KR102255055B1 - Virtual Exercise Device and Virtual Exercise System - Google Patents

Abstract

The virtual exercise machine according to an aspect of the present invention,
A sensor unit including an impact detection sensor that generates a signal by detecting walking information when a user is walking, and
And a signal input unit capable of generating a signal related to walking information while the user is walking,
A wearing device worn on the user's body; And
A virtual reality application comprising a road map unit for allocating a road map according to the user's selection, and a control unit for receiving signals according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and controlling an image loaded on the display unit, and
And a visual device including a display unit displaying the road map.

Description

Virtual Exercise Device and Virtual Exercise System

An aspect of the present invention relates to a virtual exercise device capable of a virtual experience, and more specifically, to a virtual exercise device capable of maximizing a virtual experience by exercising a space on a map provided by a display device.

In addition, another aspect relates to a virtual exercise system that controls the motion of an avatar in a virtual space according to motion signals of users using a virtual exercise device capable of virtual experience.

In general, walking refers to moving the body while alternately placing the left and right legs forward through the continuous motion of the lower limb joints and muscles of a person. In this specification, the meaning of walking has been used comprehensively as described above, and walking slowly , Walking fast, running, and riding a bicycle with a motion similar to walking.

In recent years, as people's interest in health management, maintenance, and health promotion is increasing, treadmills and cycles are used a lot for aerobic exercise indoors. However, this is not only very monotonous and boring by emphasizing only exercise, but also has a very insufficient aspect to exercise according to the physical fitness arrangement according to the individual characteristics of a person.

Users use a treadmill to walk or run to relieve the boredom of exercise while walking or running. Therefore, there was a disadvantage of giving up easily due to monotony to continue steadily.

In addition, there are cases in which a display device is provided in front of a treadmill to relieve boredom while watching TV or a drama, but there is a risk of leading to injury by focusing on burns.

A good way to get rid of such boredom is to make you feel the real feeling of running on an outdoor road, so that while focusing on exercise, there is a need for a way to relieve boredom.

Korean Registered Patent No. 1869696 Republic of Korea Patent No. 1341678

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a virtual exercise machine that allows an exercise user to manipulate a map displayed on a display device linked with walking information of a human body obtained through a simple portable sensor.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a virtual exercise system that controls an avatar's motion to a display device with motion signals transmitted from a virtual exercise machine and enables communication between the avatars.

The virtual exercise machine according to the present invention,

A sensor unit including an impact detection sensor that generates a signal by detecting walking information when a user is walking, and

And a signal input unit capable of generating a signal related to walking information while the user is walking,

A wearing device worn on the user's body; And

A virtual reality application comprising a road map unit for allocating a road map according to the user's selection, and a control unit for receiving signals according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and controlling an image loaded on the display unit, and

And a visual device including a display unit displaying the road map.

In this case, the walking information preferably includes information on the impact of the user's body generated when the user is walking, information on the user's gaze, the user's moving direction, and information on the user's gait value.

In addition, when the impact detection sensor of the sensor unit generates a signal for detecting the impact, the control unit may advance the traveling direction of the road map of the display unit.

In addition, the control unit may adjust the forward speed of the road map of the display unit according to the period of the impact detection signal of the impact detection sensor.

In addition, the signal input includes a gaze changing means for generating a signal relating to a user's gaze direction, and the control unit may change the gaze direction of the road map of the display unit according to a signal from the gaze changing means.

In addition, the signal input unit includes a mode changing means for generating a signal for changing to a walking and a bicycle mode by setting a moving distance on the map per impact signal generated by the sensor, and the control unit is the moving distance of the road map of the display unit Can be changed.

In addition, the sensor unit may be separated from the wearing device and attached to a leg, a knee, or a shoe of the user's body, respectively.

Another aspect of the present invention,

As a virtual exercise system including a virtual exercise machine and a virtual space management server,

The virtual exercise machine,

A sensor unit including an impact sensor for generating a signal by detecting walking information when a user is walking, and

And a signal input unit capable of generating a signal related to walking information while the user is walking,

A wearing device worn on the user's body; And

A road map unit that allocates a road map according to the user's selection, a control unit that receives signals according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and controls an image loaded on the display unit, and a virtual device that the user can talk to on the road map. A virtual reality application including a virtual space unit to establish a space, and

Including; a visual device including a display unit for displaying the road map,

The virtual space management server,

A course providing unit that provides the road map to be used as a virtual walking course selected by the user in the virtual space unit;

An avatar generation unit that receives the personal information of the users and generates an avatar to be displayed on behalf of the user in a virtual space; And

And an avatar control unit configured to receive a signal according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and a signal related to conversation information of the users, and implement walking and conversation of the avatar on the road map.

In this case, the avatar generator may generate an avatar from information including gender, age, character, and clothes input by the user.

In addition, the virtual exercise system may further include a photographing device worn on the user's body.

In addition, the image captured by a specific user is transmitted to the virtual space management server in real time with the photographing device, so that the image taken by other users participating in the conversation can exercise as a roadmap provided.

Using a virtual exercise machine manufactured using a low-cost sensor according to an aspect of the present invention, a user can exercise, such as walking, running, and riding a bicycle, at a virtual location that is actually implemented on the display device.

In particular, you can make a walk or walk through a self-made course or a road view of Google Maps or Daum Maps and Naver Maps.

In particular, in the case of using a general treadmill, a virtual treadmill can be realized with a simple addition of this virtual exercise machine.

In the virtual exercise system according to another aspect of the present invention, avatars of users wearing virtual exercise machines are provided so that the user's exercise can be implemented as an avatar motion, and a community space where avatars can communicate with each other is provided. You can exercise while communicating with each other.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a wearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of a wearing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram of a vision device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a wearing device and a visual device according to an embodiment of the present invention are used.
5 is a block diagram of a vision device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram of a virtual space management server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an image of a vision device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The virtual exercise machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a wearing device 100 and a visual device 200.

The wearing device 100 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a sensor unit 100, a signal input unit 120, a communication unit and a case 140.

The sensor unit 100 includes a sensor 101, a communication unit 113, a charging unit 115, and a first wearable unit 117. The sensor 101 is composed of an upper and lower impact sensor 101. The sensor unit 100 needs at least two attached to both sides of the user's body, for example, legs, shoes, and knees, so as to sense the user's walking or running.

As the sensor 101, an impact sensor 101 is used, and the impact sensor 101 can detect driving information generated when a user walks, that is, an impact. Therefore, when an impact occurs while the user is walking, it is detected and generated as a signal.

The impact detection sensor 101 may be any type of sensor 101 that detects an impact generated during walking and generates a signal. For example, piezo sensors or various vibration sensors may be used.

The communication means 113 transmits the signal generated by the sensor 101 to the communication unit. In this case, the signal may be transmitted to the communication unit of the wearing device 100 or may be directly transmitted to the communication unit of the visual device 200 to be described later, and signal transmission may be transmitted by a wireless short-range communication method.

The charging means 115 is a means for supplying power to the sensor 101 and includes a rechargeable battery and a terminal for charging. Charging can be performed through the charging terminal of the storage space by accommodating the sensor unit 100 in the storage space of the sensor unit 100 provided in the main body as will be described later.

The first wearable means 117 is for attaching the sensor unit 100 to the user's body, and a clip or Velcro may be applied. For example, since the sensor unit 100 is a clip at the bottom, it can be easily inserted into the neck of shoes or socks. When using a bicycle, it can be installed in the form of a band above the knee in some cases.

The signal input unit 120 inputs a signal capable of directly changing the direction of progress or gaze direction, etc., when the user needs it, and includes a left and right direction means 121, a front and rear switching means 123, a gaze changing means, a mode changing means, etc. Various signal input means including, may be provided.

The left and right direction means 121 generates a signal for changing the direction of the image displayed on the display unit 210 to the left or right, and the front and rear switching means 123 is used in the image shown on the display unit 210. A signal for selecting the moving direction as forward or backward is generated, and the gaze changing means is a means for changing the image according to the user's gaze rather than changing the image to the user's moving direction.

In addition, the mode changing means generates a signal for changing the walking and cycling modes by setting the moving distance on the map per impact signal generated by the sensor. For example, per impact signal generated by the sensor, a distance of approximately 70 cm is moved in the walking mode and 1.5 to 3 m in the bicycle mode. The mode changing means may have more than two different modes of a walking mode or a bicycle mode. For example, even in the walking mode, the distance traveled per shock signal can be adjusted.

The signal input unit 120 may be configured in various forms. For example, it may be configured in the form of a button, a dial, or a switch on the case 140.

The first communication unit transmits the signal transmitted from the communication means 113 or the signal transmitted from the signal input unit 120 to the visual apparatus 200 to be described later in a wireless communication method.

The case 140 accommodates the sensor unit 100, the first communication unit, and the signal input unit 120, and in particular, has a storage space in which the sensor unit 100 is accommodated, and the storage space of the sensor unit 100 is charged. Since a terminal is provided, the sensor 101 can be charged. In addition, the case 140 includes a second wearable means that can be worn on the user's waist or the like. For example, the second wearable means may be in the form of a clip attached to the waist belt, and in the case of a sportswear without a belt, it is preferable to wear it with a simple belt.

The visual apparatus 200 according to FIG. 3 includes a second communication unit 230, a virtual reality application 220, and a display unit 210.

The second communication unit 230 receives a signal transmitted from the first communication unit and transmits it to the virtual reality application 220.

The virtual reality application 220 includes a road map unit 221 and a control unit 223.

The road map unit 221 allows the user to select a road map to be used, and downloads the road map according to the selection from the server. In this case, although it has been described as a roadmap in the present specification, a map that can be actually downloaded is not limited to the roadmap.

The control unit 223 receives various signals for the user's walking information from the second communication unit 230 and controls an image loaded on the display unit 210. For example, the user sends a signal about the direction of progress on the roadmap in the forward, backward, left turn, and right turn directions, or loads the log map on the display according to a signal that changes the direction of the user's gaze. Change the direction of the roadmap or the direction of sight.

Meanwhile, the control unit 223 may control the forward speed of the roadmap of the display unit 210 according to the period of the impact detection signal of the impact detection sensor 101.

The display unit 210 displays a road map executed in the virtual reality application 220. As the roadmap, you can use a commercial roadmap, for example, the following roadview or Google's streetview.

Various devices may be used as the vision device 200. For example, computers and monitors, mobile phones, tablet PCs, and 3D glasses equipped with smartphones can be used without limitation.

Hereinafter, the operation of the virtual exercise machine will be described. When the user wears the sensor unit 100 on the knees, shoes, legs, etc. using a wearable means, and starts walking, the sensor 101 of the sensor unit 100 senses the impact and signals the first. It transmits to the communication unit or the second communication unit 230.

For example, when the sensor unit 100 is attached to a shoe and starts walking, a forward signal may be generated by sensing an impact during walking.

In addition, when the user wears the case 140 and inputs a signal using the signal input unit 120, a direction signal is generated and transmitted to the first communication unit, and the first communication unit transmits a direction signal to the second communication unit 230. do. For example, the signal input unit 120 may include left and right progress buttons to transmit a left direction progress signal or generate a right direction progress signal. In addition, the signal input unit 120 may further include a left gaze button and a right gaze button.

The second communication unit 230 of the visual apparatus 200 receives a signal related to the walking information from the first communication unit or the communication unit 113 and transmits the signal to the control unit 223, and the control unit 223 is a signal related to the walking information. In other words, it receives a forward signal, a left turn signal, and a right turn signal and controls the traveling direction of the road map implemented on the display.

Accordingly, when the user walks, the road map implemented in the image advances according to the advance signal including the speed, and the direction of the road map turns left or right according to the left turn signal or the right turn signal input by the user to the signal input unit 120. The user can walk while watching the moving direction of the image roadmap change according to his or her walking.

In this case, the roadmap is loaded by a dedicated application program, so that the same effect as walking along the displayed road can be obtained by the user.

A virtual exercise system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a virtual exercise machine and a virtual space management server 300.

The virtual exercise machine includes the wearing device 100 and the visual device 200, and since it is similar to the above-described contents, a different visual device will be further described.

The virtual reality application 220 of the visual device 200 further includes a virtual space unit 225. The virtual space unit 225 provides a virtual space so that a plurality of users can communicate with each other when performing an exercise such as walking while simultaneously talking on the same road map. That is, users can select a course to be walked by using the visual device 200. For example, when a specific user opens a virtual space for a specific course, other users who can exercise with him can participate in the course.

In addition, the virtual space unit 225 may allow the user to select other users to participate in the course together. For example, while participating in the course together, the user can designate a person who needs communication, for example, as a conversation partner, if he/she needs health-related consultation. I can.

In addition, the virtual space unit may allow a user to select shoes and clothes to be used while exercising. Users can advertise their shoes and clothing while using their own shoes and clothing.

The virtual space management server 300 of FIG. 6 includes a second communication unit 310, a course providing unit 320, an avatar generation unit 330, and an avatar control unit 340.

The second communication unit 310 from the virtual reality application 220 of the visual device 200 to the visual device 200 of the user using the virtual exercise machine, walking information, virtual space information, and conversation information of users participating in a virtual chat space. Receive.

The course providing unit 320 provides a virtual space for communication to users, and provides a road map to be used as a virtual walking course selected by the users.

The avatar generation unit 330 receives personal information of users participating in the conversation and generates an avatar to be displayed on behalf of the user in a virtual space. In this case, the personal information includes various types of information input by the user, gender, age, character, clothing, and shoes, and when large-capacity data communication is possible, a real-time image may be used as an avatar.

The avatar control unit 340 receives signals related to the user's walking information and conversation information from the second communication unit 310 and implements the walking and conversation of the avatar.

At this time, the avatar control unit 223 receives walking information such as a forward signal, a left turn signal, and a right turn signal having the same content as the signal for the walking information implemented in the visual device 200, and the avatar moves forward, left turn, and right turn. Or control to turn the gaze left or right by receiving gaze information.

In addition, the avatar control unit 340 receives the conversation information made by the user from the starting device and implements it as a conversation of the avatar. At this time, the conversation of the avatar may be transmitted by voice or text.

In addition, the virtual space management server may further include a compensation unit. The compensation department provides a consultation while the user accompanies the user, or by implementing the clothing and exercise equipment necessary for exercising such as specific clothing, shoes, sunglasses, etc. on the avatar by the user, accumulating the advertising fee of the company that sells the corresponding clothing, exercise equipment, etc. as points to compensate. To be able to receive it.

In this case, the virtual exercise system according to the present embodiment can function as a platform for all people exercising.

A virtual exercise system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a virtual exercise machine, a photographing device 400, and a virtual space management server 300.

The virtual exercise machine includes the wearing device 100 and the visual device 200, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted since it is the same as the above.

The photographing device 400 is worn on the user's body and photographs a place where the user walks.

In this case, it is preferable that the photographing apparatus 400 photographs a walking place in three dimensions by using at least two cameras. Meanwhile, the photographing apparatus 400 may be photographed by a plurality of users, and GPS coordinates may be recorded. .

At this time, the image taken by a specific user is transmitted in real time to the walking course of the virtual chat space and applied to other users participating in the conversation in the same progression and direction of sight, so that users participating in the conversation walk in the same place. Provides.

Meanwhile, the image captured in this way may be stored in the roadmap database of the course providing unit 320 as a new walking course according to the user's selection. In this case, the user may receive a corresponding compensation by providing a walking roadmap newly produced by walking to the operating entity of the virtual space management server 300.

The course providing unit 320 of the virtual space management server 300 may update the road map photographed by the user's photographing device 400 to a new road map. For example, when a user provides a road map that did not exist in the past, for example, a mountain trail, a street in Paris, a Mediterranean beach, etc., it may be provided as a new course.

Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, these are merely exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent ranges of embodiments are possible therefrom. For example, it is possible to apply a signal according to the user's gait realization, that is, shock detection, not only in exercise equipment, but also in VR experiences or games. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims.

100: wearing device 110: sensor unit
120: first communication unit 130: case
140: case 200: visual device
210: display unit 220: virtual reality application
230: second communication unit 300: virtual space management server
310: 3rd communication department 320: course provision department
330: avatar generation unit 340: avatar control unit
400: photographing device

Claims (11)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A virtual exercise system comprising a virtual exercise device including a wearing device worn on a user's body and a visual device for controlling an image by receiving a signal transmitted from the wearing device, and a virtual space management server connected to the virtual exercise device,
The wearing device,
Including an impact sensor for generating a signal by detecting walking information about the impact of the body generated when the user walks, a communication means for wirelessly transmitting a signal generated by the impact sensor, and a charging means for charging the sensor. 2 or more sensor parts,
Information for converting the user's moving direction back and forth or left and right, information for changing the user's gaze direction, and information for changing to a walking mode and a bicycle mode for setting a moving distance on the map per impact signal generated from the sensor unit A signal input unit capable of generating a signal related to walking information including,
A first communication unit for receiving a signal from the sensor unit or the signal input unit and wirelessly transmitting it to the visual device, and
A storage space for accommodating the sensor unit is provided, and the storage space includes a case in which a charging terminal of the sensor is provided,
The vision device,
A virtual reality application including a road map unit for allocating a road map according to the user's selection, a control unit for receiving signals according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and controlling the road map loaded on the display unit, and
And a display unit displaying the road map,
The sensor unit includes first wearable means for being separated from the storage space of the case and worn on the user's legs, knees, or shoes, respectively,
The wearing device includes a second wearable means for being worn on the user's body,
The visual device is connected to the wearing device through wireless communication, and the
When the impact detection sensor of the sensor unit generates a signal for detecting the impact, the control unit advances the traveling direction of the roadmap of the display unit,
According to the period of the impact detection signal of the impact detection sensor, the control unit adjusts the forward speed of the road map of the display unit,
The signal input unit includes a gaze changing means for generating a signal relating to a user's gaze direction, and the control unit changes the gaze direction of the road map of the display unit according to a signal from the gaze changing means,
The signal input unit includes a mode changing means for generating a signal for setting a moving distance on the map per impact signal generated by the sensor and a signal for changing to a walking and bicycle mode, and the control unit is configured to display the display according to a signal of the mode changing means. Change the travel distance per hour of the negative roadmap,
The virtual space management server,
A course providing unit that provides the road map to be used as a virtual walking course selected by the user in the virtual space unit;
An avatar generator configured to receive the personal information of the users and display it on behalf of the user in a virtual space, and to generate an avatar by reflecting information including gender, age, character, and clothes input by the user as the personal information; And
An avatar controller configured to receive a signal according to the sensor unit and the signal input unit and a signal related to conversation information of the users, and implement walking and conversation of the avatar on the road map;
The signal input unit includes a gaze changing means for generating a signal regarding a user's gaze direction, and the control unit changes the gaze direction of the avatar of the display unit according to a signal from the gaze changing means,
The virtual exercise system includes a photographing device worn on the user's body,
The image captured by a specific user with the photographing device is transmitted in real time to the virtual space management server,
A virtual exercise system in which other users participating in the conversation with the specific user implement the avatar on a roadmap provided from the image transmitted in real time and walk.
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