EP1683550A1 - Simulator with variable adaptation to real conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The simulator (1) has an operating unit (6) and means (2) to influence it by operating parameters which in turn are influenced by user parameters and/or environmental parameters. The user parameters comprise time variable user parameters and/or the environmental parameters of real, especially time variable environmental parameters, and/or real action data of one or more persons or devices present in the real action sequence, especially vehicles (16), with these parameters determined by a recording device (9) with sensors (14, 19). Independent claims are included for the following: (A) a method for the operating of a simulator with an operating unit and means to influence it; and (B) a system for the executing of virtual/real racing by means of the aforesaid simulator.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a simulator according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a simulator according to the preamble of claim 17 and a system for performing virtual / real races.

State of the art

Simulators are known from the sports and training field, for example in the form of exercise bikes, rowing machines, vehicle simulators, etc. In these known simulators, such as bicycle exercise bikes, it is possible to set a specific route profile for the user, so the cyclist, so that by the training device coping with a particular route, for example, a stage of a known bicycle race or the like, simulated and this is traveled on the exercise bike without actual locomotion. In addition to the simulation of real route profiles, a fictitious route profile is often stored or stored in the simulators in the simulators according to the prior art.

In addition to these fixed predetermined distance or environmental parameters, with which the training work is simulated, user parameters can be additionally entered in known simulators, such as the body weight, so that this information in addition to influencing or controlling the actuator, such as a Bicycle exercise bike, can be used.

With the fixed environmental conditions, such as route profile - both fictitious and real - and also firmly predetermined User parameters, the actuator, such as the bicycle exercise bike, is influenced so that the user to be overcome resistance to actuation of the actuator or the energy to be used according to the ambient and user parameters is set. This means that, for example, for a given route profile for a bicycle simulator with a simulated slope and corresponding weight of the user, a calculated resistance force for actuating the bicycle has to be overcome.

In such known simulators, it is also possible to race against themselves or others, wherein the driving performance, namely the time required for a certain distance or the distance covered for a certain time, detected by the simulator and stored and compared with other results can be.

Disclosure of the invention Technical task

Although these simulators already provide the user with a variety of possibilities for training work, it is an object of the present invention to further develop the known simulators in such a way that further interesting uses for the user are developed and the entertainment potential is increased. However, the extended possibilities for use and entertainment should be easy to implement and comfortable for the user.

Technical solution

This object is achieved with a simulator having the features of claim 1 and a method for operating a simulator with the features of claim 17 and a system for performing virtual / real race having the features of claim 20. Advantageous Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the recognition that the simulation results can be improved and made more interesting if temporally invariable environmental parameters, such as route profiles of bicycle stages, or at least for the duration of use of the simulator also time-invariant user parameters, such as body weight and the like are caused by time-varying user and / or environmental parameters, which thus allow a constant variation of the requirement profile for the user.

As time-variable user parameters, a wide variety of parameters can be detected here that change during use of the simulator, such as, for example, the heartbeat rate or pulse, blood pressure, the user's posture on the simulator, and the like. These time-varying user parameters detected by a detection device can then be made available directly, in particular in real time, to the means for influencing the actuating device, such as eddy current brakes in bicycle simulators, in order in this way to force the user's energy or energy expenditure to operate of the simulator to vary accordingly. The means for influencing the actuating device can in this case be influenced directly by the detection device, for example by mechanical or electromechanical devices, or the means for influencing the actuating device can comprise a processing unit, such as a processor or a computer, which stores the variable, real user parameters of the Detection device receives, processes and transmits corresponding control signals to the actuating device or components thereof for influencing them.

In the same way, alternatively or additionally, real, temporal variable environmental parameters, such as information about the nature of the ground, the weather, in particular wind force and the like are actually recorded on site and are used to control the simulator. In this case, the detection can take place synchronously in time, ie at the same time as the use of the simulator on a real route, for example a bicycle race, or correspondingly real data can be accessed which has been recorded at a later time and stored in suitable memory means.

In particular, the real temporally variable environmental parameters may include real action data of athletes or their vehicles in a real racing situation and be used to control the simulator. This real action data of one or more persons, for example in a real racing event or their corresponding vehicles, may for example be the detected position of the real race participant at a certain time. In particular, it is again possible here to use the real action data in synchronism with the use of the simulator for controlling the simulator so as to run in parallel with an actually occurring race on the simulator in parallel. In particular, the real action data can also be linked to the time-varying environmental parameters so that, for example, for the user of the simulator, a slipstream of a preceding vehicle can be simulated.

Due to the detection of the different temporally variable real parameters, it is possible to realize a variety of uses for the simulator according to the invention.

It is thus possible, for example, to travel on the simulator in synchronism with a real race, with the data recorded from the real race also having an influence on the influencing of the actuating device. In particular, it is possible to be completely time synchronous with the real race to use the simulator, for example, the useful life of the simulator is given by the real race and by transmitting the actual exact position of a participant of the real race, the resistance of the actuator according to the default real route profile is used synchronously time synchronous. Depending on whether the user of the simulator is faster or slower than the real race participant, he will cover a larger or shorter distance at the same time as the race.

In another application, the route of the real race can be passed real by the user on the simulator, wherein the real environmental conditions, such as wind or track conditions (wet, dry) are used to influence the actuating device. The user of the simulator will travel the route either faster or slower than the one or the participants of the real race, according to his capacity. In addition, it is of course possible to organize a virtual race among the simulators users and / or real race participants by comparing several simulators or their users, ideally a data exchange between the simulators and / or real race participants, for example via a computer network or corresponding connection devices such as radio links, satellite links and the like is provided.

In this context, it is also possible to form teams of so-called virtual participants (users of the simulators) and real participants or to let a team of virtual participants drive against a team of real participants. For example, in a 6-day race, mixed teams can be formed from a virtual and a real race participant.

To achieve such operating capabilities, it is necessary that the simulator comprises a detection device for detecting the time-variable user parameters, real environmental parameters and / or real action data, wherein the detection device preferably sensors for detecting pulse, heart rate, attitude and the like of the user and weather sensors, such as rain sensors, wind sensors, temperature sensors or sensors for other Environmental conditions such as subsurface nature includes. To capture the real action data, means are preferably provided for determining the position, speed or other, in particular time-variable, action data of one or more persons or devices in the real action sequence, such as vehicles, such as GPS receivers / transmitters and the like.

Since the detection of the real environmental conditions or real action data is preferably to take place in a location remote from the simulator or the simulators, it is preferable to provide corresponding means for remote connections or computer networks which allow the data to be exchanged.

In addition to the time-synchronous influencing of the actuating device by means of the parameters currently detected by the detection device, a time-shifted influencing is possible, so that the detection device preferably has memory means for storing detected parameters and / or reading means for reading in stored real environmental parameters and / or real action data.

Furthermore, a processing unit is preferably provided which processes the parameters ascertained or made available by the detection device for influencing the actuating device, wherein this processing unit preferably comprises a microprocessor or a computer system set up in the program.

Suitable controls include a variety of sports or trim equipment, such as treadmills, trim wheels, bicycle wheels, vehicle simulators with pedals and steering wheel, rudder units and the like into consideration, with appropriate means for influencing the actuator corresponding braking devices, such as eddy current brakes and / or drive devices may be.

Preferably, the simulator also comprises at least one display unit or a monitor or screen and an image generator, by means of which video data from the real route as well as data of the user and users of other simulators and / or the participants of the real race can be displayed. In the video data, this can be both real image data from the track and virtual images. In addition to corresponding display devices, other information means, such as headphones, speakers and the like can be provided, even in the real race participants, for example, to inform the participants of the real race on the data of the virtual participants and vice versa. Corresponding transmitting and receiving units should then be provided.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantages, characteristics and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sole figure shows a purely schematic picture of a simulator for cycling races.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

The figure shows a simulator 1 with a jacked up on wheels 2 wheels 6 and a bicycle 16, which actually participates, for example, in an actual race taking place.

The simulator 1 comprises in addition to the wheel roller assembly 2 with the wheels 3 and 4, a housing 8 in which a detection device 9 and a processing unit 11, for example in the form of a computer or a processor unit is provided. Furthermore, 8 storage media 10 are provided in the housing, to which both the detection device 9 can store data and the processor unit 11 can store data and read from this.

The processor or processing unit 11 is connected via corresponding connecting elements 4, 7, 12 and 15 with other units of the simulator, wherein the connecting elements 4, 7, 12 and 15 may be configured differently and may comprise a variety of components. For example, the connecting elements 4, 7, 12, 15 may be formed by simple cable connections, but also by radio links or additional units for the preparation and processing of data.

Via the connecting element 4, the roller assembly 2 is connected to the processor unit 11, wherein the rollers 3 and 4, on which the bicycle 6 is rotatably mounted with the rear wheel, eddy current brakes and / or drives, which are controlled by the processor unit 11. By means of the processor unit 11 and the connecting element 4, the traveling resistance for the bicycle 6 can thus be varied on the basis of the rollers 3 and 4 of the roller assembly 2, whereby the simulation of a downhill run by the drive of the rollers 3 and 4 is given.

Via the connecting element 7, the bicycle 6 or the sensor or detection means arranged thereon is connected to the processor unit 11 or to the storage means 10 so that data about the use of the bicycle 6 can be recorded, such as the service life, the speed achieved , the path traveled, etc. In addition to the corresponding sensors directly on the bicycle 6, such data Of course, also be determined on the roller assembly 2, so that such sensor or detection means can also be integrated in the roller assembly 2.

In addition, a further detection device may be provided in the form of a camera 14, which is connected via the connecting element 15 to the evaluation or processor unit 11 and the storage means 10. In this way, additional data about the user of the bicycle, such as the driving position and the like can be determined. Accordingly, alternatively or additionally, further sensors and detection devices can also be arranged directly directly at the user and connected to the evaluation or processor unit 11 or the corresponding memory means 10 via corresponding connection means. As an example, for example, pulse monitor and the like may be mentioned.

Due to the connection of the entire sensor and detection devices, which are arranged on the roller assembly or the bicycle 6 or additionally provided as a camera 14 and the like, with the processor unit and the memory means 10 arranged thereon, the data of the detection device 9 can not only be processed directly, but also intermediately or end-stored.

Furthermore, the simulator 1 comprises a screen or a display unit 13, which is also connected via a corresponding connecting element 12 with the evaluation or processing unit 11 and the memory means 10 and the detection device 9. On the screen 13 information for the user of the simulator or the driver of the bicycle 6 can be displayed, for example, his user data. In addition, it is possible to display on the screen 13 a real or animated route video, which preferably correlates with the driving resistance applied to the roller arrangement. At high driving resistance, such as a slope is then on the Screen 13 to see the corresponding slope or downhill the corresponding departure. The video data for the screen 13 can be made available via the processor unit 11 from the storage means 10 or via an additional image generator (not shown), which for example can also rely on external storage means.

The detection device 9 has a remote connection device in the form of an antenna 5, which communicates with the antenna 21 of a relay station 20. Via the detection device 9, real environmental data of a bicycle path and / or real action data can be detected and transferred to the processor unit 11 for further processing or stored in the memory means 10.

The real environmental or action data are delivered in the embodiment shown by the bicycle 16, which participates in a real bicycle race. On the bicycle 16, a sensor unit 19 is arranged, which may comprise a variety of different sensors. In addition to the arrangement on the bike, a direct arrangement on the driver of the bicycle 16 is possible. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensor unit 19 comprises a GPS transmitter 18, which makes it possible to determine the exact position data of the bicycle 16 via satellite navigation with the satellite 22. The position data thus determined can be fed via a transmitter with the antenna 17 to the relay station 20 and from there via the antenna 21 and the antenna 5 of the detection device 9 in this. In this way, the processor unit 11 can match the distance profile of the racetrack stored in the storage means 10, which covers the bicycle 16 real and in particular at the same time, to the current position of the bicycle 16 and adjust the roller resistance of the roller assembly 2 according to this position, so that the user of the simulator 1 parallel to the racing events of a real bicycle race time synchronous with the real race participants 16 mitfährt the corresponding route, at the same time the real video of the track on the screen 13 can be recorded. For this purpose, for example, a corresponding video camera can be arranged on the sensor unit 19 of the bicycle 16.

In addition, the sensor unit 19 may include a variety of sensors whose data can also be used to control the simulator 1. For example, here are sensors for the road condition or wind sensors, so that these temporally variable environmental parameters corresponding to the real racing events in the control of the simulator and thus the generation of frictional resistance can be included. These real environmental conditions, such as the nature of the route background or weather data, can be used additionally or alternatively to the time-synchronous position detection for controlling the simulator 1. If no time-synchronous position detection is desired, but only the use of the real environmental conditions, the user of the simulator 1, the bicycle race taking into account the real conditions with a time delay, for example, in the evening, nachfahren. In this case, there is also no shortening or lengthening of the route, as in the time-synchronous case, for example, if the real racer is faster or slower, but the user can drive on the simulator 1, the entire route in the time required by him.

Of course, it is also possible to perform the time-synchronous mode offset in time when the data of the real race have been stored in the storage means 10.

The simulator 1 can thus be operated so that on the one hand the real racer with the bike 16 dictates the total time of the cycling race and the resistance forces are adjusted on the simulator, the real race driver has experienced over the period of the race (time-synchronous Mode). In the other operating mode (user mode), the user of the simulator 1 covers the entire predetermined race track, wherein the real environmental conditions determined by the real driver of the bicycle 16 are included in the control of the resistance of the roller arrangement 2, the previously stored route being the basis is used.

In addition, it can be provided that a plurality of simulators 1 are networked with one another, wherein they have corresponding connection possibilities, for example for a computer network (not shown). In this way, it is possible for multiple users of simulators based on real racing data to ride a bicycle race with other simulator users and / or real race participants. In this variant, for example, corresponding racing data of the other participants of the race can be displayed on the screen 13, wherein the corresponding image generating device (not shown) or the evaluation unit 11, the processed over the computer network data of the other race participants accordingly.

Furthermore, the simulator 1 may have corresponding input means (not shown), such as reading means, e.g. Have drives for a variety of storage media, keyboards and the like to enter data. For example, time-invariable user parameters, such as body weight and the like, can be input via a keyboard, wherein these data can also be used to calculate the rolling resistance by the processor unit 11.

In addition to the example shown here for cycling or cycling in general, the simulator can also simulate other sports or activities such as motorsports, running, skiing, rowing and the like. Here only the actuating device, such as the bike against a rowing machine, be replaced and the roller assembly must be replaced with appropriate means for influencing the actuator.

Instead of the arrangement of the sensor units 19 on a bicycle 16, the sensor unit 19 can also be arranged on a support vehicle, for example a camera motorcycle or the like.

An example of a race is as follows: Several simulators 1 are connected to each other via a computer network, wherein the users in the simulators have stored the route data of a real stage, for example the Tour de France. Furthermore, the cyclists have their personal, temporally unchanging user data, such as body weight, height and the like in the simulator 1 or corresponding storage means 10 entered. The users of the various simulators 1 want to race against each other at the same time as the actual Tour de France stage. The simulators can be locally adjacent or far away from each other, where they can then be connected to each other here, for example via the Internet. A driver of the peloton of the Tour de France or a support vehicle has the sensor unit 19, by means of which the real ambient conditions or real action data, such as current position and the like are transmitted to the simulators via the remote connection 5,21. In this case, the sensor unit 19 can also comprise a camera which transmits the video image. Alternatively, the television picture of the live broadcast on the monitor 13 can be recorded.

Time synchronous with the vehicle of the peloton of the Tour de France, on which the sensor unit 19 is arranged, put the participants of the virtual cycling race on the simulators 1, the stage distance. Winner of the race is the driver on the simulators, which is covered in the time specified by the real participants of the Tour de France stage, for example, the longest distance or the most Energy has consumed. This can be determined by comparing the user data at the simulators 1.

Another example of integrating the simulator into real-life racing is the ability to run a 6-day race with virtual and real participants. In such a race, for example, two-person teams can be formed, as usual in 6-day races, but these include only a real race participant and additionally a virtual race participant on a simulator. As in a well-known 6-day race, the virtual and the real 6-day cyclists can replace each other in rounds, with the virtual race participant on the simulator displaying the handover on the screen of the simulator, while the real race participant, for example, plays a small LCD. Screen or other display unit has placed on the handlebars of his bike, on which the relay handover from the virtual subscriber is displayed on the real race participants. Accordingly, the data must be mutually exchanged. This can be done by appropriate radio links with transmitting and receiving parts, in particular mobile radio systems, which are provided on the one hand on the simulators or corresponding relay stations and on the other hand on the vehicles or real racing participants. The processing of the data can be done in the processing unit of the simulator or in several networked simulators in a central computer. Furthermore, a corresponding processing unit can also be provided in the receiving or displaying units for the real race participant.

The 6-day race then runs off in such a way that, for example, the real race participants on the track in a racecourse take up the race, after a certain number of laps to the virtual race participants leave, whose activity is represented for example on screens in the hall can, where then the real Race participants after a certain number of rounds of virtual race participants again take the race of their respective virtual partners and continue real. The finale of the race can then be contested by both the real and the virtual race participants. In this way, for example, in a cycle racing hall in the breaks in which the real race participants do not need the train, perform additional races or other attractions.

Claims (21)

Simulator for simulating courses of action, in particular sports activities, preferably with a competitive character, with at least one actuating device (6) operated by the user, and means (2) for influencing the actuating device by means of the actuating parameters of the actuating device are variable, the operating parameters of the Means for influencing the actuating device (6) are influenced as a function of user parameters and / or environmental parameters,
characterized in that
the user parameters temporally variable user parameters and / or the environmental parameters real, in particular temporally variable environmental parameters and / or real action data of one or more in real action persons or facilities, in particular vehicles (16) include, wherein a detection device (9) for detecting temporally variable User parameters, real, in particular temporally variable environmental parameters and / or real action data of one or more in the real story action persons or facilities, in particular vehicles, is provided. Simulator according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the detection device (9) comprises sensors (14, 19) for detecting temporally variable user parameters, real environmental parameters and / or real action data, in particular sensors for detecting user data (14), such as pulse, heart rate, posture and the like and / or real Environmental parameters (19), such as weather data, in particular rain sensors, wind sensors, temperature sensors or other sensors for environmental conditions, such as surface conditions and / or sensors for determining the position (18), speed or other, especially temporally variable action data one or a number of persons or institutions in the real course of action, in particular vehicles, such as acting forces, status data or the like. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the detection device (9) is designed such that the detection of the parameters by the detection device (9) can take place simultaneously with the use of the simulator, wherein in particular the actuation parameters can be influenced synchronously with the data determined by the detection device. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
at least part of the detection device is connected to the simulator via remote connection (5, 21, 20, 17) or computer network. Simulator according to claim 4,
characterized in that
the remote connection connects the sensors (19), preferably with the interposition of a relay station, to a part of the detection device located on the actuating device and / or the means for influencing the actuating device. Simulator according to one of claims 4 or 5,
characterized in that
the remote connection or the network are designed such that the connection is wholly or partly via radio, satellite and / or cable connections, in particular telephone connections or the Internet, wherein the remote connection is in particular designed such that preferably a permanent connection is present during the use of the simulator. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the detection device (9) reading means for reading stored time variable environmental parameters and / or real action data and / or storage means (10) for storing temporally variable environmental parameters and / or real action data has. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the means (2) for influencing the actuating device comprise means (11) for processing the parameters determined or provided by the detection device, which in particular fixed user parameters and / or preset environmental parameters with those determined by the detection device (9) or provided Combine parameters. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the means for influencing the actuating device (6) comprise a data processing system (11), which is set up in the program in such a way that the actuating device can be controlled as a function of the data determined by the detection device. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the means for influencing the actuating device comprise brake devices, in particular eddy current brakes and / or drive devices. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the actuating device (6) comprises a treadmill, a trim wheel or a bicycle with a bicycle wheel, a car simulation with pedals and steering wheel, a rowing unit or the like. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the actuation parameters the force required for the operation, the required steering and the like influence. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a second detection device for usage data of the simulator is present, which detects in particular extent, duration and other data of the use of the simulator. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a connection option for a computer network is provided. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a monitor or screen (13) and an image generating device are provided which in particular generates usage data of the simulator, virtual images controlled by the means for influencing the actuating device or represents real video data determined by the detection device. Simulator according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
Comparison means (11) are provided for the acquisition, processing and / or display of data from networked simulators. Method for operating a simulator having an actuating device and means for influencing the actuating device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: providing environmental parameters and / or user parameters influencing the actuating device as a function of the environmental parameters and / or user parameters,
characterized in that
at least a part of the environmental parameters are recorded as in particular temporally variable environmental parameters in a real action sequence and / or as real action data of one or more persons or institutions in the real action sequence, especially vehicles are provided. Method according to claim 17,
characterized in that
as user parameters at least partially time-variable parameters are provided. Method according to claim 17 or 18,
characterized in that
the actuating device of the simulator is controlled as a function of the real environment parameters time-synchronized with the real action data or time requirement of the user. System for performing virtual / real races with at least one
Simulator according to one of the preceding claims and at least one information unit for the real race participant for displaying the race information of the or the virtual race participants. System according to claim 20,
characterized in that
the simulator has a transmitting / receiving unit and the information unit has a transmitting / receiving unit, in particular for transmitting data of the simulator.

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