초록 ▼

An exercise and performance evaluation apparatus includes a revolving belt on which a subject can perform bipedal locomotion, a harness for securing the subject at a fixed position relative to the apparatus, a means for measuring the force applied by the subject to the belt, and a means for monitori

An exercise and performance evaluation apparatus includes a revolving belt on which a subject can perform bipedal locomotion, a harness for securing the subject at a fixed position relative to the apparatus, a means for measuring the force applied by the subject to the belt, and a means for monitoring and controlling the velocity of the belt. The harnessing of the subject allows monitoring of the velocity as a function of time. An overhead harness may be used to alter the effective mass of the subject. The velocity of the belt may be controlled by a motor and brake system, where the motor may be uni-directional or bi-directional. A digital processor may be used to control the motor and/or brake as a function of the applied forces to simulate real-world or virtual world environments, allowing the operation of the device in modes such as constant-force modes, constant-load modes, constant velocity modes, sprint simulation mode, bob sled simulation mode, terminal velocity determination mode, isokinetic overspeed mode, and isotonic overspeed mode. Processing of the velocity and force as a function of time allows for the recording and analysis of data such as the maximal exertion force-velocity curve, left leg/right leg performance, force as a function of stride, etc.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for simulating conditions of bipedal locomotion for a human subject, comprising: a conveyor defining a velocity; a velocity sensor that measures the velocity of the conveyor; a force-measuring sensor; a restraint operably coupled to the sensor to measure a force

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for simulating conditions of bipedal locomotion for a human subject, comprising: a conveyor defining a velocity; a velocity sensor that measures the velocity of the conveyor; a force-measuring sensor; a restraint operably coupled to the sensor to measure a force applied to the restraint by a human subject; a controller configured to control the velocity of the conveyor utilizing a haptic equation that incorporates an equation of motion describing bipedal human locomotion. 2. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, including: a sensor coupled to the controller and adapted to detect the position of a human subject on the conveyor. 3. An apparatus for simulating conditions of bipedal locomotion for a human subject, comprising: a conveyor defining a velocity; a force-measuring sensor; a restraint operably coupled to the sensor to measure a force applied to the restraint by a human subject; a controller configured to control the velocity of the conveyor based, at least in part, upon the force measured by the sensor; and wherein the sensor comprises a stereoscopic sensor adapted to detect the position of each leg of a human subject on the conveyor. 4. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, wherein: the restraint comprises a harness adapted to fit around a waist of a human subject, and a tether connecting the harness to the apparatus. 5. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, wherein: the restraint comprises a blocking dummy. 6. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, wherein: the restraint comprises a handle configured to simulate a handle of a bob sled. 7. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, including: an overhead support structure; an overhead harness connected to the overhead structure and adapted to provide a lifting force on a human subject; a powered winch adapted to raise and lower the overhead harness; a sensor adapted to measure a force acting on the overhead harness; and wherein: the controller is configured to actuate the winch to generate an upward force on a human subject. 8. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 7, wherein: the apparatus defines a forward portion and a rearward portion; and the restraint comprises a harness and a forward tether connecting the harness to the forward portion of the apparatus, and a rearward tether connecting the harness to the rearward portion of the apparatus. 9. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 1, including: an electric motor coupled to the conveyor for moving the conveyor; a brake coupled to the conveyor for exerting a braking force on the conveyor; and wherein: the controller is configured to control the brake and motor based, at least in part, upon a haptic equation. 10. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 9, wherein: the haptic equation comprises a sprint simulation. 11. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 9, wherein: the haptic equation comprises a bob sled simulation. 12. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 11, wherein: the controller controls the velocity based, at least in part, upon an equation that provides an isokinetic overspeed mode of operation. 13. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 11, wherein: the controller controls the velocity based, at least in part, upon an equation that provides an isotonic overspeed mode of operation. 14. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 11, wherein: the controller controls the velocity based, at least in part, upon an equation that provides a terminal velocity determination mode of operation. 15. The apparatus for simulating conditions of bi-pedal locomotion for a human subject of claim 9, including: an input device coupled to the controller for inputting variables; and wherein: the controller utilizes the variables and haptic equation to control the velocity of the conveyor. 16. An apparatus for simulating forces and movement of a human subject during a physical activity, comprising: a base; a movable member mounted to the base, the movable member defining a velocity and receiving an input force applied to the movable member by a human subject; a force-generating device operably coupled to the movable member and applying a resistance force to the movable member; a sensor configured to provide a signal corresponding to at least one of the velocity of the movable member and an input force applied to the movable member by a human subject; and a controller configured to control the resistance force applied to the movable member by the force-generating device based, at least in part, on a signal provided by the sensor and a haptic equation incorporating an equation of motion of a human subject performing the physical activity being simulated. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the movable member comprises a conveyor. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the haptic equation relates the velocity to a time integral of the force. 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the haptic equation relates the velocity to a time integral of a square of the velocity. 20. The apparatus of claim 16, including: a restraint adapted to react a force applied by a human subject. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the sensor determines a force applied to the restraint. 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the force-generating device comprises a brake. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, including: a motor operably coupled to the movable member, the controller configured to control the motor based on a haptic equation relating the force and velocity. 24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the controller calculates at least one of a target input force and a target velocity utilizing a haptic equation of motion and controls the force-generating device based on at least one of the target input force and a target velocity.