CA2759842A1 - Fitness product projection display assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A fitness product utilizes a projection display assembly.
The assembly comprises an image source and a projection surface. The image source can comprise a light source and an image creator, where the light source shines through the image creator. The image produced by the image creator can be focused with a lens and can be redirected with a reflector.
The projected image can be viewed on the projection surface and the projection surface can comprise a touchscreen surface. The assembly provides a substantially sealed and protected image source and a projection surface that can serve to control the fitness product through interactions with the projected images.

Description

FITNESS PRODUCT PROJECTION DISPLAY ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

10001] The present application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/172,612, filed April 24, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention 10002] The present invention generally relates to a projection display assembly for fitness products. More specifically, the present invention relates to such displays featuring a projecting device used to generate a projected image and a projection surface for displaying the projected image, wherein the projection surface is spaced apart from the projecting device but optically connected to the projecting device.

Description of the Related Art 100031 Exercise equipment use displays to provide information relating to performance, such as an operating speed, elapsed time, time remaining, energy output, and pulse rate, for example. For example. most cardiovascular exercise equipment feature displays that use LCD or LED display modules. The display modules provide numeric, alphanumeric, or bar graph-type representation of the information presented and the display modules are contained in injection molded plastic housings. Typically,, a keypad including a series of physical control switches and/or buttons surrounds the electronic display.

100041 These enshrouded display units, however, are disadvantageously expensive, bulky and complicated in construction. Therefore, a display unit capable of utilizing a projected image is desirable in order to provide a low cost, low weight, high capability display unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

10005] Accordingly, certain aspects of the present invention involve a fitness product that comprises a frame. The frame supports a display. The display comprises a first projection surface. An image projector comprises a first light source spaced apart from the first projection surface such that content from the image projector is projected onto the first projection surface of the display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100061 These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers will be consistently used to indicate corresponding elements in different figures.

100071 Figure 1 is a simplified view of a fitness product having a display that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.

10008] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the display of Figure 1.

10009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an image source useable with the display of Figure 1.

10010] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another image source useable with the display of Figure 1.

(0011] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of another display showing multiple image sources.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

100121 Figure 1 illustrates a fitness product 10 comprising a projection display assembly 11 that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. While the illustrated fitness product 10 comprises a group cycle, the fitness product 10 can be any cardiovascular and/or strength related equipment that uses a display. In some embodiments, the fitness product 10 can be a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, an elliptical exercise machine, a stair climbing exercise machine or a weight training device, for example but without limitation. As will be explained, certain features, aspects and advantages of the projection display assembly I I can be used with any of a number of different types of fitness products 10 that incorporate a display.

100131 Preferably, the entire projection display assembly I I is affixed to suitable portion of the fitness product 10, such as a handlebar, a bracket, a handgrip, a structural beam, or other appropriate portion. The illustrated fitness product 10 comprises at least one frame member 12 that in a preferred configuration supports the entire projection display assembly 11.

100141 The projection display assembly I1 generally comprises a projection surface 14 and an image source 16. Accordingly, the frame member 12 preferably defines a portion of the fitness product 10 that supports the projection surface 14 and the image source 16 of the projection display assembly 11. As shown, the projection surface 14 is spatially separated from, but optically connected to, the image source 16. In some configurations, the frame member 12 is an intermediate or middle member that physically connects together the image source 16 and the projection surface 14 and, in other configurations, the frame member 12 supports an additional assembly that directly connects the projection surface 14 and the image source 16.

100151 In the illustrated configuration, a housing 20 secures together the projection surface 14 and the image source 16 of the projection display assembly 11 of Figure I. Preferably, the display housing 20 mounts to the fitness product 10 and can be permanently or removably affixed thereto. In particular, the housing 20 containing at least the image source 16 can be secured to the frame member 12 of the fitness product 10.
Accordingly, the housing 20 can comprise the additional assembly mentioned above.

100161 The housing 20 preferably defines a waterproof housing. In some embodiments, the housing 20 is sized, configured and located to reduce the ability of sweat from a user to infiltrate the housing and also protects the image source 16 from dirt, dust, steam, vapor, mist, cleaning solutions and the like. Thus, the housing 20 defines a protective enclosure for at least the image source 16 and preferably the electronics that are related to the image source 16 while the projection surface 14 is positioned largely outside of the housing 20. In most embodiments, an interface between the projection surface 14 and the housing 20 will not be sealed around the complete periphery of the projection surface 14 because the projection surface 14 does not feature electronics commonly found in LCD or LED monitors.
Therefore, any seal would, not have to exist around the complete periphery of the projection surface 14. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one edge of the projection surface 14 is exposed and not covered with a housing.

100171 The housing 20 can also include provisions for holding or supporting personal effects, such as beverages, keys, towels, cell phones, PDA, mp3 players, and the like. The housing 20 also preferably provides a suitable amount of protection for the display assembly components from external forces, such as can occur when the fitness product 10 is moved, or a person or equipment bumps into the housing 20 or the fitness product 10.

100181 While the illustrated projection surface 14 is mounted to the housing 20, the projection surface 14 can be mounted separate of the housing 20. In such a configuration, the image source 16 and the related electronics are not directly coupled to the projection surface 14. Moreover, in such a configuration, no seal would be required between the projection surface 14 and the housing 20 that contains the image source 16 and both the projection surface 14 and the housing 20 would be separately mounted to the fitness product 10.

100191 The housing 20 and, where separately mounted, the projection surface 14, preferably are secured to a portion of the exercise device where sufficient support and stability is provided. When the projection surface 14 is separately mounted, sufficient support and stability generally can be found where there is sufficient vibration isolation or where relative movements between the projection surface 14 and the image source 16, such as movements associated with vibration of the exercise device or devices attached thereto, occur simultaneously, in-phase, proportionally, or in some other way so that they can be determined, minimized, and/or accommodated without significant apparent movement between an image on the projection surface 14 and the projection surface 14 itself. For example, an upper portion of a treadmill frame assembly may have certain movements that are out of phase with movements proximate a running deck of the treadmill. In other words, the upper portion of the treadmill frame assembly may sway and the lower portion of the treadmill proximate the running deck may vibrate during use. Thus, if the image source 16 is positioned on the lower portion of the fitness product 10 and the projection surface 14 is positioned on the upper portion of the fitness product 10, the projected image may appear to be moving relative to the projection surface 14, which can be unsettling and difficult to read.
While it may be possible to dampen such movement, it is preferred to simply mount the display surface 14 and the image source 16 such that both components generally move together if they move at all. Securing the image source 16 and the projection surface 14 together to the frame member 12 desirably decreases relative movement and decreases the likelihood of vibrations being out of phase between the image source 16 and the projection surface 14.

100201 With reference to Figure 2, a reflector 22 is shown. The reflector 22 can comprise a reflective surface, such as an optical element relying on reflection or refraction, including mirrors or prisms, and the reflector 22 redirects the light transmission into a new direction. Suitable materials for reflectors include glass or plastic, including but not limited to rnetalized glass or plastic, as well as metallic and crystalline materials.
In some embodiments, the reflector can be mounted onto another material, such as wood, plastic, metal, or the like.

100211 The reflector 22 enables a more compact display unit and, in some embodiments, can be used to switch between multiple surfaces that can receive the projected images. Moreover, in some embodiments, the reflector 22 can be used to direct light from multiple image sources onto a single surface for presentation to a user and multiple reflectors can be used in some embodiments with a single image source or with multiple image sources.

100221 The illustrated reflector 22 is secured to the housing 20 and the reflector 22 is shown located after any lens that may form a portion of the image source 16. Other locations for- the reflector 22 are possible. While the illustrated reflector 20 is secured in a fixed relationship relative to the image source 16 and the projection surface 14, it is possible to configure the reflector 22 to be pivotable between at least two positions and among more than two positions, if desired. For example, when positioned as shown in Figure 2, the output from the image source 16 is directed toward the projection surface 14.
If the reflector 22 were moved out of the beam from the image source 16, however, the image would be able to be directed onto a different surface, such as a wall in front of the fitness product 10. In some embodiments, one or more reflectors 22 can be adjusted manually, remotely, electronically, automatically, by switch, actuator, or the like such that the location of the image can be repositioned.

100231 Depending upon the implementation, the image projected from the image source 16 may need to be inverted from top to bottom to provide proper presentation of the image depending upon whether and how many times the image is redirected by reflectors. In some instances, the movement of the reflector 22 may activate a switch to cause inversion of the image. Any other suitable techniques for inverting the image also can be used.

100241 Preferably, as with the image source 16 and the projection surface 14, the reflector 22 is secured to the housing 20. In some instances, the reflector 22 can be secured to other components of the fitness product 10 keeping in mind a desire to minimize relative movements among the image source 16, the reflector 22 and the projection surface 14 such that movement of the image relative to the projection surface 14 can be minimized. Thus, in a preferred configuration, at least the image source 16 and the reflector 22 are mounted together. In a more preferred configuration, the image source 16, the reflector 22 and the projection surface 14 are mounted together. In an even more preferred configuration, the image source 16, the reflector 22 and the projection surface are mounted to the housing 20, which is supported by the frame member 12 of the fitness product 10.

100251 As discussed above, the projection display assembly I1 generally comprises the image source 16 that is optically connected to the projection surface 14 while the image source 16 is spaced apart from the projection surface 14. The image source 16 can have a number of different constructions.

100261 With reference to Figure 3, the illustrated image source 16 comprises a light source 28 and an image creator 30. The light source 28 can be any suitable light emitting technology, such as LED, halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, or the like. Moreover, the light source 28 can result in a display assembly I 1 that is monochromatic, single colored or multicolored. The light source 28 shines through the image creator 30 to create an optical image.

100271 In some embodiments, the image creator 30 can create a visual representation of an image by blocking or transmitting light. The image creator 30 preferably is dynamic and electronically controlled such that at least a portion of the images created relate to real-time activity on the fitness product 10. Any suitable technique can be used for the electronic control of the image creator 30. In some LCD components, applying an electric charge can vary the transparency of certain regions of the LCD in a controlled manner. The change in transparency can be used to block the transmission of light. Thus, in some configurations, the image creator 30 can block or allow the transmission of light to create the desired image. In other words, the LCD component can generate clear portions of what is desired to be shown or can generate a negative image of what is desired to be shown by blocking the portions that represent what is desired to be shown. In addition, in some configurations, both positive and negative image generators can be used. Other image creators also can be used. For instance, in some embodiments, a reflective LCD
or a transflective LCD can be utilized.

100281 The image creator 30 also can include image elements that are permanently depicted, such as by introduction of pigmented, opaque, semi-opaque, or translucent materials onto a surface or into the body of the image creator, or into or onto a material used as an overlayer/underlayer or filter for the image creator 30.
In such a manner, some portions of the display assembly 11 may present dynamic information while other portions of the display assembly l I can present static information or the like and at least some of the static information can be projected.

100291 A focusing lens 24 can be positioned between light source 28 and the projection surface 14 in the embodiment of Figure 3. For example, the focusing lens 24 generally is positioned between the image creator 30 and the projection surface 14 so that the projected image can be focused and clearly presented on the projection surface 14. The focusing lens 24 preferably is used with certain light sources. In some embodiments, the lens 24 or other suitable focusing system can be utilized to modify the image quality on the projection display 14. Suitable lenses 24 and focusing systems include those which increase the size of the image, decrease the size of the image, change the focus of the image, and/or serve to collimate the light directed from the light source 28. In some embodiments, the lens/focusing system can be positioned between the light source 28 and the image creator 30.
In some embodiments, the lens/focusing system can be positioned after the image creator 30.
In some embodiments, the lens/focusing system can be positioned between the light source 28 and the image creator 30 with a second lens/focusing system located after the image creator 30. Adjustable lens/focusing systems include those being mechanically adjustable, electronically adjustable, manually adjustable, and automatically adjustable.
Adjustable lens/focusing systems can be controlled by software, hardware, mechanical linkages, servos, motors, and the like.

100301 In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the light source 28 emits light that passes through the image creator 30 such that the resulting image beam 34 depicts the image created in the image creator 30. In some configurations, the transmitted light passes through the lens 24, which focuses the image for display on the projection surface 14. Of course, in the configuration shown in Figure 2, the image beam 34 contacts the reflective component 22, which redirects the image for display on the projection surface 14.

100311 FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another type of image source 16.
As shown, a projection assembly 50 can use any suitable image creator as a light source 52.
For example, the projection assembly 50 can comprise a PicoP enabled embedded projector, which uses a PicoP display engine, a MEMS scanning mirror, multiple colored lasers and a display engine to generate displayable images. Such an image creator is available from Microvision. Other types of suitable projection assemblies 50 can include holographic laser projection systems, such as that available from LightBlue Optics, which turn flat surfaces into a laser touchscreen, and other microdisplay projection displays, microprojectors, rniniprojectors, DLP projectors, DLP pico projectors, including those with Brilliantcolor technology, and the like.

100321 In the assembly 50 shown in Figure 4, the light source 52, which emits light coded by an imaging portion 54, is used to generate light used to produce an image. The light is directed by an image adjustment component 56, such as a MEMS mirror or the like, into a scanning pattern to create an image on the projection surface 14. As mentioned, other types of image creators can be used with the projection display assembly 11.

100331 With reference now to Figure 6, the projection surface 14 preferably defines a portion of the projection display assembly 11. In particular, the projection surface 14 defines a portion of a user interface component 60. The projection surface 14 can be opaque, semi-opaque, translucent, semi-transparent, or any degree of transparency suitable for displaying the image projected from the image source 16. The projection surface 14 can be formed from one or more of the following: fabric, wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, glass, lexan, and a variety of coated or frosted materials including glass, plastic, lexan, acrylic, and other materials suitable for reflecting, displaying or capturing transmitted light. At least a portion of the projection surface 14 can have a mirrored finish, a polished finish, or a shiny finish and, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the projection surface 14 can have a dull finish, a matte finish, or a flat finish. In a preferred embodiment, the projection surface 14 is non-ferrous. In other words, the projection surface 14 in a preferred embodiment greatly reduces the likelihood of static discharge of a user when they touch the projection surface 14 because the projection surface 14 is non-conductive.

(0034] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the projection surface 14 presents images on an opposite side from which they are projected from the image source 16. In some embodiments, a touchscreen layer 62 can be positioned on or over the projection surface 14.
Such an embodiment is presented in Figure 6, wherein the user will interact via the touchscreen layer with buttons that are displayed on the projection surface 14. In such embodiments, the touchscreen layer 62 generally will be used on concert with information projected onto the projection surface 14, the images or information preferably are not projected from the same side of the projection surface 14 as the user will interact. In other words, the projection surface 14, as a result of the touchscreen layer 62 or the like, becomes an active control panel for the fitness product 10 because an image of a button or the like can be displayed, accessed and operated as a control button for the related fitness product 10.

100351 In some embodiments, a touchscreen separate from the projection surface 14 can be used. In some embodiments, both a separate touchscreen and a touchscreen in combination with the projection surface 14 can be used. Separate touchscreens can be located over the projection surface 14, so as to allow viewing through the touchscreen, or near the display, such as alongside or near an edge of the projection surface 14, or distant from the projection surface 14, such as in a separate unit in electronic, radio, or optic communication with another portion of the projection display assembly 11. In some embodiments, the image can be viewed by looking at the same side of the projection surface 14 as the image beam impinges upon the projection surface 14, such as with the holographic light projection technology mentioned above.

10036] With reference still to Figure 6, a user input device 64 on the user interface component 60 can be provided to control the fitness product 10 and/or other devices integrated with or associated with the fitness product 10. The user input device 64 can comprise one or more switches, buttons, control knobs or the like which may be located on the housing 20 used for the projection display assembly 11 or in a separate housing that may or may not contain components of the projection display assembly 11. The user input device 64 can be used to allow positioning of a cursor on the projection display assembly 11 and/or movement between views or windows, such as those that allow movement up/down/right/left. In some embodiments, a rotary knob or screen-simulated rotary knob can be used. Other controls can include joystick, buttons, levers, and the like.
The user input device 64 can comprise controls that provide start/stop capabilities, a "back"
function, an "escape" function, a "reset" function or a "restart" function or the like.

10037] In some embodiments, the projection display assembly I I can receive and display information from more than one source, such as from the fitness product 10 and computers, cell phones, mp3 players, PDAs, stereos, televisions, television receivers, cable receivers, satellite box, video game console, DVD players, CD players, stereos, radios, memory cards, and the like. With some of these sources, the display assembly 11 can simply allow content (e.g., music, videos) to be passed through from the device to the projection display assembly 11 or the fitness product 10. In addition, in some embodiments, the projection display assembly I1 can receive and display information from more than one fitness product. In some embodiments, the projection display assembly 11 can provide information related to an individual's exercise performance along with information from a coach, teacher, observer, or bystander and/or information related to other individuals' exercise performance.

100381 In some embodiments, the projection display assembly I1 can interface with other display units, sensors, transmitters, computer device, or other electronic devices to depict additional image elements, modify image elements, or to display or store data. In some embodiments, the imaging portion can include image elements generated by a computer, controller or other electronic device. In some embodiments, the imaging portion can include image elements from more than one computer, controller or other electronic device. In some embodiments, at least some image elements can be generated by software and, in some embodiments, at least some image elements can be representations generated from pictures, movies, or files transferred or otherwise supplied to the fitness product 10.

100391 In various embodiments, images and information that can be displayed include any of three or more types of information: product settings (e.g., speed, elevation, time); workout effort information (e.g., watts, calories burned, heart rate);
and entertainment (e.g., music, videos, television). Thus, information and images can be displayed relating to performance, such as speed, energy output, duration of exercise session, type of exercise being performed, stage of exercise, calorie utilization, remaining time for exercise session, exercise plan, and the like. The displayable information also includes information related to a biological status of a person, such as a person performing exercise and/or a person at rest, including the person performing the exercise or another person and such biological status can include heart rate, V02, temperature, blood pressure, height, weight, and the like. In some embodiments, the information can be input through entries such as on a keypad or touchscreen, including the touchscreen display used as in connection with the projection surface 14, or can be electronically input to the fitness product 10 from sensors or transmitters located in appropriate locations and using suitable transmission technologies, such as radio, wire, and/or optical transmission technologies. Information can be provided in numeric form, word form, graphical form, audible form, video form or some combination of these forms.

100401 In some embodiments, information related to operation of the equipment, such as instructions, training techniques, and adjustment, set-up, start-up, settings to use, exercise routine to follow, and demonstrations of the operation can be displayed. In some embodiments, training recommendations can be displayed.

-II-10041] In some embodiments, the controls on the projection display assembly 11 can control settings for the fitness product 10, such as resistance, speed, or other parameters that a user might want to adjust. In some embodiments, the projection display assembly 11 can include a computer or microprocessor, such as included within a projection display housing. In some embodiments, the projection display assembly I I can include speakers built into the projection display assembly 11 and/or attached externally and the projection display assembly 11 can include an audio output jack or another way of communicating with headphones. In some embodiments, the display of an external integrated device can be routed into the display of the projection display assembly 11. In some embodiments, the control of the external integrated device can be through a control panel or touch screen of the projection display assembly 11. In some embodiments, the projection display assembly 11 or the fitness product 10 can be controlled by the external device.

10042] With reference to Figure 5, the image presented to a user of the device can be switched from the projection surface 14 mounted in to the fitness product 10 to a projection surface 80 that is positioned external or away from the fitness product 10 or can be adjusted such that the image is presented on both projection surfaces 14, 80.
Such an external or disconnected projection surface 80 can be located at some distance from the fitness product 10. In some embodiments, the disconnected projection surface 80 can be a dedicated device, such as a screen fabricated for use with or supplied with the fitness product 10. In some embodiments, the disconnected projection surface 80 can be a general-purpose screen such as those used for displaying projected movies or transparency images. In some embodiments, the disconnected projection surface 80 can be another device, a door, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a box, a piece of furniture, a sheet, a board, a window, a curtain, or some other structural, building, furniture, decorative, room, furniture, or equipment feature as desired. In some embodiments a fog, mist, or liquid surface can be utilized as a screen as well.

10043] The image source 16 can be pivoted such that the image from the image source can be directed as desired. In such a manner, the images can be directed to the integrated projection surface 14 or to the disconnected projection surface 80 as desired by the user. If the light source is collimated or uses a laser, for instance, then the image will be in focus regardless of the distance between the image source and the projection surface 14, 80.
Otherwise, where necessary, the focusing lenses and techniques discussed above can be used to focus the images depending upon the projection surface 14, 80 being used.

[0044] With two or more possible projection surfaces 14, 80, different options can be provided for supplying images to the surfaces 14, 80. In some embodiments, a beam splitter can be incorporated into the projector display assembly I 1 in order to simultaneously utilize multiple projection surfaces while having only a single image source.
In some embodiments, images from multiple image sources 16 can be combined onto a single projection surface or can be projected onto multiple projections surfaces, with appropriate use of multiple sub elements, such as imaging portions, lenses, reflectors, etc.
to allow the combination of images.

[0045] In some embodiments, optical cables can be incorporated into the design, such as for routing light from a light source to an imaging portion or from an imaging portion to a lens, reflector, or projection surface. In some embodiments, optical cables can be utilized to route light or images at more than one point within the projection display.

[0046] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, examples and variations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is specifically contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Moreover, some variations that have been described with respect to one embodiment and not another embodiment can be used with such other embodiments. Many other variations also have been described herein and cross-application is intended where physically possible. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims (25)

1. A fitness product comprising a frame, the frame supporting a display, the display comprising a first projection surface, an image projector comprising a first light source spaced apart from the first projection surface such that content from the image projector is projected onto the first projection surface of the display.

2. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the image projector is adapted to project onto at least the first projection surface and a second projection surface, the second projection surface being spaced apart from and separate of the first projection surface.

3. The fitness product of Claim 2, wherein the second projection surface is not mounted to the fitness product.

4. The fitness product of Claim2, wherein the image projector comprises more than one light source.

5. The fitness product of Claim 2, wherein the first light source provides light to a first iinage creator.

6. The fitness product of Claim 5, wherein the image projector comprises a second light source and the second light source provides light to a second iinage creator.

7. The fitness product of Claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary image projector, the auxiliary image projector comprising an auxiliary light source spaced apart from the first light source of the image projector and the auxiliary light source projecting onto a second projection surface.

8. The fitness product of Claim 7, wherein the second projection surface is not mounted to the fitness product.

9. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the image projector comprises a light source that is selected from the group consisting of laser, LED, halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, LCD, and DLP.

10. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the image projector comprises a focus component.

11. The fitness product of Claim 10, wherein the first light source comprises a laser.

12. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the first projection surface is optically connected to the image projector but the first projection surface is not electrically connected to the image projector.

13. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein a protective housing encloses the image projector and electronics connected to the image projector.

14. The fitness product of Claim 13, wherein the protective housing does not enclose the first projection surface.

15. The fitness product of Claim 14, wherein the protective housing is directly connected to the first projection surface.

16. The fitness product of Claim 13, wherein the image projector comprises the first light source and an image creator.

17. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a support member, the support member supporting both the image projector and the first projection surface.

18. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a support member, the support member supporting both the first light source and the first projection surface.

19. The fitness product of Claim 1, where the first projection surface comprises a touch screen layer interface.

20. The fitness product of Claim 19, wherein the touch screen layer interface comprises a portion that is active to allow a user to input control parameters for the fitness product such that the first projection surface comprises an active control panel for the fitness product with a button that is projected onto the first projection surface.

21. The fitness product of Claim 19, wherein the touch screen layer interface comprises a portion that is active to allow a user to input control parameters for an auxiliary device that are connectable to the fitness product such that the first projection surface comprises an active control panel for the auxiliary device with a button that is projected onto the first projection surface for the user to interact with the auxiliary device when the auxiliary device is connected to the fitness product.

22. The fitness product of Claim 21, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a removable player for audio or video content.

23. The fitness product of Claim 1, wherein the first projection surface comprises a material that is at least translucent to light.

24. The fitness product of Claim 23, wherein the first projection surface is formed entirely of non-ferrous materials such that static discharge of the user can be reduced through a non-conductive display.

25. The fitness product of Claim 1 further comprising an independent control panel, the independent control panel comprising an input member where users may input control points of the fitness product.