KR102546610B1 - Input device interconnected with exercise equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to an exercise machine-linked input device, which includes an exercise machine used by a user in a sitting or standing state; at least three or more posts surrounding the exercise machine; and a plurality of posts connecting the posts and the exercise machine. A suspension mechanism including a spring member of which the spring member elastically supports the exercise device in a floating state with respect to the floor; and, one end fixed to the post while the other end is rotatable with respect to the exercise device. A plurality of posture detection sensor units having a wire wound around a fixed roller and a potentiometer for detecting a rotation amount of the roller; And receiving a plurality of electrical signals generated from the potentiometer of the position detection sensor unit, calculating the length of each wire from the electrical signals, and calculating the gradient vector of the exercise device corresponding to the length of the plurality of wires and an arithmetic unit that outputs this as an input signal of the computing device.

Description

Exercise equipment interlocked input device {Input device interconnected with exercise equipment}

The present invention relates to an input device for controlling the movement of an object displayed on a display, and more particularly to an input device for controlling the movement of an object on a display as it is in a three-dimensional movement of an exercise machine used by a user while sitting or standing.

In PC games or video games, the movement of a specific object displayed on the display, that is, various actions such as walking, running, jumping, and rolling of a character up and down, left and right, through various input devices such as keyboard, mouse, joystick, racing wheel, and pedals. controlled Various types of input devices are being developed so that users can more intuitively and conveniently control motions of characters.

On the other hand, the resolution of graphics is increasing day by day to improve the immersion of the game, and to support this, hardware is also developed with high specifications, and the physics engine to realize certain physical phenomena as realistically as possible is also developing surprisingly. As an extension of this trend, there are sophisticated simulations or virtual reality, which provide an experience environment very similar to real life.

Simulation or virtual reality has various levels of implementation, but in common, the purpose is to allow users to feel similar experiences in the real world from the provided environment. Accordingly, a need arises for a special input device that meets this purpose. For example, when a head mounted display (HMD) shaped like goggles is used as an output device, a user can manipulate a character with gestures or buttons by using a glove-type input device.

In the development of such an input device, it is preferable in various aspects such as immersion and exercise effect that the user utilizes his or her body as much as possible in real sports or leisure in sports or leisure-related content. For example, in the case of ski-related content, the user behaves as if he or she is actually skiing while using the whole body in a standing state, and the user's movement is reflected as motion control of a character (object) on the display.

An object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of controlling an object on a display in conjunction with an exercise machine as described above.

Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2169489 (registered on October 19, 2020)

An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that controls a three-dimensional motion of an exercise machine used by a user while sitting or standing as a motion of an object displayed on a display.

The present invention relates to an exercise machine-linked input device, which includes an exercise machine used by a user in a sitting or standing state; at least three or more posts surrounding the exercise machine; and a plurality of posts connecting the posts and the exercise machine. A suspension mechanism including a spring member, wherein the spring member elastically supports the exercise device in a floating state with respect to the floor; and, one end is fixed to the post while the other end is rotatably fixed with respect to the exercise device. A plurality of posture detection sensor units having a wire wound around the roller and a potentiometer for detecting the amount of rotation of the roller; And receiving a plurality of electrical signals generated from the potentiometer of the position detection sensor unit, calculating the length of each wire from the electrical signals, and calculating the gradient vector of the exercise device corresponding to the length of the plurality of wires and an arithmetic unit that outputs this as an input signal of the computing device.

Here, the roller is provided with an auto tensioner that maintains a constant tension of the wire.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise device is provided with a 3-axis acceleration sensor, and an electrical signal generated from the 3-axis acceleration sensor is input to the calculation unit, and the calculation unit calculates an output value of the 3-axis acceleration sensor. It can be output as the magnitude of the gradient vector.

Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the spring member is a coil spring, and the wire may be disposed to pass through the inside of the coil spring.

In addition, both ends of the coil spring and the position detection sensor are fixed to a ball joint member, and the ball joint member can freely rotate by an external force transmitted through the spring member so that the coil spring and the wire do not contact each other. .

And, a bottom surface spring elastically connected to the floor may be provided on the bottom surface of the exercise device.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device used by a user in a sitting or standing state; at least three or more posts surrounding the exercise device; and a plurality of spring members connecting the post and the exercise device. and a suspension mechanism in which the spring member elastically supports the exercise device in a floating state with respect to the floor; and a posture detection sensor unit mounted on the exercise device; And a calculation unit that receives an electrical signal related to the horizontality of the exercise device generated by the posture detection sensor unit, calculates the inclination and direction of the exercise device from the electrical signal, and outputs it as an input signal to a computing device. Provided is an input device linked to exercise equipment.

Here, the posture detection sensor unit may be a gyro sensor.

Also, a detachable tray may be provided at the handle of the exercise device.

And, it may be preferable that the distance between the handle and the seat of the exercise equipment is adjustable.

In addition, arm rests are provided on both sides of the seat, and at least one of the handle and the arm rest can be rotated up and down.

In addition, a brake means may be provided on a contact surface on which the handle and the seat slide with respect to the body, and the rotational motion of the handle and the armrest may be interlocked with the operation of the brake means.

And, a bottom surface spring elastically connected to the floor may be provided on the bottom surface of the exercise device.

The exercise equipment-linked input device of the present invention having the configuration as described above generates the user's weight movement and movement as input signals for controlling the movement of an object displayed on the display. Accordingly, the user can intuitively control the object using his/her body.

In addition, in the present invention, since the user can control objects on the display only when the user moves the entire body, the exercise effect is improved and steady exercise is induced by having fun and immersion in the exercise activity. Therefore, the present invention is of great help in improving and strengthening the user's health condition through exercise.

In addition, the present invention can closely adjust the distance between the handle and the seat of the exercise equipment, and place and use a keyboard, mouse, or various game controllers on a tray mounted on the handle. Therefore, according to the present invention, an exercise device suspended from a suspension mechanism and supported with appropriate elasticity can be utilized like a gaming chair.

1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a sports equipment-linked input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed enlarged view of part "A" in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view showing another embodiment of part "A" in FIG. 2;
4 is a view schematically showing the function of the calculation unit of the exercise equipment-linked input device according to the present invention.
5 is a view showing an embodiment in which a bottom spring is provided in an exercise device.
6 is a view showing an exercise equipment-linked input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing an embodiment of a handle and a seat of the exercise device of FIG. 6;

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms, but the present embodiments are intended to complete the disclosure of the present invention and allow common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined. Terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in a phrase.

As used herein, "comprises" and/or "comprising" means that a stated component, step, operation, and/or element is one or more other components, steps, operations, and/or elements. Existence or additions are not excluded.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an exercise equipment-linked input device 10 according to the present invention, and with reference to this, the present invention will be described in detail.

The exercise machine-linked input device 10 according to the present invention includes a exercise machine 100, a suspension machine 200, a plurality of posture detection sensor units 300, and a calculation unit 400, which are largely divided into two parts.

The exercise equipment 100 refers to various equipment that can be placed indoors and exercised. In FIG. 1 , a bicycle in which a user sits on a saddle, holds a handle, and turns pedals is shown as an example of an exercise device 100 . Such exercise equipment 100 includes a motorcycle, a jet ski, a snowmobile, a riding equipment, etc. of a type in which a user sits and exercises, as well as various types of equipment such as a standing exercise type ski, snowboard, skateboard, etc. The exercise device 100 may be applied.

The exercise device 100 is installed in a floating state suspended from the suspension device 200 and floating on the floor. The suspension device 200 includes at least three or more posts 220 surrounding the exercise device 100 and a plurality of spring members 230 connecting the posts 220 and the exercise device 100 . In order to stably support the exercise device 100 in three dimensions, at least three or more posts 220 and spring members 230 need to be provided. In FIG. 1 , four posts 220 and spring members 230 are evenly distributed around the exercise device 100 . Then, a frame 210 supporting the post 220 may be provided, and the exercise device 100 is placed in a space formed by the frame 210 and the post 220 .

The spring member 230 connects one point of the post 220 and the exercise device 100, and the exercise device 100 is in a state of being resiliently suspended by a plurality of spring members 230. That is, the suspension mechanism 200 elastically supports the exercise mechanism 100 in a floating state on the floor through the spring member 230 . Since the exercise device 100 is suspended from the suspension device 200, when a user on the exercise device 100 applies force in any direction, the exercise device 100 changes its posture very freely according to the direction of the force. For example, when the upper body is tilted to the right while sitting on the exercise device 100, the exercise device 100 is slightly tilted to the right while being pushed to the left as the user's center of gravity moves. The posture change of the exercise device 100 is similar to the posture when riding a bicycle and running on a right curve. The present invention is intended to control the movement of the exercise device 100 by the movement of an object on the display 500, and for this purpose, a posture detection sensor unit 300 and a calculation unit 400 are provided.

The posture detection sensor unit 300 is a component that detects a change in posture of the exercise device 100 . FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of a posture detection sensor unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a portion of the spring member 230 indicated by “A” in FIG. 1 in detail. The posture sensor unit 300 has one end fixed to the post 220 while the other end is a wire 310 wound around a roller 320 fixed to be rotatable with respect to the exercise device 100, and the roller 320 ) Includes a potentiometer 330 that senses the amount of rotation. Here, it is preferable that the roller 320 is provided with an auto tensioner 340 that maintains a constant tension of the wire 310 .

The wire 310 of the posture detection sensor unit 300 is wound or unwound around the roller 320 as the distance between the post 220 and each support point of the exercise device 100 changes. In particular, since the auto tensioner 340 is provided on the roller 320, the tension of the wire 310 is maintained constant, and thus the wire 310 can always maintain a properly tensioned state. Since the wire 310 is a means for measuring the distance between the post 220 and the exercise device 100, it is preferable to select a material that can be flexibly deformed while having a small elongation rate due to tension.

The potentiometer 330 means an electric device that detects the amount of rotation of the roller 320 . Since the diameter of the roller 320 is a predetermined constant, the length (or change in length) of the wire 310 can be known if the amount of rotation of the roller 320 is known. The electrical signal generated by the potentiometer 330 of the posture detection sensor unit 300 is input to the calculation unit 400 .

The calculating unit 400 receives the electrical signal generated by the potentiometer 330 and calculates the length of each wire 310 from the electrical signal. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the function of the calculation unit 400 of the exercise equipment interlocking type input device 10 according to the present invention, the posture detection sensor unit 300 corresponds to the number of posts 220, 3 Provided with more than one. One end of the wire 310 fixed to the post 220 corresponds to a fixed point, and the other end connected to the exercise device 100 corresponds to a moving point. is defined Therefore, one plane representing the posture of the exercise device 100 can be determined from the length of the wire 310 measured as three or more.

If the plane in which no load is applied to the exercise device 100, that is, the user is not on board, is the reference horizontal plane, the plane calculated from the length of the wire 310 at a certain point in time relative to the horizontal plane in any direction It can be expressed as a gradient vector toward The gradient vector is a three-dimensional vector on the plane of the exercise device 100, and the gradient vector eventually becomes an index representing the posture of the exercise device 100.

The inclination vector of the exercise machine 100 calculated by the calculation unit 400 indicates in which direction the load is applied to the exercise machine 100 by the user. If this is a user's response to an object displayed on the display 500 connected to the computing device 600, for example, a user's behavior of driving a bicycle on a certain road, the gradient vector of the exercise machine 100 It can be used as an input value for controlling the operation of an object on the display 500. Therefore, the calculation unit 400 outputs the calculated gradient vector of the exercise machine 100 as an input signal of the computing device 600, so that the object displayed on the display 500 using the user's operation of handling the exercise machine 100 can be intuitively controlled.

Here, the display 500 is not simply limited to a PC monitor or TV. For example, a recently introduced wearable display such as VR goggles is also included in the display 500 referred to in the present invention. Since the wearable display provides a particularly excellent sense of immersion and realism in first-person games, a synergistic effect is expected when the input device 10 interlocked with exercise equipment of the present invention is grafted onto the wearable display. The user can vividly experience the virtual environment by wearing the wearable display, riding the exercise machine 100 and taking realistic motions. If the wearable display is equipped with the computing device 600, the present invention can communicate with the wearable display, preferably wireless communication, to perform an interaction of exchanging a control signal and an image signal.

And, referring to FIG. 4 , the exercise device 100 is provided with a 3-axis acceleration sensor 350 , and electrical signals generated from the 3-axis acceleration sensor 350 are input to the calculation unit 400 . The 3-axis acceleration sensor 350 measures acceleration appearing when the posture of the exercise device 100 is changed. This acceleration measurement value is integrated as the magnitude of the gradient vector in the calculation unit 400 . That is, the inclination vector calculated from the output value of the posture detection sensor unit 300 specifies the direction of the plane of the exercise machine 100, and how quickly by combining the output value of the 3-axis acceleration sensor 350 with the magnitude of the inclination vector. Information on whether the posture has changed may also be input to the computing device 600 . Accordingly, it is possible to more precisely control the movement of objects displayed on the display 500 .

And, returning to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the spring member 230 is composed of a coil spring 232, and the wire 310 is arranged to penetrate the inside of the coil spring 232. As the wire 310 is connected using the inside of the spring member 230, which is the coil spring 232, the connection structure of the exercise device 100, the suspension device 200, and the posture sensor unit 300 is visually apparent. well arranged with However, when the coil spring 232 is momentarily greatly deformed because the wire 310 passes inside the coil spring 232, the coil spring 232 and the wire 310 may come into contact with each other. This contact becomes a factor in generating an error in detecting the length change of the wire 310. In order to prevent this problem, both ends of the coil spring 232 and the posture detection sensor unit 300 may be fixed to the ball joint member 360 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 . The ball joint member 360 can freely rotate by an external force transmitted through the spring member 230, and as such, the ball joint member 360 freely rotates in response to the external force, so that the coil spring 232 and the wire 310 ) is prevented from contacting each other. Here, FIG. 3 shows one end of the coil spring 232 connected to the post 220, and it is obvious that a ball joint member 360 having the same structure may be provided at the other end of the coil spring 232, which is not shown. do.

And, Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the bottom spring 240 is provided under the exercise device 100. The bottom spring 240 elastically supports the exercise device 100 with respect to the floor, and the sloshing of the exercise device 100 is reduced by the bottom spring 240, so that the excessive response of the posture detection sensor unit 300 is suppressed. In addition, since the exercise device 100 quickly returns to its original posture, the user's responsiveness to control an object on the display 500 is improved.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an exercise equipment-linked input device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the configuration of the posture detection sensor unit 300 is simplified, but instead the exercise equipment 100 is configured to be more suitable for a gaming environment.

6 and 7, the configuration of the suspension mechanism 200 relative to the exercise mechanism 100 is equivalent, and the suspension mechanism 200 includes a spring member 230 connected to the post 220, here In addition, a bottom spring 240 may be included. That is, to support the exercise device 100 as a fully autonomous structure without the bottom spring 240, or to support the exercise device 100 as a structure with improved stability in the horizontal direction provided with the bottom spring 240. can

Since the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 has a main difference in the exercise device 100 and the posture detection sensor unit 300 compared to the embodiment described through FIGS. 1 to 5, the following description will focus on these differences. 6 and 7 show the configuration of the exercise device 100 in detail.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the posture detection sensor unit 300 is composed of a gyro sensor 370 capable of detecting the horizontality, that is, the inclination and direction of the exercise device 100 . A change in the horizontal posture of the exercise device 100 may be detected by the gyro sensor 370, and the measurement value of the gyro sensor 370 is input to the calculation unit 400 and processed as a gradient vector, thereby allowing the user to move the exercise device 100 An operation to handle controls an object displayed on the display 500 . For further explanation regarding this, reference may be made to the contents described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 .

The gyro sensor 300 may be installed to be detachable as well as fixedly mounted to the exercise device 100 . Furthermore, a device having a built-in gyro sensor 300, such as an electronic level, a smart phone, or a tablet device, may serve as the gyro sensor 300 provided in the present invention. A device incorporating the gyro sensor 300 may be detachable from the exercise device 100 and may transmit an output value of the built-in gyro sensor 300 to the calculation unit 400 through wired or wireless communication.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the exercise device 100 includes a tray 122 attached to a handle 120, and the tray 122 may be coupled to the handle 120 to be detachable. And, referring to FIG. 7, at least one of the handle 120 and the seat 130 of the exercise device can slide along the body 110, and thus between the handle 120 and the seat 130. It is configured to adjust the distance of The tray 122 provided on the handle 120 can be used to mount a keyboard and mouse, or various controllers of a video game machine (including a general controller as well as a dedicated controller such as a steering wheel).

When the user plays a tangible or responsive game, the distance between the handle 120 and the seat 130 of the exercise machine 100 is set to a standard state, and while using the exercise machine 100, the change in posture is observed. It is possible to control the object displayed on the display 500 with this. In addition, when playing games other than tangible games (games that do not support posture changes of exercise equipment as control input values), the distance between the handle 120 and the seat 130 is narrowed to allow the tray 122 to sit comfortably. It can also be used by adjusting it so that it can be reached by the user's hand. That is, the keyboard, mouse, and game controller mounted on the tray 122 can be comfortably seated and used, which means that the exercise device 100 can be used like a kind of gaming chair. In particular, since the exercise device 100 is suspended from the suspension device 200 in the present invention, the exercise device 100 supported with appropriate elasticity has the advantage of providing a comfortable environment for users.

In addition, arm rests 132 may be provided on both sides of the seat 130 . Referring to FIG. 6 , in a state in which the distance between the handle 120 and the seat 130 is narrowed, the handle 120 and the arm rest 132 serve as a kind of safeguard surrounding the user. Therefore, even if the user takes a sudden action in the seat 130, the user can safely enjoy the game without the risk of falling.

In addition, the handle 120 and the arm rest 132 can be rotated up and down, and by lifting the handle 120 or the arm rest 132 upward to secure an entry/exit space, getting off the exercise equipment 100 or getting on again can be easily configured. Furthermore, in the case where the handle 120 and the arm rest 132 are rotatable up and down, they may be used as a kind of lever that controls the sliding movement of the handle 120 and the seat 130. That is, the brake means 140 is provided on the contact surface where the handle 120 and the seat 130 slide with respect to the body 110, and the rotational motion of the handle 120 and the arm rest 132 is controlled by the brake means 140 ) can be linked to the operation of Accordingly, when the user lifts the handle 120 or the arm rest 132, the brake means 140 is released, whereby the user can conveniently adjust the distance between the handle 120 and the seat 130, and also It is possible to easily get on or off the exercise device 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the brake means 140 has the form of a kind of eccentric cam. The brake means 140 in the form of an eccentric cam rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 120 or the arm rest 132, especially when the handle 120 or the arm rest 132 is lifted, the nose of the eccentric cam (nose, the most protruding part in the center) presses the contact surface, resulting in a braking effect.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. you will be able to understand Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

10: exercise equipment interlocking input device
100: exercise equipment 110: body
120: handle 122: tray
130: seat 132: arm rest
140: brake means 200: suspension mechanism
210: frame 220: post
230: spring member 232: coil spring
240: bottom spring 300: posture detection sensor unit
310: wire 320: roller
330: potentiometer 340: auto tensioner
350: 3-axis acceleration sensor 360: ball joint member
370: gyro sensor 400: calculation unit
500: display 600: computing device

Claims (13)

Exercise equipment that the user uses while sitting or standing;
A suspension comprising at least three or more posts surrounding the exercise device and a plurality of spring members connecting the posts and the exercise device, wherein the spring members elastically support the exercise device in a floating state with respect to the floor. machine;
a plurality of posture detection sensor units having one end fixed to the post and the other end having a wire wound around a roller fixed to be rotatable with respect to the exercise device, and a potentiometer for detecting a rotation amount of the roller; and
It receives a plurality of electrical signals generated from the potentiometer of the posture detection sensor unit, calculates the length of each wire from the electrical signals, and calculates a gradient vector of the exercise device corresponding to the length of the plurality of wires. a calculation unit outputting an input signal of a computing device;
Exercise equipment interlocking type input device comprising a. According to claim 1,
The roller is provided with an auto tensioner for maintaining a constant tension of the wire. According to claim 1,
The exercise device is provided with a 3-axis acceleration sensor,
The electrical signal generated by the 3-axis acceleration sensor is input to the calculation unit,
The calculating unit outputs the output value of the three-axis acceleration sensor as the magnitude of the gradient vector. According to claim 1,
The spring member is a coil spring,
The wire is an exercise mechanism-linked input device, characterized in that disposed to pass through the inside of the coil spring. According to claim 4,
Both ends of the coil spring and the position detection sensor are fixed to the ball joint member,
The ball joint member is an exercise mechanism-linked input device, characterized in that freely rotated by an external force transmitted through the spring member so that the coil spring and the wire do not contact each other. According to claim 1,
An exercise device-linked input device, characterized in that the lower surface of the exercise device is provided with a bottom surface spring elastically connected to the floor. Exercise equipment that the user uses while sitting or standing;
Suspension including at least three or more posts surrounding the exercise device and a plurality of spring members connecting the posts and the exercise device, wherein the spring member elastically supports the exercise device in a floating state with respect to the floor machine;
a posture detection sensor unit mounted on the exercise device; and
a calculation unit that receives an electric signal related to the horizontality of the exercise machine generated by the posture detection sensor unit, calculates the inclination and direction of the exercise machine from the electric signal, and outputs the result as an input signal to a computing device;
including,
The posture detection sensor unit is a device having a built-in gyro sensor that is detachable from the exercise equipment, and the device having the built-in gyro sensor transmits an output value of the built-in gyro sensor to the calculation unit through wired or wireless communication,
The distance between the handle and the seat of the exercise machine is adjustable, arm rests are provided on both sides of the seat, while at least one of the handle and the arm rest is rotatable up and down, and the handle and the seat are relative to the body An input device interlocked with exercise equipment, characterized in that a brake means is provided on a sliding contact surface, and a rotational motion of the handle and the arm rest interlocks with an operation of the brake means. delete According to claim 7,
An exercise equipment interlocking type input device, characterized in that a detachable tray is provided on the handle of the exercise equipment. delete delete delete According to claim 7,
An exercise device-linked input device, characterized in that the lower surface of the exercise device is provided with a bottom surface spring elastically connected to the floor.

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