WO2000064542A1

WO2000064542A1 - A computer interface

Info

Publication number: WO2000064542A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/001553
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Kite
Original assignee: Interex Limited
Priority date: 1999-04-23
Filing date: 2000-04-20
Publication date: 2000-11-02
Also published as: AU4132500A; GB9909254D0

Abstract

An interface comprising input receiving means for receiving an input signal from an exercise machine (6) and passing said first input signal to a processor (16), datum generating means (18, 20) adapted to cause said processor (16) to generate a datum, said processor (16) in use producing an output signal which is mapped to the input signal utilising said datum and said output signal causing a signal to be output from said interface suitable for inputting to a computer. The interface is particularly suitable for receiving a speed input signal between desired minimum and maximum levels and mapping this input signal to a varying output to a computer when the input is between the minimum and maximum levels.

Description

A COMPUTER INTERFACE

This invention relates to a computer interface, and in particular an interface for connecting an exercise machine to a computer.

It is well known that it is advantageous for people to exercise and it is also known to provide dedicated exercise bicycles, or stationary bicycles, for this purpose. However, using such stationary bicycles can be quite monotonous and so people may not exercise on them as regularly as they should.

A solution to this problem has been proposed in US patent US 5 839 990, which shows a way of connecting a stationary bicycle to a computer through a joystick. However, the apparatus proposed in US 5 839 990 is not as versatile or as easy to use as may be desired. A further example of such a system is shown in US 4 512 567.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an interface comprising input receiving means for receiving an input signal from an exercise machine and passing said input signal to a processor, datum generating means adapted to cause said processor to generate a datum, said processor in use producing an output signal which is mapped to the input signal utilising said datum and said output signal causing a signal to be output from said interface suitable for inputting to a computer.

An advantage of such a system is that subsequent operation of the exercise machine can be tailored to give the degree of physical exercise required by a user. Clearly, if the exercise rate is set too high or too low the work-out given to a user will be inefficient. Further, it is well known that if work-outs are too hard or easy, people will become disheartened or bored respectively and are more likely to give up their exercise routine. Therefore, an interface according to the present invention may aid people in the maintenance of their fitness.

In use, the interface may allow a user to control software running on the computer. In a particular embodiment the interface allows a user to control a game running on the computer. An advantage of this is that by controlling the game a user is provided with stimulation whilst exercising and as such may be encourage to exercise more.

The exercise machine may be a stationary bicycle (or may be any other suitable device such as rowing machine, treadmill, stairclimber, etc.) . It will be appreciated that the interface could receive an input from a device other than an exercise machine, particularly a device producing a series of pulses of variable frequency.

The output signal from the interface may be adapted, in use, to be connected to an analogue input of a computer providing a convenient way of inputting a signal to the computer.

Alternatively, the interface may be arranged to produce a digital output suitable for inputting to a computer. The digital output may take any of the known formats, which includes: universal serial bus (USB) , Firewire (IEEE 1394) , serial, etc. Further, it is possible that the interface makes use of wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, etc.

In one particular embodiment the computer to which the interface is connected is of the type commonly referred to as a PC. It is well known for such computers to be provided with a games port which comprises four analogue inputs. Traditionally the four analogue inputs were used so that two joysticks could be connected to the computer wherein each joystick would use one channel for X axis control and a second channel for Y axis control. However, it is becoming increasingly common for only a single joystick to be connected to the PC leaving two analogue inputs unused. Further, these unused inputs are increasingly becoming used as further inputs to the computer for other purposes such as a throttle or speed control.

In alternative embodiments, the computer could be any other type of computer. For example, the computer may be any of the following: a games console (e.g. Playstation™, N64™, etc.) , MAC™, etc.

In a preferred embodiment the output signal is connected, in use, to the games port so that it is interpreted as an input from a throttle, or speed, control of a joystick. An advantage of this is that it is relatively simple to control an existing piece of software (perhaps a game) running on the computer. Of course, the output signal may be connected to any of the analogue inputs of the games port.

In use, the processor may require a user to provide an input to the datum generating means before causing an output signal. In a preferred embodiment the processor may require, in use, a user to provide two inputs to the datum generating means before causing an output signal. These approaches allow the processor to map the input signal to the output signal in an appropriate manner.

The datum generating means may comprise at least one switch, which may be a push-to-make or a push-to-break switch. This provides a simple input to the processor. The datum generating means may comprise more than one switch.

In use, the datum generating means may be adapted to receive an input from the user when the user is performing a minimum desired level of exercise on the exercise machine: a minimum level threshold. Further, the datum generating means may be adapted, in use, to receive a second input from the user when the user is performing a maximum desired level of exercise on the exercise machine: a maximum level threshold. This provides convenient thresholds from which the processor means may be adapted to map the input signal to the output signal.

The datum generating means may inform the processor that a minimum and/or maximum level threshold is being input to the input receiving means.

The processor may be adapted, in use, to map the input signal to the output signal as a linear function, providing a straight forward mapping suitable for controlling a speed, or throttle control. In one particular embodiment the processor may be adapted, in use, to produce an output signal which is interpreted by a computer connected to the interface as a zero throttle, or speed, demand when a user is exercising at or below the minimum desired level of exercise. Further, the processor may be adapted, in use, to produce an output which is interpreted by a computer connected to the interface as a maximum allowable throttle signal when a user is exercising at or above the maximum desired level of exercise. This is much simpler than the systems described in some of the prior art documents. Preferably an input signal corresponding to a level of exercise below the minimum desired level does not cause an output signal, and a level of exercise above the maximum desired level may cause a maximum level of output signal.

Preferably an output means is provided. The output means is preferably a display means, which may comprise at least one LED and preferably comprises two LED's. Information relating to the mapping of the input signal to the output signal can be provided to a user. Further, the display means may also be adapted, in use, to convey information to the user as they are exercising. Of course, the display means may comprise an LCD, or similar display.

Alternatively, or additionally, the output means may comprise a sounder, a vibrating element, etc.

The display means may be adapted to produce a first display signal when the processor has not received either or both of a minimum and maximum level threshold. An advantage of this is that a user is alerted to the fact that they need to input the required information to the interface before the interface will function.

Once in use, the display means may be adapted to produce a second display signal when a user is exercising at or above the minimum desired level of exercise (but below the maximum desired level) . Further, the display means may be adapted to produce a third display signal when a user is exercising at or above the maximum desired level of exercise. This functionality of the display means allows a user to exercise within their preferred exercise band which as discussed above allows them to optimise their workouts. A further signal may be produced when a user is exercising below their minimum desired level of exercise.

The first display signal may comprise causing the two LED's to flash. The second and third display signals may comprise illuminating a single one of the two LED's. Different LED's may be illuminated for the second and third signals. The further signal may comprise illuminating neither of the LED's.

A smoothing means may be provided adapted, in use, to smooth the output signal. An advantage of this is that it prevents sudden changes in the output signal which may be detrimental to the performance of software running on the computer connected to the interface. For example should the output signal be connected to a throttle, or speed, input of a games port the skilled person will appreciate that it is not desirable to have sudden spikes in the signal. The smoothing means may be provided by the processor.

The input signal may comprise a series of pulses the period of which corresponds to the speed at which the exercise machine is being used and the processor may measure the period of the input signal to determine the speed. In a preferred embodiment the interface further comprises a resistance means having a variable resistance. In use, the processor may alter the resistance of the resistance means according to the period of the input signal. In a preferred embodiment the resistance means may comprise a digital potentiometer.

The processor may further comprise a calibration means adapted to calibrate the output signal to the computer to which the interface is, in use, connected. An advantage of this is that the output signal can be interpreted correctly by a computer to which the interface is connected.

The calibration means may, in use, output signals corresponding to the minimum and maximum values that the output signal can take. This may be achieved using an input to the processor and the display means. It is well known in the field of games software for PC type computers to have to calibrate each analogue joystick used with that particular PC to each game running on that PC . Therefore, it is unlikely that such a calibration procedure will place an undue burden on a user of the interface.

The processor may be provided with a memory. The memory may be adapted, in use, to retain minimum and maximum thresholds corresponding to the minimum and maximum desired levels of exercise. This is advantageous since it allows a user to regularly use the system without having to re-map the input signal to the output signal.

The processor may be provided by a micro controller.

Protection means may be provided to protect the circuitry of the exercise machine. Clearly, this is advantageous since it prevents any damage to the exercise machine and prevents the signals of the machine being interrupted by the interface.

Such protection means are well known to the skilled person but include means such as opto-isolators, capacitive coupling, etc. In one particular embodiment the protection means is a relay.

The interface may be provided with a keyboard replicating means allowing, in use, a user to provide a computer to which the interface is attached with inputs replicating key presses of the computer's keyboard. It is well known for various software, including games, to require a user to press keys. The keyboard replicating means is therefore advantageous because it would allow a user to fully operate a software package running on a computer to which the interface is attached.

The keyboard replicating means may be programmable so that a user can program which keys of the computer's keyboard are replicated by the keyboard replicating means. The keyboard replicating means may comprise a set of buttons, or keys, on the interface.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising an exercise machine, a computer, and an interface according to a first aspect of the invention.

The system may further comprise a joystick, and the exercise machine may comprise an exercise bicycle.

In some embodiments one or more of the X and Y axis of a joystick may be mapped to the handle bars of a stationary bicycle allowing a system to be provided which is completely independent of a joystick. However, this is not necessarily the preferred embodiment since this is mechanically much more complicated and may not be necessary to provide the desired training incentive. However, such embodiments would allow a user to completely control a game, or other software, running on the computer to which the interface is attached from the exercise bike.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of interfacing an exercise machine to a computer, the method comprising mapping an input signal received from the exercise machine onto an output signal using a processor in response to a further input received from a datum generating means.

An advantage of such a method is that it allows a user to map the input signal onto the output signal in a desired manner, which when the interface is, in use, connected to a computer may allow for more tailored control of software running on the computer.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an interface for connecting an exercise machine to a computer.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the system;

Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of an interface according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a circuit which isolates the interface from a stationary bicycle to which it is connected; and

Figure 4 shows an example of how an input signal can be mapped to an output signal.

The interface 2 accepts an input signal 4 from a stationary bicycle 6 and contains a processor as detailed in Figure 2. The processor processes the input signal to generate an output signal 8 which is adapted to be input to a games port of a PC type computer 9. The skilled person will appreciate that the output signal could also be input to any other type of computer once appropriate modifications had been made.

The interface 2 is adapted to receive an input from a joystick 10 and pass inputs received from the joystick 10 straight to the computer 9 without modification.

Generally, the input signal 4 received from the stationary bicycle comprises a series of pulses, the period of which corresponds to the speed at which the stationary bicycle is being ridden and hence the level of exercise exerted by a user of the bicycle 6.

This input signal may be generated by a device (not shown) , for example a reed switch, positioned on the wheel of the stationary bicycle. However, the pulse can be generated by any number of ways as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In use, the interface is adapted to be connected to an existing stationary bicycle 6. It is known that some stationary bicycles 6 are provided in kit form wherein the sensor on the wheel of the stationary bicycle must be connected to a display before the bicycle 6 can be used. Generally a connector is provided to allow the two devices to be connected. In such circumstances it is a simple matter to connect the interface 2 to the connector provided to connect the bicycle sensor to the display. (Alternatively the bicycle may be modified to connect to the interface) .

A circuit as shown in Figure 2 shows protection means which can be used to prevent the signals from the sensor being interfered with as they are passed on to any existing monitoring equipment connected to the stationery bicycle (many exercise machines are now fitted with electronic measurement and performance monitoring computers) . Of course, where there is no existing monitoring equipment on the stationery bicycle the isolation circuit shown in Figure 3 can be omitted. A 500Ω relay 12 is provided to tap signals from the sensor on the stationary bicycle 6.

The output from the circuit in Figure 3 (referenced 14) is used as the input signal to the interface 2 and is input to pin 6 of a 16C84-04/p microcontroller 16 (the processor) . Of course, any suitable microcontroller could be used. The skilled person will appreciate that the exact connections to the microcontroller may be different than those shown and still provide the same functionality.

Pins 7, 8 and 9 of the microcontroller 16 are connected to push to make switches 18,20,22 which are used as inputs to the microcontroller. Pins 7,8 and 9 of the microcontroller 16 are active high and therefore pull down resistors 24,26,28 of suitable magnitude are provided. The microcontroller 16 is clocked by a 4MHz crystal 30.

Outputs a, b from the microcontroller 16 are input to a digital potentiometer 32 or resistance means (The Dallas semiconductor package DS1804 is suitable for this purpose) . The output signal 8 is produced by the output of the potentiometer 32 and is fed to the throttle control input of the games port of the computer 9.

Further, outputs of the microcontroller 16 (from pins 17 and 18) are used to drive first and second LED's (not shown) . The LED's provide a display means to convey information to a user of the interface.

In use, when the interface 2 is powered up the LED's are caused to flash by the microcontroller (providing a first display, signal) indicating that information relating to the desired levels of exercise have not been input to the microcontroller 16. Without such information the microcontroller 16 cannot produce an output signal 8 from an input signal 4, i.e. it cannot map the output signal onto the input signal.

This information is provided by the user. The user pedals on the stationary bicycle 6 at their minimum desired level of exercise and presses the switch 20 (datum generating means) . The microcontroller 16 stores the period of the pulses arriving from its input from the stationary bicycle 4 and uses this as a minimum level threshold. The user then exercises at their maximum desired level of exercise and presses switch 18 (datum generating means) indicating to the microcontroller that the period of the input signal 4 should be taken as a maximum level threshold.

The microcontroller 16 checks that the minimum and maximum level thresholds are valid. It would be possible to input invalid thresholds, for instance, the minimum threshold could be set higher than the maximum threshold, or they could be equal. If this is the case, the microcontroller 16 causes the first display signal to be displayed asking the user to re-input the thresholds.

Once the minimum and maximum level thresholds have been obtained the microcontroller can map intermediate values for the period of the input signal linearly to the output signal 8. A Figure showing the mapping function can be seen in Figure 4.

The microcontroller 16 is provided with a non-volatile memory and it is possible that the minimum and maximum thresholds may be stored in the memory so that they do not need to be input each time the system is used. Once the thresholds have been set the user exercises as desired. Software running on the computer 9 may be software such as a flight simulator or other software requiring two axis input from a joystick together with a throttle or speed input. The user pedals the exercise bicycle at a speed to give the desired throttle input to the computer 9. It will be appreciated that the user need only pedal at speeds between the maximum and minimum desired exercise levels to move between zero throttle demand and maximum throttle demand. If the user pedals below the minimum threshold a zero input is provided as a throttle input and if the user pedals above the maximum threshold the maximum threshold value is output to the computer 9.

When the user exercises at or above the minimum desired rate of exercise a first of the LED's is illuminated providing a second display signal, indicating the user's rate of exercise is having an effect on the output signal. If the user exercises at or above the maximum desired level of input the other of the LED's is illuminated providing a third display signal indicating the user is exercising at or above the rate to give maximum effect on the throttle. If neither LED is illuminated it indicates that the user is exercising below the minimum threshold.

The graph shown in Figure 4 has as its vertical axis the value of the output signal (expressed as a percentage) and as its horizontal axis the rate of exercise. Point X corresponds to the minimum desired rate of exercise set by the user and exercise rates below this cause zero output signal. Point Y corresponds to the maximum desired rate of exercise threshold as set by the user and exercise rates above this cause 100% output signal. During the exercise rates covered by Zone A, the first of the LED's is illuminated, indicating the output signal is between minimum and maximum. During the exercise rates covered by Zone B, the second of the LED's is illuminated, indicating the output signal has saturated.

The microcontroller 16 provides pulses on its pins 12 and 13 dependent on whether the output signal 8 should be increased or decreased (if the period of the input signal has decreased or increased respectively) . Pins 12 and 13 are connected to the increment and decrement pins of the potentiometer 32. The potentiometer 32 has one hundred steps and for each pulse received on the increment/decrement pins the potentiometer increments/decrements its current value. The system is set up so that when the user is pedalling slowly the potentiometer 32 has a higher resistance. Therefore, when the user is pedalling at or below the minimum threshold the potentiometer has its maximum value (substantially lOOkΩ in this case) .

A smoothing means is provided by the processor means ensuring that the output signal does not change too rapidly. In this case this is achieved using a software filter running on the microcontroller 16.

The third switch 22 provides a calibration means and allows software running on the PC to be calibrated to the interface 2. It is well known that PC software requiring an input from an analogue joystick has to calibrated to each joystick because the values of the potentiometers within the joystick will vary between different models. Therefore, software requiring an input from an analogue joystick generally has an in built calibration routine. When the switch 22 is depressed the microcontroller 16 causes the output signal 8 to smoothly increase to its maximum value. The microcontroller 16 holds the output signal 8 at its maximum value until the switch 22 is released, after which time the microcontroller 16 causes the output signal 8 to smoothly decrease to its minimum value. Once the switch 22 has been released and the output signal returned to its minimum value output the interface is in it default mode of operation. This functionality of the switch allows software running on the computer to which the interface is connected to be calibrated to work with the interface.

The skilled person will appreciate that the display means does not need to be limited to LED's and may take another form. For instance, an LED or LCD display (or a portion of such) may be used to convey the information to the user.

Claims

1. An interface comprising input receiving means for receiving an input signal from an exercise machine and passing said input signal to a processor, datum generating means adapted to cause said processor to generate a datum, said processor in use producing an output signal which is mapped to the input signal utilising said datum and said output signal causing a signal to be output from said interface suitable for inputting to a computer.

2. An interface according to claim 1 wherein the processor is arranged to require a user to provide at least one input to the datum generating means, to cause the processor to generate a datum, before causing an output signal to be generated.

3. An interface according to claim 2 wherein the processor is arranged to require a user to provide two inputs to the datum generating means, to cause the processor to generate a datum, before causing an output signal on the output transmitting means.

4. An interface according to claim 2 or 3 wherein output means is arranged to generate a "datum not set" output when the processor has not been caused to generate one or more data.

5. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the datum generating means is arranged to receive an input from the user when the user is performing a minimum desired level of exercise on the exercise machine.

6. An interface according to claim 5 wherein the processor is arranged such that an input signal corresponding to a level of exercise below the minimum desired level of exercise does not cause an output signal to be generated.

7. An interface according to claim 5 or 6 wherein output means is arranged to generate a "too low" output when the input signal corresponds to a level of exercise below the minimum desired level.

8. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the datum generating means is arranged to receive an input from the user when the user is performing a maximum desired level of exercise on the exercise machine.

9. An interface according to claim 8 wherein the processor is arranged such that an input signal corresponding to a level of exercise above the maximum desired level of exercise causes the maximum output signal to be generated.

10. An interface according to claim 8 or 9 wherein output means is arranged to generate a "too high" output when the input signal corresponds to a level of exercise above the maximum level.

11. An interface according to claims 5 or 8 wherein output means is arranged to generate an "exercising as desired" output when the input signal corresponds to a level of exercise at or above the minimum level of exercise but below the maximum level.

12. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a smoothing means arranged to smooth the output signal.

13. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the input receiving means is arranged to receive a series of pulses, the period of which corresponds to the speed at which the exercise machine is being used and the processor is arranged to measure the period of the input signal.

14. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the interface comprises a calibration means arranged to calibrate the output signal to the computer to which the interface is, in use, connected.

15. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims that is provided with a memory arranged to allow the processor to store one or more datums generated by the datum generating means.

16. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a variable resistance means is provided and arranged to be varied according to the value of the input signal.

17. An interface according to claim 16 wherein the variable resistance means is arranged to be varied according to the output signal from said processor.

18. An interface according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the variable resistance means is arranged to generate the signal output from said interface suitable for inputting to a computer.

19. An interface according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the output signal from said processor causes a digital signal to be output from said interface.

20. An interface according to claim 19 wherein said digital signal takes any one of the following formats: USB, Firewire, serial.

21. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the interface is arranged to have an input corresponding to one or more directions in addition to an input corresponding to a velocity.

22. An interface according to claim 21 wherein the interface is arranged to accept an input corresponding to one or more of a horizontal and vertical axis.

23. An interface according to any one of the preceding claims wherein keyboard replicating means is provided allowing, in use, a user to provide a computer, to which the interface is attached, with inputs replicating key presses of the computer's keyboard.

24. A kit comprising an interface according to any one of claims 1 to 23 together with an exercise machine.

25. A kit according to claim 24 wherein the exercise machine is a bicycle.

26. A method of interfacing an exercise machine to a computer comprising mapping an input signal received from the exercise machine onto an output signal using a processor in response to a further input received from datum generating means.

27. An interface substantially as described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

28. A kit substantially as described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

29. A method substantially as described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.