U.S. patent application number 15/618647 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-25 for interactive and dynamic fitness system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Strive VR, LLC. Invention is credited to Ryan DeLuca, Preston Lewis, Duane Mathes, Daniel Thurber.
Application Number | 20180021629 15/618647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60989707 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180021629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeLuca; Ryan ; et
al. |
January 25, 2018 |
Interactive and Dynamic Fitness System
Abstract
A fitness system includes a training area with exercise
equipment and a positional tracking system to record and evaluate a
participant. The system optionally includes a virtual or augmented
reality headset, standalone display, computer, additional feedback
sensors, accessories, and communication components. The positional
tracking system preferably includes one or more laser-based base
stations and a plurality of positional tracking sensors placed on
or near the participant and equipment. The participant can play
games, interact with others, and track performance, and the system
dynamically adapts in response to information provided by the
tracking system, user inputs, and other sensors or inputs.
Inventors: |
DeLuca; Ryan; (Boise,
ID) ; Lewis; Preston; (Boise, ID) ; Mathes;
Duane; (Boise, ID) ; Thurber; Daniel; (Boise,
ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Strive VR, LLC |
Boise |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60989707 |
Appl. No.: |
15/618647 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62364802 |
Jul 20, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/72 20130101;
A63B 2220/808 20130101; A63B 2220/836 20130101; A63F 13/235
20140902; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 2220/56 20130101; A63B
2220/807 20130101; A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B 2220/805 20130101;
A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B 24/0059 20130101; A63B 2230/04
20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0083 20130101; A63B
21/023 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B
24/0021 20130101; A63F 13/211 20140902; A63B 2220/806 20130101;
A63B 21/4037 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2024/0096
20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
2023/0411 20130101; A63B 23/1218 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101;
A63B 5/20 20130101; A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 21/4031
20151001; A63B 2071/0647 20130101; A63B 24/0075 20130101; A63B
26/00 20130101; A63B 5/16 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0661 20130101; A63B 21/0023 20130101;
A63B 21/0058 20130101; A63B 21/0085 20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101;
A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2024/0025
20130101; A63B 22/04 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00; A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a dynamic fitness environment for
enjoyment by a participant comprising: a. providing a dedicated
training area accessible to the participant, wherein the dedicated
training area comprises at least one exercise equipment; b.
continuously detecting position information of the participant in
the dedicated training area with a laser-based positional tracking
system; c. continuously communicating the participant position
information to a computer system programmed to analyzing the
position information, to determine if the exercise equipment should
be adjusted, and to control and adjust the exercise equipment; and
d. continuously adjusting the exercise equipment according to
instructions received from the computer system.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a. providing a headset
in the dedicated training area; b. positioning the headset on the
participant such that the participant can view a display on the
headset while using the exercise equipment; and c. delivering
content to the headset while the participant uses the exercise
equipment, wherein the content comprises visual content viewable on
the headset display.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: a. establishing a
communication link between the headset and computer system, wherein
the computer system is further programmed to deliver content to the
headset and to adjust the content delivered to the headset; b.
continuously determining with the computer system if adjusted
content should be delivered to the headset based on the participant
position information received by the computer system; c.
continuously creating adjusted content with the computer system
when appropriate; and d. continuously delivering the adjusted
content from the computer system to the headset.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising collecting participant
information from the participant before the participant begins
using the provided exercise equipment and delivering the collected
participant information to the computer system.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the collected participant
information includes personal and historical information, wherein
the computer system is further programmed to maintain such
information, and wherein the method further comprises updating the
stored personal and historical information in the computer
system.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the collected participant
information includes the participant's desired environmental
parameters for the dynamic fitness environment, wherein the
computer system is further programmed to control and adjust
environmental parameters, and wherein the method further comprises
using the computer system to automatically adjust the environmental
parameters according to the participant's instructions.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the participant information
collected includes the participant's desired initial equipment
parameters and wherein the method further comprises using the
computer system to automatically adjust the initial equipment
parameters according to the participant's instructions before the
participant uses the exercise equipment.
8. The method of claim 3 wherein the exercise equipment further
comprises at least one smart handle comprising a user input and
game controller components and wherein the method further
comprises: a. continuously detecting position information of the
smart handle with the laser-based positional tracking system while
the participant uses the smart handle; b. continuously
communicating smart handle position information and the smart
handle user inputs to the computer system, wherein the computer
system is further programmed to analyze the smart handle position
information and user input information and to determine if adjusted
content should be delivered to the headset based on the smart
handle position and user inputs; c. continuously creating adjusted
content with the computer system when appropriate; and d.
continuously delivering the adjusted content from the computer
system to the headset.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a. continuously
detecting position information of the exercise equipment with the
laser-based positional tracking system while the participant uses
the exercise equipment; b. continuously communicating the exercise
equipment position information to the computer system, wherein the
computer system is further programmed to analyzing the exercise
equipment position information and to determine if the exercise
equipment should be adjusted in light of the exercise equipment
position; and c. continuously automatically adjusting the exercise
equipment according to instructions received from the computer
system.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a. providing a
plurality of inputs in the dedicated training environment; b.
continuously monitoring the plurality of inputs; c. communicating a
change in any of the plurality of inputs to the computer system,
wherein the computer system is further programmed to evaluate
changes among the plurality of inputs and instruct or control a
plurality of outputs in the training environment; and d.
continuously operate the plurality of outputs according to
instructions from the computer system.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the laser-based positional
tracking system comprises a plurality of positional tracking
sensors placed in the dedicated training area to detect the
position of the participant.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the plurality of positional
tracking sensors are attached to one or more accessories configured
to be worn by the participant.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the plurality of positional
tracking sensors are attached to the exercise equipment.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the laser-based positional
tracking system further comprises at least one positional tracking
base station configured to emit a plurality of signals that
cooperate with the plurality of positional tracking sensors.
15. A method of providing a dynamic fitness environment for
enjoyment by a participant comprising: a. providing a first
dedicated training area accessible to the participant, wherein the
dedicated training area comprises at least one exercise equipment,
a laser-based positional tracking system, a headset, and at least
one computer system, wherein the computer system is programmed to:
i. receive and evaluate information received from a positional
tracking system; ii. deliver content to the headset; iii. determine
when the exercise equipment should be adjusted; iv. determine when
content delivered to the headset should be adjusted; v. control and
adjust the exercise equipment; vi. control and adjust content
delivered to the headset; b. introducing the participant to the
first dedicated training area; c. placing the headset on the
participant such that the participant can enjoy content delivered
to the headset; d. setting the initial parameters for the
environment of the first dedicated training area and the equipment;
e. activating the positional tracking system when the user begins
using the equipment or exercising; f. continuously detecting
participant position information with the positional tracking
system while the participant uses the exercise equipment; g.
continuously detecting equipment position information with the
positional tracking system while the participant uses the exercise
equipment; h. continuously communicating the participant position
information and the equipment position information to the computer
system; i. continuously evaluating with the computer system whether
the exercise equipment should be adjusted in light of the received
position information and providing instructions when the equipment
should be adjusted; j. continuously evaluating with the computer
system whether content delivered to the headset should be adjusted
in light of the received position information and providing
instructions when content should be adjusted; k. continuously
automatically adjusting the exercise equipment according to
instructions received from the computer system; and l. continuously
automatically adjusting the content delivered to the headset
according to instruction received from the computer system.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: a. providing at
least one smart handle among the exercise equipment, wherein the
smart handle comprises at least one user input; b. continuously
delivering any user input from the smart handle to the computer
system, wherein the computer system is further configured to
receive and evaluate user input from the smart handle; c.
continuously evaluating with the computer system whether content
whether the exercise equipment should be adjusted in light of the
received user input from the smart handle and providing
instructions when the equipment should be adjusted; d. continuously
evaluating with the computer system whether content delivered to
the headset should be adjusted in light of the received user input
from the smart handle and providing instructions when content
should be adjusted; e. continuously automatically adjusting the
exercise equipment according to instructions received from the
computer system; and f. continuously automatically adjusting the
content delivered to the headset according to instruction received
from the computer system.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the laser-based positional
tracking system comprises at least one positional tracking base
station configured to emit a signal that cooperates with a first
plurality of positional tracking sensors and a second plurality of
positional tracking sensors, wherein the first plurality of
positional tracking sensors are positioned on the participant and
the second plurality of positional tracking sensors are positioned
on the exercise equipment.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first plurality of
positional tracking sensors are attached to accessories worn by the
participant.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the exercise equipment comprises
a cable system comprising at least one repositionable resistance
unit.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising communicating with a
remote second dedicated fitness environment and sharing content
between the first and second dedicated fitness environments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending
provisional U.S. Application 62/364,802 filed Jul. 20, 2016.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fitness systems and methods for
providing interactive and dynamic fitness or gaming programs. More
particularly, this invention relates to a fitness or gaming
environment incorporating virtual, augmented, or mixed reality,
tracking systems, and dynamically-controlled exercise equipment to
improve a participant's fitness performance and overall
enjoyment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, bodybuilders, firefighters,
servicemen, servicewomen, dancers, physical therapy patients, and
many others find themselves working out at home or at gyms and
using a variety of equipment. They may follow an individualized
plan developed by professional trainers or therapists, may be
working as part of a team or with a partner, or may be following
some general advice mined from a book or online resource. Often,
they are practicing strength training or resistance training, and
often they reach a plateau. Some become bored, others stop
improving, and yet others become frustrated or confused.
[0004] In an attempt to end the daily struggle that millions of
people go through to get the exercise that they need to achieve the
body and health that they desire, current approaches such as
providing a personal coach, offering a variety of classes, and
setting up competitions among participants are helpful but not
enough. Typically, these approaches provide only a short-term
solution; a new method or system of training is needed.
[0005] Additional issues also arise with current systems of
training due to limitations of conventional exercise equipment.
Exercise equipment generally is a one-size-fits-all or only can be
modified by changing tension or weight components before beginning
an exercise. For some fitness enthusiasts, the equipment can be
intimidating or confusing. Additionally, many misuse the equipment
due to inexperience or because they misjudge what settings or
weights are appropriate. For other fitness enthusiasts and
especially for elite athletes, the equipment limits progress
because it fails to dynamically adjust as a participant progresses
through a movement or limits the participant's ability to customize
an exercise to maximize results. A new fitness system is needed to
improve the results for all fitness levels.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a new system
that dynamically adapts during exercise both as biomechanical
leverage changes and according to participant-specific instructions
or conditions. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a new
system that addresses boredom by providing interactive and game
features and that addresses plateaus by providing personalized
motivation, tracking, and fitness coaching and evaluation. It also
would be desirable to provide a fitness or gaming environment that
can track historical progress and evaluate a participant's form in
real time, provide immediate feedback, and automatically adjust
exercise equipment as needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A fitness system for improving and enhancing a fitness or
gaming environment includes a dedicated training area with exercise
equipment such as constant, variable, and accommodating resistance
devices, an optional virtual, augmented, or mixed reality headset,
an optional standalone display, a computer, a positional tracking
system, optionally additional feedback sensing systems, optional
accessories, and wired or wireless communication components
incorporated among the exercise equipment, accessories, headset,
display, computer, tracking system components, and any other system
components featuring tracking sensors or other features requiring
communication. The positional tracking system preferably includes
positional tracking base stations and a plurality of positional
tracking sensors placed on the exercise equipment, headset, and
accessories. The fitness system optionally further comprises one or
more additional input devices such as microphones, pressure
sensors, or game controller components and one or more output
devices such as fans, lights, and speakers.
[0008] To use fitness system, a participant, optionally wearing one
or more accessories and/or headset, enters the dedicated training
area to access the exercise equipment, optionally selects any
desired fitness or gaming programs, any desired fitness or gaming
environment parameters, and whether to participate in virtual
reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, or other programming.
When selected, virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality
programming or other programming may be delivered on the display or
on the headset's display. Likewise, the equipment is positioned,
calibrated, and initialized according to the selected fitness
program, and the environment is created according to the
environment parameters selected. The positional tracking system
activates, and the position of the equipment and the participant
are tracked, recorded, and evaluated. Additional information also
is gathered through any other sensors or inputs (e.g., pressure
sensors in the floor or wall) where appropriate. Based on the
position of the equipment and participant and based on any
additional sensed or received information, virtual reality content,
additional programming, the equipment, and the environment can all
be adjusted. In particular, the exercise equipment can
dynamically-adjust its position and behavior as needed depending on
the information received about the participant and the equipment to
change, for example, the resistance, speed, or intensity. A
participant who enjoys three 30-minute fitness sessions a week
should increase his strength, endurance, and health and achieve his
desired body composition and shape, all while enjoying his fitness
sessions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
electronically controlled resistance exercise machine of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the resistance units of the
embodiment of the electronically controlled resistance exercise
machine shown in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
alternative electronically controlled resistance exercise machine
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a handle of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram of accessories useful with the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a wearable
accessory useful with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6B is a side view of the wearable accessory shown in
FIG. 6A.
[0017] FIG. 6C is an end view of the wearable accessory shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a preferred positional tracking
system of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart detailing a method of use of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] A fitness system 10 for improving and enhancing a fitness or
gaming environment is shown in FIGS. 1-7. Fitness system 10
includes a dedicated training area 20 with exercise equipment such
as constant resistance devices 30 and variable or accommodating
resistance devices 40, an optional virtual, augmented, or mixed
reality headset 50, an optional standalone display 60, one or more
optional accessories 70, a computer 80, a tracking system 100, and
wired or wireless sensor communication components 140 or equipment
communication components 142 incorporated among the exercise
equipment, accessories, headset, display, computer, tracking system
components, and any other system 10 components featuring sensors or
other features requiring communication. Fitness system 10
optionally further comprises one or more additional input devices
90 such as microphones, pressure sensors, or game controller
components 930 and one or more output devices 95 such as fans,
lights, and speakers. Positional tracking system 100 preferably
comprises an outside-in tracking system such as one that includes
at least one or more base stations 120 and a plurality of
positional tracking sensors 130 placed on the exercise equipment,
accessories, and headset. Alternatively, positional tracking system
100 comprises an inside-out tracking system such as one where the
positional tracking sensors 130 are placed on stationary objects
and cameras are placed on movable objects such as the headset or
exercise equipment and accessories.
[0021] The dedicated training area 20 is any fitness or gaming
environment that can house necessary components for fitness system
10. Preferably, dedicated training area 20 is a dedicated room or
defined section of a room. Also preferably, dedicated training area
20 comprises walls or other structures sufficient to support
traditional wall-mounted exercise equipment, positional tracking
components, displays, and the like. Also preferably, dedicated
training area 20 comprises a floor sufficient for supporting
exercise equipment, participants and trainers, and other objects
traditionally supported by a foundational structure. Dedicated
training area 20 may also include features such as an exercise pool
or raised platforms that further make or fall within its
boundaries. It is anticipated that the system and method described
herein can be adapted to many training or gaming environments such
as, for example, gyms, arcades, personal training studios, dance
centers, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Further,
it is anticipated that they system and method described herein will
be useful with many types of fitness activities, physical training,
rehabilitation, and other gaming activities. Additionally, while
the system is described as a fitness system throughout, it is
intended that fitness systems include all kinds of fitness,
health-related, gaming, and recreational systems that include
similar structures and methods of operation.
[0022] Located within dedicated training area 20 are one or more
exercise equipment, apparatuses, or machines 22, which includes all
types of machines, devices, apparatuses, and structures useful for
fitness, health, training, recreational, and gaming applications
and activities. Many types of exercise equipment 22 include at
least one moveable component such as a handle 440 as shown in FIG.
2 or the entire free weight 30 as shown in FIG. 1. Exercise
apparatuses or machines 22 can be any type of exercise or gaming
equipment traditionally found in gyms, health clubs, fitness
centers, outdoor trails, arcades, or other fitness environments.
For example, exercise machines or apparatuses 22 include equipment
such as stairs, platforms, balance balls, ropes, bars, ladders,
medicine balls, tires, pull-up rings, bumper plates, stands,
kettlebells, jump ropes, plyometric boxes, dumbbells, mats, bands,
glute-ham developers (GHDs), parallettes, squat stands, smith
machines, weights, weight racks, stackable steps, abdominal
trainers, rollers, stability balls, wall balls, dipping bars, yoga
straps and silks, blocks, suspension straps, tubing, physioballs,
pulleys, bungees, cables, bolsters, wedges, tables, and the like.
Exercise apparatuses or machines 22 also include equipment such as
rowers or ergometers, bicycles, treadmills, elliptical machines,
ski machines, reformers, arc trainers, vibration platform machines,
steppers, climbing machines, adaptive motion trainers, hand
ergometers, airdyne bicycles, recumbent bicycles, spin bicycles,
stationary bicycles, jacobs ladders, ski ergometers, resistance
devices, and the like.
[0023] In addition to the standard features for the exercise
equipment, which will be known by those skilled in the art, the
exercise equipment 22 may, where appropriate, include exercise
equipment communication components 142 to facilitate wired or
wireless communication with other parts or components of the
fitness system 10. Additionally, where the exercise equipment
includes controllable moving parts, the exercise equipment may also
include equipment control and processing components 144 and
electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical components as
necessary to facilitate communication with other devices and to
facilitate receiving, processing, and executing instructions
necessary to move or operate the equipment or its parts. An example
of equipment control and processing components and electrical,
mechanical, or electromechanical components is further discussed
below and shown in FIG. 2A with respect to resistance devices in
particular. The exercise equipment may also include modified smart
handles 900 to further facilitate cooperating with other parts or
components of fitness system 10 and to improve the participant's
control over features of the equipment 22 and system 10 and to
enhance the participant's enjoyment of the fitness system 10 in
general.
[0024] Preferably, dedicated training area 20 includes at least one
exercise device or machine 22 that facilitates resistance training
such as constant resistance devices 30 or variable or accommodating
resistance devices 40. Other types of resistance devices may also
or alternatively be present including static resistance devices for
isometric exercises. Constant resistant devices 30 are devices such
as free weights where the resistance does not substantially change.
Variable resistance and accommodating resistance devices 40 include
devices such as offset cam machines that change resistance through
the participant's range of motion as well as spring loaded and
resistance band machines. They also include machines that limit
ballistic movement by controlling the speed at which the machine
moves such that a participant exerts his maximum resistance
throughout the full range of movement. Machines useful with the
present invention may include various mechanical, electrical,
electromechanical, and other components including, for example,
pneumatics, linear actuators, servo motors and drives, payout
winches, and magneto-rheological dampers as well as materials such
as graphene and metamaterials.
[0025] A preferred variable or accommodating resistance device 40
useful for the present invention is an electronically-controlled
cable system 400, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The
cable system 400 in one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2 may
comprise one or more fixed-location resistance units or one or more
resistance units 415 that are repositionable. The cable system 400
optionally and preferably includes resistance units 415 that can
vary the resistance, speed, or intensity of the exercise for the
participant. More preferably, the cable system 400 includes at
least one resistance unit 415 that can reposition itself around the
dedicated training area 20 according to instructions provided by
the participant, the resistance unit itself, other resistance
units, the cable system, or cooperating components of fitness
system 10. Preferably each resistance unit includes equipment
wireless communication components 417, equipment control and
processing components 418, and electric, mechanical, or
electromechanical components 419 as necessary to facilitate
communication with other devices and to facilitate receiving,
processing, and executing instructions necessary to move or operate
the resistance unit and its various components.
[0026] The resistance units 415 of cable system 400 preferably are
supported by a framework 410 along which they can travel vertically
and horizontally and includes one or more cable housings 420 to
house the communication components 417, control and processing
components 418, and other components 419. Additionally, resistance
units 415 further include cables 430 that cooperate with or
attached to components in cable housing 420. For example, cables
430 may be attached to a winch housed in cable housing 420. Cables
430 may also be attached to independent or shared handles 440 such
as the shared handle shown in FIG. 2 or the independent handles
shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, cable system 400 may comprise
multiple frameworks 410, or the framework may be replaced by other
systems capable of translating a housing in two or three
dimensions.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3, cable
system 400 is a framework or cage 502 that supports and houses one
or multiple pulley systems 500. Pulley systems 500 preferably
cooperate with one or more electric motors 510 housed in or secured
to cage 502 to provide constant or adjustable resistance as needed.
The motors 510 are controlled by pulley system control and
processing components 520 that process and execute software stored
locally or remotely. As shown, the pulley systems 500 include one
or more stationary or repositionable pulleys 500 with one or more
cables 540 that are cooperate with and preferably are connected to
at least one of motors 510. Cables 540 also are optionally attached
to one or more handle bundles 530 that each contain one or more
individual handles 532. Handles 532 may be simple handles commonly
found on exercise equipment or smart handles as described herein.
Additionally, handles 532 individually or handle bundles 530 dock
in a hinged or stationary handle support 534 that orients the
cables 540 attached to handles 532 or bundles 530 and provides a
reference position for the tracking system 100 to recognize when
the handles are in use or docked. Handle supports 534 may be
fixedly or repositionably attached to cage 502. For example, handle
supports 534 may manually or automatically translate along a rail
or channel along the edge of cage 502 to a desired position where
they then manually or automatically lock in place. Cable system 400
may also include supports for the person using the system and for
additional components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, systems 400
optionally includes a retractable bench pad 550 against which a
person can support himself while using the system.
[0028] For some of the resistance devices, exercise machines, or
exercise apparatuses of fitness system 10, one or more of handles
or handheld components optionally are smart handles 900 that
optionally include one or more of the following: control and
processing components 960 to receive, process, and execute commands
as necessary, feedback components 940, tracking sensors 950, and
one or more game controller components 930 as shown in FIG. 4.
Smart handles 900 include the resistance unit handle 440, and smart
handles 900 and 440 may be identical or include identical features.
Accordingly, references to components for smart handles 900 or
resistance unit smart handles 440 herein is intended to apply to
both handles 900 and 440.
[0029] Smart handles 900 and 440 may cooperate with hardware and
software on the headset 50, any cooperating computer system 80, the
cooperating display 60, the exercise equipment and apparatuses 22,
the accessories 70, and the positional tracking system 100. Where
smart handles include game controller components 930, the game
controller components may include, for example, buttons,
accelerometers, gyroscopes, photodiodes, touchpads, heart rate
monitors, pressure sensors, photo resistors, IR receivers, IR
transmitters, and communication components such as Bluetooth.RTM.
technology, wireless sensor networks, advanced network tools
(ANT+), wireless home digital interface technology (WHDI), or other
local area wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi. In particular, the
game controller components 930 may cooperate with hardware and
software on headset 50 or may cooperate with other game engines on
the computer system 80, with pneumatics, linear actuators, servo
motors and drives, payout winches, and magneto-rheological dampers
on the exercise equipment and with other devices and components or
materials of other devices including graphene and metamaterials.
Smart handles 900 and 440 may further incorporate any other
features commonly found in game controllers.
[0030] Many of the resistance devices and exercise equipment and
apparatuses of fitness system 10 further include a plurality of
positional tracking sensors 130 and optional other feedback sensors
132, as shown in FIG. 4. Positional tracking sensors 130 and other
sensors 132 shown in FIG. 4 are shown as an example only and
include individual sensors, groups of sensors, or sensor units that
combine a sensor with communication components, power sources,
displays, control and processing components, other computing
components, indicators, or some combination thereof. The actual
size and number of the sensors will vary according to many factors
such as the type of sensor selected, the components of the sensor
or sensor unit, the information to be collected, and the size and
shape of the object being tracked.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment and such as with an outside-in
type positional tracking system, positional tracking sensors 130
detect position information 131 including, for example, information
such as the sensor's position at any given time. The position
information may be stored by the sensor, evaluated by the sensor,
or communicated by the sensor to another device capable of
receiving and evaluating the sensor. Preferably, positional
tracking sensors 130 are photosensors that cooperate with the
positional tracking base stations 120 to work together as the
positional tracking system 100. Positional tracking sensors 130
also electronically or otherwise communicate with computer system
80 or other components of fitness system 10 via communication
components 140 which may be separate from or combined using any
communication components available on components of the fitness
system 10 such as among the optional game controller components 930
of smart handle 900 or 440 or the equipment communication
components 142. Positional tracking sensors 130 are intended to
sense information that allows cooperating computer hardware and
software to calculate the position of the object on which the
sensors 130 are located.
[0032] Optional additional feedback sensors 132 may be any type of
sensor that provides information about the participant,
environment, or apparatus such as tactile sensors, motion sensors,
temperature sensors, electric potential sensors, optical sensors,
pressure sensors, acoustic sensors, vibration sensors, oxygen
sensors, altimeters, gyroscopes, impact sensors, odometers, shock
detectors, and biosensors. Feedback sensors 132 detect status
information 133 including, for example, information about the
object's status or the participant's health at any given time. The
status information 133 may be stored by the sensor, evaluated by
the sensor, or communicated by the sensor to another device capable
of receiving and evaluating the sensor. Feedback sensors 132 also
electronically communicate with computer system 80 or other
components of fitness system 10 via sensor communication components
140 which may be separate from or combined using any communication
components of system 10 such as the equipment communication
components 142 or the communication components among the optional
game controller components 930.
[0033] Positional tracking sensors 130 and optional feedback
sensors 132 also are placed around the accessories 70 and headset
50 that can be worn by the participant, or they can be attached to
additional equipment. FIG. 5 illustrates a few types of accessories
70 useful with the present invention such as bracelets 710, anklets
720, a belt 730, clothing 740, permanent or repositionable markers
750, and wristbands, armbands, knee bands, headbands, or sleeves
760. FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an additional embodiment of a smart
hands or smart feet wearable accessory useful with the present
invention. The smart hands/feet wearable accessory is a
repositionable location device 580 that includes a housing 582 that
accommodates sensors 584 and can be secured to a person's wrists or
ankles using straps 588 that attached to the housing. For example,
straps 588 may be a continuous elastic material or maybe two or
more elastic or non-elastic pieces that secure together with a
fastener such as a buckle, snap, or hook and loop closures. Straps
588 may attach to housing 582 at slots 586 defined by housing 582
or by sewing fasteners, adhesives, or other methods of attaching
strap material to devices. Housing 582 may be rigid, flexible, or
resilient, but preferably is a lightweight rigid material capable
of securing multiple sensors 584 on its surface and, where
appropriate, within the housing itself. Other components, such as
wireless communication components and control and processing
components, may also be secured on or in housing 582. Sensors 584
may be positional tracking sensors 130, optional feedback sensors
132, or some other type of sensor. While the location device 580 is
shown in FIGS. 6A-6C as configured for use with a person's wrists
and ankles, the housing and straps could be modified to work with
other body parts or to attach to other items worn by or used by the
participant.
[0034] For simplicity, sensors 130 and 132 and sensor communication
components 140 are only shown in FIG. 5 as present on clothing 740
but also can be included on each of the accessories as desired, can
be included in multiple quantities on each accessory as desired,
and can be placed anywhere on clothing 740 or other accessories as
desired. Any type of accessory capable of supporting a sensor can
be modified to include sensors 130, as will be understood by those
skilled in the art. As with the positional tracking sensors 130 on
the exercise equipment and exercise equipment handles, the
positional tracking sensors 130 on the accessories 70 and headset
50 are positional tracking sensors that may vary in their actual
size and number according to many factors such as the type of
sensor selected, the information to be collected, and the size and
shape of the object being tracked. Further, positional tracking
sensors 130 may comprise special material or be made of a
particular textile that is useful for positional tracking.
Preferably, positional tracking sensors 130 are photosensors that
cooperate with the positional tracking base stations 120. Optional
feedback sensors 132 that are useful on the accessories 70 are
described above with respect to their use on exercise equipment and
apparatuses. Positional tracking sensors 130 and optional feedback
sensors 132 also electronically communicate with computer system 80
or other components of fitness system 10 via sensor communication
components 140 that are also preferably included among the
accessories 70.
[0035] The information collected from positional tracking sensors
130 and feedback sensors 132 on the accessories and on the exercise
equipment can be communicated to the computer 80, the headset 50,
the display 60, any another fitness system component, or any
combination thereof. For example, the information collected by
sensors 130 and 132 on one accessory may be communicated to the
computer 80 and one of the smart handles 900 or 440. Likewise,
information collected by sensors 139 and 132 on smart handle 900 or
440 may be communicated to the display 60 and headset 50. In some
cases information collected by sensors 130 and 132 may first be
communicated a first component of fitness system 10 and then
further communicated from the first component to a second component
of fitness system 10.
[0036] The information collected by sensors 130 and 132 may be
used, for example, to determine whether and by how much to adjust
the resistance or other parameter on the exercise equipment, to
provide instruction to the participant when the participant should
alter his form or technique, to provide information that adjusts
virtual, augmented, or mixed reality content being displayed on the
headset 50 or display 60, or to log exercise or positional data.
For the positional tracking sensors 130, in particular, the
information regarding the participant's position before, during,
and after an exercise can be determined by information gathered
from sensors 130 on accessories worn by the participant, sensors
placed on the equipment under control of the participant, and
sensors placed directly on the participant. For any additional
feedback sensors 132, information regarding the participant's
physical response can be monitored such as, for example, the
participant's pulse, blood oxygen level, or grip strength before,
during, and after an exercise can be determined by information
gathered from sensors 132 worn by the participant or held by the
participant.
[0037] In addition to sensors 130 positioned on and incorporated
into the various accessories and the exercise equipment of system
10, additional components necessary to facilitate haptic, tactile,
or kinesthetic feedback preferably are also present where it would
be desirable to provide such feedback. For example, mechanical,
electrical, and electromechanical components 940 may be included in
handle 440 of the resistance device 400 shown in FIGS. 2-4 so that
handle 440 vibrates when instructed. Similarly, heating elements
(not shown) may be embedded in the material used in accessories 70
to cause the accessories 70 to apply heat to the participant when
instructed. Additional components known for creating haptic,
tactile, and kinesthetic feedback sensations are known to those
skilled in the art.
[0038] Throughout fitness system 10, various fitness components
include wired or wireless communication components, such as sensor
communication components 140, equipment communication components
142, resistance unit communication components 417, and game
controller components 930. Wireless communication components that
are part of the elements of fitness system 10 include any type of
component necessary to facilitate wireless communication between
each of the system elements such as near field communication
components and may also include longer range communication
components to facilitate communication with software and content
located remotely or accessible only via the Internet. Wired
communication components may also be used where practical. Wireless
communication components are well known to those skilled in the art
and include, for example, Bluetooth.RTM. technology, wireless
sensor networks, advanced network tools (ANT+), wireless home
digital interface technology (WHDI), or other local area wireless
technologies such as Wi-Fi. The sensor wireless communication
components 140, equipment communication components 142, and other
communication components such as those among the game controller
components 930 of smart handles 900 or 440 used throughout fitness
system 10 preferably allow two-way communication to facilitate
collecting information from sensors and delivering instructions
back to the accessories or equipment to allow for positional or
resistance changes, to allow for haptic feedback, and to allow for
content delivery. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of how the various
components of fitness system 10 may communicate, as shown by the
solid arrows between components.
[0039] The preferred outside-in type positional tracking system
100, as shown in FIG. 7, includes a plurality of positional
tracking sensors 130 discussed above along with one or more
positional tracking system base stations 120 that are preferably
laser-based positional tracking components such as Valve
Corporation's Lighthouse Base Stations, which use several LEDs to
send a synchronization pulse and two laser emitters that spin
rapidly to sweep a beam across the dedicated training room.
Positional tracking sensors 130 on the headset 50, exercise
equipment, and accessories 70 receive and recognize the
synchronization pulse and the laser beams. The sensors 130 then
communicate the information from base stations 120 along with
information specific to each sensor 130 to the computer 80, headset
50, display 60, other components of fitness system 10, or any
combination thereof. Using the received information from sensors
130, local or remote programming for the headset 50, display 60,
computer system 80, other component of fitness system 10, or any
combination thereof can calculate the position of each sensor and
thereby determine the position of the participant or any objects
housing the sensors 130. Preferably, at least two base stations 120
are positioned cooperatively in dedicated training area 20.
Additional base stations 120 may be added to dedicated training
area 20, however, to improve accuracy.
[0040] In general, for fitness system 10, alternative types of
positional tracking systems 100 may also be substituted, but a
positional tracking system that allows for six degrees of freedom
tracking is ideal. For some aspects of the invention, multiple
types of positional tracking systems may work well together. In
particular, in addition to the laser-based positional tracking base
stations 120 and positional tracking sensors 130, other sensors and
components useful for tracking a participant's movement or form
also can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, tracking sensors
950 such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers may be
incorporated into the resistance devices, headset 50, or
accessories 70 to provide additional information to be used by the
programming on the headset 50, display 60, or computer system 80.
Another positional tracking system appropriate for fitness system
10 is an inside-out tracking system where the position of, for
example, the headset, exercise equipment, and/or accessories are
determined by evaluating their position relative to stationary
positional tracking sensors placed around the dedicated training
area. With this type of tracking system, the positional tracking
sensors 130 still track the position of the participant or the
equipment, but do so based on their static position relative to the
movement of the participant or equipment. The location of the
positional tracking sensors relative to the participant or
equipment can be, for example, evaluated by recognizing the sensors
130 with cameras and optionally with additional motion or location
sensors located on the equipment, on the participant, on a headset
worn by the participant, or on accessories worn by the participant.
For example, an inside-out tracking system that combines motion
tracking, area learning, and depth perception such as Google Inc.'s
Project Tango.RTM. technology may be used for fitness system
10.
[0041] Headset 50 preferably is customized for each participant of
fitness system 10. Headset 50 can be a virtual reality headset, an
augmented reality headset, a mixed reality headset, or a
traditional headset. Throughout this application's description and
claims, the term virtual reality headset is used to refer to all
types of headsets that incorporate some form of virtual, augmented,
or mixed reality features including virtual reality headsets,
augmented reality headsets, and mixed reality headsets. In addition
to having positional tracking sensors 130 and optional additional
feedback sensor 132 attached to it, headset 50 also preferably
includes the typical features found on a virtual, augmented, or
mixed reality headset so that the participant can enjoy a virtual,
augmented, or mixed reality environment while exercising. For
example, preferably headset 50 includes a headset display, headset
audio components, relevant software stored locally or remotely,
control and processing components, and optionally a microphone.
Accordingly, the participant may be able to view on a display of
headset 50 content that shows the participant exercising, working
with a trainer, competing against or working with another
participant, playing a game, or the like. Additionally, through the
audio components, the participant may be able to hear instruction
from a trainer, hear comments from another participant, or hear
sound effects from a game he is playing. Interactive content
provided through headset 50 is preferably delivered based on the
information obtained from the positional tracking system and some
or all of the other sensors located among the smart handles and
other elements of fitness system 10. Headset 50 may also replace
computer system 80 or house some of the components of computer
system 80 if desired.
[0042] Like the display on headset 50, an optional standalone
display 60 may also be useful with fitness system 10 to allow a
participant to experience personalized content without having to
wear the headset. It also may be useful for providing information
to a trainer who may be working with the participant or to other
third parties present in fitness system's dedicated training area.
In some embodiments of the present invention, display 60 may be
located remotely from dedicated training area 20 for use by
trainers or other third parties who are not physically present in
dedicated training area 20. Display 60 may be an ordinary
two-dimensional display or a display capable of delivering
three-dimensional content. Display 60 may include input devices, a
remote control, or other features commonly associated with
displays. Like headset 50, display 60 also may replace computer
system 80 or house some of the components of computer system 80 if
desired.
[0043] Computer system 80 preferably houses together or among
connected components, control and processing components such as a
processor, memory, and wireless or wired communication components
as is well known in the art. Likewise, control and processing
components presented herein, such as equipment control and
processing components 417 and game controller components 960, may
also include a processor and memory, communication components,
input and output components, or any other feature of a computer
system as is known to those skilled in the art. Computer system 80
can be an independent component within fitness system 10, a
combination of components across fitness system 10, or integral
with any individual component of fitness system 10. Wireless
communications components include near field communication
components, the wireless communications components discussed above,
and longer range communications components to facilitate
communication with the various fitness system 10 elements and to
facilitate communication with software and content located remotely
or accessible only via the Internet. Software can be stored on the
computer system's memory and is preferably executable by the
processor to perform many tasks, including, for example to
calculate positions of the participant and equipment using
information from the positional tracking system 10, to process
information obtained from other sensors and input devices, to
adjust content that is delivered on display 60 or headset 50, to
control the resistance and position of the resistance machines and
components, to operate any haptic feedback components, and to
provide any other information needed by the participant, his
trainer, third parties, or fitness system in general.
[0044] In some embodiments of fitness system 10, computer 80 is
integrated in whole or part with headset 50 or display 60. In other
embodiments both computer 80 and headset 50 and/or display 60
contain all of the components detailed above with respect to
computer 80. Regardless of whether the computer 80, headset 50, or
display 60 stores and executes software, the following processes
and calculations may be included in a single software program,
among multiple integrated or cooperative programs, or among
multiple independent programs: [0045] Calculate the position of
each of the fitness system objects (e.g., headset, accessories,
smart handles). [0046] Evaluate signals received from the game
controller components and provide game instructions including
controlling haptic feedback, adjusting virtual, augmented, or mixed
reality content, positioning equipment, and adjusting equipment
resistance. [0047] Provide virtual, augmented, or mixed reality
content. [0048] Track and evaluate the participant's movements
(speed, reps, biomechanical leverage,) and the exercises being
performed [0049] Evaluate whether resistance should be
increased/decreased based on information received regarding the
participant's position or movements or based on the equipment's
specifications, position, or movement. [0050] Position equipment
and adjust resistance according to the information collected about
the participant's movements--in particular in light of the
participant's actual strength, form, goals, and fitness history.
[0051] Provide information to the participant about posture,
efficiency, and best practices in light of information collected
about the participant in general or in relation to his movements.
[0052] Evaluate scan data from optional volumetric scanners as well
as other participant information to determine how participant's
body changes over one or more uses of the fitness system and to
track weight or fat loss, muscle gain, endurance gain, and
increases in agility. [0053] Control fans, lights, smells according
to signals in games operated by the participant or according to
direct participant instruction. [0054] Receive and process inputs
from microphones, switches, buttons, and other input devices.
[0055] Connect with other fitness systems and dedicated training
areas or with other participants to facilitate multi-player games
or team instructions, team exercises, or other ordinary or virtual
reality team content. [0056] Log and evaluate fitness system and
participant information and evaluating participant's performance in
real life. [0057] Provide information related to a software
development kit for accommodating additional games and experiences
for the fitness system.
[0058] Optional additional input devices 90 fitness system 10
include microphones, pressure sensors, scanners, touchscreens,
pedals, pull-cords, and any other type of input device that would
provide information useful to a fitness or gaming system and
fitness or gaming environment. For example, pressure sensors may be
positioned in the floor or on the walls to further track aspects of
the participant's fitness performance. Likewise, microphones or
touchpads may be located at key locations to allow the participant
to communicate instructions for the system, to communicate messages
to remotely located trainers or therapists, or to record notes
about his performance or state of being for review at a later time.
Optional volumetric scanners may be associated with fitness system
10 to scan the participant and provide information to the system
about body changes.
[0059] Optional additional output devices 95 of fitness system 10
include fans, lights, speakers, heaters, air conditioners,
displays, air fresheners or purifiers, scent generators, vibration
generators, and any other type of output device that would provide
useful feedback to a participant or would be useful in controlling
the environment of a fitness system. For example, participant may
want to hear audible cues about his performance that are broadcast
to the dedicated training area. Additionally, the participant may
wish to change the temperature or airflow in the dedicated training
area by controlling fans, heaters, or air conditioners. Other
output devices like vibration generators and scent generators may
be useful for providing haptic feedback, as discussed above.
[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of use for fitness system 10. In
general, to use fitness system 10, a participant, optionally
wearing one or more accessories 70 and/or headset 50, enters
dedicated training area to access the exercise equipment,
optionally selects any desired fitness or gaming programs, any
desired fitness or gaming environment parameters, and any whether
to participate in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed
reality, or other programming. Additionally, the participant may
access any personal and historical data about the participant
stored by fitness system 10 or accessible via the Internet. When
selected, virtual, augmented, or mixed reality programming or other
programming may be delivered either on the display 60 or on headset
50 display. Likewise, the equipment is positioned, calibrated, and
initialized according to the selected fitness program, and the
environment is created according to the environment parameters
selected. The positional tracking system activates to collect
position information 131, and the position of the equipment and the
participant are tracked, recorded, and evaluated. Additional
information such as status information 133 is gathered from
additional sensors on the participant or equipment and other
additional information is also is gathered through any other or
inputs (e.g., pressure sensors in the floor or wall) where
appropriate. Based on the position of the equipment and participant
and based on any additional sensed or received information,
virtual, augmented, or mixed reality content, additional
programming, the equipment, and the environment can all be
adjusted. Where gaming programming is selected by the participant,
the interactive game adjusts according to the tracked positions of
the equipment and participant and/or according to instructions
input by the participant using game controller components. Where
fitness instruction programming or multi-participant programming is
selected, the instruction and interaction with other participants
adjusts according to the tracked positions of the equipment and
participant and/or according to instructions input by the
participant using game controller components or other inputs. Where
multiple participants wish to connect in separate dedicated
training areas or across fitness systems, the systems are
connected, for example, over a local area network, wide area
network, or over the Internet. Where it is desired to have the
fitness equipment dynamically-adjust according to selected or
preprogrammed parameters, the equipment position and behavior
(e.g., resistance, speed, intensity) adjusts according to the
tracked positions of the equipment and participant that are
evaluated by the computer system and/or according to instructions
input by the participant using game controller components or other
inputs. It is believed, that using fitness system 10, a participant
who enjoys three 30-minute fitness sessions a week will increase
his strength, endurance, and health and will achieve his desired
body composition and shape, all while enjoying his fitness
sessions. While 30-minute fitness sessions are suggested, fitness
system 10 may be used for longer or shorter time periods and may be
used more or less frequently depending on the goals or interests of
the participant.
[0061] While there has been illustrated and described what is at
present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may
be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true
scope of the invention disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *