Apparatus for connecting an exercise bicycle to a computer

A computer adapter apparatus for connecting a computer or video game system to an exercise bicycle, having two states such as idling and pedaling, said apparatus comprising:

• input means for receiving input signals indicating the rate of physical exercise performed by a user of the exercise bicycle;
• output means for communicating with a computer or video game system having an interface for a joystick, via that joystick interface;
• and
• converter means for driving said output means;
• said converter means comprising an element having a resistance which varies in response to said input signal;
• said converter means being arranged for converting said two states of said exercise bicycle into three states of computer gaming, braking, coasting and acceleration, respectively corresponding to rear, middle and forwards positions of the joystick;
• said converter element being non-linear, in such a way that:
• input signals indicating pedaling said exercise bicycle at speeds lower than a certain cross-over value are converted to a resistance higher than the resistance of a joystick in its middle position, such resistance being equivalent to pulling the joystick backwards,
• input signals indicating pedaling the exercise bicycle at a speed equal to this cross-over value are converted to a resistance equal to the resistance of a joystick in its middle position, and
• input signals indicating pedaling the exercise bicycle at speeds higher than a certain cross-over value are converted to a resistance lower than the resistance of a joystick in its middle position, such resistance being equivalent to pushing the joystick forwards
• said converter means being configured such that the maximum speed of the exercise bicycle is a speed at which the apparatus outputs a resistance which is equal to the resistance of said joystick when said joystick is pushed fully forward;
• and
• the cross-over speed at which the apparatus outputs a resistance equal to the resistance of a joystick in its middle position being less than one half of the maximum speed, making less than one half of the range of possible pedaling speeds equivalent to various degrees of braking and more than one half of the range of possible pedaling speeds equivalent to various degrees of acceleration.