초록 ▼

The disclosed invention primarily relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various exercise and rehabilitation regimens they might undertake, mentally as well as physically. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain menta

The disclosed invention primarily relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various exercise and rehabilitation regimens they might undertake, mentally as well as physically. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain mental and physical disorders, and in other situations where a form of companionship may be provided the user. In addition the invention herein provides an enjoyable means of social interaction with others providing further motivation for physical and mental activity represented.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A computer based exercise method comprising the steps of: providing an exercise machine on which a person exercises, wherein said exercise machine resists the effort of said person when exercising;providing a computer and a computer-controlled video display for viewing by said person;electro-opti

1. A computer based exercise method comprising the steps of: providing an exercise machine on which a person exercises, wherein said exercise machine resists the effort of said person when exercising;providing a computer and a computer-controlled video display for viewing by said person;electro-optically determining data concerning a plurality of points on at least one of said person and said machine;processing said data to determine a variable related to one or more of said points; andusing said determined variable, controlling a video game program in said computer. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein a tv camera is used to make said electro-optical determination. 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing is performed by said computer. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the location of at least one point. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the location of at least one point relative to another point. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the velocity of at least one point. 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the acceleration of at least one point. 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the location of at least one point. 9. A method according to claim 1 wherein said processing determines the direction of motion of at least one point. 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said determined variable is compared to a norm. 11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said determined variable is used to diagnose a condition of said person. 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein said determined variable is used to determine the quality of movement of said person. 13. A method according to claim 1 wherein said display provides information concerning activity of persons located remotely. 14. A method according to claim 1 wherein said display provides information concerning said person's goals or prior performance. 15. A method according to claim 1 wherein said determined variable is used in said program. 16. A method according to claim 1 wherein said video game is designed to allow reliable sensing of said points while undertaking said game. 17. A computer based exercise method comprising the steps of: providing an exercise machine on which a person exercises;providing a first computer to run a video game on a video display;electro-optically determining data concerning a plurality of points on at least one of said person and said machine;processing said data to determine a variable related to one or more of said points; andusing said determined variable, controlling a video game program using said first computer, wherein said processing is performed by a second computer different than the first computer that is used to run said video game. 18. A computer based exercise method comprising the steps of: providing an exercise machine on which a person exercises;providing a computer and a computer-controlled video display for viewing by said person and defining a long axis, wherein the long axis of said display is substantially vertical;electro-optically determining data concerning a plurality of points on at least one of said person and said machine;processing said data to determine a variable related to one or more of said points; andusing said determined variable, controlling a video game program in said computer. 19. An exercise system comprising: an exercise machine, said exercise machine resisting the effort of a person when said person is exercising;a video display for viewing by said person exercising on said machine;a video game console running a video game program providing video game related images on said display;at least one electro-optical sensor viewing a plurality of points on at least one of said person and said machine;a computer to process information from said sensor and determine a variable concerning said plurality of points; andan interface from said computer to said game console. 20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said sensor is a TV camera. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said exercise machine is a bicycle. 22. An exercise system comprising: an exercise machine adapted to resist the effort of a person when the person is exercising;a video display viewable by the person when the person is exercising in conjunction with the exercise machine;an electro-optical sensor including a field of view encompassing a plurality of points on at least one of the person and the exercise machine, the electro-optical sensor having an output;a computer responsive to the electro-optical sensor output, the computer being adapted to control the video display based on the electro-optically observed points of at least one of the person and the exercise machine while exercising; anda microphone having an output coupled to the computer. 23. An exercise system comprising: an exercise machine adapted to resist the effort of a person when the person is exercising;a video display viewable by the person when the person is exercising in conjunction with the exercise machine;an electro-optical sensor including a field of view encompassing a plurality of points on at least one of the person and the exercise machine, the electro-optical sensor having an output, wherein the electro-optical sensor includes a video camera;a computer responsive to the electro-optical sensor output, the computer being adapted to control the video display based on the electro-optically observed points of at least one of the person and the exercise machine while exercising.