United States Patent (19)
`Hood et al.
`
`54)
`
`76)
`
`21)
`(22
`(51)
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`EXERCISE EQUIPMENT INFORMATION,
`COMMUNICATION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM
`Inventors: Robert L. Hood, 32380 Pine St.,
`Grayslake, Ill. 60030; William H.
`Englehardt, 465 W. Dominican,
`Woodale, Ill. 60191; Russell W. Krch,
`8231 W. 79th St., Apt. 2E, Justice,
`Ill. 60458
`Appl. No.: 485,700
`Filed:
`Feb. 27, 1990
`Int. C. .............................................. A63B 21/00
`U.S. C. ....................................... 482/57; 482/902
`Field of Search ............... 272/69, 72,73, DIG. 5;
`273/16, 16 C, 16 E, 1 E, 138 A, 434-436;
`364/264, 410, 411; 434/350, 84; 128/670, 689;
`482/57, 52,54, 72, 902
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,525,278 2/1925 Doglione .............................. 272/73
`3,729,193 4/1973 Labis ............................... 273/138 A
`4,278,095 7/1981 Lapeyre .............................. 128/689
`4,408,613 10/1983 Reylea ................................. 128/670
`4,542,897 9/1985 Melton et al. .
`4,674,741 6/1987 Pasierb, Jr. et al............. 272/129 X
`4,735,410 4/1988 Nobuta.
`4,817,940 4/1989 Shaw et al. .
`4,828,257 5/1989 Dyer et al. .
`4,831,242 5/1989 Englehardt et al. .
`4,842,266 6/1989 Sweeney, Sr. et al. .
`4,919,416 4/1990 DeCloux ............................... 272/69
`
`
`
`|||||||||||I||
`USO05213555A
`11
`Patent Number:
`5,213,555
`45) Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8705727 9/1987 European Pat. Off. .
`0255142 3/1988 European Pat. Off. .
`3706250 7/1988 Fed. Rep. of Germany .
`3629808 10/1988 Fed. Rep. of Germany .
`8500141 1/1987 PCT Int'l Appl. .
`8806776 9/1988 PCT Int'l Appl. ................. 272/129
`Primary Examiner-Richard J. Apley
`Assistant Examiner-Glenn Richman
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jenner & Block
`57
`ABSTRACT
`An information, communication and control system for
`use in a health club which accumulates data from vari
`ous types of exercise equipment and permits a number
`of exercise machines to be raced against one another.
`The exercise machines are equipped with keyboards
`from which users can enter data including their handi
`cap (ability level) and the desired length of race. A
`central controller includes memory for storing data
`accumulated from the exercise machines and programs.
`The controller, responsive to the programs and input
`data, conducts a race between two or more exercise
`machines and displays the progress of the race on a
`video monitor. The controller can also be used to set up
`exercise programs for users on the various machines
`based on user performance data accumulated from the
`machines over time.
`
`24 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 1 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 1 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`
`also
`
`CROCONTROLLER
`
`BIKE2
`
`BKE3
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 2 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 2 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 3 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 3 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 4 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 4 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`Fig. 7A
`
`AGNESS
`LOOP
`
`NITALIZE
`VARABLES AND
`BKE
`STRUCTURES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NITALIZE
`LIFERACES
`NETWORK
`INTERRUPT
`SERVICE ROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`UPDATE
`NSTRUCTIONAL
`
`- DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MAL
`AVAILABLE
`
`YES FOR ALL BIKES
`SELECT BIKEN
`
`DONE
`
`
`
`BKE N
`STATUS
`SAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MANAGE
`STATUS
`OF
`BKE N
`
`
`
`UPDATE
`SDEVIEW
`GRAPHICS
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE WE
`DISPLAYING
`THE OVERVIEW
`SCREEN ?
`
`MODE = PRE
`RACE 2
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 5 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 5 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`UPDATE
`OVERHEAD
`GRAPHICS
`
`UPDATE
`PRE RACE
`GRAPHICS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TME
`EXPED
`
`
`
`SET MODE TO
`RACENG
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE THERE
`ANY BKERS
`STILL BACINS
`
`
`
`FOR ALL BIKES DONE
`SELECT BIKEN
`DO
`
`ACCESS GRADE
`TABLE USING
`DISTANCE AS
`INDEX AND
`XMIT TO BIKE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DD BKE N
`
`FNSHRA95
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`DD BIKE N
`WN AC5
`
`NEXTREPORT BIKEN
`RANK N RACE
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`WINNER SCREEN
`FOR BKE N
`
`S THERE
`A BIKE WITH
`PRE RACE
`STATUS
`
`SET PRE RACE
`MODE AND
`START PRE
`RACE CLOCK
`
`DISPLAY
`COURSE
`OVERVIEW WITH
`RACE SUMMARY
`
`SET MODE DLE
`
`Fig. 7B
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 6 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 6 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`LIFERACER NETWORK
`INTERRUPT SERVICE
`ROUTINE
`
`Fig. 8A
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`
`NCREMENT
`MUTEX COUNTER
`
`ARE THERE
`ANY BIKE
`LOGIN MESSAGES
`
`PENDng
`
`NSTAL BIKE
`NETWORK
`ADDRESS N POLL
`TABLE
`ACCORDING TO
`LOGCAL BIKE D
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RACE TIME
`RACE MESSAGE TYPE
`-START RACE
`CONSTRUCT
`-STOP RACE
`BROADCAST
`-SYNC POL
`POL FRAME
`
`
`
`POST WRITE
`BUFFER TO
`APPLETALK
`DRIVER, THIS
`TRANSMTS THE
`BROADCAST POLL
`TO ALL BIKES,
`
`
`
`THIS SLOT
`LOGGFD N
`YES
`
`
`
`POLL BIKE
`
`INCREMENT
`MUTEX COUNTER
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 7 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 7 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`INCREMENT
`ERROR COUNT
`FOR BKE
`POLLED IN
`PREVIOUS SLOT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POLLED IN
`PREVIOUS SLOT
`
`RESPOND
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`REPOST READ
`BUFFER WITH
`COMPLETON
`ROUTINE FOR
`BKE RESPONSE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SERROR
`COUNT FOR
`THIS BE >=3
`
`
`
`
`
`NCREMENT
`SLOT COUNTER
`USNG MODULO
`8 ARITHMETIC
`
`
`
`REMOVE BIKE'S
`NETWORK
`ADDRESS FROM
`POLL TABLE
`
`NCREMENT
`SLOT COUNTER
`USNG MODULO
`8 ARIHMETC
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONSTRUCT
`POLL FRAME
`
`MESSAGE YPE:
`-FINISH MSG
`-INITRACE MSG
`-KEY RETURN, MSG
`-REJECT MSG
`HNCP INQ MSG
`-DISTINQ MSG
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POST WRITE BUFFER
`WITH WRITE COMPLETION
`ROUTINE TO APPLETALK
`DRIVER, THIS POLLS THE
`BKE WITH THE NETWORK
`ADDRESS IN POLL TABLE
`ASSOCATED WITH THE
`CURRENT SLOT.
`
`RETURN FROM
`INTERRUP
`
`Fig. 8B
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 8 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 8 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MANAGE
`STATUS
`OF BIKE
`N
`
`Fig. 9A
`
`
`
`
`
`MODE E RACING
`OR NOT FIRST
`
`BIKE STATUS =
`LOGN ?
`
`BKE STATUS s
`LOGN ?
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`NQUIRE RACE
`DISTANCE
`
`
`
`
`
`SET BIKEN
`STATUS =
`DSTANCE
`SELECTION
`
`SET FIRST
`BKE is FALSE
`
`BKE STATUS
`DISTANCE
`SELECTION
`
`
`
`YES
`
`
`
`BKE STATUS a
`HANDICAP
`SELECTION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BKE HANDICAP
`SELECTED
`
`YES
`
`BKE STATUS is
`PRE RACE 2
`
`YES
`
`RACE DISTANCE
`SELECTED
`
`SET RACE
`DISTANCE
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 9 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 9 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`INGUIRE BIKE
`HANDICAP
`
`SET BKE
`HANDICAP
`
`12Y
`
`RA;
`YES
`
`SET STATUS is
`RACING
`
`
`
`SET BIKE
`STATUS is
`HANDCAP
`SELECTION
`
`SET BIKE
`STATUS is PRE
`RACE
`
`
`
`
`
`STATUs NFS
`RACING
`
`RESET BIKE
`STATUS TO
`OLE
`
`Fig. 9B
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 10 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 10 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`DSABLE
`SYSTEM
`INTERRUPTS
`
`S MUTEX
`COUNTER
`ODD?
`MISSED IT
`
`TRANSFER
`NETWORK
`BUFFERS TO
`RACE BUFFERS
`
`CLEAR NETWORK
`BUFFERS
`
`FOR ALL BKES
`SELECT BIKE N
`
`ENABLE
`NTERRUPTS
`
`
`
`COMPUTER OSTANCE:
`D-(ALT TICKS GEAR
`CONSTANT)/SAMPLES
`D=SUM(D)
`
`COMPUT
`VELOCITY:
`V-D/TIME
`(44OMS.)
`
`Fig. 10.
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 11 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 11 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`UPDATE
`OVERVIEW
`GRAPHICS
`
`FOR ALL BIKES
`SELECT BIKE N
`
`DISPLAY BKE
`GEAR,
`MPH, DISTANCE,
`(PLACE)
`
`DETERMINE, BIKE
`MARKER DISPLAY
`(X,Y) POSITION
`USNG DISTANCE AS
`INDEX INTO
`COURSE TABLE
`
`
`
`DISPLAY BIKE
`MARKER WITH #
`AND COLOR FOR
`BKE N
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig.11
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 12 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 12 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`
`
`SET
`ANIMATION
`PARAMETERS
`
`SET ANIMATION
`SPEED BASED
`ON BIKE RPM .
`
`NOTE 4
`
`SET THE NUMBER OF
`ANIMATIONS
`EXPECTED IN THE
`POLL CYCLE PERIOD
`
`NOTE 1
`
`
`
`
`
`CALCULATE
`ABSOLUTE X
`POSITION BASED
`ON TOTAL RACE
`DSTANCE
`
`NOTE 2
`
`CALCULATE BIKE
`RELATIVE NEXT X
`COORONATE BASED
`ON WINDOW OFFSET
`FROM STARTING LINE
`AND ABSOLUTE X
`POSITON
`
`CALCULATE
`BKES REL. DX
`AS CURRENT REL.
`DX MINUS NEXT
`REL. DX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 12
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 13 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 13 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`UPDATE
`SDEVIEW
`\GRAPHICS
`
`AVAILABLE
`FROM
`BKES
`
`DETERMINE
`EAD BIKE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FOR EACH BIKE
`SELECT N
`
`SET
`ANIMATION
`PARAMETERS
`
`
`
`SET
`DISPLAY
`WINDOW
`REFERENCE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FOR EACH BIKE
`SELECT N
`
`DONE
`
`ANIMATE
`AND MOVE
`BKE N
`
`Fig. 13A
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 14 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 14 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GET EAD
`BKES
`RELATIVE NEXT
`X POSITION
`
`CALCULATE
`WINDOW'S DX
`AS NEX X
`RIGHT SIDE
`LIMIT
`
`ADD WINDOW DX
`TO WINDOW X
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FOR EACH BIKE DONE
`SELECT N
`
`SUBTRACT WINDOW
`DX FROM BIKE'S
`RELATIVE DX AND
`BKES RELATIVE X
`
`RECALCULATE BKE N
`RELATIVE OX BASED
`ON THE BIKE'S
`CHANGE NX /
`#EXPECTED
`ANIMATIONS
`NEXT
`
`
`
`Fig. 13B
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 15 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 15 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`ANIMATE
`AND MOVE
`BKE N
`
`
`
`FOREACH BIKE DONE
`SELECT N
`
`DO.
`
`
`
`S BIKE'S N'S
`RELATIVE X + DX
`PAST IT'S
`RELATIVE
`NEXT X
`
`SET BIKE N'S
`RELATIVE X AT
`BKE N'S NEXT
`
`SET REAL DX
`EQUAL TO BIKE
`N'S RELATIVE
`
`
`
`
`
`REE SERVE,
`
`TRAVELED FOR
`THIS TURN
`
`OD X + DX
`
`STOP BIKE N'S
`RELATIVE DX
`
`UPDATE ABSOLUTE
`COORONATES,
`BKE N'S
`ABSOLUTE X +s
`REAL OX
`
`
`
`S BKE N'S
`WINDOW DX 0
`
`Fig. 14A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 16 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 16 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS REAL DX
`WINDOW DX > 0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IF BIKE
`N'S DX = 0
`AND DISPLAY
`WINDOW OX
`
`
`
`
`
`SUBTRACT REAL
`DX FROM
`WINDOW OX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MOVE BIKE N'S
`X AND NEXT X
`FORWARD BY
`DFFERENCE
`
`CEAR BIKE
`N'S WINDOW DX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OFFSET BKE
`N'S DX BY
`WINDOW OX
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DECREASE NEXT
`X BY REAL DX
`
`DECREASE
`DISPLAY
`WINDOW OX BY
`REAL DX
`
`S DX >O
`AND BIKE N'S
`RELATIVE DX =0
`
`
`
`MOVE BIKE N
`BACKWARD BY
`EXTRA AMOUNT
`THE WINDOW
`MOVED
`FORWARD
`
`NEXT
`
`Fig. 14B
`
`NOTE 7
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 17 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 17 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`APPLEALK READ
`COMPLETON
`
`
`
`READ COMPLETON
`SUBROUTINE
`
`CHECK
`NEWORK
`STATUS
`
`NESRK
`
`YES
`
`LOG ERROR
`EVENT TO RAM
`BUFFER
`
`READ FRAME
`MESSAGE TYPE
`
`SAVE NETWORK D
`IN POLL TABLE.
`THIS STARTS
`POLLING ON THIS
`BKE,
`
`YES
`
`
`
`MESSAGE
`TYPE
`= LOGN
`
`
`
`
`
`QUEUE KEYS
`PRESSED FOR
`THIS BKE
`
`YES
`
`MESSAGE
`TYPE
`s KEYPAD
`DATA
`
`READ LOGICAL
`BIKE D (BID)
`FROM MESSAGE
`
`NUMBER OF SAMPLES
`NUMBER OF ALTERNATOR
`TCKS
`
`ACCUMULATE
`BKE DATA FOR
`BKE WITH BD
`
`SET MESSAGE
`STATUS FOR
`BKE WITH BD
`
`RETURN FROM
`
`a
`
`Fig. 15
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 18 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 18 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`APPETALK WRITE
`COMPLETON
`
`WRITE COMPLETION
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`CHECK
`NETWORK
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UPDATE RACE
`CONTROL
`STATUS
`
`
`
`
`
`RETURN FROM
`SUBROUTINE
`
`LOG ERROR
`EVENT TO RAM
`BUFFER
`
`Fig. 16
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 19 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 19 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`I
`
`Ill
`
`s
`1.
`O
`4.
`
`t
`
`U
`sa
`l
`X
`
`As
`
`-
`
`o
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 20 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 20 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`
`
`s
`
`
`
`
`
`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 21 of 29
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 25, 1993
`
`Sheet 21 of 21
`
`5,213,555
`
`-39S2ANIHOWW]
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`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 22 of 29
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`APPL-1039 / IPR2018-00395
`Apple v. Uniloc / Page 22 of 29
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`1.
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`EXERCISE EQUIPMENT INFORMATION,
`COMMUNICATION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM
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`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention relates to exercise equipment
`control systems for health clubs and more particularly
`to a system which permits a number of exercise ma
`chines to be raced against one another and which accu
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`mulates data from various types of exercise equipment.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Health clubs have become popular as people have
`sought a pleasant environment in which to exercise and
`socialize. Most health clubs offer various machines for
`aerobic exercise, including stationary bicycles, rowing
`machines and treadmills, as well as weight lifting ma
`chines. While such machines may provide a vigorous
`workout when properly used, they offer limited
`incentive and encouragement to the user to exert a
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`maximum effort. The aerobic exercise machines are
`used individually and the user can only compete against
`himself. Also, the machines do not record the past per
`formance of the user. Many users become bored with
`such repetitive exercise, and may eventually stop using
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`the equipment, especially without the incentive of data
`which would show increases in the user's level of fitness
`over time.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
`system that permits a number of participants using indi
`vidual exercise machines to compete or race against one
`another over simulated courses, with the progress of the
`race displayed on a video monitor. Natural competitive
`instincts will encourage the racers to exert their best
`efforts, and the competitive nature of the race helps
`maintain interest and permits social interaction. The
`system is simple to operate so that races may be started
`without supervision or assistance by club personnel. A
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`handicapping feature is provided so that individuals of
`differing fitness levels may enjoyably compete against
`one another. Any two or more of the exercise machines
`connected to the system may participate in the race,
`while the remaining machines may be used in their
`normal independent modes.
`An additional object of the invention is to provide a
`system that includes a central controller or computer
`which generates graphic images for display on a video
`monitor. The graphics displayed on the monitor include
`an overview of a racecourse, a side view of the racers
`showing their relative positions, and a scoreboard area
`with speed, distance and other information for each
`racer. The central controller is interconnected to a
`group of exercise machines. Each exercise machine has
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`a keyboard to input data to the central controller, such
`as desired length of race and the user's handicap. Each
`exercise machine also has a display for displaying infor
`mation, including level of difficulty, elapsed time, and
`calories burned by the racer (the latter being calculated
`by the central controller).
`Another object of the invention is to provide an inte
`grated health club control system in which a health club
`controller is used to accumulate data including user and
`performance data from various types of exercise equip
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`ment including exercise bicycles, treadmills, stepclimb
`ing machines, rowing machines and electronic weight
`machines. The health club controller can also be used to
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`set up exercise programs for these types of equipment
`for individual club users and can be integrated with the
`race controller to provide information and data relating
`to individual user race performance over time.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise
`machines are computer controlled stationary bicycles.
`The keyboard on each bicycle permits the user to select
`a gear which determines speed and resistance. The race
`course consists of programmed hills and valleys based
`on a hill profile. Upcoming hills are shown on both the
`video monitor and the display on each bicycle. The
`grade of the hill, the selected gear, and the pedal veloc
`ity (RPMs) control the resistance felt by the user on the
`pedals of the bicycle.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exercise race commu
`nication system, including five exercise machines and a
`system control cabinet;
`FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a portion of the
`exercise equipment information, communication and
`display system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a view of the graphic display of an overhead
`profile of a race course, showing the actual position of
`the participants on the race course;
`FIG. 4 is a view of a graphic display of a closeup side
`view of the race, showing the relative position of the
`participants to one another;
`FIG. 5 is a view of the graphics for the start of a race;
`FIG. 6 is a view of the graphics for the finish of a
`race;
`FIGS. 7-16 are logic flowcharts illustrating the oper
`ation of the system of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 17 is a plan view of a numeric and LED graphic
`display and input keypad utilized on the exercise ma
`chines of FIGS. 1 and 2;
`FIG. 18 is a timing diagram showing a polling cycle
`of the system of FIG. 2; and
`FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a health club control
`system for controlling various types of health club
`equipment including the race system of FIGS. 1-18.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the
`invention includes a system cabinet 30 and a group of
`five exercise machines 31-35. The system cabinet 30 is
`connected to the exercise machines 31-35 by an inter
`face cable 36.
`As shown in FIG. 2, the system cabinet 30 houses a
`central controller or computer 38 and a video monitor
`40. The central controller 38 is coupled to the exercise
`machines 31-35 by a network interface comprising a
`serial communication controller 42 and the interface
`cable 36. In this embodiment, the exercise machines .
`31-35 are stationary exercise bicycles, preferably the
`Lifecycle (R) Model 9500 aerobic trainer sold by Life
`Fitness, Inc. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control
`circuits of Bike 1, which is typical of all the bikes. As
`shown in FIG. 2, each bike has a display 44 and a key
`pad 46, the details of which are shown in FIG. 17. An
`alternator 48, which is driven by the pedaling cyclist,
`produces electric power for the bicycle's electronics,
`controls the resistance felt by the racer on the pedals,
`and provides pedal velocity (RPM) data for calculating
`speed in miles per hour and distance travelled in miles.
`A pair of microprocessors 50 and 52 control data input
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`from the keypad 46 and output to the display 44. An
`it receives with the correct bike. The main reason for
`other microprocessor 54 and the serial communication
`using the two different ID's is that it is more convenient
`controller 42 provide data and control communication
`for the computer 38 to perform the race logic with bikes
`with the central computer 38. The microprocessor 52
`having a beginning number of zero, while most people
`also controls the alternator 48 which provides resis
`prefer to think in terms of numbers starting from one.
`The operation of the system of FIG. 1 can best be
`tance to the user of the bike 31. The central controller
`38 is preferably an AT-class computer operating at a
`understood by first considering the manner in which a
`speed of at least 10 MHz. The computer 38 includes a
`race is conducted. When no bikes are engaged in a race,
`memory, in this embodiment, both a random access
`the monitor 40 displays an informational screen (not
`memory (RAM) and a hard disc drive. The memory
`shown) which invites passersby to start a race. If a
`stores the program which generates graphics, controls
`person desires to initiate a competition, he selects any
`the system and simulates a race.
`one of the bikes 31-35 and begins pedalling. A prompt
`FIG. 3 is a view of the monitor 40 screen which
`on the monitor 40 will tell him to press the start key 84
`provides a graphic display of an overview of a race
`and asterisk key 86 on the keypad 46 shown in FIG. 17
`course. The position of each racer is indicated by a
`if he wishes to initiate a race. The monitor will then
`different color and a number, corresponding to those
`display instructions to the initiator to select the desired
`shown on the bikes 31-35, and by a scoreboard 56 for
`length of the race (2, 4, 6 or 8 miles) by entering the
`each racer. The scoreboard portion 56 of the display
`desired number via the keypad 46. The monitor 40 will
`shows each bike's number, gear, speed in miles per hour
`then ask him to enter his handicap (1 =beginner, 2=in
`and distance travelled. It also shows the elapsed time 58
`termediate, 3=advanced or 4 = olympic) in the same
`20
`since the start of the race.
`manner. The handicap feature allows individuals of
`FIG. 4 is a view of the monitor 40 screen displaying
`different fitness levels to compete against one another.
`a side view of the race, which indicates the relative
`The selected handicap number is used by the computer
`position of the racers with animated bicycles 60. It also
`38 to create a velocity multiplier ranging from 0 to
`includes the scoreboard information displayed on the
`15%. The handicap provides a greater pedal resistance
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`scoreboard portion 56 of FIG. 3. Under program con
`generated by the alternator 48 to the more advanced
`trol, the display preferably alternates between FIG. 3
`racer for the same pedal RPM, terrain and gear.
`for 15 seconds and FIG. 4 for 20 seconds. This allows
`The monitor 40 then instructs anyone else desiring to
`the racers to keep track of both where they are physi
`enter the race on another bike to press the start key 84
`cally on the racecourse and where they are with respect
`followed by the asterisk key 86 and then to enter his
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`to their opponents. The logic for generating the graph
`handicap. The monitor 40 then displays a 3-minute
`countdown until the competition begins. During this
`ics of FIGS. 3 and 4 is described in further detail in
`time, participants can recruit additional participants by
`connection with FIGS. 7-16.
`FIG. 5 shows a screen generated on the monitor 40 at
`having them select an open bike and follow the login
`the start of a race, which features a crowd at the starting
`procedure using the start and asterisk keys. For conve
`line and a starter 64 who fires a pistol to signal the start
`nient reference, the instructions for starting and enter
`of the race.
`ing a race are printed on the bike console 70. The moni
`FIG. 6 is a screen display generated at the finish of
`tor 40 displays the side view (FIG. 4) of the bikes queu
`the race, and is displayed on the monitor 40 when the
`ing up for the race along with their selected handicaps.
`first racer reaches the finish line, i.e., completes the
`Each bike is assigned a lane number on the monitor 40
`40
`selected distance of the race. An image of a biker 66
`corresponding to the physical ID number 82 shown on
`breaking the finish line tape is displayed, with the win
`each bike's console 70. The monitor 40 will switch to an
`ning bike's number shown on the biker's 66 jersey. The
`overhead view (FIG. 3) at 20 seconds before the start,
`scoreboard now indicates the order of finish with place
`and then back to the side view at 10 seconds before start
`numbers 68. After 10 seconds, the display returns to the
`with the animated starter 62 (FIG. 5). At this point, no
`45
`views of FIGS. 3 and 4 until all racers have completed
`new riders are permitted to enter the race.
`The competition is one lap over the prescribed course
`the course.
`Each bicycle 31-35 has a control and display console
`shown in FIG. 3 in the traditional counter-clockwise
`70 as shown in FIG. 17. This console includes a keypad.
`direction. During the race, the monitor 40 will switch
`46 for data entry, an LED matrix display 72 for show
`between the overhead view (FIG. 3) and the side view
`SO
`ing terrain (hill profiles), and digital numeric displays
`(FIG. 4). The overhead view (FIG. 3) shows the posi
`74-80 for data including pedal RPM 74, calorie con
`tion of all participants with a bike number. The side
`sumption and mileage 76, elapsed time for the bike 78,
`view (FIG. 4), which is the primary screen, features
`and input data 80.
`animated bikes 60 where the displayed pedalling rate
`Each of the bikes has both a physical identification
`corresponds to the actual pedal RPM of the participants
`and logical identification associated with it. Each bike's
`and shows motion relative to a background scene. The
`console 70 indicates the physical ID 82 as a number
`animated bikes 60 start at the left side of the screen and
`from 1 to 5. These same numbers appear on the monitor
`move to the right, with the lead bike eventually being at
`40 screens as lane markers and position indicators and
`the far right of the screen. All bikes are shown in the
`allow the rider to distinguish himself from the other
`side view regardless of how far the last bike in the race
`bikes in the race. The logical ID is used by the com
`is behind the lead bike (even for those which would
`puter 38 to identify message frames received over the
`technically be off the screen from a true distance per
`spective).
`communication network 36. The logical ID's are se
`A programmed hill profile is employed to simulate
`lected by jumpers or switches (not shown) associated
`with the network microcontroller 54 on each bike. By
`the race course terrain. The hill size depicted in the
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`using a table in the computer's 38 memory, the com
`terrain of the overhead course view of FIG. 3 is also
`puter 38 can determine the relationship between the
`depicted on an LED matrix 72 on the bike console 70 of
`physical and logical IDs and thus can associate the data
`FIG. 17. A rider is notified of an upcoming hill by a sign
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`62 in his lane on the monitor display of FIG. 4. The sign
`Management of the polling slots and data exchange
`62 moves closer to the bike 60 on the display, with the
`between the network and race logic is handled by an
`relative distance between bike 60 and sign 62 represent
`interrupt service routine (ISR) illustrated in FIG. 8. As
`ing the distance to the hill. There are two distinct signs:
`a matter of convenience, the ISR is activated by the disk
`operating system (DOS) system clock of the computer
`Hill Approaching and Hill Peaked. These are repre
`38. In the preferred embodiment, this system clock
`sented by the direction of the slope shown on the sign
`generates a tick 90 18.2 times per second, or approxi
`62. The grade of the hill, or level of difficulty, is dis
`mately every 55 milliseconds. Thus, each slot is 55 milli
`played in the LED matrix 72 on the bike console 70.
`seconds long, and the poll cycle of 8 slots has a period
`When a hill sign 62 appears on the monitor 40, a corre
`sponding column of LED's is lighted and scrolls in on
`of 440 milliseconds (8x55 ms) as shown in FIG. 18.
`Data accumulated by the ISR and data to be written
`the LED matrix 72.
`on behalf of the background task (race logic) is latched
`These visual representations of approaching hills
`at the interface between the ISR and the background
`serve to prompt racers to shift gears before a change in
`task. This ensures that the ISR and the background task
`the hill profile. The racer selects a gear from 1 to 12 by
`do not access data simultaneously, which would result
`pressing the appropriate keys on the keypad 46. It
`in potential corruption of the data. The ISR also checks
`should be noted that this selection of values of 1 to 12 on
`to see that outbound data transmissions are performed
`the keypad 46 serves to define the basic exercise resis
`without errors, or, if errors are detected, the appropri
`tance level when the bike is being used apart from the
`ate recovery procedures are used. If an error is unre
`race program. The speed of an individual bike depends
`coverable, an appropriate error message is reported
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`upon 4 variables: pedal RPM, gear, hill profile, and
`(logged to a file) and the bike associated with the error
`handicap. The torque resistance of a bike depends on
`is dropped from the race. The ISR also ensures that all
`pedal velocity, gear selected and hill grade.
`data coming in from the bikes 31-35 is accumulated and
`All the monitor screens of FIGS. 3-6 also display a
`therefore not in need of processing before the next one
`table 56 with the following data: bike number, speed in
`comes in.
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`miles per hour, distance travelled in miles, gear, handi
`The polling cycle of FIG. 18 starts with the broadcast
`cap and elapsed time 58 since the race began. The bikes
`poll 92 which is received by all of the bikes 31-35 that
`31-35 also display on their consoles 70 of FIG. 17 the
`have been activated with the login sequence (using the
`elapsed time 78 since they have entered into the race. If
`start and asterisk keys). The broadcast poll 92 occurs in
`a bike began racing when the race started, these times
`the first slot (Slot 0) of the polling cycle. The broadcast
`are the same. If, however, the bike joined a race already
`poll 92 signals the bikes 31-35 to lock down their data
`in progress, the elapsed time 78 displayed on his bike
`for the subsequent poll of the data. This procedure
`console 70 is his personal elapsed time, which will be
`ensures that data is captured and interpreted in a man
`less than the race elapsed time 58 shown on the monitor
`ner guaranteeing a fair race. During each of the next six
`40.
`slot times the next bike will be polled and the receipt of
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`When the first participant completes the selected
`a response from the previous bike checked. This contin
`distance, the race ends with a close-up front view of the
`ues until all bikes have been polled and their responses
`lead bike breaking the tape at the finish line (FIG. 6).
`received.
`The number of the winning bike is shown on the
`A polled bike is given a maximum of 55 milliseconds
`graphic image of the winning biker 66, and the biker's
`including polling time to respond. If the bike does not
`jersey color matches the winner's color. The monitor 40
`respond by the time it is checked (in the next slot after
`then switches back to the overhead view of FIG. 3 to
`its poll) this is noted. After 2 consecutive missed polls,
`show the ending position of each bike relative to the
`the bike is considered to have dropped out of the race
`leader and the finish line. The place numbers 68 are
`and as such is no longer polled.
`displayed in the table area 56 of the screen.
`The extra slots not used for polling or receiving bike
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`As each bike crosses the finish line it is ranked in the
`data provide a guaranteed processing time for the back
`order of finish. Once a bike finishes, and assuming oth
`ground processor (race logic) to access the bike data.
`ers are still racing, that bike may log back into the race.
`A bike may be in one of two distinct states, namely
`The re-entering bike will start back at the starting line
`racing or not racing. If a bike is not racing, its corre
`and is required to complete the full course to finish, at
`sponding slot lies fallow and is available for use by the
`which point it will be assigned the next place number in
`background task. A bike may transition from not racing
`sequence.
`to racing status by performing the login sequence. Upon
`The technical details and logic for generating the
`login, the bike powers up its network processor 54. The
`graphics and controlling a race are illustrated in the
`network processor 54 turns off its line drivers so as not
`logic flowcharts of FIGS. 7 through 15.
`to interfere with valid data transmissions. The network
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`The computer 38, which handles the race logic, com
`processor 54 then selects a random network address
`municat