Switching apparatus for an exercise powered TV

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6376936
  • Patent Number
    6,376,936
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, March 2, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, April 23, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Tso; Edward H.
    Agents
    • Archer; David J.
Abstract
A switching apparatus is disclosed for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus. The switching apparatus includes a pulse generator for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus and a transmitter for transmitting the pulses. A transceiver TV module receives the pulses from the transmitter, the transceiver module including a pulse counter for counting the pulses received from the transmitter, a power sensor for sensing the power status of the TV and a comparator circuit connected to the pulse counter and the power sensor such that when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being inactive, the comparator circuit compares the pulses counted by the counter with a threshold level which corresponds with the predetermined factory preset performance level so that when the pulses reach the threshold level, a signal is generated and when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being active, the comparator circuit compares the pulses with the threshold level such that when the pulses reach below the threshold level, a further signal is generated so that the module transmits the signal and the further signal accordingly. A receiver is disposed in operable proximity to the TV. The arrangement is such that when the receiver receives the signal, the TV is activated and when the further signal is received by the receiver, the TV is inactivated such that overriding the status of the TV is inhibited so that watching the TV without reaching the predetermined performance level is prevented.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to a switching apparatus for switching on a TV. More particularly, the present invention relates to a switching apparatus for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus.




INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT




Due to the abundance of technological achievements in the last few decades, there is today a tendency to use machines to accomplish tasks that in past generations required the expenditure of much effort and hard work. For example, whereas people used to walk to work, now, they ride in automobiles. Consequently, many persons suffer from a lack of exercise and are often grossly overweight.




Although a plethora of exercise machines have been designed in an attempt to burn off excess calories, such machines are only effective if the user is able to develop a disciplined routine of exercise. However, because of the natural tendency of most persons to be easily distracted or to prematurely give up before a task is accomplished, the same problem exists with regard to the use of exercise machines. Users of such machines become easily bored or are distracted to a more relaxed use of their time. Several proposals have been suggested in which a person exercising is able to watch a TV show or the like during a workout. However, there exists a tendency during an exercise session for the mind to wander and become so absorbed in the TV show that the exercise routine is abandoned or is dwindled to a point where the would be exerciser is reduced to the equivalent of a couch potato.




The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned problem by the provision of a switching apparatus or system which links an exercise machine to a TV so that the TV is only switched on as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on the exercise machine.




Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a switching apparatus that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art exercise arrangements and that provides a considerable contribution to the art of exercise machines.




Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a switching apparatus that prevents a user thereof from overriding the system and watching a TV program without reaching a predetermined performance level on the exercise machine.




Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the exercise machine art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to a switching apparatus for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus. The switching apparatus includes a pulse generator for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus and a transmitter for transmitting the pulses. A transceiver TV module receives the pulses from the transmitter, the transceiver module including a pulse counter for counting the pulses received from the transmitter. Additionally, the module includes a power sensor for sensing the power status of the TV and a comparator circuit connected to the pulse counter and the power sensor. When the TV is plugged in for the first time, the power sensor will determine the power required or power rating for any type of TV. The arrangement is such that when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being inactive, the comparator circuit compares the pulses counted by the counter with a threshold level which corresponds with the predetermined and factory set performance level so that when the pulses reach a level of the threshold level, a signal is generated. However, when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being active, the comparator circuit compares the pulses with the threshold level such that when the pulses reach a level that is less than the threshold level, a further signal is generated so that the module transmits the signal and the further signal accordingly. A receiver is disposed in operable proximity to the TV. The arrangement is such that when the receiver receives the signal, the TV is activated. Conversely, when the further signal is received by the receiver, the TV is inactivated such that overriding the status of the TV is inhibited so that watching the TV without reaching the predetermined performance level is prevented.




In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the pulse generator generates the pulses which are electrical signals, the pulses increasing in proportion with the amount of work expended by the user during a unit of time. Also, the transmitter transmits the pulses as R.F. waves to the module.




The transceiver TV module further includes a selectively lockable housing, a power cord extending from the TV to within the lockable housing, an electrical circuit for electrically connecting the power cord to a source of electrical power. The module also includes a lock for locking the housing such that plugging the power cord directly into a source of electrical power is prevented so that the overriding of an inactive status of the TV is inhibited.




The power sensor senses the status of the TV as being active when the TV picture tube is on and as being inactive when the TV picture tube is off.




Moreover, the comparator circuit further includes means for checking the pulses if the status of the TV is active and if the pulses have dropped below the level of the threshold level. A time delay mechanism is included for delaying transmission of the further signal so that the status of the TV is deactivated after a predetermined period of time so that if the user momentarily relapses from achieving the predetermined performance level, the TV is not immediately deactivated.




The receiver includes a remote LED disposed in operable proximity to the TV, the remote LED controlling a remote actuation of the TV for switching the TV from an inactive to an active status, and an active to an inactive status as programmed.




Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a schematic view of a switching apparatus according to the present invention; and





FIG. 2

is a flow diagram showing the operation of the switching apparatus shown in FIG.


1


.











Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various drawings.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a schematic view of a switching apparatus generally designated


10


according to the present invention. The switching apparatus


10


is used for switching on a TV


12


as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus


14


. The switching apparatus


10


includes a pulse generator


16


for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus


14


and a transmitter


18


for transmitting the pulses. A transceiver TV module


20


receives the pulses from the transmitter


18


, the transceiver module


20


including a pulse counter


22


for counting the pulses received from the transmitter


18


. Additionally, the module


20


includes a power sensor


24


for sensing the power status of the TV


12


and a comparator circuit


26


connected to the pulse counter


22


and the power sensor


24


. When the TV


12


is plugged in for the first time, the power sensor


24


will determine the power required or power rating for any type of TV. The arrangement is such that when the power sensor


24


senses the to status of the TV


12


as being inactive, the comparator circuit


26


compares the pulses counted by the counter


22


with a threshold level which corresponds with the predetermined factory preset performance level so that when the pulses reach a level of the threshold level, a signal is generated. However, when the power sensor


24


senses the status of the TV


12


as being active, the comparator circuit


26


compares the pulses with the threshold level such that when the pulses reach a level that is less than the threshold level, a further signal is generated so that the module


20


transmits the signal and the further signal accordingly. A receiver


28


is disposed in operable proximity to the TV


12


. The arrangement is such that when the receiver


28


receives the signal, the TV


12


is activated. Conversely, when the further signal is received by the receiver


28


, the TV


12


is inactivated such that overriding the status of the TV


12


is inhibited so that watching the TV


12


without reaching the predetermined performance level is prevented.




In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the pulse generator


16


generates the pulses which are electrical signals, the pulses increasing in proportion with the amount of work expended by the user during a unit of time. Also, the transmitter


18


transmits the pulses as R.F. waves to the transceiver TV module


20


.




The transceiver TV module


20


further includes a selectively lockable housing


30


, a power cord


32


extending from the TV


12


to within the lockable housing


30


, an electrical circuit generally designated


34


for electrically connecting the power cord


32


to a source of electrical power


36


. The module


20


also includes a lock


38


for locking the housing


30


such that plugging the power cord


32


directly into the source of electrical power


36


or another source of electrical power is prevented so that the overriding of an inactive status of the TV


12


is inhibited.




The power sensor


24


senses the status of the TV


12


as being active when the TV picture tube is on and as being inactive when the TV picture tube is off.




Moreover, the comparator circuit


26


further includes means


40


for checking the pulses if the status of the TV


12


is active and if the pulses have dropped below the level of the threshold level. A time delay mechanism


42


is included for delaying transmission of the further signal so that the status of the TV


12


is deactivated after a predetermined period of time so that if the user momentarily relapses from achieving the predetermined performance level, the TV


12


is not immediately deactivated.




The receiver


28


includes a remote LED


44


disposed in operable proximity to the TV


12


, the remote LED


44


controlling a remote actuation of the TV


12


for switching the TV


12


from an inactive to an active status, and an active to an inactive status as programmed.




In operation of the apparatus


10


, the pulse generator


16


is a commonly used existing or easily adaptable pulse signal generator and the transceiver TV module


20


receives, processes and transmits pulses to the receiver


28


depending upon the user's actions and activates or deactivates the TV. The module


20


processes pulse data that is received from the transmitter


18


. Such pulses are counted, processed and transmitted depending on the work output and the TV power status.




The apparatus according to the present invention is mostly wireless and gives the user several options as to its use as follows:




1) Mode


1


: The user starts exercising. If the user wishes to watch TV and maintains the necessary work level, the TV turns on automatically. When the user is finished exercising, the TV will turn off automatically. In

FIG. 2

, the path of Mode


1


is indicated by the numeral I.




2) Mode


2


: The user wants to exercise but doesn't want to watch the TV. The user can either exercise below the predetermined threshold level and the TV will never turn on. (This situation is unlikely to occur). Rather, the user simply manually turns the TV off and continues to exercise with the TV off. In

FIG. 2

, the loop path of Mode


2


is indicated by the numeral II. If the user in Mode


2


with the TV tube turned off and at the required work level decides to turn the picture tube back on when a favorite show for example comes on, the user manually turns the picture tube back on and proceeds downward into the loop path marked “watching TV and exercising”.




3) Mode


3


: The user is watching TV, as in mode I for example and decides to stop exercising. The TV turns off automatically, but the user now tries to override the system by turning the TV back on manually. Accordingly the cheat loop shown in

FIG. 2

becomes operative as indicated by the path marked with the numeral III.




4) Mode


4


: A person simply turns on the TV with a hand held remote without ever getting on the exercise machine. The power sensor which detects when the picture tube is on or off detects the action and proceeds as in Mode


3


described above.




The present invention provides a unique apparatus which rewards a user when achieving a predetermined exercise level while preventing a person from overriding the system without exercising to the required level.



Claims
  • 1. A switching apparatus for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus, said switching apparatus comprising:a pulse generator for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus; a wireless transmitter for transmitting said pulses; a wireless transceiver TV module for receiving said pulses from said transmitter; said transceiver module including: a pulse counter for counting said pulses received from said transmitter; a power sensor for sensing the power status of the TV; a comparator circuit connected to said pulse counter and said power sensor such that when said power sensor senses the status of the TV as being inactive, said comparator circuit compares said pulses counted by said counter with a threshold level which corresponds with said predetermined performance level so that when said pulses reach said threshold level, a signal is generated and when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being active, the comparator circuit compares the pulses with the threshold level such that when the pulses reach a level that is less than the threshold level, a further signal is generated, said module transmitting said signal and said further signal accordingly; and a wireless receiver disposed in operable proximity to the TV the arrangement being such that when said receiver receives said signal, the TV is activated and when said further signal is received by said receiver, the TV is inactivated such that overriding the status of the TV is inhibited so that watching the TV without reaching the predetermined performance level is prevented.
  • 2. A switching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid pulse generator generates said pulses which are electrical signals, said pulses increasing in proportion with the amount of work expended by the user during a unit of time.
  • 3. A switching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid transmitter transmits the pulses as R.F. waves to said module.
  • 4. A switching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid transceiver TV module further includes: a selectively lockable housing; a power cord extending from the TV to within said lockable housing; an electrical circuit for electrically connecting said power cord to a source of electrical power; a lock for locking said housing such that plugging said power cord directly into a source of electrical power is prevented so that said overriding of an inactive status of the TV is inhibited.
  • 5. A switching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid power sensor is arranged such that when the TV is plugged in for the first time, the power sensor will determine the power required for any type of TV.
  • 6. A switching apparatus for switching on a TV as a reward when a user is achieving a predetermined performance level on an exercise apparatus, said switching apparatus comprising:a pulse generator for generating pulses commensurate with the amount of work expended by the user on the exercise apparatus; a transmitter for transmitting said pulses; a transceiver TV module for receiving said pulses from said transmitter; said transceiver module including: a pulse counter for counting said pulses received from said transmitter; a power sensor for sensing the power status of the TV; a comparator circuit connected to said pulse counter and said power sensor such that when said power sensor senses the status of the TV as being inactive, said comparator circuit compares said pulses counted by said counter with a threshold level which corresponds with said predetermined performance level so that when said pulses reach said threshold level, a signal is generated and when the power sensor senses the status of the TV as being active, the comparator circuit compares the pulses with the threshold level such that when the pulses reach a level that is less than the threshold level, a further signal is generated, said module transmitting said signal and said further signal accordingly; a receiver disposed in operable proximity to the TV the arrangement being such that when said receiver receives said signal, the TV is activated and when said further signal is received by said receiver, the TV is inactivated such that overriding the status of the TV is inhibited so that watching the TV without reaching the predetermined performance level is prevented; said comparator circuit further including: means for checking said pulses if the status of the TV is active and if said pulses have dropped below said threshold level; and a time delay mechanism for delaying transmission of said further signal so that the status of the TV is deactivated after a predetermined period of time so that if the user momentarily relapses from achieving the predetermined performance level, the TV is not immediately deactivated.
  • 7. A switching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid receiver includes: a remote LED disposed in operable proximity to the TV, said remote LED controlling a remote actuation of the TV for switching the TV from an inactive to an active status, and an active to an inactive status as programmed.
US Referenced Citations (1)
Number Name Date Kind
5456648 Edinburg et al. Oct 1995 A