Abstract:
A computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine is disclosed, designed as a stationary exercise machine with provisions for an interactive approach with a predetermined program on a computer-controlled interface and with provisions for interfacing two or more such units to allow a sense of competition between two or more people. The present invention discloses a conventional, stationary exercise machine, a computer with a specialized program or programs, a series of apparatuses for interfacing with the individual exercising as well as the exercise machine itself, and a means for interfacing two or more such machines together.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES 
     The present invention was first disclosed in the Disclosure Document filed on May 5, 1998. There have been no previously filed, nor any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to exercise machines, and, more particularly, to a computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The use of stationary exercise machines including treadmills, stationary bikes, and stepping machines has risen in recent times due to the awareness of greater health benefits that result from regular exercise. These machines are found in gyms and health clubs as well as the home. It is not of the ordinary to find individuals that may spend several hours per week on such machines in the quest for a better physique, increased stamina and a higher level of overall general health. 
     However, many people find such long periods of time boring and repetitious. The surroundings never change, the routing never varies, and the whole workout process just becomes one of tedium until the time limit is obtained, the desired distance is covered, or the number of calories for that session have been burned. The only alternative to this is actual jogging or the riding of a conventional bike outside. However, weather and other factors may prevent individuals from exercising on a regular basis. This is what forced the use of stationary exercise machines in the first place. 
     While watching television or listening to the radio helps pass the time, while using stationary exercise machines, it does not provide for an interactive exercise session as one would get if actually out jogging or riding a conventional bike. Furthermore, there is no sense of competition when one is using an exercise machine. Competition often pushes individuals to a higher level of achievement and thus a better workout. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which one can utilize a stationary exercise machine and be afforded an interactive session and a sense of competition while exercising with others. 
     In the related art, several patents disclose exercise treadmills. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,710, issued in the name of Shimizu et. al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,491, issued in the name of Elder. 
     Several patents disclose a computerized exercise game machine in the embodiment of an exercise bicycle. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,069, issued in the name of Hall-Tipping, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,417, issued in the name of Smithson et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,435, issued in the name of Shatford et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,891, issued in the name of Melton et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,613, issued in the name of Relyea. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,459, issued in the name of Su, describes a computerized exercise game machine providing feedback to the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,800, issued in the name of Grant, describes an exercising treadmill with a synchronized video monitor display. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an improved interactive exercise machine that incorporates real time video graphics. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine that provides an interactive exercise session. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine is disclosed, designed as a stationary exercise machine with provisions for an interactive approach with a predetermined program on a computer-controlled interface and with provisions for interfacing two or more such units to allow a sense of competition between two or more people. The present invention discloses a conventional, stationary exercise machine, a computer with specialized program, a series of apparatuses for interfacing with the individual exercising as well as the exercise machine itself, and a means for interfacing two or more such machines together. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention can be sold as a kit for aftermarket installation to existing exercise machines. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention could be built as an integral part of exercise machines at the factory. 
     A sensor is provided to track speed of the exercise machine. It is envisioned that this sensor would be a wheel-driven device that would match the speed of the exercise machine, be it the belt on a treadmill or a wheel on a stationary bike. An output device is provided to adjust the speed of the exercise machine based upon the program or interface requirements. Two hand controllers are also provided to allow for interfacing to the computer program or interface for such parameters that cannot be derived from the exercise machine motion. These parameters include but are not limited to: left, right, forward, reverse, faster, slower, jump and fire. The jump and fire buttons would be used during various gaming operations performed with the invention. 
     The user would have the option of playing against a predetermined computer program or against other players. The competition against other players would occur through the use of two or more interconnected machines through the use of a communication path. This path is envisioned to be a serial connection in the case of two or more machines that are in the immediate vicinity to one another, or by the use of a modem connection where the machines are separated by a great distance. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows for interaction while exercising. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that it quickly reprogrammed by the use of computer media for different game or challenge simulations using the same input and output signals for each simulation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is easily and quickly attached to any conventional exercise machine or can be part of the overall integral design of an exercise machine. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be quickly and easily activated and deactivated. 
     It is another object of the present invention to allow for the input of auxiliary signals and provide the associated processing to administer a computer derived health monitor that would track a user&#39;s height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, goals, calories burned, warm up and cool down periods and the like. 
     It is another object of the present invention to allow for two or more invention equipped exercise machines to connect to one another through the use of the Internet using standard TCP/IP connections. Users may contact one another through the use of email addresses or a common World Wide Web site. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 computer interface with a 
                  80 
                 second gear 
               
               
                   
                 remote communication 
                  85 
                 transducer 
               
               
                   
                 apparatus for an exercise 
                  90 
                 mounting arm 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                  95 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                 15 
                 conventional exercise 
                 100 
                 attachment straps 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 105 
                 fastening means 
               
               
                 20 
                 computer 
                 110 
                 restraint strap 
               
               
                 21 
                 input port 
                 115 
                 servo motor 
               
               
                 25 
                 mounting shelf 
                 120 
                 tracking harness 
               
               
                 30 
                 operating panel 
                 125 
                 output strap 
               
               
                 35 
                 restraint handles 
                 130 
                 motion path arrow 
               
               
                 40 
                 speed adjustment mechanism 
                 135 
                 speed control slider 
               
               
                 45 
                 moving element 
                 140 
                 first “X” shaped rocker switch 
               
               
                 50 
                 speed detection mechanism 
                 145 
                 second “X” shaped rocker 
               
               
                 55 
                 first hand controller 
                   
                 switch 
               
               
                 60 
                 second hand controller 
                 150 
                 modem/network card 
               
               
                 65 
                 interconnecting 
                 155 
                 serial connection cable 
               
               
                   
                 communication paths 
                 160 
                 remote communication link 
               
               
                 70 
                 rubber wheel 
                 165 
                 local communication link 
               
               
                 75 
                 first gear 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of a speed detection mechanism as used on the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a speed adjustment mechanism; 
     FIG. 4 a  is a top view of one of two hand controllers; 
     FIG. 4 b  is a top view of the other hand controller; 
     FIG. 5 is an interconnection diagram of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  when used with a remote interconnection communication path; and 
     FIG. 6 is an interconnection diagram of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  when used with a local interconnection communication path. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 6. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  is shown, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A conventional exercise machine  15  is provided upon which all other components are attached. In FIG. 1, the conventional exercise machine  15  is depicted as a treadmill, though it is not intended to be a limiting factor. It is envisioned that a stationary bike or a stair stepping machine would function as the conventional exercise machine  15  in an equally effective manner. A computer  20  is provided at a convenient eye level and is attached to a mounting shelf  25 . The computer  20  is depicted as a notebook computer for illustrative purposes only. A conventional computer monitor, or any display means of the appropriate size and weight could be attached to the mounting shelf  25  as well. An additional video port  22  (not shown) on computer  20  could be supplied to allow the connection of display means of any size such as the larger big screen monitors currently popular. An operating panel  30 , of the type normally found on a conventional exercise machine  15  is provided in a conventional location above a pair of restraint handles  35  on the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Located on the operating panel  30  is a speed adjustment mechanism  40 . The speed adjustment mechanism  40  is a direct part of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  and not normally found on a conventional exercise machine  15 . The speed adjustment mechanism  40  covers what would normally be the mechanism to control the speed of the conventional exercise machine  15  and is envisioned to be of the linear potentiometer type, although other types could also be accommodated. The speed adjustment mechanism  40  will be described in greater detail herein below. Speed adjustment mechanism  40  is eliminated in the preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention as the speed adjustment means would be built as an integral part of the exercise machine. On the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and located above a moving element  45 , such as a walking surface belt on a treadmill, is a speed detection mechanism  50 . The speed detection mechanism  50  will be described in greater detail herein below. Speed detection mechanism  50  is eliminated in the preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention as the speed detection means would be built in as an integral part of the exercise machine. Located on the left and right-hand side of the conventional exercise machine  15  is a first hand controller  55  and a second hand controller  60  respectively. Both the first hand controller  55  and the second hand controller  60  are used to control sequences of the program being run by the computer  20  that are not capable of receiving input signals by the speed detection mechanism  50 . The first hand controller  55  and the second hand controller  60  will be described in greater detail herein below. The speed adjustment mechanism  40 , the speed detection mechanism  50 , the first hand controller  55  and the second hand controller  60  are all interconnected to the computer  20  by a series of interconnecting communication paths  65 . It is envisioned that a bidirectional data port, such as a parallel port would be utilized for the marshaling of all input and output signals, though other ports or even a proprietary data gathering system would work equally as well. 
     Referring next to FIG. 2, a side view of the speed detection mechanism  50  is disclosed. The speed detection mechanism  50  rides upon the moving element  45  of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) and is envisioned to be the walking belt surface of a treadmill or the flywheel on a stationary bike. It is capable of being utilized on any moving surface of any exercise machine. A rubber wheel  70  is held in close physical contact with the moving element  45  by the weight of the speed detection mechanism  50  and thus translates the linear motion of the moving element  45  into a rotational motion. The rubber wheel  70  then imparts this motion onto a first gear  75  by a physical attachment as it turns about its axis. The first gear  75  then turns a second gear  80  located upon a transducer  85 . The transducer  85  converts the rotational energy of the transducer  85  into an electrical signal which is transmitted on the interconnecting communication paths  65 . All common elements of the speed detection mechanism  50  are directly or indirectly physically attached to a mounting arm  90 , which extends from a mounting bracket  95 . The mounting bracket  95  is physically connected to the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) by a set of attachment straps  100  and a set of fastening means  105 , such as a hook and loop fastening system. An internal sensor in the transducer  85  detects the level of angle adjustment that has been used on the moving element  45 . The main purpose of the speed detection mechanism  50  is to provide input status signals to the computer  20  (as shown in FIG. 1) 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective cutaway view of the speed adjustment mechanism  40  is shown. The speed adjustment mechanism  40  is mounted to the operating panel  30  and held in place by a restraint strap  110 . The restraint strap  110  is envisioned to be of the hook and loop fastener variety, though other methods such as a spring or a buckle would work equally as well. Located inside the speed adjustment mechanism  40  is a servo motor  115 . The servo motor  115  receives an input signal from the interconnecting communication paths  65  as shown. The servo motor  115  drives a tracking harness  120  along an output strap  125  in a linear motion as depicted by a motion path arrow  130 . The tracking harness  120  is held against a speed control slider  135  by friction and close physical contact. As an output signal is received from the computer  20  (as shown in FIG. 1) on the interconnecting communication paths  65 , the servo motor  115  generates an appropriate mechanical output on the output strap  125 . This locates the tracking harness  120  and thus the speed control slider  135 . The position of the speed control slider  135  governs the speed of the moving element  45  on the computer  20  (as shown in FIG. 1) in a manner identical to that if the speed control slider  135  was adjusted manually in a conventional configuration. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4 a , a top view of the first hand controller  55  is shown. The first hand controller  55  possesses a first “X” shaped rocker switch  140 , similar to that found on video game consoles. The user is capable of activating one of four selections at any one time. The four selections controlled by the first hand controller  55  are: forward, reverse, left and right. The purpose of the first hand controller  55  is to allow the user to control movement, direction and action outside of the action possible on a computer  20  (as shown in FIG.  1 ). As it is not possible to walk left or right on a treadmill, the user can direct the program to take such action through the use of the first hand controller  55 . The output signals of the first hand controller  55  are directed as an input signal to the computer  20 , (as shown in FIG. 1) thorough the use of the interconnecting communication paths  65 . As the interconnecting communication paths  65  is depicted as a cable for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that any communication path such as infrared, ultrasonic, microwave, radio frequency (RF) and the like along with any type of cabled connection using any type of cable could also be utilized. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4 b , a top view of the second hand controller  60  is shown. The second hand controller  60  is provided with an interconnecting communication path  65  in a manner equal to that of the interconnecting communication paths  65  supplied with the first hand controller  55  (as shown in FIG. 4 a ). The second hand controller  60  is provided with a second “X” shaped rocker switch  145  that provides for the following four actions: faster, slower, jump, and fire. It should be noted that the jump and fire buttons would be used while playing various roll playing games against the computer  20  (as shown in FIG. 1) or other players. The games would be envisioned as basketball, chases, cops and robbers, and the like. The selections as provided by the first “X” shaped rocker switch  140  and the second “X” shaped rocker switch  145  would be capable of being reassigned by the computer  20 , and would be dependent on the game or event being played. 
     Referring next to FIG. 5, an interconnection diagram of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  when used with a remote interconnection communication path is disclosed. A modem/network card  150  is connected to the computer  20  of each computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  by use of serial connection cable  155 . The modem/network card  150  is depicted as a separate component for illustrative purposes but could also be an integral part of the computer  20 . The modem/network card  150  is used to establish a remote communication link  160  between one or more computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  for the purpose of establishing competition or the engaging in game playing. The remote communication link  160  is envisioned to be a direct dial up connection. However, those familiar in the art, realize that other means such as a local area network, a wide area network, packet system, a TCP/IP system, using the Internet or other similar network could also be used with equal success. It is envisioned that if the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  is used with the Internet, a World Wide Web site with links to other players wishing to engage in a game could meet for the purposes of game playing. Various players could contact one another through the use of e-mail addresses or another proprietary format for the purposes of competition or gaming. 
     Referring finally to FIG. 6, an interconnection diagram of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  when used with a local interconnection communication path is disclosed. A set of one or more computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  is connected by a local communication link  165  through the use of the computer  20 . This setup would be used when the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  are in close physical proximity to one another such as in a health club, a workout center, a gym or a home. 
     The software used with the computer  20  to interface with the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  forms an integral part of this disclosure. The software would be universal in nature that would allow for new games, situations and revisions to be released and played upon the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  in much the same manner as new computer programs and video games are released today that play upon existing computers and video game consoles. Only a few of the many possible situations and variations will be listed here for informational purposes. All of the information that is displayed on conventional high-end exercise machines such as distance covered, calories burned, speed, time and the like would also be displayed upon the computer  20 . In addition, the storage capabilities of a computer allow for the tracking of performance and improvements thereto over time. An approved exercise regimen can be custom designed and tracked using the computer  20 . It is also envisioned that a software-based health advisor would perform this custom designed regimen using such inputted factors as weight, height, age, medical history and so forth. Such a health advisor would also suggest an appropriate warm up and cool down period for the type of exercising to be performed. The health advisor could also track goals, calories burned, time limits and distance covered as aforementioned described. An additional modification to the health advisor approach would be a set of sensors that tracked the user&#39;s heart rate and blood pressure as well. The health advisor would be used in conjunction with any game or simulation that would be run on the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10 . Some simulations would be running or bicycling in any part of the world through the use of prerecorded sessions. It should be remembered that it is an interactive approach where the user can control the route to be taken through the use of the first hand controller  55  and the second hand controller  60 . Games where the computer would generate obstacles to be avoided will also be developed. Finally, any game or simulation could be played by more than one player by the interconnection described earlier in FIG.  5  and FIG.  6 . These games would be supplied on a suitable computer storage medium such as CD&#39;s, DVD&#39;s, cartridges type “memory” packs through an input port  21  to said computer, or direct download from the Internet via said modem or via said network card from a network or other source connected to the Internet. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user must first install the computer  20  and associated components onto the conventional exercise machine  15 . Mounting shelf  25  would be mounted to the exercise machine  15 . Next, computer  20  would be mounted to the mounting shelf  25 . Next, the speed adjustment mechanism  40  would be installed on the speed control slider  135  as indicated. The speed detection mechanism  50  would also be mounted using the mounting bracket  95 . Finally all interconnecting communication paths  65  would be connected and verified operational. At this point the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  is ready for use. It is also envisioned in those cases where the computer  20  and the conventional exercise machine  15  are an integral unit, no user assembly would be required. 
     The user would activate the desired program on the computer  20  in the same manner that conventional computer games are started. After the necessary starting information is gathered, the user would begin using the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  in a manner normally consistent with a conventional exercise machine  15 . The action would be directed by the use of the first hand controller  55  and the second hand controller  60  and necessary output corrections would be made by the computer  20  using the speed adjustment mechanism  40 . The user would complete his or her exercise regimen in an interactive environment in a much more interesting atmosphere than normally associated with the use of conventional exercise machines. 
     If the user of the computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine  10  wished to interact with another, an appropriate communication link would be established in general conformance with FIG. 5 of FIG. 6, depending on the location of the other user. The remainder of the exercise regimen would continue as described above. It is also envisioned that real time chat features as well as video transmission of the other participants would be possible as well using existing computer peripherals. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.