Networked exercise machine

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to exercise machines with network connectivity.

2. Description of the Related Art

Fitness centers typically have exercise equipment for use by fitness-minded individuals. In addition, some individuals have exercise equipment in their homes. Using exercise machines can be mundane and boring.

In one aspect, an exercise system is disclosed. The exercise system includes a first exercise machine manipulated by a first user. The first exercise machine includes a first display and a first energy transducer. The first energy transducer is for sensing a first level of exertion by the first user. The first energy transducer provides first exertion data based on the first level of exertion. The first exercise machine includes a first network interface and a first processor operable for executing instructions stored on computer readable medium. The instructions include a first module for processing the first exertion data. The instructions include a second module for generating a first simulated environment on the display. The first simulated environment includes a first simulated character that corresponds to the first user. A first rate of movement by the first simulated character is influenced by the first exertion data. The first simulated environment includes a second simulated character that corresponds to a second user of a second exercise machine. A second rate of movement by the second simulated character is influenced by the second exertion data received over the first network interface.

An additional aspect is a method for providing a plurality of networked exercise machines. The network includes coupling a first exercise machine to a second exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a network interface for transmitting first exertion data. The first exertion data corresponds to a signal produced by a transducer coupled to the first exercise machine. The transducer is responsive to motion produced by a first user of the first exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a first display for presenting the first user with a simulated environment including a first simulated character corresponding to the first user. The first simulated character has speed that corresponds to the first exertion data. The first simulated character has a first simulated motion that differs in type from a first motion of the first user. The simulated environment includes a second simulated character corresponding to a second user of the second exercise machine. The second simulated character has second simulated motion that differs in type from the second motion of the second user.

As yet an additional aspect, an exercise machine is disclosed. The exercise machine is operated by a first user. The first exercise machine comprises a network interface for receiving exertion data signals from a second exercise machine. The first exercise machine includes a display for presenting a simulated environment to the first user. The simulated environment includes a first simulated character corresponding to the first user. The first simulated character has a parameter determined by a level of exertion of the first user. The first similar character has a primary simulator movement that differs in type from a primary movement of the first user. In some embodiments, the second simulated character has a primary simulated movement that corresponds in type to that of the first simulated character and the primary movement of the first user differs in type from a primary movement of a second user. Further, the second user provides exertion that results in the exertion data signals received from the second exercise machine.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 of networked exercise machines 104. As shown, exercise machines 104 communicate directly with each other or may communicate over network 102. Network 102 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), or the Internet, as examples. Hub processor 112 communicates over network 102 with exercise machines 104. In some embodiments, processor 112 is a data processing system such as a server that receives exertion data, for example, from exercise machines 104 and uses the exertion data to process a compound simulated environment for sending to each exercise machine 104.