U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,755

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exercise device according to the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4. Initially, an exercise device10according to the present invention is preferably coupled to a gaming system400. The gaming system typically includes a game processor414(FIG. 3) and a monitor or display416. The game processor includes a storage drive and/or unit to receive computer readable media (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.) containing software for various games and a processing device to execute the software to provide games on the monitor. The gaming system may be implemented by any conventional or other processing or gaming system (e.g., microprocessor system, personal computer, video gaming system, etc.). For example, the gaming system may be implemented by conventional video games, such as PS2 available from Sony, XBOX available from Microsoft or GAMECUBE available from Nintendo.

The games generally include characters or objects that are controlled by a user via a controller. For example, the user may control movement and actions of a character or a vehicle (e.g., car, airplane, boat, etc.) to move through a virtual environment displayed on the monitor. The controller includes a plurality of input devices (e.g., joystick, buttons, etc.) to enable a user to interact with the game. The gaming system receives signals from the controller and updates the display to reflect the movements and/or actions of the character or object as indicated by user manipulation of the controller.

Exercise device10serves as a game controller and enables a user to perform isometric exercises to control the game scenario. The exercise device is typically configured to be compact, portable and lightweight, preferably including a weight less than seventeen pounds. In particular, device10includes a base20, support platforms30a,30b, an effector bar110and a controller120. Base20is in the form of a substantially rectangular bar with front and rear surfaces21,23, side surfaces25,27and top and bottom surfaces19,29. The base includes a substantially cylindrical receptacle28attached to the base top surface proximate base front surface21and extending upward therefrom. The receptacle includes dimensions suitable to receive effector bar110therein. By way of example only, base20includes a length or longitudinal dimension of approximately eighteen inches, a width or transverse dimension of approximately two inches and a height or depth of approximately one inch, while receptacle28includes a height of approximately four inches. However, the base and receptacle may be of any shape or size and include any suitable dimensions. Base20includes a series of channels22a,22bdefined therein and respectively positioned toward a corresponding base front and rear surface. The channels extend transversely through the base between side surfaces25,27and enable the base to engage support platforms30a,30bas described below.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2A, openings24a,24bare respectively defined in the base top surface toward base front surface21and base rear surface23substantially coincident a corresponding channel22a,22b. Threaded recesses17a,17bare defined in a base lower portion (proximate bottom surface29) below respective channels22a,22band substantially coincident corresponding openings24a,24b. Openings24a,24band recesses17a,17beach include dimensions sufficient to accommodate a corresponding threaded bolt26. The threads of the bolt are configured to engage the threads of recesses17a,17bto removably secure support platforms30a,30bto the base as described below.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2B, support platform30aincludes a generally ‘U’-shaped frame member32and a frame bar34. Frame member32includes a support bar31with arms33,35extending substantially in parallel from respective ends of the support bar to form the generally ‘U’-shape. Frame bar34is attached to the distal portions of arms33,35and extends between those arms across the open portion of generally ‘U’-shaped frame member32. The arms and frame bar define an area within support platform30ato receive a plate36therein. The plate includes a shape and dimensions sufficient to occupy and fit within that area. The plate is preferably constructed of a plastic material (e.g., ABS, PVC, etc.), but may be constructed of any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc.). By way of example only, support platform30aincludes a length or longitudinal dimension of approximately fourteen inches, a width or transverse dimension of approximately seven and one-half inches and a depth or thickness of approximately 0.5 inches, while plate36includes a length or longitudinal dimension of approximately fourteen inches, a width or transverse dimension of approximately six and one-half inches and a depth or thickness of approximately 0.25 inches. However, the support platform and plate may be of any shape or size and include any suitable dimensions.

Arm33includes a shoulder or step15distally of frame bar34, where the arm upper portion is tapered distally of the shoulder to form a projection37. A threaded opening39is defined through projection37to receive and engage bolt26as described below. Similarly, arm35includes a step or shoulder16distally of frame bar34, where the arm lower portion is tapered distally of the shoulder to form a projection38. This projection includes an opening41defined therethrough to receive bolt26as described below. By way of example only, projections37,38include a length or longitudinal dimension of approximately one inch and a width or transverse dimension of approximately one inch. However, the projections may be of any shape or size and include any suitable dimensions. Support platform30bis substantially similar to support platform30adescribed above.

Support platform30ais disposed proximate base side surface25, while support platform30bis disposed proximate base side surface27. The support platforms are oriented in an inverted fashion with respect to each other. Projection37of support platform30bis inserted within channel22aof the base from side surface27with projection38of support platform30abeing inserted within that channel from side surface25. Projection37of support platform30bis disposed within channel22abelow projection38of support platform30a, where openings39,41of the projections, opening24aof the base and recess17aare aligned with each other to form a passage to receive bolt26. The bolt is disposed through the passage with the bolt threads engaging the threads of projection opening39and recess17ato secure the support platforms to the front portion of the base.

Similarly, projection37of support platform30ais inserted within channel22bof the base from side surface25with projection38of support platform30bbeing inserted within that channel from side surface27. Projection37of support platform30ais disposed within channel22bbelow projection38of support platform30b, where openings39,41of the projections, opening24bof the base and recess17bare aligned with each other to form a passage to receive bolt26. The bolt is disposed through the passage with the bolt threads engaging the threads of projection opening39and recess17bto secure support platforms30a,30bto the rear portion of the base. The support platforms may be removed from the base by withdrawing bolts26from openings24a,24band removing the respective projections37,38of support platforms30a,30bfrom base channels22a,22b.

Referring back toFIGS. 1 and 4, effector bar110is received within receptacle28in a substantially upright position. The effector bar is constructed of a suitably rigid material (e.g., a metal alloy) that is capable of being slightly deflected within its elastic limit in response to any combination of bending, twisting, tension and compression forces applied by the user to the bar. While the effector bar is generally cylindrical, it is noted that the effector bar may be of any suitable shape (e.g., bent or curved, V-shaped, etc.) and have any suitable exterior surface geometries (e.g., curved, multifaceted, etc.). A lock mechanism (not shown) may be employed to adjust the position of the effector bar within receptacle28in accordance with user characteristics (e.g., height, reach, etc.).

A controller120is attached or secured to the effector bar upper portion. The controller is of the type available for conventional video games (e.g., PS2 available from Sony, XBOX available from Microsoft, GAMECUBE available from Nintendo, video gaming applications configured for use with personal computer operating systems such as Microsoft WINDOWS and Apple Mac OS X, etc.), such as the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,444, and is similar to the controllers disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications. The controller typically includes a series of buttons123and a joystick121disposed on the controller upper portion. The joystick and effector bar may be selectively configured or assigned to game functions as described below. Basically, effector bar110serves the function of a second controller joystick with respect to a game. The controller generally includes respective signal sources (e.g., variable resistor or potentiometers) to provide signals indicating joystick motion along X (e.g., left/right motions) and Y (e.g., forward/back motions) axes. For example, joystick121(FIG. 3) may be associated with signal sources125(e.g., variable resistor or potentiometers) to provide signals indicating joystick motion along X and Y axes. However, the controller may include any quantity of any type of input devices (e.g., buttons, switches, a keypad, joystick, etc.) and signal sources disposed at any location and arranged in any fashion on the controller. The buttons and joystick may be utilized to enter any desired information (e.g., enter desired user actions for the game, etc.). Further, the controller may include input devices156(FIG. 3) to enter and reset resistance controls and reset clock or other functions, and input devices157to control function assignment of controller input devices as described below. Devices156,157may be implemented by any conventional or other input devices (e.g., buttons, slides, switches, etc.). The controller lower portion includes a generally “U”-shaped handle or grip122for engagement by a user.

Effector bar110includes at least one sensor to measure at least one type of strain applied by the user to that bar. Preferably, effector bar110includes strain gauge sensors150,160(FIG. 3) that are arranged at suitable locations on the bar, preferably on the effector bar lower portion near receptacle28. These sensors measure the amount of a strain deformation applied to the bar as a result of the user applying pushing, pulling or lateral forces to the controller handle. By way of example only, sensor150may measure force applied to the effector bar along an X-axis (e.g., lateral or left/right forces), while sensor160may measure forces applied to the effector bar along a Y-axis (e.g., push/pull or forward/backward forces).

The sensors may be arranged with respect to the effector bar in any suitable manner to measure forces, such as the manners disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications. For example, the sensors may be attached directly or indirectly to an effector bar exterior or interior surface to measure the applied forces. Preferably, sensors150,160are secured to a gauge mounting structure disposed within the effector bar in a manner similar to that disclosed in aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/133,449. Referring toFIG. 2C, a gauge mounting structure108is secured within the hollow interior and extends substantially the length of effector bar110. The effector bar preferably includes at least one open end to facilitate insertion of the gauge mounting structure within the effector bar during assembly. The mounting structure is preferably an elongated hollow tube and has a transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., the outer diameter of the internal mounting structure) less than the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the effector bar (e.g., the internal diameter of the effector bar). Thus, an annular gap111exists between effector bar110and gauge mounting structure108nested within the effector bar.

The gauge mounting structure is preferably constructed of a suitable material capable of being slightly deformed within its elastic limit in response to any combination of bending, twisting, tension and compression forces applied to the effector bar and translated to the gauge mounting structure as described below. This material is generally more compliant and provides greater flexibility for the mounting structure in comparison to the effector bar. Specifically, when the same force is applied at substantially similar locations and directions to each of effector bar110and gauge mounting structure108, the gauge mounting structure is more flexible and is capable of deforming to a slightly greater extent or degree (e.g., has a greater deformation) than the effector bar without exceeding the elastic limit of the gauge mounting structure. In an exemplary embodiment in which the effector bar is constructed of steel or other suitable metal alloy, the gauge mounting structure is preferably constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable plastic or polymer material that is more compliant or flexible than the metal materials used to construct the effector bar.

The gauge mounting structure is stabilized within and indirectly secured along internal peripheral surface portions of the effector bar via suitable strain transfer materials preferably disposed proximate the longitudinal ends of the gauge mounting structure. The strain transfer materials facilitate transfer of forces or strains that are applied to the effector bar to the gauge mounting structure as described below. A fitting112(e.g., a PVC coupling) is secured at a first end of gauge mounting structure108that corresponds with the first end of effector bar110(e.g., the effector bar end that is secured within receptacle28). Alternatively, fitting112may be secured at the second end of the gauge mounting structure that corresponds with the second, free end of the effector bar (e.g., the effector bar end toward controller120).

The fitting forms a sheath around the longitudinal outer periphery of the gauge mounting structure, and has a transverse cross-sectional dimension that is slightly less than the transverse cross-sectional dimension (e.g., inner diameter) of the effector bar. In addition, the outer surface portions of the fitting frictionally engage the inner surface portions of the effector bar to provide a first indirect contact area or contact bridge between the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure at their corresponding first ends. This contact bridge serves as one strain transfer location in which forces or strains applied to the effector bar are transferred to the gauge mounting structure. A first plug114of hardened epoxy resin is secured within annular gap111at a location adjacent fitting112. The first resin plug is secured to inner and outer peripheral surface portions of the effector bar and gauge mounting structure and to the adjacent end surface of the fitting to provide additional surface contact areas between the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure for facilitating strain transfer from the effector bar to the gauge mounting structure.

A second plug116of hardened epoxy resin is disposed within annular gap111at the corresponding second ends of effector bar110and gauge mounting structure108. The second plug is secured to respective inner and outer peripheral surface portions of the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure to provide a second indirect contact area or contact bridge between the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure. This provides another location at which forces or strains applied to the effector bar are transferred to the gauge mounting structure. Second plug116substantially fills the annular gap from a selected location along the gauge mounting structure to the structure second end. A foam collar115is disposed in the annular gap and surrounds an outer peripheral surface portion of the gauge mounting structure at the selected location adjacent the second plug. The foam collar is provided to facilitate formation of the second plug of hardened epoxy resin during assembly of the effector bar.

While the strain transfer materials described above include a fitting and hardened epoxy resin, it is noted that any suitable connecting or bridging material may be provided within the annular gap formed between the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure that facilitates transfer of applied forces from the effector bar to the gauge mounting structure. For example, fittings and/or plugs of hardened epoxy resin can be secured at both opposing (e.g., first and second) ends of and/or at any other locations along the gauge mounting structure, where the fittings and/or plugs are suitably dimensioned to provide a contact or connecting bridge between corresponding inner and outer peripheral surface portions of the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure. The strain transfer materials are preferably suitably rigid to effect substantially complete transfer of forces between the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure with minimal or no absorbance of such forces by the strain transfer materials. While the preferred placement of strain transfer materials is at or near the opposing longitudinal ends of the effector bar and gauge mounting structure, the strain transfer materials may be disposed at any one or more suitable locations along the length of the effector bar depending upon a particular application.

Sensors150,160are affixed at suitable locations on outer surface portions of gauge mounting structure108between the locations of the strain transfer materials. Preferably, the sensors are disposed at suitable locations along the gauge mounting structure where, depending upon a particular design and/or application, deformation of the effector bar and/or the gauge mounting structure will likely be the greatest or most significant. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2C, sensors150,160are secured on gauge mounting structure108at a location that is closer to the first (e.g., fixed) end (e.g., toward receptacle28) of the gauge mounting structure in comparison to the second (e.g., free) end (e.g., toward controller120) of the gauge mounting structure.

The sensors are further aligned in a longitudinal direction of both the effector bar and the gauge mounting structure and are angularly offset from each other by approximately ninety degrees on the outer periphery of the gauge mounting structure. In particular, the sensors are aligned to measure bending deflections of gauge mounting structure108(e.g., corresponding with bending deflections of effector bar110that have been translated to the gauge mounting structure via the strain transfer materials) along at least two separate axes. For example, the two separate axes may be a predefined X axis and a predefined Y axis, where both axes are oriented in the same plane and angularly offset from each other by approximately ninety degrees. However, it is noted that any suitable number of sensors (e.g., one or more) may be provided and suitably aligned on the gauge mounting structure to measure compression, elongation, and twisting of the gauge mounting structure based upon similar forces acting upon and transferred from the effector bar. For example, a third sensor may be affixed in a suitable alignment along the gauge mounting structure surface to measure twisting or torque deflections of the effector bar with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the effector bar. These deflections are translated from the effector bar to the gauge mounting structure (via the strain transfer materials described above) for measurement by the sensors.

The sensors are connected to a control circuit200(FIG. 3) within controller120via appropriate wiring126,128, where the controller provides appropriate information to gaming system400(FIG. 4). The information received by the gaming system is processed to display a video game scenario on the gaming system. The scenario is updated in accordance with strain forces applied to the effector bar by a user. The controller may further be configured to control the level of exertion required by a user in order to achieve a particular response in the video game scenario. Resistance levels may be input to an exercise processor154(FIG. 3) by the user via input devices156(e.g., a keypad). Alternatively, or in combination with user input, the resistance levels may be controlled by the exercise processor based upon conditions within the video game scenario, such as changing wind conditions, changing grade of the terrain (e.g., going uphill), etc.

A display124(FIG. 1) is further disposed on the controller upper portion and may display various information to the user (e.g., the degree of force applied to a particular effector bar at any given time, the amount of work performed by the user during a particular exercise session, resistance levels, time or elapsed time, force applied to the various axes (X and Y axes), instantaneous force applied, total weight lifted, calories burned (e.g., based on the amount of work performed and user weight), resistance level setting, degree of effector bar movement and/or any other exercise or other related information). The display is preferably implemented by a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), but may be any type of display (e.g., LED, etc.).

An exemplary control circuit for exercise device10is illustrated inFIG. 3. Specifically, control circuitry200includes sensors150,160and corresponding amplifiers152,162, exercise processor154, a switching device or matrix158and a signal processor164. A conventional power supply (not shown) provides appropriate power signals to each of the circuit components. The circuit may be powered by a battery and/or any other suitable power source (e.g., the gaming system). A power switch (not shown) may further be included to activate the circuit components. Further, the circuit may include trim potentiometers153to adjust the centering and range of strain gauge sensors150,160.

Sensors150,160are each connected to a respective amplifier152,162. The electrical resistance of sensors150,160vary in response to compression and stretching of the effector bar. Amplifiers152,162basically amplify the sensor signals (e.g., in a range compatible with the type of controller employed). The amplified voltage value is sent by each amplifier to exercise processor154and switching device158. Exercise processor154may be implemented by any conventional or other processor and typically includes circuitry and/or converts the analog signals from the amplifiers to digital values for processing. Basically, the amplified sensor value represents the force applied by the user, where values toward the range maximum indicate greater applied force. The amplified analog value is digitized or quantized within a range in accordance with the quantity of bits within the converted digital value (e.g., −127 to +127 for eight bits signed, −32,767 to +32,767 for sixteen bits signed, etc.) to indicate the magnitude and/or direction of the applied force. Thus, amplified voltage values toward the range maximum produce digital values toward the maximum values of the quantization ranges.

The exercise processor receives resistance level and reset controls from the user via input devices156as described above, and controls amplifier gain parameters to adjust system resistance in accordance with the user specified controls. In particular, the exercise processor adjusts the gain control of the amplifiers in order to facilitate a resistance level in accordance with user input and/or the video game scenario. The gain control parameter basically controls the amount of gain applied by the amplifier to an amplifier input (or sensor measurement). Since greater amplified values correspond to a greater force, increasing the amplifier gain enables a user to exert less force to achieve a particular amplified force value, thereby effectively lowering the resistance of the system for the user. Conversely, reducing the amplifier gain requires a user to exert greater force to achieve the particular amplified force value, thereby increasing the resistance of the system for the user. The exercise processor further adjusts an amplifier Auto Null parameter to zero or tare the strain gauge sensors.

The exercise processor is further connected to display124to facilitate display of certain exercise or other related information as described above. The exercise processor receives the amplified sensor values and determines various information for display to a user (e.g., the degree of force applied to a particular effector bar at any given time, the amount of work performed by the user during a particular exercise session, resistance levels, time or elapsed time, force applied to the various axes (X and Y axes), instantaneous force applied, total weight lifted, calories burned (e.g., based on the amount of work performed and user weight), resistance level setting, degree of effector bar movement and/or any other exercise or other related information). In addition, the exercise processor resets various parameters (e.g., resistance, time, work, etc.) in accordance with reset controls received from input devices156(e.g., to provide a new session for logging information).

Switching device158receives the signals from amplifiers152,162and is coupled to input devices or switch controls157, joystick121and signal processor164. Switching device158enables a user to selectively configure controller120for game functions as described below. By way of example only, effector bar110(FIG. 1) serves as a right controller joystick, while joystick121serves as the left controller joystick, where the functions of the joysticks with respect to a game may be selectively assigned by a user as described below. However, the effector bar may serve as any joystick or other input device.

The switching device receives information from amplifiers152,162and is coupled to the inputs of signal processor164. The switching device basically enables information for controller input devices to be selectively placed on the signal processor inputs corresponding to the desired game functions. In particular, switching device158is utilized to selectively exchange game functions between joystick121and the effector bar. The switching device includes double pole double throw switches166,168that are respectively associated with X and Y motion axes. By way of example only, switch166is associated with an X motion axis (e.g., lateral or right/left forces applied to the effector bar or joystick), while switch168is associated with the Y motion axis (e.g., forward/backward forces applied to the effector bar or joystick).

A series of switching device outputs170,172and174,176(e.g., labeled RX, LX, RY and LY, respectively, as viewed inFIG. 3) are respectively associated with switches166,168and are each coupled to specific inputs of signal processor164. The signal processor inputs are typically mapped to game functions in accordance with the game software executed by game processor414. Switches166,168basically couple the signals from the desired devices (e.g., effector bar or joystick) to the signal processor inputs corresponding to the desired game functions in accordance with controls from a user entered via input devices or switch controls157. In particular, switch166includes for each corresponding throw switch180,182switch contacts that are coupled to sensor150and to a signal source125of joystick121measuring X axis motion. Throw switch180is associated with output170, while throw switch182is associated with output172. These outputs effectively represent the X axis (e.g., lateral or left/right) motion of controller joysticks. The throw switches are configured in a manner to enable the signal from sensor150to be placed on one output and the joystick signal to be placed on the other output in accordance with the user control signals, thereby enabling the user to map the joystick or effector bar to a desired game function.

Similarly, switch168includes for each corresponding throw switch184,186switch contacts that are coupled to sensor160and to a signal source125of joystick121measuring Y axis motion. Throw switch184is associated with output174, while throw switch186is associated with output176. These outputs effectively represent the Y axis (e.g., forward/backward) motion of controller joysticks. The throw switches are configured in a manner to enable the signal from sensor160to be placed on one output and the joystick signal to be placed on the other output in accordance with the user control signals, thereby enabling the user to map the joystick or effector bar to a desired game function. Thus, the functions of joysticks within a game may be selectively assigned to be performed by joystick121and/or the effector bar.

Applications of higher complexity with respect to blending or assigning game functions may require additional selector switches and various combinations of selector switch settings. For example, the joystick or effector bar may individually perform the functions of two joysticks in accordance with the connections. Further, the exercise device may include various devices (e.g., foot pedals, stairs, ski type exercisers, treadmills, cycling, etc.) that provide isokinetic and/or isotonic exercise features in addition to the isometric exercise features provided by the effector bar as described above. These exercise devices may similarly be assigned to game functions by the user in substantially the same manner described above. In this case, the signal sources associated with these devices are coupled to switching device158to direct the signals associated with the exercise devices to the appropriate inputs of signal processor164. Switching device158may alternatively be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other devices capable of switching signals (e.g., switches, multiplexers, cross-bar switch, analog switches, digital switches, routers, logic, gate arrays, logic arrays, etc.) to accomplish the function assignments for the exercise device.

The signals from the switching device outputs are transmitted to a respective predetermined memory location within signal processor164. The signal processor may be implemented by any conventional or other processor and typically includes circuitry and/or converts the analog signals from the switching device to digital values for processing in substantially the same manner described above. The signal processor samples the memory locations at predetermined time intervals (e.g., preferably on the order of ten milliseconds or less) to continuously process and send information to the game processor to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application.

Basically, the signal processor processes and arranges the switching device signals into suitable data packets for transmission to game processor414of gaming system400. The signal processor may process raw digital values in any fashion to account for various calibrations or to properly adjust the values within quantization ranges. The data packets are in a format resembling data input from a standard peripheral device (e.g., game controller, etc.). For example, the processor may construct a data packet that includes the status of all controller input devices (e.g., joystick121, buttons123, etc.) and the values of each sensor. By way of example only, the data packet may include header information, X-axis information indicating a corresponding sensor force and joystick measurement along this axis, Y-axis information indicating a corresponding sensor force and joystick measurement along this axis, rudder or steering information, throttle or rate information and additional information relating to the status of input devices (e.g., buttons, etc.). Additional packet locations may be associated with data received from controller or other input and/or exercise devices coupled to the signal processor, where the input devices may represent additional operational criteria for the scenario (e.g., the firing of a weapon in the scenario when the user presses an input button, throttle, etc.). The game processor processes the information or data packets in substantially the same manner as that for information received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game controller, etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application (e.g., game, etc.) displayed on monitor or display416of the gaming system.

Exercise device10may serve as a game controller that is operable with a wide variety of video gaming or other systems including PS2, XBOX and GAMECUBE systems, and various personal or other computers (e.g., personal computers with Microsoft WINDOWS and Apple Mac OS X operating systems). Exercise device10includes a cable system that facilitates connection and communication between controller120and multiple (e.g., two or more) video gaming systems. Referring toFIG. 4, a cable system220is connected to and extends from a rear surface of controller120(e.g., a controller surface that opposes the controller surface including joystick121, buttons123and display124) and at a location above controller handle122. Cable system220is substantially similar to the cable system described in aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/097,370 and includes a flexible and hollow body224that extends into controller120via an access panel or door (not shown) to receive and retain wiring that is connected with signal processor164(FIG. 3) within the controller. Alternatively, the cable may connect with the controller at any other suitable location and/or in any other suitable manner. A number of separately and independently extending wires are sheathed within and extend the length of cable body224. The wires are configured for providing an electrical contact or link between signal processor164of controller120and a specific video gaming system as described below.

Cable body224extends a selected distance from controller120and connects with a generally rectangular housing226. A number of flexible and hollow cables227,230,240,250extend from housing226. The wiring within cable body224extends within housing226for transfer of signals to wiring sets directed into and through a respective one of the output cables227,230,240,250. Thus, housing226serves as a junction location for the transfer of signals between wiring within cable body224and respective wiring sets of the output cables, where each output cable includes a wiring set that is configured for connection to a game controller port of a corresponding video gaming system.

Each output cable227,230,240,250terminates in a respective connection plug228,231,241,251. The connection plugs are each configured to connect with a corresponding game controller port of a respective video gaming system. The connection plugs connect with the game controller ports in a male-female mating relationship. In particular, each connection plug includes a male component with associated metal pins and/or other contacting structure that is configured for insertion into a corresponding female component of a respective controller port. These connections establish an electrical contact between the wiring set associated with the connection plug and corresponding wiring that connects in a suitable manner with the game processor of the video gaming system. By way of example only, connection plug251is configured to connect with a game controller port of a GAMECUBE system, connection plug241is configured to connect with a game controller port of an XBOX system, connection plug231is configured to connect with a game controller port of a PS2 system, and connection plug228is configured to connect with a universal serial bus (USB) port of any suitable gaming system or personal or other computer (e.g., to facilitate control of Microsoft WINDOWS or Apple Mac OS X based gaming or other applications). However, the cable system is not limited to this exemplary configuration, but rather can include any suitable number (e.g., two or more) of connection plugs of any suitable types and configurations to facilitate connections with any types of video gaming or other systems.

Cable system220is of a suitable length (e.g., eight feet or greater) to facilitate a relatively easy connection between exercise device10and video gaming system400. In situations where the exercise system is located a considerable distance (e.g., greater than eight feet) from a video gaming system, the exercise device may employ an extension cable device300. Cable device300is substantially similar to the cable device disclosed in aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/097,370, and is coupled to cable system220to connect the cable system with the video gaming system. In particular, extension cable device300includes a flexible and hollow cable302that extends a suitable length (e.g., about 8 feet or greater) and includes a first housing316at a first end of the cable and a second housing328at a second end of the cable. Cable302is substantially similar in configuration and design as cable224of cable system220, where the same or substantially similar wiring extends through the cable. Further, cable302can include one or more wires that transfer common or shared signals for two or more wiring sets.

Each housing316,328is substantially similar in configuration and design as housing226of cable system220. Each housing serves as a junction location to transfer signals between the wiring within cable302and each of a plurality of wiring sets in a similar manner as described above for housing226. In particular, a number of flexible and hollow cables304,306,308,310extend from housing316. The housing is disposed between cable302and these cables to facilitate a connection. Each cable304,306,308,310couples a respective wiring set therein to housing316and terminates at a respective connection plug305,307,309,311. The housing transfers signals between the wiring sets and the appropriate wiring in cable302, where one or more of the wires of cable302may convey signals common to the gaming systems to reduce the quantity of wires employed by the cable.

Connection plugs305,307,309,311are complimentary with and configured for connection to corresponding connection plugs227,231,241,251of cable system220. In addition, the wiring sets disposed within the connection plugs of extension cable device300include the same or substantially similar wiring as the wiring sets disposed within the corresponding connection plugs of cable system220. The connection plugs of the cable system and extension device connect with each other in a male-female mating relationship, where a male component of each connection plug of cable system220is inserted into a female component of a corresponding connection plug of extension cable device300. This achieves an electrical contact between metal elements (e.g., pins and corresponding receiving receptacles and/or other metal complimentary contacting structures) of the plugs that further facilitates an electrical connection between the corresponding pairs of wiring sets extending within the cable system and the extension cable device. However, any other suitable connection between the connection plugs can be provided to facilitate electrical contact between corresponding pairs of wiring sets.

A number of flexible and hollow cables320,322,324,326extend from housing328. The housing is disposed between cable302and these cables to facilitate a connection. Each cable320,322,324,326couples a respective wiring set therein to housing328and terminates at a respective connection plug321,323,325,327. The housing transfers signals between the wiring sets and the appropriate wiring in cable302, where one or more of the wires of cable302may convey signals common to the gaming systems to reduce the quantity of wires employed by cable302as described above. Connection plugs321,323,325,327are identical in configuration and design as corresponding connection plugs227,231,241,251of cable system220. Thus, each connection plug321,323,325,327of the extension cable device includes a male component with associated metal pins and/or other metal contacting structure that is configured for insertion into a corresponding female component of a respective controller port to establish an electrical contact between the wiring set associated with the connection plug and corresponding wiring of the video gaming system to which the connection plug is connected.

The sets of wiring that are directed to each connection plug321,323,325,327of the extension cable device are further the same or substantially similar as the wiring sets of a corresponding connection plugs of cable system220. Thus, the mapping of wiring sets through cable system220to the various connection plugs is maintained by extension cable device300so as to facilitate an extension of the various wiring sets a suitable distance for providing communication between controller120and video gaming system400. In addition, it is noted that extension cable device300can also be utilized with any video gaming system and corresponding game controller that include connecting components corresponding with any of the connection plug sets provided on the extension cable device. This enables the extension cable device to serve as a universal extension cable for a variety of different connection plug/port designs that exist for different video gaming systems and game controllers.

Control circuitry200of the exercise device controller is configured for effective communication and operability as a game controller with each of the video gaming systems associated with the wiring sets and cable connectors of the cable system. In particular, when cable system220(optionally including extension cable device300) is connected with a video gaming system in the manner described above, controller signal processor164identifies the specific video gaming system with which control unit120is connected upon receiving one or more initial electrical signals (e.g., one or more “wake-up” signals) from the video gaming system. When the specific video gaming system is identified, the controller signal processor processes and arranges signals into suitable data packets for transmission to and recognition by the video gaming system during a gaming application as described above.

Operation of exercise device10is described with reference toFIG. 4. Initially, a user couples the exercise device to video gaming system400utilizing the appropriate connection plug or plugs of cable system220and/or extension cable device300(e.g., the particular connection plug or plugs compatible with the gaming system). Based upon the video gaming system utilized and/or the particular gaming application that is to be executed, the user may selectively assign game functions to the joystick, the effector bar and/or other input and/or exercise devices as described above. The user may adjust the exercise device (e.g., controller height, etc.) to accommodate the user physical characteristics. The exercise device is placed on an appropriate surface (e.g., floor, chair, couch, bed, etc.), where the user is typically seated on exercise device10with user legs supported by support platforms30a,30b(e.g., with the legs extending over respective support platforms30a,30b) and effector bar110disposed between the user legs. The user weight and/or body basically stabilizes the effector bar for manipulation. In other words, the user body or weight provides sufficient resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar to enable manipulation of that bar by the user.

During an initial set-up sequence (e.g., when the video gaming system is powered on), signal processor164(FIG. 3) of controller120receives one or more initial signals from video gaming system400. The signal processor identifies the specific video gaming system based on those initial signals and arranges data in suitable data packets for recognition by the identified system. A game is selected and executed on the gaming system, and the user engages in an exercise to interact with the game. The user operates the exercise device with the user legs supported by support platforms30a,30band the user hands placed on controller handle122. The user grips the controller handle and applies a force to the controller to exert a strain on the effector bar. The user applies one or more forces to the controller and, hence, the effector bar with respect to at least one of the X and Y axes to produce a corresponding game movement (e.g., of a character or an object in the scenario displayed by the game processor). The user may further manipulate joystick121, other controller input devices and/or other exercise devices for additional actions depending upon the particular game and user function assignments.

The signals from strain gauge sensors150,160and controller input devices (e.g., joystick, buttons, etc.) are transmitted to the controller signal processor to generate data packets for transference to video gaming system400. The gaming system processes the information or data packets in substantially the same manner as that for information received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game controller, etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application. Thus, the force applied by the user to the effector bar results in a corresponding coordinate movement or action in the scenario displayed on the video gaming display in accordance with the function assigned to the bar by the user. In other words, user exercise serves to indicate desired user actions or movements to the gaming system to update movement or actions of characters or objects within the game in accordance with the function assigned to the bar. For example, when the user assigns the effector bar accelerator and steering functions, application of a forward force to the controller may serve as the accelerator, while lateral force applied to the controller may serve as the steering function.

As noted above, a single signal processor is implemented in the control circuit of the exercise device, where the signal processor is capable of communicating with a number of different video gaming systems in the manner described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the use of a single processor. Rather, the exercise device may include multiple processors (e.g., two or more), where each processor is configured to enable communication of signals between the exercise device and at least one corresponding video gaming system as disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications. In addition, the electrical connection and/or communication between the one or more signal processors of the exercise device are not limited to the cable system and extension cable device described above. Rather, any suitable wired and/or wireless communication links can be provided that facilitate communication between one or more processors of the exercise device of the present invention and two or more different video gaming systems as disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications.

An alternative embodiment of exercise device10is illustrated inFIG. 5. In particular, exercise device50includes a base350, effector bar110, a stability member370and controller120. Base350includes a generally ‘Y’ type configuration with elongated branch members352,354and an elongated stem member356. The branch and stem members typically include a rectangular transverse cross section, where the branch members extend in opposing directions from the stem member distal end at an obtuse angle relative to the stem member, thereby forming the ‘Y’ type configuration. A substantially cylindrical receptacle360is disposed at the junction of the stem and branch members. The receptacle extends upward from the base and includes dimensions sufficient to receive effector bar110for manipulation by a user as described below.

Effector bar110is substantially similar to the effector bar described above and is slidably received within receptacle360in a substantially upright position. A lock mechanism158may be employed to adjust the position of the effector bar within receptacle360in accordance with user characteristics (e.g., height, reach, etc.) as described above. Controller120is substantially similar to the controller described above and is attached or secured to the effector bar upper portion. The controller preferably includes buttons123, joystick121and display124disposed on the controller upper portion as described above. The joystick and effector bar may be selectively configured or assigned to game functions as described above. The controller lower portion includes generally “U”-shaped handle or grip122for engagement by a user as described above.

Stability member370is disposed in sliding relation about effector bar110to enable a user to engage the stability member and stabilize the effector bar (e.g., enable a user to provide resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar) during user manipulation of that bar. The stability member includes a plurality of generally cylindrical support members330,332,334and336arranged in a cross type configuration (e.g., angularly displaced from each other by approximately ninety degrees) with an open central portion to receive effector bar110. The stability member is in slidable relation with the effector bar and may be positioned along the effector bar at any desired location via any suitable conventional mechanisms (e.g., an O-ring, clamps, etc.). Support members330,332are separated by a sufficient distance (e.g., angularly displaced by approximately ninety degrees) to enable a user leg or other body portion to be disposed between those members. Similarly, support members334,336are separated by a sufficient distance (e.g., angularly displaced by approximately ninety degrees) to enable a user leg or other body portion to be disposed between those members. In addition, user feet may be placed on branch members352,354, where the user legs and feet engage the stability member and/or base to stabilize the effector bar (e.g., enable a user to provide resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar) for user manipulation of that bar. The support members are preferably padded for user comfort.

Effector bar110typically includes at least one sensor to measure at least one type of strain applied by the user to that bar as described above. The sensors may be arranged as described above and measure the amount of a strain deformation applied to the bar as a result of the user applying pushing, pulling or lateral forces to the controller handle. The sensors are connected to control circuit200(FIG. 3) within controller120via appropriate wiring, where the controller provides appropriate information to gaming system400(FIG. 4). Strain gauge measurements are processed to display a video game scenario on the gaming system. The scenario is updated in accordance with strain forces applied to the effector bar by a user as described above.

Alternatively, exercise device50may include a base with a cross or plus type configuration as illustrated inFIG. 6. In particular, exercise device60is substantially similar to exercise device50(FIG. 5) described above and includes a base380with a cross or plus type configuration. The base includes a plurality of generally rectangular base members382,384,386and388arranged in a cross type configuration (e.g., angularly displaced from each other by approximately ninety degrees) with an open central portion to receive receptacle360. The receptacle extends upward from the base and includes dimensions sufficient to receive effector bar110(with stability member370and controller120) for manipulation by a user as described above. In addition, user feet may be placed on base members382,384,386and/or388, where the user legs and feet engage the stability member and/or base to stabilize the effector bar (e.g., enable a user to provide resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar) for user manipulation of that bar. Base380provides enhanced stability of exercise device60for manipulation of effector bar110.

Operation of exercise devices50,60is described with reference toFIGS. 4-6. Initially, operation of these exercise devices is substantially similar to the manner of operation of exercise device10described above. In particular, a user couples exercise device50,60to video gaming system400utilizing the appropriate connection plug or plugs of cable system220and/or extension cable device300(e.g., the particular connection plug or plugs compatible with the gaming system) in substantially the same manner described above for exercise device10. Based upon the video gaming system utilized and/or the particular gaming application that is to be executed, the user may selectively assign game functions to the joystick, the effector bar and/or other input and/or exercise devices as described above. The user may adjust the exercise device (e.g., controller height, stability member height, etc.) to accommodate the user physical characteristics. The user is typically seated (e.g., on the floor or couch, in a chair, etc.) with user legs engaging the support members (e.g., with the legs extending over respective support members330,334, and downward toward the base between support member pairs330,332and334,336) and/or base as described above to stabilize the effector bar (e.g., enable a user to provide resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar). The user may alternatively engage the stability member and/or base with any body portions in any suitable fashion to stabilize the effector bar.

During an initial set-up sequence (e.g., when the video gaming system is powered on), signal processor164(FIG. 3) of controller120receives one or more initial signals from video gaming system400. The signal processor identifies the specific video gaming system based on those initial signals and arranges data in suitable data packets for recognition by the identified system as described above. A game is selected and executed on the gaming system, and the user engages in an exercise to interact with the game. The user operates the exercise device with the user legs engaging the stability member and/or base and the user hands placed on controller handle122. The user grips the controller handle and applies a force to the controller to exert a strain on the effector bar. The user applies one or more forces to the controller and, hence, the effector bar with respect to at least one of the X and Y axes to produce a corresponding game movement (e.g., of a character or an object in the scenario displayed by the game processor). The user may further manipulate joystick121, other controller input devices and/or other exercise devices for additional actions depending upon the particular game and user function assignments.

The signals from the strain gauge sensors and input devices (e.g., joystick, buttons, etc.) are transmitted to the controller signal processor to generate data packets for transference to video gaming system400. The gaming system processes the information or data packets in substantially the same manner as that for information received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game controller, etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application as described above.

Another alternative embodiment of exercise device10is illustrated inFIG. 7. In particular, device70includes a base platform375, effector bar110and controller120. Base platform375includes a frame372and a plate374. Frame372is substantially rectangular and includes front and rear bars373,379and side bars377,378that are collectively configured to form the frame rectangular configuration. A substantially cylindrical receptacle376is attached to front bar373of frame372and extends upward therefrom. The receptacle includes dimensions suitable to receive effector bar110therein. The frame bars define an area within base platform375to receive plate374therein. The plate includes a shape and dimensions sufficient to occupy and fit within that area. The plate is preferably constructed of a plastic material (e.g., ABS, PVC, etc.), but may be constructed of any suitable materials (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc.). The base platform and plate may be of any shape or size and include any suitable dimensions.

Effector bar110is substantially similar to the effector bar described above and is slidably received within receptacle376in a substantially upright position. A lock mechanism158may be employed to adjust the position of the effector bar within receptacle376in accordance with user characteristics (e.g., height, reach, etc.) as described above. Controller120is substantially similar to the controller described above and is attached or secured to the effector bar upper portion. The controller preferably includes buttons123, joystick121and display124disposed on the controller upper portion as described above. The joystick and effector bar may be selectively configured or assigned to game functions as described above. The controller lower portion includes generally “U”-shaped handle or grip122for engagement by a user as described above.

Effector bar110typically includes at least one sensor to measure at least one type of strain applied by the user to that bar as described above. The sensors may be arranged in the manner described above and measure the amount of a strain deformation applied to the bar as a result of the user applying pushing, pulling or lateral forces to the controller handle. The sensors are connected to control circuit200(FIG. 3) within controller120via appropriate wiring, where the controller provides appropriate information to gaming system400(FIG. 4). Strain gauge measurements are processed to display a video game scenario on the gaming system. The scenario is updated in accordance with strain forces applied to the effector bar by a user as described above.

Operation of exercise device70is described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 7. Initially, operation of exercise device70is substantially similar to the manner of operation of the exercise devices described above. In particular, a user couples exercise device70to video gaming system400utilizing the appropriate connection plug or plugs of cable system220and/or extension cable device300(e.g., the particular connection plug or plugs compatible with the gaming system) in substantially the same manner described above for exercise devices10,50and60. Based upon the video gaming system utilized and/or the particular gaming application that is to be executed, the user may selectively assign game functions to the joystick, the effector bar and/or other input and/or exercise devices as described above. The user may adjust the exercise device (e.g., controller height, etc.) to accommodate the user physical characteristics. The exercise device is placed on an appropriate surface (e.g., floor, chair, couch, bed, etc.), where the user is typically seated on exercise device70with user legs supported by base platform375(e.g., with the legs extending over frame372and plate374) and effector bar110disposed between the user legs. The user weight and/or body basically stabilizes the effector bar (e.g., enables a user to provide resistive or stabilizing forces for the effector bar).

During an initial set-up sequence (e.g., when the video gaming system is powered on), signal processor164(FIG. 3) of controller120receives one or more initial signals from video gaming system400. The signal processor identifies the specific video gaming system based on those initial signals and arranges data in suitable data packets for recognition by the identified system as described above. A game is selected and executed on the gaming system, and the user engages in an exercise to interact with the game. The user operates the exercise device with the user legs supported by base platform375and the user hands placed on controller handle122. The user grips the controller handle and applies a force to the controller to exert a strain on the effector bar. The user applies one or more forces to the controller and, hence, the effector bar with respect to at least one of the X and Y axes to produce a corresponding game movement (e.g., of a character or an object in the scenario displayed by the game processor). The user may further manipulate joystick121, other controller input devices and/or other exercise devices for additional actions depending upon the particular game and user function assignments.

The signals from the strain gauge sensors and input devices (e.g., joystick, buttons, etc.) are transmitted to the controller signal processor to generate data packets for transference to video gaming system400. The gaming system processes the information or data packets in substantially the same manner as that for information received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game controller, etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application as described above.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing an isometric exercise system and method of facilitating user exercise during video game play.

Exercise device10and the corresponding components (e.g., effector bar, base, support platforms, controller, etc.) may be of any size or shape, may be arranged in any fashion and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The base may be of any size or shape, and include any quantity of channels of any size or shape defined in the base at any suitable locations and extending in any directions (e.g., transversely, longitudinally, at any desired angles, partially or entirely through the base, etc.). The openings may be of any quantity, size or shape and may be defined in the base at any suitable locations. The recesses may be of any quantity, size or shape and may be defined in the base at any suitable locations. The recesses and openings may be threaded in any fashion or combination. Alternatively, the openings, recesses and channels may be configured in any conventional or other manner to engage the bolt or other securing mechanism to secure the support platforms to the base. The bolt may be of any quantity, size or shape and may be implemented by any securing mechanism (e.g., bolt, screw, pin, clamp, etc.). The receptacle may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any suitable location to receive the effector bar. The locking mechanism may include any type of locking device (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to releasably maintain an exercise device component in a desired position or orientation to accommodate a user.

The support platforms may be of any quantity, shape, size or suitable materials with the same or different configuration. The support platforms may be permanently or removably secured to the base at any suitable locations, and may support any desired user body portions (e.g., legs, arms, torso, etc.), where the user may utilize the device in any suitable position (e.g., sitting down, standing, lying down, etc.). The frame member may be of any shape or size and include any quantity of arms and/or bars (e.g., support, frame, etc.) of any shape or size and configured in any manner. The arms, frame bar and support bar may be of any quantity, shape or size and configured in any manner (e.g., extend in parallel, at any angle, etc.)). The projections may be of any quantity, shape or size and include any configuration to enable mating with a corresponding support platform (e.g., tapered lower or upper sections, complementary configurations (e.g., hook and opening, clasp, etc.), etc.). The projection openings may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be defined at any suitable locations and may include any configuration to engage a securing mechanism (e.g., threads, etc.). The plate may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be disposed within the support platform at any desired location or in any orientation.

Exercise device50and the corresponding components (e.g., effector bar, base, stability member, controller, etc.) may be of any size or shape, may be arranged in any fashion and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The branch and stem members may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be arranged in any fashion (e.g., ‘T’, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ configuration, cross or plus configuration, star configuration, any angular offset, etc.). The support members may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be arranged in any fashion (e.g., ‘T’, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ configuration, cross or plus configuration, star configuration, any angular offset, etc.). The support members may include any desired foam or padding for user comfort. The stability member may be adjustable relative to the effector bar via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to accommodate user characteristics. The stability member and base may accommodate any desired user body portions (e.g., legs, arms, torso, etc.), where the user may utilize the device in any suitable position (e.g., sitting down, standing, lying down, etc.). The receptacle may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any suitable location to receive the effector bar. The locking mechanism may include any type of locking device (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to releasably maintain an exercise device component in a desired position or orientation to accommodate a user.

Exercise device60and the corresponding components (e.g., effector bar, base, stability member, controller, etc.) may be of any size or shape, may be arranged in any fashion and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The base members may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be arranged in any fashion (e.g., ‘T’, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ configuration, cross or plus configuration, star configuration, any angular offset, etc.). The support members may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be arranged in any fashion (e.g., ‘T’, ‘X’ or ‘Y’ configuration, cross or plus configuration, star configuration, any angular offset, etc.). The support members may include any desired foam or padding for user comfort. The stability member may be adjustable relative to the effector bar via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to accommodate user characteristics. The stability member and base may accommodate any desired user body portions (e.g., legs, arms, torso, etc.), where the user may utilize the device in any suitable position (e.g., sitting down, standing, lying down, etc.). The receptacle may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any suitable location to receive the effector bar. The locking mechanism may include any type of locking device (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to releasably maintain an exercise device component in a desired position or orientation to accommodate a user.

Exercise device70and the corresponding components (e.g., effector bar, base platform, controller, etc.) may be of any size or shape, may be arranged in any fashion and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The base platform may support any desired user body portions (e.g., legs, arms, torso, etc.), where the user may utilize the device in any suitable position (e.g., sitting down, standing, lying down, etc.). The frame may be of any quantity, shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The frame may include any quantity of bars of any shape, size or suitable materials, where the bars may be configured or arranged in any manner. The plate may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be disposed within the frame at any desired location and in any orientation. The receptacle may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any suitable location to receive the effector bar. The locking mechanism may include any type of locking device (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to releasably maintain an exercise device component in a desired position or orientation to accommodate a user.

The effector bar for the exercise devices may be constructed of any suitable materials that preferably are subject to measurable deflection within an elastic limit of the materials when subjected to one or more straining or other forces by the user. The effector bar may have any suitable geometric configurations, and two or more effector bars may be combined in any suitable manner to yield a device that conforms to a desired design for a user for a particular application. The effector bar may be positioned at any desired orientation or angle (e.g., the receptacle may be angled, the effector bar may be disposed within the receptacle at an angle, the effector bar may be adjustable to any desired angle by a user, etc.). The exercise devices may further include various exercise mechanisms to control the video game and provide further exercise for a user (e.g., cycling, stair mechanism, etc.).

Any suitable number of any types of sensors (e.g., strain gauges, etc.) may be applied to an effector bar and/or gauge mounting structure to facilitate the measurement of any one or more types of strain or other forces applied by the user (e.g., bending forces, twisting forces, compression forces and/or tension forces). The exercise devices may be utilized on any suitable surface (e.g., floor, couch, bed, etc.) and may be adjustable in any fashion (e.g., any dimension, controller and/or stability member height, etc.) via any types of arrangements of components (e.g., telescoping arrangement, overlapping arrangement, extender components, etc.) to accommodate user physical characteristics.

The sensors may be constructed of any suitable materials, may be disposed at any locations on the effector bar and/or gauge mounting structure and may be of any suitable type (e.g., strain gauge, etc.). Further, the sensors may include any electrical, mechanical or chemical properties that vary in a measurable manner in response to applied force to measure force applied to an object. The sensors may include any desired arrangement. The exercise devices may include any suitable number of effector bars and gauge mounting structures secured within the effector bars. The gauge mounting structures may be constructed of any suitable materials that preferably permit their deformation within an elastic limit as a result of bending, twisting, compression and/or torque forces applied to the effector bar. Preferably, the gauge mounting structures are constructed of materials that are more compliant and have greater flexibility than the effector bars to which they are secured when each are subjected to the same amount and/or type of forces. The gauge mounting structures may have any suitable geometric configurations that preferably facilitate securing of one or more gauge mounting structures within an effector bar, and two or more effector bars may be combined in any suitable manner to yield a system frame that conforms to a desired design for a user for a particular application.

The gauge mounting structures may be hollow or solid. For example, in an embodiment where a gauge mounting structure is hollow, the strain gauge sensors may be secured at suitable locations to outer surface portions on the gauge mounting structure with associated wiring extending within the annular gap between the gauge mounting structure and the effector bar. Alternatively, the gauge mounting structures may be solid structures, where both the strain gauges and wiring are secured and/or extend from outer surface portions of the gauge mounting structures.

Strain transfer materials may be provided of any suitable types, sizes and configurations to facilitate transfer of applied forces from the effector bars to one or more gauge mounting structures disposed within the effector bars. The strain transfer materials can be formed of any suitable materials that effect a transfer of at least a portion of the applied forces from the effector bar to the gauge mounting structure. The strain transfer materials may be disposed at any one or more suitable locations within the effector bars to provide a connection at selected surface locations between the effector bars and the gauge mounting structures. Alternatively, gauge mounting structures may be designed to include one or more suitably sized and configured outer peripheral sections that frictionally engage with interior peripheral surface portions of the effector bars so as to facilitate one or more strain transfer contacting surfaces between the gauge mounting structures and the effector bars.

The controller for the exercise devices may be of any shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials, and may be of the type of any commercially available or other game controller (e.g., those for use with PS2, XBOX, GAMECUBE, etc.). The controller may include any quantity of any types of input devices (e.g., buttons, slides, joysticks, track type balls, etc.) disposed at any locations and arranged in any fashion. The controller may include any quantity of any types of signal source devices to generate signals in accordance with input device manipulation (e.g., variable resistors or potentiometers, switches, contacts, relays, sensors, strain gauges, etc.). The signal sources may correspond with any quantity of axes for an input device. Any controller input devices may be implemented as force sensing or isometric devices, while the controller input devices may be assigned to any suitable game functions. The controller may include any quantity or combination of force sensing input devices and motion input devices. The controller handle may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be disposed at any location to receive force applied by a user. Alternatively, the user may apply force directly to the effector bar.

The effector bar and/or other input devices may be assigned the gaming functions of any desired controller input devices. The switching matrix or device may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other devices capable of switching signals (e.g., switches, multiplexers, cross-bar switch, analog switches, digital switches, routers, logic, gate arrays, logic arrays, processor, etc.). The switch controls may include a control processor to control the switching device in accordance with the controls to achieve the desired function assignment. The switch controls may be implemented by any conventional or other control or input devices (e.g., processor, slides, switches, buttons, etc.) to provide control signals to the switching device or control processor. The switching device or switch controls may alternatively provide a user interface to enable the user to enter information to configure the controller in the desired manner. The interface may be in the form of screens on a controller display or controller lights or other indicators. Further, the interface may be shown on the gaming system display and implemented by the game processor of the gaming system. The control processor may be implemented by any conventional or other processor or circuitry (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.). The switching device may direct signals from any quantity of inputs to any quantity of outputs in accordance with user-specified or other controls and may map any controller input devices and/or exercise mechanisms to any suitable game functions. The switching device may be disposed internal or external of the controllers.

The gaming system may be implemented by any quantity of any personal or other type of computer or processing system (e.g., IBM-compatible, Apple, Macintosh, laptop, palm pilot, microprocessor, gaming consoles such as the XBOX system from Microsoft Corporation, the PLAY STATION 2 system from Sony Corporation, the GAMECUBE system from Nintendo of America, Inc., etc.). The gaming system may be a dedicated processor or a general purpose computer system (e.g., personal computer, etc.) with any commercially available operating system (e.g., Windows, OS/2, Unix, Linux, etc.) and/or commercially available and/or custom software (e.g., communications software, application software, etc.) and any types of input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.). The gaming system may execute software from a recorded medium (e.g., hard disk, memory device, CD, DVD or other disks, etc.) or from a network or other connection (e.g., from the Internet or other network).

The controller may arrange data representing force measurements by sensors and other controller information into any suitable data packet format that is recognizable by the gaming system or host computer system receiving data packets from the controller. The data packets may be of any desired length, include any desired information and be arranged in any desired format. Any suitable number of any type of conventional or other displays may be connected to the controller or gaming system to provide any type of information relating to a particular computer session. A display may be located at any suitable location on or remote from the controller.

Each of the exercise devices may be adjustable in any fashion (e.g., any dimension, controller and/or support height, controller and/or support orientation or distance to the user, etc.) via any types of arrangements of components (e.g., telescoping arrangement, overlapping arrangement, extender components, etc.) to accommodate user physical characteristics. The locking mechanisms may include any type of locking device (e.g., friction device, clamp, peg and hole arrangement, etc.) to releasably maintain an exercise system component in a desired position or orientation to accommodate a user.

The processors (e.g., control, exercise, signal, game, switching devices, etc.) may be implemented by any quantity of any type of microprocessor, processing system or other circuitry, while the control circuitry may be disposed at any suitable locations on the devices, within the controller or, alternatively, remote from the devices. The control circuitry and/or signal processor may be connected to one or more game processors or host computer systems via any suitable peripheral, communications media or other port of those systems. The signal processors may further arrange digital data (e.g., force or other measurements by sensors, controller information, etc.) into any suitable data packet format that is recognizable by the game processor or host computer system receiving data packets from the signal processors. The data packets may be of any desired length, include any desired information and be arranged in any desired format.

The signal processor may sample the information at any desired sampling rate (e.g., seconds, milliseconds, microseconds, etc.), or receive measurement values or other information in response to interrupts. The analog values may be converted to a digital value having any desired quantity of bits or resolution. The processors (e.g., control, signal, exercise, etc.) may process raw digital values in any desired fashion to produce information for transference to the display, game processor or host computer system. This information is typically dependent upon a particular application. The correlation between the measured force or exercise motion and provided value for that force or motion may be determined in any desired fashion. By way of example, the amplified measurement range may be divided into units corresponding to the resolution of the digital value. For an eight bit unsigned digital value (e.g., where the value indicates the magnitude of force), each increment represents 1/256 of the voltage range. With respect to a five volt range, each increment is 5/256 of a volt, which is approximately 0.02 volts. Thus, for an amplified force measurement of three volts, the digital value may correspond to approximately 150 (e.g., 3.0/0.2).

Any suitable number of any types of conventional or other circuitry may be utilized to implement the control circuit, amplifiers, sensors, trim potentiometers, switching device and processors (e.g., exercise, control, signal, etc.). The amplifiers may produce an amplified value in any desired voltage range, while the A/D conversion may produce a digitized value having any desired resolution or quantity of bits (e.g., signed or unsigned). The control circuit may include any quantity of the above or other components arranged in any fashion. The resistance change of the sensors may be determined in any manner via any suitable conventional or other circuitry. The amplifiers and processors (e.g., exercise, signal, etc.) may be separate within a circuit or integrated as a single unit. Any suitable number of any type of conventional or other displays may be connected to the processors (e.g., exercise, signal, control, game, etc.), where the processors may provide any type of information relating to a particular computer interactive exercise session (e.g., results from isometric exercises including force and work, results from motion exercise including speed and distance traveled, calories burned, weight lifted, etc.). A display may be located at any suitable location on or remote from the exercise devices.

The control circuitry and/or signal processors of the game controllers may be connected to one or more game processors of video gaming or host computer systems via any suitable peripheral, communications media or other port of those systems. Any suitable number and types of wired and/or wireless devices may be provided to facilitate communications between game controllers and video gaming systems. For example, any suitable number of cables can be provided and configured for connection with each other, with each cable including one or more suitable wiring sets with one or more wires, to facilitate connection with two or more video gaming systems. The cable junctions of the cable system and extension cable device may transfer signals between the wires within the cable and wiring sets in any fashion (e.g., direct connection of wires, connection to a terminal, etc.). The wiring of the cable may be connected to any quantity of wiring sets, where the cable wiring may utilize one or more wires to transfer gaming signals common to any quantity of wiring set wires to reduce the quantity of wires employed in the cable. Alternatively, the cable may include a dedicated wire for each wiring set wire. Any suitable number and types of housings or other structures may be connected with one or more cables to facilitate transfer of signals between wiring extending within a cable and wiring sets for transfer into separate cables. Any suitable number and types of connectors (e.g., male and/or female connection plugs) may be provided to facilitate connection and a communication link between a game controller and one or more different video gaming systems. The cable system and extension cable device may include cables of any suitable lengths. The wake-up signal may include any signal or desired information to identify a gaming system (e.g., voltage or current level, gaming system identifier, etc.).

Any suitable number and types of wireless communication links (e.g., transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers) that send and/or receive any suitable types of signals (e.g., RF and/or IR) can be provided for connection with a game controller and/or one or more video gaming systems. One or more signal processors may be connected with one or more wireless communication links to facilitate communications between a game controller and one or more video gaming systems. In addition, one or more signal processors may be provided within a communication device (e.g., a transceiver), connection plugs and/or other connecting structure that connects with one or more video gaming systems, where the signal processors are configured to identify video gaming systems to which they are connected and convert data transmissions for recognition by a game controller and/or a video gaming system that are linked to each other.

Further, a universal adaptor may be provided that is generic and configured to connect with any selected types of game controllers and video gaming systems, where the universal adaptor includes one or more suitable signal processors to identify a specific video gaming system and to effectively convert data transmissions for recognition by each of the game controller and the specific video gaming system that is connected to the game controller via the universal adaptor. The universal adaptor may include one or more cables to sheath one or more sets of wiring and/or one or more suitable wireless communication devices (e.g., transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers, etc.) to facilitate wireless communications.

Any suitable number of additional input devices may be provided for the system to enhance video game scenarios. The input devices may be provided on any suitable number of control panels that are accessible by the user during system operation and have any suitable configuration (e.g., buttons, switches, keypads, etc.). The exercise mechanisms (e.g., foot pedals, stairs, ski type exercisers, treadmills, etc.) may provide any isokinetic and/or isotonic exercise features in addition to or instead of the isometric exercise features provided by effector bars. The exercise mechanisms may be assigned to any desired game functions in the manner described above and may further be resistance controlled by the exercise processor, where control signals may be transmitted to a resistance or braking device or the amount of effort required by the user may be modified.

The resistance level for the effector bar and exercise mechanisms may be controlled by adjusting amplifier or other parameters. Alternatively, the resistance level may be controlled based on thresholds entered by a user. For example, the processors (e.g., exercise and/or signal processors) may be configured to require a threshold resistance level be achieved, which is proportionate to the amount of straining force applied by the user to one or more effectors or to an amount of motion or force applied to an exercise mechanism (e.g., rate of stair climbing or pedaling, etc.) before assigning appropriate data values to the data packets to be sent to the game processor or host computer. Threshold values for the change in resistance may be input to the processor by the user via an appropriate input device (e.g., a keypad).

It is to be understood that the software of the exercise devices and/or processors (e.g., control, exercise, game, signal, switching devices, etc.) may be implemented in any desired computer language, and could be developed by one of ordinary skill in the computer and/or programming arts based on the functional description contained herein. Further, any references herein of software performing various functions generally refer to computer systems or processors performing those functions under software control. The processors (e.g., control, exercise, signal, switching device, etc.) may alternatively be implemented by hardware or other processing circuitry, or may be implemented on the game processor or host system as software and/or hardware modules receiving the sensor and/or input device information or signals. The various functions of the processors (e.g., control, exercise, signal, game, switching devices, etc.) may be distributed in any manner among any quantity (e.g., one or more) of hardware and/or software modules or units, processors, computer or processing systems or circuitry, where the processors, computer or processing systems or circuitry may be disposed locally or remotely of each other and communicate via any suitable communications medium (e.g., LAN, WAN, Intranet, Internet, hardwire, modem connection, wireless, etc.). The software and/or algorithms described above may be modified in any manner that accomplishes the functions described herein.

The terms “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “height”, “width”, “length”, “forward, “backward”, “left”, “right” and the like are used herein merely to describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any specific orientation or configuration.

The present invention exercise devices are not limited to the gaming applications described above, but may be utilized as a peripheral for any processing system, software or application.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the invention makes available a novel isometric exercise system and method of facilitating user exercise during video game play, wherein an isometric exercise device serves as a controller for video games or other applications to enable users to exercise during game play or computer simulations.

Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved isometric exercise system and method of facilitating user exercise during video game play, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.