Camera equipped cycle and coordinated punch exercise device and methods

Abstract

A punch-and-cycle exercise device is described. The device includes a cycling mechanism, a frame to which a punch-pad is attached, a plurality of delineated target zones arranged on the punch pad, a sensor unit that may include an impact sensor, an accelerometer, and a single or plurality of hall effect sensors, each communicatively connected to the target zones. A control unit communicatively connects with the sensors, a punch-pad mounted camera, and a display. Gloves with built in magnets and/or unique markings/visual identifiers interact with the sensors and/or camera and provide data to the controller to track user success at responding with correct puncing form to illuminated and sequenced punching programs while cycling. Output can be displayed locally or on any paired device.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for engaging in an isomorphic simulation of a sporting activity, comprising:
 a stationary variable resistance cycling device including pedals, an adjustable seat, handle-bar, and an upright arm element mounted thereon proximate said handle bar;   a punch-pad mounted on said arm so as to face and be within physical reach of a user of said apparatus, said punch-pad including a plurality of discrete target zones thereon, each of said target zones including illumination and a sensor capable of detecting the proximity of a magnet and/or sensor thereto, and providing a signal to a device mounted controller regarding said proximity of said magnet and/or sensor;   magnet and/or sensor equipped gloves having distinct outer markings, to be worn by a user, used to strike at said target zones in accordance with a pre-selected program sequence of discrete target zone illumination during cycling; and,   a camera associated with said punch-pad and connected to said controller for said apparatus for recording and monitoring exercise and punching form of said user by observation of said distinct out markings.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an accelerometer included in said target zones for detecting target zone deflection during use and providing a signal corresponding to said deflection to said controller.   
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a contact switch included in said target zones to detect complete contact of one of said gloves with at least one of said discrete target zones.   
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a computer implemented method in said controller for receiving signals from said target zone sensors and camera and tabulating a score relating to accuracy of striking said target zones by said user.   
     
     
         5 . A apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said cycling device includes a hollow drum at a center thereof to which said pedals attach.   
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 said illumination in said target zones is variable in color and is illuminated to correspond to a strike by a specific left or right glove worn by said user.   
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for engaging in an isomorphic simulation of a sporting activity, comprising:
 a stationary variable resistance cycling device including pedals attached to a rotating hollow drum, an adjustable seat, handlebar, and an upright arm element mounted thereon proximate said handle bar;   a camera equipped punch-pad mounted on said arm so as to face and be within physical reach of a user of said apparatus, said punch-pad including a plurality of discrete target zones thereon, each of said target zones including illumination and an RFID sensor capable of detecting the proximity of an RFID tag thereto, and providing a signal to a device mounted controller regarding said proximity of said RFID tag, said camera recording and monitoring and providing feedback as to user form while using said apparatus; and,   RFID tag equipped gloves having distinct outer markings thereon for observation by said camera, to be worn by a user, used to strike at said target zones in accordance with a pre-selected program sequence of discrete target zone illumination during cycling.   
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 an accelerometer included in said target zones for detecting target zone deflection during use and providing a signal corresponding to said deflection to said controller.   
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a contact switch included in said target zones to detect complete contact of one of said gloves with said target zone.   
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a computer implemented method in said controller for receiving signals from said target zones sensors and camera and tabulating a score relating to accuracy of striking said target zones by said user.   
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  claim 10 , wherein:
 said punch-pad is vertically adjustable, along said arm, with respect to said cycling device.   
     
     
         12 . A method of a user isomorphically simulating a sporting activity, comprising the steps of:
 mounting, in a seated position, a stationary variable resistance cycling device including pedals attached to a rotating hollow drum, an adjustable seat, handle-bar, and an upright arm element mounted thereon proximate said handle-bar and a punch-pad mounted on said arm so as to face and be within physical reach of said user of said apparatus, said punch-pad including a camera and a plurality of discrete target zones thereon, each of said target zones including illumination and a sensor capable of detecting the proximity of a sensor and/or magnet configured glove thereto, and providing a signal to a device mounted controller regarding said proximity and stroke of said configured glove;   donning a pair of said configured gloves, to be worn by a user on respective left and right hands;   selecting a sequenced program of target zone illumination;   cycling;   striking illuminated ones of said target zones in accord with the sequenced program of illumination; and,   recording and reporting via observation of said camera an exercise form of said user.   
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 12 , wherein said illumination in said target zones is variable in colour and is illuminated to correspond to a strike by a specific left or right glove worn by said user. 
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 13 , wherein: said sensing of said configured glove includes distinct outer markings and is capable of tracking cross over punching across a body midline of said user and detecting a specific one of said left or right configured gloves. 
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 14 , wherein a score is tabulated in accord with successful replication of target zones strikes by said user in accord with said illumination sequence, and said score is displayed on a display screen mounted to said device. 
     
     
         16 . A method as in  claim 15 , further comprising continuous monitoring an RPM of cycling and a heart rate of said user to ensure that the user is engaged in simultaneous striking and cycling. 
     
     
         17 . A method as in  claim 16 , wherein, through said lighting sequences, said user is required to regularly alternate punching with the left and right hands to ensure both hands are used equally when punching and that there is cross-lateral movement. 
     
     
         18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein said user is presented with rounds of a high-speed, high consequence and high-pressure simulation in the form of pre-programmed lighting sequences to which the user must respond accurately within a limited and pre-determined amount of time. 
     
     
         19 . A method as in  claim 18 , wherein a user is presented with active rest phases throughout the training program to ensure the user recovers somewhat between said rounds. 
     
     
         20 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein said tabulated score accounts for whether the correct target zone was punched with correct observed form and that such a punch was made with the correct hand and in an acceptable time frame and if so, to allocate a score to the user.