ES2362771B1 - ADAPTER DEVICE FOR MACHINE STATISTICS FOR EXERCISE AND MULTIMEDIA EQUIPMENT. - Google Patents

Abstract

Adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment. # Adapter device (1) for static exercise machines (2) and multimedia equipment (3), said static machines (2) being provided with a tachometer (4) and said multimedia equipment of a generic control knob (5) provided with a push button (6), said adapter device (1) being provided with an electronic circuit (7) connected to said tachometer (4). The adapter device (1) is characterized in that said electronic circuit (7) comprises a connection to the push button terminals (6), said circuit (7) being configured to control the state of said push button (6) in function of the speed detected by said tachometer (4), so that said adapter device (1) allows the connection of a static exercise machine (2) to a multimedia equipment (3) by means of a generic control knob (5).

Description

According to said objective, the device

Adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment.

The present invention relates to an adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment. Background of the invention

Adapter devices for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment are known, intended to encourage the practice of sport on static machines.

One type of such devices consists of a multimedia device comprised of a computer, a monitor and a controller, integrated in a static exercise machine. The computer is connected to said machine so that it can detect, through sensors, the rhythm of the exercise performed by the user. In this way, the user can see through the monitor information about the exercise he is performing. The user can also interact through said command connected to the computer.

On the other hand, said computer can comprise video games, so that the user can perform an exercise in a very entertaining way by acting on a video game. These devices have the disadvantage that they comprise the multimedia equipment integrated with the static exercise machine, so that the set is much more cost.

A second type of said devices comprises a specific interface for a video console or computer. These devices are connected to the port used to connect the generic control commands. Such devices comprise a tachometer to measure the rhythm of the exercise, usually the speed of rotation of an exercise bike.

Through a video game or specific software, the user can interact through the rhythm of his exercise. On the other hand, said devices comprise additional controls that improve the interactivity between the user and the video-console or computer.

These devices have the advantage that they can be attached to any static exercise machine or multimedia equipment. However, they have the inconvenience of guidance, they have guidance to incorporate the electronics necessary to communicate with the video-console or computer interface. On the other hand, they also require a video game or specific software for multimedia equipment.

Therefore, the need for an adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment to solve the aforementioned inconveniences of the prior art is evident. Description of the invention

The objective of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, developing an adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment of low manufacturing cost and that can be used with any multimedia equipment without the need for specific software.

For this purpose, the invention proposes an adapter device for static exercise machines and multimedia equipment, said static machines being provided with a tachometer and said multimedia equipment with a generic control command provided with a push-button, said adapter device being provided with a circuit electronic connected to said adapter of the present invention is characterized by the fact that said electronic circuit comprises a connection to the push-button terminals, said circuit being configured to control the state of said push-button according to the speed detected by said tachometer, of so that said adapter device enables the connection of a static exercise machine to a multimedia device by means of a generic control knob.

This feature allows the adapter device to have a low manufacturing cost by not having to understand the electronics necessary for communication with the multimedia equipment. On the other hand, it allows the device to be used in multiple static exercise machines and multiple multimedia equipment.

Additionally, said button comprises an ON state and an OFF state, and said electronic circuit keeps the button in the ON state when the speed detected by the tachometer is greater than a threshold speed. This feature is incentive for the user because it forces him to maintain a minimum exercise rate so that the button remains ON.

Specifically, said electronic circuit comprises a timer that can be activated by changing the status of the tachometer and staying active for a time T by keeping said button in the ON state. Through this configuration, to adapt the tachometer status changes, normally coinciding with the realization of a turn, to the signal controlled by the button, a timer is simply used. In this way it is achieved that, for speeds below the threshold speed, the time in which said button is in the ON state is proportional to the speed detected by the tachometer. This feature allows simplifying the electronic circuit.

Advantageously, the adapter device comprises means for regulating the time T, so that said threshold speed is inversely proportional to the time T. This feature allows the user to regulate said threshold speed. More specifically, said means for regulating the time T comprise a potentiometer connected to said timer.

Additionally, said electronic circuit comprises means to avoid that, when the tachometer detects speeds higher than said threshold speed, the reset of said timer by a change of status of the tachometer causes a momentary change of state in said button. This allows, when the detected speed is higher than the threshold speed, the button remains in the ON state continuously. Otherwise, resetting the timer each time the tachometer changes state would cause a small jump in the state of the button.

Specifically, said means comprise a second timer set to activate when said timer is reset, and an OR logic gate connected to said timers, so that when one of the two timers is active, the button is kept in the ON state.

Finally, said generic control command comprises a second pause button, and said electronic circuit comprises a connection to the terminals of said pause button, being configured to control the state of said pause button, so that when said timer is inactive the pause button is in the ON state. This feature allows you to use the adapter in multimedia equipment such as televisions or DVD video players. In these cases, when the user lowers his pace below the threshold speed, the pause button is activated and therefore the video playback stops. When the timer is activated by detecting a change in the tachometer status, the status of the play button changes to ON and the video plays again.

Brief description of the drawings

To better understand how much has been exposed, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only by way of non-limiting example, a practical case of realization is represented.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the assembly formed by the adapter device, the static exercise machine and the multimedia equipment; Y

Figure 2 is a schematic of the electronic circuit and its respective connections. Description of a preferred embodiment

The adapter device 1 of the present invention is designed for static exercise machines 2 provided with a tachometer 4 and multimedia equipment 3 provided with a generic control 5, said generic control 5 comprising at least one action or play button 6. Static exercise machine means, for example, an exercise bike or any static machine equipped with a speed sensor type switch (tachometer). A multimedia device can be, for example, a game console, a video player, a computer, a television, etc. Likewise, generic control means the conventional control of a video game console, the keyboard or mouse of a computer, the remote control of a video player or a television, etc.

As illustrated in the figures, the adapter device 1 comprises an electronic circuit 7 and is provided with a connection to said tachometer 4 and another connection to the terminals of the push button 6 of the generic control. The connection to said tachometer can be made by means of a duplicator, so that the user can simultaneously use the adapter device of the present invention and the speed monitor provided in the static machine.

The electronic circuit 7 is configured to control the status of the push button 6 as a function of the speed detected by the tachometer 4. Thus, the adapter device 1 of the present invention has the great advantage that it can be adapted to any static machine 2 of exercise provided with a tachometer 4 and any multimedia equipment 3 by means of a generic control 5. This is especially interesting when you want to have an interactive and entertaining exercise equipment without having to resort to much more specially designed specially designed equipment. In the case of the present invention, simply having a static machine 2 and conventional multimedia equipment 3 is sufficient to enjoy the same possibilities.

As far as the operation of the electronic circuit 7 is concerned, in a first step, it receives the signal from the tachometer 4. The most common tachometers use a magnet fixed to the rotating element. When the magnet passes through the position where the tachometer is located, it acts as a switch and closes a circuit for a period of time. This momentary closing of the circuit can be interpreted as a change of state of the tachometer.

When the electronic circuit 7 detects said state changes, it activates a timer 8 for a time T. By activating the timer it is meant to reset or reset the timing, therefore when time T expires it is understood that timer 8 goes to being inactive The electronic circuit 7 comprises means for regulating the time T, which consist of a potentiometer 9 connected to said timer 8, so that the variation of its internal resistance allows the time T to be varied.

During said time T, the output of the timer 8 acts on a relay 12. This relay 12 is connected to the terminals of said button 6, so that during said time T the button 6 is in the ON state, that is, as if the user was pressing it. After time T, timer 8 is deactivated and consequently the button goes to OFF status. In this way, the higher the rhythm of the exercise performed by the user, the time of the button 6 in the ON state with respect to the time in the OFF state will be longer.

It is evident that, from a certain threshold speed, the state of the button will always be ON. Therefore, this feature represents an incentive for the user not to fall below a certain rate of exercise. On the other hand, this threshold speed can be modified by varying said time T, that is, by regulating said potentiometer 9. Logically, said time T is inversely proportional to said threshold speed.

Even when the speed detected by the tachometer is higher than the threshold speed, each time the tachometer changes state (generally, when the magnet passes through its position), the timer 8 is reset even if it has not finished said time T. This will cause the button 6 to change momentarily from the ON state to the OFF state, being annoying for the user.

To avoid this inconvenience, the electronic circuit 7 comprises a second timer 10 connected to said timer 8 so that when it is reset, the second timer 10 is activated for a short period of time set by a resistor. Both timers 8 and 10 are connected to the inputs of an OR logic gate integrated in a printed circuit 13. The output of the OR gate is connected to said relay 12 which controls the status of the button 6. This avoids this inconvenience.

Although so far only one button 6 of the generic control 5 has been referred to, the adapter may also comprise a connection to a second pause button 11. In this case, when the timer 8 is in an inactive state, the first button 6 it remains in the OFF state while the pause button 11 is in the ON state.

The adapter device 1 of the present invention may comprise different configurations depending on the type of multimedia equipment 3 to which it is connected.

In a first configuration both buttons 6 and 11 are used, and said multimedia equipment is a video player (for example a DVD player). In this case, a video is displayed indicating the recommended hardness level, which will be related to the profile of the route. As mentioned above, the video will play constantly as long as the user maintains a speed higher than the threshold speed.

In a second configuration, multimedia equipment 3 is a video game console. The most suitable video games for use with the adapter device 1 are the driving simulator games. In this case, the button 6 corresponds to the acceleration button of the generic control 5. Optionally the pause button 11 may correspond to the stop button.

In the case of controls with a two-axis analog controls, the direction and brake buttons can be installed on the static machine 2 so that the user can interact with the game, and the acceleration button is connected to the adapter device 1. The brake button is switched on so that when it is pressed by the user, the adapter device is canceled and therefore the video game stops accelerating.

You can also use a specific steering wheel or handlebar for each console for the game consoles. In the case of the steering wheel, the electronic circuit 7 is connected to the button 6 integrated in the accelerator pedal. Optionally, a brake pedal connection can be derived so that the user can operate it manually from static machine 2.

Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the described adapter device is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the mentioned details can be replaced by other technically equivalent ones. , without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. Adapter device (1) for static exercise machines (2) and multimedia equipment (3), said static machines (2) being provided with a tachometer (4) and said multimedia equipment with a generic control knob (5) provided of a button (6), said adapter device (1) being provided with an electronic circuit (7) connected to said tachometer (4), characterized in that said electronic circuit (7) comprises a connection to the buttons of the button (6), said circuit (7) being configured to control the state of said button (6) as a function of the speed detected by said tachometer (4), so that said adapter device (1) enables the connection of a static exercise machine (2) to a multimedia device (3) by means of a generic control knob (5).

2.

Adapter device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said button (6) comprises an ON state and an OFF state, and said electronic circuit keeps the button (6) in the ON state when the speed detected by the tachometer (4) It is greater than a threshold speed.

3.

Adapter device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said electronic circuit (7) comprises a timer (8) capable of being activated by a change in the status of the tachometer

(4) and to remain active for a time T keeping said button (6) in the ON state. 4. Adapter device (1) according to the preceding claim comprising means for regulating the time T, so that said threshold speed is inversely proportional to the time T.

5.

Adapter device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said means for regulating the time T comprise a potentiometer (9).

6.

Adapter device (1) according to claims 3 to 5 wherein said electronic circuit (7) comprises means to prevent that, when the tachometer (4) detects speeds greater than said threshold speed, the reset of said timer

(8) due to a change in the status of the tachometer, it causes a momentary change in the state of said button.

7.

Adapter device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said means comprise a second timer (10) configured to be activated when said timer (8) is reset, and an OR logic gate connected to said timers (8.10), so When one of the two timers is active, the button remains in the ON state.

8.

Adapter device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said generic control command (5) comprises a pause button (11), and said electronic circuit (7) comprises a connection to the terminals of said pause button (11), being configured to control the state of said pause button (11), so that when said timer (8) is inactive, the pause button (11) is in the ON state.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200931152 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 11.12.2009 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: A63B69 / 16 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

X

US 4638605 A (FRANK RITCHIE) 20.01.1987, the whole document. 1-8

TO

GB 2359260 A (STEVEN GEORGE CROSTON) 22.08.2001, the whole document. 1-8

TO

EN 2029573 A6 (Mª ASUNCIÓN HERNAEZ TOBIAS) 16.08.1992, the whole document. 1-8

TO

US 6024675 A (SEGA ENTERPRISES LTD.) 15.02.2000, the whole document. 1-8

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 06.30.2011

Examiner G. Foncillas Garrido Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200931152 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) A63B Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200931152 Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 06.30.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-8 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-8 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. Considerations: State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200931152 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 4638605 A (FRANK RITCHIE) 01/20/1987

D02

GB 2359260 A (STEVEN GEORGE CROSTON) 22.08.2001

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Claim 1 The document closest to the object of the invention is D01, said document presenting an adapter which allows the connection of a static exercise machine with multimedia equipment, so that the player control (column 1, line 55-column 2, line 10) is established under the controls located on an exercise bike. Said bicycle (column 4, line 25-column 5, line 63) incorporates a potentiometer and an electric circuit which is used to establish a threshold from which control over the player of the multimedia equipment can be obtained, in which case, it would be in the ON state, and otherwise, in the OFF state. By regulating said threshold, the necessary pedaling or the exercise required to establish control over said player is regulated, on the other hand, a threshold can also be established, so that when the pedaling is higher or lower than the one established, the circuit is deactivated. control. The difference in the purpose of the application with said document lies in the use of a button, however it is considered a design option and does not establish any contribution to the state of the art at hand, said claim being new (Article 6 LP) but it lacks inventive activity (Article 8 LP). Claims 2-8 For the purpose of the application, the button has an ON state and a 0FF state, and an electronic circuit that keeps said button in the ON state when the speed detected by the tachometer is greater than a threshold speed, based on Said consideration already stated in claim 1, the system presented in D01 establishes the same technical characteristics. The consideration of a timer and its different configurations are well known aspects in any programming system, however its consideration is established in D01 (column 4, line 56-column 5, line 2) and in D02 (Page 1-2) . Finally, to say that the consideration of a system pause button is common knowledge for an expert in the field and does not establish any contribution. Therefore, these claims are new (Article 6 LP) but lack inventive activity (Article 8 LP). State of the Art Report Page 4/4