Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-1-
INTERACTIVE EXERCISE PAD SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more
particularly
to an interactive exercise pad system which simulates real world exercise
courses to users as
they perform walking, running, jumping, and dancing exercise regimes.
BACKGROUND ART
Exercise is necessary. Medical studies have related important health problems
to the
lack of it, and it clearly affects our moods, our sense of self image, and the
public image by
which others perceive us. However, increasingly people are not getting the
amounts or the
types of exercise which they need. Many reasons exist for this, but some
particular ones are
boredom, self consciousness, the difficulty or inability to go somewhere to
exercise, and even
complex social pressures.
Exercise is considered boring, and repetitive exercise is considered
particularly so. A
major reason for this is that exercise today frequently is not practical in
natural or varied
settings. For example, to walk or run in many urban settings there may be
little choice but to
use an inside location at a health club or gym, and to use that same facility
day after day.
When people do want to exercise, finding a suitable place to do so can
therefore be difficult.
A health club, gym, or park may not be conveniently near by, or may be too
crowded with
others also seeking exercise or even unrelated use of the facility.
Somewhat related to the where-to-exercise issue are time issues. Travel to
public
indoor exercise facilities takes time, and upon arrival there may be a wait to
use the exercise
resource of preference. There is also the matter of being able to exercise
when one wants.
Health clubs and gyms may keep set hours limiting when certain equipment is
generally
available, or they may even be closed during some hours of the day. Similarly,
crime in some
places has reached the deplorable state that nighttime use of parks is
dangerous, and
increasingly even outright prohibited. And as our society increasingly turns
to flexible
schedules and working at home (particularly as new telecommuting capabilities
so permit),
these time constraints upon when one can exercise become even more apparent
and
burdensome.
Exercising in traditionally public settings such as health clubs and gyms can
also be
awkward feeling or even embarrassing to many. Some people are simply shy, and
do not
want to exercise where they are constantly reminded that they are surrounded
by other
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98150121 PCT/US97/22024
-2-
people, or by people whom they do not know. Others are self conscious about
their own
physical condition, particularly in a "comparative" setting like a health
club, and they are
therefore uncomfortable (unfortunately such people may need exercise the most,
for instance
because they are overweight).
In sum, there are many complicated reasons why we do not exercise, and some of
these may never be entirely overcome. However, furthering exercise to the
extent possible is
a worthy goal. Today many see perception of the exercise environment as a key
to increasing
the participation in, the enjoyment of, and ultimately the success of
exercise. Thus efforts are
being made to change the exercise environment, with some of the rationale
being if one
cannot exercise in a natural manner (e.g., in a park), then use equipment to
work the same
muscles in the same manner; if one cannot go to a natural setting, then create
the illusion of
one; and if one cannot go somewhere to exercise (e.g., a health club or gym),
then bring
exercise to the user (e.g., to the home, office, or hotel room).
The current situation, and the focus on the exercise environment, have created
large
and growing specialty segments in the exercise equipment market. And the home
and office
segment is one example. But regrettably it is one which has to date not been
very successful
at delivering what its consumers want. Those who do exercise with the
equipment available
in this market segment find that they do not enjoy and can not stick with
exercise for very
long because the home and office settings are often full of distractions and
exercise there is
boring.
"Virtual Reality" exercise equipment is another such market segment (one which
has
potential overlap with the home and office market segment, but one which has
largely failed
to do so to date). Several major exercise equipment manufacturers (e.g.,
TECTRIX,
NAUTILUS, LIFE FITNESS, TRANSCAPE, KETTLER, PRECOR, AND REEBOK) have
developed exercise machines having such capability, but these overwhelmingly
rely upon
animated computer graphics and are expensive. It is generally perceived in the
industry that
the development costs of animated computer environments are prohibitive,
therefore
consumer price resistance is anticipated by manufacturers and their product
offerings are
accordingly fewer in this segment.
The present invention acknowledges that exercise environment is the key.
However,
the term "virtual reality" is not entirely appropriate, and the approach
disclosed herein may
more appropriately be termed "natural environment simulation."
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-3-
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise
system
which dynamically simulates exercise in a natural environment.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise system which
realistically
simulates exercise in a natural environment.
And, another object of the invention is to provide an exercise system which is
economical and which uses equipment and methods that are conventional enough
that
relatively unsophisticated users may employ the system for exercise in public
facilities as
well as private settings.
Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is an interactive
exercise
system which includes an exercise pad and a detector for detecting when a user
steps on and
off of the pad. The detector produces event data which is communicated, to a
computer. Also
provided to the computer are data files from storage media which include
course and image
data captured from a real world exercise course. The computer processes this
various data
1 S and directs presentation of the image data on a display in a manner such
that the user
experiences a realistic simulation of both exercising in and traveling through
the exercise
course. Further, although optional, a data acquisition unit may be added to
receive the event
data and pre-process it by debouncing, filtering, or converting it into
another format before it
is communicated onward to the computer.
An advantage of the present invention is that very dynamic exercise may be
carried
out with it, yet without undue user involvement in setting effort levels for
the exercise. A user
may, optionally, initially set a nominal difficulty level, and then let the
inventive exercise
system dynamically control the pace thereafter.
Another advantage of the invention is that it realistically simulates a real
world
exercise experience. Real-world or true nature video content is used, which is
captured in
natural settings along real world courses, rather than computer animation and
graphics, or
such superimposed upon nature still scenes. Optionally natural sound content
may be added,
or the user may opt for verbal feedback and encouragement, or for music to set
a particular
mood or to entertain.
Another advantage of the invention is that it is economical to implement and
operate.
It may employ relatively conventional computer equipment using relatively
standard audio
and video hardware, and using widely used and well understood operating system
software.
The media used by the invention to store audio, video, terrain information,
and optional other
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
files may be any of many widely available and inexpensive formats, and
accordingly media
units containing exercise sessions can be quickly and relatively cheaply
produced,
reproduced, and distributed to the ultimate users of the invention.
Another advantage of the invention is that it allows a user to conveniently
exercise in
the privacy of a home, an office, or a hotel room. The invention may be employ
an exercise
pad which is very compact and storable (and therefore easily transportable)
and a laptop (or
even palmtop) computer having a display and a media player such as CD or DVD
player. But
since many people have and travel with such computer hardware already, very
little
additional needs to be purchased, packed or set-up to take advantage of the
invention.
Another advantage of the invention is that it has a very high entertainment
value,
drawing and engaging its users in a realistic and natural exercise
environment, which
promotes regular exercise and adherence to exercise regimes, and which
decreases the
seductive ability of distractions to interrupt exercise sessions.
And, another advantage of the invention is that it appeals to a very broad
range of
potential users. Children will find the experience of their movement causing
scenic video
interaction to be very stimulating, and they may also design their own
competitions and
games, such as determining who is faster using the exercise pad and data
display. Busy adults
can employ the invention in the home, for example, in the kitchen while
preparing meals or in
the den while watching television. They can also grab brief exercise breaks,
say while
diverting attention back and forth between the scenic video interaction of the
invention and
important television broadcast news items. Similarly, the invention can be
used in the office
or the shop, either as a temporary respite from traditional work tasks or even
in conjunction
with such. For example, a computer user may even employ the invention while
sitting at their
workstation, with the feedback from the invention occupying only a small
additional window
on their display. Business people away from home on trips can now easily
maintain their
regular exercise regimes in their hotel rooms by using the invention. And
senior citizens can
use the invention to supplement their regular walking programs, or use it
indoors with options
like a heart rate monitor, to insure safe use even if they are elderly or
frail.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
clear to
those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently
known mode of
carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred
embodiment as
described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.
_T _._____
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-5-
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the
following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 a depiction of a user applying the present invention in a typical usage
scenario,
emphasizing the major components of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 depicts in exploded view exercise pad component being used in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a stylized block diagram of the data acquisition component of the
invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram which is representational of files stored on pre-
recorded
media which the invention may use;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting sources and a timeline for collection of
data used
to record the media; and
FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting the major inputs, processes, and outputs
in the
invention, and the flow of data through the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an interactive exercise pad
system. As illustrated in the various drawings herein, and particularly in the
view of FIG. 1, a
form of this embodiment of the inventive device is depicted by the general
reference
character 10.
FIG. 1 illustrates the major component parts of the preferred embodiment of
the
exercise pad system (EPS 10). Included are an exercise pad 12, a data
acquisition unit (DAU
14), a computer 16, a display 18, a media player 20, and software 22 (FIG. 6)
which runs on
the computer 16 and permits control of and beneficial use of the EPS 10 by a
user 24. A first
cable 26 connects the exercise pad 12 to the DAU 14, and a second cable 28
connects the
DAU 14 to a communications port 30 on the computer 16. In FIG. 1 the display
18 being
shown is actually two physical units, a computer monitor 32 and a television
34 which
includes a speaker 36.
FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise pad 12 of FIG. 1. Included are a mat 50, a set
of
switches 52 having contacts 54 included (not shown, but number for reference),
and a
connector 56 which permits attachment of the first cable 26 so that an
electrical signal from
the DAU 14 is brought to and can be switched by the contacts 54 of the
switches 52.
The mat 50 is made of suitably durable materials which can withstand a heavy
user 24
striking it repeatedly by jumping up and down, say one million times in one
concentrated
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-6-
area, without substantial material breakdown or wear occurring. The currently
preferred mat
50 is up of a number of layers. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a top layer 40,
intermediate layers
42, and a bottom layer 44 are provided. The top layer 40 provides wear
resistance and
presents a slightly textured surface to the user 24. The uppermost of the
intermediate layers
S 42 provides overall stiffening, which results in better force distribution,
both for transfer to
the switches 52 below, and to cushion the impact as perceived by the user 24.
The lowermost
intermediate layer 42 is of a springy or spongy material (e.g. an open-celled
neoprene
material), to work in concert with the other intermediate layer 42. Finally,
the bottom layer
44, supports the switches 52, and provides a suitable floor contacting surface
for the mat 50.
Many types of inexpensive and widely available materials are suitable,
including rubberized
materials or even Styrofoam (T/M) materials. The inventors prefer a closed-
cell vinyl sponge
matting material in 3/8" thickness. Cardiovascular matting is readily
available, with various
surface textures available. The size of the mat 50 (and thus also the exercise
pad 12) may be
small, say 20" by 24" (0.5 by 0.75 m) for running in place, or much larger,
say 48" by 48"
( 1. 5 by 1. S m) for dancing.
The switches 52 are such that the weight of the user 24 causes the contacts 54
to close
when the exercise pad 12 is stood upon, and to reopen quickly once that weight
is removed.
Various types and shapes of switches 52, and methods for incorporating them
into the
exercise pad 12, can be used. For example, long, narrow, flexible types of
switches 52 are
available which can be bonded under the mat 50 using adhesive. Pressure track
type switches
52 are also available that allow for easy replacement if they wear out.
Flexible array grids of
small membrane type switches 52 wired in parallel over the sensitized area of
the exercise
pad 12 may also be used for portable embodiments of the EPS 10 which are
rollable or
foldable. And the digitally acting switch 52 so far described could even be
replaced with an
analog sensing unit (entirely eliminating the contacts 54), with considerable
addition of
complexity in other components like the DAU 14 and the software 22, but which
might be
useful for some sophisticated embodiments of the EPS 10.
As noted, the preferred embodiment uses normally open type contacts 54 in the
switches 52, although normally closed variations may also be used. This is
preferred because
simple parallel connection works well with such, and depending upon the other
electrical
circuitry used, normally closed types may result in current flow for long
periods when no user
24 is actually using the exercise pad 12.
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
One concern is prompt contact 54 reopening after a user 24 steps off of the
exercise
pad 12. For this, a 60 ms response time is considered by the inventors to be
more than
sufficient, since 16 steps per second is an anticipated maximum. Further, the
presence of
inherent weight from the mat 50 which is over the switches 52 makes some
nominal spring
strength (springiness) separating the contacts 54 important.
Another concern is debouncing of the electrical signal created by the opening
and
closing of the contacts 54. In the preferred embodiment, signal processing is
performed in the
DAU 14 to remove bounce effects. Suitable component choice for the switch 52
itself this
can reduce or even effectively eliminate the need for signal processing, but
is hard to achieve
for a range of users 24 and types of exercise. Finally, the connector 56 is
provided on the
exercise pad 12 at a suitable and convenient point for connection of the first
cable 26. It is
connected electrically to the contacts 54 of the switch 52.
Of course, alternate embodiments of the exercise pad 12 are easily possible,
using one
or more switches 52 in various electrical configurations (e.g., in parallel,
in serial, or in
combinations thereof), with appropriate increases in the number of the
contacts 54 and
conductors in the connector 56 as needed. Or, the switches 52 may be replaced
with a
pressure sensor, and the DAU 14, the computer 16, and the software 22 suitably
enhanced to
retrieve and process the more detailed user 24 impact data which such an
embodiment could
produce.
Some pads (structurally similar to the exercise pad 12) are already
commercially
available, coming constructed with an embedded switch 52 assembly having
contacts 54
separated by a insulating springy or spongy material. The footstep of a user
24 compresses
this material and causes ridges in the contacts 54 to make contact with the
conductive
material (i.e., opposed contacts 54) on the other side of the spongy material.
Alternately, mats
50 can be purchased with indentations already in the bottom for mounting
switches 52.
Unfortunately, these existing pads are most commonly used for security and
safety
matting around dangerous equipment, and to count foot traffic. Security type
pads, in
particular, are often over engineered. Often they are designed to handle even
fork lift trucks
running over them. Expensive switch redundancy is sometimes also included due
to stringent
safety requirements. And the signal outputs of these may be unsuitable, being
merely
intended to warn of some presence upon the pad, rather than to communicate
precisely when
that presence began and ended. Also, these pads are primarily sensors, and
only minimally
impact absorbers, rarely being cushioned to the satisfaction of a prospective
exercise user 24.
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-g-
Alternately, some available pads are not durable enough for this particular
type of exercise
application, being instead constructed to receive the distributed wear of
users 24 walking
across or stepping randomly upon their entire exposed surface, rather than to
receive very
localized and very repetitive impacts which may be considerably heavier than
mere footsteps
(say from a dance step or from the user 24 jumping in place). Accordingly, in
view of its
particular use in the EPS 10, the inventors find it more appealing to
manufacture the exercise
pad 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred version of the DAU 14. Included are a micro
controller
60; a communications driver 62; a power supply 64; a first port 66, for
connection to the first
cable 26; and a second port 68, for connection to the second cable 28. The DAU
14 provides
power for the switch 52 via the first port 66, and receives back an electrical
signal containing
exercise data 108 about the opening and closing of the contacts 54. The micro
controller 60
suitably processes the exercise data 108 (e.g., debouncing it, filtering it,
etc.) and directs the
communications driver 62 so that the exercise data 108 containing information
about the state
of the switch 52 is communicated via the second port 68 to the computer 16.
In the preferred embodiment the DAU 14 measures the time interval between each
successive step and sends this information as the exercise data 108 to the
software 22, which
is running on the computer 16. When the exercise data 108 is received, one of
two algorithms
may then be used by the software 22 to advance the video frame rate of real
world video as it
is played back on the display 18 to the exercising user 24. The software 22
can use the actual
measured time interval value between each successive step event to advance the
frame rate.
Alternatively, the software 22 can ignore the actual reported time interval
value, but count the
occurrence of a valid interval value as indication that a step event has
occurred. The number
of step events averaged over a small time period is then used to determine the
new frame rate.
In either case an averaging algorithm (e.g., a generic averaging algorithm
such as currently
used in heart rate monitors) is desirable to ensure that the played back video
frame rate is
smooth. For example, take the last x number of speed or interval measurements
and average
them. Then use this average value for speed display and to advance the video.
Relying on the
average of the last x measurements results in this manner results in more
stability then
responding to one measurement alone) The software 22 is discussed further
below.
The power supply 64 is optional, and in the currently preferred embodiment it
is
omitted. Instead the second cable 28 is used to parasitically obtain power
directly from the
communications port 30 of the computer 16 for the DAU 14, and thus via the
first cable 26
_T ___ __.__ _. T _
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-9-
also for the exercise pad 12. However, wireless varieties of such
communications ports 30 are
becoming increasingly common, and to use them some form of power supply 64
becomes
necessary. When present, the power supply 64 can include a transformer and
rectifier system,
a battery, or even a power generating unit in the exercise pad 12 (for example
a piezoelectric
unit which converts a portion of the impact energy from the user 24 into
electricity).
The DAU 14 can be made quite small, and in theory even entirely integrated
into the
exercise pad 12. However, this increases the possibility of damage from user
24 impact. The
DAU 14 can also be placed directly at the communications port 30 of the
computer 16.
However, this carries the unfortunate connotation of a dongle, which many
computer users
dislike. Both of these alternates for the location of the DAU 14 permit
elimination of either
the first cable 26 or the second cable 28, respectively. Alternately, using
small enough
components, such as increasingly common surface mount devices, the DAU 14 may
be
entirely integrated into a cable. The preferred location for the DAU 14 is as
shown in FIG. 1,
and it is protected with a small hardened plastic case or other such durable
packaging, to
IS make it suitable for use in robust exercise environments.
It should also be noted that the DAU 14 itself is actually also optional. By
replacing
the first cable 26, the DAU 14, and the second cable 28 with just a suitable
cable, and by
connecting the exercise pad 12 to the communications port 30 of the computer
16, and by
using suitable software 22 a simple embodiment of the EPS 10 is possible. Via
such a single
cable, the power for the switch 52 can be obtained directly form the
communications port 30
and the software 22 can monitor one or more inputs of the communications port
30 for simple
state changes of the switches 52. In theory, for such embodiments even
rudimentary signal
processing like debouncing, if needed, can be handled by the software 22.
However as noted,
such embodiments are simple, having limited capability. And as also previously
noted, being
difficult to engineer to work reliably for wide ranges of exercise types and
user 24 weights.
The computer 16 (FIG. 1) may be any suitable system, and the inventors
anticipate
that most embodiments of the invention will use personal computers (PC's;
although even
mainframe types are theoretically useable). Laptop type computers are
particularly suitable,
because the exercise pad 12 can be made quite small and easily compatible for
storage, for
example by rolling it up. Thus users 24 traveling away from the home or the
office can easily
maintain their regular exercise regimes by using such an exercise pad 12 and a
laptop
computer 16. Further, since many potential users 24 already own or use
suitable computers
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-10-
16, the other components of the EPS 10 are all that would need to be
purchased, thus
potentially making the EPS 10 a very economical exercise system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the EPS 10 can employ a computer monitor 32 to present the
user 24 with feedback from the software 22 (say with a GUI and statistical
feedback), and to
playback previously recorded media from the media player 20 on a television
34. Many
computers 16 today have video hardware which includes a PC to TV (television)
port. This
allows for the use a normal television 34 up to 150 feet away, typically via a
coaxial cable.
Such a television 34 type hook-ups would allow users 24 to exercise away from
the actual
location of the computer 16. (Of course, a suitable extension cable would also
be required to
connect the DAU 14 in such an embodiment.) It should also be kept in mind that
only one
display 18 is actually needed.
The speaker 36 is also optional, but will probably be provided in most
embodiments,
since all televisions 34 and most computers 16 today have sound capability.
The media player 20 may be a CD-ROM or DVD player, or other player for still
other
possible media types. The media player 20 may even be eliminated as a local
component,
with the content of previously recorded media being brought to the computer 16
over a
network (say as a video stream over the Internet). Thus network computer (NC)
versions of
the computer 16 are also suitable.
FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred version of media 80 which is suitable for
playback in the
media player 20, or for network transmission to the computer 16 (thus note
that the media 80
therefore does not necessarily have to have a tangible physical presence at
the site of the rest
of the EPS 10). Included are three general types of pre-recorded data files
82: video files 84
(e.g., compressed AVI or MOV formats; typically one per unit of media 80, but
not
necessarily so), audio files 86 (e.g., in WAV or MI17I formats), and table
files 88 of
normalized terrain characteristic data which associate terrain characteristics
to particular
times in the video file 84.
The video files 84, in particular, are different from those used in known
prior art
systems. The EPS 10 does not use mere computer animations or graphics as the
primary
genre to present a visual substitute for a real-world exercise courses
(techniques which are
notoriously labor intensive and therefore time consuming and expensive).
Instead the EPS 10
uses actual captured image sequences of such real-world courses (i.e., "real-
world" video).
This fundamental distinction makes exercise with the EPS 10 much more
lifelike, and
additionally makes it much cheaper to develop the media 80. Of course,
computer animations
--_. T
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCTNS97/22024
-11-
or graphics can still be used with the EPS 10, say as sprites for pacers or
for avatars of users
24, which are overlaid onto the playback of the real-world video files 84 as
the user 24
exercises. However, such use is entirely optional and will probably be limited
in amount even
in embodiments where it is used.
Multiple types of audio files 86 may be provided. Two of these, voice audio
files 90
and music audio files 92 are used in generally conventional manners (e.g., to
instruct,
motivate, set tempo, and to entertain). However, another type of audio file 86
may also be
used by the invention which is not typical: environmental audio files 94
(e.g., of animal
sounds such as bird calls, wind in the trees, and running water). The use of
environmental
sounds to enhance simulations of nature has long been known, but not to the
inventors'
knowledge in the context of exercise systems. As noted, prior art systems have
relied
primarily upon computer animations, and the sound content of these, where even
provided,
has generally had similarly cartoon-like qualities.
Of course, the EPS 10 can use sound in other manners (conventional and
otherwise),
if desired. For one example, sounds such as cheering for good performance can
be used
(conventional). Notably, this type of sound can be either played back directly
from pre-
recorded audio files 86, or retrieved from an audio file 86 and then tailored
appropriately (say
by tying intensity to pace for some specified time duration), or the sound may
be generated in
the computer 16 based upon criteria stored in an audio file 86. Another
example is the sound
of barking dogs as a motivation that the user 24 exceed a certain pace to get
rid of the
"chasing" dogs (a somewhat unconventional instance). In sum, there are lots of
ways to use
sound to motivate and control the exercise experience, and the inventive EPS
10 is quite
capable of employing these.
The media 80 used with the EPS 10 are produced by acquiring position and
terrain
characteristics of real-world courses for the table files 88, by acquiring
video data for the
video files 84 which is representative of a human viewer's perspective as they
would travel
through the exercise course, and by acquiring audio data for the audio files
86 (e.g., by
dubbing in voice overs and music soundtracks or natural environment sounds to
match the
acquired terrain and video data), and by storing all of these along with
synchronizing
information in the media 80. This generalized approach of mapping normalized
terrain
characteristic data into the table files 88 facilitates the creation of new
video environments.
The terrain characteristic data is simultaneously collected with the video
data using a time
interval which ensures that changes in terrain characteristic seems smooth and
continuous to
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-12-
the user 24.
The terrain characteristic types used by the EPS 10 can be quite varied. When
the
inventors initially developed the EPS 10, they appreciated that many real
world courses had
variations in running surface, say from earthen path to sandy beach to asphalt
running track.
Further, terrain characteristics which may not easily be simulated directly
(e.g., altitude or
temperature variation, or even slope may nonetheless be recorded in the data
files 82, and the
software 22 used to control the EPS 10 in a suitable manner to apply a
variable "handicap"
(or more preferably termed, an "indirect feedback") which simulates the
varying effort levels
required of users 24 on such a real world course. For example, the EPS 10 may
vary the
speed of the video in accordance with slope. In the preferred embodiment the
video is
advanced as a function of user 24 foot speed only, as a product of some
constant, k. Generally
it is a flat grade for the running environment is assumed, so k never changes.
However slope
data may be used to change this constant k. Thus, when a user 24 is running up
a steep slope,
the video frame rate can be reduced for a given foot speed by making k smaller
for this
particular hill simulation. Similarly, running downhill, the constant, k, can
be made slightly
larger. And using a pacer feature would emphasize this even more.
Indirect feedback can also be used to anticipate particular exercise
scenarios, based
upon exercise session characteristics up to a present point or even based on
statistically
gathered information about users 24. An example of possible indirect feedback
is a grade
interaction algorithm where video frame rate a function of both step rate and
grade. Also
terrain information (e.g., slope or grade data) can be used to create the
illusion of increased
effort to climb a positive grade being presented in the video playback. For
example, as the
user 24 comes to a steep climb in the video, the software 22 reads the slope
data associated
with this climb then decreases the step/distance constant (or stride hang
time/distance
constant) that is used to advance the video. Consequently, if the user 24
maintains the same
step rate on an increasing grade section, the video frame rate slows down for
that unchanged
pace by the user 24. For the user 24 to maintain their pace, reflecting their
progress in the
video environment, an increased exercise intensity is used to compensate for
the hill grade,
until the user 24 crests the hill. Similarly, the step/distance constant can
be increased slightly
by the software 22 for downhill segments. (Note: the variation of the constant
for the
downhill case will not be as great as the variation for the uphill case for a
running model.)
This algorithm results in the EPS 10 functionally simulating hill climbing
effects without the
use of complex machinery such as pitch controls on treadmills. As background,
some simple
T _
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-13-
exercise equipment today measures exercise intensity by reading gear RPM
(exercycles,
Nordic Tracks, treadmills, etc.) or by measuring exercise repetitions. This
measured value is
multiplied by some appropriate constant to register a speed value that the
user monitors. In
the EPS 10 his constant may be varied as a function of the reported grade
(terrain)
information associated with the video data, which adds another level of
realism to the
simulation.
For implementations of the software 22 using such indirect feedback, fuzzy
logic
techniques may be beneficially employed. Accordingly, there is quite broad
variety of terrain
characteristics which are appropriate for recording in the media 80, and the
true spirit of the
present inventive EPS 10 encompasses that variety.
To enhance the quality of the terrain data and its correlation to data in the
video files
84, it may be obtained by reference to accurate standards 100 (FIG. 5). The
inventors'
preferred embodiment uses reference to a Global Positioning Satellite system
(GPS).
However, it should be appreciated that ground based radio frequency, optical,
and other long
used conventional systems can all be used for such standards 100. Similarly,
pedometers,
altimeters, odometers, inclinometers, and even manual addition of terrain
information based
upon visual previews of courses are other examples of suitable standards 100
which may be
employed.
Also of particular advantage for the EPS 10 is that the software 22 may
selectively
employ the contents of the table files 88. The inventors have previously
worked on
development of interactive exercise systems utilizing exercise equipment like
exercycles,
treadmills, steppers, etc., and in creating suitable media for such systems
additional various
terrain characteristics are desirable, such as slope and various equipment
characteristics like
bicycle gears. The inventive EPS 10 can use media 80 which have such detail in
the table
files 88, by simply ignoring the irrelevant content, or by using it for the
indirect feedback
purposes discussed above.
The media 80 may also contain a software program 96, for loading into and
execution
on the computer 16 as the software 22. However, this is not a requirement. The
software 22
may be supplied separately (e.g., downloaded from a bulletin board, BBS, or an
Internet site),
and the software 22 which is executed will typically be stored in mass storage
on the
computer lb, rather than present as a software program 96 and loaded from on
the media 80
before each use. Thus all of the capacity of units of the media 80 may be
dedicated to use for
the data files 82. Alternately, a version of the software program 96 may be
included in some
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-14-
(not necessarily all) instances of the media 80, and if an existing version of
the software 22
detects that the software program 96 stored on the media 80 is newer (i.e., an
upgrade,
entirely or in part), the user 24 may be prompted whether they want to install
the new version
from the media 80 into the computer 16 for use thereafter. Further, still
additional types of
data may also be stored on the media 80 (e.g., video driver updates for the
computer 16). This
is particularly important because there are actually two types of software
which are critical
for obtaining optimum benefit from the EPS 10. There is the video engine,
which must be
installed on the computer 16 as effectively part of the BIOS and the operating
system (OS),
and there is the software 22 of the EPS 10 itself. On most computers 16 today
the video
engine is quite distinctly part of either or both of the BIOS and the OS
levels only (which are
often both upgradeable today), while the EPS 10 appropriately belongs at only
the
applications level. Continuing patches and enhancements of video engines may
be released
by either the video hardware manufacturer or by the OS provider, but
distribution of these is
spotty. Since the EPS 10 benefits by using the best video engine available,
the newest
IS releases of the most widely used video engines can simply be included on
the media 80.
FIG. 5 shows the major elements of the data files 82 in a timeline format as
they are
recorded in the media 80. The data for the video files 84 and data for the
table files 88 are
collected simultaneously into a temporary database 98. The audio files 86 and
optionally the
software program 96 are then added to complete the database 98 and the media
80 is written.
The audio files 86 and the software program 96 may be added to the database 98
at any time
relative to collecting the data for the video files 84. This is the case even
for environmental
audio files 94, which may be captured in a real world setting (but not
necessarily the same
one as that for the video files 84), or which may be derived from "stock" data
for natural
sounds, or which may not even have their origins in true nature settings.
FIG. 6 depicts how the software 22 directs inputs 102, processes 104, and
outputs
106. The inputs 102 are the user 24 generated exercise data 108 from the DAU
14, the data
files 82 from the media 80, and also user data 110 which the user 24
themselves provide at a
graphical user interface (GUI 112). The processes 104 include statistical
manipulation of the
exercise data 108 and correlation of a "virtual" position of the user 24 to an
effective position
within the exercise course described in the data files 82. The outputs 106 are
the GUI 112 and
playback 114. The GUI 112 communicates with the user 24, and the playback I14
entertains
the user 24. The inputs 102 have largely been covered already, and the
processes 104 are
more easily understood in view of the desired outputs 106, so the outputs 106
are discussed
_ .T __-_~_ -___ _ ____ _
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-15-
first.
The GUI 112 informs the user 24 about the state of the EPS 10 and displays
feedback
based upon statistical manipulations of the exercise data 108. However, since
productive
statistical analysis requires some basis of comparison, default "average
person" values are be
pre-stored in the software 22 (or stored and input from the media 80), and
used for weight
and metabolic factors when determining the calories consumed by the user 24.
Alternately,
the GUI 112 may solicit from the user 24 personal information such as weight
and age, and
preference information such as exercise goals and difficulty, and use this to
override the
defaults. In the preferred embodiment, an "average person" stride length is
similarly used as
user 24 overrideable default in determining equivalent distance traveled and
speed values.
After obtaining the user data 110, both the exercise data 108 and the user
data 110 are
processed to provide feedback to the user 24 while he or she exercises.
Examples include
elapsed time, total steps, current step rate, average step rate, equivalent
running distance,
equivalent running speed, total calories burned, etc. during an exercise
session. More
sophisticated capabilities can easily be added as options in the GUI 112. For
example, a
simple pacer window may be added, to graphically show the relative position of
the user 24
(say as one sprite) to a predefined pace rate (a second sprite). This allows
the user 24 to
visually reference his or her running rate to a predefined pace. Such a pacer
window may also
depict position in both graphical and numerical formats. Or networked
instances of the
computers 16 can be used by multiple users 24 for competitions, with avatars
used to
represent the individual users 24. Of course, in keeping with what have become
conventional
aspects of most graphical user interfaces today, the elements of the GUI 112
can be opened,
closed, resized, minimized, and maximized as desired by the user 24.
As has somewhat already been covered, the EPS 10 may use both a separate
computer
monitor 32 for displaying the GUI 112 and a separate television 34 for
displaying the visual
portions of the playback 114. Or the EPS 10 may simply use one display 18
(most likely a
computer monitor 32, but not necessarily so) and display different items in
different
windows.
The playback 114 includes selective presentation of the video files 84 and the
audio
files 86 from the media 80, based upon the table files 88, the exercise data
108, and the user
data 110. To increase or decrease the apparent rate of presentation of the
video files 84 the
rate can be adjusted (analogous to frame rate for motion picture film or scan
rate for
television), or portions (i.e., frames and even groups of frames} may be
dropped to simulate
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-16-
the speed which the user 24 is "virtually" traveling with respect to the
particular exercise
course.
Unfortunately, sounds are not so easily manipulated. Unlike image sequences
with
rates above 30 frames per second, which are perceived to some degree as simply
"moving"
despite how much the rate varies, the human ear is good at "averaging" sound
data without
the listener detecting quality degradation. To handle this sets of different
audio files 86 many
be stored on the media 80 (e.g., different music selections simply for variety
or
appropriateness with different paces of exercise, or different levels and
types of verbal
feedback and coaching, or even different gender or language voice content,
which may be
requested by the user 24 in the user data 110). Selective playing back of such
audio files 86,
based upon their appropriateness in the particular situation, are therefore
sufficient for most
embodiments of the EPS 10.
In the preferred embodiment, the software 22 employs a time based model to
compute
speed and position within a simulated exercise course at roughly 60 ms
intervals (or 100 ms,
the interval is relatively unimportant). The DAU 14 feeds data to the software
22
asynchronously, and the data files 82 roughly corresponding to the current
"position" in the
exercise course are then fetched and processed and the appropriate playback
rates are
synchronized. In particular, the video file 84 position is synchronized with
the virtual position
of the user 24 within the simulated exercise course, but even some of the
audio files 86 may
also be synchronized (e.g., speech characteristics for voice audio files 90
and pitch for
environmental audio files 94 can be changed). This time based model is
interrupted by the
arrival of new data, and runs an extra cycle to re-compute speed and position
when it arrives.
Therefore, in the preferred embodiment the DAU 14 transmits such data at a
rate of up to
once every 60 ms, with more frequent transmissions improving the smoothness of
the
computations. However, the synchronization rate used for video file 84
playback is somewhat
complicated by the fact that the video timing is variable and need not
necessarily correlate
with real time.
For the actual playback of the video files 84, conventional ActiveMovie
filtergraphs
are used in the preferred embodiment to produce the desired output
characteristics. This
provides considerable flexibility, permitting the use of different "movie"
formats and
permitting the software 22 to include extensive user 24 command capabilities,
like play,
pause, resume, reset, and stop. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the
software 22 is used
to influence EPS IO playback speed with a function using a denominator of
1,000 to convert
_. _T __ ___ _____ _.. _~___ _ _ ~ _
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-17-
the integer value speed data received into a floating point value to provide
adjustment
resolution and permit the user to have a considerable degree of control so
that they may fine
tune their exercise experience.
Many aspects of the software 22 may be conventional. For example, widely used
techniques for the for playback of video and audio data exist, including ones
for varying the
speed of such playback (e.g., the already noted ActiveMovie technology).
Similarly known
are techniques for storing data tables and controlling micro processor and
communications
circuitry. Thus, while creation of the software 22 is a major task, it is
nonetheless one will
within the capability of skilled programmers using present computer languages.
The
inventors presently use Visual C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Class library
(both T/M of
Microsoft) to write the 32 bit routines for communicating with the micro
controller 60 used in
the DAU 14, and they use ActiveMovie to play back video files 84 in AVI or MOV
file
formats. This also permits the software 22 to run well under the widely used
WINDOWS95
and WINDOWSNT operating systems (both T/M of Microsoft Corp. of Redmond,
Washington), which currently are and which can be anticipated to continue to
be widely used
in computers 16 for some time.
In operation, the EPS 10 is highly user interactive. However, the interactive
features
are not intrusive, as is the case for many prior art systems. A setup
procedure in the software
22 provides instruction on the set-up of the exercise pad 12, and accepts any
user data 110
provided. The user 24 is also asked to specify a desired nominal level of
difficulty at which
they would like to exercise (e.g., easy, realistic, hard; which then permits
feedback to the user
24 which may be quite simple or even as complex as a graphical pacer) the type
and
parameters of audio output desired (e.g., volume, music or nature sounds,
etc.), and what
feedback information they would like to additionally see while exercising
(e.g., pulse, speed,
distance, calories, etc.). This information as feedback can be displayed on
the display 18
(e.g., superimposed upon the video playback). Thus, a user 24 may setup the
EPS 10 once for
a particular exercise pad 12 and exercise sessions (storing the preferences in
a personal
profile file), and then changing this information only as needed. The user 24
does not have to
bother with anything further thereafter, because the EPS 10 can take over. Of
course, value
added features such as terrain characteristic graphs and the relative course
location of the user
24 can also easily be provided, in pop-up or floating windows on the display
18. Once this is
complete, the EPS 10 initializes itself to accept exercise data 108 which is
captured by the
DAU 14.
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
18-
The inventors currently have two main algorithms which are considered
appropriate
for use in the software 22. The first of these uses the actual measured time
interval between
user 24 steps which is reported by the DAU 14 to the computer 16, to determine
and control
the apparent velocity in the displayed content presented on the display 18.
This time interval
S information is then also used to control the current video frame rate.
However, one issue here
is the possible resulting jerky video movement caused by the responsive
measurement of
quick variations in the step rate of the user 24. To compensate for this an
averaging algorithm
is added to ensure a stable frame rate as the video file 84 is displayed as
part of the playback
114.
The second algorithm uses the presence of a time interval value in a
transmission
packet as an indication that a step event has occurred at the exercise pad 12.
The actual time
interval value can be ignored. Such step events are then counted and averaged
over a small
time interval (say the last two to four seconds) to determine a step rate, and
this calculated
step rate is then used to determine a new frame rate as the video file 84 is
displayed as part of
the playback 114. The benefit of this algorithm is that it inherently helps to
stabilizes the
frame rate to correct for erratic step movements on the exercise pad 12.
Actually both algorithms require an additional averaging algorithm to
stabilize the
frame rate. The first algorithm has the step rate information implicit in the
interval data sent
from the DAU 14. This step rate information is then updated on every
transmission. The
second algorithm relies on the computer 16 to determine the step rate based on
frequency of
step event transmissions from the DAU 14. The step rate is then calculated by
the computer
16, based upon the frequency of these events. In either case, the video rate
would otherwise
be choppy unless an averaging algorithm is added.
For use, the exercise pad 12 is conveniently placed within comfortable viewing
distance of the display 18 and the user 24 acts-in-place (e.g., runs roughly
in place) anywhere
on the exercise pad 12. As the user 24 moves the frame rate of the video file
84 is advanced
proportionally to the measured step rate and the playback 114 is presented.
The user 24 may also set goals. Currently, an indoor exerciser normally sets a
goal of
running for some time duration or for some distance, represented by a reported
number from
the exercise machine. However, in the natural environment simulation presented
by the EPS
10, the user can choose the goal of running to the red farmhouse, canyon road,
or waterfall in
a given video which may be 3 miles from the start of the video sequence. This
creates a much
more meaningful and enjoyable goal as opposed to the unimaginative idea of
just running on
~_~_.__ ~___. ________ __._ _ ~
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-19-
a treadmill for 3 miles or 20 minutes. The inventors term this Visual Goal
Motivational
Benefit.
Of course the EPS 10 is not limited to just running-in-place. Special
interactive scenic
videos with music and coaching can use dance steps on the exercise pad 12, and
again the
software 22 can display quantified information so that the user 24 can easily
quantify the
value of their uplifting dancing exercise.
Similar to the dance example, children may find jumping rope on the running
pad to
be entertaining and informative with respect to their jump speed. Also,
jumping rope has
become increasingly popular for adults due to the effectiveness of boxing
workouts for
rhythm, coordination, endurance, and speed. The running pad will had another
dimension of
motivational benefits for this activity.
After spending hours in front of a computer 16 which is being used for other
purposes, a user 24 could get up for a few minutes and interact with a video
session on the
exercise pad 12 to become refreshed before returning to the other work on the
computer 16.
The exercise pad 12 could be placed under the feet of a user 24 while they are
sitting on a
chair in front of the computer monitor 32. The user 24 can keep the video
window minimized
or hidden while working on the computer 16, and their hyperactive foot
activity may be
recorded and later checked against the video to see how far the user has
traveled, purely as a
diversion.
The inventors also anticipate that using the EPS 10 as an aerobic hang time
trainer for
jumping exercises will become a major application. The measurement of hang
time or time
spent airborne is an ideal way to measure the intensity of such aerobic
activity. This form of
exercise on the EPS 10 is more analogous to a Stairclimber-type of exercise
rather than a
treadmill type. In the treadmill or running-in-place case, horizontal travel
represented by step
rate is measured. In the Stairclimber or jumping case, vertical travel
represented by hang time
is measured. To support this application the DAU 14 and the software 22 would
need to be
tailored for hang time measurements. The intensity of the jumping exercises is
a function of
the number of jumps taken, and the height of each individual jump. Therefore
the DAU 14
would need to be capable of doing time interval measurements of pulse width
instead of
period. Remember that the contacts 54 of the switch 52 are open when the user
24 is leaping
in the air and closed when he or she is on the exercise pad 12. Here what
needs to be
measured is the time that the contacts 54 are open only, but suitable
embodiments of the
DAU 14 for this are easily constructed. Then appropriate measurements can be
made with
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-20-
only minor modifications to the already described software 22. The following
procedure
describes the process:
The user 24 activates or resets the software 22 (e.g. from a keyboard or mouse
at the
computer 16) and then steps onto the exercise pad 12. When the user 24 jumps,
a time
interval value is reported to the computer 16 by the DAU 14. This value is
added to a variable
reflecting total time airborne since the start of the present exercise
routine. While the user 24
is on the exercise pad 12, no further valid time intervals will be reported by
the DAU 14. On
the next jump by the user 24, a new time interval is added to a "total time
airborne" variable.
The rate at which this "total time airborne" variable increases is then used
to advance the rate
of the playback 114. An averaging algorithm is used to ensure smooth display
of the video
files 84. Since the jumping action reflects a climbing metaphor, feedback
reflecting vertical
distance traveled is appropriate. A possible video subject for this type of
exercise might be a
Pikes Peak hill climb course or some steadily climbing mountain path. A graph
should also
be added to the GUI 112. This graph could record total time airborne (or
equivalent vertical
distance traveled) versus total elapsed exercise time.
Hang time data is a good indicator of individual user 24 performance, since
the results
are not a function of assumed step length, as in a running-in-place model.
Further, just
measuring the number of steps taken by a user 24 is not necessarily sufficient
for proper
comparison, because the sensitivity of the switch in the exercise pad 12 is
also somewhat a
contributing variable. For example, light, short, choppy steps could not be
well distinguished
from full weighted vigorous steps. Consequently, since hang time values are a
fairly accurate
reflection of exercise performance, record performances could be listed for
various men and
women age categories for 6 minute, 12 minute and other time intervals, say on
an Internet
website.
An anaerobic hang time application could also be implemented using the EPS 10.
This would use the exercise pad 12, the DAU 14, and a suitable version of the
software 22. It
would also require a small second PAUSE/READY switch. This switch could easily
be wired
to an input line on the DAU 14. The function of the switch would stop the DAU
14 from
sending interval data to the computer 16, thereby allowing the user 24 to
disable
measurement when he or she wants to step off the exercise pad 12. The state of
the switch
could be easily displayed on the display 18 as well.
The EPS 10 here would be initially in a pause mode. The user 24 would then
step onto
the exercise pad 12 and press the PAUSE/READY switch to activate hang time
measurement.
_. .T__.___ _ ___ _ _ ~
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-21-
When the user 24 jumps, the time interval of the jump would be reported to the
computer 16
by the DAU 14. The software 22 could then generate a bar reflecting the time
(or equivalent
vertical leap) on a bar graph as part of the GUI 112. Each leap could then
generate another
bar, and if the user 24 wants to get offthe exercise pad 12 and prepare for a
next effort, he or
she simply presses the PAUSE/READY switch and steps of~the exercise pad 12 to
"psyche-
up." Then, when ready to try again, the user 24 steps back onto the exercise
pad 12, presses
the PAUSE/READY switch again, and makes a new jump. This application would
particularly appeal to football, basketball, speed athletes, and anyone
wanting to do
plyometric type exercise. Coaches would also find it to be an important
exercise tool to
develop leaping ability for such athletes.
In addition to the above mentioned examples, various other modifications and
alterations of the inventive EP5 10 may be made without departing from the
invention.
Accordingly, the above disclosure is not to be considered as limiting and the
appended claims
are to be interpreted as encompassing the true spirit and the entire scope of
the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present EPS 10 is well suited for application in a wide variety of
locations. Users
24 of the invention may easily employ the EPS 10 in the home and office as
part of a
dedicated exercise regime, or to exercise concurrently with other activities.
For example, the
users 24 may spend 10-30 minutes performing a complete aerobic workout with
the EPS 10,
they may take 3-5 minute commercial or work breaks to workout with the EPS 10,
or they
may perform other activities like watching television, preparing dinner, or
working at their
computer, all while concurrently using the EPS 10. The EPS 10 is also
particularly well
suited for use by traveling users 24 in their hotel rooms. Its non-computer
components, like
the exercise pad 12, can be constructed to be very light in weight and
compactly storable, and
the computer 16 itself may be a laptop type which the traveling user 24 is
taking along for
other reasons entirely. Further, although the inventors see the greatest
potential of the
invention as being for personal exercise, there is no reason why the EPS 10
can not also be
used in conventional exercise settings like health clubs and gyms. And the
inventors even
envision commercial use for the EPS 10 in sporting goods stores and at
sporting goods trade
shows, as an adjunct in selling athletic shoes and possibly other goods.
Currently such stores
must let customers try out expensive merchandise like running shoes by letting
them leave
the premises or area, hoping that they are honest and will return, or else the
customers must
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97/22024
-22-
be restricted to running in nearby aisles or running in place on a mat, which
the potential
customers often find awkward and even embarrassing. By using the EPS 10 in
such sales
scenarios the customer (user 24) can try out the merchandise inside the store
on an exercise
pad 12, say with a large screen type display 18 so that they are engaged by
the playback 114
rather than left feeling self conscious and the center of attraction in a high
pressure sales
environment.
The EPS 10 is also well suited for use by a very broad range of users 24, and
even for
a broad range of exercise types. Children naturally want to run and jump, and
parents have
long sought ways to get them to carry out such activities in one just place.
The EPS 10 is at
least a partial solution in this regard. It can be used to audio-visually
engage and entertain
younger children so that they do stay in one place, on the exercise pad 12
portion of the EPS
10. Somewhat older children can use the EPS 10 in conjunction with other
physical activities,
like solo rope jumping, or in competitive activities like running-in-place
races or in jumping
contests. Busy adults can use the EPS 10 for quick exercise breaks, say during
television
commercials or long computer file downloads, or for concurrent exercise at the
kitchen
countertop or at the shop table or at the computer workstation, or they may
use the EPS 10 in
a conventional manner for dedicated exercise sessions. For older adults such
as seniors, and
others who may want a slow to moderate exercise regime for recuperative
purposes, the EPS
10 is particularly suitable. Unlike conventional heavy exercise equipment,
like exercycles and
treadmills, on which such users often over exert themselves, the EPS 10
naturally encourages
reasoned and moderate workouts. One reason for this is because the EPS 10
itself is passive,
in comparison to the noted conventional exercise equipment examples. However,
another
reason is that the EPS 10 can provide feedback to the user 24 which can make
their exercise
session safer and more controlled. Even in simpler embodiments the GUI 112
provides
considerable feedback, and more sophisticated embodiments of the EPS 10 are
easily
possible, for example, ones which can accept specific user data 110 and even
additional
inputs from options like heart or breathing rate monitors, so that the user 24
can be cautioned
and coached appropriately for their particular situation.
Mufti-user applications using the EPS 10 are also quite possible. A version of
the EPS
10 can have two or more exercise pads 12 connected to the DAU 14. Graphical
sprites can
then display the relative positions of the users 24, and a split screen on the
display 18 can be
implemented to show the relative positions if one user 24 lags too far behind.
It is also
anticipated that Internet or modem racing would be very possible with the EPS
10. By
_ ~.~___-___ -_ __. T
CA 02288819 1999-11-08
WO 98/50121 PCT/US97I22024
-23-
exchanging speed and distance data between the users 24 in real time, the
users 24 could
compete or pace with others in different locations via the integrated pacer
feature. Data about
the other progress of the other users 24 would be used to control the pacer
displayed on the
display 18. Such a pacer feature can be shown in a separate graphical window
in the GUI
112, or it can be overlaid on the video presentation with the sprite or avatar
of the user 24
superimposed progressively, say on a road being displayed.
The EPS 10 is also very suitable for segments of the exercise equipment market
which
have heretofore not been adequately served, including the entry level or low-
priced
equipment segment and particularly the interactive equipment segment (which
effectively has
no entry level or low-priced offerings presently). If the user 24 already has
a computer 16,
and if it can be setup for network (e.g., Internet) access to instances of the
media 80, then use
of the EPS 10 only requires purchase of the exercise pad 12, the DAU 14, and
the cables (and
as has been described herein, even the DAU 14 and the cables can be eliminated
for some
embodiments). Currently a rough majority of potential users 24 do have at
least access to a
suitable computer 16, but far fewer also have the appropriate network access.
Accordingly,
even in cases where network access is available, the inventors anticipate that
most
embodiments of the EPS 10 will include a local media player 20 which is
suitable for reading
media 80 which is in CD-ROM or DVD format. The user 24 can then play copies of
the
media 80 which are included as part of the purchased component package of the
EPS 10, or
they may obtain different media 80, say by purchase of cheap CD-ROM format
units or by
rental of DVD format units. In this manner the users 24 can easily and
economically build
their own or borrow from extensive libraries of interactive exercise sessions
each having
different real-world video content that is targeted toward different exercise
goals and
interests.
For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the EPS 10 of the
present
invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is
expected that the
commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long
lasting.
