Remote controller mechanism for use with a videocassette recorder or the like

A remote controller mechanism for use with a piece of exercise equipment such as an exercise bicycle or apparatus and a remotely controllable electronic device wherein the piece of exercise equipment has an electronic sensor that outputs a train of electronic pulses as a function of the speed at which the piece of exercise equipment is operated and wherein the remotely controllable electronic device has a first and a second operational mode, the remote controller mechanism including an interface mechanism for receiving the train of electronic pulses; a speed determination mechanism coupled to the interface mechanism for receiving the train of electronic pulses and then determining a present speed based upon the train of electronic pulses; a speed selection mechanism for allowing a desired minimum speed to be set by the user; a comparator mechanism coupled to the speed determination mechanism and the speed selection mechanism for comparing the present speed to the minimum speed and then outputing a result of the comparison; and a remote control mechanism coupled to the comparator mechanism for generating a first signal for placing the remotely controllable device in its first operational mode when the present speed is greater than the minimum speed and for generating a second signal for placing the remotely controllable device in its second operational mode when the present speed is less than the minimum speed.

2. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a remote controller mechanism for use with 
a videocassette recorder (VCR), television (TV) or the like and more 
particularly pertains to remotely controlling a television, VCR or the 
like as a function of an exercise being performed. 
3. Description of the Prior Art 
The use of electronic remote control mechanisms is known in the prior art. 
More specifically, electronic remote control mechanisms heretofore devised 
and utilized for the purpose of controlling the operations of an 
electronic device such as a videocassette recorder are known to consist 
basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, 
notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art 
which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and 
requirements. 
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,567 to Phillips discloses an 
exercise bicycle apparatus particularly adapted for controlling video 
games. U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,129 to Schroeder et al. discloses an exercise 
bicycle attachment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,475 to Sargeant et al. discloses a 
bicycle racing training apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,627 to Sale 
discloses a pedaling monitor for displaying instantaneous pedal velocity 
and position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,417 to Smithson et al. discloses a 
system and method for bicycle riding simulation. 
In this respect, the remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like according to 
the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts 
and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus 
primarily developed for the purpose of remotely controlling a television, 
VCR or the like as a function of an exercise being performed. 
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for 
new and improved exercise remote controller mechanism for use with a 
television or the like which can be used for remotely controlling a 
television, VCR or the like as a function of an exercise being performed. 
In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In the view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of 
electronic remote control mechanisms now present in the prior art, the 
present invention provides an improved remote controller mechanism for use 
with an exercise bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the 
like. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be 
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved 
remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise bicycle/apparatus and 
a videocassette recorder or the like and method which has all the 
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises, in 
combination, a stationary exercise bicycle having a rotatable flywheel and 
a pedaling mechanism operable therewith for allowing a user to rotate the 
flywheel at various speeds while pedaling. An electronic sensor means is 
included coupled to the exercise bicycle for generating a train of 
electronic pulses wherein a time interval between consecutive pulses of 
the pulse train is a function of the speed of the rotating flywheel of the 
exercise bicycle. An electronic speed determination means is included and 
coupled to the exercise bicycle for determining a present speed of the 
flywheel of the exercise bicycle by counting pulses of the pulse train 
that are received within a given period of time. An electronic interface 
means is included coupled to the exercise bicycle for allowing the speed 
determination means to be removably coupled to the sensor means. An 
electronic speed selection means is included and coupled to the exercise 
bicycle for allowing the pedaling user to manually set a desired minimum 
speed. An electronic comparator means is included and coupled to the 
exercise bicycle, the speed determination means, and the speed selection 
means for comparing the present speed to the minimum speed and then 
outputting a result of the comparison. A videocassette recorder is 
provided for playing a videocassette and is positionable at a location 
remote from the exercise bicycle. The videocassette recorder has a 
playback function that is activated through receipt of a remote first 
infrared signal and a pause function that is activated through receipt of 
a remote second infrared signal. A television is provided and coupled to 
the videocassette recorder. The television is responsive to the 
videocassette recorder for displaying video that is stored on 
videocassette to the user of the exercise bicycle when the playback 
function of the videocassette recorder is activated and for pausing such 
video when the pause function of the videocassette recorder is activated. 
Lastly, a remote control means is included and coupled to the exercise 
bicycle. The remote control means is used for generating a first infrared 
signal for activating the playback function of the videocassette recorder 
when the present speed is greater than the minimum speed and is also used 
for generating a second infrared signal for activating the pause function 
of the videocassette recorder when the present speed is less than the 
minimum speed. 
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features 
of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that 
follows may be better understood, and in order that the present 
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, 
additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter 
and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention 
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its 
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the 
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the 
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being 
practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood 
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose 
of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon 
which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the 
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the 
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, 
that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions 
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present 
invention. 
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent 
and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the 
scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar 
with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a 
cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of 
the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention 
of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to 
be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like which has all 
the advantages of the prior art electronic remote control mechanisms and 
none of the disadvantages. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved 
remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise bicycle/apparatus and 
a videocassette recorder or the like which may be easily and efficiently 
manufactured and marketed. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like which is of 
durable and reliable construction. 
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like which is 
susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and 
labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to 
the consuming public, thereby making such a remote controller mechanism 
for use with an exercise bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or 
the like economically available to the buying public. 
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like which provides 
in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages 
thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages 
normally associated therewith. 
Even still another object of the present invention is to remotely control a 
television, VCR or the like as a function of an exercise being performed. 
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved remote controller mechanism for use with an exercise 
bicycle/apparatus and a videocassette recorder or the like comprising 
interface means for receiving the train of electronic pulses; speed 
determination means coupled to the interface means for receiving the train 
of electronic pulses and then determining a present speed based upon the 
train of electronic pulses; speed selection means for allowing a desired 
minimum speed to be set by the user; comparator means coupled to the speed 
determination means and the speed selection means for comparing the 
present speed to the minimum speed and then outputting a result of the 
comparison; and remote control means coupled to the comparator means for 
generating a first signal for placing the remotely controllable device in 
its first operational mode when the present speed is greater than the 
minimum speed and for generating a second signal for placing the remotely 
controllable device in its second operational mode when the present speed 
is less than the minimum speed. 
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various 
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with 
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this 
disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating 
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should 
be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there 
is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through the various 
Figures. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 
thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved remote 
controller mechanism embodying the principles and concepts of the present 
invention and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be 
described. 
The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of 
components. In their broadest context, such components include a piece of 
exercise equipment such as a bicycle, an electric circuit, and a remotely 
controllable electronic device. Such components are individually 
configured and correlated with respect to each other to provide a way to 
control an electronic device such as a videocassette recorder, television 
receiver, or similar piece of electronic equipment through the use of a 
piece of exercise equipment. 
Specifically, the present invention includes a stationary exercise bicycle 
12. Bicycle 12 has a handle bar assembly 14 to which a yoke 16 is extended 
downward. Frame 18 is coupled to yoke 16. Yoke 16 also holds a rotatable 
flywheel 20 with spokes 21. The flywheel is actuated through a pedaling 
mechanism 22 formed of pedals 24 and drive belt 26. The pedaling mechanism 
is operable by a user for rotating the flywheel at various speeds while 
pedaling. The user can rest upon an adjustable seat 28. A bicycle such as 
the Sears.RTM. XC1000 can be utilized. 
An electronic sensor mechanism 30 formed of an infrared emitter 32 and 
detector 34 is also provided. The sensor mechanism 30 is coupled to the 
exercise bicycle near the axle 36 of the flywheel. The emitter 32 and 
detector 34 are contained in a rigid housing 38. The sensor mechanism is 
used for generating a train of electronic pulses wherein a time interval 
between consecutive pulses of the pulse train is a function of the speed 
of the rotating flywheel 20 of the exercise bicycle 12. Thus, the faster 
the user pedals, the faster the speed of the flywheel, and the closer in 
time the electronic pulses of the pulse train are to each other. 
An electric circuit 40 as shown in FIG. 4 is also provided. The circuit 
includes an electronic speed determination mechanism 42 that is formed of 
a plurality of timers and counters. The speed determination mechanism is 
coupled to the exercise bicycle 12 and is used for determining a present 
speed of the flywheel 20. The speed determination mechanism accomplishes 
this by counting pulses of the pulse train that are received within a 
given period of time. 
Also provided as part of the circuit is an electronic interface mechanism 
44. The mechanism is formed of a conventional connector jack 106 and 
electronic cable 43. The interface mechanism is coupled to the exercise 
bicycle 20 and allows the electric circuit 40 and speed determination 
means 42 to be removably coupled to the sensor mechanism 30. 
In addition, an electronic speed selection mechanism 46 is coupled to the 
exercise bicycle 12. The speed selection mechanism allows the pedaling 
user to manually set and store a desired minimum speed. As shown in FIG. 
4, control switches 48 are an integral part of both the speed 
determination mechanism 42 and the speed selection mechanism 46. 
Coupled to the exercise bicycle, the speed determination mechanism 42, and 
the speed selection mechanism 46 is an electronic comparator mechanism 50. 
The electronic comparator mechanism is used for comparing the present 
speed to the minimum speed as set by the user and then outputting a result 
of the comparison. 
The aforementioned components are used in conjunction with a videocassette 
recorder 60. The videocassette recorder is used for playing standard 
videocassettes and is positionable at a location remote from the exercise 
bicycle and electric circuit 40. The videocassettes are positionable for 
play through door 62 of the videocassette recorder. The videocassette 
recorder has a playback function that is activated through receipt of a 
remote first infrared signal that is received by an integral infrared 
detector 64. In addition, the videocassette recorder has a pause function 
that is activated through receipt of a remote second infrared signal. 
A television 70 is coupled to the videocassette recorder 60 with a cable 
71. The television is responsive to the videocassette recorder during its 
playback function for displaying video upon its screen 72. The video that 
is displayed is a function of information stored on a removable 
videocassette. The video on the television is paused when the pause 
function of the videocassette recorder is activated. 
Activation of video and subsequent pausing thereof is accomplished through 
a remote control mechanism 80 that is part of the electric circuit 40. The 
remote control mechanism is formed of output control circuitry 81 and is 
coupled to the exercise bicycle 12 and the comparator mechanism 50 as well 
as the counters and timers 42. The remote control mechanism is used for 
generating and radiating a first infrared signal 82 into free space for 
activating the playback function of the videocassette recorder 60. This 
first infrared signal is radiated when the present speed of the exercise 
bicycle is greater than the minimum speed set by the user. The remote 
control mechanism is also used for generating and radiating a second 
infrared signal into free space for activating the pause function of the 
videocassette recorder. This second infrared signal is radiated when the 
present speed of the exercise bicycle is less than the minimum speed set 
by the user. 
In addition, the electric circuit 40 includes a power supply mechanism 90. 
The power supply mechanism is coupled to the electric circuit and sensor 
mechanism 30 and provides power for their operation. Either battery or 
conventional line power can be employed. Preferably, battery power is 
used. 
The present invention provides a way to automatically operate a VCR/TV 
remote controlled unit. In other words it is a control controller. The 
present invention has two basic functions. The first function allows the 
present invention to operate as a motivational aide for exercising. The 
second function allows the present invention to operate as an alarm. The 
physical layout of the present invention contains a control box 100 with 
various switches 102, indicator lights 104, and a modular phone jack 106 
input plug. Input is received from an external sensor 30. The present 
invention includes a circuit board containing timers, pulse counters, 
memory latches, magnitude comparators, control gates and other circuit 
elements. This circuit board then connects to a conventional VCR/TV remote 
control unit 107 that is utilized as part of the remote control mechanism 
80. The present invention is powered by four C-size batteries 108. 
An integral or external sensor 30 is required for the present invention to 
operate. The sensor sends voltage pulses to the present invention in 
relation to the speed of the bicycle 12 or other monitored apparatus. The 
voltage pulses must be discrete, single pulses. The sensor 30 is not 
necessarily a required part of the invention. There are commercially 
available optical or magnetic sensor devices on the market which are 
suitable and employable for this type of application such as "cruise 
control" speed sensors used on cars, for example. 
An infrared speed sensor assembly formed of a detector 32 and emitter 34 
can be utilized and attached to the exercise bicycle. When using the 
infrared sensor, eight metal tabs 110 are attached to the bicycle wheel. 
Preferably, the tabs are attached to the bicycle's speedometer 112 that is 
mounted near the hub or axle of its flywheel. The tabs are located between 
the infrared emitter and detector of the speed sensor assembly as the 
bicycle is pedaled. The sensor assembly is attached with screws to a 
support rod having 7/64" holes drilled in it. The tabs are evenly spaced 
and opaque to infrared light. The remaining portion of present invention 
can then be mounted to the bicycle handle bar assembly 14. 
The present invention may operate as an exercise aide or an alarm. When 
used as a motivational aide for exercising, the present invention causes a 
VCR 60 to respond to the operation of an exercise bicycle. A videotape is 
placed in the VCR, threaded up by playing it, and put in pause mode. The 
present invention is turned on. When the bicycle is pedaled, the present 
invention senses the motion and activates the pause function of the remote 
control unit. This allows the video tape to start playing. When the 
bicycle is stopped, the present invention again senses the lack of motion 
and again activates the remote control unit thereby stopping the tape. 
This is the basic operation of the present invention. If so desired while 
pedaling the bicycle, the present speed of the bicycle may be stored in 
memory as a minimum speed at which to play back the video tape. In this 
case the VCR is put in pause mode if the speed of the bicycle falls below 
the stored minimum speed. The VCR will be put in play mode when the speed 
of the bicycle is equal to or greater than the stored minimum speed. By 
adding a switch to the output, a TV 70 set may be controlled by the 
present invention in place of the VCR. In this case instead of the VCR 
being put in pause mode, the TV set would be turned off. Instead of the 
VCR being put into play mode, the TV set would be turned on. This allows 
the viewing of something other than a video tape while exercising such as 
broadcast, cable, or satellite programming. 
Besides using the bicycle, any exercise machine or equivalent that can be 
fitted with a sensor which provides voltage pulses can be used as input to 
the present invention through the modular phone jack. These include but 
are not limited to treadmills, stair steppers, ski machines, and rowing 
machines. In addition, any electronic device 105 which can be controlled 
by a remote control unit can be controlled by the present invention (for 
example, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the device 105 is connected to the 
switched or unswitched power receptacle of videocassette recorder 60 
though power cable 73). These include but are not limited to laser disc 
players both video and audio, cassette players, radio receivers, cable TV 
boxes, satellite receivers and even room lights. If so desired, multiple 
inputs and output remote control units could be connected to the same 
present invention with switches to select the desired input and output. 
The present invention can also operate as alarm. Some examples are: 
(1) You have clothes in a clothes dryer that need to be taken out at the 
end of the cycle to prevent wrinkling. You are in a room where hearing the 
dryer buzzer-is difficult or it is noisy or you are hard-of-hearing. You 
are watching TV. When the clothes are done, the TV turns off. If the TV 
was off, it will turn on. 
(2) Someone rings the door bell but you have difficulty hearing it. You are 
watching TV. When the door bell rings, the TV turns off. 
(3) You are baking a cake and are in a room where it is difficult to hear 
the oven signal telling you to take the cake out of the oven. You are 
watching TV. When the oven alarm buzzes, the TV turns off. 
In fact, any device that can provide a voltage pulse to the present 
invention through the phone jack 106 can activate the system. These 
include but are not limited to a smoke detector, telephone, alarm clock, 
computer, or home security system. Likewise, devices other than a TV may 
be controlled. When the present invention is in alarm mode and ready to 
react to an alarm signal, an indicator lights to let you know if you 
remembered to set it. The light turns off when the alarm is triggered. 
When the present invention is used in this mode it would be desirable to 
use an alternate AC power source. An AC power supply may be easily added 
to the present invention. A common 6 volt DC adapter could be plugged into 
an AC outlet and fed into a jack in the control box. If AC power is used 
exclusively and no batteries are installed, then two batteries must be 
inserted into the remote control unit. 
The system will be described with the alarm/exercise switch 114 in the 
exercise mode or closed position. The circuit operation in alarm mode will 
be described in the last section. Since an eight bit counting system is 
used, the counter, memory latches, and magnitude comparator consist of two 
four-bit components each. They will be referred to as RC1/RC2, L1/L2, and 
M1/M2 respectively as per circuit diagram of FIG. 5. 
The present invention must determine the present speed of the bicycle. This 
is done by a common method of counting pulses in a given time interval. 
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the circuit components involved are T1, P1, 
P2, and RC1/RC2. The counter, RC1/RC2, is clocked by tabs on the bicycle 
wheel which interrupt a beam generated by an infrared sensor circuit. The 
faster the bicycle is pedaled, the higher the counter output is for the 
given time interval. By increasing the number of tabs on the bicycle 
wheel, more accurate speed sensing is possible. The present invention 
could handle 64 tabs with the bicycle being pedaled at 38 miles-per-hour. 
Eight tabs work effectively and are easy to space evenly. T1 is the system 
clock which provides the timing interval of approximately 0.67 second (see 
FIG. 9). P1 is a monostable multivibrator or pulse generator which is 
triggered by T1 at the end of the time interval. The pulse from P1 clocks 
other circuit components (which will be described later) which capture 
data based on the output of the counter, RC1/RC2, at that time. This 
method of data capture eliminates the need for a memory register to 
actually store the present output of the counter. At this point, the 
counter output will be referred to as the "present speed". The 
negative-going edge of the pulse from P1 then triggers pulse generator P2. 
The pulse from P2 resets the counter, RC1/RC2, to zero. 
Another function of the circuit is to store a "present speed" in memory to 
act as a minimum speed at which the bicycle activates the remote control 
unit. If no speed is stored in memory, the memory output is zero. The 
circuit components involved are RC1/RC2, L1/L2, F4, and D1. Since there is 
no "present speed" memory register, the counter output from RC1/RC2 must 
be stored in memory latches, L1/L2, on the output pulse of P1 which 
defines the "present speed". This is accomplished by flip-flop F4. When 
the set-speed button 120 is pressed while the bicycle is going at the 
desired speed, the output of F4 is set to a high level. The next output 
pulse from P1 then clocks the output of F4 back to a low level. This 
causes the complimentary output of F4 to switch from a low level to a high 
level, which clocks memory latches L1/L2. This stores the output of 
RC1/RC2 in memory. This memory speed will be referred to as the "minimum 
speed". LED D1 connected to the output of F4, lights when the set-speed 
button is pressed and turns off when the "minimum speed" has been stored 
by the pulse from P1. 
The next function of the circuit is to compare the "present speed" with the 
"minimum speed" to determine if the "present speed" is less than the 
"minimum speed". The circuit components involved are RC1/RC2, L1/L2, and 
M1/M2. The magnitude comparator, M1/M2, is constantly comparing the 
"minimum speed" in L1/L2 to the output of RC1/RC2. The output of M1/M2 is 
sent to other circuit components, described later, whose output is 
captured by a pulse from P1. Therefore the output of M1/M2 is only sampled 
when the output of RC1/RC2 becomes the "present speed" on a pulse from P1. 
It is best to set "minimum speed" at several miles per hour less than your 
cruising speed. This avoids constantly starting and pausing the VCR by 
hovering back and forth across the minimum speed threshold. 
In order for the present invention to know if it must activate the remote 
control unit, it must know two things: the present mode of the VCR, 
playing or paused, and whether the "present speed" is less than the 
"minimum speed" or not. The circuit components involved are F1, M1/M2, E3, 
F2, P1, A1, T1, Q1, and Q2. The mode of the VCR is stored in flip-flop F1. 
Each time the remote control unit is activated, F1 is toggled to reflect 
the new mode of the VCR. The F1 complimentary output is used and is high 
when the VCR is paused and low when the VCR is playing. M1/M2 supplies the 
"present speed" /"minimum speed" comparison result as described earlier. 
The output of M1/M2 is high if the "present speed" is less than the 
"minimum speed" and low if the "present speed" is greater than or equal to 
the "minimum speed". 
These two pieces of information are sent to exclusive-or-gate E3. If both 
inputs are the same, it means the VCR is in the proper mode and the remote 
control unit does not need to be activated. Accordingly, the output of E3 
is low. If the inputs are different, the mode of the VCR must be changed 
and the output of E3 is high. When the output of E3 is high at the time 
its output is stored in flip-flop F2 by a pulse from P1, and-gate A1 is 
enabled. This allows the next high output pulse from system clock T1 to 
turn on transistor Q1 thereby activating the pause function of the remote 
control unit. This also toggles F1 to reflect the new mode of the VCR as 
described earlier. 
The output of Al can be sent to transistor Q2 instead of Q1 by a VCR/TV 
switch 116. Q2 then activates the "TV power" function of the remote 
control unit instead of the VCR "pause" function. The mode of the remote 
control unit itself does not need to be changed. If left in "TV mode" the 
VCR transport functions will still operate. 
RC1/RC2 is a ripple counter which means each bit is clocked sequentially 
not synchronously. It takes approximately 100 nanoseconds to transition 
from one count to the next. If data is sampled when P1 clocks F2 while 
RC1/RC2 is in transition, an erroneous result may occur. To prevent this, 
circuit components P3 and A3 have been included. When a clock pulse 
arrives at RC1/RC2 from the bicycle sensor, pulse-generator P3 is also 
triggered. The complimentary output of P3 provides a short negative pulse 
which momentarily inhibits and-gate A3. This prevents the longer pulse 
from P1 from clocking F2 until RC1/RC2 have stabilized as shown in FIG. 9. 
If no speed has been set in memory, the "minimum speed" is zero. This means 
that the bicycle has no control over the VCR since the "present speed" 
will always be greater than or equal to the "minimum speed" of zero. To 
allow the bicycle to control the VCR when no minimum speed is set, circuit 
components A2, F3, E1, and E2 have been included. When the alarm/exercise 
switch is in exercise mode and no minimum speed is set, the complimentary 
output of flip-flop F3 is high and therefore the output of andgate A2 is 
high. This enables exclusive-or-gates E1 and E2 to act as inverters. This 
inverts the output of the first two bits of memory latches L1/L2. 
Therefore comparator M1/M2 acts as if a "minimum speed" of three is stored 
in memory. This allows the present invention to pause the VCR when the 
bicycle stops or falls below the "minimum speed" of three. When an actual 
"minimum speed" is stored in memory by pressing the set-speed button, 
flip-flop F3 output is set to a high level. The complimentary output goes 
to a low level which inhibits A2. This causes E1 and E2 to simply pass the 
data in the first two bits of memory directly on to comparator M1/M2. 
If instead of a bicycle providing clock pulses to RC1/RC2 an alarm clock or 
some other device provides the pulse, the present invention can act as an 
alarm. The alarm pulse will be seen by the circuit as a "present speed" of 
one. However, two additional functions are necessary. One is to eliminate 
E1 and E2 from the circuit so that the "minimum speed" of zero stored in 
memory can be accessed later. This is done by inhibiting A2 with the 
alarm/exercise switch set to an open position and the complimentary output 
of F3 which goes low once the alarm is triggered. 
The second additional function is to allow the present invention to ignore 
any input data after the first input pulse is received by RC1/RC2. This 
allows the TV or VCR to stay off or paused once the alarm signal 
disappears which would be seen by the system as a "present speed" of zero. 
This is done with flip-flop F3. When the alarm/exercise switch is set to 
alarm or open position and the reset switch 118 is thrown, the 
complimentary output of F3 goes high and the output goes low. These 
outputs feed the cascade inputs of comparator M1/M2. When the 
complimentary output of F3 is high, M1/M2 thinks the "present speed" is 
loss than the "minimum speed" even though both are zero. It basically 
simulates the function of E1 and E2 when in exercise mode. When an input 
pulse clocks RC1/RC2, the present invention thinks the "present speed" is 
now greater than the "minimum speed" of zero and activates the remote 
control unit. However, once the input signal turns off, the system would 
once again think the "present speed" is less than the "minimum speed" and 
again activate the remote control unit. To prevent this, the output of Al 
which activates the remote control unit also clocks F3 to a high output 
and low complimentary output. This allows M1/M2 to ignore previous 
comparator stages and recognize the actual "present speed" and "minimum 
speed" values. Since the "present speed" is always greater than or equal 
to the "minimum speed" of zero, any further input information is 
effectively ignored. An LED, D2, connected to the complimentary output of 
F3, lights when the present invention is ready to react to an alarm 
signal. Once the alarm is triggered, the LED turns off. 
Several items should be noted. The analog components and timing elements of 
the circuit do not have critical values but should stay within certain 
limits for the present invention to operate effectively. See FIG. 6 for IC 
package numbers, FIG. 7 for the power supply circuit diagram, and FIG. 8 
for the exterior sensor circuit diagram. The present invention uses a 
ripple counter instead of a synchronous counter because synchronous 
counters are much more sensitive to noise and voltage spikes. Ripple 
counters are more stable, easier to work with, and use half the power 
which is important for battery life. If synchronous counters would be 
used, circuit components P3 and A3 could be eliminated-since there would 
be no ripple delay to deal with. The exclusive-or gates, E1 and E2, which 
allow the present invention to control the VCR with no "minimum speed" 
set, also act as a damper to prevent circuit activation by a slow movement 
of the pedals. They are what preset the minimum speed, in effect, to three 
or four miles per hour. This is why two gates are used instead of one 
which would be all that is necessary to allow the present invention to 
operate the VCR when no minimum speed is set. 
The present invention has several advantages over the previous art. The 
system contains no moving parts; therefore, no maintenance or periodic 
adjustment is needed. It is simple to operate, especially for older or 
non-technical people. It can control a VCR, TV, or other common household 
device. It is Economical to produce and purchase. Its battery operation 
eliminates power cords. It has flexible input and output, since many types 
of exercise machines may be used. Its output can control many types of 
electronic devices. It provides effective motivational feedback to 
encourage continued exercising. Lastly, it has an alternate mode of 
operation as an alarm. 
SUMMARY OF OPERATING STEPS 
To Operate as an Exercise Aide: 
1. Mount the external sensor assembly and metal tabs on the bicycle. 
2. Plug phone jack into control box and set the EXERCISE/ALARM switch to 
EXERCISE. 
3. Insert four C size batteries. 
4. Program the remote control unit, using the enclosed manual, for the VCR 
and TV. 
5. Press the "TV" button on the remote control unit. This will allow the TV 
"power" button to function as well as the VCR transport functions. 
6. If a VCR is being used, load a tape in the VCR, play it, and pause it. 
If a TV is being used only, turn the TV off, otherwise leave it on. 
7. Set the VCR/TV switch to the device to be controlled. 
8. Throw the ON and RESET switches together. (The RESET switch will spring 
back). 
9. Start pedaling the bicycle. When the speed reaches three or four miles 
per hour the VCR will start playing (or the TV will turn on). 
10. To set a "minimum speed" in memory, press the SET-SPEED button when the 
desired speed is reached. The SPEED-SET LED will light when the button is 
pressed and go out when the speed has been stored in memory. 11. To change 
the "minimum speed" memory, press the SET-SPEED button again when the new 
speed is reached. 
12. To reset the memory speed back to zero, stop the bicycle and throw the 
RESET switch. (Note: If the bicycle is not stopped, the VCR (or TV) may 
get out-of-sync with the bicycle since RESET clears all circuit memory 
elements. If this should happen, manually press the pause (or power) 
button on the remote control unit. also, if the SET-SPEED button is 
pressed while the bicycle is stopped, the "preset" speed of three or four 
miles per hour is set to zero. This means the bicycle has no control over 
the VCR (or TV) since the bicycle speed will always be equal to or greater 
than zero. 
To Operate as an Alarm: 
1. Set the VCR/TV switch to TV. 
2. Set the EXERCISE/ALARM switch to ALARM. 
3. Throw the ON and RESET switches together. (The RESET switch will spring 
back). Whenever the ALARM LED is not lit, the system is not "armed". Throw 
the RESET switch to arm the system. The present invention is now ready to 
react to a voltage pulse input. Once the alarm is triggered, the TV will 
turn off and the LED will go out. 
A quick way to demonstrate the alarm function is to short the yellow and 
red wires of the external sensor cord momentarily. Another way is to start 
pedaling the bicycle. Either of these actions will send a voltage pulse to 
the present invention simulating a pulse from a smoke detector, door bell, 
oven timer or other device. The actual configuration of 5 volts, ground, 
and counter input wires used would depend on the external device sending 
the alarm signal. 
Note: Discrete, single pulses are not necessary in alarm mode. The first 
pulse to reach the counter input triggers the present invention and any 
further signals are ignored. 
Parts 
Analog Components: 
Resistors (ohms): R1--2.2K, R2--470K, R3--N0. 10K, R4--N0. 10K, R5--No. 
10K, R6--330, R7--330 
Capacitors (micro farads): C1--1, C2--0.01, C3--0.01, C4--0.001, 
Spike Suppressors: 0.01 (6), 0.1 (1) 
Timing Components: 
T1--Master clock freq.: approx 1.5 Hz, Duty cycle approx. 50% 
P1 & P2--Pulse width: approx. 40 micro sec. 
P3--Pulse widths approx. 4 micro sec. 
Note: Pulse widths are wider than necessary which provides a safety margin 
without impairing operation. 
Power Supply Components: 
Four C-size alkaline batteries 
5.1 v Zener diode 
10 ohm, 2 watt resistor 
Current: 
Circuit approx. 95 mA 
External Sensor approx. 25 mA 
Total approx. 120 mA 
Est. running time: 59 hrs. or over one year of typical use of 20 minutes a 
day, three days a week. 
External sensor: 
Type: Infrared emitter and detector 
Voltage limits: low level--0 to 0.8 volt; high level--2.1 to 5 volts 
Negative going edge of voltage pulse clocks counter 
Switches: 
On/Off--SPST 
Reset--SPDT, auto-flip 
Set Speed Button--SPDT 
VCR/TV--DPDT 
Alarm/Exercise--DPDT 
Light Emitting Diodes: 
Speed-set and Alarm: 5 v, 2 mA 
Remote Control Unit: 
Radio Shacks.RTM.--ITZA.RTM.--programmable (any make will work) Power 
supply--3 v, unswitched 
Wiring leads: 
Phone jack: Red--5 v out, Black--ground, Yellow--counter input, 
Green--unused 
Circuit board: 
Red w/tape--6 v 
Black w/tape--ground 
Red (long)--reset 
Red (short)--Reg. 5 v to switches 
Black (in middle)--from set-speed button 
Black (by remote control)--to VCR/TV switch 
Green (long, w/tape)--from external sensor 
Green (in middle)--to speed-set LED Green (to left transistor)--from TV 
switch and to remote "power" button 
Green (to right transistor)--from VCR switch and to remote "pause" button 
Black w/dbl tape--from alarm switch 
Red w/dbl tape--to alarm LED 
As shown in FIGS. 11-14, an alternate embodiment includes a remote control 
housing 200 with a rectangular configuration having a top face, a bottom 
face, and a periphery integrally formed therebetween defining an interior 
space. The remote control housing has a plurality of television and VCR 
control buttons formed thereon as is conventional in the art. The housing 
has an arm 210 pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to a rear edge of 
the housing. As shown in FIG. 12, the arm of the remote control housing 
has a collapsed orientation wherein the arm abuts the housing and an 
erected orientation wherein the arm resides perpendicular with respect to 
the housing. By this structure, the remote control housing may be situated 
adjacent the legs of a user during exercise with the arm in the erected 
orientation thereof. It should be noted that such exercise may consist of 
the use of a exercise bicycle, stepper, or the like. 
With reference now to FIG. 13, motion detection means 212 is provided. The 
motion detection means is coupled to a second end of the arm of the remote 
control housing. In use, the motion detection means generates an 
activation signal upon a leg of a user passing within a detection zone 
thereof. To afford additional versatility, the arm may be adapted to 
swivel in the erected orientation thereof. Ideally, the detection zone 
comprises an area constrained by a pair of planes which form an 
approximate 10 degree angle. 
Further provided as a component of the alternate embodiment is a counter 
means 214. Such counter means is situated within the remote control 
housing and electrically connected to the motion detection means. In 
operation, the counter means is adapted to transmit a deactivation signal 
upon the cessation of a predetermined time period. As shown in FIG. 14, 
the counter has a plurality of associated light emitting diodes 216 which 
are situated in linear alignment on the top face of the remote control 
housing. Such diodes are coupled to the counter means such that the number 
of diodes which are actuated is a function of the length of the 
predetermined time period. The control means ideally includes a free 
running 8 bit counter driven by pulse generator T1. See FIG. 14. 
Also included is exercise speed control means 222 which is also situated 
within the remote control housing. The exercise speed control means is 
electrically connected to the counter means for allowing a user to 
selectively determine the predetermined time period. To facilitate the 
intended use of the speed control means, a speed control dial 224 is 
positioned on the top face of the remote control housing. 
Control circuitry 226 is situated within the remote control housing and 
electrically connected to the counter means and the motion detection 
means. In use, the control circuitry is adapted to reset the counter means 
and further transmit a remote activation signal upon the receipt of the 
activation signal. The control circuitry is further adapted to reset the 
counter means and further transmit a remote deactivation signal upon the 
receipt of the deactivation signal. As shown in FIG. 14, the control 
circuitry relies on a flip flop 228, a pair of multivibrators 230, and a 
plurality of logic gates 232 for interconnecting the forgoing components 
of the present invention. By this design, the control circuitry is adapted 
to ensure that the activation signal and deactivation signal are not 
transmitted twice in a row. It should be noted that the signals which 
effect the resetting of the counter are always transmitted to ensure the 
proper operation thereof. The speed control dial of the speed control 
means may further be utilized for manually resetting the counter. 
Also included is a remote control means 234 situated within the remote 
control housing and electrically connected to the control circuitry. Upon 
receiving the remote activation signal, the remote control means is 
adapted to generate a first infrared signal for activating the playback 
function of the videocassette recorder. When the remote deactivation 
signal is received, the remote control means generates a second infrared 
signal for activating the pause function of the videocassette recorder. 
As in the previous embodiment, a videocassette recorder may be included for 
playing a videocassette in a playback function that is activated through 
receipt of a remote first infrared signal and a pause function that is 
activated through receipt of a remote second infrared signal. Optionally, 
the videocassette recorder may be excluded and a television may be adapted 
for activating upon the receipt of the remote first infrared signal and 
deactivating upon the receipt of the remote second infrared signal. 
As an option, a function dial 238 may be positioned on a top face of the 
housing for allowing use o the present invention for various additional 
functions other than those previously described. For example, in an alarm 
mode, the remote control means may be adapted to actuate the television 
upon motion being detected. Also, in a sleep mode, the remote control 
means may be adapted to deactivate the television after a predetermined 
amount of time independent of motion. 
As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same 
should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further 
discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the 
optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to 
include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the 
manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and 
obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to 
those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are 
intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the 
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modification and 
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired 
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and 
described, and accordingly, all suitable modification and equivalents may 
be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.