MX2008000257A - Stationary virtual cycle system and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for providing a stationary cycle, and more particularly to methods and devices for providing a user, such as a child, with a stationary cycle to navigate through a virtual world displayed to the user. More specifically, the invention allows a user to navigate within a virtual world by controlling a stationary cycle, thereby combining the interaction of a video game environment with the exercise afforded on a cycle. The user pedaling the cycle and controlling the handle bars. Based on these actions, the user can control navigation within the virtual world.

Description

STATIC VIRTUAL BICYCLE SYSTEM AND METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for providing a static virtual bicycle, and more particularly methods and devices for providing a user, such as a child, with a static bicycle for navigating through a world virtual BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cycling provides recreation and exercise for many people. Users can ride bicycles on numerous terrains, which include cities, off-road trails and bike trails. In addition, the cyclist can pedal as slowly or as fast as he wishes. This can result in a harder, more strenuous form of exercise, or a slower, less stressful exercise based on user preference. However, many people, including children, do not get the exercise they need. Television and video games can contribute to a generally sedentary lifestyle. This lifestyle coupled with poor nutrition and eating habits can lead to obesity and health problems. As noted earlier, video games can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. In particular, Ref. 189176 Many people can choose to play video games, which requires little or no physical activity, instead of real physical activities. While real physical exercise is desirable for a healthy lifestyle, the attraction of video games, especially among children, can be very strong and difficult to overcome. Therefore, there is a need to increase physical activity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention meets the foregoing needs and avoids the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art by combining an activity that requires physical activity with a videogame interaction. More specifically, the invention allows a user to navigate within an animated virtual world by physically controlling a static bicycle, thereby combining the interaction of a videogame environment with the exercise offered by a bicycle. The invention can be implemented in a number of ways. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for navigating within a virtual world is provided, wherein the system includes a stationary bicycle that includes a handlebar and a rotating crank with two pedals and a display device. The system also includes at least one directional device connected to the handlebar, the at least one directional device is activated by the user to generate a directional signal indicative of movement of the handle, and at least one sensor device disposed near the rotary crank, the at least one sensor device that generates a crank signal based on rotational movement of the rotating handle. The system also includes a processor operatively connected to the display device, the at least one directional device and the at least one sensor device, wherein at least one processor provides virtual world content to the display device, and wherein at least one a processor varies the virtual world content based at least in part on at least one directional signal and the crank signal. The virtual world can be a lively world. In addition, the at least one directional device is an optical sensor. The handle can include a support of a handle having a disc attached thereto, and the at least one optical sensor can sense rotation of the disc. The at least one sensor device may further include a disc attached to the rotating crank and at least one optical sensor disposed near the rotary crank so that when the rotary crank rotates, the optical sensor senses the rotation of the disc. The system may also include a readable code residing in at least one processor and cause at least one processor to provide the virtual world content to the processor. presentation device. The stationary bicycle can be adjusted for a child. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method for navigating through a virtual world through a static bicycle comprising a handle and a crank, includes the steps of presenting content related to the virtual world, which receives at least a directional signal indicative of the handlebar by the user, which receives at least one crank signal indicative of rotational movement of the crank, and at least one crank signal that is received from at least one sensor device disposed near the movable crank, and which adjusts the content of the virtual world presented based at least in part on at least one activation signal and at least one crank signal. The virtual world can be an animated world, and the directional device can be an optical sensor. The handle can include a handle support having a disc attached thereto, and the method can further comprise the step of sensing rotation of the disc through the optical sensor. The step of receiving at least one crank signal may also include the steps of moving a disc in proximity to an optical sensor, wherein the movement of the disc is based on the rotation of the crank, perceiving movement of the disc in the optical sensor, and generate the crank signal in the magnetic sensor. The stationary bicycle can be adjusted for a child. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a system for navigating a virtual world includes a stationary bicycle that includes a handle and a rotating crank with two pedals, a means for presentation, at least one means for indicating direction connected to the handlebar, at least one means for perceiving closeness disposed to the movable crank, and at least one means for sensing movement of conversion of the movable crank in a crank signal, and at least one means for processing operatively connected to the medium for presentation, in less a means for activation, and at least one means for perception, wherein at least one means for processing provides virtual world content to the medium for presentation, and wherein at least one means for processing varies the virtual world content based at least - partly in one of the directional signal and the crank signal. The virtual world can be a lively world. The handle may include two handle sleeves, and at least one means for indicating direction may include a means for indicating direction in each of the handle sleeves. The system can also include readable code residing in the medium for processing and causes the medium for processing provide the content of the virtual world. The stationary bicycle can be adjusted for a child. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided that has code to cause a processor to navigate through a virtual world via a stationary bicycle, wherein the stationary bicycle includes a handle and a crank. The medium includes code to present content related to a virtual world, code to receive at least one directional signal indicative of movement of the handle, the movement that is performed by the user to indicate an address, code to receive at least one indicative crank signal of rotational movement of the crank, at least one crank signal that is received at least from a sensor device disposed near the mobile crank, the code for adjusting the content of the virtual world presented based at least in part on at least one of the directional signal and at least one crank signal. The features, advantages, and additional embodiments of the invention may be mentioned or apparent from the consideration of the following detailed description, figures, and claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that both the summary of the previous invention and the following detailed description are illustrative and are intended to provide additional explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. Brief Description of the Figures The appended figures, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention . No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it can be practiced. In the figures: Figure 1 illustrates a static virtual bicycle system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a handle having a rotary sensor for indicating a direction constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a pedal and crank having a circular disk attached to determine movement of the crank constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrate an arrangement of the two optical sensors in relation to the rotary encoder wheel constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a processor and control components for controlling processing within a virtual world constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a possible view of another static virtual bicycle system constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 10 illustrates a pedal and crank having a sensor in close proximity to the rotation of the crank to determine movement of the crank constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 11 illustrates a handle that has dorsal buttons to indicate a direction constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 12 schematically illustrates a processor and control components for controlling processing within a virtual world constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; Figure 13 schematically illustrates a cable connecting the processor and components of Figure 12 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples which are described and / or illustrated in the appended figures and detailed in the following description. . It should be noted that the features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the characteristics of one embodiment can be employed with other modalities as long as those skilled in the art recognize them, even if they are not explicitly mentioned here. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques can be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended simply to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention can be practiced and to furthermore enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and the applicable law. Also, it shows similar reference numbers refer to similar parts through the various views of the figures. The stationary bicycle in accordance with the principles of the invention may comprise an exercise-type static bicycle structure. Although a child-type exercise-type static bicycle structure will be specifically described here, it is understood that bikes adjusted for adult can also be used. The bicycle structure can have simple electronic components that they perceive when the child pedaled a full revolution, and when they pressed or released a left or right directional button mounted on the handlebars. This activation information can be sent to a processor to control a presentation unit through status control lines, which allows the child (or adult) to control the navigation through an animated virtual world. The invention will not be described in further detail below. Figure 1 illustrates a static virtual bicycle system in accordance with the principles of the invention. A static bicycle system 100 includes a bicycle 102 mounted on a platform 120. The bicycle 102 includes a frame 10 that supports a seat 104, handle bars 106, a handle support 107, and a handle 112. The pedals 114 are attached to the crank that uses conventional methods. The wheels 108 may be included and may be attached to frame 110. Wheels 108 may be fixedly attached to frame 110 or platform 120. Alternatively, wheels 108 may be free to rotate relative to frame 110. A screen 118 is located in front of the frame 110. bicycle 102 to allow a user to use the bicycle 102 while observing the screen 118. A user observes the animated virtual world on the screen 18 while on the bicycle 102. A processor 116 is operatively connected to the screen 118 and controls what is presents for the user. A virtual world may be associated with the static virtual bicycle system 100. While the virtual world described herein is generally described as an animated virtual world, it is understood that a virtual world comprising video or a combination of animation and video may also be used. The processor 116 receives inputs indicative of a user manipulation of the bicycle 102. Based on the inputs, the processor 116 controls the display 118 and navigation through the virtual world. Cycle cycle inputs 102 can be from sensors (not shown in Figure 1), buttons, levers or other devices. Although the processor 116 is displayed at a location on the platform 120, it is understood that it can be located elsewhere. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the processor 116 can be integrated with the screen 118. The processor can be any type of processor, such as a standard central processing unit, which is capable of running software. Various types of sensors. Figure 2 illustrates a handle having a rotary sensor for indicating a direction constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The handle support 107 is located in its circular disk 204 which is fixed in relation to the handlebar support. When the handlebars 106 are rotated, the circular disk 204 rotates. An optical sensor 206 is located on the base 120. According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical sensor 206 can distinguish 1000 unique positions by 360 degrees of rotation of the circular disk 204. While the circular disk passes through the line of 208 of the optical sensor 206, the optical sensor detects the position of the handles 106. The optical sensor 206 can be powered by 5V provided by a cable such as a USB cable, which connects the optical sensor 206 to the processor 16. By way of example, the circular disk 204 may be a US Digital HUBDIS -1000-500-2-1 disk, while the optical sensor 206 may be an Aglient optical sensor HEDS-9040-B00. Other types of disc and sensor can also be used. The optical sensor 206 generates electrical signals based on the position of the handlebars 106 and sends the electrical signals to a microcontroller within the sensor 206. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller can encode the electrical signal as an HID mouse X coordinate (for its acronym in English). Figure 3 illustrates a pedal and crank that has a circular disk attached to determine movement of the crank constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The rotary sensor is a combination of the optical sensors 308, 312 and a rotary encoder wheel 302. The rotary encoder wheel 302 is a disc attached to a crank 112. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rotary encoder wheel it may have four equally spicy slots 304, with each slot 304 having a radial length of about 45 degrees. Other numbers of slots and sizes can also be used. The rotary encoder wheel 302 in that manner has slots 304 and shaded portions 306. While a user engages the pedals 114 to rotationally move the crank 12, the rotary encoder wheel 302 also rotates. Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrate the arrangement of the two optical sensors 308 and 312 in relation to the rotary encoder wheel 302. Specifically, the optical sensors 308 and 312 are coupled so that the beam 310 of the optical sensor 308 breaks just before lightning 314 of the second sensor 312 is broken. This arrangement allows the processor 216 to determine the rotational direction in which the handle 112 is rotated. Thus, as shown in Figure 4A, the rotary encoder wheel 302 interrupts the beam 314 of the optical sensor 312, while allowing it to pass. the beam 308 of the optical sensor 310. In Figure 4D, the wheel rotates in the direction of the arrow 316 so that the rotary encoder wheel 302 interrupts both the beam 314 of the optical sensor 312, and the beam 308 of the optical sensor 310. A As an example, the optical sensors 308, 310 may be an Omron EE-SX672 optical sensor, which sends a high voltage when the beam is broken and a low voltage when it does not break. Other types of disc and sensor can also be used. The user's pedaling and spinning actions while being detected by optical sensors 206, 308 and 312 can be accumulated by the microcontrollers within the sensors. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a processor and control components for controlling processing within a virtual world constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The inputs of the optical sensors 306, 308, and 312, which are the control components, can be sent to the operating system 502 at a regular interval. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the input signal may be encoded in a USB HID mouse event and may be sent to the processor 116 via a cable 502, such as a USB cable. Other types of cable can also be used. When encoding signals in a standard USB HID package, the use of special drivers or protocols to deliver user input to the game application can be avoided, thereby significantly simplifying the necessary software. This may also allow a system according to the invention to be used in any operating system that can capture USB keyboard and mouse events. In addition, the entries can be viewed directly without the game application because they are in a generic operating system environment, and pedaling will move the mouse cursor down on the screen and turn the handlebars to the left and to the right will move the cursor mouse to the left and right respectively, on the screen. The processor 116 includes an operating system 504, such as a Microsoft Windows XP operating system, a graphical Linux distribution, or another operating system. In addition, the processor 116 includes a communications program 506 that communicates with the hardware. The communications program 506 can be written in C ++ or another computer language. In accordance with one embodiment, the optical sensors 206, 308, and 312 can be detected by the operating system 504 as a Human Interface Device (HID). An HID is a computer device that interacts directly and takes human input, such as a keyboard, mouse, game lever, and the like. The resulting signals corresponding to the movement of the pedals and in the turns of the handle 116 can be coded as mouse coordinates. The mouse movement signals can be sent each time a mouse coordinate is sent, so that when events are captured, the communications program 506 knows how many signals were accumulated by the operating system 504. The communications program 506 captures the events of mouse and keyboard of operating system 504 and translates the mouse coordinates transmitted from the hardware (e.g., optical sensors 206, 308, and 312) to control the bicycle. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the microcontrollers in the optical sensors 206, 308 and 312 send accumulated input of the sensors as a USB HID mouse package at a regular interval (approximately every 40 minutes). For turning, the absolute position of the circular disk 204 in the handle bars 106 is translated into a number within a scale. As an example, the numbers can vary from -127 to 127 and can be stored in the X coordinate of the mouse. The number -127 can denote the handlebars 106 turned all the way to the left, the number 127, can denote the handlebars 106 turned all the way to the right, and the number 0 can be centered. In accordance with One embodiment of the invention, the absolute, most recent position of the handlebars can be sent when the microcontroller transmits the USB HID packet. Other numbering schemes can also be used. For pedaling, the cumulative number of transitions from high to low in the forward direction can be sent as a positive mouse Y coordinate. For example, if the user pedaled a full revolution, a +4 can be sent for the mouse Y coordinate, since there are 4 slots in the rotary encoder wheel and a full revolution will cause the optical sensor beams to break and then not break four times. Other numbering schemes can also be used. In addition to this example, a +1 is sent for the mouse wheel each time a mouse packet is sent from the microcontroller of the optical sensors 206, 308 and 312 to the processor 116. This can be done because of acquiring the events of Operating system from within the communication program 504 may not be deterministic. Thus, when mouse input events are captured from operating system 504, the number of mouse events that are sent based on the wheel value that was accumulated by operating system 504. Communications program 506 may also be responsible for present the virtual world provided to the screen 116. The communications program 506 can make changes to the presented animation based on the received inputs of optical sensors 206, 308 and 312, which creates the illusion that the user actually physically navigates through the animation. For example, if the user travels towards a road or must, there may be a slip to the right. When the user turns the handlebars 116 to the right, the animation then branches to the right. In addition, for each pedal event forward of the crank 112 that is received, the user speed increases as long as the user does not obtain the maximum allowable speed. The speed may decay over time, so if the user stops pedaling to turn the crank 112, the animation will slow down gradually until the user reaches a full stop, very similar to the actual experience of pedaling a bicycle. According to one embodiment of the invention, the communications program 506 can update the screen at specific intervals, for example, every 32 minutes so that a specific frame rate, for example, about 30 frames per second, is obtained to create a fluid user experience. This can be done since the human frequently can not detect visual changes faster than a certain number of changes, for example 30 frames per second, on a standard computer monitor.

Figure 6 illustrates a possible view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of another static virtual bicycle system in accordance with the principles of the invention. Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the static virtual bicycle system illustrated in Figure 6. A static virtual bicycle system 600 includes a base 602 and a support rail 608. The base 602 is slidably attached to the support rail 608. A seat 604 is attached to the base 602. An adjustment lever 606 is attached to the seat base 602. When in a first position , the adjustment lever 606 keeps the seat 604 in a fixed position relative to the support rail 608. When in a second position, the adjustment lever 606 allows a user to move the seat 604 in a sliding manner relative to the support rail 608. The static virtual bicycle system 600 also includes a crank 612 rotatably connected to a crank support 610. Two pedals 614 are attached to the crank 612. A sensor device 616 is attached to a support Crank 610. While the user engages the pedals 614 and rotates the crank 612, the sensor device 616 generates a signal indicating the rotation of the crank. 613. This can be achieved by using the rotary encoder wheel 302 and the optical sensors 308, 312 described above with respect to Figure 3, but not shown in Figure 6-Figure 9. The static virtual bicycle system 600 also includes a support for handle 620 and a handlebar joint 622. Two handle sleeves 618 are attached to handlebar joint 622. While the user takes the handlebar sleeve 116, a signal from a sensor device (not shown) is generated indicating movement of the handle sleeve by the user. This can be achieved by using the disk 204 and the optical sensor 206 described above with respect to Figure 2, but not shown in Figure 6-Figure 9. As with the embodiment described with respect to Figure 1, a processor (not shown) receives the sensor device signals 616 and the directional buttons 624 to allow the user to navigate through a virtual world as described above. Figure 10 illustrates a pedal and crank that have a sensor in proximity to the crank to determine rotational movement of the crank in accordance with the principles of the invention. The crank 112 is rotatably connected to the frame 110. This rotary connection can be achieved by using any known rotary connection in the bicycle technique. The crank 112 includes two extensions 113 having a pedal 114 connected to each. A sensor device 1004 having a magnetic sensor 1006 can be attached to the frame 110. A magnet 1002 can be attached to at least one of the extensions 113. The magnet 1002 and the sensor device 1004 are positioned so that the magnet 202 passes through the magnetic sensor 1006 of the sensor device 1004 such as the crank 112 and the extensions 113. The sensor device 1004 can generate a signal indicating the rotational speed of the crank 112. The sensor device 104 includes a power input 1008 and a connector 1010 sensor signal, such as a cable, electrical cable, or other type of connector. The sensor signal connector 1010 is operatively connected to the processor 116 to send a signal from the sensor device 1004 to the processor 16. The sensor device 1004 can be any conventional type of sensor. Further, although the device 1002 was described with respect to a magnetic sensor, it is understood that other types of sensors may also be used to determine rotational speed or motion, such as optical sensors. Figure 11 illustrates a handle having directional buttons to indicate an address in accordance with the principles of the invention. The handle 106 includes a handlebar base 1100 with two handlebar covers 1102. In the end of each handle sleeve 1102 is a directional button 1104. When the static virtual bicycle system 100 is operated, a user activates a directional button 1104 to control the movement of the user through the virtual world. By way of example, when the user wishes to move the user's character down to the right in the virtual world, the user activates the directional button 1104 to the right. A connector 1106 located within each handle sleeve 102 is attached to each directional button 1104. The connector 1106 is operatively connected to the processor 116 to provide signals of the directional button 1104 indicative of activation of the directional button 1104. A power connector 1108 provides power to the directional buttons 1104, it should be noted that other handle and / or directional input devices are also contemplated by the invention. Figure 12 schematically illustrates a processor and control components for navigation within a virtual world in accordance with the principles of the invention. A processor system 1200 includes a processor 1208. The control components include the directional buttons 1104 implemented as a left directional button 1202, and a right directional button 1204, and the sensor device 1004 as a crank signaling device 1206 to provide input signals to the 1208 processor. input signals of the left directional button 1202 and the right directional button 1204 indicate when the user activates the directional button 1202om the right directional button 1204. The inputs of the crank signaling device 1206 provide indications of movement of the crank. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the 1208 processor can run the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. The processor 1208 includes communication software 1212, such as Microsoft Visual Basic ("VB"), which communicates with the control components. The communication software 1212 includes an OSX component 1210, such as an MSCOMM, which receives the input signals from the control components, for example, the left directional button 1202, the right directional button 1204 and the crank signal device 1206. By way of example, the VB program can use a standard OCX component (called an MSCOMM) to directly access a serial port (not shown), such as the serial port of RS-232. The RS-232 serial port connects the processor 1208 with the left directional button 202, the right directional button 1204 and the crank signaling device 1204. When the VB 1212 program first starts, the VB 1212 program establishes the DTR (for its acronyms in English) of MSCOMM that allow the attribute to be "True" then open the COM port, which causes the DTR terminal to remain at a particular voltage, such as 11.2 V. DTR stands for "Prepared Data Terminal", and was conventionally designed as a signal line, which allows a device connected to a computer to signal that it is ready to communicate. Having the DTR supply voltage for the single circuits or different from the COM short, and allows the use of the left directional button 1202, the right directional button 1204 and the crank signal device 1206 without requiring a battery. Other operating systems, software and hardware languages, as well as hardware components can also be used. Figure 13 schematically illustrates a cable 1300 connecting the processor and control component of Figure 12 in accordance with the principles of the invention. The indicative signals of the user actions on the left directional button 1202, the right directional button 1204b and the crank signal device 1206 can then be returned to the processor 1208 via a cable 1302, such as an RS-232 serial cable. , and provide a use of the load control lines 1302. In the example of an RS-232 cable, the crank signal device 1206 is connected to the Rl terminal (Bell Indicator) 1306 , the output of the directional button left 1202 is connected to the DSR terminal (Ready Data Adjustment) 1302, and the output of the right directional button 1204 is connected to the DCD terminal (Data Carrier Detection). 1304 for connection to the processor 1208. Generally, these control lines 1302, 1304, 1306 are intended for the equipment connecting the signal to the computer in a change in its state. In the present invention, the control lines 1302, 1304, 1306 are used to actually transport user input data to the processor 1208. By communicating to the processor 1208 through these control lines, as opposed to using the TD line ( Data transmission, by its acronym in English) standard, you can avoid the use of a serial driver chip, which can simplify the circuit. A specific voltage, such as 11.2 V, is provided through the terminal 1308 to provide power to the left directional button 1202, the right directional button 1204 and the crank signal device 1206. The processor 1208 includes an input port 1370, such as an RS-232 port. Other connections and components can also be used. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, when user input is sensed, an 11.2-volt DTR signal travels through a standard RS232 cable 1302 from processor 1206 to the bicycle 102, wherein it is sent to the components of control components (1202, 1204, 1206) that detect user input. The left directional button 1202 and the right directional button 1204, mounted on the handlebars 106, can be standard momentary buttons, which close the circuit when depressed, and open it when released. The crank signal device 1206 may be a normally closed magnetic switch, which opens when a magnet mounted on the pedal of the bicycle passes. One such magnetic switch is available on Radio Shac (Model # 129-1296). When a user presses a button or pedals the magnet near the magnetic switch, the corresponding control line changes the state, which activates the OCX component 1210 which then sends a message to the communications software program 1212. The left directional button 1202, the right directional button 1204 and the crank signal device 1206 frequently send more than one message per trigger, so the communications software program 1212 can observe incoming signals. In addition, these signals can arrive very fast (that is, within two minutes of each other) so that there may be sudden hardware changes and not really separate user input actions. This is commonly known as "bounce elimination".

Once the signals have been processed, the communications software program 1212 communicates this information through a TCP plug-in connection / IP (1214), such as a power plug. XML (for its acronym in English), to the content presentation program 1216, such as a Macromedia Flash program, which is the software responsible for presenting the virtual world and modifying its presentation to reflect user input. The content presentation program 1216 receives messages that the user pressed a button or pedaled a communications software program revolution 1212 through a TCP / IP plug-in connection 1214. The content presentation program then makes changes in the animated virtual world presented on the screen 118 based on these messages, which creates the illusion that the user really navigates through animation. As an example, the animation shows that the user travels under a path. The user moves forward around the road based in part on the pedaling by the user. While the user moves along the path, there may be a branch to the right. The user presses the right button at that point and the animation then moves the user to take the branch to the right. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the content display program 1216 can process the cycle information received from the 1212 communications software program in order to present a smoother, more realistic experience. By way of example, each time the content presentation program 1216 obtains a cycle message, it calculates an average "cycle per second" (CPS). The content presentation program 1216 calculates the difference between the last CPS and this new CPS. Based on the animation repetition time interval, the content display program 1216 calculates an amount to add or subtract each time through the repetition so that, the user must continue pedaling at this same new speed, the new one will be reached CPS the next time a cycle is detected. The algorithm can allow the speed of the alignment to be reproduced to "float" up and down in synchronization with the user's pedaling. Other operating systems, software and hardware languages, as well as hardware components, can also be used. According to one embodiment of the invention, certain hardware can limit maximum animation speeds to approximately 113 frames per second, while certain content presentation programs 1216, such as Macromedia Flash, will not allow frames per second to be smaller than one or a decimal value. To overcome these limitations, animation frames can be advanced "manually" based on a stopwatch. The calculated decimal frame rate can be rounded, which advances to the next animation frame only when the rounded value changes. When the user pedals quickly, the repetition of animation begins to miss frames, and creates an illusion of superior speed beyond what will allow the approach of "playing each frame" normal. Other animation products and content presentation programs, such as the Macromedia Flash director, can be used to present and allow the user to navigate through a true 3D virtual world. By using the static bicycle system in accordance with the principles of the invention, a child or adult controls navigation through an animated virtual world. For example, the child can drive, interact with characters, objects, or other things. A child can select a particular animated virtual world, or it can present itself with an animated virtual world. The content for a device can be updated periodically, such as through a transmission wireless, a download of a storage medium, or other means. Virtual worlds can be related to animated shows, movies, cartoons, comic strips and fiction stories. Other virtual worlds may be based on one or more characters, such as stars, athletes, characters associated with particular brands. As an example, a virtual world can be based on Ronald McDonald ™ and a user can navigate through Ronald McDonald land ™. In this example, the static virtual bicycle that provides navigation within Ronald McDonald land ™ can be located in a McDonalds ™ restaurant. While the invention was described in terms of illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, while the modalities described above were directed to a static bicycle using particular sensors, it is understood that other types of sensors can also be used. Furthermore, while the specific modalities were described, it is understood that different modality components may be used. For example, the buttons on the Handlebars can be used with an optical sensor to detect rotation of the handle. These examples provided above are only illustrative and do not mean that they are an exhaustive list of all possible designs, modalities, applications or modifications of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. Claims Having described the invention as above, se. It claims as property what is contained in the following claims: 1. - A system for navigating within a virtual world, characterized in that it comprises: a static bicycle that includes a handlebar and a revolving crank with two pedals; a presentation device; at least one directional device connected to the handle, at least one directional device that is activated by the user to generate a directional signal indicative of the movement of the handlebar; at least one sensor device arranged near the rotary crank, in at least one sensor device that generates a crank signal based on rotational movement of the rotary crank; and at least one processor operatively connected to the display device, at least one directional device and at least one sensor device, wherein at least one processor provides virtual world content for the display device, wherein at least one processor varies the virtual world content based at least in part on at least one directional signal and the crank signal.
2. 2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the virtual world is an animated world.
3. 3. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one directional device is an optical sensor.
4. 4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the handle includes a handle support having a disc attached to it, and wherein at least one optical sensor senses rotation of the disc.
5. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sensor device further comprises: a disk attached to the rotating crank; and at least one optical sensor arranged near the rotary crank that when the rotatable crank rotates, the sensor perceives the rotation of the disc.
6. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises readable code residing in at least one processor, the readable code that houses at least one processor providing the virtual world content to the presentation device.
7. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the stationary bicycle is adjusted for a child.
8. 8. - A method for navigating through a virtual world through a static bicycle comprising a handle and a crank, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: presenting content related to the virtual world; receiving at least one directional signal indicative of the handlebar by the user; receiving at least one crank signal indicative of rotational movement of the crank, at least one crank signal that is received from at least one sensor device disposed near the movable crank; and adjusting the content of the virtual world presented based at least in part on at least one of the activation signal and at least one crank signal.
9. 9. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the virtual world is an animated world.
10. 10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the directional device is an optical sensor.
11. 11. The method according to the claim 10, characterized in that the handle includes a handle support having a disc attached thereto, and further comprising the step of sensing rotation of the disc through the optical sensor.
12. 12. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the step of receiving at least one crank signal further comprises the steps of: moving a disk in proximity to an optical sensor, wherein the movement of the disk is based on the rotation of the crank; perceive movement of the disc in the optical sensor; And generate the crank signal on the magnetic sensor.
13. 13. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the stationary bicycle is adjusted for a child.
14. 14. A system for navigating a virtual world, characterized in that it comprises: a static bicycle that includes a handlebar and a rotating crank with two pedals; a medium for presentation; at least one means for indicating direction connected to the handlebar; at least one means for sensing proximity disposed to this movable crank, at least one means for sensing movement of conversion of the movable crank in a crank signal; and at least one means to process operationally connected to the medium for presentation, in at least one means for activation, and in at least one means for perception, wherein at least one means for processing provides virtual world content to the medium for presentation, and wherein at least one means for processing the virtual world content varies based at least in part on at least one of the directional signal and the crank signal.
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the virtual world is an animated world.
16. 16. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the handle includes two sleeves of handle, and wherein in at least one means for indicating direction includes a means for indicating directions in each of the sleeves of handle.
17. 17. - The system according to claim 14, characterized in that it also comprises readable code residing in the processing medium, the readable code that uses the means for processing to provide the virtual world content.
18. 18. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the stationary bicycle is adjusted for a child.
19. 19. - A computer readable medium that has code to cause a processor to navigate through a virtual world through a static bicycle, the static bicycle comprising a handle and a crank, characterized because it comprises: code to present content related to a virtual world; code for receiving at least one directional signal indicative of the movement of the handlebar, the movement that is by the user to indicate a direction; code for receiving at least one crank signal indicative of rotational movement of the crank, at least one crank signal that is received from at least one sensor device disposed near the mobile crank; and code for adjusting the content of the virtual world presented based at least in part on at least one of the directional signal and at least one crank signal.
20. 20. The medium according to claim 19, characterized in that the virtual world is an animated world.
21. 21. The medium according to claim 19, characterized in that the stationary bicycle is adjusted for a child.