Station 1 tracks the user's own virtual bicycle (virtual bicycle 1
in FIG. 15), a pacer. ("Pacer 1") if pacer was selected, and a
number of computer-generated riders with respective bicycles, if
"other riders" was selected (e.g. in FIG. 12). These
computer-generated bicycles are referred to as artificial
intelligence riders (AI riders). User 1 exercises on the
cardio-fitness station and thereby controls the actions of the
"virtual bicycle 1" in the virtual environment. The User 1's
control does not influence the riding of Pacer 1, but it has an
effect on the presence of the AI riders: AI riders may be present
only in the part of the virtual exercise route where User 1 can see
them. In some embodiments, AI riders are persistent--they are
tracked throughout the exercise route, for example. In other
embodiments, the AI riders are not persistent, and may only be
tracked when visible, for example.
[0140] In another embodiment of a method of exercise, two
cardio-fitness stations are connected via a communication link. A
communication link may be a wireless link or a computer cable link.
In this embodiment, at least two cardio-fitness stations are in use
at the same time by users 1 and 2. Each user proceeds with the same
Tour Mode entry procedure, and they select the same virtual
exercise route. The two users exercise jointly within the same
virtual environment. It is clear that in this embodiment more than
two users can exercise jointly in the same virtual environment, and
that these users may also be joined by any number of AI riders.
[0141] FIG. 16 illustrates what virtual bodies computers track,
what video monitors show, what the users of two cardio-fitness
stations connected via a communication link control. User 1 is
exercises on station 1, while user 2 exercises on station 2. The
virtual-reality program running on the computer of station 1 tracks
(a) the user 1 own virtual bicycle ("Virtual bicycle 1"), (b)
optional pacer on station 1 ("Pacer 1"), (c) optional at least one
AI rider on station 1, and (d) virtual bicycle 2. The
virtual-reality program running on the computer of station 2 tracks
(a) virtual bicycle 1, (b) user 2 own virtual bicycle (virtual
bicycle 2), (c) optional pacer on station 2 (Pacer 2), (d) optional
AI riders on station 2. Video monitors on respective stations show
what the respective computers track. Virtual bicycle 1 is
controlled by user 1 exercising on station 1, while virtual bicycle
2 is controlled by user 2 riding on station 2. The actions of
virtual bicycle 1 seen on station 2 video monitor are controlled by
user 1 via communication link W111. Similarly, the actions of
virtual bicycle 2 seen on video monitor of station 1 are controlled
by user 2 on station 2 via communication link W112. This
implementation is extended to more than two stations in a
straightforward way: On each one station of a any number of
stations connected using a communication link, additional virtual
bicycles appear for every additional station on which the user has
selected the same virtual exercise route. In this way, two or more
users can exercise and watch each other on the same virtual
exercise route. In an embodiment, the two or more users race
against each other, and against other riders.
[0142] In one embodiment, two or more users exercise each user on
own cardio-fitness station. FIG. 17 shows an example with two
users. User 1 riders on station Y101 and watches the virtual
environment on screen Y102 of station Y101. User 2 rides on station
Y201 and watches the virtual environment on screen Y202 of station
Y201. Both users ride the predetermined virtual path or landscape.
One of the virtual riders in the landscape is controlled by User 1
and one is controlled by User 2. There may be more riders who are
either controlled by other users (not shown) or may be computer
generated. The computers run virtual reality programs and are
simulating at least two mentioned virtual riders in the same
virtual environment. Virtual rider 1 is the primary virtual rider
on station Y101 and hence, user 1 sees what the primary virtual
rider 1 sees. The primary virtual rider on station 1 sees the
virtual rider 2 which is controlled by user 2 on station Y201.
Similarly, user 2 sees on her video monitor Y202 what the primary
virtual user of station 2, i.e., user 2 sees. The primary virtual
user of station 2 sees the virtual image of user 1 in the same
virtual environment.
[0143] The actions of user 1 on station Y101 are communicated via a
wireless link indicated with waves Y103 to station Y201. The
actions of user 2 on station Y201 are communicated via a wireless
link indicated with waves Y203 to station Y101. More than two
stations can communicate amongst each other.
[0144] Another set of embodiments is described with reference to
FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows illustratively shows three cardio-fitness
stations L101, L201, and L301 connected to the Internet network
L501 using respective connection cables L503. The following
description applies if at least one station is connected, but any
number can be used in various embodiments. On each station there is
a respective user. User 1 exercises on station L101, user 2 on
station L201, and user 3 on station L301. The Internet Network L501
may be connected to a remote server L505 via another connection
L504. The locations of the stations and the server may be very
distant from each other, for example, the stations may be separated
thousands of miles, and may be thousands of miles away from the
server.
[0145] In one embodiment, each of cardio-fitness stations
communicates with all other cardio fitness stations, sending
information on activity of the user of that station and the sound
from that station. Consequently, each station receives information
about the activity of every other station and the sound coming from
the user of every other station. In this way, users may interact,
race or ride together, even if they not local.
[0146] In another embodiment, the every station sends user activity
data to the server, where the data is stored on mass storage along
with the identity of the user. User activity includes exercise
data, user performance on a specific VER, and the statistics of all
previous performances. In yet another embodiment, the stored
information about user activity is used to control a virtual
bicycle on a station in use. In this way the user may ride next to
a so-called ghost rider, which is a pre-recorded ride of oneself
(or somebody else). The user's identity is recognized by the server
(the user has registered with the server) and the server delivers
this information to the station wherever in the world the station
is located. The user's exercise data is available to her globally.
In another embodiment, the server provides statistics and summary
of past performance for every user.
[0147] In another embodiment, using the Internet connection, the
virtual-reality software and the control program on each one of the
cardio-fitness stations can be upgraded by downloading a software
upgrade form the server via the Internet connection.
[0148] In yet another embodiment, newly developed virtual exercise
routes can be downloaded to any one cardio-fitness station located
anywhere in the world, producing a revenue stream for the developed
VERs and maintainer of the server.
[0149] In this way, every user of the cardio-fitness station
maintains a global user identification and can exercise on
cardio-fitness station located anywhere in the world, yet be
recognized by the cardio-fitness station and have the
cardio-fitness station remember her preferences, past performance,
and preferred virtual exercise routes, thereby creating a
significantly more enjoyable experience in exercising.
Additionally, the user of a cardio-fitness station, when away in a
different country has the ability to exercise and communicate while
exercising with her own exercise partners who may be miles
away.
[0150] Fitness Program
[0151] To maximize cardio-fitness it is common for exercise
equipment to provide and guide the user through a predetermined
fitness program. A fitness program is a predetermined sequence of
exercise rate or manner of motion with the objective make the user
exercise in a controlled manner. The objectives of the fitness
program may be (a) the dissipation of a predetermined energy
(number of calories), (b) in case of an exercise bicycle, the
exercise equivalent to traversing a specific predetermined distance
over a predetermined virtual landscape, and (c) maintaining the
heart rate within certain predetermined bounds throughout a
predetermined sequence of energy dissipation segments, for example
hill and valleys on a virtual bike path.
[0152] The exercise program will typically include a warm-up stage,
and at least one exercise stage and cool-down stage. The exercise
program may also be tailored to provide aerobic or anaerobic
exercises. Anaerobic exercise is an activity in which the body
incurs an oxygen debt, while aerobic exercise is a physical
exercises (as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics)
strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in
respiration and heart rate. In one embodiment, the instructions
from the computer, according to the fitness plan, are delivered to
the user via a message on the video monitor. This function is
referred to as virtual coach.
[0153] Global Identification and Data Access
[0154] In one embodiment, a remote computer, referred to as a
server, maintains information about the exercise parameters on any
one cardio-fitness station.
[0155] In one embodiment, the VER is stored locally on the
cardio-fitness' computer. In another embodiment, the VER is stored
on a remote server and accessed via Internet. The new VER crated at
the central location and located on to the server as periodically
uploaded to every station, and every station may keep the VER, or
can have access to the selection directly form the computer. New
upgrades of control software and virtual reality software are
available form the server--thereby eliminating the need for local
upgrades.
[0156] In one embodiment, the user profile, statistics and past
performance on the same machine or any VER is stored on the server,
and hence accessible anywhere in the works using the Internet
connection between the cardio-fitness station and the server. In
this way, the user has an identification name that is recognized
globally, i.e., a so-called global identification (Global ID).
Other Embodiments
[0157] In the one embodiment, the cardio-fitness machine includes a
stationary bicycle, but is understood that the exercise equipment
be a treadmill, rowing machine, skier, stair climber or other such
device. The exercise equipment provides the user with exercise
movements (pedaling, rowing or stepping). A load device applies a
load resistance in opposition to the exercise movement to induce
exercise.
[0158] The various embodiments have been discussed in conjunction
with use of computer programs. Such a computer program may be
stored in a computer readable storage medium such as but not
limited to any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks,
CD roms and magnetic optical disks, read only memories, random
access memories, EPROMS, EEPROMS, magnetic or optical cards or any
type of media suitable for storing electronic constructions and
each coupled to a computer system bus. Each of these media may be
coupled to a computer system bus through use of an appropriate
device for reading and or writing the media in question.
[0159] Features and aspects of various embodiments may be
integrated into other embodiments, and embodiments illustrated in
this document may be implemented without all of the features or
aspects illustrated or described. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that although specific examples and embodiments of the
system and methods have been described for purposes of
illustration, various modifications can be made in various
embodiments. For example, embodiments of the present invention may
be applied to many different types of exercise equipment and
computer programs. Moreover, features of one embodiment may be
incorporated into other embodiments, even where those features are
not described together in a single embodiment within the present
document.
[0160] Many embodiments have been specifically described as
including components from one or more figures in combination.
However, other components may be substituted. Similarly, components
may be grouped or subdivided in various ways. Thus, embodiments may
be formed using some of the components and offering some of the
features described, and may include components not described or
offer features not described in this document. Moreover, features
of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, even
where those features are not described together in a single
embodiment within the present document.
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