EP1474210A1

EP1474210A1 - Device for signal transmission

Info

Publication number: EP1474210A1
Application number: EP03704598A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Freya Zillig; Bodo Zillig
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-13
Filing date: 2003-02-13
Publication date: 2004-11-10
Also published as: RU2004127242A; CN1633318A; WO2003068329A1; US20040097331A1; US7083546B2; AU2003206886A1; EP1336424A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transmitting signals from a signal generator detecting physical operating states to a separately arranged signal receiver. The aim of the invention is to create a device which enables the player of a PC game or video game to play an interactive part in the game sequence, and which is compatible with the control system of all commercially available video game consoles and PCs. To this end, the inventive device for signal transmission is characterised by an electronic circuit which is connected to both the signal generator and the signal receiver and is used to convert the signals generated by the signal generator into the signal structure requested by the signal receiver. The signal generator is connected to a home trainer in order to detect at least one physical operating state, and a PC or a video game console is provided as a signal receiver.

Description

Signal transmission device

The invention relates to a device for signal transmission from a signal transmitter that detects physical operating states to a signal receiver arranged separately therefrom.

Devices of the known type are known from the prior art, for example for the control of PC or video games. So-called joysticks, gamepads, PSX controllers or the like are used here, which are directly connected to the PC or the video console and through which the player receives appropriate intervention or steering options. Movements on the joystick, gamepad or PSX controller are converted into corresponding electrical signals and transmitted as digital information to the PC or the video console. There the incoming information signals are broken down and converted into corresponding movements of the characters shown in the video game.

All of the aforementioned signal transmitters, however, have in common that the human being is not actively involved in the game, but rather remains excluded as an external, passive participant and only moves within the PC via the movement of the joystick, gamepad or PSX controller. or video game.

Another disadvantage is that the PC or video game consoles are not compatible with each other. Therefore it is not possible to use the same joystick, Connect gamepad or PSX controller to different video game consoles or the PC. Currently popular video game consoles are the X-Box from Microsoft, the Playstation from Sony and the Gamecube from Nintendo. All of these video game consoles have their own connector systems for connecting corresponding control units as well as different electronics, so that even if an adapter is inserted between the game console on the one hand and the control unit on the other, the use of one and the same control unit for the aforementioned game consoles is not possible , In addition, the switching electronics and the connections of the video game consoles also differ from those of commercially available PCs, for example IBM-compatible PCs, so that there is no compatibility between them.

Starting from the above, it is a task of the invention to provide a device for signal transmission by means of which the player of a PC or video game can interactively intervene in the game process and which is also control-compatible with all commercially available video game consoles and PCs.

This object is achieved by a device for signal transmission, which is characterized by an electronic circuit which is connected to the signal transmitter on the one hand and the signal receiver on the other and by means of which the signals generated by the signal transmitter can be converted into the signal structure required by the signal receiver, whereby the signal transmitter for detecting at least one physical operating state is connected to an exercise bike and a PC or a video game console is provided as the signal receiver.

An advantage of the device according to the invention is on the one hand the possibility of connection to all commercially available video game consoles and PCs. This is achieved by means of the electronic circuit which is to be connected to the signal receiver, for example the video game console or the PC, and by means of which the signals to be sent to the signal receiver are modulated as a function of the signal structure required by the respectively connected signal receiver. Independence from both the signal generator and the The device according to the invention therefore represents a signal receiver, a system-independent interface that enables compatibility adjustment of signal transmitters on the one hand and signal receivers on the other hand and thus enables the communication-technical connection of signal receivers and signal transmitters that are not compatible per se.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is the possibility of using signal transmitters which are available, for example, as an integral part of an exercise bike. The use of such signal generators enables the player to interactively connect to the video or PC game to be played in a very simple and, in particular, inexpensive manner. Depending on the exercise bike used, the athletic activity of the player can be used to control the video or PC game through appropriate sporting activity. Using the appropriate electronics, the device according to the invention allows a home trainer to be connected to all commercially available video game consoles or PCs, so that no restrictions are imposed on the use of the device according to the invention with regard to the signal receiver.

Exercise bikes as such are known from the prior art in many forms. They offer their respective users the opportunity to keep themselves active in a simple way. To check the physical condition and to increase motivation, commercial exercise bikes usually have performance indicators that allow the user to statistically evaluate or graphically display the achieved athletic performance. For example, in the case of an exercise bike, it is known to record the speed and the virtual distance traveled while using a device. In this way, the user can complete a targeted training program in which, for example, it is important to reach certain speeds at certain time intervals and to maintain them over a predetermined period of time. Some exercise bikes also offer the option of pulse measurement, so that a combination of the achieved sporting values on the one hand and the values indicating the physical condition on the other hand Conclusions about condition, fat burning and the like can be drawn. To carry out such a calculation or for the statistical evaluation of the measured data, commercial exercise bikes have their own exercise bike computers and displays connected to them, which can be viewed by the respective user of the exercise bike even during a training exercise.

Despite the above-described equipment of commercial exercise bikes, the use of such devices is very monotonous in the long run, which disadvantageously leads to fluctuations in motivation for the respective user. In order to counter this problem, it is known from the prior art to offer exercise bike systems which, in addition to the actual exercise bike, have further information or. Entertainment components. Examples include exercise bikes in the manner of a rowing machine, which, when connected to a large screen, give the respective user the impression that he is actually in the boat shown on the connected screen and that the rowing strokes he performs on the rowing machine do so on the screen drive the boat shown forward. Such systems are also known in the field of golf, where a flight simulator enables the user to strike a real existing ball, whereby the data recorded in the moment of impact by corresponding sensors about acceleration and speed are converted into an only imaginary ball, the trajectory of which then is displayed on a designated screen.

Such systems described above can arouse much greater motivation among the respective user, but have the decisive disadvantage that they are very costly to purchase and are therefore hardly suitable, in particular, for private households. In addition, a certain amount of space is required to accommodate such devices, which often also exceeds the limits of commercially operated gyms.

The disadvantages described above are overcome by the device according to the invention. This allows the connection of the exercise bike on the one hand and the video game console on the other, which opens up the possibility for the user of the exercise bike with the application of their own muscle strength control a video game interactively. On the one hand, this increases the attractiveness of the exercise bike, because the otherwise prevailing monotony is overcome when using such a device, on the other hand, the control of a video game by applying one's own muscular strength represents an interactive component that increases the overall enjoyment of the game. This is particularly advantageous that using the device according to the invention, existing exercise bikes can be retrofitted and brought into communication technology with conventional video game consoles or PCs. The retrofitting effort is gratefully simple and the device according to the invention itself does not require any additional space, so that the device according to the invention can be used even in the smallest of spaces.

Exercise bikes of the known type, such as bike-like exercise bikes, elliptical exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and the like, usually take up measuring pulses via a magnetic contact, which in the case of the bike-like exercise bikes can be arranged on the bottom bracket of the flywheel, for example, depending on the rotational speed of the Flywheel are transmitted to a training computer in different time sequences. From these time intervals, the training computer can then calculate information such as time, distance, speed, calorie consumption or the like and display this information on a display arranged on the exercise bike.

According to a special proposal of the device, this signal generated by the exercise bike and sent to the training computer of the exercise bike is branched off and fed to the electrical circuit of the device provided according to the invention. This can be achieved, for example, by a Y-switch, so that the signal transmitter arranged on the exercise bike continues to deliver a signal both to the training computer and to the electronic circuit of the device according to the invention. This signal sent by the signal transmitter of the exercise bike is then modulated within the electronic circuit in accordance with the signal structure required by the signal receiver connected in each case and sent to the latter. The electronic circuit of the device according to the invention therefore implements the pulse measured on the exercise bike into digital information, which is then transmitted to the signal receiver and is used, for example, to control a video or PC game. Video or PC games in which speed-dependent control, for example for controlling a car, a bicycle or the like, are particularly suitable here, so that, depending on the speed generated on the exercise bike, a corresponding forward movement in the video or PC Game is generated. The speed curve from slow to fast of the exercise bike is advantageously mapped onto a second curve with a larger interval, so that a parallel increase in speeds takes place. The faster the exercise bike runs, the faster the speed appears in the game and vice versa. A shifted interval is preferably used for the transmission of the speeds, so that the exercise bike can also achieve high speeds in the virtual effect, depending on the game set.

The remaining input commands required for controlling a video or PC game can be carried out by the player via at least one additional signal input unit. Such a signal input unit has a plurality of function keys and is connected in terms of communication technology to the electronic circuit of the device according to the invention. The signal input unit has as many function keys as are required for the control of the game functions as a whole, five function keys are generally required for PC games and up to nine function keys for console games. The other functions of a video or PC game are controlled with the function keys, such as steering, braking and switching functions.

Through the combined use of the signal transmitter provided on the exercise bike on the one hand and the signal input unit provided for controlling the other functions of the video or PC game on the other hand, the video or PC game is controlled directly in terms of speed control by the energy applied by the player, with a relation between the player's work input on the one hand and the speed achieved in the game on the other. The device according to the invention advantageously allows two existing components, for example a home trainer on one side and a video game console or a PC on the other side, which have not communicated with one another in this form to date, to be connected in terms of communication technology, with which the Use of both of the above components will be more attractive overall. The human being, i.e. the player, is actively involved in the video or PC game with his own movement using a simple and inexpensive variant. Due to the fact that at the same time as training on the exercise bike you also have to react to the demands of the game, for example by steering, jumping, braking or completing missions, holistic training for the body and mind is achieved in a playful manner. By concentrating on the game, the motivation for training is increased and any pressure to succeed can be converted into positive energy. If, as is often the case with training on the exercise bike, boredom sets in through habituation, a new game can spark new interest. This enables longer use and more regular training and the associated better physical result. The investment in the purchase of a home trainer for the private sector becomes more attractive for the individual.

Since the functions of the original components, that is, the exercise bike and the game console or the PC's are not changed, games which are already available or which will be developed in the future for a PC or video game console can be used without the need for special programming. Games can also be experienced as virtual realities that were not originally programmed for this.

The possibility that a video game console or a PC offers for the simultaneous use of a game by several players can also be used for joint training on the exercise bike. This also opens up new applications for private and commercial use.

According to a further feature of the invention, the signal input unit or the signal input units are arranged within a housing provided for this purpose, each signal input unit being assigned to a respective one associated housing is assigned. The electronic circuit provided according to the invention is likewise arranged in the housing for the signal input unit, and in the event that a plurality of signal input units, that is to say a plurality of housings, are provided, the electronic circuit is accommodated in one of these housings. In terms of communication, the electronic circuit is connected to the signal transmitter, for example the exercise bike, either by radio or by cable. In the event that such a connection is made by means of a cable, it can be designed as a two-pole connection cable which is provided on the exercise bike side with a two-pole jack plug. To connect the device according to the invention to a signal receiver, for example a video game console or a PC, a corresponding connector is provided, which is designed according to the signal receiver used. This connection, that is to say the communication connection between the device according to the invention and the signal receiver, can alternatively also be formed by radio. The individual signal input units used are likewise connected to one another in terms of communication technology either by means of a cable arrangement or by radio.

According to a further feature of the invention, the housings provided for accommodating the signal input units each have a fastening device, which can be designed, for example, as a clamp, and which is used in particular on the exercise bike. The advantage here is that the fastening device can be used to arrange the signal input units there on the exercise bike as required, which the player prefers for convenient operation. Housing and clamp can be made of plastic according to another feature of the invention. Of course, other materials, such as metal or metal alloys, are also suitable here.

Overall, the device according to the invention provides an interface with which the following advantages in particular are realized:

easy installation on the exercise bike, external, independent device, after dismantling both the exercise bike as well as the PC or the video game console can be used alone again,

inexpensive and suitable for home use,

Operation without own power supply,

universally connectable to all common types of exercise bikes that support training computers and

games independently.

According to a further advantageous proposal of the invention, it is provided that the device has a switching electronics which is arranged separately and is connected to the signal transmitter, the signal unit and the signal receiver by means of communication technology, by means of which the signals of the signal transmitter and the signal input unit can be converted into the signal structure required by the signal receiver, whereby a PC or a video game console is provided as the signal receiver. A particular advantage of this configuration is the separate arrangement of the switching electronics. This allows an interchangeable arrangement, so that one and the same exercise bike can be combined with different signal receivers by simply changing the switching electronics. Depending on the signal receiver used, a corresponding signal modulation by the switching electronics is required, so that depending on the signal receiver to be used by the user, the use of switching electronics matched to this is required. The separate arrangement of the switching electronics enables simple replacement, leaving the user with the choice of connecting the exercise bike to a video game console or a PC of his choice using the appropriate switching electronics. The separate arrangement of the switching electronics also enables an integrative arrangement of signal input units on the exercise bike, provided by the manufacturer, because the switching electronics only interpose them Established communication connection between the signal input units and the signal receiver.

For the input of further control commands for controlling the game running on the PC connected to the exercise bike or on the video game console connected to the exercise bike, at least one further manually operable signal input unit is provided with the device according to the invention, which together with the signal transmitter to the switching electronics according to the invention is connected for communication purposes. Such a signal input unit is used, for example, to transmit additional control commands such as for example back and forth, left and right, up and down or the like to the PC or the video game console. The combination according to the invention of a manually operated signal input unit on the one hand and signal transmitter on the other hand enables the player to provide at least one control signal based on his sporting performance through interactive coupling to the PC or video game, whereas the others are used to operate the PC or video game required control commands can be selected via the manually operated signal input unit. An exercise bike is to be mentioned as an example in this connection, which is connected to a PC or video game via the device according to the invention, which shows a vehicle race of any kind, for example with ships, land vehicles, airplanes or the like. Via the exercise bike, the player can control the speed of the vehicle depicted in the PC or video game, in order to increase the speed in the game a stronger "pedal" is required on the exercise bike. To slow down the speed is only one less "pedaling" required. Interactively integrated into the PC or video game, the player can therefore directly regulate, i.e. control, the speed of the figure or vehicle depicted in the PC or video game via his sporting activity on the exercise bike. The remaining control commands for the game-appropriate steering of the figure or of the vehicle are carried out, for example, via two manually operated signal input units, which are preferably arranged on the handlebars of the exercise bike in a hand-friendly manner. In normal sitting posture on the exercise bike, the player or user can be enabled to easily grasp the function keys of the two signal input units and in this way to execute commands conveniently by selecting the corresponding function keys. It can be provided that the signal input units can be retrofitted and can only be arranged on the handlebars of the exercise bike if necessary. However, provision can also be made for the integrative configuration of the signal input units, that is to say an arrangement of the signal input units already provided by the manufacturer, which are preferably integrated in the contour of the handlebar of the exercise bike and cannot be subsequently solved by the user or player. The alternative mentioned as second is particularly advantageous if a home exercise bike is purchased from the outset from the point of view of the desired connection to a PC or a video game console. The first-mentioned alternative, on the other hand, is advantageous if existing exercise bikes that are already in the possession of a user or player are to be retrofitted and thus subsequently designed for a communication connection to a PC or a video game console.

For the transfer, that is to say the modeling of the signals supplied by the signal generator on the one hand and the signal input unit on the other hand into a signal structure that can be read by the connected PC or the connected video game console, that is to say interpretable, the device according to the invention is the one between signal generator and signal input unit on the one hand and the signal receiver on the other side provided switching electronics. This serves to convert the signals on the input side into the signal form required at the receiving end, so that the signals transmitted by the player by means of the signal transmitter and the signal input unit are converted into corresponding commands for the PC or video game running on the connected PC or the connected video game console. It should be noted here that the common video game consoles available on the market are not compatible with one another, both with regard to the internal electronics used and with regard to the connectable peripheral devices, such as joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, controllers or the like. The same also applies to PCs that are neither compatible with each other nor with the aforementioned video game consoles. The popular video game consoles in this context are Microsoft's X-Box, the game Called Cube by Nintendo and the Playstation by Sony. Depending on what type of PC or which type of video game console is to be connected to the exercise bike, appropriate switching electronics must be provided for a compatible communication connection between the signal generator and signal input unit to the signal receiver, i.e. the PC or the video game console , It is particularly advantageous here according to the device according to the invention that it would not be necessary to replace the signal input unit or signal transmitter, but that it is only necessary to look for the appropriate switching electronics with a view to the signal receiver to be connected to the exercise bike and to use this for the communication connection Interconnect signal generator and signal input unit on the one hand and signal receiver on the other hand between these components in terms of communication technology. This type of configuration thus opens up the advantage in particular of combining exercise bikes on the one hand and signal receivers on the other hand. The user only has to make sure that for the connection of the exercise bike to his PC or his video game console he selects the correspondingly designed switching electronics for his PC or his video game console for a communication connection between exercise bike and signal receiver and connects accordingly.

In this context, it is also advantageous that the invention provides for the switching electronics to be arranged separately in a housing provided for this purpose. This is a simple way of coupling the exercise bike to any signal receiver, be it that such a connection is carried out as part of a retrofit or with respect to an already prepared exercise bike. In fact, regardless of the signal receiver to be connected in the factory, assembly or. Arrangement preparations are made both with regard to the signal generator or the signal input unit. Since these can be preinstalled or preassembled independently of the signal receiver to be connected later, inexpensive production and a device that is easy to assemble for the player can be made available here. In the end, the user then only has the switching electronics which are designed corresponding to the signal receiver to be connected interpose what can be done easily by preparing appropriate slots on the side of the exercise bike. In practice, it can be provided, for example, that the switching electronics, including the associated connection cabling, including the connector, are delivered to the user in a suitably designed housing. The switching electronics are matched to the signal receiver that will later be connected to the exercise bike by the customer. For a communication connection of the exercise bike to the signal receiver, it is then only necessary for the user to insert the housing carrying the electronics into a holder provided on the exercise bike and to establish a communication connection between the switching electronics and the signal receiver by means of the connection cable or connector provided , Thirdly, only the signal generator and the signal input unit are then to be connected to the switching electronics, this being the case in the case of a communication connection to be established by means of a cable arrangement, by simply bringing the connector provided by the signal generator and the signal input unit with the correspondingly designed plug sockets provided on the switching electronics can be achieved. The separate arrangement of the switching electronics thus enables a simple and inexpensive way to connect a signal transmitter or signal input unit that is independent with regard to compatibility to the video game console or PC to be connected to the exercise bike as desired by the player or user.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the description with reference to the figures. Show:

1: a schematic representation of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2: a connector for a PC;

Fig. 3: a connector for a game console; Fig. 4: a connector for a USB port;

5: a signal input unit in a side view;

6: a top view of a signal input unit;

Fig. 7: a circuit diagram for the control of a PC

8: a circuit diagram relating to the function keys for controlling a PC;

9 shows a three-dimensional representation schematically of the use of the device according to the invention in connection with an exercise bike.

10 shows a top view of a control input unit of the device according to the invention and

11 is a plan view of a housing for the switching electronics according to the device according to the invention.

The device according to the invention enables the communication technology coupling of exercise bikes on the one hand and PC or video game console on the other hand, the particular attraction of this communication technology coupling being that the physical operating states of the exercise bike detected by the signal transmitter connected to the exercise bike can be used on a PC or a video game console to control at least partially operable video games. The electronics interposed between the exercise bike and the PC or video game console are used to convert the signals generated by the signal generator into digital information that can be processed by the PC or the video game console.

Commercial and well-known video game consoles are the X-Box from Microsoft, the Game Cube from Nintendo and the Playstation from Sony. All these video game consoles have in common that the games running on them by means of a Control unit, for example a joystick, a steering wheel, a gamepad or a controller, can be played. Typical functions that are carried out by a control unit are control commands such as forward and backward, left and right, up and down, accelerate and brake. The device according to the invention now makes it possible to carry out some or more of these control functions not by means of a control device provided for this purpose but rather by means of an exercise bike connected to the PC or the video game console. This not only enables an interactive integration of the player into the game he is playing, but also a significant increase in motivation regarding the use of the exercise bike.

A control function that can be carried out, for example, by means of the exercise bike, is the control of the speed of a vehicle that is virtually represented in a video or PC game. This vehicle accelerates and receives a speed corresponding to the physical performance of the respective player on the exercise bike. For example, the faster a player sitting on an exercise bike bikes the pedals, the faster the vehicle or figure depicted in the game moves. The exercise bike - PC or video game console is thus linked in an interactive manner Involvement of the player in the video game, so that it is not only about mental skill, but also about sporting activity on the part of the player.

The signals provided by the signal transmitter for controlling the speed preferably originate from the measuring device of the exercise bike itself. For example, in the case of commercially available exercise bike bicycles, a speed sensor is provided for measuring the current pedaling speed, which detects the speed and shows it on a display provided for this purpose. This signal, which is transmitted, for example, via a two-wire cable from the speed measuring device to the display, can be branched off via a corresponding switch arrangement and fed to the switching electronics provided according to the invention. The physical operating states detected by the measuring electronics of the exercise bike, for example via the speed, the acceleration or the like, can thus be easily and, above all, cost-effectively by signal conversion within the switching electronics provided according to the invention for the PC provided as the signal receiver or the video game console provided as the signal receiver. If a Y-switch is used to branch off the measurement signal detected by the measuring device of the exercise bike, it is also possible to supply this signal not only to the signal receiver, but also to the display provided on the exercise bike.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the device according to the invention. Two housings 1 and 2 are provided, each of which accommodates a signal input unit (not shown). The two housings 1 and 2 are each formed by a housing top 9 and a base plate 10, which can be seen in particular in FIG. 6. On their upper side, the two housings 1 and 2 each have function keys 3, the left housing 1 shown in FIG. 1 having two function keys and the right housing 2 having three function keys. The signal input units arranged within the housings 1 and 2 are connected to one another in terms of communication technology by a cable 4.

Inside the housing 2 there is also an electronic circuit (not shown in more detail in FIG. 1) which, on the one hand, via a connection cable 5 and a jack plug 7 to a signal transmitter, for example a home trainer, and on the other hand via the connection cable 6 and a corresponding plug 8a to 8c is connected to a signal receiver, for example a PC. Possible connection plugs 8a to 8c are shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, 8a being a connector for a PC, 8b being a PSX connector for a game console and 8c being a USB connector.

The signals supplied by the exercise bike, for example via the speed, are fed to the electronic circuit arranged in the housing 2 via the jack plug 7 and the cable 5. In addition, the electronic circuit receives signals from the signal input units arranged in the housings 1 and 2, which are controlled by the player via the function keys 3. Both the signals from the exercise bike and the signals provided by the signal units are generated by the electronic circuit merged and modulated in such a way that they can be implemented by the connected signal receiver. The plugs 8a to 8c already described are provided for connecting the device according to the invention to a video game console or a PC.

The device according to the invention can advantageously be connected to different signal receivers, so that a combination of the device according to the invention is possible both with a PC and with a game console. It is only necessary, depending on the signal receiver to be connected, to provide a corresponding connector 8a to 8c and a corresponding electronic circuit.

5 shows the housing 2 in a side view. The function keys 3 protruding beyond the surface of the housing top 9 can be seen clearly in this way. The function keys 3 can be easily reached and operated. 5 also shows the clamp 11 which serves as a fastening device and which is arranged on the rear side of the housing 2 facing away from the function keys. The design of the clamp 11 can also be seen in FIG. 6. It can be seen here that the clamp 11 is designed in the form of a circular arc and corresponds in function to that of a clip. The clamp 11 is arranged on the base plate 10 so that the base plate 10 and the clamp 11 can be formed in one piece for a particularly economical configuration of the housing.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a circuit diagram for controlling a PC. 27 denotes the signal input and 28 the signal output.

8 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the function key assignment when using five function keys, as is the case, for example, when connecting to a PC serving as a signal receiver. The following constellation results for the assignment of pins 1 - 25:

Pin 1 (reference number 12): + 5 V

Pin 2 (reference number 13): button 1

Pin 3 (reference number 14): joystick X1 Pin 4 (reference number 15) GND Pin 5 (reference number 16) GND Pin 6 (reference number 17) Joystick Y1 Pin 7 (reference number 18) button 2 Pin 8 (reference number 19) + 5 V Pin 9 (reference number 20) + 5 V pin 15 (Reference 21) + 5 V pin 10 (reference 22) button 4 pin 11 (reference 23) joystick X2 pin 12 (reference 24) GND pin 13 (reference 25) joystick Y2 pin 14 (reference 26) button 3

With reference to the interconnection shown in FIG. 8, the following relationship thus results:

J1 _; button 1

J2 = button 2

J3 = forward

J4 = back

J5 = right

J6 = left.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the handlebar 29 of an exercise bike that is not shown in more detail below. The handlebar 29 is arranged on a holder 30 and can preferably be adjusted in height relative to this. The holder 30 is in turn connected to the body of the exercise bike not shown in the figure.

To record the sporting achievements achieved in the course of a training program on the exercise bike, such as speed or acceleration, the exercise bike is equipped with a speed sensor which, for example, the magnetic arrangement on the flywheel of the exercise bike Speed detected. To display this achieved sporting performance, a display, not shown in this figure, is provided, which is connected to the measuring device of the exercise bike by a cable laid in the hollow holder 30 and the jack plug 31. This signal is branched off via a switch arrangement arranged in the holder 30 and fed via a further cable, which is provided at the end with a plug 32, to the switching electronics provided according to the invention, which is accommodated in the housing 34. The measuring device provided in the exercise bike is thus used as a signal generator for the switching electronics of the device according to the invention.

Arranged on the handlebar 29 there are also two control input units 37, one control input unit 37 being connected to a handlebar arm of the handlebar 29. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the control input units 37 are permanently arranged on the handlebar 29 and are secured in such a way that they cannot slip out of place by means of corresponding fastening screws 43. Alternatively, provision can also be made for the control input units 37 to be in the form of a retrofit set which can then not be permanently attached to the handlebar 29 but only temporarily to the handlebar 29 by the user.

The control input unit 37, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 10, has function keys 40 by means of which the user or player selects control commands in accordance with the function key assignment and, as corresponding control signals, via the connecting cables 38 and associated cables which are laid within the handlebar 29 in this exemplary embodiment Connector 39 can be transmitted to the control electronics arranged in the housing 34.

For a communication connection between the switching electronics arranged inside the housing 34 on the one hand and the control input units 37 on the other hand, the housing 34 has bushings 41 designed corresponding to the plugs 39, as can be seen in particular from the illustration according to FIG. 11. On the part of the user, only the connecting plugs 39 are used for the formation of a communication connection between the switching electronics and control input units 37 to insert the provided sockets 41 of the housing 34. The same applies with regard to the communication connection between the switching electronics and the measuring device, that is to say the signal transmitter. Here too, only the plug 32 is to be inserted into a socket provided for this purpose in the housing 34, which is not shown in the figure. As soon as this has taken place, the control input units 37, the measuring electronics of the exercise bike serving as signal transmitters and the switching electronics arranged in the housing 34 are connected to one another in terms of communication technology.

For a separate arrangement of the switching electronics, this is arranged in a correspondingly designed housing 34 which can be interchangeably arranged on the holder 30 of the exercise bike by means of a base plate 33. With regard to the communication connection between the switching electronics and the signal transmitter, it should be pointed out at this point to an alternative embodiment. It can be provided that the connector 32 connected to the signal transmitter is connected to the base plate 33 for a communication connection with the switching electronics, which in turn has, on the side facing the housing 34, plug-in pole arrangements which engage in correspondingly formed contacts on the housing 34 as soon as the housing 34 is inserted into the base plate 33. This alternative embodiment represents a further simplified assembly compared to the above.

For coupling the switching electronics to one of the FIGS. Signal receiver (not shown), for example a PC or a video game console, is used for the connecting cable 35 together with the associated connecting plug 36. Two different housing connecting cable connecting plug arrangements are shown in this connection in FIG. 9. These two different embodiments each serve to couple the signal transmitter and the control input units 37 to different signal receivers. A distinction must be made here between the different arrangements on the connector 36 used in each case. One connector 36 is used for coupling to a PC, whereas the other connector 36 is used for coupling to a game console. Accordingly, the two switching electronics housed in the housings 34 also differ. One of the switching electronics is designed for connection to a PC and the other switching electronics is designed for connection to a video game console.

The device according to the invention advantageously serves for the communication connection of control input units 37 and a measuring device serving as a signal transmitter to a device shown in FIGS. Video game console, not shown, or to a PC. Of particular advantage is the modular structure, which makes it possible, depending on the PC or video game console used, the switching electronics required for a connection, including the associated connection cable 35 and the associated connector plug 36, in the manner of a modular system on the exercise bike. preferably to be arranged on the holder 30. This type of arrangement opens up the possibility for the manufacturer to preassemble the handlebar 29 together with the holder 30 and the associated control input units 37 and the cables and plugs which are necessary to be provided for a communication connection as an assembly, this assembly being advantageous in terms of the compatibility of the signal receiver to be connected later is completely independent. It is only with the arrangement of the switching electronics provided in the housing 34 that is to be provided separately that a communication link is established between the individual components that is matched to the signal receiver to be connected. The arrangement of this housing 34 carrying the switching electronics is very simple, since it is only necessary to insert the housing 34 into the base plate 33 provided on the holder 30. Holding clips, for example, can be provided on the base plate 33 for simple assembly, so that the housing 34 can only be clipped into the base plate 33 for permanent fastening. As soon as this has been done, all that is required for a communication connection is only to insert the above-described plugs into the sockets provided on the housing 34, the connecting cable 35 being inserted into the socket 42 and the plug 39 into the sockets 41.

For a further reduction in the manufacturing and assembly costs, provision is also made for the control input unit 37 to be designed symmetrically, so that it can be arranged on the handlebar 29 on the left as well as on the right. 03/068329

22 -

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 housing

2 housings

3 function key

electric wire

5 connection cables

cable

Kliπkenstecker

a to 8c connector

Housing top

10 base plate

11 clamp

12 to 26 pin

7 entrance

8 exit

9 handlebars

0 holder

1 jack plug plug

baseplate

casing

cable

connector

Steuereingabeeinf

connection cable

Verbindungsstecki

function key

Rifle

screw

Claims

claims:

1.Device for signal transmission from a signal transmitter which detects physical operating states to a signal receiver arranged separately therefrom, characterized by an electronic circuit which is connected to the signal transmitter on the one hand and to the signal receiver on the other and by means of which the signals generated by the signal transmitter can be converted into the signal structure required by the signal receiver , wherein the signal transmitter for detecting at least one physical operating state is connected to an exercise bike and wherein a PC or a video game console is provided as the signal receiver.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal transmitter is an integral part of an exercise bike.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the signal transmitter comprises a speed sensor.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal transmitter, the signal receiver and the electronic circuit by means of cable and / or radio are in communication with one another.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one additional signal input unit is provided.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional signal input unit is connected by communication technology to the electronic circuit.

7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the additional signal input unit has a plurality of function keys.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the function keys are stored depending on the connected signal receiver with a correspondingly coordinated signal generation.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signals generated by the signal generator and by the signal input units can be processed jointly by means of the electronic circuit and can be modulated as a function of the signal structure required by the respectively connected signal receiver.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two signal input units are provided, which are each arranged in a housing.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic circuit is arranged in one of the housings for the signal input unit.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing of the signal input units have a fastening device on their rear side facing away from the function keys.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening device is designed in the manner of a clamp.

14. Device according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the housing is formed in two parts and consists of plastic.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 and 14, characterized in that the underside of the housing and the fastening device are integrally formed.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a separately arranged and connected to the signal transmitter, the signal input unit and the signal receiver in terms of communication technology.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that a preferably multi-pole connecting cable is provided for the communication connection between the switching electronics on the one hand and the signal receiver on the other.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the connecting cable is provided on the side of the signal receiver with a connector designed corresponding to the socket of the signal receiver.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on the signal receiver to be connected to the device, the corresponding switching electronics and the associated connecting cable together with the connector plug can be combined with one another according to the modular principle.

20. Device according to one of claims 16, characterized in that the signal transmitter, the signal receiver, the signal input unit and the switching electronics are in communication with one another by means of radio communication.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that Bluetooth modules are provided as radio modules.

2. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing for the switching electronics can be interchangeably arranged on the exercise bike.