PHYSICAL EXERCISE MACHINES COUPLED WITH COMPUTER GAMES

Abstract: An exercise machine (2) is interfaced with a computer (5) which is programmed so that the user of the exercise machine (2) becomes the image figure on a video display unit (6). Thus the exercise machine (6) becomes the prime mover or controller in a computer game. A second exercise machine (8) can be included to provide a second image figure on the video display unit (6).

Description: Physical Exercise Machines Coupled With Computer Games Description of the Invention a. Preamble This invention relates to modifications and additions to stationary physical exercise machines(such as the exercise cy the exercise rowing machine,pedalex exerciser,exercise jogger, and horse riding exerciser)and modifications and additions to computer interface systems in computer games, so that hy huma physical exertion the exercise machine/exerciser " becomes the prime mover/controller in the operation of the computer games. In practice the present range of stationary physical exercise machines are a useful means of providing exercise for the pro otion and maintenance of health " by simulating the machine in a confined space.These machines have not achieved great popu¬ larity " because they lack the " basic ingredients to realise their full potential for maximum use. These are: (1) They do not provide mental stimulation.Which means that the exerciser is always fully conscious of the effort required to perform the exercise.This makes the exercisi dull,monotonous,repetitive and tiring and unless the exe iser is very dedicated,the exercise is short lived,as is the amount the machine is used. (2) They do not provide competition either actual or in image This makes the exercise uninteresting and without excite The present computer games are the opposite of the exercise m ines. Although they occupy the mind and provide competition,t do not exercise the body. Except for educational and classica games(ie chess), they tend to become addictive without any re advantages for the wellbeing of the individual or the communi " b. What the Invention generally relates to (1) The. invention relates to physical exercise machines (ie exercise cycle,exercise rowing machine,exercise jogger, pedalex exerciser,and horse riding exerciser ) and their improvement hy coupling them with computer games. (2)The inventive step is the coupling of the exercise machine with a computer game,to make the exercising, interesting, competitive,mentally stimulating,invigorating and more practised. 10 (3) Modifications have " been made to all the exercise machine hy the inclusion of a flywheel/transducer system to provid a physical/mechanical induced electrical current;and the inclusion of a mechanical/electronic steering system to control the electronic impulses to the computer. ( k) Modifications have " been made to the computer interface system to provide the necessary circuitry to ena the computer to interpret the electronic signals generated hy the physical efforts o the- exerciser/machine/transduce and controlled hy the exerciser' s manipulation of the stee 20 ing. The computer is programmed so that the exerciser/mach becomes the image figure on the video display unit,competi against time and a, series of hazardous situations or again another opponent image figure/t,either hypothetical or another human mounted on a duplicate exercise machine. (5) The invention also relates" o any known exercise machine that can be modified to-become the prime mover in a comput game by the inclusion of a steerirg system and a transduce system and coupling with a modified computer interface system / video display unit/ television set ■ Z Q (6) The majority of the computer games previously played by hand manipulation alone,can be played by the exerciser on his machine.Also games specifically designed for the partic ular exercise machine,can now be played using the exerciser machine as controller/prime mover. c.What has been done in the field of the Invention. (The prior Ar-t) (l)The two major components of the Invention; that is: the physical exercise machine and the computer game,have both been developed in a number of forms to a relatively high degree of sophistication. To the best of my knowledge and through Australian and International patent searches, the two have not previously been coupled as a form of competitive exercise by playing computer games. (2) Exercisers on physical exercise machines have been linked t computers to test/examine the physical condition and capac of the exerciser. (3) Physical exercise cycles (with the addition of a transduce system )have been used to control or provide the power to ra or television sets ( LL) Aircraft cockpit simulators and other training simulators have been coupled with computers.The aim of this union is to train the human participant in the skills necessary to opera the machine; whereas the objective of my invention is to pro a desirable means of exercising by playing a variety of competitive games , either singly or in combination. (5) Physical exercise cycles( ith a transducer system and a steering system) have been coupled to video tape recorders a video display units to simulate a person taking a scenic cycling Lour. Although this progressive step to exercising o a stationary exercise cycle, occupies the mind to a limited degree; it lacks the essential ingredient of the computer ga and all the innovation, ariety,competition, interest and exci ment that makes exercising a pleasure by playing a game. (Refer figure 3 ) SUBSTI ITE SHEET • d. The Objectives of the Invention The objective of this Invention is to overcome the dis¬ advantages of " both the exercise machine and the computer game as aids to recreation and wellbeing by: (1) Combining both activities to add a new interesting/practi dimension to both exercise machines and to computer games. (2) Modifications and additions to exercise machines and computer interface systems to make the exerciser and the exercise machine the prime movers/controllers in the compute game. (3) Modifications to both the physical exercise machines and the computer interface systems so that the outcome of the computer game is dependent on the physical effort,dexterity and mental agility of the user/s of the exercise machine/s. (1+) Devising computer games appropriate to the exercise machi to make exercising an interesting and beneficial activity. (5) Programming the computer so that the exerciser can compet against himself and or the machine in time and a series of hazardous situations or against another human exerciser operating a duplicate machine or a simulated opponent create by the computer programmer. e. A General Statement of the Invention (1) Has any of our modified exercise machines coupled with a modified computer interface system, so the machine/exerciser omes the prime mover/controller in computer games. f. A Particular and Best Method of Carrying Out the Invention (Refer Figure 1) The exerciser on his machine(t and 2)by pedalling/rowing/jogg sets the cycle wheel/flywheel(3) in motion . opto electron device shines a light beam on the flywheel v/hich at periodi intervals is brcisn sending out impulses. The electrical • lses are received by the computer(5) and through a predesig programme on a video disc the exerciser/machine becomes an image figure on the video display unit(6)which is mounted directly in front of the exerciser. The speed at which the image/figure moves is governed by the pace at which the exer ciser pedals/rows/jogs. The anouve ability of the image/fig is determined by the reflex actions of the exerciser through the steering on the exercise machine(7). The hazardous situations are pre-programmed on the computer/ video i^cc and - •---& exerciser must react to these situations according to the speed he i pedalling/rowing/jogging and hi reflex/mental ability. The programming of the computer(5) can provide a figure/imag opponent/s or a second exerciser on a duplicate machine(δ) can become an alternative figure/image opponent on the video display unit/television set (6)

Claims: g. A Statement of Claims Defining the Invention The claims defining the invention are as follows: Claim 1. The inventive step claimed for this invention is the coupling of a modi ied physical exercise machine with a modified computer interface syste so that the exercise machine/exerciser becomes t prime mover/controller in computer games. Claim 2. Any of the following developed physical exercise machines modified with a steering/control system and transducer system, can be used as the prime mover in the computer games: The exercise cycle,exercise rowing machine,pedale (simulated auto)exerciser,and exercise jogger, (refer figures 2a and 2b) Claim 3« A second exercise machine to provide alternate human competition in computer games, is included, (refer figure 1 (8) ) Claim )•., Modi ications to the computer circuit to enable t computer to receive, interpret and transmit the electrical current from the exercise machine and receive, interpret and transmit the electrical impulses from the exercise machine'3 steering syst controlled by the exerciser.

Inventors: O'CONNOR LAURENCE JOHN, O'CONNOR, LAURENCE, JOHN
Applicants: CONNOR LAURENCE JOHN O, O'CONNOR, LAURENCE, JOHN
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A63B21
IPC codes: A63B21, A63F13, G06F19