WO2009034309A1 - Appareil d'exercice - Google Patents

Appareil d'exercice Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009034309A1
WO2009034309A1 PCT/GB2008/003053 GB2008003053W WO2009034309A1 WO 2009034309 A1 WO2009034309 A1 WO 2009034309A1 GB 2008003053 W GB2008003053 W GB 2008003053W WO 2009034309 A1 WO2009034309 A1 WO 2009034309A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
exercise
microprocessor
bicycle
course
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/003053
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Joseph Patrick Rice
Original Assignee
Trixter Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trixter Plc filed Critical Trixter Plc
Publication of WO2009034309A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009034309A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0084—Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/009—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled in synchronism with visualising systems, e.g. hill slope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/0096—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0638—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
    • A63B2071/0641—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment with a marker advancing in function of the exercise
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0638—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
    • A63B2071/0644—Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment with display speed of moving landscape controlled by the user's performance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A63B21/0051—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
    • A63B21/015—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/22—Resisting devices with rotary bodies
    • A63B21/225—Resisting devices with rotary bodies with flywheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/10—Positions
    • A63B2220/16—Angular positions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/30—Speed
    • A63B2220/34—Angular speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
    • A63B2220/76—Wind conditions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
    • A63B2220/78—Surface covering conditions, e.g. of a road surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/802—Ultra-sound sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/20—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/01—User's weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/04—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/62—Measuring physiological parameters of the user posture
    • A63B2230/625—Measuring physiological parameters of the user posture used as a control parameter for the apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/16—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for cycling, i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in exercise apparatus.
  • devices can be purchased that convert all forms of road bicycles (racing bikes, tourers, hybrids and mountain bikes and the like) into an exercise bicycle by arranging for the rear wheel to drive a load against a resisting force such as a turbine or magnetic brake whilst the bicycle is held stationary on a support.
  • a resisting force such as a turbine or magnetic brake
  • the frame also supports the bottom bracket below the saddle, and a crank with pedals which are operated by the users feet.
  • the handlebar is supported in front of the saddle.
  • the bottom bracket and the handlebar must be adjustable, but are usually set up so that the handlebar and the saddle are the same height above the floor as the handlebars and saddle of a normal bicycle.
  • the present invention is applicable to all forms of exercise cycle, including specific exercise bicycles as well as converted road or mountain bicycles used with a turbotrainer or the like.
  • the invention provides an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device on which a user may exercise in use, the exercise device having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise device, and a microprocessor based unit having a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to determine, in use, using the output of the or each sensor, the power exerted by the user in their use of the exercise device and from the power exerted determine the ratio of the power exerted to the user's body mass, and to alter the display, in use, according to the determined ratio.
  • the microprocessor comprises a comparison unit, arranged to compare, in use, the determined power to mass ratio with a target ratio, and to alter the display in response to the comparison.
  • a target ratio rather than a target power or speed, has been found to be particularly convenient, as it inherently takes account of the user's mass.
  • the display may comprise an indication of whether, in use, the determined ratio is less or more than the target ratio. This therefore provides the user with an indication of whether they need to exert more or less effort during the workout so as to know they will achieve a result greater than their target at the end of the workout. This therefore provides a meaningful method of pacing people. It is known that people tend to under-exert or over-exert and either way stop exercising due to lack of results (from not pushing hard enough to produce physical improvement) or from the pain of pushing too hard.
  • the determined ratio may comprise an average over a given period.
  • the period may comprise an exercise cycle, typically from when the user commences a particular bout of exercise to the current time.
  • the indication on the display may comprise an indication of both the ratio of the energy exerted by the user so far in the cycle and the energy that should have been exerted by the user if they had been performing at the target ratio. Given that energy is simply the integral of power over time, this can give a user an indication of how they are performing.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to cause the display to display, as part of the indication (s) a representation of the user and a representation of an opponent.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to cause the display to change the relative positions of the representations of the user and of the opponent dependent upon the comparison of the determined and target ratios.
  • the display may comprise, in use, a depiction of a course, with the representation of the user typically being ahead of the representation of the opponent in the course should the determined ratio be higher than the target ratio. If the determined ratio is lower than the target ratio, then the representation of the user may appear behind that of the opponent in the course.
  • This provides a user with a simulated opponent to race, and means that they will need to meet or exceed the target ratio in order to win the race; they are therefore encouraged to meet the target by the appearance of a race.
  • the opponent may act as a pacer for the user, preventing the user from pushing too hard or not hard enough.
  • the position of the representation of the opponent may, in addition, include a variable offset, such that over a whole cycle the position of the opponent corresponds to the target ratio, but some variation in the depicted position occurs.
  • the amount of variation may depend upon simulated selectable characteristics of the opponent. This allows different types of opponents to be simulated. This is particularly useful where the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user and the one opponent through the course.
  • the acceleration achievable by the opponent may be selectable. This means that, given the overall constraint on the representation of the opponent to achieve the target ratio, the opponent may vary in apparent behaviour between short hard bursts of acceleration followed by falling back (typical of mountain bikers) or slower but sustained acceleration (typical of road racers) .
  • the acceleration achievable by the opponent may be expressed as a percentage above and/or below the target ratio that the instant opponent power to mass ratio can be and for how long such over (and under) exertion can/must be sustained.
  • a downhill mountainbiker could exert instant ratios over double the target ratio but this can only be sustained for a short while and then a short recovery is often required.
  • a cross country mountainbiker would only exert an instant power ratio perhaps 1.75 times the target ratio but they could sustain this much longer.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to set the ratio by determining the average speed for the representation of the opponent through the course.
  • the ratio may be set based upon the average power to mass ratio the user would exert if he were to travel through the course at that speed. Thus, if the user is achieving the desired power to mass ratio, he will exceed the determined average speed and so appear ahead of the representation of the opponent.
  • the position of the opponent may be limited to a given distance ahead or behind the representation of the user. This means that if a user is exercising much harder or weaker than the target ratio, then they will neither be overly disheartened by their lack of ability, nor will they be able to ease up as their opponent will still be chasing them. If the opponent reaches the limit, the target ratio may be reduced (if the opponent is too far ahead) or increased (if the opponent is too far behind) in order to equalise the progression of the representations of the user and the opponent.
  • the target may be set according to the age, sex and fitness of a user, and depending upon their desired duration of race.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged so as to select a target ratio, in use, from a predetermined table of ratios for increasing fitness levels for a given gender and duration based upon the user's manipulation of an input device of the microprocessor unit.
  • the target may be set dependent upon a fitness index of the user, such as the body mass index of the user.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged so as to only allow access to higher levels of the fitness levels when the user has successfully completed a lower level course at or above the target ratio. This means that the user is forced to "prove" himself before being allowed access to more difficult courses.
  • the exercise device may comprise a variable load which can be moved by the user, and means to set or determine the level of the load and to determine the speed with which the load is moving.
  • the load may be a flywheel with a physical or electromagnetic brake
  • the speed measuring means may comprise a rotational speed sensor.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device, on which a user may exercise, the exercise device having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise device, and a microprocessor based unit having a display, the method comprising the steps of: the user exercising on the exercise device, the microprocessor altering the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, and determining, using the output of the or each sensor the power exerted by the user in their use of the exercise device, and from the power exerted determine the ratio of the power exerted to the user's body mass, and altering the display according to the determined ratio.
  • the method may comprise the step of comparing the determined power to mass ratio with a target ratio, altering the display in response to the comparison.
  • a target ratio rather than a target power or speed, has been found to be particularly convenient, as it inherently takes account of the user's mass.
  • the display may comprise an indication of whether, in use, the determined ratio is less or more than the target ratio. This therefore provides the user with an indication of whether they need to exert more or less effort.
  • the determined ratio may comprise an average over a given period.
  • the period may comprise an exercise cycle, typically from when the user commences a particular bout of exercise to the current time.
  • the indication on the display may comprise an indication of both the ratio of the energy exerted by the user so far in the cycle and the energy that should have been exerted by the user if they had been performing at the target ratio. Given that energy is simply the integral of power over time, this can give a user an indication of how they are performing.
  • the method may comprise displaying, on the display, as part of the indication(s), a representation of the user and a representation of an opponent.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to cause the display to change the relative positions of the representations of the user and of the opponent dependent upon the comparison of the determined and target ratios.
  • the display may comprise, in use, a depiction of a course, with the representation of the user typically being ahead of the representation of the opponent in the course should the determined ratio be higher than the target ratio. If the determined ratio is lower than the target ratio, then the representation of the user may appear behind that of the opponent in the course.
  • This provides a user with a simulated opponent to race, and means that they will need to meet or exceed the target ratio in order to win the race; they are therefore encouraged to meet the target by the appearance of a race.
  • the opponent may act as a pacer for the user, preventing the user from pushing too hard or not hard enough.
  • the position of the representation of the opponent may, in addition, include a variable offset, such that over a whole cycle the position of the opponent corresponds to the target ratio, but some variation in the depicted position occurs.
  • the amount of variation may depend upon simulated selectable characteristics of the opponent. This allows different types of opponents to be simulated. This is particularly useful where the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user and the one opponent through the course.
  • the acceleration achievable by the opponent may be selectable. This means that, given the overall constraint on the representation of the opponent to achieve the target ratio, the opponent may vary in apparent behaviour between short hard bursts of acceleration followed by falling back (typical of mountain bikers) or slower but sustained acceleration (typical of road racers) .
  • the acceleration achievable by the opponent may be expressed as a percentage above and/or below the target ratio that the instant opponent power to mass ratio can be and for how long such over (and under) exertion can/must be sustained.
  • a downhill mountainbiker could exert instant ratios over double the target ratio but this can only be sustained for a short while and then a short recovery is often required.
  • a cross country mountainbiker would only exert an instant power ratio perhaps 1.75 times the target ratio but they could sustain this much longer.
  • the method may comprise setting the ratio by determining the average speed for the representation of the opponent through the course.
  • the ratio may be set based upon the average power to mass ratio the user would exert if he were to travel through the course at that speed. Thus, if the user is achieving the desired power to mass ratio, he will exceed the determined average speed and so appear ahead of the representation of the opponent.
  • the position of the opponent may be limited to a given distance ahead or behind the representation of the user. This means that if a user is exercising much harder or weaker than the target ration, then they will neither be overly disheartened by their lack of ability, nor will they be able to ease up as their opponent will still be chasing them. If the opponent reaches the limit, the target ratio may be reduced (if the opponent is too far ahead) or increased (if the opponent is too far behind) in order to equalise the progression of the representations of the user and the opponent.
  • the target may be set according to the age, sex and fitness of a user, and depending upon their desired duration of race.
  • the method may comprise selecting a target ratio from a predetermined table of ratios for increasing fitness levels for a given gender and duration. Access to higher levels of the fitness levels may only be allowed when the user has successfully completed a lower level course at or above the target ratio. This means that the user is forced to "prove" himself before being allowed access to more difficult courses.
  • the target may be set dependent upon a fitness index of the user, such as the body mass index of the user.
  • the power exerted by a user may be measured by means of a power sensor; alternatively, the exercise device may comprise a variable load which can be moved by the user, and the level of the load may be set or determined, and the speed with which the load is moving may be determined.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device, on which a user may exercise in use, the exercise device having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise device, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user and at least one opponent through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor and the mass of the user offset by a handicap.
  • a handicap which offsets the user's mass in one direction or the other, it is possible to provide a simple adjustment to the simulation of the progress of the user through the course in order to change how hard a user must exercise to achieve the same
  • the microprocessor may be arranged so as to calculate the progression of the user through the course dependent on simulations any or all of wind resistance, rolling resistance, wind resistance and the force required to drive the representation of the user up or down any hills on the course. Handicaps may be placed on any of these variables also.
  • the exercise device may comprise a variable load; in the case of an exercise bicycle, the load may be a flywheel.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to vary the load, in use, dependent upon the user's mass as modified by the handicap. This is particularly useful when simulating the effects of hills, as a "heavier" user would find it harder to pedal up a given hill.
  • the apparatus further comprises at least one further exercise device each having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how a further user is exercising on the or each further exercise device, the or each sensor being connected to the microprocessor unit such that, in use, the microprocessor unit causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the or each of the further users through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the or each further user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor of each further exercise device and the mass of the or each further user offset by a further user handicap.
  • the exercise device may support the user, in use, and be provided with a sensor for the user's mass, typically by measuring their weight.
  • This sensor may be connected to the microprocessor unit.
  • the microprocessor may be provided with an input, such as a keypad, through which the user's mass can be entered.
  • the sensors may comprise a speed sensor, a pedal force sensor or, where the exercise device comprises a variable load which can be moved by the user, means to determine the level of the load and to determine the speed with which the load is moving.
  • the display may comprise a video display unit (VDU) such as a television, monitor or computer screen.
  • VDU video display unit
  • the selectively displayable symbols may comprise individual elements of a Liquid Crystal (LC) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) display.
  • LC Liquid Crystal
  • LED Light Emitting Diode
  • a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the method comprising:
  • the progression of the user may also be dependent upon a simulation of at least one of wind resistance and rolling resistance. Handicaps may be placed on any of these variables also.
  • the amount of resistance due to wind may depend on the square of the simulated speed of the user and the mass of the user.
  • the amount of resistance due to rolling resistance may depend on the mass of the user.
  • the method may comprise the step of varying the load dependent upon the user's mass as modified by the handicap. This is particularly useful when simulating the effects of hills, as a "heavier” user would find it harder to pedal up a given hill.
  • a simulation apparatus comprising: a control device having a steering angle sensor operable by a user and having an output indicative of, in use, a steering angle selected by a user; and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor unit being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the steering angle sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the steering angle sensor, and in which the microprocessor unit comprises a mapping unit which is arranged so as to map the input from the steering angle sensor dependent upon the speed of the progression of the representation of the user through the course to form a mapped steering angle at an output of the mapping sensor, the mapping unit being arranged such that, in use,
  • the apparatus may further comprise an exercise device to which the control device is fitted and on which, in use, the user can exercise.
  • the exercise device may be provided with at least one sensor for determining how the user is exercising, in use, on the exercise device; the microprocessor may be arranged to determine the progression of the user through the course based upon the output of the or each sensor.
  • the steering angle sensor may comprise handle graspable by a user and a biasing mechanism, whereby a force is applied to the handle so as to bias it towards a neutral position.
  • the biasing mechanism may comprise a resilient means such as a spring, where the force applied increases with displacement from the neutral position; such displacement can be (non- exclusively) linear or angular.
  • a biasing mechanism in combination in the simulation apparatus discussed provides for the feel of a greater force as the handle is rotated further, thus possibly adding to the more realistic feel possible with this invention.
  • the force applied by the resilient means increases linearly with displacement from the neutral position (such as is the case with a standard spring) ; however, in order to tailor the feel of the device, the resilient means may comprise a variable rate spring.
  • the biasing mechanism may comprise an selectable damper, such that the resistance against movement of the handlebars can be selected by the microprocessor unit, and in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to increase the resistance at higher speeds.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged so that the speed of the user's representation through the course may depend, and may be directly proportional to, the speed with which the user is exercising.
  • the mapping unit may be arranged such that the rate of decrease with speed of the decrease in the change in the mapped steering angle as speed increases itself decreases above a threshold speed. This may have the effect of desensitising the steering at higher speeds, which may be desirable in itself.
  • the exercise device is a stationary bicycle.
  • the handle of the steering angle sensor typically comprises a pair of handlebars.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged such that the speed of the user's representation through the course is proportional to the speed of the bicycle, typically that of a wheel of the bicycle.
  • the handlebars of the exercise bicycle may be arranged to lean from side to side. As such, they may be provided with a sensor for the angle of lean relative to a central, neutral position. This angle of lean may also be used in the determination of the mapped steering angle.
  • the mapping unit may be arranged to map the angle of lean such that the change in the mapped steering angle due to change in the angle of lean increases at higher speeds.
  • a method of simulating the progress of a user through a course comprising providing a steering angle sensor operable by a user and having an output indicative of, in use, a steering angle selected by a user; and a display, the method further steering using the steering angle sensor, and simulating the progression of a representation of the user through the course and displaying such progression on the display dependent upon the output of the steering angle sensor, in which the method comprises mapping the output of the steering angle sensor dependent upon the speed of the progression of the representation of the user through the course to form a mapped steering angle, such that, in use, as the user's representation's speed increases, the size of the change in the mapped steering angle for a given change in the steering angle decreases.
  • the speed of the user's representation through the course may depend, and may be directly proportional to, the speed with which the user is exercising.
  • the method may comprise simulating the steering of the representation of the user on an equivalent exercise device as the user is exercising on.
  • the equivalent exercise device will be the non-stationary version of the exercise device.
  • the equivalent exercise device will be a (normal, non-stationary) bicycle.
  • the method may comprise the step of simulating the steering of the equivalent exercise device so that the energy input into the steering angle sensor by the user is translated into an amount of energy input into the simulated steering of the equivalent exercise device.
  • the translation may be directly proportional.
  • the rate of decrease with speed in the change in the mapped steering angle as speed increases may itself decrease above a threshold speed. This may have the effect of desensitising the steering at higher speeds, which may be desirable in itself.
  • the handlebars of the exercise bicycle may be arranged to lean from side to side. As such, they may be provided with a sensor for the angle of lean relative to a central, neutral position. This angle- of lean may also be used in the determination of the mapped steering angle.
  • the mapping unit may be arranged to map the angle of lean such that the change in the mapped steering angle due to change in the angle of lean increases at higher speeds.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; in which the exercise bicycle comprises a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; in which the microprocessor is arranged to simulate the progression of the user, in use, through the course, based upon a selected gear and, on changing of
  • the increase is sudden (say, over less than 1 or 2 seconds) , and may be transient.
  • the increase in load may be reduced once the user has increased in speed by a certain amount. It may decay exponentially, by a certain fraction each rotation of the pedals.
  • each gear represents a different ratio of pedal speed to simulated speed of progression through the course. Changing to a higher gear may have the effect of increasing the ratio.
  • the exercise bicycle is provided with a gear selector coupled to the microprocessor unit, whereby the user can select a gear in use.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to select a gear. It may do this by changing down a gear once the speed at which a user is pedalling drops below a given limit, and/or changing up a gear when the speed at which a user is pedalling increases above a given limit. This therefore represents an automatic way of selecting gears, without the complexity of determining the force being applied to the pedals by the user.
  • the load may be a flywheel with a physical or electromagnetic brake.
  • a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, the exercise bicycle comprising a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; the method comprising: displaying on the display the progression of a representation of the user through a simulated course, calculating the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; simulating the progression of the user, in use, through the course, based upon a selected gear and, on changing of the gear from a lower to a higher gear, the microprocessor may be arranged to apply an increase in the load.
  • the increase is sudden (say, over less than 1 or 2 seconds), and may be transient.
  • the increase in load may be reduced once the user has increased in speed by a certain amount. It may decay exponentially, by a certain fraction each rotation of the pedals.
  • each gear represents a different ratio of pedal speed to simulated speed of progression through the course. Changing to a higher gear may have the effect of increasing the ratio.
  • the exercise bicycle is provided with a gear selector, whereby the user can select a gear.
  • the microprocessor may select a gear. It may do this by changing down a gear once the speed at which a user is pedalling drops below a given limit, and/or changing up a gear when the speed at which a user is pedalling increases above a given limit. This therefore represents an automatic way of selecting gears, without the complexity of determining the force being applied to the pedals by the user.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising a bicycle, the bicycle having at at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor; the microprocessor unit being provided with a gear selector; ; and in which the microprocessor is arranged to select a gear by changing down a gear once the speed at which a user is pedalling drops below a given limit, and/or changing up a gear when the speed at which a user is pedalling increases above a given limit.
  • the bicycle is a "true" bicycle, that is one where rotation of its pedals causes the wheels of the bicycle to move the bicycle along the surface of the ground.
  • the gear selector may act to control a set of physical gears of the bicycle.
  • the bicycle is an exercise bicycle
  • the apparatus further comprises a display, in which the microprocessor is arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor
  • the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course
  • the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor and in which the microprocessor is arranged to simulate the progression of the user, in use, through the course, based upon a selected gear.
  • the effect of the gears is typically such that each gear represents a different ratio of pedal speed to simulated speed of progression through the course. Changing to a higher gear may have the effect of increasing the ratio.
  • the exercise bicycle may also comprise a sensor for whether the user is standing or sitting in a saddle of the exercise bicycle; the limits may be modified if the user is standing rather than sitting. The limits may also depend upon whether the user is on a portion of the course that is uphill or downhill or level.
  • a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising a bicycle, the bicycle having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the bicycle, and a microprocessor; in which the microprocessor selects a gear for the bicycle by changing down a gear once the speed at which a user is pedalling drops below a given limit, and/or changing up a gear when the speed at which a user is pedalling increases above a given limit.
  • the bicycle is a "true" bicycle, that is one where rotation of its pedals causes the wheels of the bicycle to move the bicycle along the surface of the ground.
  • the gear selector may act to control a set of physical gears of the bicycle.
  • the bicycle is an exercise bicycle
  • the apparatus further comprises a display, in which the microprocessor is arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor and in which the microprocessor is arranged to simulate the progression of the user, in use, through the course, based upon a selected gear.
  • each gear represents a different ratio of pedal speed to simulated speed of progression through the course. Changing to a higher gear may have the effect of increasing the ratio.
  • the method may also comprise sensing whether the user is standing or sitting in a saddle of the exercise bicycle; the limits may be modified if the user is standing rather than sitting.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor, one of the sensors comprising a brake actuator; in which the exercise bicycle comprises a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; in which the microprocessor is arranged to simulate the progression of the user, in use, through the course,
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged such that the speed at which the representation of the user progresses through the course may depend on the speed with which the user is pedalling; in this case the effects of the increased force will cause the user to slow down, slowing down the progression of the representation of the user through the course.
  • the user may try and pedal against this load - but the increased load should train them not to (as they would never do it in the real world) .
  • the load may be a flywheel with a physical or electromagnetic brake.
  • a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, one of the sensors comprising a brake actuator, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, the exercise bicycle comprising a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; the method comprising: displaying on the display the progression of a representation of the user through a simulated course, calculating the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; in which the progression of the user is determined based upon the actuation of the brake actuator by the user, in which the method comprises, should the user apply the brake actuator, increasing the load.
  • the speed at which the representation of the user progresses through the course may depend on the speed with which the user is pedalling; in this case the effects of the increased force will cause the user to slow down, slowing down the progression of the representation of the user through the course.
  • the load may be a flywheel with a physical or electromagnetic brake.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user through the course, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to calculate the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; in which the microprocessor unit is arranged such that, in use, the outputs of the sensors are used to change the representation of the user so as to mirror changes in how the user is exercising based on the outputs of the sensors.
  • Such an apparatus leads to a more realistic simulation of the user's exercise and so may lead to greater user satisfaction with their exercise experience.
  • the representation of the user may comprise a representation of the body of the user on a simulated bicycle.
  • the plurality of sensors may comprise at least one but preferably all of the following:
  • the microprocessor may be arranged so that the representation of the user's body stands or sits on the simulated bicycle dependent on the output of this sensor;
  • the microprocessor may be arranged such that the pedals of the simulated bicycle correspond to the position of the pedals of the exercise device; • a steering angle sensor arranged to sense the position of handlebars of the exercise bicycle; in such a case the microprocessor may be arranged such that the depicted position of the handlebars of the simulated bicycle depend upon the position of the handlebars of the exercise bicycle • where the handlebars of the exercise bicycle may lean from side to side, a handlebar lean angle sensor; in such a case the depiction of the user may lean from side to side dependent on the output of this sensor;
  • a brake actuator the actuation of which may cause the representation of the user to slow down through the course
  • a gear selector the selection of gears controlling the ratio of speed of pedalling of the user to the speed of progression through the course
  • a speed sensor for detecting how fast the user is pedalling or how fast a portion of the exercise bicycle is moving, the speed controlling the speed of the user's progression through the course.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged so as to simulate and display the simulated bicycle as leaning whilst cornering, as it is well known that cycles do.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged so as to check the position of the pedals when cornering, so as to display whether the pedals of the simulated bicycle would touch the simulated ground. In effect, the microprocessor is checking for whether the user is taking, for example, a tight left-hand corner with their left-hand pedal down. If the pedal would touch the ground, the microprocessor may be arranged to display a message on the display, or illustrate the depiction of the user crashing.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to determine the height of the pedals of the simulated bicycle above the simulated ground.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to momentarily increase the load should the user drive their representation off the course. This represents a warning to the use that they are off course.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to increase the load for all of the time the user is off course. This penalises a user for not cycling correctly round the course.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise bicycle, the exercise bicycle having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise bicycle, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, the method comprising: displaying on the display the progression of a representation of the user through a simulated course, calculating the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; in which the outputs of the sensors are used to change the representation of the user so as to mirror changes in how the user is exercising based on the outputs of the sensors.
  • the representation of the user may comprise a representation of the body of the user on a simulated bicycle.
  • the plurality of sensors may comprise at least one but preferably all of the following:
  • a sensor for the position of the pedals of the exercise device in this case the pedals of the simulated bicycle may be depicted so as to correspond to the position of the pedals of the exercise device; • a steering angle sensor arranged to sense the position of handlebars of the exercise bicycle; in such a case the depicted position of the handlebars of the simulated bicycle may depend upon the position of the handlebars of the exercise bicycle;
  • handlebars of the exercise bicycle may lean from side to side, a handlebar lean angle sensor; in such a case the depiction of the user may lean from side to side dependent on the output of this sensor;
  • a brake actuator the actuation of which may cause the representation of the user to slow down through the course
  • a speed sensor for detecting how fast the user is pedalling or how fast a portion of the exercise bicycle is moving, the speed controlling the speed of the user's progression through the course.
  • the method may comprise simulating and displaying the simulated bicycle as leaning whilst cornering, as it is well known that cycles do.
  • the plurality of sensors comprises a steering angle sensor and a pedal position sensor
  • the method may comprise checking the position of the pedals when cornering, so as to display whether the pedals of the simulated bicycle would touch the simulated ground.
  • the microprocessor is checking for whether the user is taking, for example, a tight left-hand corner with their left-hand pedal down. If the pedal would touch the ground, the method may comprise displaying a message on the display, or illustrating the depiction of the user crashing.
  • the method may comprise determining the height of the pedals of the simulated bicycle above the simulated ground.
  • the method may comprise momentarily increasing a variable load acting against the user's exercise should the user drive their representation off the course. This represents a warning to the use that they are off course.
  • the method may comprise increasing the load for all of the time the user is off course. This penalises a user for not cycling correctly round the course.
  • an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device on which a user may exercise in use, the exercise device having at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise device, and a microprocessor based unit having a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, in which the exercise bicycle comprises a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; in which the microprocessor unit comprises memory which, in use, stores data relating to a simulated course and in which the microprocessor unit, in use, causes the display to depict the progression of a representation of the user based upon how the user is exercise on the exercise apparatus, in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to alter the level of the load based upon the user's progression through the course.
  • the user's experience becomes more realistic in that the effort required to exercise depends on the course that they are exercising through.
  • microprocessor is arranged to vary the load dependent upon at least one of: • the gradient of the course at the point which the user has reached;
  • the component of the load dependent upon the gradient may be dependent upon the weight of the user and of the simulated exercise device.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to determine the component of the weight of the user and of the simulated exercise device that acts along the surface of the course at the relevant point. Accordingly, the component of the load dependent upon the gradient may increase or decrease the load dependent upon whether the user is cycling up or downhill.
  • the component of the load dependent upon the surface of the course may represent the rolling resistance of the simulated exercise device.
  • the data relating to the course may comprise a rolling coefficient for each position on the course.
  • the component may depend upon the weight of the user and/or the simulated exercise device.
  • the component may also depend upon the speed of progression of the user through the course. It may also depend upon the exercise device simulated.
  • the component of the load dependent upon wind resistance may depend on the square of the speed of the progression of the user through the course. It may also depend on whether the user is sitting or standing on a seat of the exercise device; to this end the exercise device may comprise a user position sensor, such as an ultrasound device, that can determine whether the user is standing or sitting in the seat.
  • a user position sensor such as an ultrasound device
  • the load may further comprise a component that is fixed throughout the user's exercise. This ensures that the user always experiences a minimum resistance so that they will be forced at all times to exert some exercise.
  • the load may further comprise a component that depends on whether the user has actuated a brake actuator of the exercise device.
  • the components above that depend upon speed may also depend upon the selection of a gear by a gear selection apparatus of the exercise apparatus. The speed may be scaled dependent upon the selected gear.
  • any of the components may be increased dependent upon the user's handicap.
  • the above components may be additive, to form an overall force.
  • the components may be expressed as powers, which may also be additive to form an overall power.
  • the overall power may then be mapped by the user's current speed to determine the load to be applied. In effect, this mapping allows for a calibration of the load.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to increase the load should the user drive their representation off the course. This represents a warning to the use that they are off course.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to increase the load for all of the time the user is off course. This penalises a user for not cycling correctly round the course.
  • the increase may be only momentary, whilst the user is driving off- course. However, the increase may persist after the user has returned onto the course. The increase may be made larger the longer the user persists in driving off course.
  • a method of operating an exercise apparatus comprising an exercise device, the exercise device having at a plurality of sensors for monitoring, in use, how the user is exercising on the exercise device, and a microprocessor unit comprising a microprocessor and a display, the microprocessor being arranged to alter the display in response to inputs received from the or each sensor, the exercise device comprising a variable load against which the user of the bicycle may, in use, exercise, the level of the load being controllable, in use, by the microprocessor unit; the method comprising: displaying on the display the progression of a representation of the user through a simulated course, calculating the progression of the representation of the user dependent upon the output of the or each sensor; in which the microprocessor unit is arranged to alter the level of the load based upon the user's progression through the course.
  • the user's experience becomes more realistic in that the effort required to exercise depends on the course that they are exercising through.
  • microprocessor is arranged to vary the load dependent upon at least one of: • the gradient of the course at the point which the user has reached;
  • the component of the load dependent upon the gradient may be dependent upon the weight of the user and of the simulated exercise device.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to determine the component of the weight of the user and of the simulated exercise device that acts along the surface of the course at the relevant point. Accordingly, the component of the load dependent upon the gradient may increase or decrease the load dependent upon whether the user is cycling up or downhill.
  • the component of the load dependent upon the surface of the course may represent the rolling resistance of the simulated exercise device.
  • the data relating to the course may comprise a rolling coefficient for each position on the course.
  • the component may depend upon the weight of the user and/or the simulated exercise device.
  • the component may also depend upon the speed of progression of the user through the course. It may also depend upon the exercise device simulated.
  • the component of the load dependent upon wind resistance may depend on the square of the speed of the progression of the user through the course. It may also depend on whether the user is sitting or standing on a seat of the exercise device; to this end the exercise device may comprise a user position sensor, such as an ultrasound device, that can determine whether the user is standing or sitting in the seat.
  • a user position sensor such as an ultrasound device
  • the load may further comprise a component that is fixed throughout the user's exercise. This ensures that the user always experiences a minimum resistance so that they will be forced at all times to exert some exercise.
  • the load may further comprise a component that depends on whether the user has actuated a brake actuator of the exercise device.
  • the components above that depend upon speed may also depend upon the selection of a gear by a gear selection apparatus of the exercise apparatus.
  • the speed may be scaled dependent upon the selected gear.
  • any of the components may be increased dependent upon the user's handicap.
  • the above components may be additive, to form an overall force.
  • the components may be expressed as powers, which may also be additive to form an overall power.
  • the overall power may then be mapped by the user's current speed to determine the load to be applied. In effect, this mapping allows for a calibration of the load.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to increase the load should the user drive their representation off the course. This represents a warning to the use that they are off course.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to increase the load for all of the time the user is off course. This penalises a user for not cycling correctly round the course.
  • the increase may be only momentary, whilst the user is driving off- course. However, the increase may persist after the user has returned onto the course. The increase may be made larger the longer the user persists in driving off course.
  • the microprocessor based unit and display may be provided within a housing that can be fixed to a portion of the exercise device, such as the handlebars of a bicycle.
  • This may be a common housing that also includes the processor that processes the signals from the sensors.
  • the microprocessor-based unit may be located remotely from the or each exercise device. It may be a personal computer, or a games console such as the Playstation 3 (RTM) from Sony.
  • the display may comprise a video display unit (VDU) such as a television, monitor or computer screen.
  • VDU video display unit
  • the or each exercise device may comprise a stationary bicycle, typically as are commonly referred to as exercise bikes. Alternatively, the or each exercise device may comprise a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or so on.
  • a computer-readable medium carrying microprocessor instructions which, when loaded onto an appropriate microprocessor, unit, cause it to carry out the method of any of the even-numbered aspects of the invention.
  • Figure 1 is an overview of an exercise bicycle fitted with a number of sensing devices connected to a processing unit with a display to provide feedback on performance to a rider;
  • Figure 2 is a front view of a handlebar assembly as fitted to the bicycle of Figure 1;
  • Figures 3 (a) and 3(b) show the paths taken by reflected signals sent from an embodiment of a rider position sensor, fitted to the bicycle of figure 1 of the drawings;
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative arrangement of a complete exercise apparatus including a bicycle, a microprocessor based unit and a display screen;
  • Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the operation of exercise apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 6a to 6c show the display of the first embodiment showing sample displays in the cases where the user is exercising (a) above his or her target ratio, (b) below his or her target ratio and (c) at his or her target ratio;
  • Figure 7 shows the equipment used in the exercise apparatus of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 shows a flowchart showing the operation of the computer of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 shows a sample display as shown on a display of Figure 7;
  • Figure 10 shows the operation of the mapping unit of a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 shows a sample display as shown on the display of the third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 12 shows an enlargement of the representation of the user shown in the display of Figure 11, showing different changes possible to the representation of the user;
  • Figure 13 shows a table of target ratios for use with either of the above two embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exercise bicycle that is fitted with a number of features that form embodiments of the invention in accordance with different aspects of the present invention.
  • the bicycle 1 comprises a frame 2 of aluminium construction having two base support legs 3,4 that carry four feet (two feet 3a and 4a being visible in the figure) .
  • the legs 3,4 support the frame 2 securely in an upright position.
  • At the front of the frame 2 is a pair of spaced lugs that carry an axle 5 of a relatively heavy flywheel 6.
  • At the top front, above the flywheel 6, the frame has a tube that receives a handlebar assembly 100.
  • the frame 2 has a seat tube that receives a seat post 7.
  • the seat post in turn supports a saddle 8. Both the saddle 8 and the handlebar assembly 100 can be raised relative to the frame to suit different sized riders.
  • a bottom bracket shell In the centre of the frame 2, below the saddle and about 30 cm in front is a bottom bracket shell that provides a rigid mounting for a bottom bracket cartridge that includes a crank axle 9.
  • a crankset 10 as is known in the art, is attached to the crank axle and supports pedals 10a, and a chain 11 which runs between the crankset and a gear sprocket carried by the flywheel 6.
  • the gear sprocket in this embodiment is connected to the wheel through a freewheel cassette so that if the rider stops pedalling suddenly the front wheel can continue to turn.
  • a electromagnetic brake mechanism 20 is also provided which acts on the flywheel and provides some resistance to the turning of the flywheel 6. By increasing the amount of resistance applied by the brake the amount of effort needed to turn the wheel increase, making the rider work harder to maintain a given cadence (pedal revolutions per minute). Loosening the brake reduces the amount of resistance and makes pedalling easier for that same given cadence.
  • the brake mechanism 20 may be, in an alternative, a physical brake. It is a controllable brake mechanism, such that the load can be varied on the command of a microprocessor unit.
  • the handlebar assembly 100 comprises a base portion or support 101 which is held securely in the frame of the bicycle.
  • the stem has an upper portion 110 which can rotate relative to a lower portion clamped to the bicycle.
  • the bars 120 (shown by dotted lines) are clamped within a cradle 130 attached to the upper portion 110 which can be tilted from side to side by the rider to mimic the movement of the bars that would be made whilst riding a real bicycle.
  • a handgrip also not shown
  • the brake actuator comprises an analogue switch connected to the handlebar assembly.
  • the bicycle 1 is fitted with several sensors and an interface unit 600. These can be seen schematically in Figure 1, which primarily serves to show the approximate location of the sensors. All of the sensors produce an output signal which is fed through wires (although the signals could easily be transmitted wirelessly) to the interface unit 600.
  • a first sensor 200 is connected to the bicycle 100 in such a way as to detect revolution of the flywheel 6 of the bicycle. This comprises a magnet fitted to the wheel and a Hall effect sensor or reed switch fitted to the frame such that the magnet passes close to it as the wheel rotates. The output will be a pulsed signal with each pulse occurring as the magnet passes. The rate of the pulses indicates the wheel speed.
  • a second sensor 300 is connected to the handlebars, which measures their position relative to a central rest position. The output of the sensor indicates whether the handlebar is tilted to the right, to the left or is in the centre. It may comprise a simple rotary potentiometer that is turned as the handlebars are tilted.
  • the bicycle is also provided with a steering angle sensor 350, coupled to the handlebars. It detects the angular displacement of the handlebars 150 relative to the frame 2, and so can be used to detect movement of the handlebars by the user in order to indicate steering. As such, it can comprise a simple potentiometer, or a digital rotary encoder or other such appropriate device.
  • crank sensor 500 In addition to the handlebars and the sensor, the bicycle is fitted with a crank sensor 500.
  • This comprises a device that has a moving part 510 that is fitted to the chainset and a fixed part 520 that is fixed to the frame near the bottom bracket.
  • a rotary encoder on the fixed part 520 means that relative movement of the two parts 510, 520 can be detected and so the output of this sensor can be used to determine the rotational position of the pedals relative to the bike.
  • the bicycle is also fitted with a rider position sensor 400 which detects the position of the rider on the bicycle. In particular, it determines whether the rider is seated or standing, and optionally whether they are sitting tall with arms stretched away from the handlebars or crouched down low with chest dropped towards the handlebars.
  • the position sensor is shown in Figures 3 (a) and (b) of the accompanying drawings, and is shown in position in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
  • the position sensor can be used as an alternative to a pressure sensor fitted to the saddle or seat post but could in fact be used in conjunction with a pressure sensor 450.
  • the position sensor comprises a small housing that is fitted to the centre of the handlebars. It contains a self-contained time of flight ultrasonic sensing assembly which has a source of ultrasound waves and a receiver which is responsive to incident reflected waves.
  • the housing also includes the drive circuitry for the source and for determining time of flight from the received signals.
  • the housing therefore includes the necessary drive circuitry for the source and receiver and processing means for determining the time of flight from the received signals.
  • sensors are well known, although until now have only been used as safety devices for vehicles, so called parking sensors.
  • the time of flight data is preferably converted into a position indication signal by comparing the time of flight with the times expected for a rider being in a known position. For instance, if the flight time is below a threshold level it may be assumed that the rider is leaning forward, and above this that they are leaning back. A simple "forward/back" signal may therefore be provided at the output.
  • infra red light could be transmitted and received instead but this has been found to be sensitive to lighting conditions and the colour of clothing worn, which may be a disadvantage.
  • the sensor housing is fixed to the frame just by the handlebar stem so that the waves are directed towards a rider's torso and will be reflected from the torso back to the sensor.
  • the path for transmitted waves is therefore upwards at an angle of about 45 degrees to the horizontal in a direction facing the rear of the bicycle.
  • Figure 3 (a) shows the path of reflected signal for a rider who is sat in an upright-seated position on the bicycle.
  • Figure 3(b) shows the different path for a rider who is crouched into a racing tuck. In the later case the distance from the torso to the sensing assembly is shorter, resulting in a shorter time of flight for reflected radiation for the sensor 400.
  • the output signal produced by the device is therefore made dependent on the time of flight.
  • the signals from the various sensors are combined in the interface device and communicated to a microprocessor unit, such as, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, a personal computer 800. This is shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, where the computer is located on the floor some distance from the bicycle.
  • the microprocessor unit 800 also has control over the level of load applied by brake mechanism 20.
  • the computer includes a display driver and is connected to a display 900, being a flat LCD monitor, upon which images can be presented as generated by the computer.
  • the computer 800 can run a game or training program in which the images on the display screen 900 are modified according to the output of the sensors.
  • the exercise bicycle 1 , the computer 800 and the display 900 together form an exercise apparatus.
  • the computer 800 is depicted as an IBM-compatible personal computer (PC), the invention is equally to other kinds of personal computers, such as Apple Computer's Mac range, or to games consoles such as Sony's Playstation 3, Nintendo's Wii or Microsoft Corporation's Xbox 360 (all RTMs) .
  • the computer 800 contains memory 801 containing program instructions and a central processing unit 802 (a microprocessor) which can run those instructions. Instructions can be loaded into memory from DVD-ROM drive 803.
  • the computer 800 first, at step 850, determines the user's mass. In the simplest embodiment, it does this by asking the user via an on-screen prompt to enter their mass on keypad 805.
  • the computer could interrogate the pressure sensor 450 to determine the user's mass from the force he or she is applying to the saddle .
  • the computer determines a target power to mass ratio. This can be selected directly by a user, or there may be a selection of levels.
  • Example target ratios for various fitness levels, genders and durations are shown in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings. Normally, a user will only have access to the lowest levels until they have successfully completed a course at or above the target ratio for that level.
  • the selection of the target ratio may include determining the user's body mass index (that is the user's mass in kilograms divided by the square of their height in metres), which is a useful, if slightly crude, tool for assessing the build of a user.
  • the target ratio for women is a proportion of that for men - say, 15% less.
  • different tables may be provided for users of different ages.
  • the memory 801 contains data relating to a simulated course 950 shown on an example display in Figures 6a to 6c.
  • the user watches this display and commences exercise.
  • the depiction is that of a race against a computer-simulated opponent.
  • Representations of the user 951 and of the opponent 952 are shown on screen, as well as a depiction of the course 950. Whilst the depiction shown in the drawings is that of a side-on, two-dimensional view, it is equally possible that a first person, three- dimensional view would be used.
  • step 854 the power being exerted by the user, and from that their power-to-mass ratio. This is used to determine how the user is progressing through the course.
  • the opponent is simulated as exercising at the target power- to-mass ratio. This may be conveniently be achieved by determining (typically at step 852) the equivalent average speed that would need to be exerted by the user given his mass in order to achieve the target power- to-weight ratio. The opponent is then simulated as travelling at that average speed, the average being taken over the entire course.
  • step 856 This leads to a comparison being made at step 856 between the user's current power-to-mass ratio and the target. If the user is exercising above the target, then as at step 862, the representation of the user 951 is displayed as being ahead of the opponent 952 ( Figure 6a). If the user is exercising below the target, then at step 858, the representation of the user 951 is shown behind that of the opponent 952 ( Figure 6b) . Where the user is exercising at the target power-to-mass ratio, as at step 860, then the user and the opponent are shown as neck-and-neck ( Figure 6c) . Thus, the user will be encouraged to exercise harder, in order to win the simulated race, when they are at or below the target ratio.
  • the use of a ratio is useful, as it allows the same program to be used by multiple users of differing masses (rather than simply considering the power exerted by a user, for example).
  • the determination of the user's ratio at step 854 and the comparison of the ratio at step 856 then repeat.
  • the comparison 856 may be instantaneous, or may include an element of averaging over the race in question, or over a moving window - say the last 30 seconds.
  • the position of the representation of the opponent 952 is shifted by an offset that varies over the race, but which is removed by the end of the race. This means that the user will sometimes be striving to work over their ratio and sometimes under - a form of interval training. The overall target ratio remains the same, however.
  • the acceleration profiles of the opponents would differ, within the overall contstraint that their average power to weight ratio remain constant over the whole race.
  • a simulated "mountain biker” might be capable of high acceleration, but be unable to keep up high speeds for long times, whereas a simulated “road racer” might be capable of lower acceleration but higher speeds for longer times.
  • their capability at handling gradients may differ - obviously, a "mountain biker” would find it easier to ascend gradients.
  • the microprocessor unit may be arranged to as to drop or increase the target ratio by a level should the opponents get too far ahead or behind.
  • the power exerted by the opponent may be limited where the course includes corners and the opponent is cornering. The limitation on the power may depend on the radius of the curve. This simulates the real-life fact that one must slow down (or at least accelerate less) for corners in order to safely negotiate them. It also encourages the user to generate a good technique by appropriately easing off round corners, even though a stationary bike need not necessarily be steered.
  • the bicycle 1 further comprises a gear selector 442 ( Figure 4) .
  • This allows the user to select the ratio between the speed at which their pedals are moving and the speed with which the microprocessor moves their representation around the course.
  • the microprocessor causes the brake mechanism 20 to apply a sudden spike to the load applied against the user.
  • the spike in load can be allowed to decay relatively gradually and exponentially compared with the initial application of the load, so that the user can gradually regain his previous cadence.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to change the gear ratios automatically. It will do this when the speed with which the user is pedalling drops below a certain threshold (say 70 rpm), in which case the gear will drop, or above a different threshold (say 80 rpm) , in which case the gear will increase and the user will experience the load spike explained above.
  • a certain threshold say 70 rpm
  • a different threshold say 80 rpm
  • the gear will increase and the user will experience the load spike explained above.
  • the gear may only be changed if the speed passes the threshold for a certain length of time. For changing down a gear, this may be Is, whereas it may be 3s for changing up a gear.
  • the limits may depend upon whether the user is cycling up or downhill on the course. This is because it is good form to keep a higher cadence when climbing up hills (to maximise power and reduce loads by having a higher rpm) and good form to do downhill in higher gear at a slower rpm. For example, when going uphill (gradient more than 5% up), the limits may be 65 and 90 rpm respectively, whereas when going downhill (gradient more than 5% down) the limits may be 40 and 80 rpm respectively.
  • the limits may depend on whether the user is determined to be sitting in the seat or standing. This is because all cadences tend to be slower when standing.
  • the limits may be reduced by, say, 10 rpm, when the user is standing.
  • the microprocessor will increase the load on the brake mechanism 20, simulating the effect of a real world brake by slowing the flywheel down so that the eventual cadence equates to the slower speed that would have been achieved had the gear change been on a real- world bicycle.
  • a plurality - here four - of exercise bicycles Ia, Ib, Ic, Id are provided connected to a central server 800.
  • Each exercise bicycle Ia, Ib, Ic, Id is provided with a display 900 (although there could be one common display) .
  • the central server 800 and displays 900 are, as far as hardware is concerned, the same as the computer 800 and display 900 of the first embodiment.
  • This set up allows four users to race each other. However, it is common for groups of friends or so on that wish to race one another to have differing levels of fitness. Accordingly, each user is assigned a handicap.
  • the handicap may simple be self-assigned by each user depending upon their perceived levels of fitness, or may be assessed by previous experience with the equipment forming this embodiment of the invention.
  • the users may be taken from the fitness levels that the user would normally exercise at with the embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the users could take the appropriate power to weight ratio from the table of Figure 13 and then use that to set all the handicaps relative to one another. For example, for a 10 minute workout, if one player is male at level 15, the appropriate ratio is 2.28W/kg. If the other is a male at level 8, the appropriate ratio is 1.55W/kg. The ratio of one to the other is 147%, and so the fitter user receives a handicap on their mass, rolling resistance and frontal area for wind resistance as will be explained below.
  • the users' masses are determined at step 1150 by the computer, whether by direct entry or measurement via pressure sensor 450.
  • the computer also determines at step 1152 the handicap of each user; again, this is by direct entry using the keypad 805.
  • the users commence exercising on their bicycles. Their progress is again depicted on the displays 900 (shown in Figure 9) as a race over a course 1250 held in memory 803 of the computer 800. On any given screen, there will be a depiction of a user 1251, and of his or her opponents 1252, 1253, 1254.
  • the computer determines each user's progress through the course. This is calculated based upon the output of the sensors, and most particularly the speed sensor 200. The mass of each user as offset by their handicap is used in simulating how far the user progresses through the course.
  • a physics model is applied. This operates as follows.
  • the load is eventually calculated as a value between 0 and 255, 0 being the lowest, and 255 the highest.
  • the load is calculated from the power curves for various RPMs that the rider is pedalling at. These are used as a reverse lookup, giving a load value looked up from the power calculated (see below) .
  • an extra amount of load is applied based on the difference between the calculated cadence and the flywheel speed. This can be scaled by a flywheel lag resistance. This is where the user has slowed their pedalling but (due to the simulation) the load being applied has not slowed the flywheel enough relative to the change in cadence.
  • the power needed to propel the bike at its current speed is worked out as:
  • the BrakingForce is calculated quite simply as the maximum BreakingPower multiplied by the breaking input from the bike (as selected by the user using their brake actuator) .
  • the FitnessMinimum value is there to provide a floor value on the flyweight resistance. It is a constant throughout a race.
  • the RearWheelCoefficent depends on the surface being ridden over, as specified by the various SurfaceType values in the script files for the courses . Also, this varies relative to the type of simulated bike and choice of tyres.
  • This whole value is than scaled according to the current gear ratio by a value equal to
  • Wind resistance is calculated as:
  • Frontal Area is 1.0 if the rider is seated on the saddle, and 1.25 otherwise. With the ultrasonic sensors we can apply this much better based on the rider's actual position - down to, eg, 0.6 if in the crouch, 1.0 is seated, 1.25 if hanging off the back and 1.5 if standing tall. We also have a range of different coefficient based on the choice of bike (the downhill bike is 1.2 and the cross-country bike is 0.9 - simulating the narrower bars therefore smaller frontal areas) .
  • the Rider's Weight can be given a handicap modifier in multiplayer games.
  • the Gradient will be negative if the user is going downhill, positive for uphill and zero on the flat meaning that the gravity modifier can increase of decrease the power required.
  • the results are then displayed on the screen (step 1156) - the relative positions of the users will depend on their progression through the course relative to each other.
  • the determination of progression through the course 1154 and display on the displays 1156 repeats until all the competitors complete the race.
  • the handlebar assembly comprises return springs 108a and 108b. These bias the handlebars 120 back to a central, neutral, straight- ahead position. As such, this spring can be used to synthesise a more realistic feel for the steering of the bicycle.
  • a third embodiment of the invention makes use of this feature. It uses the hardware of the first aspect of the invention, but the skilled man would have little trouble extending it to other embodiments.
  • the depiction of the progress of the representation of the user is shown from a first person, three-dimension point of view as depicted in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.
  • a representation of a user 1401 is depicted on a bicycle 1402 travelling along a course 1403. Data describing the course are held in the memory 803 of the computer 800.
  • the computer makes use of the output from the steering angle sensor 350 to determine the angle at which the user is holding the handlebars 350.
  • the steering is mapped as shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
  • the output of the steering angle sensor 350 is mapped by a mapping unit 1301 embodied by software running on the computer. The output of this mapping unit is used in the steering algorithm 1302 of the computer 800 in calculating how the representation of the user 1401 steers through the course 1403.
  • the mapping unit 1301 itself maps the input measured steering angle to a mapped steering angle, so that as the speed of the representation of the user through the course increases, the effect of changes in the measured steering angle has less effect on the mapped steering angle.
  • the scaling of the angle may be a multiplicating scale as follows:
  • a dead zone is applied which means it takes the user to turn the bars + /- 20% of the turn before any change in the mapped steering output is felt.
  • Moving up to 80% of the steering range applies only up to 50% of the "mapped output signal”, then finally the output gets up to 100% across the last 20% of the range of movement. This desensitises the physical sensing in the middle, maps it slowly over the next range.
  • the angle of lean of the handlebars can also be mapped in the same way; however, the multiplicative function will instead increase with speed, as the bicycle would become more sensitive to being leant at speed.
  • the speed of the user's representation is based upon the measured speed of the exercise bicycle as determined by the speed sensor 200, possibly as modified by the techniques of either of the first two embodiments of the invention.
  • mapping the steering angle such that movement of the handlebars has less effect at higher speeds means that at higher speeds the user will have to turn the handlebars further and so exert more of a force against return springs 108a, 108b. They will therefore feel more of a force steering at higher speeds, in line with the true feeling of steering at higher speeds.
  • the computer can make much use of the outputs of the various sensors in changing the appearance of the representation of the user.
  • the rider position sensor 400 is used to determine whether the rider is sitting down in the seat, standing up, leaning forwards or sitting up as discussed above. This can be mirrored in the representation of the user 1401 displayed on the display 900.
  • the user is depicted sitting upright (solid lines) , sitting leaning forward (dashed lines) and standing up (dot-dash lines) .
  • the pedal position sensor 500 can be used to model the representation of the pedals 1501 on the bicycle 1402.
  • the position of the pedals of the exercise bicycle 2 is known from the output of the pedal position sensor 200 and so the pedals 1501 of the representation of the bicycle can be shown at the same position 1502 as the user cycles. Furthermore, as the steering of the user is simulated, the representation of the bicycle can be shown to lean 1503 as it steers.
  • the computer 800 also calculates the distance of the pedals above the simulated ground of the course 1403. Should the pedals hit the ground, the computer will either display a warning 1405 or display the representation of the user 1401 crashing. This encourages proper technique of keeping the inner pedal higher when cornering.
  • the output of the steering angle sensor 350 can be used to depict the handlebars of the representation of the bicycle rotating 1504.

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil d'exercice comprenant un dispositif d'exercice, tel qu'une bicyclette fixe (1) sur laquelle un utilisateur lors de son utilisation peut faire de l'exercice, le dispositif d'exercice comportant au moins un capteur (200, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500) destiné à surveiller, lors de son utilisation, la façon dont l'utilisateur s'entraîne sur le dispositif d'exercice, et une unité à base de microprocesseur (800) comportant un afficheur (900), le microprocesseur étant agencé pour modifier l'affichage en réponse à des entrées rprovenant du ou de chaque capteur, l'unité de microprocesseur étant agencée pour déterminer, lors de son utilisation, à l'aide de la sortie du ou de chaque capteur, la puissance exercée par l'utilisateur lorsqu'il utilise le dispositif d'exercice et, à partir de la puissance exercée, pour déterminer le rapport de la puissance exercée à la masse corporelle de l'utilisateur, et pour modifier l'affichage, lors de son utilisation, en fonction du rapport déterminé. Généralement, l'affichage varie par variation des positions relatives de représentations de l'utilisateur (951) et d'au moins un adversaire (952).
PCT/GB2008/003053 2007-09-10 2008-09-09 Appareil d'exercice WO2009034309A1 (fr)

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CN112755459A (zh) * 2021-01-14 2021-05-07 郑庆燕 一种节能环保用动感单车锻炼器
CN113457100A (zh) * 2021-07-06 2021-10-01 舒华体育股份有限公司 通过自发电实现屏幕互动及比赛骑行的健身车系统
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