CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/101,117 entitled "A HINGE APPARATUS TO FACILITATE POSITION ADJUSTMENT OF EQUIPMENT", which was filed on September 29, 2008, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/101,114 entitled "EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WITH A (RE) PROGRAMMABLE UNIT", which was filed on September 29, 2008, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 12/248,872 entitled "EXERCISE EQUIPMENT WITH A (RE) PROGRAMMABLE UNIT", which was filed on October 9, 2008, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Exercising in fitness clubs or in one's home has become a way for many individuals to exercise today. Indoor exercise has given rise to major exercise equipment industries over the last decade and rendered exercise clubs ubiquitous in cities and towns worldwide. The advances in exercise equipment technology have progressed significantly in recent years. Further, users of such machines have become progressively more demanding in regards to entertainment and fitness feedback. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. IA illustrates an example of exercise equipment (a cardio-fitness equipment that is upright) with virtual reality capability, according to one embodiment.

FIG. IB-C illustrate enlarged views of an example of the controller unit of the exercise equipment having a (re)programmable unit and/or a gear shifting unit, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 A illustrates another example of exercise equipment (a cardio-fitness equipment that is recumbent) with virtual reality capability, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of an example of the controller unit of the exercise equipment having a (re)programmable unit and/or a gear shifting unit, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 A depicts the physical configuration of a hinge assembly that enables equipment position adjustment of an exercise equipment, the hinge is positioned in a first hinge position that is suitable for operation of the exercise equipment, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B depicts the physical configuration of a hinge assembly positioned in a second hinge position configured to place the equipment in a second hinge position, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A depicts a further view of an example of the hinge in a first hinge position that is suitable for operation of the equipment, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B depicts a further view of an example of the hinge positioned in a second hinge position that is suitable for at least partially disassembling the equipment, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an example of the hinge assembly, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of exercise equipment having a hinge assembly, the exercise equipment positioned in a second position, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 depicts an example image shown on the display unit of the exercise equipment, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts an example illustration of a keypad panel, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts an example process flow for providing a user with a feature or service requested via a (re)programmable unit, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts an example process flow for providing a user with a fee-based feature requested via a (re)programmable unit, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms maybe highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include exercise equipment equipped with or otherwise coupled to a (re)programmable unit. The exercise equipment can be cardio- fitness equipment that is upright or recumbent.

A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a exercise equipment with virtual-reality capability that includes a gear shifting unit and a programmable or reprogrammable unit. The exercise equipment can include a computing unit that runs a program and further include a means for displaying visual information (e.g., a display unit) to the user.

The computing unit can be coupled to a remote server over a communications network, the server may include a storage unit and/or be coupled to a storage unit or a storage unit system. For example, biometric and motion data generated by the user when using the exercise equipment can be saved on the storage unit and is accessible over a network (e.g., the Internet) globally. The user can thus exercise and have his or her tailored information available for access from any physical location at any time. The person can thus exercise and fulfill his or her fitness program at different locations. Recorded exercise data are saved on one or more storage units and are retrievable from anywhere in the world. The network connection can also be used to access other types of user information including account membership information and billing information. This information may be accessed (e.g., automatically) by the computing unit based on a request placed by the user to participate in certain activities and/or to access certain functionalities. Various embodiments of present disclosure are applicable and are implemented on other exercise machines such as the recumbent bicycle, rowing machine, treadmill, Stairmaster, or elliptical trainer.

In one embodiment, the user may optimize the pedaling resistance by adjusting the gear. A "gear" is a state of transmission between the generator of rotational motion (for example, an internal combustion engine on a motor vehicle or the pedals on a bicycle) and the wheels that move a vehicle (bicycle or a motor vehicle) forward. Using a bicycle as an example, the gear can be characterized by a predetermined transmission ratio between the pedal rotation and the velocity of the bicycle. A road bicycle typically has an integer number of gears — typically between 1 and 30.

A gear can refer to a ratio between the angular velocity of the pedals and the virtual velocity of a virtual body or virtual element within the virtual environment. In one embodiment, each gear is designated with a number. Note that other designations, such as, low, medium, high, or overdrive, are possible. For example, incrementing the gear number by one can correlate to moving the gear from low to medium.

FIG. IA illustrates an example of exercise equipment 100 (a cardio-fitness equipment that is upright) with virtual reality capability, according to one embodiment.

The exercise equipment 100 can in some instances be an exercise bicycle that is upright. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment 100 (e.g., upright bicycle) includes a first controller unit 127. The exercise equipment 100 may further include a second controller unit 129. The first and second controller units 127 and 129 may include identical or different features and functions performed by similar or different sub-units.

In one embodiment, the first controller unit 127 includes a (re)programmable (e.g., programmable and/or reprogrammable) unit 137. The first controller unit 127 may be integrated with the exercise equipment 100 or coupled to the exercise equipment via a wired or wireless connection. The (re)programmable unit 137, although illustrated to take upon the form factor of a physical button, can take upon any shape or form factor including but not limited to, a bar, a touch-screen button, a pad, a lever, a latch, a switch, and/or a knob. Li one embodiment, the (re)programmable unit 137 is a button that can be pressed. The (re)programmable unit 137 can be by a user before, during, and/or after an exercise session or used for maintenance of the exercise equipment 100. Depending on the form factor of the (re)programmable unit 137, it can be triggered via actions in addition to or differing from a pressing action, including but not limited to, a turning motion, a pulling motion, and/or a pushing motion.

The (re)programmable unit 137 of the exercise equipment 100 can be programmed and/or reprogrammed. The (re)programmable unit 137 can be (re)programmed to perform any function when triggered via one or more motions (e.g., the press of a button or touch pad, the pull of a lever or trigger, etc.). In general, the functions performed via triggering the (re)programmable unit 137 are software-based functions. Examples of the functions that can be performed via triggering the (re)programmable unit 137 are described with further reference to the example of FIG. 5.

Although the (re)programmable unit 137 is illustrated in the example of FIG. IA to be located on the left hand side of the handle bar 102, it is appreciated that the (re)programmable unit 137 could also be disposed on other portions of the exercise equipment 100. The location of (re)programmable unit 137 can be anywhere on the exercise equipment 100 but more preferably at a location that is accessible by a user exercising or in close proximity to the exercise equipment 100. For example, the (re)programmable unit 137 may be located anywhere on the handle bars 102 or near the frame where the handle bar 102 is attached to the equipment 100.

Note that any number of (re)programmable units 137 may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the exercise equipment 100. For example, the (reprogrammable unit 137 can be coupled to the exercise equipment 100 via a wired and/or wireless connection and perform one or more functions when triggered. The first controller unit 127 may further include additional functional units.

In yet a further embodiment, the controller unit 127 further comprises a gear shifting unit. The user may optimize the pedaling resistance by adjusting the gear. In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit enables the user to change the gear number. The number of gears is any number greater than one, for example, between 2-50 gears, but more preferably between 5-30 gears. In one embodiment, with an increment in the gear number the transmission ratio increases by a percentage. The components of the gear shifting unit is illustrated with further reference to the example of FIG. IB. In one embodiment, a first portion 111 and a second portion 108 of the exercise equipment 100 are coupled to each other via a hinge apparatus/assembly 110. The hinge 110 is a type of bearing that can connect two objects and allow a predetermined angle of rotation between them. Two objects that are coupled via the hinge 110 can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation which is also referred to as the geometrical axis of the hinge. The hinge 110 may be made of any known or convenient material and components including but not limited to, stainless steel, flexible material, moving components, and the like. The functions and components of the hinge assembly 300 comprising a hinge 110 are described with further references to the examples of FIG. 3-6.

The exercise equipment 100 can generally be any type of exercise equipment including but not limited to cardio-fitness equipment. For example, the exercise equipment 100 is an upright bicycle and can include, one or more of, a steering handlebar 102, a motion input device (pedals) 118, and seat 110. In one embodiment, the handle bar 102 can be steered (steer-able). The seat 110 may include a seat height-adjusting level 109. The exercise equipment 100 can further include one or more of, a drive-train compartment 107, a computing unit 108, a display unit 105, and/or a keypad 117.

The computing unit 108 is able to execute one or more instruction sets embodied on a machine readable medium, hi one embodiment, the one or more instruction sets causes the computing unit to generate a virtual representation based on the movement of the exercise equipment 100 in a virtual environment (e.g., computer-simulated interactive environment that is 2D or 3D) and further render an image of the virtual environment on the display unit 105. The image may be rendered from the perspective of the virtual representation.

Typically, the virtual environment includes virtual elements (e.g., other riders, geographical features, ghosts, goblins, objects, road blocks, collectable objects, etc.) with which the user of the exercise equipment can interact via one or more mechanisms or actions generated using one or more components on the exercise equipment.

For example, the user of the exercise equipment can interact with a virtual road by riding on it and interact with a virtual road block by running into it. The user can also interact with virtual elements by sending signals or messages. Users can interact with virtual elements that are collectables by collecting the virtual elements, by shooting virtual objects (e.g., ammunition) at the virtual elements, running into the virtual element, eating the virtual elements, etc.

It is contemplated that the virtual elements such as geographical features and collectables can take upon any shape, form, and/or color without deviating from the novel techniques herein described. For example, virtual elements of geographical features can include roads, trees, flowers, astronomical features, cars, buildings, hills, rivers, oceans, terrains, canyons, etc. Collectables are virtual elements that can be 'collected' by the user when using the exercise equipment and can include by way of example but not limitation, coins, mushrooms, dragons, or any other elements in the virtual environment that can be collected by the user when interacting with the virtual environment using features/components of the exercise equipment. In one embodiment, points or scores obtained are associated with the amount of collectables gathered by the user in the virtual environment.

In addition, the computing unit 108 may be able to simulate motion of a virtual representation of the user of the exercise equipment in virtual environment. The motion of the virtual representation is typically simulated based on the detected motion of the pedals 118 and/or the handlebar 102. In addition, the computing unit 108 can adjust the resistant force to movement of the input device (e.g., foot actuator or pedals 118 based on characteristics of the virtual environment and the motion of the virtual representation.

The components of the exercise equipment 100 are typically mechanically and/or electrically coupled to a frame 101. The exercise equipment 100 may further be coupled to an optional headset 114. In addition, the exercise equipment 100 may have integrated within or otherwise coupled to a biometric monitor 116 that can monitor the user (shown as a wristband in this example). The biometric monitor 116 may further be coupled to the computing unit 108.

In exercise equipment 100, the display unit 105 is a video monitor coupled to the frame 101, but the video monitor of the example of FIG. 1 may be replaced with any other type of displays.

In one embodiment, the exercise equipment 100 is network-enabled (e.g., network- enabled exercise equipment 100). For example, the exercise equipment 100 can established wired and/or wireless communications with other exercise equipments, servers, and/or remote storage units via the Internet or other types of networks.

The network can be enabled during use of the equipment 100 for exercise or maintenance. For example, purchases can be made during exercise or after exercise to receive additional functions in the current exercise session or a future exercise session. Software/firmware upgrades may be downloaded via the network during maintenance. Any sort of multimedia data and information including but not limited to, virtual environments, user data (e.g., billing, profile, health, fitness, exercise records, etc.) may be downloaded to the exercise equipment 100 or uploaded to a server via the network.

A user of the exercise equipment 100, can sit on the seat 110 and turns the pedals 118 while resting at least one hand on the handlebar 102 to use the equipment 100. The display unit 105 is generally positioned in the view of the user while the user is seated on the seat 110. The user can view images on the display unit 105 and listen to sounds coming from the headset 114. A headset contains headphones and may optionally include a microphone. The headset 114 is, in one embodiment, coupled to the keypad 117 via an audio cable 113. The headset 114 may also be in communications with the computing unit 108 via a wired or wireless.

The biometric sensor 116 is illustrated as a wristband in the example of FIG. IA, but may take any form factor depending on the biometric function it senses. The biometric sensor 116 is coupled to the computing unit 108 via link 115. In one embodiment, the link 115 is a wired link, in which case the biometric sensor may be attached to the frame 101 in such a way that it is also in contact with the user's body, but can also be only coupled to user's body. In another embodiment, the link 115 is wireless (or RF link). There can be more than one biometric sensor 116 where each biometric sensor can be used for a different biometric parameter.

The biometric sensor 116 may be provided with the exercise equipment 100 and/or provided by the user. In one embodiment, the sensor is permanently attached or implanted into user's body. In this latter embodiment, the exercise equipment 100 provides the link 115 to be able to read and collect the biometric sensor's data. In one embodiment, a heart- rate sensor is an integral part of the handlebars. In a further embodiment, a weight sensor is integrated within the equipment 100. In another embodiment, a glucose sensor is realized in form of a watch or a wristband. In one embodiment, at least one biometric sensor is realized as a sensor that attaches to the body of the user. Specifically, heart-rate measuring device, oxygen sensor, or glucose sensor may be attached to the user's body.

In one embodiment, the user is equipped with an identity transceiver, such as, an RFID card and when the user approaches the exercise equipment 100, the computing unit 108 automatically logs the user in and the user can start exercising. This enables the user to change his or her exercise between exercise equipment at will and with little delay. For example from bicycle, to a rowing machine, and then to a treadmill and thereby participate in a virtual triathlon.

FIG. IB-C illustrate enlarged views of an example of the controller unit 127 of the exercise equipment having a (re)programmable unit 137 and/or a gear shifting unit 147, according to one embodiment.

Although the controller unit 127 is illustrated to be disposed on and integrated with the handlebar 102, as previously described, the controller unit 127 can be located anywhere on the exercise equipment 100. A heart rate monitor 152 may also be formed on and/or otherwise coupled to the handlebar 102. Although two controller units 127/129 and heart rate monitors 152 are illustrated, additional or less controller units and/or heart rate monitors may be used on or with the exercise equipment 100. Note that the controller unit 127 includes at least one (re)programmable unit 137 and may optionally further include a gear shifting unit 147.

The (re)programmable unit 137 can be pre-programmed or pre-set to have one or more functions when actuated/triggered. In one embodiment, the (re)programmable unit 137 is usable by the user/operator to interact with the virtual environment displayed on the display unit (e.g., the display unit 105 of FIG. IA). Interaction with the virtual environment can include causing an action to be performed on the virtual elements and/or virtual bodies displayed int eh virtual environment. An example of the virtual environment capability associated with the exercise equipment is described with further reference to the example of FI G. 7.

In addition, examples of the virtual environment capability is further described with further reference to related co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/433,778, entitled "CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH VIRTUAL-REALITY CAPABILITY", filed August 7, 2008, [Attorney Docket No.: 42407-8001.USOl], U.S. Patent Application No. 12/188,143, entitled "CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH VIRTUAL-REALITY CAPABILITY", filed August 7, 2008, [Attorney Docket No.: 42407-8001.US02], U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/076,589, entitled "CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH BIOMETRIC MONITORING AND METHOD OF EXERCISE", filed June 27, 2008 [Attorney Docket No.: 42407-8004.US00], U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/083,891, entitled "CARDIO-FITNESS STATION WITH VIRTUAL-REALITY CAPABILITY AND ENHANCED RIDING CONTROL", filed July 25, 2008, [Attorney Docket No.: 42407-8007.US00], the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Actuation/triggering of the (re)programmable unit 137 allows execution of one or more predefined activities in the virtual environment controllable by the user, depending on the functions assigned to the (re)programmable unit 137. The activities can be related to behaviors and actions in various entertainment modes including but not limited to a game, contest, race, chase, or tour, etc. For example, the behaviors/actions triggered by the (re)programmable unit 137 can include but are not limited to, collection of an object, release of an object, firing of ammunition (e.g., at other objects), increasing speed, increase in difficulty of the game or race, generating a sound, and/or otherwise generating a signal detectable by other objects in the virtual environment.

In addition, the (re)programmable unit 137 can be used by the user to authorize payment, for example, via one actuation of the (re)programmable unit 137 (e.g., click of a button, pull of a lever/trigger, etc.). Payment maybe authorized via the (re)programmable unit 137 to switch to viewing and/or interacting with different virtual environments or download different virtual environments for the user to participate in during exercise. Payment may be authorized by the user to register for additional services or to receive additional features before, during, and/or after an exercise session. During a gaming session, if the user runs out of objects (e.g., ammunition to fire at targets in the virtual environment), the (re)programmable unit 137 can be actuated (e.g., pressed) by the user to purchase more objects.

Features, functionalities, and/or memberships which assess a fee that can be delivered via the exercise equipment 100 are described with further reference to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application No. 61/087,621, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REVENUE SHARING WITH A FITNESS CENTER", filed August 8th, 2008 [Attorney Docket No.: 42407-8009.US00], the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Some of the features which require a fee can be accessed via the (re)programmable unit 137. In particular, in the situation when the user has an established account where billing information has been submitted to the system, the purchase of a feature or service can be completed using the (re)programmable unit 137. For example, the user can simply purchase additional objects via a single actuating action of the (re)programmable unit 137 (e.g., a press of the (re)programmable unit 137).

In one embodiment, the user's account is automatically debited or otherwise charged with the cost of the service (e.g., fee-based function) requested via actuation of the (re)programmable unit 137. When the (reprogrammable unit 137 is actuated (e.g., pressed, pulled, pushed, touched, etc.) to request a fee-based service, the system detects (e.g. via a network such as the Internet) whether the requesting user has an established account with billing information. If so, the system satisfies the request and provides the user with the requested service or functionality and debits/charges the user.

Fee-based functions can include but is not limited to, purchasing virtual objects (e.g., ammunition) to interact with the virtual environment, requesting to download additional virtual environments, requesting to access additional functions, requesting to initiate a real-time or near real-time multi-player session in the virtual environment, messaging functions, and/or requesting to download music/tunes, etc.

One embodiment further includes a second controller unit 139 which may include a second (re)programmable unit 139. The (re)programmable units 137 and 139 may be used in conjunction with one another or in lieu of one another. Each unit 137 and 139 can also be used independently of one another, for example, the functions associated with the programmable units 137 and 139 can be different.

Note that the associated function assigned to the (re)programmable unit 137 can be pre-programmed during manufacture or quality testing. The functions of the (reprogrammable unit 137 can be reprogrammed or otherwise reconfigured manually by the user or a maintenance person. In one embodiment, the functions of the (re)programmable unit 137 can be automatically reconfigured through software upgrades and downloads. In one embodiment, the functions of the (re)programmable unit 137 automatically reprograms with different virtual environments having different sets of features. In other words, the associated function(s) of the (re)programmable unit 137 depends on the set of features of the virtual environment that is running. For example, when the user selects virtual environment #2 having a set of features, the (re)programmable unit 137 may be used to generate a sound. If the user selects to participate in virtual environment #5, the (re)programmable unit 137 may be used to fire ammunition.

In one embodiment, the set of features of the virtual environment is associated with multiple functions of the (re)programmable unit 137. The (re)programmable unit 137 can automatically switch between the multiple functions when the virtual environment is running via automatically re-adjusting during due course of a game in the virtual environment. For example, the (reprogrammable unit 137 can be generally used to release objects (e.g., ammunition). When the system detects that the user has deleted the objects, the (re)programmable unit 137 may then be used to purchase and/or otherwise replenish the objects.

Similar embodiments apply in the situation when both (re)programmable units 137 and 139 are included. Either or both may be used in this situation. The user may select the one to use or the system may predetermine which or both to use. The predetermined functions assigned to each of the (re)programmable units 137 and 139 are typically re- configurable/re-adjustable by a user or operator. The reconfiguration can occur anytime: during maintenance, during testing, during use, before exercise, during exercise (e.g., during a game), and/or after a game.

Note that in certain instances the (re)programmable units 137 may be of no use and has no associated functions. For example, some virtual environments may not support the use of the (re)programmable units 137 and/or the functions that can be represented/implemented by the (re)programmable units 137. LQ these situations, the (re)programmable units 137 can be automatically or manually disabled when there are no associated functions with the set of features of the virtual environment.

In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit 147 comprises a gear shifting subunit 148. Although the gear shifting subunit 148 is illustrated as taking upon the form factor of a button, it can take upon any shape or form factor including but not limited to, a bar, a touch-screen button, a pad, a lever, a latch, a switch, and/or a knob. Additional sub-units 149 of any form factor different from or same as the subunit 148 may be included in the gear shifting unit 147 and used in conjunction with or in lieu of the subunit 148. Depending on the form factor of the gear shifting subunit 148, it can be triggered or actuated via actions in addition to or differing from a pressing action, including but not limited to, a turning motion, a pulling motion, and/or a pushing motion.

In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit 147 and the subunit 148 is configured to be readily accessible to the user exercising on or otherwise operating the exercise equipment.

For example, the gear shifting subunit 148 is in one embodiment disposed on the upper end of the controller unit 127 and can also be referred to as the upper gear-shifting unit 508. Another gear shifting unit 149 may be disposed on the lower end of the controller unit 127 and can also be referred to as the lower gear-shifting unit 149. The gear shifting subunits 148 and/or 149 are typically disposed on the inner portion of the controller unit 127 (e.g., towards the center or center axis 160 of the exercise equipment). The gear- shifting units 148 and/or 149 are typically configured/oriented to be accessible by a user's thumbs although other configurations for access/actuation via other fingers or combination of fingers are also contemplated.

Further, the (reprogrammable unit 137 can be disposed and configured on the controller unit 127 in such a fashion that is accessible by a user using or exercising on the exercise equipment. For example, the programmable unit 137 is located on the front end of the controller unit 127 such that it faces the front of the exercise equipment and the user when sitting on the exercise equipment to exercise. In one embodiment, the (re)programmable unit 137 is physically configured and/or oriented for access and/or actuation by the user's thumb although other configurations for access/actuation via other fingers or combination of fingers is also contemplated.

During operation of the exercise equipment (e.g., during exercise, quality assessment, debugging, and/or otherwise testing of the equipment), the user or operator can sit on the seat and rest his or her hands on the handlebar 102 in such a way that the user's hands is proximal to the controller unit 127 and/or the controller unit 129.

The gear-shifting subunit 148 can be actuated and/or triggered any time during exercise on the equipment or operation of the equipment. The gear shifting subunit 149 may or may not be present although it is illustrated in the examples of FIG. IA-C. When multiple gear shifting subunits (e.g., 148 and 149) are present, all or less than all of the subunits can be used during an exercise session to perform the functions. The gear shifting subunits 148 and 149 can be used in conjunction with one another or in lieu of one another. This option can be configured by default and is typically adjustable, programmable, and/or reconfigurable manually by a user or an administrator (e.g., automatically via software download or manually).

In one embodiment, the gear shifting subunit 148 is a physical button. The physical button can represent a momentary switch and may be actuated via depressing and releasing a button. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment employs four gear shifting subunits having two on each controller unit 127 and 129, respectively. For example, each controller unit 127 can have an upper gear shifting unit and a lower gear shifting unit and may otherwise be referred to as left top button, left bottom button, right top button and right bottom button when the gear shifting units take upon the form of a buttons. In one embodiment, the upper gear shifting unit 148 is physically larger than the lower gear shifting unit 149.

In accordance with an embodiment, the user may optimize the pedaling resistance by adjusting the gear via the gear shifting unit 147. For example, the number of gears is any number greater than one, for example, between 2-50 gears, but more preferably between 5-30 gears. Typically, an increment in the gear number increases the transmission ratio, for example, by a predetermined or adjustable amount.

This can result in an exponential increase in the transmission ratio with each increment in the gear number. Other and varying ratios between adjacent transmission ratios (gear numbers) can be used with various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the user changes the ratio between the rotational-velocity of the pedals and the virtual speed of the primary virtual body in order to optimize the force needed to turn the pedals (move the motion input device) and go forwards.

For motion of desired speed up a virtual terrain of a given slope, a lower transmission ratio (or lower gear) provides for smaller resistance to pedaling, but higher cadence necessary to achieve given bicycle speed. By changing the gear, the user is able to adapt her exercise level to the virtual terrain and desired virtual speed of bicycling. The moveable pedals are a kind of motion device that can be used on exercise equipment (e.g., upright and/or recumbent bicycles).

Alternatively, the gear shifting and associated gear function may be implemented on exercise equipment that does not use pedals. In one embodiment, the above-described gear shifting function is implemented on a treadmill, a Stairmaster, or an elliptical trainer, in which applications the gear shifting function similarly affects the ratio between the virtual distance traversed and the motion rate of the user, while maintaining the power transfer unchanged.

The gear shifting subunit 148 and/or 149 can be actuated to adjust the gear number during exercise or operation of the equipment for other purposes. The actuation or triggering can be detected and further interpreted by the computing unit (e.g., the computing unit 108 of the exercise equipment 100 of FIG. IA) as a request to increment or decrement the gear number.

For example, when gear shifting subunits 148 and 149 are used in conjunction, the subunit 148 can be used to increment the gear number and the subunit 149 can be used to decrement the gear number or vice versa. Each instance of actuation can increment or decrement the gear number by any predetermined amount, for example, 1 , 2, 3, etc. This predetermined amount can be set by default during manufacture or testing and can in many instances, be reconfigured by a user during or before exercise/operation of the equipment.

Although the gear shifting subunits 148 and 149 are illustrated in the example of FIG. IA-C as separate physical entities, it is contemplated that multiple subunits can be implemented within a single physical entity. A single button may include multiple portions each of which, when actuated, has a different function. For example, a button may have an upper portion that when actuated increments the gear and a lower portion, that when actuated, decrements the gear, or vice versa.

This example configuration allows gear shifting (up or down) to be performed using one hand (or either hand when both controller units 127 and 129 have gear shifting subunits). Furthermore, the gear shifting (up or down) can be achieved using the upper gear shifting unit 148 which can be simpler in the embodiment which the upper gear shifting unit 148 is larger than the lower gear shifting unit 149. In one embodiment embodiment, the gear shifting subunits 148 and 149 on the same controller unit 127 can be used in conjunction to increment the gear by more than one. The gear shifting subunits 148 and 149 may also be used in conjunction to decrement the gear by less than one. For example, through a sequence of pressing and depressing gear shifting subunits 148 and 149, an adjustable number of gear shifts can be achieved. In yet a further embodiment, the four gear shifting subunits controller units 127 and 129 can be used in conjunction to increment the gear by more than one

In one example, releasing the upper right subunit while the lower left subunit is held depressed increments/decrements the gear number by a predetermined number different from that when one subunit is used. For example, the combination may increment/decrement the gear number by more than one if one subunit increments/decrements the gear by one, and vice versa. Similarly, releasing the upper left subunit while the lower right subunit is held depressed decrements/increments the gear number by a predetermined number different from that when one subunit is used.

For example, the combination may increment/decrement the gear number by more than one if one subunit increments/decrements the gear by one, and vice versa. The ability to shift a higher number of gears via a combination of gear shifting units allows the user to change gears faster that with one gear-shifting unit (e.g., either 148 or 149). This is an advantageous feature for in dynamic virtual reality activities such as racing that can be performed via the exercise equipment. The controller unit and gear shifting subunits according to the above described techniques can be implemented in any exercise equipment including but not limited to, a rowing machine, treadmill, staircase climbing machine, upright and recumbent exercise bicycles, or an elliptical.

FIG. 2A illustrates another example of exercise equipment 200 (a cardio-fitness equipment that is recumbent) with virtual reality capability, according to one embodiment.

The exercise equipment 200 can in some instances be an exercise bicycle that is recumbent. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment 200 (e.g., recumbent bicycle) includes a first controller unit 227. The exercise equipment 200 may further include a second controller unit 229. The first and second controller units 227 and 229 may include identical or different features and functions performed by similar or different sub-units.

In one embodiment, the first controller unit 227 includes a (re)programmable (e.g., programmable and/or reprogrammable) unit 237. One embodiment further includes a second controller unit 139 which may include a second (re)programmable unit 139. The form and function of the controller units 227/229 and the (re)programmable units 237/239 are described with further reference to FIG. IA-B and is substantially similar to/same as those for the controller units 127/129 and (re)programmable units 137/139.

In yet a further embodiment, the programmable unit 237 further comprises a gear shifting unit. The user may optimize the pedaling resistance by adjusting the gear. In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit enables the user to change the gear number. The number of gears is any number greater than one, for example, between 2-50 gears, but more preferably between 5-30 gears. In one embodiment, with an increment in the gear number the transmission ratio increases by a percentage. The components of the gear shifting unit is illustrated with further reference to the example of FIG. 2B.

The exercise equipment 200 can generally be any type of exercise equipment including but not limited to cardio-fitness equipment. For example, the exercise equipment 200 is a recumbent exercise equipment (e.g., recumbent bicycle) and can include, substantially the same or similar components as the upright exercise equipment (e.g., the upright bike 100 in the example of FIG. IA), such as, a handlebar, a motion input device (pedals) 218, and seat 210. The handlebar can be steered. The seat 210 may include a seat height-adjusting level. The exercise equipment 200 can further include a drive-train compartment, a computing unit, a display unit, and/or a keypad.

The exercise equipment 200 is similar component wise to its upright counterpart (e.g., the exercise equipment 100 in the example of FIG. IA) except for that the seat 210 of the recumbent exercise equipment 200 (e.g., recumbent bicycle) is lower than that of the upright counterpart. Therefore, the seat 210 is displaced more laterally from the pedals 218 than in the upright counterpart. The recumbent configuration allows the user to exercise/train different muscles compared to the upright counterpart. The exercise equipment 200 is operated in substantially similar/same manner except that the user sits lower than the upright counterpart.

The components of the exercise equipment 200 are typically mechanically and/or electrically coupled to a frame. The exercise equipment may further be coupled to an optional headset. In addition, the exercise equipment 200 may have integrated within or otherwise coupled to a biometric monitor that can monitor the user (shown as a wristband in this example), hi one embodiment, the biometric monitor is coupled to the computing unit.

FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged view of an example of the controller unit 227 of the exercise equipment having a (re)programmable unit 237 and/or a gear shifting unit 247, according to one embodiment.

Although the controller unit 227 is illustrated to be disposed on and integrated with the handlebar, as previously described, the controller unit 227 can be located anywhere on the exercise equipment 200. Although two controller units 227/229 are illustrated, additional or less controller units may be used on or with the exercise equipment 200. Note that the controller unit 227 include at least one (re)programmable unit 237 and may optionally further include a gear shifting unit 247.

In one embodiment, the gear shifting unit 247 comprises a gear shifting subunit 248. The gear shifting subunit 248 although illustrated as taking upon the form factor of a button, can take upon any shape or form factor including but not limited to, a bar, a touchscreen button, a pad, a lever, a latch, a switch, and/or a knob. Additional sub-units 249 of any form factor different from or same as the subunit 248 may be included in the gear shifting unit 247 and used in conjunction with or in lieu of the subunit 248. Depending on the form factor of the gear shifting subunit 148, it can be triggered or actuated via actions in addition to or differing from a pressing action, including but not limited to, a turning motion, a pulling motion, and/or a pushing motion. The form and function of the gear shifting unit 247 and subunits 248/249 are described in detail with further reference to FIG. IA-C and are substantially similar to/same as those for gear shifting unit 147 and subunits 148/149.

FIG. 3A depicts the physical configuration of a hinge assembly 300 of the exercise equipment that enables equipment position adjustment of an exercise equipment, the hinge is positioned in a first hinge position that is suitable for operation of the exercise equipment, according to one embodiment.

One embodiment of the exercise equipment (equipment) optionally includes the hinge 310 adjoining a second portion 302 of the equipment with the first portion 311 of the equipment. One embodiment of the hinge 310 comprises a first securing mechanism and a second securing mechanism, For example, the first and second securing mechanism may comprise of bolts 321 and 322, respectively. Bolt 321 may be a locking bolt and bolt 322 may be a hinge bolt 322. In one embodiment, the bolts 321 and 322 are positioned along or approximately along the geometric axis of the hinge.

When the bolt 321 (at least one) is secured, the two parts of the exercise equipment

302 and 311 can be held in place. In one embodiment, when the bolt 321 is secured, the equipment (e.g., exercise equipment 100 of FIG. IA or other types of equipments) is maintained in a first position (e.g., the position of the exercise equipment 100 in the example of FIG. IA). This first position is typically suitable for the equipment to operate. Note that although two bolts 321 and 322 are illustrated, additional or less numbers may be used for similar or varying purposes.

FIG. 3B depicts the physical configuration of a hinge 310 positioned in a second hinge position configured to place the exercise equipment in a second position, according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, to adjust the position of the exercise equipment (equipment) attached to the hinge assembly 300, the hinge 310 is detachable on one side whereas the other side remains attached. For example, one side of the hinge 310 can be detached via loosening the bolt 321. A portion of the hinge 310 can thus rotate about the bolt 322 causing the upper portion 311 of the equipment to rotate based on the movement of the hinge 310.

The first portion 311 can be rotated (e.g., folded) towards the second portion 302 of the equipment. The first portion 311 can be rotated over any suitable angle, for example, anywhere between but not limited to 90-245 degrees. In one embodiment, the first portion is 311 is rotated anywhere between 180-245 degrees but more preferable between around 200-220 degrees to ensure sufficient height reduction of the equipment through position adjustment. In one embodiment, the rotation angle is less than 90 degrees and greater than 30 degrees.

Note that the hinge assembly 310 includes a through-hole. The electrical wires or connections 334 that power or otherwise facilitate the function of the associated equipment can be disposed in the through-hole and extend through the through-hole. In one embodiment, the hinge apparatus 310 is operatively configured such that the electrical wires and/or connections 334 remain intact or substantially intact (e.g., will not be cut or otherwise damaged, etc.) when the rotate-able portion of the hinge 310 rotates.

For example, the electrical signals running through the electrical wires will not be disrupted before, during, and/or after rotation of the first portion 311 of the hinge 310. The electrical signals will not be disrupted or disconnected because the electrical wires running through the through-hole will remain intact or substantially intact.

For example, the electrical connections or wires 334 passing though the frame 301 of the equipment remain connected while the hinge 210 is open as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Thus, the electrical connections in the equipment made at manufacturing stage remain connected during subsequent disassembly or reassembly processes to store, package, or ship the equipment.

FIG. 4A depicts a further view of an example of the hinge 410 of the exercise equipment in a first hinge position 400 that is suitable for operation of the equipment, according to one embodiment.

One embodiment of the hinge 410 includes a body 401 , a rotate-able portion 411, and/or a through-hole. The rotate- able portion 411 is typically coupled to a first portion of the equipment intended to be rotate-able or otherwise movable with the moving motion of the rotate-able portion 411 of the hinge 410. In the example of exercise equipment, the rotate-able portion 411 is coupled to the first portion of the exercise equipment (e.g., the first portion 111 of equipment 100) in the example of FIG. IA.

The body 401 is typically attached to a second portion of the equipment that is intended to be during assembly and/or disassembly via the hinge 410. For example, the hinge body 401 of the hinge 410 is coupled to the second portion of the exercise equipment (e.g., portion 108 of the frame 101) in the example of FIG. IA.

In the example of FIG. 4A, the rotate-able portion 411 of the hinge 410 has not been rotated and is positioned in a first position. When the rotate-able portion 411 is in the first hinge position 400, it can be secured to the hinge 410, for example, via a securing/locking mechanism. One embodiment of the hinge 410 comprises a first securing mechanism 419 disposed along a rotational axis 409 of the hinge 410 about which the rotate-able portion is able to rotate and a second securing mechanism 413 use-able to secure the rotate-able portion 411 to the body portion 401.

In one embodiment, the second securing mechanism 413 comprises an opening. A bolt (e.g., a locking bolt) can be inserted via the opening 413 to secure/lock the rotate-able portion 411 to the hinge 410 in the first hinge position 400. Typically, the associated equipment is in an operable position when the rotate-able portion 411 is placed in the first position and secured.

One embodiment of the first security mechanism 419 includes another opening where another bolt (e.g., bolt 322 (or, hinge bolt) in the example of FIG. 3A) can be inserted and subsequently secured, for example, during assembly or equipment maintenance. In one embodiment, the bolt (not shown) is inserted into the hinge 410 in a direction that is parallel to or substantially parallel to (e.g., within +/- 5-10 degrees although preferably within +/- 5 degrees) the geometrical axis 409 of the hinge 310. The geometrical axis of the hinge is indicated with dashed lines 409. Additional openings for bolt placement can be included.

Any suitable number of bolts can be used to tighten the hinge. In one embodiment, one or two bolts are used to tighten and/or secure the hinge 410 and can be used as hinge bolts about which the rotate-able portion 411 of the hinge 410 can rotate. An illustration of the hinge assembly 410 when the rotate-able portion 411 has been rotated from the first hinge position to a second hinge position 450 is illustrated with further reference to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B depicts a further view of an example of the hinge 410 positioned in a second hinge position 450 that is suitable for at least partially disassembling the equipment, according to one embodiment.

The rotate- able portion 411 of the hinge 410 can be rotated to a second hinge position or one or more additional predetermined positions or locations. When the rotate- able portion 411 is rotated, the portion of the equipment that is attached to the portion 411 rotates or otherwise moves in conjunction with the movement of portion 411 to the predetermined location.

Typically, when the portion of the equipment that is attached to rotate-able portion 411 rotates to the predetermined position or location, one or more dimensions of the overall size of the equipment are reduced (e.g., lesser height, lesser length, and/or lesser depth). In this second position, the equipment can generally be more efficiently stored, packaged, shipped, and or other processes/activities where there is limited amount of utilization space.

In one embodiment, the second hinge position or the one or more additional predetermined locations is determined by a physical construct disposed within or otherwise coupled to the hinge 410. For example, the physical construct may be a hard stop 412 that is disposed inside the hinge 410. The hard stop 412 typically allows the rotate-able portion 411 to rotate up to a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the hinge 410 comprises at least one washer. The washer may be a Belleville washer, typically also referred to as a cupped spring washer.

The washer can be disposed on a bolt as illustrated with further reference to the example in FIG. 5. Although one physical construct is illustrated, it is appreciated that additional constructs may be used to configure the predetermined locations that the rotate- able portion 411 can rotate to.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an example of the hinge assembly 500, according to one embodiment.

This example illustrates a set of example components in the hinge assembly 500. One embodiment of the hinge assembly 500 includes a hinge 517. The hinge 517 can include at least one bolt 507 (e.g., a hinge bolt) about which the rotate-able portion 511 of the hinge 517 can rotate. In addition, the bolt 507 can be optionally secured to the hinge 517 via a washer 506. In one embodiment, additional washers 505 (e.g., spring washers) are used to further secure the bolt 507 to the hinge 517. In one embodiment, the washers 505 are disposed adjacent to the hinge 517 and the washer 506 is disposed between the washers 505 and the bolt 507. Any number of washers 505 and 506 may be used.

The bolt 507 and optional washers 505 and/or 506 are inserted into the hinge 517 into the appropriate opening 519 and tightened/secured. One embodiment of the hinge assembly 500 includes two hinge bolts 507. The two hinge bolts 507 may be located on each side of the hinge 517. In addition, the two hinge bolts 507 may be optionally coupled to the hinge 517 via washers. Any type of washers may be used including but not limited to spring washers. In addition, any suitable number of washers maybe used although preferably 2-5. The washers provide friction to the rotational motion of the rotate-able portion 511 of the hinge assembly 500 relative to the lower portion 501 of the attached equipment.

The hinge assembly 500 can further be secured by bolt 503 (e.g., a locking bolt). The bolt 503 can be secured to the hinge 517 via optional washers 504. The bolt 503 can be inserted into locking opening 518 and subsequently secured and tightened. Typically, the bolt 503 is used to secure the hinge to prevent movement of the equipment such that it can be used and/or otherwise operated. In one embodiment, the bolt 503 is used to secure the associated equipment (e.g., fitness or other types of equipment) in a first position suitable for operation of the associated equipment. For example, in the situation that the equipment is exercise equipment, users can safely exercise on or use the equipment when the bolt 503 is secured.

The hinge assembly 500 further advantageously enables a person to rotate (e.g., fold/unfold or otherwise move) portion of the associated equipment for assembly and/or disassembly for various purposes without danger of damaging the equipment or hurting oneself.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of exercise equipment 600 having a hinge assembly, the exercise equipment positioned in a second position, according to one embodiment.

The hinge 610 allows the first portion 611 of the exercise equipment 600 to move or rotate (e.g., towards the second portion 608) thereby reducing the overall height of the equipment 600 as is shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the first portion 611 of the exercise equipment 600 together with the handlebars 604 and the display unit 606 is moved (e.g., rotated and/or folded) in the direction indicated by the arrow 620. Similarly, lesser or more components may be moved or rotated in conjunction with the first portion 611 of the exercise equipment 600.

To restore the position of the exercise equipment 600 into the first position that is generally suited for operation, for example, the position illustrated in the example of FIG. IA, the hinge 610 may also be used to allow the first portion 611 to move upwards (e.g., rotate and/or fold) and away from the second portion 608. The hinge 610 maybe covered with a plastic cover for aesthetic reasons. FIG. 7 depicts an example image 700 shown on a display unit 705 of the exercise equipment, according to one embodiment.

The exercise equipment 100 of the example of FIG. IA can be used to control the primary virtual body in a virtual environment (e.g., an interactive environment). In one embodiment, the image shown on the display unit 705 (e.g., the display unit 105 of the example of FIG. IA) is the first-person perspective view of the primary virtual body as it moves in the virtual environment. A view of an example of this image is illustrated in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, the image 700 of a virtual environment on the screen of the display unit 705 as it is seen by the primary virtual body. In this embodiment, the user perceives him or her as riding a virtual bicycle whose handlebars 701 are visible in the image 200. The virtual environment can include a virtual countryside with a road 720, a tree 721, distant mountains 728, a house 727, and a pair of bicycles with riders on it 706.

As the user turns the pedals of the exercise equipment, the primary virtual body moves forward in the direction shown as middle of the image 700. In addition to the mentioned virtual-reality image, the image 700 on the display unit 705 includes an information display overlaid over the virtual reality image. In one embodiment, the path on which the user is to ride is predetermined at the beginning of the session. It is referred to as the virtual exercise route (VER). The overlaid information may include a map 707 of the virtual exercise route in the virtual landscape and user's own virtual bicycle position on that path. It may also include a summary of time, total dissipated calories (or Joules), miles traveled, and distance remaining on that virtual exercise route.

The video screen area 729 shows the written messages to the user delivered by the computing unit and other innovative functions that are part of the embodiments of this disclosure and will be described in further text. The detailed view of the lower part of the image 700 can be referred to as the "heads-up display" and shows exercise information 730: Cadence (momentary rotational speed of the pedals measured in revolutions per minute), gear number, virtual slope against which the bicycle is moving (noted as grade), momentary power dissipation by the user and heart-rate are can be shown and displayed in the image 700. VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE MODEL: The control and power delivered by the user to the bicycle, i.e., the motion parameters captured by sensors of the exercise equipment are mapped to motion parameters within the virtual world, hi one embodiment, the virtual environment and the user's interaction with the virtual environment is designed so that virtual bodies/elements that move through it obey physical laws of motion, hi one embodiment, the mapping between the real world motion parameters and the virtual-world motion parameters are approximately one to one.

For example, if the virtual world is modeled after a real -world landscape and contains a virtual exercise route that is a representation of a real-world path of specified length and elevation challenge, then the user exercising along this virtual-exercise route with have to dissipate approximately the same amount of energy and level of exertion as he would if he was riding the real- world path: Bodies have size, mass, moment of inertia, and the landscape has hills, bodies of water, and paths with slopes and surface features that are similar to those occurring in nature. In one embodiment, the virtual landscape is modeled after a real landscape; it is a computing unit-graphic-stylized version of a real-life landscape with hills, valleys, road, and road obstacles.

In one embodiment, the virtual landscape features landscape, roads, and road obstacles that are entirely fictional with features and living beings that do not have real- world counterparts, but the objects and the virtual exercise routes still obey real-world physical laws of motion, hence the mapping between the motion parameters on the exercise equipment are approximately mapped one-to-one with the physical-law parameters in the virtual world. In another embodiments, the virtual environment is a landscape on a different planet that features weaker gravitational pull, hence the mapping between the motion parameters captured on the exercise equipment will map to the motion appropriate to the virtual environment and the representation of the primary virtual body in that environment.

In one embodiment, the view of the rendering of the virtual environment provided to the user of the exercise equipment on the display unit 705 is corrected for perspective.

MOTION CONTROL: The motion and location of any virtual body in the virtual environment can be determined by its virtual-motion attributes. In an embodiment, the virtual -motion attributes include but are not limited to the mass and moments of inertia of the virtual body, its location, velocity and acceleration, and the position of the steering mechanism (e.g. handlebars), considering that the velocity and the acceleration are vector quantities. The virtual-motion parameters of the primary virtual body can be controlled by the motion and biometric parameters acquired from the exercise equipment while it is operated by the user.

HILLS AND VALLEYS: In one embodiment, when the primary virtual vehicle is moving up a hill in the landscape or any other virtual environment, it requires power proportional to its mass and instantaneous velocity in the virtual environment. In one embodiment, the power delivered to the virtual body towards forward motion in a virtual environment designed to follow real-world physical laws is substantially equal to the instantaneous power delivered to the exercise equipment by the user pedaling. In other words, when the primary virtual body moves up a hill in the virtual environment, the difficulty in pedaling for the user exercising increases and the power necessary to surmount the hill in the virtual environment is substantially equal to the power that would be necessary for the user to surmount such a hill in real life on a real bicycle.

VIRTUAL EXERCISE ROUTE: In one embodiment, the primary virtual body is allowed to move on a specified path in the virtual environment. This path is referred to as the Virtual Exercise Route (VER). In another embodiment, the primary virtual body is allowed to move anywhere through the virtual environment - to ride over the entire virtual terrain. Virtual exercise route is a path in a virtual landscape along which virtual vehicles move, at least one of the virtual vehicles being controlled by the actions of the user exercising on the exercise equipment.

A related term is a virtual tour, which is a sequence of events experienced by the user who is sitting on the exercise equipment, pedaling, steering, changing gears and watching images of a virtual environment shown on the display unit in front of him or her. The user watches the images on the display unit and acts as if he or she is the driver of the virtual vehicle or the runner running through the virtual landscape or along a virtual exercise route.

SHAPE OF ROUTE: On any closed-loop virtual exercise route, the virtual body may get from one arbitrary point on the VER to another arbitrary point on the VER in at least two ways: moving forward from one to the other point or by moving backwards. This is typically the case the exercise path is a closed loop. In one embodiment, the virtual exercise path has more than two ways the virtual vehicle can get from one arbitrary point to another arbitrary point on the virtual exercise route. For example, the virtual path can be shaped as number eight (8) or any other homotopic shape (homotopic shape = if one shape can be continuously deformed into the other). This means that the virtual exercise path features path branching at which the user can make a selection which branch of the path she wants to take.

In one embodiment, the selection of the path is determined by another source. In another embodiment, the virtual exercise route is a maze. For example, the VER can be a tour puzzle containing loops and the user may have to reach the finish in a given amount of time. In one embodiment the virtual exercise route is a nonplanar graph. In graph theory, a planar graph is a graph that can be drawn so that no edges intersect in the plane. A nonplanar graph cannot be drawn in the plane without edge intersections.

In one embodiment, the virtual exercise route comprises more than one unconnected paths. In order to move from one closed path to another the user is challenged to execute a goal. Reaching the goal transports the user to one of the other unconnected paths. The described embodiments related to the shape of VER, increase the entertainment potential of the exercise method according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the virtual vehicle may move freely on the surface of the virtual environment with out being constrained to a path. In one embodiment, the surface of the virtual environment is not simply connected. In topology, a geometrical object or space is called simply connected if it is path-connected and path between two points can be continuously transformed into other. An object is simply connected if it consists of one piece and doesn't have any "holes" that pass all the way through it.

REPRESENTATION OF VIRTUAL VEHICLE: The primary virtual body is the body that experiences sensation in the virtual environment to relay these sensory experiences to the user exercising and the body that exerts action in the virtual world under the control of the user exercising. The primary virtual body is generally associated with a virtual vehicle of some kind and when they are inseparable in the virtual environment, we refer to the primary virtual vehicle and the primary virtual body interchangeably since they are not separable during the course of the exercise. The primary virtual vehicle and its representation in the virtual environment may vary. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment is modeled after a real-life bicycle and the virtual representation of the primary virtual vehicle is that of a computing unit-stylized bicycle. In one embodiment, the exercise equipment is modeled after a row boat and the primary virtual vehicle is represented as a computing unit-stylized row boat, hi yet a further embodiment, the primary virtual body is a fictitious object moving in an arbitrary imaginary world.

FIG. 8 depicts an example illustration of a keypad panel 800, according to one embodiment.

The user's selection of exercise parameters and features is performed via the keypad 800 (e.g., keypad 117 in the example of FIG. IA). Selections are scanned using the cursors 801 and the selection of entries using the enter key 809. The speaker or headset volume is controlled using the volume control keys 804. The selection of music or TV channel may be performed using the numeric keypad 805. The numeric and character entry is possible through the keyboard 803. Help is accessed via the key 808, while key 807 takes the user directly to the service provider website. The key 802 is the clear key. The headphone or the headset with microphone is optionally coupled to port 806.

FIG. 9 depicts an example process flow for providing a user with a feature or service requested via a (re)programmable unit, according to one embodiment.

In process 902, a virtual environment is simulated for display on a display unit of an exercise environment, hi process 904, actuation of a programmable unit by a user is detected. In process 906, a requested feature or service associated with the actuation is identified. In process 908, the user is provided with the requested feature or service via the virtual environment displayed on the display unit of the exercise equipment.

FIG. 10 depicts and example process flow for providing a user with a fee-based feature requested via a (re)programmable unit, according to one embodiment.

In process 1002, a virtual environment is simulated for display on a display unit of an exercise environment, hi process 1004, actuation of a programmable unit by a user is detected. In process 1006, a requested feature or service associated with the actuation is identified. In process 1008, it is determined that the requested feature or service is fee- based. In process 1010, the user's billing information is searched for. In process 1012, the user is provided with the requested feature via the virtual environment in response to identifying the billing information.

VIRTUAL REALITY In the last decade, there has been significant development of virtual reality software and programs that have virtual reality attributes (inherent characteristics). Virtual reality is an artificial environment, which is experienced through sensory stimuli (most often by but not limited to sights and sounds) provided by a computing unit and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment.

The essential elements of a virtual-reality system are (a) computing unit that runs virtual reality program, (b) person ("the user") using the system, and (c) set of interfaces, some of which receive input from the user, and some of which deliver sensory stimuli to the user. The function common to all virtual reality programs is that the computing unit simulates the presence of a virtual body in a virtual environment, and that the sensory experiences of that virtual body are delivered to the person ("the user") using sensory interfaces. In many virtual-reality systems, the user also has the ability to control the actions of the virtual body, and hence has an effect on the virtual environment.

Virtual environment may include activities of multiple virtual bodies and activities resulting from natural and artificial (fictitious) phenomena. Consequently, the tasks of the virtual reality program are to (a) simulate the activities of mentioned multiple virtual bodies and phenomena and (b) create the sensory stimuli experienced by one virtual body we refer to as the primary virtual body, or the recipient of the virtual sensory stimuli. A virtual body within the virtual environment may be controlled by a real-life person also referred to as the user of the virtual reality system. The virtual body controlled by a user is referred to as primary virtual body. Multiple users can control a variety of virtual bodies within same virtual environment and they can interact within the virtual environment. Interaction with the virtual environment typically refers to causing any action to be performed on any element/body in the virtual environment.

The control of the virtual bodies is realized by capturing the actions of a user using input devices which are in turn processed by the computing unit. When the primary virtual body is a vehicle or a runner, the control parameters may include information about the direction, velocity, and acceleration of that virtual vehicle. In the following text the word vehicle or virtual vehicle will be understood to mean any vehicle, a virtual runner or any other virtual creature or virtual machine that moves through the virtual environment.

The sensory experiences of the primary virtual body in the virtual environment are delivered to the user, the sensory recipient, using output devices. Depending on the architecture of the virtual-reality system, the simulation of the activities of multiple objects and virtual bodies may be indistinguishable from creating stimuli experienced by the recipient. For the purpose of this description, computing unit simulation of virtual body activities also means computing unit generation of stimuli to be delivered to the recipient.

A simulation is the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another, i.e., a computing unit simulation. As a non-limiting example, a road bicycle ridden through a real landscape is imitatively represented by a computing unit-simulated bicycle riding in a computing unit-simulated landscape. A computing unit-simulated bicycle is also referred to as a virtual bicycle, hence real road vehicles are represented as virtual vehicles, including runners or climbers as virtual runners or virtual climbers. Virtual vehicles may not be representations of real road vehicles; they may also be fictional and do not necessarily have to obey real-world laws of motion.

A related concept is computing unit reconstruction. To reconstruct means to construct again: as to establish or assemble again; to build up again mentally, a computing unit-reconstructed landscape is a landscape that is modeled and its image simulated by a computing unit, using a suitable computing unit program. The objects and phenomena appearing within the computing unit-simulated environment are referred to as "virtual" objects and phenomena. In this application, the computing unit-simulated utilizes rendering and allows interaction between the users and between the user and the virtual objects/elements and phenomena. It can be referred to as "simulated interactive environment", but the term "virtual environment" for short can also be used.

Virtual bodies, other than the primary virtual body, may exist in the virtual environment, regardless of whether they can be seen, heard, or in any other way interact with the primary virtual body. These virtual bodies are referred to as persistent virtual bodies. Alternatively, virtual bodies that exist in the virtual environment only in the regions where the primary body can see them, hear them, or in any other way interact, but do not exist when they cannot be seen, heard or interacted with, are regarded as non- persistent.

Typically, a virtual reality program, or subset of such program, provides stimuli to one user based on the experiences of the primary virtual body. When two or more users interact in the virtual environment, the virtual-reality system architecture may include two or more computing units, each running its own virtual reality program and each virtual- reality program with its own primary virtual body, and each computing unit coupled to all other computing units each running its own virtual reality program and having its own primary virtual body. Some virtual bodies as controlled by a computing unit and exhibit artificial intelligence. There are other architectures that can be employed to serve multiple users.

VIEWING ANGLE AND APPEARANCE OF VIRTUAL BODIES

In a virtual reality application the sensory stimuli from the computing unit is delivered to the user via visual and auditory output devices. This creates the perception with the user that he or she is experiencing the activity experienced by the primary virtual body. If the viewing angle and the sounds delivered to the user are those that the primary virtual body appears to experience in the virtual environment, the experience is referred to as first-person perspective. Most virtual reality programs operate in this perspective as the user's control of the primary body's activity in the virtual environment is by very nature a first-person control. One embodiment of the present disclosure employs the first-person perspective. It is also possible to create a situation in which the user controls the virtual body as a first person, but observes the actions of this body from a different perspective, namely, from the perspective of a third person located behind or some distance away from the primary body. This case is referred to as third person perspective. In one embodiment of present disclosure, the third-person perspective is realized by placing a fixed camera view at some predetermined location within the virtual environment. In yet another embodiment, the user is allowed to choose the location of the camera, and hence, the user is allowed to define his or her own third-person perspective angle and location.

The appearance of virtual bodies in the virtual environment is arbitrary. In one embodiment, the appearance is modeled after a person or a vehicle of choice. In another embodiment, the appearance is selected by the user.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AS A CONTROLLER

In the present disclosure, the activity of the primary virtual body is controlled by the user's motion on exercise equipment and user's biometric data captured using biometric sensors that are coupled to the user during exercise. The virtual reality program simulates the motion of a vehicle or a runner moving within the virtual environment. The input devices capture user's actions that define the direction, velocity, and acceleration of the virtual vehicle. The input devices may sense the activity of various control mechanisms on the exercise equipment and the biometric monitors may sense user's physical condition. In the present disclosure, any one or all of the inputs captured by the input devices may be used to affect the activity in with virtual environment. The motion of the virtual vehicle is controlled using moveable elements on exercise equipment that include but are not limited to steering mechanism (e.g. handlebars), motion input devices (e.g. pedals, moving stairs, running track, oars), motion retardants (e.g. brakes), gear-shifter, vibration sensors, or body movement sensors.

BIOMETRIC SENSORS are sensors for human biometric parameters which include but are not limited to heart rate, glucose level, oxygen level, hydration level, breathing rate, blood pressure, weight, and metabolic parameters. In general, biometric sensors are monitor that can be performed electrically, while chemical monitors (those that include chemistry) are referred to as metabolic monitors. For example, monitoring the oxygen consumption or carbon-dioxide emission of the body may involve chemical monitoring and would be considered metabolic monitoring. For the purposes of this application, we include metabolic monitoring in our definition of biometric monitoring (and sensors).

References to metabolic monitors mean what is generally accepted are metabolic monitors, i.e., they do not include biometric monitoring. The instantaneous and cumulative values of caloric burn are biometric parameters. Biometric parameters also include the level of exertion. Level of exertion is used to quantify how hard the body works during exercise; it may, for example, comprise a value derived from the combination of increased heart rate, increased respiration or breathing rate, increased perspiration, and muscle fatigue. Presently used levels of exertion are the Borg Rating of the Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Metabolic Equivalent (MET).

Other means of quantifying how hard the body works at any instance of time during physical activity (and exercise) may be developed in the future and those quantities shall be treated as levels of exertion. Level of exertion may also comprise more than one quantity, namely, a combination of quantities. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the above-mentioned biometric parameters is captured or calculated by the computing unit and is then used to provide feedback to the user advising how to proceed with his or her exercise.

In another embodiment, at least one of the above biometric parameters is captured and saved on storage unit, and then accessed globally for analysis or fitness planning, namely, the stored biometric data is accessed by the same user exercising on a different exercise equipment coupled to the network and located anywhere in the world, hi another embodiment, at least one biometric parameter is used as input in the computing unit simulation of the virtual environment.

The sensory stimuli delivered by the computing unit to the user are provided via sensory interfaces referred to as output devices. Output devices for sight also referred to as display units, are placed in front in the clear view of the user of the exercise equipment. Display units include but are not limited to video monitor, video monitor with video glasses which when used jointly allow the user to view three-dimensional graphics on a single monitor, video goggles that allow the user to experience three-dimensional images (without the use a monitor), and monitors that employ an array of cylindrical refractive lenses that allow simulated three-dimensional imaging without the use of any glasses or goggles.

Output devices for sound are speakers (e.g. surround-sound speaker system) and stereo headphones. Other output devices include a mechanism that provides response to the forward-motion actuator on the exercise equipment. For example, in the case of a exercise bicycle the forward-motion actuator are the rotating pedals, while the response from the virtual-reality computing unit manifests itself as a varying resistance to pedal rotation. At a given rotational velocity of the pedals referred to as cadence, higher resistance to the rotation of the pedals results in increased dissipation of power by the user during exercise.

Another example of an output device is a fan located on the front of the exercise equipment and whose rotational velocity may be controlled by the computing unit depending on the perceived velocity of the virtual body in the virtual environment. The fan gives the user the perception of wind resistance experienced when moving forward. Another example of an output is the vibration of part of the station, for example, the seat, which simulates perceived road quality or impact with objects. Yet another example of an output device is resistance to steering, if applicable.

EXERCISE RECORD: The embodiments of this disclosure allow digital recording (capturing and storing) of the motion of all parts of the exercise equipment, all acquired biometric data, and the activity simulated within the virtual environment. The data recorded allow reconstruction of all of the activity occurring on the exercise equipment at a later time for the purpose of analysis or reconstructing the activity within the virtual environment. An exercise record is associated with a user and comprises several types of data: exercise session data, exercise preferences, and fitness record. Exercise session data include biometric data and motion data.

Biometric data is a term collectively used to describe a set of instantaneous biometric parameters acquired during an activity session, the temporal profile (history) of these parameters acquired during an activity session, and the calculated quantities calculated from these biometric parameters.

Motion data comprises physical quantities that describe motion of the different parts of the exercise bicycle, quantities that describe the virtual motion and activities of the primary virtual body within a simulated interactive environment for the specific session, and any quantity that is calculated from these. Motion data is logged during an activity (exercise) session. In one embodiment, motion data comprises a reduced set of above- mentioned information: for example, rather than logging the velocity and power as a function of time, the instantaneous position (of a virtual body) versus time is logged.

Examples of motion data are instantaneous cadence, power delivered to the exercise machine, gear number, position of the handlebars, position, elevation, and velocity profile traversed by the primary virtual body within the computing unit-simulated interactive environment, the virtual-exercise route, the total energy dissipated. Specifically, the pedal rotation velocity (referred to as cadence) and the resistance to the pedaling determines the instantaneous power dissipation by the user. The instantaneous force pushing the pedals (controlled by user and the pedal resistance) multiplied by the instantaneous rotational velocity of the pedals equals the instantaneous power delivered by the user to the exercise machine. The power delivered to the exercise machine is expressed in Watts and is integrated (accumulated) by the computing unit. The time integral of power is energy, which is expressed in calories (or Joule). The gear number determines the relationship between the cadence and the virtual velocity of the vehicle in the virtual environment.

The instantaneous power, cadence, gear number, their history, and the energy dissipated during one exercise session are some of the motion data displayed on the computing unit screen for the user to see and stored by the computing unit on storage unit. Rotation (or steering) of the handlebars to a certain angle from its steady state un-deflected position is another motion parameter. An exercise or an activity session is a process that starts with the user selecting the exercise mode and ends when the user requests stop or abandons the exercise equipment. Biometric session data are similarly logged and include instantaneous profile and their history. Exercise session data (motion and biometric data) are associated with an activity session.

Exercise preferences comprise personal preferences and short-term and long-term fitness targets. For example, exercise preferences may include a target to ride certain number of miles week, burn a certain number of calories day on average or in total, and maintain heart-rate below a specified number, time for traversing a certain VER, weight, glucose level after specified amount of caloric burn, etc. In one embodiment of the present disclosure the computing unit program controlling the exercise equipment compares current exercise-session data to the user's exercise preferences and as a result sends messages to the user when his or her fitness target has been reached.

Fitness record contains information on the overall performance of the user, his or her physical condition and capability; it may contain a high-level analysis of one's long- term fitness plan. This information may be of interest to the user's physician or personal trainer (coach).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise session data is stored on storage unit at the end of an exercise session. The stored exercise session data are loaded into a computing unit with virtual-reality capability and the entire exercise session can be reviewed in completion. The session may be reviewed from a different perspective: For example, the person reviewing the exercise session may be using a third-person perspective, while the person that created the exercise session (the person exercising) was using first-person perspective. This enables the reviewer to assess the exercise from a different point of view and provide feedback to the user.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

In one embodiment the exercise equipment is a recumbent exercise bicycle that includes handlebars and pedals, the pedals able to rotate. In one embodiment, a exercise equipment with virtual reality capability comprises a frame, seat assembly, motion input device, handlebars for steering, gear-shifting switches, optional programmable units, a computing unit, display unit coupled to the computing unit. In one embodiment, the motion input device is a pair of pedals that can rotate. Furthermore, the exercise equipment may comprise at least one biometric monitor coupled to the computing unit.

The computing unit runs a virtual reality program and provides sensory stimuli to the user exercising. The sensory stimuli may include images on the display unit, sound on headphones, variable difficulty in pedaling the pedals in the pedal assembly, difficulty in steering of the handlebars, wind velocity generated with a fan, and vibration of select bicycle parts. Gear-shifting function allows the user to optimize between pedaling speed (cadence) and pedaling resistance in according to his or her exercise level and ability.

The computing unit may include storage unit media and connections to the Internet.

The exercise equipment can be selectively operated as either a stand-alone unit or in an interactive exercise mode, wherein the exercise data generated by one cardio-fitness machine is communicated to at least one other similar machine allowing two or more users to exercise together or race against each other in a virtual environment. The other exercise equipment may be located anywhere in the world. A remote server may maintain exercise data on all users and enables retrieval of this data by the user anywhere in the world. The global exercise and biometric data collection and access by the users and system managers allows for collective interaction of persons exercising anywhere in the world, such as, participation in contents and races.

The computing unit program simulates the motion of a virtual bicycle riding through a computing unit-generated interactive environment. The computing unit generated environment is preferably modeled after a real-life landscape, but may be modeled after fictional landscapes or environments. In one embodiment, the computing unit program simulates (creates by simulation) the first-person perspective images seen by a virtual rider of the virtual vehicle while moving through the predetermined landscape. These first-person perspective images are displayed to the user on the display unit. In another embodiment, the computing unit program simulates third-person perspective of the virtual vehicle moving in the virtual environment. The third-person perspective allows the user to see the virtual vehicle and any other virtual bodies moving through the predetermined landscape on the display unit.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other methods, devices, and/or systems, not necessarily to those described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the device may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.