System And Method For Simulating Environmental Conditions On An Exercise Device

Abstract

An exercise system includes a simulation system simulating real-world terrain based on environmental and other real-world conditions. Using topographical or other data, an actual location can be simulated. The exercise system may include a speed, incline or other mechanisms that can be adjusted based on changes in simulated slope, and by amounts simulating actual air resistance due to movement, wind, or both. The simulated speed of the person, as well as speed and direction of simulated wind, are used to determine a simulated air speed. Based on the simulated air speed, the simulation system determines the simulated air resistance that would affect the person under real-world conditions, and changes reflective of the simulated air resistance are made to operating parameters of the exercise system. Simulation may occur by causing the user of the exercise system to expend about the same effort as if performing the exercise in the real-world conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/598,509 filed on Aug. 29, 2012 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON AN EXERCISE BICYCLE," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/530,298 filed on Sep. 1, 2011 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON AN EXERCISE BICYCLE" and further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/656,764 filed on Jun. 7, 2012 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON AN EXERCISE DEVICE."

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for exercising. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to exercise device systems and methods for selective adjustment of the exercise equipment to simulate effects of wind on a runner and/or effects of real-world terrain on the runner.

BACKGROUND

[0003] While exercise equipment continues to be popular for casual and serious exercise enthusiasts who wish to exercise at home, in a gym, or in another indoor location, it remains a challenge to motivate a user to use the exercise device on a consistent and ongoing basis. This lack of motivation often is a result of the inability such devices have to realistically simulate real-world conditions. Users of exercise equipment often fail to enjoy a workout, or believe such a workout is insufficiently effective, because the equipment lacks the sort of realism of running, biking, or otherwise exercising on a real road or on other real-world terrain.

[0004] With respect to a typical treadmill or elliptical machine, for example, a user stands and the device and begins walking or running The user may vary the virtual velocity of the runner by increasing or decreasing the amount of effort the user expends, such as by increasing or decreasing the speed or length of the gait, or by increasing or decreasing the incline mechanism provided by the treadmill or elliptical machine. Merely running on a treadmill or elliptical machine and adjusting the user's own pace or adjusting the incline is, however, often insufficient to maintain a user's motivation to consistently use the indoor exercise equipment.

[0005] Devices that have been proposed to use wind-resistance with a treadmill or other exercise device include treadmills found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,460, which describes a motorless treadmill. As the treadmill lacks a motor, the example treadmills include retardant components to resist movement of the endless track of the treadmill. One such component includes set of fan blades that rotate with a shaft about which the belt rotates. When the track and shaft move, the fan blades move to cause a flow of air which creates wind resistance tending to slow movement of the track.

[0006] In addition, other exercise devices include those in U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,032, U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,679, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0113222.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise device includes a movable exercise element and a simulation mechanism configured to modify operation of the movable exercise element to simulate real-world conditions.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, the controller is configured to simulate real-world resistance conditions.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, real-world conditions are simulated by simulating elevation changes.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, real-world conditions are simulated by simulating environmental factors.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, environmental factors that are simulated include wind.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, wind is simulated by simulating the effects of wind on a user's performance.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a user's performance is affected by modifying an incline of the exercise device.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a user's performance is affected by modifying a distance travelled by the user.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, personal characteristics of a user using an exercise apparatus are used to simulate real-world conditions.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, height and/or weight information of a user are used to simulate real-world conditions.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, one or more personal characteristics of the user are received as input at the exercise device.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, one or more personal characteristics of the user are received from a remote source.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, one or more personal characteristics of the user are received over the Internet.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a simulation system determines drag on a user based on a velocity of the user of the exercise device and a wind velocity.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, wind direction is used to determine drag on a user.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, effects of wind are simulated where the wind has a direction not fully parallel to the direction of travel of the user.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, changes effected by a simulation system mechanism are made automatically based on changes to at least one of air resistance or gravitational forces.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a simulation of real-world air resistance includes determining or using any combination of a drag coefficient, air density, velocity, wind velocity, frontal area, or scaling factor.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a simulation of real-world gravitational forces includes determining or using any combination of one or more of velocity, slope, gravitational force, or mass.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a mass value includes a user's mass or weight.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, any one or more of a drag coefficient, gravitational force, frontal area, velocity, wind velocity, or slope is variable based on a user's personal characteristics and/or during a single workout.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, air resistance is determined based at least in part on a current simulated altitude relative to an altitude of surrounding terrain being simulated.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a scaling factor is applied to determine air resistance being simulated.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a scaling factor is applied directly to wind velocity.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, adjusting air resistance includes backing off the adjustment as a current altitude approaches a peak altitude.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, wind velocity includes speed and direction components.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, only a portion of a speed component is used in determining air resistance when the wind direction is not parallel to a simulated direction of travel.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, wind that is simulated is surface wind.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a movable element includes an endless belt.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a movable element includes pedals of an elliptical machine.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a simulation system simulates resistance by one or more of: increasing difficulty of moving the movable element or scaling performance data of the movable element.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a frontal area is calculated based at least on a user's individual height and/or weight.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, an exercise device includes a visual display.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a visual display provides still or video images corresponding to a simulated real-world location.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a visual display provides a visual depiction of a wind force being simulated.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a model is made of a relationship between power, speed and simulated resistance.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, a model is made of a relationship between simulated resistance and output scaling or incline.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, power used in simulating resistance includes a power differential.

[0045] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, air resistance is determined as additional power required due to air resistance or power lost due to air resistance.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, gravitational effects are determined as additional power required or power lost due to gravity.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that may be combined with any one or more other aspects herein, adjusting a movable element or scaling an output to simulate wind, weather or other environmental conditions includes adjusting the same movable element to simulate difficulty due to an incline.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present systems and methods and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope thereof. Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0049] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example treadmill according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 1B is a side view of the example treadmill of FIG. 1A and illustrating a deck being movable between different incline levels;

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example elliptical exercise machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates an example control panel of an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel providing input and output capabilities;

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary control panel of an exercise device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel including a display depicting terrain and/or environmental conditions simulated by the exercise device;

[0054] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exercise device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an example process of simulating environmental conditions on an exercise device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0056] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of another example process of simulating environmental conditions on an exercise device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] An exercise device including an environmental simulation system is disclosed herein. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an exercise device the ability to simulate any of a number of different environmental conditions, including wind conditions. The simulation system may identify a wind speed and/or direction. Based on such wind conditions and the speed of the user of the exercise device, air resistance may be determined. According to one embodiment, the determined air resistance may be transformed into a value that is correlated with a setting related to a movable element of the exercise device. For instance, an incline level of a treadmill or elliptical may be altered to increase the difficulty of using the equipment to approximate the increased air resistance from wind. Changes in the wind speed, speed of the exercise device user, or the direction of the wind or route of the device user may cause changes in the air resistance and thus cause the simulation system to change settings on the exercise device. In some embodiments, gravitational components related to slope may be considered for application by the simulation system of the exercise device to simulate real-world conditions. Any combination of gravitational and/or air resistance elements may be combined and applied by the simulation system to simulate real-world conditions.

[0058] In FIG. 1A, an illustrative exercise system 100 is depicted in the form of a treadmill. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise system 100 includes a support base 102 and a generally upright support structure 104 connected thereto. Upright support structure 104, in this illustrative embodiment, includes two vertical support members 106 which may each attach to a cross member 108. The upright support structure 104 and the support base 102 may be referred to as a frame, and can optionally provide a support for a tread deck 110 upon which a user may stand, walk or run. Attached to the tread deck 110 of the illustrated embodiment is an endless belt 112. The endless belt 112 may be configured to rotate around all or a portion of the tread deck 110, and can be driven by a motor, a user of the system 100, or a combination thereof. As further illustrated in FIG. 1A, the cross member 108 of the upright support structure 104 can optionally include or be attached to a handlebar assembly 114 and/or a control panel 116.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, a drive system 118 is connected to the tread deck 110, although the drive system 118 may be mounted in any other suitable location. The drive system 118 can include one or more motors, rollers, pulleys, other components, or any combination thereof. The drive system 118 can be used to assist or cause movement of a movable element such as the endless belt 112 and/or other components. In one embodiment, for instance, the drive system 118 may include one or more motors or controllers to move the endless belt 112 as well as to move the tread deck 110. A first motor or controller may, for instance, cause the endless belt 112 to rotate around the tread deck 110 while a second motor or controller 110 may move all or a portion of the tread deck 110 upward or downward to change an incline of the tread deck 110.

[0060] FIG. 1B illustrates an example embodiment of the exercise system 100 of FIG. 1A in which the drive system 118 may be used to control the incline of the tread deck 110. In particular, FIG. 1B illustrates a first orientation of the tread deck 110 that is about horizontal, such that the tread deck is at about a zero percent incline. As shown in phantom lines, however, when the drive system 118 is used to change the incline, the tread deck 110 may change orientations. For instance, the elevation of the front side 120 of the tread deck 110 may be changed relative to a rear side 122 of the tread deck 110. By changing an elevation of the front side 120 of the tread deck a different amount or in a different direction than an elevation change of the rear side 122 of the tread deck 110, the incline of the tread deck 110 and the endless belt 112 may be changed. If, for instance, the incline is increased by increasing the height of the front side 120 of the tread deck 110, a user of the exercise system 100 may find that the difficulty level of exercise using the exercise system 100 has been increased.

[0061] Changing the incline of the tread deck 110 may occur in any number of different manners. For instance, FIG. 1B illustrates that while the front side 120 of the tread deck 110 is elevated, the rear side 122 of the tread deck 110 may be lowered. In other embodiments, however, the rear side 122 may instead remain at substantially a same elevation while the front side 120 is elevated. In still other embodiments, both the front and rear sides 120, 122 of the tread deck 110 may be raised but by differing amounts. According to another example embodiment, the front side 120 of the tread deck 110 may also be lowered relative to the rear side 122 of the tread deck 110 to provide a decline.

[0062] It should be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that exercise systems of the present disclosure may thus include mechanisms for varying an incline of the movable exercise element of an exercise system. Moreover, the degree of incline may vary widely. For instance, one example embodiment may include a treadmill with a drive system capable of changing the incline anywhere between about zero and about fifteen percent. In another embodiment, a drive system may be capable of changing the incline anywhere between about negative five percent and about forty five percent. In other embodiments, greater or lesser inclines or declines may be provided for an exercise system.

[0063] Turning now to FIG. 2, another example embodiment of an exercise system 200 is illustrated in additional detail, and in the form of an elliptical exercise device. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise system 200 includes a base support that includes a set of support feet 202 and a support 204 extending generally horizontally between the support feet 202. The base support may be connected to an upright support 206 which can extend from the base support to a control panel 216 or other console.

[0064] According to some embodiments, a drive system 218 is also included and may be attached to and/or included wholly or partially within a housing 207. The drive system 218 may connect to link arms 215 which in turn connect to foot pads 212. Link arms 215 may be connected to the drive system 218 in a manner that allows the user to move his or her feet in a walking or running motion. The foot pads 212 may in turn be supported by a set of additional link arms 213. The sets of link arms 213 may, for instance, include a lower arm 219 that supports the foot supports 212. Optionally, the foot supports 212 may be directly connected to the lower arm 219, although in other embodiments a roller, bushing, or other mechanism may be used to support the foot supports 212 and optionally allow the foot supports 212 to move along a length of the lower arms 219. The lower arms 219 may also be pivotally or otherwise connected to upper swing arms 221. The upper swing arms 221 may connect to a cross support 208 attached to or supported by the upright support 206. The upper swing arms 221 and/or cross support 208 may also connect to a handle assembly 214 that the user may hold for support and/or to facilitate movement of the foot pads 212.

[0065] The drive system 218 may be used to facilitate movement of the foot pads 212, which movement may generally follow an elliptical motion. In some embodiments, the drive system 218 may include or be supplemented by an incline mechanism. The incline mechanism may operate in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Such an incline mechanism may, for instance, a front side of the elliptical exercise system 200 to raise or lower. As the elevation of the front side of the elliptical exercise system 200 changes, the difficulty to a user may correspondingly increase or decrease.

[0066] Regardless of the particular form of an exercise system (e.g., a treadmill as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B or an elliptical machine as shown in FIG. 2), a control panel may be attached to a frame, support or other component of the device. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate example views of a control panel 316 in greater detail. In particular, control panel 316 can include one or more interface components. Such interface components may include input devices and/or output devices. Input devices generally enable a user to input and vary the operating parameters or other information of an exercise system, add information about a user of the exercise system, or otherwise input information into the exercise system or a device physically or communicatively linked thereto. Output devices, in contrast, can provide information to the user. As an example of an input device, the control panel 316 may include a touch-sensitive display 330. The touch-sensitive display 330 may itself provide one or more input components. In FIG. 3, for instance, the touch-sensitive display 330 includes a control 332 for editing personal information. According to one embodiment, personal information may include information about the user such as, but not limited to, the user's height, weight, and age. Additional information may include the user's fitness level, exercise history, preferences (e.g., workout preferences, display settings, etc.), or other information. Such personal information may be stored by an exercise system that includes the control panel 316 or stored remotely in a database or other storage location accessible to the exercise system. In some embodiments, personal information may be input remotely and retrieved or edited locally at the exercise system. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise system that includes the control panel 316 may also include an authentication system for uniquely identifying the user, thereby allowing access or use of information stored locally and/or for remotely. In FIG. 3, for instance, the exercise system may have authenticated a user using an iFIT account to ensure that the user is associated with the "MikeBe1101" username.

[0067] Other components available at control panel 316 may include controls 334-340 for running a preprogrammed or custom workout, control 342 for creating a new workout, control 344 for accessing IFIT.COM workouts (e.g., through the Internet), control 346 for accessing a workout history, and control 348 for accessing maps (e.g., real-world maps) and/or creating a workout based on real-world maps. An example system for creating workouts based on real-world maps is described in additional detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0172059, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXERCISING" and filed on Mar. 10, 2011 which application is expressly incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

[0068] One skilled in the art will appreciate in view of the disclosure herein that additional and other controls related to workouts or exercise programs may also be included. For instance, exemplary controls may allow a user to initiate a workout or pause or stop a workout in progress. Still other input controls may include controls for adding, deleting or editing workouts stored in a history, controls for changing the display (e.g., between street, map, and satellite views), controls for accessing music, video, or other files, controls for creating or viewing a workout, exercise, or nutrition plan, etc. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 are controls to vary the equipment parameters during an active workout. Control 350 may allow a user to, for instance, select an incline which the exercise system may simulate (e.g., through tilting the equipment). In some cases, the exercise system may include a motor or other mechanism for causing a movable element to move at a particular speed, in which case a control 352 may be included to allow a user to select the speed.

[0069] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a workout or other exercise program may be performed using an exercise system in a manner that simulates or otherwise relates to real-world conditions. FIG. 4 illustrates an example view of the control panel 316 during execution of such a workout. In particular, the display 330 may provide a visual depiction 354 of terrain being traversed by the user exercising with the aid of an associated exercise system. The depiction 354 may include satellite views, map views, street views, topographical views, or other views. In one embodiment, such views may include pictures and/or videos of real-world places. In other embodiments, such views may include illustrations, renderings, or animations of real-world places. In still other embodiments, the views may be illustrations, renderings, animations or other depictions of fictitious or virtual locations.

[0070] Real-world information may be obtained by linking into databases that provide such information. For instance, MAPQUEST.COM, MAPS.GOOGLE.COM, and GOOGLE EARTH are all examples of databases available over the Internet which provide map-related information. Such information may be accessed for use with a stored program, a program created by the user, or even an on-the-fly exercise routine. The change or play rate for image data may vary based on the user's speed as determined on the exercise system. During a workout simulating real-world locations, topographical information may also be accessed (e.g., from the GTOPO30 maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey). Topographical information may be used to generate or display images generally depicting the user climbing or descending a hill. Such topographical information may also be used to more accurately simulate real-world conditions, such as by adjusting intensity of a workout based on slope, or determining the effect of surrounding geographical features on wind that would affect the user in real-world conditions.

[0071] As also shown in FIG. 4, the display 330 may provide additional information in lieu of, or in addition to, the visual depiction 354. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, controls 356, 358 provide information about the operating parameters of the exercise system. More particularly, control 356 displays the speed of the user, while control 358 displays the slope--whether it be physical incline of the exercise system or the virtual slope of the terrain being traversed. Controls 356, 358 may be output controls, although in other embodiments they may also be enabled to act as inputs. For instance, a user may change an incline of an exercise system by selecting control 358. A control 360 may also provide information related to the terrain being virtually traversed. Such information may be obtained from topographical, informational, or other databases and be obtained in real-time or stored within a program or data store accessible to the exercise system. By way of illustration, the control 360 and can display information related to the current altitude. Information for control 358 may also be obtained from similar databases to obtain slope information. Other controls may provide still other information, or provide the user with input options. Optional elements that may be displayed on the control panel 316 of FIG. 4 may also include start, stop, or pause controls, a distance control providing the distance travelled and/or remaining in the program or routine, a calorie control indicating the approximate number of calories burned, an indication of the type of terrain being traversed (e.g., dirt, pavement, sand, etc.), and the like.

[0072] An additional control illustrated in FIG. 4 is a wind control 362. As will be appreciated, a user exercising outdoors will encounter elements such as rain, wind, and the like. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, either or both of surface wind and wind generated by a user's movement may be taken into account when providing an exercise routine simulating real-world conditions. Indeed, when exercising in the real-world terrain, any of the real-world conditions reflected by controls 358-362 can affect the amount of effort that must be expended by a user of an exercise device, and thus may be simulated in some embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, the wind is illustrated as moving at approximately eight miles per hour, and in a direction that has both headwind and crosswind components (i.e., in a direction not directly parallel to the direction the user is virtually moving). In an outdoor setting, such a wind would create air resistance in the form of drag, and hinder the movement of a runner, cyclist, or other moving person or object. The altitude and slope may have similar effects. For instance, the gravitational resistance felt by a person exercising on a real-world course will vary based on the slope, and whether the terrain is uphill, flat, or downhill. The altitude can also affect the effort a person must expend in a real-world setting. More particularly, at lower elevations the air has a higher density than air at higher elevations. The more dense air thus increases the air resistance at such elevations. While the illustrated wind control 362 is shown as showing a single wind value, it should be appreciated that the control 362 may also show other weather values. In still other embodiments, the wind control 362 may be a wind map showing wind values at multiple locations.

[0073] An exemplary system for simulating the effects of such components is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, in the form of exercise system 400. Exercise system 400 generally includes a variety of components that cooperate to allow a user to exercise while also simulating real-world conditions or terrain. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, one or more controllers 102 are illustrated as being in communication with an input/output system 404, sensor system 406, one or more motors 408, and various other components using a communication bus 410.

[0074] Controllers 402 may include one or more processors or other components that, either alone or in combination with one or more other components, can be used to simulate real-world effects such as air resistance or gravity-related resistance. Accordingly, in some embodiments, controllers 402 may act as a simulation system and/or as a means for means for simulating real-world effects, including air resistance, based on particular personal characteristics of the user of the exercise system 400, a simulated velocity, a simulated surface wind, other components or any combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the means for simulating real-world effects may include other components, including any combination of controllers 402, input/output system 404, sensors 406, and motor(s) 408. In still other embodiments, the means for simulating real-world effects many include additional or other components (e.g., components 436, 438, 444, 446).

[0075] As discussed herein, a workout intended to simulate real-world terrain may include still and/or video images, and potentially audio. Such information can be retrieved or processed by the controllers 402 and conveyed to the input/output system 404, where it may be provided to the user via a display 412 and/or audio output 414. Inputs received at a user input system 416 of the input/output system 404 may affect the real-world conditions being simulated by the exercise system 400. For instance, a user may change operating parameters of the system 400 using user input system 416, which may then pass the information to one or more controllers 402. An example start control 418 may be used to start an exercise program, routine or workout, and an end control 420 may be used to terminate or pause the program, routine or workout. During the exercise routine, the user may manually or otherwise adjust operating parameters of the exercise system 400. For instance, where the exercise system 400 is a motorized treadmill, the user may vary the speed and/or incline of the treadmill using the speed and incline controls 422, 424. Additional controls to receive or display a user's height (control 426) and/or weight (control 428) can also be used. In a real-world environment, the shape of the user can have an impact on the air resistance felt by the user. Consequently, the weight and/or height of the user can be used to approximate an area or other shape factor for calculating air resistance.

[0076] In that regard, various sensors in the exercise system 400 may also be used to facilitate a determination of how to simulate real-world environmental conditions. For instance, the sensor system 406 may include a weight sensor 430 and/or body position sensor 432. The weight sensor may be used in addition or in lieu of the weight control 428 to approximate a weight of a user. The position of a user's body can potentially affect the air resistance felt by a user. By way of illustration, a user may run in a very upright position which increases a frontal area for air resistance that can be felt by the runner. If the user is in a more hunched position (e.g., by grasping the handle assemblies of FIGS. 1A-2) that user may create a smaller frontal area that reduces wind resistance. In contrast, a user in an upright position may thus have an increased frontal area and more blunt back profile, both of which can be associated with increased drag. Accordingly, in some embodiments, body position sensor 432 may determine an approximate body position of the user. An exemplary body position sensor may include a 3D scanner or other visualization sensor that can be analyzed by controllers 402 or within sensor 432. Other body position sensors may include pressure sensors to determine the weight distribution relative to a frame, tread deck, or other component of the exercise system 400, or may be integrated into a handle assembly. Sensors within handlebars may be used to determine what portion of the handlebars are being gripped and/or the force applied to the grips to approximate to what degree the user is upright versus hunched over. Regardless of the type of sensor or other component used as the optional body position sensor 432, controllers 402 may use the information in simulating real-world conditions, such as by controlling a motor or other mechanism that adjusts an incline mechanism 436 and/or speed mechanism 438.

[0077] The sensor system 406 may also include a power sensor 434. The power sensor 434 may be used for any number of purposes, and can in some embodiments be used to determine the power output at a particular component of exercise system 400. In one embodiment, for instance, the power sensor 434 may include a torque meter that determines the torque at one or more rotating components (e.g., a roller attached to an endless belt; a flywheel in an elliptical, etc.) of the exercise system 400. Controllers 402 may use such information to determine the input power from a user, the power output after losses through the system, or other characteristics useful for simulating real-world environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the power sensor 434 may also or additionally measure strain on one or more of the motors 408.

[0078] Based on information controllers 402 receive through bus 410 from input/output system 404 and/or sensor system 406, controllers 402 may communicate with one or more motors 408. The motors 408 may in turn operate an incline mechanism 436 and/or a speed mechanism 438. Such operation may occur in any suitable manner. For instance, the incline mechanism 436 and/or speed mechanism 438 may be physically connected to the motors 408 such that as a motor 408 is actuated, components of the incline or speed mechanisms 436, 438 may also actuated. An incline mechanism 436, for instance, may include a worm gear that is driven by a motor 408 to increase or decrease an incline. Similarly, a drive wheel or roller attached to an endless belt may be rotated by an actuated motor 408. In other embodiments, the incline and speed mechanisms 436, 438 may operate in other manners. For instance, such mechanisms may be operated independently by the motor 408 and/or controllers 402 communicating with such mechanisms through the bus 410.

[0079] In one example embodiment, controllers 402 may send information through the communication bus 402 to operate the one or more motors 408 in a manner that controls incline and/or speed mechanisms 436, 438 in a manner that simulates air resistance calculated as a drag force, power lost due to drag, power differential, or in another manner. In some embodiments, as a slope of simulated terrain change, controllers 402 may communicate information to motors 408 to adjust the incline mechanism 436 to simulate such slope. As the controllers 402 determine an air resistance to be simulated, the controllers 402 may further communicate with the motors 408 to adjust the incline mechanism 436 and/or speed mechanism 438 to increase or decrease difficulty in a manner that simulates the calculated air resistance. In still another embodiment, the controllers 402 may communicate with the input/output system 404 to adjust displayed parameters based on determined real-world conditions.

[0080] Exercise system 400 may also include a memory/storage component 440, a workout generator 442, a communication interface 444, an IFIT component 446, or any number of other components. Memory/storage component 440 may have any number of purposes and can store any number of components. For instance, memory/storage component 440 may store pre-programmed or custom workouts, a workout history, power/speed and/or power/incline conversion tables or algorithms, still or video images, audio information, and the like. Workout generator 442 may generally be used to create workouts. In some embodiments, workout generator 442 may allow a user to input parameters (e.g., speed, incline, altitude, distances, etc.) to create a workout. In other embodiments, workout generator 442 may be at least partially automated. For instance, workout generator 442 may access real-world map or other data. A user may select start/end points and/or route information, and workout generator 442 may use geographic information to determine and specify the altitude, slope, wind, etc. to be simulated.

[0081] A communication interface 444 may also be provided. According to one example embodiment, communication interface 444 may allow controllers 402 to communicate with remote or local components or data sources. By way of illustration, real-world terrain and/or map information may be stored in a remote data store, and communication interface 444 may connect to the Internet or use another communication system to access the data store and the information. In still another embodiment, controllers 402, input/output system 404, memory/storage 440, workout generator 444 or the like may be located remote from portions of the exercise system 400 or may be distributed among multiple components in different locations. Communication interface 444 may allow the distributed or remote components to communicate and cooperatively operate exercise system 400. For instance, an exercise machine may be connected to a local or remote computing device (e.g., a laptop, desktop, tablet, smart phone, etc.) which can include or act as the controller 402.

[0082] IFIT component 446 may also operate in connection with communication interface 444 in some embodiments. In general, IFIT component 446 may provide exercise system 400 with access to the IFIT.COM website and/or database. The IFIT.COM service may provide workouts, workout creation tools, or other information, including user specific information. As needed, or upon request, controller 402 may access desired information. For instance, the user's height, weight, age, workout history, or other information may be stored in the IFIT.COM database. Such information may be retrieved when needed, such as when height and/or weight information is used to determine air resistance during a workout. Alternatively, other information such as workouts may be stored at the IFIT.COM or other similar website, and retrieved using the IFIT component 446 and/or communication interface 444.

[0083] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate flow charts for use in simulating environmental conditions during an exercise program. To illustrate example methods in accordance with the present disclosure, FIGS. 6 and 7 may be described with reference to components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-5.

[0084] FIG. 6 generally illustrates an example process 500 of modeling real world effects on an exercise system. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment resistance based on operating parameters that can be controlled using the exercise equipment. In particular, method 500 begins 502 and speed is determined in act 504. The speed determination may be made using a speed sensor built into an exercise device, based on a reported speed from a user input/output, or in any other manner. Optionally, the speed may be obtained by measuring a rotational speed and then correlating the rotational speed with a linear velocity (e.g., knowing dimensions of a rotating roller, an endless belt, or other component). Speed can be determined in any suitable dimensions, including as miles per hour, kilometers per hour, feet per second, meters per second, and the like.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a process 500 for modeling real world effects on an exercise system may include an act 506 in which an incline is determined. Determining the incline in act 506 may include determining the incline of an exercise system, determining a slope of a course or real-world location being simulated, or both. For instance, an exercise system may measure an incline of a tread deck or other component of an exercise system, or may measure a position of a component (e.g., a gearing component used to adjust incline). In other embodiments, the system may access a local or remote database that includes topographical information. The topographical information may then be used to determine the slope at a particular location.

[0086] The exercise system used to obtain or otherwise determine speed and incline information may use such information or other operating parameters of the exercise equipment to model air resistance (act 510). More particularly, with regard to air resistance, as a person walks, runs or otherwise moves along real-world terrain, the person moves through the surrounding air. The surrounding air has a mass and density, and the flow of air past and around a person creates a frictional drag force that acts in a direction opposite the motion of the person. On a treadmill or other stationary exercise equipment, a person does not have produce the same air flow or the corresponding drag force. Generally speaking, air flow around a moving object can occur at a velocity that is about the same as the moving object. In many cases, however, there may other factors, including weather related elements such as wind. For instance, a runner may be moving directly into a headwind. In such case, air tends to flow around the person, from front to back, at a velocity that is about the sum of the wind velocity and the person's running velocity. In an opposing scenario, a person may be running with a tailwind. If the velocity of the person is greater than the velocity of the tailwind, air may move around the person, from front to back, at a velocity about equal to the person's velocity less the wind velocity. If the velocity of the person is less than the velocity of the tailwind, air may move around the person, from back to front, at a velocity about equal to the wind velocity less the person's velocity.

[0087] One aspect of the present disclosure is to simulate the effect air resistance has on the effort a person must extend to overcome air resistance forces by increasing or decreasing difficulty to approximate the air resistance, despite the person on the stationary equipment not directly experiencing the air resistance. In general, the forces may be simulated by causing the incline or speed mechanisms to be adjusted by an amount producing increased or decreased difficultly corresponding to the expected air resistance. In other embodiments, the distance of a workout may be scaled to account for the difficultly.

[0088] Air resistance may be determined in a number of different manners. Some examples for determining air resistance may include determining the drag force or the power lost due to air resistance.

[0089] The drag force is the equivalent force of the air resistance and acts in a direction opposite the direction of movement of a person moving relative to the surrounding air. It may generally be calculated using the equation:

F a = C d A ( n 2 ) ( V + V wind ) 2 ##EQU00001##

In the above equation, F.sub.d is the drag force, C.sub.d is the drag coefficient, A is the frontal reference area of the moving object, p is the density of air, V is the velocity of the object relative to air, and V.sub.wind is the velocity of a wind, where a headwind is a positive value and a tailwind is a negative value. Inasmuch as power is equal to a force times velocity, the power loss (P.sub.d) due to air resistance may be calculated using the equation:

P d = VC d A ( n ~ 2 ) ( V + V wind ) 2 ##EQU00002##

[0090] In each of the above equations, the representative force or power component is at least in part based on the frontal area of the moving object, as well as on the drag coefficient. The drag coefficient is a dimensionless number that generally quantifies the drag or resistance of an object, and varies based on the shape of the object. Drag coefficients are often measured values and can range from about 0.001 for highly aerodynamic shapes to values over 2.0 for less aerodynamic shapes. For a runner, a measured drag coefficient may based on factors such as the physical, personal characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.) and shape of the person, as well as the running position (e.g., upright, hunched over, etc.), or potentially even a relative location or position (e.g., if drafting behind another runner or object). Thus, while a simulation system may use a fixed drag coefficient or frontal area, such values may also be dynamic in an attempt to more accurately estimate the effects of air resistance.

[0091] As also noted above, other environmental factors that may affect a moving object in a real-world environment include gravity. Gravitational effects vary proportionally with the weight of a moving object. In particular, in accordance with the present disclosure, the resistance forces due to gravity may be approximated using the equation:

F.sub.g=mg

In this equation, F.sub.g is the force due to gravity, m is the mass of the moving object (i.e., the runner), g is the force of gravity, and .DELTA. is the slope of the road, track or other path. The slope may be a dimensionless value as slope may be determined by elevation change over distance. Using the velocity of the person (V), the power loss (P.sub.g) due to the gravitational forces may be approximated using the equation:

P.sub.g=mgV

[0092] In at least some embodiments, the effects of gravity can be modeled by adjusting the incline of the treadmill or other item of exercise equipment. For instance, if the slope of a road being simulated has a six percent incline, the equipment can have an incline set to six percent to also simulate the gravitational effects. In additional or other embodiments, however, the air resistance can also be simulated by adjusting the incline mechanism. In particular, the total power (P.sub.t) associated with air resistance and gravitational effects may be determined using the following formula:

P t = VC d A ( n ~ 2 ) ( V + V wind ) 2 + mgV A ~ ##EQU00003##

If the gravitational component is eliminated by matching the incline of the exercise equipment to the slope of the terrain, only the air resistance component remains. The air resistance component may then be set equal to the gravitational component to determine what additional incline may be used to add sufficient power to approximate the power associated with air resistance. Thus, an equation for simulating air resistance using incline may be similar to the following:

mgV A ~ 2 = VC d A ( n ~ 2 ) ( V + V wind ) 2 ##EQU00004##

Consequently, the additional incline beyond the incline directly simulating the slope of the terrain, and which can simulate the effects of air resistance can be expressed by the following equation:

A 2 = C d A ( n ~ 2 ) ( V + V wind ) 2 mg ##EQU00005##

Using such an equation, an exercise system may determine, for instance, that when simulating a six percent incline, exercise equipment should automatically have the incline level adjusted to six percent to match the incline and then adjusted an additional positive or negative amount based on the direction of the wind so as to account for air resistance due to the runner's movement and wind being simulated.

[0093] The foregoing equations, or other equations, modeling real-world conditions, may be used to simulate the effects of nature, the environment, and the like within exercise system. As will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein, such equations may utilize values that simulate real-world conditions and/or provide values used to simulate such conditions. Notably, such equations are merely exemplary and other suitable calculations or equations may be used for determining, simulating or modeling real-world forces.

[0094] For instance, in another embodiment, real-world conditions may be simulated in other manners. By way of example, rather than adjusting the incline to compensate for air resistance or other real-world conditions, speed may be increased. Where the equipment includes a console or display, the increased speed may be displayed, although other embodiments may not display the increased speed. In such an embodiment, the power expended by a runner may be expressed by an empirical formula similar to the following:

P r = m 281.716906 - 14.22475 V ##EQU00006##

In the above equation, P.sub.r is the power expended by the runner, while m is the mass of the runner and V is the velocity. In a real-world environment, the total power used by the runner may thus be measured as the sum of power exerted to run at a particular speed (V.sub.1) and the power to overcome the drag. The total power could also be expressed as the total power used by the runner at a second velocity (V.sub.2) using the above equation. When the total power at the second velocity is thus set equal to the sum of the power at the first velocity and the power to overcome the drag, the equation may look like the following:

m 281.716906 - 14.22475 V 2 = m 281.716906 - 14.22475 V 1 + P D ##EQU00007##

Using such an equation and solving for the second velocity (V.sub.2), the following equation may be obtained:

V 2 = V 1 ( 281.716906 P d - m ) - 19.8047 P d P d ( 14.22475 V 1 - 281.716906 ) - m ##EQU00008##

[0095] The power loss due to drag (P.sub.d) can be determined using formulas identified above, and may specifically include an actual velocity of the user, an air density value, a drag coefficient, a frontal area, or the like. When such a value is used in connection with the equation immediately above, a second velocity may be determined. If the exercise equipment is then operated at the second velocity, the system simulates moving at the first velocity while also factoring in considerations such as wind resistance due to movement as well as potentially due to weather conditions, altitude, and the like.

[0096] It should be appreciated in view of the discussion herein that while equipment may be operated at a second velocity, a distance associated with such exercise may instead be based on an initial velocity. Thus, a control panel for an exercise system may actually indicate to a user that he or she is moving at a particular speed (i.e., an initial velocity), while they may instead be moving at a second velocity that is determined to factor in wind resistance.

[0097] As a corollary, rather than modifying a speed at which a user of exercise equipment runs in order to simulate the effects of air resistance, the equipment may instead vary the distance. More particularly, if a user maintains a particular speed, the user of an exercise system will expend more energy to go a further distance rather than a shorter distance. The difference in energy used may be correlated to the power spent to overcome the drag force that would be felt in real-world conditions. As a result, if the distance of a workout is scaled (e.g., by making a workout distance greater if there is a drag force), the effects of running in real-world conditions may be simulated.

[0098] As velocity is equal to distance over time, and thus directly proportional to distance, one way of scaling the distance is to use a scaling factor. The scaling factor may, for instance, be determined using the first velocity a (V.sub.1) and second velocity (V.sub.2) discussed above. The second velocity may be considered an equivalent velocity as the second velocity may be the velocity at which a person may move on stationary equipment to have equivalent energy expenditure as the same person running at the first velocity in a real-world conditions. Using such velocities, a scaling factor (S) for the distance may be determined using the following equation:

S = V 1 V 2 ##EQU00009##

[0099] The scaling factor (S) may thus be applied directly to the distance a user is determined to move over a time during which the particular real-world conditions and velocity are constant. Thus, if the scaling factor is 0.98, an actual distance of one kilometer may be considered, reported, or displayed as 0.98 kilometer. The user would have to exercise an amount equivalent to a distance of an additional 0.2 kilometers to have approximately the same energy expenditure as if moving one kilometer in real-world conditions.

[0100] As will be appreciated, during the course of an exercise program--particularly one simulating real-world terrain or conditions--the speed at which a person is moving, the slope/incline or the terrain, the wind speed or direction, and the like may change. Thus, as information is collected, a determination can be made whether the workout is continuing (act 512) or has ended. If it is determined that the workout is continuing, the process 500 may be iterative by, for instance, returning to act 504 to obtain new speed, incline, air resistance, or other values so that current air resistance conditions can be modeled and simulated.

[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates a further example method 600 that may be used to simulate real-world conditions on a treadmill, elliptical, or other type of exercise equipment. It should be appreciated that method 600 is merely exemplary and that the various illustrated steps may be performed in any suitable order, and that some steps may be eliminated or altered in other embodiments. Moreover, the various steps of method 600 may be performed using any suitable components of an exercise system, including components illustrated in FIG. 5. For instance, in one embodiment, method 600 is performed or coordinated by a controller (e.g., controller 402) or other components. In another embodiment, method 600 is performed using other devices or systems, including by using a controller (e.g., controller 602) in combination with one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 406), motors (e.g., motor(s) 408), incline mechanisms (e.g., incline mechanism 436), and/or speed mechanisms (e.g., speed mechanism 438). In still another embodiment, a collection of one or more components of an exercise system that performs all or a portion of method 600 may be part of a simulation system that simulates real-world or environmental conditions on an exercise device or within an exercise system.

[0102] In FIG. 7, the method 600 begins 602 and the velocity of the user is determined in act 604. As discussed herein, an exercise system may include a treadmill, elliptical or other device and the user may be stationary, but nonetheless moving at a simulated velocity. The speed determined in act 604 may thus be a real-world velocity simulated by the exercise system based on the movement of a user or a movable element such as an endless belt of a treadmill. Determining the simulated velocity of the person may be performed in any number of different manners. For instance, as noted herein, an exemplary treadmill may be a motorized treadmill where a user can set a speed value. Thus, determining the user's speed in act 604 may include identifying the speed at which the user as set the treadmill to operate. In other embodiments, such as where a treadmill, elliptical or other embodiment is non-motorized, an RPM sensor may be used to obtain a rotational speed or angular velocity value of a rotating component such as a crankshaft, flywheel, roller, belt, chain, or other component. Based on the circumference of the rotating component, gearing, or other factors, a simulated linear velocity may be obtained. For instance, a sensor may itself calculate a linear velocity, or may provide the rotational speed to a separate component (e.g., controller 402) which can then compute the simulated linear velocity.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 600 may also include a step for determining an incline or slope (step 606). Determining the incline or slope may occur before, concurrent with, or after determining a speed in act 604, and may occur in any suitable manner. For instance, a user may expressly set an incline value in which case determining an incline or slop in step 606 may include accessing incline information directly from an exercise system. In other embodiments, incline information may be provided without the user expressly setting an incline. As an illustration, a pre-programmed or custom program may set specific incline values, and determining the incline in step 606 may include accessing the program to identify the incline, or using a sensor to determine the incline of the exercise device. In still another embodiment, incline or slope information may be determined based on real-world locations. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments the step 606 for determining an incline or slope includes an act 608 of accessing topographical information. Such topographical information may be stored in a local or remote database. In at least some embodiments, the topographical information may be stored with a workout itself in the form of altitude values, incline adjustments, or a combination of the foregoing.

[0104] Based on a determined slope or incline, the method 600 also includes an act of setting the incline in act 610. Setting the incline can occur automatically, even without user intervention. For instance, upon running an exercise program, the exercise system running the program may send an actuation signal to one or more motors (e.g., motors 408). The motors may rotate a shaft, gear, or other component that then causes an incline mechanism to increase or decrease an incline of the exercise system.

[0105] In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise system may further perform a step 612 for determining air resistance. The determined air resistance may be a simulated air resistance as a user of an exercise device may be stationary and/or indoors. In contrast, the exercise program may be simulating an outdoor environment in which the user is actually moving, and air resistance due to the movement and/or weather conditions (e.g., wind) may be considered. The step 612 for determining air resistance being simulated optionally includes an act of determining a simulated drag coefficient (act 614). As discussed previously, the drag coefficient may relate to the aerodynamic characteristics of a person moving in real-world conditions (e.g., a person who is running along a road or trail). Where the real-world environment is being simulated by a treadmill, elliptical machine or other device, the drag coefficient may be static or dynamic. For instance, the simulated drag coefficient may vary from person to person, or may even vary from second-to-second based on factors such as body position.

[0106] In general, the simulated drag coefficient may vary between about 0.4 and about 1.5, although in other embodiments the drag coefficient may be higher or lower. In one embodiment in which the simulated drag coefficient is fixed, the value may be between about 0.4 and about 0.7, although such values are merely examples. In embodiments in which the drag coefficient varies, the variation may occur based on the body position of the user of the exercise equipment, the physical characteristics of the user, whether the runner is simulating an exercise where the user is drafting behind another person or object, and the like. If a runner is running in an upright position, the drag coefficient may, for example, be set to be between about 0.5 and about 0.7.

[0107] Further still, in some embodiments, determining the simulated drag coefficient in act 614 may include determining or using personal characteristics of the user of the exercise equipment. Example personal characteristics may include the height and/or weight of the person, the type of clothing being worn or simulated, and the like. For instance, a person may provide height or weight information directly into a control panel (see FIG. 3) of an exercise device, or the information may be obtained from another source (e.g., a remote database such as IFIT.COM, sensors on the equipment, etc). In act 614, the simulated drag coefficient may be higher for a larger person than for a person with a lesser weight or height. Thus, in some embodiments, determining the simulated drag coefficient (act 614) is based on personal characteristics (e.g., height/weight information), clothing, or body position.

[0108] The step for determining simulated air resistance (step 612) may also include determining a frontal area of a user of the exercise system (act 616). Determining the frontal area in act 616 may be performed in any number of manners. For instance, frontal area may be assumed to be an approximate value that is fixed value regardless of the personal characteristics or body position of a user. In such a case, the frontal area may be between about 0.3 meters and about 1.2 meters, although such values are merely examples and the frontal area may be higher or lower. In still other embodiments, frontal area may be approximated in a manner that varies based on factors similar to those optionally considered in determining the drag coefficient. A determination of the frontal area in act 616 may include obtaining an approximation based on any combination of a fixed value, or a user's height, weight, or body position. Such information may be obtained using sensors, user input, from data stores, using a processor/controller, or in other manners.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise system may include one or more controllers or other modules (see FIG. 5) that act as a simulation system for weather or other environmental factors. For instance, surface wind may have a significant effect on a real-world runner, but almost none on a user of stationary exercise equipment, particularly if the stationary equipment is indoors. In the method 600, simulating real-world conditions may include determining a simulated wind velocity and/or direction (act 618) in the step for determining simulated air resistance (step 612).

[0110] Determining simulated wind velocity or direction in act 618 can include evaluating any number of resources to set or determine the relevant wind to be simulated. For instance, in one embodiment an exercise system may include a component that generates a random or pseudo-random wind value and/or direction. In other embodiments, wind may be based on the actual location being simulated. By way of illustration, if a person is simulating a run through Central Park in New York City, a wind simulation system of an exercise system may access real-time weather information of New York City, may access historical or average values, or may obtain wind information in other manners. In still other embodiments, a user may have full or partial control over wind values. For instance, a user may create a workout and indicate that the simulated wind should satisfy certain criteria (e.g., minimum, maximum, direction, fixed, variable, etc.). The system may then be set to apply the wind based on such criteria and, if appropriate, vary the wind speed in a regular or random nature. The direction of simulated wind may be similarly determined, but may also be based on the direction of travel being simulated for the user. Accordingly, in determining simulated wind velocity, a speed and direction component of the simulated wind may be obtained. The direction component may be an absolute value (e.g., southwest) or may be relative to the simulated direction in which the person is moving during a workout program (e.g., thirty degrees off parallel to the direction of travel).

[0111] Where the simulated wind direction is not directly in a headwind or tailwind direction, the simulated wind is optionally separated into components when determining the wind velocity and/or direction in act 618. The components may be obtained for directions parallel and/or perpendicular to the travel direction. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates a simulated wind of about 8 miles per hour wind that is at about thirty degrees offset from a direct headwind relative to the run direction being simulated. Using standard trigonometric functions, the simulated wind component in a true headwind direction may be about 6.93 miles per hour, while the simulated wind component in a true cross-wind direction may be about 4.00 miles per hour. In some embodiments, determining simulated wind velocity in act 618 may also include displaying wind speed and/or direction (e.g., on a map as shown in FIG. 4, or in any other manner).

[0112] Any number of systems may be utilized to determine speed and/or direction of a simulated wind component, including surface wind. In some embodiments, an exercise device may include a wind simulation system. Such a wind simulation system may be provided in software, hardware, or another component, or in any combination of the foregoing. For instance, in one embodiment, a controller (e.g., controller 402) may be programmed or otherwise equipped to determine a simulated wind direction and/or speed in any manner such as those described or contemplated herein. In another embodiment, a controller may access or execute software (e.g., stored in memory/storage component 440, or available using communication interface 444) to simulate wind.

[0113] Optionally, a simulated altitude may also be determined (act 620). As discussed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure include simulating real-world terrain, or even simulating virtual terrain. To simulate such terrain, the elevation may increase or decrease, respectively, as the person virtually ascends or descends simulated hills. If real-world or other topographical information is used, the virtual speed of the user can be used to track the simulated current location of the person along a particular route, as well as the simulated current altitude.

[0114] The altitude may be used for any number of purposes. For instance, the simulated current altitude may be displayed to a user on a control panel or similar device to provide visual feedback to the user as to their location and workout. Environmental conditions such as air density also can vary based on altitude. At sea level, the density of air under standard atmospheric conditions is about 1.225 kg/m.sup.3. Under the same conditions, but at 1000 meters altitude, the density of air is about 1.088 kg/m.sup.3. Air density may also change based on temperature or other weather conditions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, determining altitude in act 620 may also include determining a simulated air density value. In other embodiments, the simulated air density value may be fixed regardless of altitude. A fixed air density may be between about 1.1 kg/m.sup.3 and 1.2 kg/m.sup.3, but may be higher or lower in other embodiments. The air density may also be fixed for a particular workout by, for instance, averaging the simulated elevation throughout the entire workout.

[0115] The simulated current altitude during a workout may also be used for other purposes. For instance, act 622 includes an optional act of identifying characteristics of surrounding or nearby terrain. In real-world conditions, there may be wind that is at least partially blocked or otherwise affected by the surrounding and nearby terrain. For instance, in the bottom of a narrow canyon between two hillsides, a person located at a position that is sufficiently below the peak height may feel almost no wind if the wind direction is such that the wind is blocked by the hillside. As the user moves towards the top of the hill, how much of the wind is felt may gradually build until at the top the user feels the full effect of the wind. In similar geography, if the wind is blowing directly into the canyon a funneling effect may occur so as to increase the effect of the wind.

[0116] Accordingly, in some embodiments, wind may be scaled (act 624). Scaling the wind may include applying a scaling factor to obtain a simulated wind velocity. The scaling factor may be based on the direction of simulated wind and/or the topography of the surrounding terrain being simulated. For instance, if the simulated current location is lower in elevation relative to nearby terrain in the direction the wind originates, the difference in elevation may be determined. Based on the difference, the scaling factor may vary from about 0.0 to about 1.0. By way of illustration, one manner of calculating and applying a scaling factor may include determining that when the difference between the peak altitude and current altitude is greater than five hundred meters, the scaling factor is 0.0, indicating no surface wind affects the air resistance on the user of the exercise equipment. Where the difference is between five hundred and zero meters, the scaling factor may vary linearly. Thus, in the above example, if the peak altitude is one hundred meters and a simulated location is at a simulated current altitude of seven hundred fifty meters, the scaling factor may be 0.5. If the simulated current altitude is one thousand meters, the scaling factor may be 1.0. Consequently, as the user virtually ascends a hill, the scaling factor may increase, which in turn causes a backing off of the adjustment to the simulated wind velocity as well as to the adjustment of simulated air resistance due to the surrounding terrain. Of course, other mechanisms or algorithms may be applied to scale the simulated wind or air resistance based on the location, size, topography, altitude, or other conditions of nearby and surrounding terrain.

[0117] The step 612 for determining air resistance may further include calculating air resistance (act 626), which may be a simulated air resistance value. In one embodiment, calculating the simulated air resistance in act 626 may include using any one or more of a determined velocity, drag coefficient, frontal area, wind velocity, wind direction, altitude, air density, or wind scaling factor. For instance, using a previously presented formula, and applying a scaling factor (SF) to the surface wind component, the approximate power loss due to air resistance may be calculated as:

P d = VC d A ( n ~ 2 ) ( V + ( SF .times. V wind ) ) 2 ##EQU00010##

[0118] The resultant value for power loss (P.sub.d) may be obtained in Watts or another unit. To obtain a value in Watts, the velocity values (V and V.sub.wind) may be in meters per second, the area (A) in square meters, and the air density (.rho.) in kg/m.sup.3. The scaling factor (SF) and drag coefficient (C.sub.d) may be unitless values. When a scaling factor is not used, the scaling factor may simply be set to 1.0 or simply eliminated. Notably, the value of V may be a simulated linear velocity. As noted previously, the linear velocity may be simulated by using a value set by a user, by measuring a rotational or other speed, or in another manner. The above formula may thus produce a power value of the power differential that must be overcome to account on account of air resistance.

[0119] As noted above, the method 600 may also include a step 628 for scaling operating parameters of an exercise system based on air resistance. In one embodiment, step 628 includes an act of adjusting an incline of the exercise system (act 630). Such an act may include adjusting the incline set in act 610 to increase or decrease the incline an amount corresponding to air resistance. The amount of the incline may be determined as described herein by associating the power component of drag due to air resistance with the power requirement for a change in incline. Changes to incline can be determined automatically and produced in real-time. Often, the changes in incline may be minor and may be between 0% and 2%, although larger or smaller changes in incline may also be produced depending on factors such as the wind speed and direction, simulated velocity of the person exercising, characteristics of surrounding terrain, and the like. The adjustments to incline may occur with or without the user's knowledge. For instance, a user running up a 6% slope may be shown on a control panel that the slope is 6% and that there is a twelve mile per hour wind. Based on such a determination, the exercise system may determine that the increased effort resulting from increasing the incline by 0.25% would simulate the effect of the wind and movement of the user. Consequently, the system may automatically adjust the incline by 0.25%. The control panel may continue to display that the slope is 6%, without reflecting the adjusted incline. Alternatively, the system could display the adjusted incline. By way of illustration, the control panel could display that the slope is 6% but that the air resistance is equivalent to a 0.25% increase in slope.

[0120] The step 628 for scaling the operating parameters of an exercise system based on air resistance may additionally or alternatively include an act 632 of adjusting a speed of the exercise system. For instance, as discussed herein, air resistance causes a runner in a real-world environment to expend additional effort to travel a particular distance at a given speed. Although indoor, stationary equipment may not produce the same air resistance, increasing the speed can cause the user to expend additional effort. The additional effort can be set to be about equivalent to the air resistance as discussed herein. In particular, it may be determined that increasing speed by a half mile per hour may be the equivalent of a running into a strong headwind. Where operating parameters are scaled by adjusting the speed in act 632, this may thus include increasing the speed of a movable element (e.g., an endless belt of a treadmill) so that the user is moving at an increased speed. That the speed is increased may or may not be displayed to the user. For instance, the control panel of an exercise system may continue to display an original speed despite an automatic increase determined to be equivalent to the air resistance. In another embodiment, the change in speed may be displayed. For instance, the original speed may be displayed along with an annotation indicating that an actual speed change has occurred to approximate air resistance.

[0121] In addition to, or in lieu or, adjusting incline or speed, the distance a person moves may be scaled, as shown in act 624. By way of illustration, and as noted above, at a particular speed, a person would expend more energy moving a longer distance than a shorter distance. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment a calculation of distance travelled may be scaled based on the air resistance. For instance, an exercise system may determine that a person running 0.95 mile in real world conditions that include wind would expend the same energy as the same person running one mile without the wind. As a result, the exercise system could scale the distance travelled by about 0.95. That is to say that although the time and speed at which the user is running may indicate one distance, that distance may be scaled based on the scaling factor that is dependent on the air resistance determination in step 612.

[0122] Although each of acts 630-634 are shown as being present in the step 628 for scaling operating parameters of an exercise system based on air resistance, it should be appreciated that the acts 630-634 may individually or collectively be present in any combination. For instance, an exercise system may be equipped to adjust for air resistance by using the incline, speed or distance mechanisms discussed herein. It may determine how to do so automatically or may allow the user to control which mechanism is preferred. In other embodiments, only one or more of the various options may be provided.

[0123] In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise workout or program may iteratively apply aspects of the method 600. For instance, as a user moves along simulated terrain, speeds up or down, changes simulated elevation, etc., the simulated wind, velocity and slope may constantly be monitored, and the effect such have on air resistance may also be calculated. Thus, in act 636 a determination may be made as to whether a workout or exercise program has been completed. If the workout has not been completed, an exercise system may repeat any or all of the prior acts or steps, including determining a user's speed in act 604, determining a slope or incline in step 606, setting an incline in act 610, determining air resistance in step 612 and/or scaling the operating parameters of the exercise system in act 628. When the workout is complete, the process 600 may terminate (act 638).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0124] In general, the exercise systems and devices of the present disclosure provide an exercise device that allows simulation of real-world environmental factors corresponding to a programmed workout or course. Specifically, as a user of the exercise device exercises, expected values for air resistance and/or gravitational effects can be calculated. Such effects can be related to a mechanism controlling the operating parameters of the exercise device to require the user to expend the same effort to traverse the same distance as if moving along the actual, real-world terrain.

[0125] The effects of real-world and environmental factors may also be tailored specifically to the person. The person's personal characteristics (e.g., height and weight) can have a direct impact on the real-world effects he or she feels. That is, air resistance can be calculated based on the frontal area of the person, which frontal area may be influenced at least in part by the height and weight of the person.

[0126] Environmental factors such as wind and topography also affect the difficulty to move along real-world terrain, and can be simulated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Wind--whether random, simulated, or based on real-time or historical data--can also be considered and applied so as to increase how similar a simulated walk, jog, run or other exercise is to the actual exercise in the real-world. For instance, wind can be combined with the velocity of the user to determine the actual air resistance that would be felt in the actual terrain. That resistance can be equated with a change in incline, speed or distance so that the physical effort required for an exercise is simulated.

[0127] An exercise device may be linked to GOOGLE MAPS or other databases that allow a user to download or create programs based on actual elevations along a known course, location or route. Such topographical information may assist in determining locations along a route as well as air resistance information. For instance, topography of nearby terrain may be used to determine the effect of wind. In addition, while some embodiments contemplate a device having an incline mechanism for adjusting incline, other types of equipment may not include incline mechanisms or automatic incline adjustments. In such cases, the effect of gravity can also be considered. Based on the mass of the user, the slope of the terrain, and the like, changes to speed and/or distance could be made to take into account both air resistance and gravity.

[0128] The particular manner in which real-world conditions are simulated may be varied. Some embodiments may use equations or modeling based on steady conditions. As a result, forces associated with acceleration, turning, type of terrain, and the like may not be considered. More complex simulations may be used to also account for non-steady conditions. Further, although embodiments may determine air resistance in terms of power and then model air resistance to incline, speed or distance using power equations, modeling may be performed in other manners, such as by calculating forces. In other embodiments, actual torque or power values of an exercise device may be determined, scaled to correspond to power expended by a user, and then used to adjust operating parameters to correlate to drag-related effects.

[0129] Approximation or simulation of real-world conditions may utilize other systems or components of an exercise system. For instance, in one embodiment an exercise device includes a treadmill having a tread deck around which an endless belt rotates. Sensors may be positioned on or near the tread deck to determine the location, position, weight or other characteristics of the user, thereby allowing an effective simulation even in the absence of direct access to the user's physical personal characteristics. In still other embodiments, a user may be able to input information such as the user's clothing size. The clothing size, potentially in combination with other personal characteristics, may be used in simulating air resistance, such as by determining an appropriate frontal area or drag coefficient.

[0130] In conclusion, embodiments of the present systems, devices, and methods provide for an exercise system that may be stationary or used indoors and which simulates real-world conditions. More specifically, the real-world conditions that would affect the person when running or otherwise moving along an actual, real-world route are simulated by the exercise equipment so that any combination of the size, shape, position, and the like of the user may specifically be factored in to provide a more realistic training or exercise experience.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a movable exercise element; an adjustment mechanism for modifying operation of the movable exercise element; and at least one controller in communication with the adjustment mechanism to vary operating parameters of the movable element based at least in part on a simulated air resistance, the simulated air resistance being dependent on a velocity or direction of a simulated wind.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable exercise element is a belt of a treadmill.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism modifies an incline of the movable exercise element, and wherein the at least one controller controls incline changes to simulate air resistance.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism modifies a speed of the movable exercise element, and wherein the at least one controller controls speed changes to simulate air resistance.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism modifies a determination of distance travelled based on movement of the movable exercise element, and wherein the at least one controller controls changes to the distance travelled to simulate air resistance.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the simulated air resistance is based on at least one physical characteristic of a user of the exercise apparatus.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one physical characteristic of the user includes any one or more of: a height of the user; a weight of the user; a frontal area of the user;.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air resistance is determined based on a variable drag coefficient.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an incline mechanism and the at least one controller is in communication with the incline mechanism to vary operating parameters of the movable element based at least in part on slope of simulated terrain.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the simulated air resistance is at least in part dependent on a simulated current altitude relative to an altitude of surrounding terrain.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the simulated air resistance is variable through at least a backing off of a scaling factor as simulated current altitude approaches a peak altitude of surrounding terrain.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the simulated air resistance is at least in part dependent on a wind direction.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein simulated air resistance is determined using a wind velocity obtained from a real-time source.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein simulated air resistance is determined using a wind velocity obtained from a historical information.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein simulated air resistance is determined using an air density value that is variable based on at least a simulated current altitude.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, the exercise apparatus further comprising: a simulation system, the simulation system including: the at least one controller; a display for displaying images corresponding to real-world terrain being simulated; and a wind simulation system for determining a direction and a velocity of wind being simulated and causing the at least one controller to communicate changes to the adjustment mechanism based on each of wind velocity and direction.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller communicates to the adjustment mechanism changes to the operating parameters based at least in part on a relation of a power value associated with air resistance relative to a power associated with a change in one or more of incline, speed or distance.

18. A treadmill, comprising: a tread deck; an endless belt supported by the tread deck; at least one drive mechanism connected to the tread deck or endless belt; and one or more controllers in communication with the at least one drive mechanism to change an incline of the tread deck, the one or more controllers further being in communication with the tread deck to change incline, speed or distance parameters associated with use of the endless belt in response to simulated air resistance of real-world characteristics.

19. The treadmill of claim 18, further comprising: a communication interface configured to access a remote source to obtain at least some information used to simulate air resistance based on real-world characteristics.

20. A treadmill, comprising: an endless belt connected to a tread deck; a drive mechanism connected to the endless belt to drive rotation of the endless belt relative to the tread deck; an incline mechanism connected to the tread deck to selectively vary an incline of the endless belt; and means for adjusting the drive or incline mechanisms by simulating at least air resistance based on one or more particular physical characteristics of a user of the treadmill, a simulated velocity, and a simulated surface wind.