Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
  • A63F13/816—Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
  • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
  • A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
  • A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
  • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
  • A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
  • A63F13/212—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/23—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
  • A63F13/235—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
  • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
  • A63F13/245—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
  • A63F13/42—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
  • A63F13/428—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
  • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
  • A63F13/812—Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
  • A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
  • A63B21/4043—Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/10—Positions
  • A63B2220/13—Relative positions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/17—Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
  • A63B2230/40—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics
  • A63B2230/42—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics rate
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
  • A63B23/03508—For a single arm or leg
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
  • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
  • A63B69/0028—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for running, jogging or speed-walking
  • A63B69/0035—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for running, jogging or speed-walking on the spot
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
  • A63F2300/1012—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
  • A63F2300/1025—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
  • A63F2300/1031—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
  • A63F2300/1062—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
  • A63F2300/8005—Athletics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
  • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
  • A63F2300/8011—Ball

Definitions

• the present invention relates to user controlled combination video game and exercise systems in general and in particular to those user controlled combination video game and exercise systems which require both effort and time-space coordination on behalf of the user.
• U.S. Patent 4,278,095 to Lapeyre describes a treadmill and a monitor for displaying the user's speed and distance and a variable speed outdoor exercising scene controlled by the speed of the user on the treadmill.
• the exercising scene is not interactive per se in that the user does not participate in a competitive interactive video game.
• U.S. Patent 4,720,789 to Hector et al. describes a video exercise or game floor controller with location indicating foot pads which allow an operator to input information into the system by locating his feet on foot pads of the floor controller.
• the game floor controller can also include light segments associated with each of the foot pads to encourage rapid foot movement by the fast switching on and off of different light segments.
• the apparatus does not measure whether the user is merely shifting his weight from one foot to the other foot in a tap dancing style or whether the user is sustaining intense physical activity, for example, by running on the spot.
• the existing devices evaluate physical effort either by monitoring the device itself or by the monitoring the heartbeat of the user.
• the monitoring of the device itself suffers from the disadvantage that the aerobic effort expended in activities which are not performed directly on the device cannot be monitored.
• the disadvantage of monitoring the user's heartbeat is that the heartbeat is a subjective measurements which depends on the condition and fitness of the specific user and does not constitute an objective determination which can be used to compare a number of users as in an actual sports game.
• the present invention is for a user controlled combination video game and exercise system which encourages the user to engage in intense aerobic activity during a challenging and motivating training session.
• the system can be employed for user participation in a wide range of recreational activities, such as dancing, and the like.
• a user controlled combination video game apparatus and exercise system comprising: (a) video game apparatus for displaying an interactive video game requiring user participation, the interactive video game including a playing piece; (b) limb activity sensor apparatus for providing a signal associated with the independent and unconstrained movement of at least two of a user's limbs for determining at least one aspect of the playing piece within the interactive video game; and (c) a playing piece controller responsive to the signal for controlling the playing piece.
• the limb activity sensor apparatus includes a left hand activity sensor operable by the left hand of the user and a right hand activity sensor operable by the right hand of the user.
• the limb sensor apparatus includes a left foot activity sensor operable by the left foot of the user and a right foot activity sensor operable by the right foot of the user.
• At least a portion of the limb activity sensor apparatus is worn by the user. According to a yet still further feature of the present invention, at least a portion of the limb activity sensor apparatus is held by the user.
• At least a portion of the limb activity sensor apparatus is remote from the user.
• At least a portion of the limb activity sensor apparatus is associated with an exercise apparatus on which the user exercises.
• the exercise apparatus provides information associated with an activity executed by the user.
• the limb activity sensor apparatus includes an actuator button.
• the playing piece controller controls one aspect of the playing piece selected from the following group: the number of pixels moved by the playing piece per screen refresh, the size of the playing piece, the shape of the playing piece, the color of the playing piece, the location of the playing piece, the direction of movement of the playing piece, the firing rate of the playing piece, and the interaction of the playing piece with other objects on the screen.
• the interactive video game is played between the user and another user.
• the system further comprising torso activity sensor apparatus for providing a signal associated with an activity executed by the user's torso for determining at least one aspect of the playing piece within the interactive video game.
• At least a portion of the torso activity sensor apparatus is worn by the user. According to a yet still further feature of the present invention, at least a portion of the torso activity sensor apparatus is associated with an exercise apparatus on which the user exercises.
• system further comprising a heartbeat detector apparatus for providing a signal associated with an activity executed by the user for determining at least one aspect of the playing piece within the interactive video game.
• system further comprising a system controller responsive to the signal for controlling at least a portion of the system.
• the system controller controls at least one feature of an exercise apparatus.
• the system further comprising strain sensors for detecting the force applied by at least one limb of the user.
• apparatus for measuring aerobic activity executed by a user comprising: (a) at least one sensor for detecting the impact frequency of at least one of the user's feet on a surface; and (b) at least one sensor for detecting the percentage of time that at least one of the user's feet is on a surface.
• a user controlled combination video game apparatus and exercise system comprising: (a) video game apparatus for displaying an interactive video game requiring user participation, the interactive video game including a playing piece; (b) activity sensor apparatus for providing a signal associated with the ambulatory speed of a user for determining at least one aspect of the playing piece within the interactive video game; and (c) a playing piece controller responsive to the signal for controlling the playing piece.
• FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a user controlled combination video game and exercise system constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
• FIGS. 2a and 2b depict a Squash video game screen and a Squash video game instruction screen, respectively, according to the teachings of the present invention
• FIGS. 2c and 2d depict a Survival Training video game screen and a Survival Training video game instruction screen, respectively, according to the teachings of the present invention
• FIG. 2e depicts a Badminton Training video game screen according to the teachings of the present invention
• FIG. 2f depicts a Dance Training video game screen according to the teachings of the present invention
• FIGS. 3a-3d depicts several representative system control screens provided by the video game apparatus of the system including a Start Training Session screen, a Select Video Game screen, a Select Difficulty Level screen and a Select Training Duration screen, respectively;
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system of Figure 1 in which the aerobic activity sensor apparatus includes transmitters worn by the user and receivers integrated with the video game apparatus of the system;
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of the first embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system of Figure 1 being used by two users concurrently;
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system of Figure 1 in which the aerobic activity sensor apparatus includes transmitters worn by the user and receivers integrated with an exercise apparatus configured as an exercise mat;
• FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system of Figure 1 in which the aerobic activity sensor apparatus includes feet sensors and hand activity sensors integrated with an exercise apparatus configured as an exercise mat;
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system of Figure 7 in which the exercise mat is rotatably mounted on a base;
• FIGS. 9a and 9b show a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of the user controlled combination video game and exercise system including a treadmill;
• FIGS. l Oa-l Oc show three operative positions of the hand activity sensors for detecting three heights of one of the user's hand;
• FIGS. 1 1 a and l i b show schematic illustrations of hand activity sensors for detecting direction of movement of a user's hands along one axis and along two axes, respectively;
• FIG. 12 shows a table entitled "Speed of User's Playing Piece as a
• FIG. 13 shows a table entitled "Speed of User's Playing Piece as a Function of the Hand Speed of the User as Measured by Hand Sensors".
• the present invention is of a user controlled combination video game and exercise system.
• Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a user controlled combination video game and exercise system, generally designated 100, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
• user controlled combination video game and exercise system 100 of the present invention marries the intense concentration and total involvement required by a user in playing a challenging interactive video game with exercise.
• system 100 can be employed for non-strenuous recreational activities, for example, for instructing dancing, and the like. In both cases, system 100 requires skilful co-ordination in the manner in which the user executes an activity in response to events taking place within the video game.
• system 100 includes video game apparatus 102 including a video game controller 104 for displaying an interactive video game on a display 106 observable by a user.
• Display 106 is preferably a conventional TV monitor and therefore the connection between video game apparatus 102 and display 106 is achieved in a similar fashion as between a video player and a TV monitor.
• display 106 can be a dedicated monitor, a projected screen, a hologram and similar display system.
• Video game apparatus 102 also includes a system controller 108 for controlling the operation of user controlled combination video game and exercise system 100.
• System controller 108 controls such operations as initiating a training session, selecting a video game, selecting a game difficulty, selecting the duration of a training session, providing a summary of pertinent information regarding the performance of the user, and the like.
• system controller 108 can be used for regulating a feature of an exercise apparatus, for example, the resistance of a treadmill.
• Video game apparatus 102 is preferably designed to accept cartridges 110 wherein each cartridge 110 provides interactive video games of a particular type.
• the video games can also be classified according to other criteria, for example, number of users.
• the number of users can be one, two or more. In the case of a single user, the user plays against video game apparatus 102 while in the case of two or more users, the users can play either against each other or against video game apparatus 102.
• the interactive video games are typically competitive sport-type games, arcade-type games, Gameboy-type games, and the like for encouraging the user to engage in intense aerobic activity and to maintain an intensive training schedule.
• Sport-type games can include racket games, for example, squash, tennis, ball games, for example, football, basketball, and other games such as boxing, adventures, indoor activities, outdoor activities.
• Arcade-type games can include, for example, Tetrus TM , Pacman TM , etc.
• the competitive interactive video games can include queries, for example, mathematical problems, logic problems, and the like which the user is required to answer during a session on system 100 such that the user is challenged both on the physical level and on the cognitive level.
• the playing pieces depend on the nature of the video game in question. Typical playing pieces include, but are not limited to, a racket in a racket game, a player in a ball game, a "monster" in a Pacman TM game, and the like. Also, the playing piece can be hidden within in the video game, the whole screen, and the whole scenario. In principle, playing piece controller 112 controls the playing piece in such a fashion that the user is more likely to achieve a higher score, a victory or similar desirable game outcome through increasing his level of effort.
• a simulation scenario can include a training session for teaching how to dance a dance, how to perform judo exercises, gymnastic activities, and the like.
• teaching dancing the user can be represented as one member of a dancing couple while video game apparatus 102 provides the second member of the dancing couple.
• the member of the dancing couple representing the user is the playing piece under the control of playing piece controller 110.
• two users can dance together.
• the desirable game outcome can be a score similar to that given in conventional dancing competitions.
• the interactive video game outcome requires skilful time and space co-ordination on behalf of the user.
• System controller 108 and playing piece controller 112 receive input from one or more sources including hand activity sensor apparatus 114.
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116, and torso activity sensor apparatus 118 receive input from one or more sources including hand activity sensor apparatus 114.
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116 detects independent and unconstrained movement of each of the user's arms.
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116 detects independent and unconstrained movement of each of the user's legs.
• torso activity sensor apparatus 118 detects any independent and unconstrained movement of the user's torso. It can be readily appreciated that system 100 can include other activity sensors for detecting activity of other parts of the body, for example, the head, knees, elbows, etc.
• independent movement implies that the limbs of the user can move independently of each other, i.e. the left arm can be moved upwards while the right arm remains stationary, rather then being constrained to execute a common motion or an opposing motion, for example, when gripping handlebars of a bicycle, manipulating oars of a rowing boat, and the like.
• unconstrained movement implies that the limbs of the user can be moved in any natural movement rather then being constrained to execute a specific movement, for example, turning the handlebars of a bicycle, running along a treadmill, riding a bicycle, and the like.
• Hand activity sensor apparatus 114, feet activity sensor apparatus 116, and torso activity sensor apparatus 118 typically each include a Look- Up-Table having a "game value" for the manner in which a particular activity is executed.
• the manner in which "game values" are awarded for movements demanding a greater expenditure of aerobic energy or greater space-time co-ordination depend on the type of video game. For example, in a tennis video game, a greater expenditure of aerobic energy can be used for increasing the speed of the racket of the user. While, in a Pacman video game, a greater expenditure of energy can be used for slowing down a "monster” trying to catch the user. And while in a dance teaching video game, a more difficult step can be give a greater "game value”.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the maneuverability of a playing piece such that its maneuverability is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user. Maneuverability typically refers to the "speed" and "location" of the playing piece given in terms of the number of pixels moved within each screen refresh of display 106.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the size of a playing piece such that its size is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the "firing rate" of a playing piece such that the firing rate is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the shape of the playing piece such that its shape is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the color of the playing piece such that its color is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user.
• playing piece controller 112 can control the interaction of the playing piece with other objects in a video game such that its interaction is a function of the level of aerobic activity of the user or the level of time-space coordination displayed by the user.
• system controller 108 and playing piece controller 112 can also receive input from a heartbeat detector apparatus 120.
• Heartbeat detector apparatus 120 can be employed, for example, for terminating a training session when the heartbeat of a user exceeds a pre-determined value according to his age, general state of fitness, etc.
• heartbeat detector apparatus 120 can be employed instead of hand activity sensor apparatus 114.
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116, or torso activity sensor apparatus 118 for providing input regarding the level of aerobic activity executed by a user.
• system controller 108 and playing piece controller 112 can also receive input from actuator buttons 121 employed on hand activity sensor apparatus 114, feet activity sensor apparatus 116, or torso activity sensor apparatus 118 as known in the art of joystick controllers and the like.
• the screens depict representative interactive video games playable by one or more users on user controlled video game and exercise system 100.
• Figure 2a depicts a Squash video game screen 122 while Figure 2b shows depicts a Squash video game instruction screen 124.
• the purpose of the Squash video game is to keep a ball 126 within a court 128 as long as possible. This is achieved by the user moving a racket 130 located at the bottom of the screen to the left and to the right such that ball 126 rebounds off racket 130, thereby remaining in court 128.
• the number of times that the user successfully intercepts ball 126 is shown on a scoreboard 132. In this case, the user is required to run faster to move racket 130 faster and to raise either his left or right hand to move racket 130 to the left or the right, respectively.
• the user has to display considerable bodily coordination and exert considerable aerobic activity in order to achieve a high score.
• Figure 2c depicts a Survival Training video game screen 134 while Figure 2d shows depicts a Survival Training video game instruction screen 136.
• the purpose of the Survival Training video game is to clear a way in a jungle 138 to reach food shown as apples 140, to avoid being eaten by monsters 142 shown as squares and to kill one or more monsters 142 within a 3 second period after having eaten an apple 140. This is achieved by the user moving an "action man" playing piece 144 along the pathways through jungle 138.
• the number of apples 140 that the user eats and the number of monsters 142 that he kills is shown on a scoreboard 146.
• the user is required to run faster to move playing piece 144 faster, to raise his left or right hand to move playing piece 144 to the left or the right, respectively, raise both arms to move playing piece 144 up and to lower both arms to move playing piece 144 down.
• the user has to display considerable bodily coordination and exert considerable aerobic activity in order to achieve a high score.
• Figure 2e depicts a Badminton Training video game screen 148.
• the purpose of the Badminton Training video game is to keep a ball 150 within a court 152 as long as possible. This is achieved by the user moving a racket 154 located at the bottom of the screen to the left and to the right such that ball 150 rebounds off racket
• Figure 2f depicts a Dance Training video game screen 158.
• the purpose of the Dance Training video game is to teach a user a dance. This is achieved by the user being represented a first member 160 of a dancing couple under the control of playing piece controller 110 while video game apparatus 102 provides a second member 162 of the dancing couple.
• a score is provided according to the manner in which the user performs the dance routine correctly.
• the interactive video game outcome requires skilful time and space co-ordination on behalf of the user to achieve a high score.
• hand activity sensor apparatus 114 can provide input to system controller 108 for controlling the operation of user controlled combination video game and exercise system 100.
• Figure 3a depicts a Start Training Session screen 164 in which the user is required to stand on an exercise apparatus and raise his hands to initiate a training session.
• Figure 3b depicts a Select Video Game screen 166 in which the user is required to raise one hand to scroll through video games options and to raise both hands to select a particular video game that he wants to play.
• Figure 3c depicts a Select Difficulty Level screen 168 operative in a similar manner to the Select Video Game screen 166 except that the user is selecting a game difficulty, for example, Novice, beginnerer, Intermediate and Advanced.
• Figure 3d depicts a Select Training Duration screen 170 operative in a similar manner to the Select Video Game screen 166 except that the user is selecting the duration of a training session.
• hand activity sensor apparatus 114 feet activity sensor apparatus 116 and torso activity sensor apparatus 118 are realized as transmitters and receivers couplings communicating through an
• each transmitter emits signals having a particular characteristic such that the signals of each transmitter can be distinguished from the signals of the other transmitters.
• the receivers are deployed in such a manner that they can determine the location of each of transmitters and typically sample each transmitter in sequence.
• hand activity sensor apparatus 114 includes two hand sensors 172 and 174 for attaching to the user's wrists for detecting movement of the user's hands
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116 includes two feet sensors 176 and 178 for attaching to the user's ankles for detecting movement of the user's feet
• torso activity sensor apparatus 118 includes a waist sensor 180 for attaching to the user's waist for detecting movement of the user's torso
• video game apparatus 102 includes three receivers 182-186.
• heart beat counter 120 provides the heart beat of the user during an exercise session on system 100.
• playing piece controller 112 is required to compute relative movements of one sensor compared to another sensor to determine the "game value" of some movements. For example, playing piece controller 112 only requires information from sensor 172 for determining the game value of an activity such as the user raising his hand from waist height to a raised height above his head while he is standing stationary. While, in the case, that playing piece controller 112 is required to determine the game value of an activity such as the user raising and lowering his hands from waist height to the same raised height while jumping up in the air, playing piece controller 112 requires information from sensors 172. 174 and 180. This is because the absolute movements of sensors 172 and 174 are relative to the movement of sensor 180.
• system 100 is depicted for the concurrent exercising of two users acting as adversaries in a common interactive game. In this case, the transmitters denoted a transmit signals at different frequencies from those transmitters denoted b such that system
• 5 100 can distinguish between the movements of the two users.
• the signals of sensors 172-180 are picked up by receivers 182-186 embedded in an exercise mat 188. Again, receivers 182-186 are deployed such that playing piece controller 112 can determine the displacement of each sensor
• system 100 includes a communication link 190 between receivers 182-186 and video game apparatus 102 realized as a flexible, electric cable, an IR interface, an RF interface, and the like.
• exercise mat 188 can be provided as a stepper or as a stair- type configuration.
• Exercise mat 188 is similar in many respects to conventional exercise mats in that it is fabricated from a plastic covered, heavy duty sponge substrate designed for cushioning shocks derived from executing intense aerobic activity, for example, running on the spot. Also, exercise mat 188 preferably of sufficient size such that the user can perform
• hand activity sensor apparatus 114 includes hand sensors 192 and 194 and feet
• 25 activity sensor apparatus 116 includes feet sensors 196 and 198, both realized as pressure sensitive devices, load cells, switches, and the like integrated in an exercise mat 200. As shown, hand sensor 192 is deployed to the right of exercise mat 200 for detecting the movement of the user's right hand and hand sensor 194 is deployed to the left of exercise mat 200
• Hand activity sensor 192 is actuated by an elastic cord 202 provided with a handle 204 for gripping by the user's right hand while hand sensor 194 is actuated by an elastic cord 206 provided with a handle 208 for gripping by the user's left hand so as not to constrain the independent and unconstrained movement of the user's arms.
• foot sensor 196 is located substantially at the center of the right half of exercise mat 200 for detecting the impact of the user's right foot on exercise mat 200 while foot sensor 198 is located substantially at the center of the left half of exercise mat 200 for detecting the impact of the user's left foot on exercise mat 200.
• communication link 190 between hand sensors 192 and 194 and feet sensors 196 and 198 and video control apparatus 102 is through a flexible, electric cable, an IR interface, an RF interface, and the like.
• modifications to exercise mat 200 can include rotatablv mounting it on a base 210 as shown in Figure 8.
• system 100 preferably includes a hand support 211 including actuator buttons 121.
• system 100 including a treadmill 212 which includes a speed sensor 213 for measuring the ambulatory speed of the user on treadmill 212.
• ambulatory speed within the context of the present invention refers to any speed from a gentle walking speed to a fast running speed.
• speed sensor 213 replaces hand activity sensor apparatus 114, foot activity sensor apparatus 116 and torso activity sensor apparatus 118 as input to system controller 108 and playing piece controller 112.
• system controller 108 can regulate one or more features of an exercise apparatus, for example, the resistance of treadmill 212.
• system 100 preferably includes a hand support 211 including actuator buttons 121.
• the user participates in an interactive active video game which requires both physical exertion and time and space coordination to achieve a desirable game output.
• hand sensor 192 includes two normally open (NO) switches 214 and 216 and a connector 218 extending therebetween.
• cord 202 is not attached to the center of connector 218 but rather towards one of switches 214 and 216 such that switches 214 and 216 do not close concurrently.
• the movement of the user's right hand is determined by whether none, one or both of switches 214 and 216 are closed from their normally open states.
• cord 202 is connected closer to switch 214 such that switch 214 closes before switch 216 regardless of the direction of movement of the user's right hand.
• Figure 10a it can be seen that when the user holds handle 204 at waist height, then both switches 214 and 216 are open. While as shown in Figure 10b, when the user holds handle 204 at shoulder height, then switch 214 is closed and switch 216 is open. And finally, as shown in Figure 10c. it can be seen that when the user holds handle 204 at a raised height above his head, then both switches 214 and 216 are closed. The speed and acceleration of the user's hands can be derived from the time taken to move through the three different states.
• hand sensors 192 and 194 can also be designed to detect the direction of movement along one axis or both axes in Cartesian coordinates.
• hand sensors 192 and 194 For detecting direction of movement along one axis, hand sensors 192 and 194 require two sensor units 220 and 222. While, for detecting direction of movement along two axes, hand sensors 192 and 194 require three sensor units 224, 226 and 228.
• the tables depict typical examples of the manner in which playing piece controller 112 correlates one or more features of a playing piece with the user's level of aerobic activity such that the likelihood of achieving a higher score, a victory or other desirable game outcome increases with an increased level of aerobic activity.
• the tables are used by playing piece controller 112 when the user is playing the Squash video game on the implementation of system 100 shown in Figure 7.
• feet activity sensor apparatus 116 determines the level of aerobic activity by taking into account two factors: the impact frequency f of the user's feet on a surface and the airborne percentage of time p of the user's feet defined as the percentage of time that both feet are airborne It can be readily appreciated that it is not sufficient to take into account just the impact frequency by considering the amount of aerobic activity required when gently hopping from one foot to the other foot at a certain impact frequency as compared to when jogging on the spot at the same frequency as compared to running on the spot at the same frequency.
• the impact frequency and the airborne percentage of only one foot can be taken of one foot while the airborne percentage can be taken of the other foot
• the percentage of time that one or both of the user's feet on a surface can be measured rather than measuring the airborne percentage as described above as they are complements of one another.
• the surface can be a floor or alternatively an exercise apparatus, for example, exercise mat 200.
• Hand activity sensor apparatus 114 can also provide a game value as to the hand speed sensed by hand sensors 192 and 194 such that the raising of the hands provides an additional input to the Squash video game.
• hand activitv sensor apparatus 114 is responsive to the rate by which handles 204 and 208 are raised by the user for awarding him "bonus pixels" in terms of the movement of the racket.
• the speed by which say handle 204 is raised can be determined by the delay time d between actuations of switches 214 and 216 (see Figures 10a- 10c).
• the delay time d is preferably divided into five levels: d > 200 msecs, d is between 160 to 200 msecs, d is between 120 to 160 msecs, d is between 90 to 120 msecs and lastly d is less than 90 msecs.
• the bonus pixels are provided as a function of the number of screen refreshes, in the example, five screen refreshes such that a total of twenty-five conditions are represented.
• the user when d is greater than 200 msecs, the user receives no bonus pixels over the next five screen refreshes while when, for example, d is less than 90 msecs, the user receives 4 bonus pixels in the first screen refresh, 3 bonus pixels in the second screen refresh, and so on.

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• 1995
  • 1995-08-22 CN CN95194752A patent/CN1159152A/zh active Pending
  • 1995-08-22 EP EP95930912A patent/EP0777438A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1995-08-22 JP JP8508281A patent/JPH10509058A/ja active Pending
  • 1995-08-22 WO PCT/US1995/010694 patent/WO1996005766A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1995-08-22 KR KR1019970701168A patent/KR970705350A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation

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