Abstract: An interactive exercise pad system (10) receives exercise data (108) from a user (24) stepping on and off of an exercise pad (12). The exercise data (108) is optionally pre-processed in a data acquisition unit 14, before being communicated to a communications port (30) of a computer (16). The computer (16) obtains data files (82) which have been pre-stored on media (80). The data files (82) include video files (84), optional audio files (86), and table files (88) of location and terrain information. The video files (84) and the table files (88) are collected from a real exercise course. The computer (16) processes the exercise data (108) and the data files (82) to playback the video files (84) and the optional audio files (86) so that the user (24) experiences a realistic simulation of the real exercise course.

Abstract: A computer-implemented interface method for use with a display device associated with an exercise device includes connecting a network connection to the exercise device capable of accessing information stored over a network, partitioning a first portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display content, partitioning a second portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display one or more controls that control the exercise device, and providing a selectable element on the display device that upon selection removes the second portion of the display used to display the one or more controls.

Abstract: This invention is a method of exercise consisting of a spinning cycle having a flywheel and a display screen wherein a receptacle receives and runs a cartridge. The exerciser uses headphones to listen to both music and exercise directions while looking at a display screen wherein several messages are display, such as body position legend for the exerciser, a body position icon indicating the exerciser's preferred posture, music credits, cover notes, a posture reminder, and an exercise title.

Abstract: An electronic activity monitor for monitoring the performance of an activity such as an exercise comprises an activity detector responsive to motion associated with the performance of the activity to output a corresponding signal, a processor for receiving the signal and determining a starting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing sound data corresponding to a plurality of values associated with the monitored activity, the sound data preferably comprising data representing a voice representation of the values, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice or reproducing a pre-stored version of an actual human voice or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data stored in the memory. The speech generator is controlled by the processor in response to the activity detector to provide a verbal representation of the user's performance of the activity.

Abstract: A wellness system comprises an exercise load providing unit for providing a load of a physical exercise for a user, and for measuring a movement of the user who is doing the physical exercise, a virtual reality environment providing unit for providing the user with a virtual reality environment that can cause user's plural senses such as the sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell to work, according to the contents of the virtual reality environment, and a control unit for controlling the virtual reality environment provided by the virtual reality environment providing unit according to the user's movement measured by the exercise load providing unit. Furthermore, when providing the virtual reality environment, the virtual reality environment providing unit displays an image which produces the virtual reality environment by setting its angle of view to be larger than an angle of view of a corresponding object or scene which was shot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: A simulated training method in which groups of users interactively control user controllable images to make idiosyncratic, simulated physical movements. Preferred embodiments include user controllable images executing simulated physical movements in competition, opposition, coordination and sport activities. Means are provided to evaluate relative effectiveness of movements between groups of users.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for simulated training in physical movement using processing system images. Said images may be demonstrative images representing examples of any physical movement, user images that are idiosyncratically controlled by individual users, and/or any combination or separate display of both such images. Simulated training is directed to the personal, interactive control of displayed user controllable images such that the user acquires a level of know-how related to the physical movement of any particular image. Embodiments of the invention could include the physical movement of animals, bacteria, viruses, objects, living, mechanical and electromechanical or other systems and images from live video taping, or animated or computer generated images or live or robots real time images from any other source.

Abstract: An activity controlled audio-visual system is disclosed. A device for connecting exercise equipment such as a pedal exerciser to a user sensory interface, such as a television set or computer so that the user has to pedal at a rate above a preset rate or threshold rate in order to be able to view the user sensory interface signal. The act of pedaling above a preset rate turns on a switch box which controls the input to the user sensory interface. In this way a normally sedentary activity such as watching television or a video, playing a video game, or using a computer is converted to one that requires physical activity.

Abstract: A method of developing processing system software media to provide at least one user with a display of at least one user controllable image such that the user causes the user controllable image to perform interactive, idiosyncratic, simulated, physical, movements on a display means. The invention includes the display of demonstrative image movements to which users cause interactive, idiosyncratic, simulated, physical, responsive movements to be made by user controllable images. Demonstrative image movements may be made by images of any previously or presently living things, objects and systems. The user controllable images are customized by the user with respect to its on-screen proportional dimensions and characteristics and its movements may be idiosyncratically controlled by the user and/or by pre-programmed, pre-stored, maintained means.

Abstract: A treadmill (1) having a track assembly that allows a user (3) to walk or run in any arbitrary direction. A movable user support has a plurality of rotatable members that rotate about axes normal to the direction of movement of the user support (2). Separate power drive mechanism (7) (8) concurrently move the user support (2) and rotate the members to omni-directional user movement. A control (4) for the power driven mechanism (7) (8) is responsive to the directional orientation of the user on the user support (2) to cause the user support (2) to operate in the direction of the orientation of the user (3).

Abstract: An interactive exercise system including exercise equipment having a resistance system, a speed sensor, a controller that varies the resistance setting of the exercise equipment, and a playback device for playing pre-recorded video and audio. The controller, operating in conjunction with speed information from the speed sensor and terrain information from media table files, dynamically varies the resistance setting of the exercise equipment in order to simulate varying degrees of difficulty while the playback device concurrently plays back the video and audio to create the simulation that the user is exercising in a natural setting such as a real-world exercise course.

Abstract: A muscle strength testing and measuring apparatus contains a bar-like strength testing mechanism slidably placed over a pair of upright posts for adjustment of vertical position and allowing a variety of muscle groups to be tested by the user without any specialized knowledge. The apparatus can be used for physical training before and after exercise as well as for rehabilitation purposes. The position adjustment mechanism includes a jamming cylinder controlled by a link plate, which in turn can be activated by simple lifting or lowering the bar-like mechanism. Piezo-electric tensile sensors are placed in the middle portion of the mechanism to indicate the muscle force which signal is then transmitted to a display unit. Additional pull force strength testing units are placed over the same posts allowing also for adjustment of height position. A great number of configurations are described that can be achieved by easily switching the apparatus from one position to the next.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for interactively controlling the rate of real-time video playback and audio track playback is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is an interactive exercise video system which utilizes a bicycle, a bicycle wheel speed detector, an interface unit connected to the wheel speed detector and to a conventional game controller connected to a conventional video game CD player, which is in turn connected to a TV. A prerecorded video CD is played in the player in which the display rate of video images is altered via software embedded on the CD such that the speed of the video is changed by the level of activity on the exercise device. The variation of the video frame rate is accomplished by modifying the duration time stamp on each video frame which is used by the player control program so as to change the sequential time at which each frame is called for display by the conventional video player.

Abstract: An apparatus enables a conventional bicycle to be interfaced to a computer to serve as a controller for electronic games and the like. The apparatus includes a rear wheel support that removably holds the bicycle in an upright position while allowing rotation of the rear wheel. A rear wheel sensor detects rotation of the rear wheel of the bicycle as the rider peddles and generates an electrical signal indicating the rotational speed of the rear wheel. The apparatus also includes a front wheel sensor that detects the direction of the front wheel of the bicycle for the computer through the computer interface. For example, the front wheel of the bicycle can be removably supported by a front support member that rotates about a vertical axis as the front wheel is turned by the handle bars. A potentiometer is used to measure rotation of the front support member, and therefore the direction of the front wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A virtual reality simulation apparatus providing participants with simulations of horizontal walk and walk on slopes and steps with full reality in their feelings in their bodies. The apparatus comprises a walk surface mechanism including a pair of walk plates supporting a participant's feet, a foot bottom-position detecting device for detecting positions of feet-bottoms of the participant moved away from the walk plates, and a walk-plate horizontally-driving device, which horizontally shifts the walk plate, correspondingly to movements of the participant's feet, to cause the foot-bottom to be contacted on the walk plate and keep the participant's trunk in a fixed position. The apparatus has a miniature space and camera mechanism including a miniature space and a camera device which is movable in the miniature space to be placed in a direction imitating a view of the participant and take an image in the miniature space.

Abstract: A football training and evaluation apparatus has a frame, a contacting element, and a force transferring member connected to the frame and the contacting element. A measuring-signaling element is connected to the force transferring member and is adapted to measure the force subjected on the force transferring member in response to an impact force subjected onto the contacting element and deliver a signal "S" responsive to said measurement. A visual signaling apparatus is connected to the frame and adapted to be actuateable and moveable in response to actuation.

Abstract: The present invention, an Electromagnetic Locomotion Platform (ELP) system, is an electronically powered device which allows human-like activities to be performed in all three axes: x, y, & z, in a confined and localized a for the purpose of attaining total immersion (both visual and physical) into Virtual Environments. The ELP system allows humans the ability to walk, jog, run, crawl, etc. in a stationary position, thus the user can "walk forever to nowhere", similar to the basic function of a treadmill. This feature can be enhanced by having the user wear a helmet mounted display (HMD) which is coupled to a computer generated Virtual Reality (VR) system. The VR system provides external environments to the HMD and when synchronized with the movements of the individual on the ELP, it displays visual changes in the surrounding environment according to the movements generated by the user.

Abstract: A training apparatus includes a training device, an operation detection unit, a training condition calculation unit, an image display processing unit, and a display unit. The training device has a movable unit which is displaced according to an action of a trainee who is training with reference to a training image. The operation detection unit detects a displacement of the movable unit during training. The training condition calculation unit calculates a training condition of next time on the basis of a detection result from the operation detection unit in training immediately before and a training condition immediately before. The image display processing unit prepares, on the basis of the training condition obtained by the training condition calculation unit, training image data which changes according to the detection result from the operation detection unit in training under the obtained training condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: A data-using game system 10 comprises data forming devices 11, 12 and 13 which form operational data based on results of operation by an operator, a data card 16 in which the operational data formed by the data forming device are written, and game devices 14 and 15 which read the operational data from the data card to reflect the operational data on game play of the game devices 14 and 15. The data-using game system 10 enables the operator of the system to positively participate in both games and physical training by using operational data that the operator has obtained.

Abstract: A sliding simulator includes swinging member. The swinging member is swung right and left by a player standing thereon. A swing sensor senses swing movement of the swinging member. An image generating unit generates an image in response to a signal sensed by the swing sensor. The image is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An improved mechanism to the electronic control panel of treadmills includes a main electronic control board which including a framework, a main control board, and a base plate. The main control board is assembled at a receiving slot in the center of the framework, while on one side of the receiving slot, an elongated groove is furnished, which is connected and fastened to the main control board so that it joins the opposite side of the main control board to form a gliding slot for the motor speed-control button. In the mean time, one side wall beneath the main control board near the gliding slot is equipped with an adjustable resistor that controls the motor operating cycle, and the adjustable resistor is made in a paralleled condition to the sliding slot, while the lever is extended towards outside. In such configuration, it serves to engage the shaft receptacle at the motor speed control button to complete the assembly.

Abstract: A Global Positioning System (GPS) based personal athletic performance monitor for providing an athlete with real-time athletic performance feedback data such as elapsed exercise time, distance covered, average pace, elevation difference, distance to go and/or advice for reaching pre-set targets. The monitor is integrated with an AM/FM/TV personal radio, and the athletic performance feedback is provided through a set of audio headphones using an audio module. The monitor can be connected to an external personal computer via a serial or infrared port for further data storage and long term trend analysis, or to a remote computer via modem, where historical performance data is collected and logically compiled from participating athletes worldwide.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for interactively controlling the rate of real-time video playback and audio track playback is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is an interactive exercise video system which utilizes a bicycle, a bicycle wheel speed detector, an interface unit connected to the wheel speed detector and to a conventional game controller connected to a conventional video game CD player, which is in turn connected to a TV. A prerecorded video CD is played in the player in which the display rate of video images is altered via software embedded on the CD such that the speed of the video is changed by the level of activity on the exercise device. The variation of the video frame rate is accomplished by modifying the duration time stamp on each video frame which is used by the player control program so as to change the sequential time at which each frame is called for display by the conventional video player.

Abstract: An exercise and game playing system combined, forming a method in which the user gets large muscle physical exercise while at the same time is challenged with game play. There is a torso and limb mounted electronic section incorporating accelerometers, strain gauges, and other instruments, and a microprocessor, and a short range radio or wire link to a stationary base station and a display station. Body activity and exercise produce a display icon responsive to the degree and vigor of body activity. The display is a TV type screen or a head band mounted assembly or goggles of a virtual reality system. The accelerometer signals are double integrated and manipulated to produce useful display on the screen. There is net cursor advancement activity on the screen even when the body returns to the same location, accomplished by introduction of a dead zone in the accelerometer integration paths.

Abstract: A computer can be built into a pre-existing exercise machine so that the person using the machine can view the screen on the computer monitor while engaged in aerobic exercise activity. Keyboard mechanisms are secured to hand rails of the machine, whereby the person can operate the keyboards without releasing his grip on the hand rails. The computer monitor is adjustably supported to provide persons of different heights and head positionments a good view of the viewing screen on the monitor.

Abstract: The invention provides a motion simulating device which provides the user with full freedom of motion. Ideally, the motion is coordinated with the user's senses. The motion simulating device may include a generally spherical capsule supported by a number of rollers, at least one of which is a multi-directional active roller which frictionally engages the spherical capsule. This causes the spherical capsule to rotate in any desired direction. The capsule may have mounted within it an interactive solid, which may take the form of an omni-directional treadmill for supporting the user.

Abstract: An exoskeleton for the support of a patient's body is jointed opposite the hip and knee articulations, and is provided with a number of small actuators that are designed to move jointed parts of the exoskeleton in accordance with the human gait. A control unit is programmed to control the operation of the actuators so as to impress on the exoskeleton the movements of the human gait. A remote control for operation of the control unit allows the patient to transmit commands to the unit in order to start or stop the lower limbs, as well as to adjust the step speed. An electronic virtual reality unit transmits to the patient, through a special helmet, virtual reality pictures and stimulation interactive with the walking movement that is impressed by the exoskeleton on the patient's body. A framework can be used to steady and support the person and allow the person to walk at the same time, and has grips having operating push buttons for the remote control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recording, displaying, and analyzing data regarding a weightlifting workout, specifically, weight, repetitions, and sets performed for each of various exercises. The apparatus includes a data memory and a means for inputting a plurality of data sets into the data memory. The method includes the step of inputting a plurality of data sets into a data memory. Each of the data sets comprises a weight and a number of repetitions.

Abstract: A data-using game system 10 comprises data forming devices 11, 12 and 13 which form operational data based on results of operation by an operator, a data card 16 in which the operational data formed by the data forming device are written, and game devices 14 and 15 which read the operational data from the data card to reflect the operational data on game play of the game devices 14 and 15. The data-using game system 10 enables the operator of the system to positively participate in both games and physical training by using operational data that the operator has obtained.

Abstract: A system for programming training on exercise apparatus, with a series of exercises defining a personalized program, includes a central unit with first processor and a bi-directional data transferor; a portable medium, with a portable memory for data storage; a plurality of stations, not connected to one another by a data transmission line, and located at the exercise apparatus, with a second processor and a bi-directional data transferor from and to the portable medium, so as to receive as input the data in the portable memory relative to the exercise to be performed on an individual apparatus, for programming the apparatus, and so as to transfer as output to the portable memory upon completion of the exercise, data relative to the performance of the exercise so as to allow such data to be controlled.

Abstract: A wearable device that includes a flexible body that can be secured around a wearer. The flexible body includes an integrated circuit, a flexible display element, and circuitry for controlling the display element.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided having a resilient or flexible front impact surface and a plurality of identification indicia for identifying target areas on the flexible impact surface. The exercise device preferably utilizes lights as the identification indicia that are resiliently mounted to the exercise device which are sequentially operated by a microprocessor to force an athlete to contact the identified area on the impact surface while speed, strength and agility may be measured and analyzed by the microprocessor. The software for operating the microprocessor provides a wide range of workout levels and routines and imparts the ability to identify weak areas in the performance of the athlete and provide specific future training routines to improve overall performance in speed, agility and power.

Abstract: A walk simulation apparatus usable for walk training of crippled persons or for a simulator of virtual reality. By the apparatus participants can experience simulations of walking horizontally and on slopes and steps with full reality at the same position. The apparatus is of use also in quantitatively evaluating quality of performances of artificial legs for patients who lost legs. The apparatus comprises a head mounted display showing a participant programmed images in the form of three-dimensional images, a walk surface mechanism having a function of performing simulations of horizontal walk and walk on slopes and steps, a control device, walk plates, and load sensors detecting loads applied on the walk plates individually. The control device has a function of comparing data detected by the load sensors with standard data to analyze a state of walk of the participant.

Abstract: Video display apparatus e.g. for use in biofeedback or in diagnosis is described. Between an audiovisual reproduction unit such as a video cassette player and a television display, the invention provides a signal modifying unit which can cause the television display to change. The amount of change and optionally also its type may depend on the sensing of a user parameter, for example a psychophysiological parameter of the user or patient such as electrodermal activity. The signal modification device is preferably pre-programmed and microprocessor controlled. It may also react to coded signals embedded in the composite video signal recorded on the video cassette.

Abstract: A physical exercise apparatus including a hand-propelled lawn mower having an exercise computer for selectively displaying exercise data including speed and the like thereon obtained while mowing a lawn.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of instruction and simulated training and competitive play or entertainment in an activity that couples cognitive and motor functions, in particular, the playing of the game of hockey. The invention includes a computer used to view and to control images of hockey players on a computer screen. An image of a hockey player controlled by the user is juxtaposed to or superimposed upon the image of an instructive, ideal or master hockey player(s). The user manipulates the controlled image of a hockey player in an effort to approximate the movements of the instructive or ideal player via an input device such as a keyboard, joystick, or virtual reality device. The invention also includes means by which the user's performance in approximating the instructive or ideal player may be measured.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for the design, execution and tracking of exercise programs including portable microprocessor controlled data controllers to instruct and record the actual computed workout for the user. A data communication link transfers data between the data controllers and a computer hosting application software and database files for the particular user, exercise and exercise regimen to create and display a customizable and comprehensive exercise system designed for the particular user.

Abstract: An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises an exercise mechanism, a steering mechanism, and a control mechanism for manipulation by the user to achieve exercise, to indicate a direction of motion, and to interact with virtual objects in a simulated environment. The exercise mechanism can be, for example, the steps of a stair climbing simulator or the pedals of a bicycle, preferably a recumbent bicycle. A simulated environment (e.g., an interactive simulated three-dimensional environment or an interactive simulated three-dimensional fluid environment) is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system for the user. In one embodiment, the simulated environment comprises an enclosed space representing a game field. In this embodiment, an interactive competitive ball game is played using networked exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A physical exercise video system includes a physical exercise machine (22), a video system (24) and an interface module (26). The video system (24) has a computer (28) and a removable cartridge (34). The interface module (26) is interposed between the computer (28) and cartridge (34), and provides interactive communications between the computer (28) and exercise machine (22). A communication protocol governs this communication, and includes specifications for status and command data packets. The video system (24) and exercise machine (22) can be selectively operated as either stand-alone units, or in an interactive exercise mode, wherein the exercise data by the exercise machine (22) affects the output of the video system (24), and may also be stored in memory within the interface module (26). The video system (24) controls the operation of the exercise machine (22) generally, and specifically, controls the load resistance imposed in opposition to the movement of pedals (66).

Abstract: A sports analysis and testing system includes a plurality of high-speed digital video cameras, each aimed at a player from a different perspective to record their movements and those of a ball in play. In a baseball application, a programmed computer interfaced to the video cameras and various optional sensors includes application software to generate performance statistics as a function of the pitch, hit, and bat swing. If previously obtained batter performance data are available, the system may also be used to generate a database containing historical performance statistics, including real-time measurements of many characteristics, including pitched and batted ball speeds and trajectories, bat swing timing, speeds, and swing angles, location over the plate, and ball-bat contact location.

Abstract: An electronic exercise monitor for monitoring the repetitive performance of an exercise comprises a switch having a contact member connected to a displaceable member of the exercise equipment, the switch being responsive to the reciprocal motion of a displaceable member of an exercise device to output a signal for each of a plurality of sequential exercise repetitions performed by the user on the exercise equipment, a processor for receiving the signals and determining for each a starting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing sound data for each of the plurality of sequential exercise repetitions, the sound data preferably comprising data representing a voice count number for each repetition of an exercise, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice or reproducing a digitized version of an actual human voice or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data stored in the memory.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for teaching motor skills to a human subject, learning by a student is based upon imitation of a teacher's motion. The teacher's motion is sensed by a motion sensing device, is digitized by a computer, and is then recorded in memory. The computer generates a virtual image sequence of the teacher on the computer display of the teacher interacting in the computer-generated virtual environment for the student to view and imitate. The same motion sensing device used to record the teacher's movement tracks the student's movement and the computer creates a virtual image sequence on the display corresponding to the student's movement and its interaction with the virtual environment in real-time, simultaneously providing an image sequence of the teacher's movement. The student's task is to imitate the teacher's movement. This process is repeated until the teacher's and student's trajectories match well in space and time.

Abstract: A device for connecting fitness equipment such as an exercise bicycle to a computer equipped with a game control device including a continuously variable resistance (e.g. industry standard architecture computers such as IBM PC/AT and compatibles equipped with a joystick adapter). The two states of the exercise bicycle (pedaling or not pedaling) are converted to the three states required by racing simulations (braking, coasting, accelerating) by means of a non-linear element in such a way that pedaling at speeds lower than a certain cross-over value is converted to various degrees of braking while pedaling at speeds higher than this value is converted to various degrees of acceleration. The cross-over pedaling speed which is converted to a resistance equal to that of a joystick in its middle position is lower than half the maximum speed. Within the range of possible pedaling speeds of the exercise bicycle, a smaller portion is used for braking and a greater portion is used for accelerating.

Abstract: A multimedia product for use in physical fitness training comprises a player-readable storage medium having a substrate and audiovisual program data encoded in the substrate. The audiovisual program data comprises first and second routines of physical movements sequentially captured from a first perspective. The first and second routines have at least some mirror-image or "opposed" physical movements such that when the program data is read by a player and displayed, the first and second routines are juxtaposed in a predetermined "split-screen" format. A method of making the product is also described.

Abstract: A device and methodology for controlling a treadmill motor (32) enhances user safety by providing an automatic shutoff of all power to the motor (32) under prescribed conditions. The treadmill motor (32) drives a belt (18) in response to a sequence of electrical signals being generated by the user through a control panel (14), for example. If there is a delay between the required signals that exceeds a preselected time period, all power is shut off to the motor (32) until the proper sequence of signals is restarted. In one embodiment, the treadmill running surface (18) is foldable from a use position (86) into a storage position (88). This invention prevents the motor (32) from being powered unless the belt (18) is in the use position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: A manually operated motion device for user interactive motion of a motion surface. The motion device includes a motion surface with a support points in a substantially triangular arrangement and that are used to support the motion platform in a substantially parallel relationship to the floor by a pair of support members attached to universal hinges on the motion surface and a compression member which connects to a universal hinge on the motion surface and may move in a substantially vertical plane that bisects the triangular arrangement of the support points on the motion surface. Attached to the supports is at least one mechanism for manually moving at least one of the support members, so that motion of one support member allows motion of the motion surface.

Abstract: A remote controller mechanism for use with a piece of exercise equipment such as an exercise bicycle or apparatus and a remotely controllable electronic device wherein the piece of exercise equipment has an electronic sensor that outputs a train of electronic pulses as a function of the speed at which the piece of exercise equipment is operated and wherein the remotely controllable electronic device has a first and a second operational mode, the remote controller mechanism including an interface mechanism for receiving the train of electronic pulses; a speed determination mechanism coupled to the interface mechanism for receiving the train of electronic pulses and then determining a present speed based upon the train of electronic pulses; a speed selection mechanism for allowing a desired minimum speed to be set by the user; a comparator mechanism coupled to the speed determination mechanism and the speed selection mechanism for comparing the present speed to the minimum speed and then outputing a result of t