TORQUE SENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a torque sensing system. The torque sensing system comprises a rotatable shaft (102) having a first part and a second part, the shaft comprising a spring structure (122) between the first and second part; a first readout structure (130) connected to the first part, the first readout structure (130) comprising first position indicators, and a second readout structure (132) connected to the second part, the second readout structure (132) comprising second position indicators; a detector system for detecting the first and second position indicators and generating a first detection signal indicating respective passing times for the first position indicators and a second detection signal indicating respective passing times for the second position indicators; and a processor. The processor is configured for determining an angular position of the first readout structure (130) occurring at a particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one first position indicator on the first readout structure (130) and on a first relation between angular position of the first readout structure (130) and time around said particular time instance; and determining an angular position of the second readout structure (132) occurring at the particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one second position indicator on the second readout structure (132) and optionally based on a second relation between angular position of the second readout structure (132) and time around said particular time instance; and, determining an angle of twist at the particular time instance based on the angular position of the first readout structure (130) and the angular position of the second readout structure (132), the angle of twist being associated with a torque applied to the first and/or second part of the rotatable shaft (102).

Claims

1. A torque sensing system comprising: a rotatable shaft having a first part and a second part, the shaft comprising a spring structure between the first part and the second part; a first readout structure connected to the first part, the first readout structure comprising first position indicators, and a second readout structure connected to the second part, the second readout structure comprising second position indicators; a detector system for detecting the first and second position indicators and generating a first detection signal indicating respective passing times for the first position indicators and a second detection signal indicating respective passing times for the second position indicators; and, a processor being configured for: determining an angular position of the first readout structure occurring at a particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one first position indicator on the first readout structure and on a first relation between the angular position of the first readout structure and time around said particular time instance; determining an angular position of the second readout structure occurring at the particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one second position indicator on the second readout structure; and, determining an angle of twist at the particular time instance based on the angular position of the first readout structure and the angular position of the second readout structure, the angle of twist being associated with a torque applied to the first and/or second part of the rotatable shaft.

2. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured for determining said first relation wherein the step of determining said first relation is performed based on at least two detected passing times of at least two respective first position indicators on the first readout structure.

3. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the first readout structure comprises a first reference indicator and the detector system is suitable for detecting the first reference indicator and wherein the step of determining said angular position of the first readout structure occurring at said particular time instance comprises counting a number of said first position indicators that pass by since a detected passing time of the first reference indicator; and/or, wherein the second readout structure comprises a second reference indicator and the detector system is suitable for detecting the second reference indicator.

4. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the particular time instance lies between two detected passing times of two respective first position indicators, or wherein the particular time instance lies after the most recently detected passing time of a first position indicator.

5. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein said first relation is a linear relation between angular position and time.

6. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein a physical model is used to model the behaviour of the system attached to either or both sides of the torque sensing system, the parameters from that system being determined through curve fitting through any number of measurement combinations, and the physical model then being used to predict the rotary position of the readout structure.

7. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is configured to provide a maximum angle of twist which is larger than the rotary angle between two subsequent of said position indicators of the first and second readout structure.

8. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is configured to provide an angle of twist between −20 and 20 degrees.

9. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure comprises a torsion spring.

10. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first position indicators is associated with a unique code, the processor being further configured to determine an absolute rotary position for each position indicator based on the associated unique code.

11. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the first readout structure includes a disc connected to the first part of the shaft, the first position indicators are positioned along one or more circular paths on the first disc; and/or, the second readout structure includes a second disc connected to the second part of the shaft, and wherein the second position indicators are positioned along one or more circular paths on the second disc.

12. The torque sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the detector system comprises one or more imaging sensors for imaging the position indicators and/or an optical detector and/or a magnetic detector and/or a capacitive detector.

13. A force feedback system for an exercise apparatus comprising: a torque sensing system according to claim 1; a force generating device connected to the second part of the rotatable shaft; a computer comprising a processor configured to: in response to a first torque applied to the first part of the rotatable shaft, receiving one or more values representing a torque measured by the torque sensing system; and computing a control signal for the force generating device, the control signal instructing the force generating device to exert a second torque to the second end of the shaft, the second torque being opposite to the first torque.

14. A computer-implemented method for determining an angle of twist, wherein a torque sensing system comprises a rotatable shaft has a first part and a second part, the shaft comprising a spring structure between the first part and the second part; and wherein the torque sensing system comprises a first readout structure connected to the first part, the first readout structure comprising first position indicators, and a second readout structure connected to the second part, the second readout structure comprising second position indicators; and wherein the torque sensing system comprises a detector system for detecting the first and second position indicators and generating a first detection signal indicating respective passing times for the first position indicators and a second detection signal indicating respective passing times for the second position indicators; the computer-implemented method comprising receiving said first and second detection signals, from the detector system; determining an angular position of the first readout structure occurring at a particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one first position indicator on the first readout structure and on a first relation between the angular position of the first readout structure and time around said particular time instance; determining an angular position of the second readout structure occurring at the particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one second position indicator on the second readout structure; and, determining an angle of twist at the particular time instance based on the angular position of the first readout structure and the angular position of the second readout structure, the angle of twist being associated with a torque applied to the first and/or second part of the rotatable shaft.

15. Computer program product comprising software code portions configured for, when run in the memory of a computer, executing the method according to claim 14.

16. The torque sensing system of claim 1 wherein the angular position of the second readout structure occurring at the particular time instance is further determined based on a second relation between angular position of the second readout structure and time around said particular time instance.

17. The torque sensing system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured for determining said second relation and wherein the step of determining said second relation is performed based on at least two detected passing times of at least two respective second position indicators on the second readout structure.

18. The torque sensing system of claim 3, wherein the step of determining said angular position of the second readout structure occurring at said particular time instance comprises counting a number of second position indicators that pass by since a detected passing time of the second reference indicator.

19. The torque sensing system of claim 4, wherein the angular position of the first readout structure being determined based on said two detected passing times.

20. The torque sensing system of claim 5, wherein said second relation is a linear relation between angular position and time.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] FIG. 1A-1F depict a torque sensing system and a computer-controlled force feedback system using such torque sensing system according to various embodiments of the invention.

[0089] FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts a read-out scheme of a torque sensing system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0090] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for controlling a force feedback system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0091] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic of a spinning bike comprising a computer-controlled force feedback system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0092] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic of a part of an encoder system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0093] FIG. 6 depicts a computer-controlled force feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0094] FIG. 7 depicts a computer-controlled force feedback system according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0095] FIG. 8A-8B depicts a spring structure for a rotatable shaft according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data computing system that may be used for executing methods and software products described in this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The embodiments described in this application are aimed at torque sensor systems that are capable of providing a high signal to noise ratio and high frequency feedback at across a wide range of rotation speeds, e.g. 10 and 500 rotations per minutes. The torque sensor systems are especially suitable for use in a force feedback system, such as an exercise apparatus configured to provide a real-life exercise experience, e.g. an outdoor biking experience or an outdoor rowing experience. The invention aims to provide an accurate measure of a force that is applied to a rotatable shaft comprising a first and second part and a spring structure for mechanically connecting the first of the shaft with the second part of the shaft. An encoder system is configured to measure an angle of twist between the first and second part when a first and second torque is applied to the first and second part respectively. A first readout structure, connected to a first part of the shaft may comprise first position indicators, and a second readout structure connected to the second part of the shaft may comprise second position indicators, wherein the first and second position indicators may be used to determine an absolute rotary position of the first and second part of the rotatable shaft respectively.

[0098] For example, when the shaft rotates due to the application of the torques, a reference indicator and position indicators arranged on the readout structure may pass a stationary detector of an encoder system thereby generating a reference signal associated with the reference indicator and a periodic signal, e.g. a square wave type signal, associated with the position indicators. Here, each period of the periodic signal may relate to the detection of a position indicator passing the detector. The position of each position indicator relative to the reference indicator is accurately known. Thus, the reference signal may trigger the encoder system to start counting and determining the passing of subsequent position indicators in time, based on a known or estimated rotation direction. This way, the absolute rotary position of the first and second part of the shaft can be determined as a function of time. After one rotation, a next reference signal may be detected and the encoder may restart the counting process for the next rotation. Thus, during the rotation of the shaft, at each time instance, the position of the first part of the shaft and the position of the second part of the shaft may be determined. Instead of an absolute rotary encoder based on a readout structure comprising (at least one) reference indicator and a plurality of position indictors, an absolute rotary encoder based on coded position indicators may be used. At a time instance, a position indicator in the form of a coded pattern may be read out by a detector, wherein the coded pattern may be directly translated to a position.

[0099] This way, the absolute (rotary) position of the first and second part of the shaft may be measured independently and used to determine the angle of twist caused by the torques applied to both parts of the shaft. Measuring the positions of the position indicators and the reference indicators at the first and second part of the shaft may provide an accurate measure of the angle of twist as a function of time. This signal may be processed by a processor in order to determine a control signal for an electrometer that connected to the second part of the shaft. Embodiments and non-limiting implementations of the invention are described hereunder with reference to the figures.

[0100] FIG. 1A-1F depict a torque sensing system and a computer-controlled force feedback system using such torque sensing system according to various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1A depicts a torque sensing system comprising rotatable shaft 102 wherein the shaft comprises two parts to which opposing torques can be applied. The resulting torque applied to the shaft may cause the shaft to rotate around its longitudinal axis 104. The shaft may be part of a mechanical or electro-mechanical apparatus. For example, in an embodiment, the shaft may be part of an exercise apparatus 100, e.g. a stationary exercise bicycle or a rowing apparatus. In an embodiment, the shaft may be part of an axis, e.g. a rear axis, of a spinning bike, wherein the shaft may be rotatable mounted in a stationary frame (not shown) of the exercise apparatus such that the shaft can rotate around its longitudinal axis.

[0101] The shaft of the torque sensing system may include a first part (e.g. a first end) configured to receive a first torque and second part (e.g. a second end) configured to receive a second torque. To that end, the first part may be connected to a force receiving structure, i.e. structure for receiving an external force. For example, in case of a stationary exercise bicycle, a rear gear 106 may be connected to the first part of the shaft so that the shaft is rotatable connected via a chain or a band 108 to a (chain)wheel 110 that is mounted to a rotatable crank 112. The crank may include crankarms to which pedals 114 are attached. When exerting a force to the force receiving structure, e.g. the pedals, a first torque may be applied to the shaft which may cause the shaft to rotate. The second part of the shaft may be configured to receive a braking force of a force generating device 118 or mechanism. Such force generation device may include any type of means for generating a force, including but not limited to a braking force mechanism based on a mechanical brake, an eddy current brake, a viscous brake, an alternator brake, etc. In an embodiment, the force generation device may be controlled by a computer 120 in order to controllably apply a torque of a predetermined value to the second part of the shaft.

[0102] For example, in FIG. 1A a force generating device in the form of an alternator may be rotatable connected via e.g. driving band 116 to the second part of the shaft. The force generating device may be controlled by the computer 120 to exert a resistance force or brake force on the second part, which may create a second torque which is opposite to the first torque created by e.g. an external force such as pedal forces. The shaft may include an elastically deformable part (not shown), e.g. a spring structure, that has a predetermined spring behaviour. In particular, part of the shaft may include an elastic spring part that exhibits a reversible torsional elastic deformation that is approximately linear with the torque that is applied to the shaft. The spring structure may be implemented in various ways. For example, the spring structure may include an elastomeric material or a mechanical spring, etc. enabling relative rotary displacement of the two parts of the shaft when a torque is exerted on the shaft.

[0103] An example of a reversible deformation of a spring structure is schematically shown in FIG. 1B, wherein spring structure 122 represents a spring structure in the form of a shaft which flexible in the rotary direction. In this case no torque is applied, Spring structure 124 depicts the same spring structure in the situation when a torque is applied to both ends. In that case, the structure may exhibit a reversible torsional deformation 126 resulting in a relative rotational displacement Δα between the two ends of the spring structure, wherein the relative rotational displacement is referred to as the so-called angle of twist Δα 128. The angle of twist represents a measure of the torque applied to the spring structure, and thus to the shaft of the torque sensing system.

[0104] The spring structure 122 may have any suitable form as long as it is capable of providing linear correlation between the torques applied to the shaft and the angle of twist. This is schematically depicted in FIG. 1C, wherein a rotary shaft 123.sub.1,2 includes a first part 123.sub.1 and a second part 123.sub.2, wherein the first part of the shaft is coupled to the second part of the shaft via a coupling structure 125 for coupling the first shaft to the second shaft may exhibit spring like behaviour in the rotary direction. The coupling structure can have any suitable form and may comprise one or more mechanical rotary springs, compression springs and/or one or more (visco)elastic springs. A detailed embodiment of a spring structure will be discussed hereunder with reference to FIG. 8.

[0105] In case of an exercise apparatus, such a stationary exercise bicycle, when an athlete starts pedalling, the applied torque will depend on the angular position of the crank and typically exhibits a periodic variation that coincides with one full rotation of the crank. The variation however in one crank rotation may vary greatly depending on a lot of different parameters, including e.g. the position of the crank, the position of the athlete, the muscular build of the athlete. etc. In order to provide an outdoor cycling experience on a spinning bike, the computer need to be able to measure the applied force and fast force variations applied to the shaft (and thus the angle of twist Δα) at very high sampling rates and relatively low rotation speeds for example sample rates>100 Hz at approx. 10 rpm, so that the angle of twist accurately follows the applied force during pedalling as a function of time.

[0106] To that end, a first readout structure 130 may be connected to the first side of the shaft and a second readout structure 132 may be connected to the second side of the shaft. The first and second readout structures may be part of an encoder system 136 for determining first position information associated with an (absolute) rotary position of a plurality of first position indicators, e.g. slots, of the first readout structure and for determining second position information associated with the position of a plurality of second position indicators of the second readout structure. The position indicators may be detected using a readout device, which has a detection zone in which the readout device is able to detect a position indicator. This way, each time a position indicator passages the detection zone of the readout device, the readout device may generate readout signals. In an embodiment, the encoder system may be configured as a rotary encoder system. In embodiment, the encoder system may include readout structures in the form a disc connected to the shaft that is provided with position indictors 134 and a reference indicator 135. Each of the position indicators may have predetermined dimensions and/or shapes. The position indicators may be provided along a circular path on the disc, e.g. a circular path at the periphery of the disc.

[0107] When in use, the position indicators will pass the detection zone of the readout device. The time at which a position indicator passes the detection zone is hereafter referred to as the passing time. The signal produced by the readout device may depend on the position of the position indicator within the detection zone. For example, the signal may exhibit a high amplitude signal when the position indicator is exactly inside the detection zone of the readout device and the signal may exhibit a lower signal amplitude when the position indicator enters or leaves the detection zone. The readout signal of the readout device may be determined one or more times during the passage of the position indictor through the detection zone. For example, depending on the implementation, a position indicator entering the detection zone may generate the signal going high value to a low value or vice versa. Each measured readout signal may be time stamped using e.g. a clock which may be part of the encoder system. This way, a sequence of time-stamped readout signals may be determined during the passage of a position indicator moving through the detection zone of the readout device. The position information generated by the encoder system may include such sequences of time-stamped read-out signals which may be used to determine, the rotary positions of the first and second side of the shaft at every time instance.

[0108] The information obtained from the time-stamp maybe used to generate position information at much higher frequencies than the frequencies of the readout signals by using an interpolation or extrapolation algorithm for interpolating or extrapolating the data that has been measured.

[0109] The encoder system may be implemented in different ways, e.g. in an embodiment, the encoder system may include one or more optical encoders, wherein the readout structure may include a plurality of position indicators in the form of one or more slots, e.g. windows. A readout device may include an optical source and at least one optoelectronic detector for determining the passage of an (optical) position indicator. In another embodiment, the encoders may be magnetic encoders, wherein the readout structure may include a plurality of position indicators in the form of magnetic elements. Further, the readout device may include at least one magnetic head for detecting the passage of a (magnetic) position indicator.

[0110] In an embodiment, the readout structure may include a reference element, e.g. a window or a magnetic element, that has dimensions or physical properties (e.g. magnetic field strength) that are different from the regular position indicators.

[0111] In a further embodiment the readout device may comprise one or more camera's. In that case, one or more position indicators may be associated with a code, e.g. a barcode or a QR code representing a unique (sequence) number, which may be used to link a position indicator to a position. For example, in an embodiment, the position indicators may be configured as coded slots which may be read out optically or magnetically. The position indicators are coded such that each position indicator can be associated with a different code which in turn may be related to an absolute rotary position, using e.g. a lookup table or a mathematical function.

[0112] The coding one or more position indicators enable the computer to determine a rotary position for each position indicator of the readout structure. Coding can be based on one indicator (e.g. a reference indicator) indicating the absolute position of one position indicator which may be used to derive the absolute positions of the other position indicators. Alternatively, a plurality of position indicators may be coded so that each of the position indicators can be directly linked to a position.

[0113] An optical system may be used to enable the camera to monitor one or more encoders. For example, an optical system may be configured to arrange both encoders in the in the field of view a digital camera, so that the position indicators of both readout structures can be readout simultaneously by the digital camera.

[0114] Examples of encoder readout systems are depicted in FIGS. 1D and 1E. As shown in FIG. 1D, the readout may include a light source 140, e.g. a laser diode, which emits light towards the readout structure, in this example position indictors in the form of slots or windows in rotatable encoder disc 142, which is connected to a rotatable shaft. An optical structure, e.g. refractive elements or the like (not shown) may be used to focus the light as a light beam onto the slots. During rotation (when the light source is positioned in line with the slots in the encoder disc) the light beam of the light source will pass through the encoder disc if a window or part of a window is positioned between the light source and a readout device. In that case light will be detected by a light detector 144 so that a readout signal 146 is generated. The light beam will be blocked if no window is positioned between the light source and the readout device. Hence, when the encoder disc rotates, the light detector (the readout device) will be periodically exposed by a light signal. This way, a signal is generated by the light detector in the form of a periodic signal, e.g. a block wave, sinusoidal or a pulse-like signal, wherein the frequency of the signal may depend on the number of position indicators (the number of slots) and the rotational speed of the shaft. The signal may be sampled in time thus generating multiple time-stamped samples for each position indicator (window or slot) passing the readout device (the light detector). As will be described hereunder in more detail, an additional reference indicator associated with an absolute rotary position of the shaft may be used to relate each of the position indicators on the disc to an absolute position. Further, the encoder scheme depicted in FIG. 1D may be easily extended to a so-called quadrature encoder in which two detectors positioned relative to each other so that the second detector detects a second periodic signal that is 90 degrees phase shifted. This known encoder scheme may be used to determine also the rotation direction.

[0115] Thus, a detector (a readout device) of the torque sensing system depicted in FIG. 1A may generate a detector signal when position indicators pass a detection zone the detector. In an embodiment, at least one of the position indicators may be configured as a reference indicator which is configured to provide a different response than the other position indicators. In that case, the signal generated by the readout device may include a reference signal which can be used as a reference for determining the position of the other position indicators. Thus, when the reference signal is detected by the computer, it knows the absolute rotary position of the encoder disc. Then, each subsequent detector signal that signals the passing of a position indicator can be counted by a counter. The number of detected position indicators relative to the reference signal may be used to determine an absolute position of a side of the shaft. Such encoder system is also referred to as an incremental rotary encoder. In another embodiment, the reference indicator may be implemented separately from the position indicators. For example, a separate detector may detect the reference indicator and generate a separate reference signal for signalling the detection of a reference indicator passing the detector.

[0116] FIG. 1E depicts a so-called absolute encoder readout system including a rotatable shaft 154 connected to an encoder disc 156 which can be optically read. Different circular slot patterns may be arranged around the shaft, wherein each circular slot pattern can be readout by an optical sensor, each optical sensor including a light source 150 and a light detector 152. An optical stop 154 and optical elements such as refractive elements (not shown) may be used to position a light beam on one of the circular slot patterns. The circular slot patterns are arranged such that the output signals 156 of the optical sensors may form a digital representation for a position. For example, the four circular slot patterns in FIG. 1E may generate four periodic block functions of different period so that the signal amplitudes at a particular time instance directly translates into a binary value. The resolution of the encoder is determined by the bit resolution (e.g. 8 bits would give 256 positions). Further, by measuring two or more position indicators also the rotary direction can be determined.

[0117] FIG. 1F depicts a torque sensing system which is similar to the system depicted in FIG. 1A with the exception that the first readout structure 130 may be part of the crank. This way, the first readout structure is rotatable connected to the first part of the rotatable shaft via a chain or a band 108 connecting the chain wheel of the crank with a rear gear connected to the first part of the shaft. More generally, the first and/or second readout structures may be directly connected to the shaft or indirectly via a gearing system or any other suitable transmission system. Furthermore, the position indicators described with reference to the embodiments in this application may be realized in any suitable form as long as there is a direct relation between the position of the rotatable shaft and the position of position indicators that are monitored by a detector. For example, instead of slots or markers on a disc connected to a part of the shaft, chain links of a chain connecting the crank with the read gear may be used as position indicators

[0118] Typical values e.g. the rotation velocity of the shaft may be between 10 and 500 rotations per minutes. Further, the plurality of first and second position indicators of the first and second readout structure respectively may be arranged to provide between 150 and 600 readout counts per rotation of the shaft. This way, the position may be determined very accurately, even at low rotation frequencies.

[0119] The encoder system may sample the detector signal a large number of times. For example, sample frequencies higher than 100 Hz at relatively low rotation speeds (10 rpm) can be achieved. Such high sample frequencies are necessary to accurately determine the angle of twist Δα and fast variations in the angle of twist in the shaft due to changes in forces applied by the user to a part, e.g. the pedals, of the exercise device.

[0120] When the exercise apparatus is in use, the encoder system 136 may generate at least one (encoder) signal 137 that includes first and second position information associated with the first and second readout structure respectively. The position information may have form of one or more periodic signals, e.g. one or more block wave signals, sinusoidal signals or pulse signals. In an embodiment, during readout, the passage of a reference indicator (e.g. a reference window of the readout structure) may be detected generating a reference signal. The reference signal may be used to identify each subsequent position indicator that passes the detector. After each full rotation of the shaft, a new reference signal may be generated. The reference signal may be coded into the encoder signal that is sent to the computer. The reference signal may trigger the computer to start counting the number of (block wave) periods in the encoder signal, wherein each period is associated with a position indicator passing the detector. When a torque is applied to both ends of the shaft, the shaft will start to rotate, and, in response, the encoder system may start generating first and second position information associated with both readout structures. The computer 120 may determine the angle of twist Δα caused by the torque based on the rotary position of the first and second part of the shaft as determined by the encoder system. In particular, the angle of twist may be the difference between the first rotary position and the second rotary position at a certain time instance.

[0121] In an embodiment, the angle of twist may be used in an algorithm representing a kinematic model of the exercise apparatus. A known kinematic model is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,833,135. Based on the model, the computer may determine a control signal or a feedback 121 for the force generating device 118 which may generate a brake force that partly counters the force that is applied by the user. In case of an exercise apparatus, the brake force may be experienced by a user of the exercise apparatus as a resistance. The resistance force may be controlled at a time scale that includes variations in the torque due to variations in the force applied to the exercise apparatus by the user.

[0122] The resulting torque that is applied to the shaft at each time instance may introduce a reversible torsional deformation in the spring structure of the shaft. The reversible torsional deformation may cause a relative rotational shift between the position indicators of the readout structures connected to the first and second part of the shaft. Because the encoder system is able to measure an absolute rotary position for the first and second part of the shaft, the relative shift between the position indicators may be larger than the rotational angle between two subsequent position indicators of the first readout structure or the second readout structure. In particular, the spring structure may be configured to provide a maximum angle of twist which is larger than the rotary angle between two subsequent position indicators of the first and second readout structure.

[0123] A reference indicator or coded position indicators may allow the computer to determine an absolute position of a position indicator that passes the detector. Thus, the spring behaviour of the spring structure, e.g. the spring constant, may be configured to provide a relative shift in the rotary position between the first and second readout structure between −20 and 20 degrees, preferably −10 and 10 degrees, in response to the application of an external force (or external forces) on the shaft. This way, a large signal to noise ratio can be obtained.

[0124] The computer may determine the angle of twist Δα for many time instances during the passing of the position indicators (e.g. a window or a magnetic element) by determining for each time instance a difference between an absolute rotary position of the first encoder disc and an absolute rotary position of the second encoder disc.

[0125] FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts a read-out scheme of a torque sensing system according to an embodiment of the invention. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the angle of twist Δα can be calculated by the computer by determining the rotary position of the first part of the shaft on the basis of the first position information in the encoder signal and the rotary position of the second part of the shaft on the basis of the second position information in the encoder signal. In an embodiment, in order to accurately determine the rotary positions of both encoder discs at each point in time, the readout of the encoder may be synchronized. Thus, the computer continuously reads out both encoder signals at high frequencies, i.e. 100 Hz or higher, and determines rotary positions of both rotary discs. Based on the rotary positions the computer may determine the angle of twist as a function of time wherein the angle of twist may be larger than the angle between two subsequent position indicators.

[0126] FIG. 2A depicts part of an encoder signal of the first encoder readout structure 202 connected to a first part of a rotating shaft. The encoder signal is for example output by the detector system that is configured to detect the first and second position indicators. The encoder signal includes a first signal 203.sub.1 representing a reference signal and a second signal including a period block wave signal. The reference signal is generated by a reference indicator 205.sub.1 of passing the detector 207.sub.1. The periodic block wave signal may include a first transition 204 from a high sensor signal to a low sensor signal (going from a part where the optical signal is passed and detected to a part wherein the optical signal is blocked and not detected) and a second transition 206 going from a low signal (optical signal blocked) to a high signal (optical signal passed).

[0127] Similarly, FIG. 2B depicts part of an encoder signal of the second encoder readout structure 202 connected to a second part of the rotating shaft. The encoder signal includes a first signal 203.sub.2 representing a reference signal and a second signal including a period block wave signal. The reference signal is generated by a reference indicator 205.sub.2 of passing the detector 207.sub.2. The periodic block wave signal may include a first transition 210 from a high sensor signal to a low sensor signal (going from a part where the optical signal is passed and detected to a part wherein the optical signal is block and not detected) and a second transition 212 going from a low signal (optical signal blocked) to a high signal (optical signal passed).

[0128] The angular positions of the transitional regions of the encoder disc are known very accurately. Moreover, the transitions in the encoder signal can be detected very precisely by the computer. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each transition in the encoder signal can be accurately linked to a left or right edge of a window in the encoder disc. The angular positions (e.g. α½ and α½ in FIG. 2A) of the edges can be very accurately determined as well as the distance Δx between edges. For example, the computer may determine that at a first time instance the first encoder detects the forth position indicator (i.e. four block wave periods relative to the first reference signal) while the second encoder detects the second position indicator (i.e. two block wave periods relative to the second reference signal). This information allows the computer to accurately determine a torsional angle Δα at an arbitrary time instance t.sub.i.

[0129] FIG. 2A depicts a first detection signal indicating respective passing times for the first position indicators. The signal identifies a passing time t.sub.1.sup.1 of one of the first position indicators which may be for example of an edge of a window of a readout structure, which passes the detection zone of a detector. The signal may further identify a further passing time t.sub.2.sup.1 of another first position indicator passing the detection zone of the detector. Similarly, FIG. 2B depicts a second detection signal indicating respective passing times t.sub.1.sup.2 and t.sub.2.sup.2 for the second position indicators. FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the passing times of the first and second position indicators do not coincide. For example, t.sub.0.sup.1, a passing time of a first position indicator of the first readout structure, does not coincide with a passing time of a second position indicator of the second readout structure. These detection signals may be used to determine angular positions of the first and second readout structures for an arbitrary time instance (for example t.sub.i in FIGS. 2A and 2B). For first readout structure, the determination of an angular position at t.sub.i may be based on a detected passing time t.sub.2.sup.1 and a relation between angular position of the first readout structure and time around said time instance t.sub.i as explained below. Similarly, for the second readout structure, the determination of an angular position at t.sub.i may be based on a detected passing time t.sub.2.sup.1 and a relation between angular position of the second readout structure and time around said time instance t.sub.i as explained below.

[0130] In particular, FIG. 2A depicts a first encoder signal depicting a first transition 204 at time instance t.sub.1.sup.1 associated with angular position α.sub.1.sup.1 and a second transition 206 at time instance t.sub.2.sup.1 associated with angular position α.sub.2.sup.1, wherein the distance between the first and second transition is denoted as Δx.sup.1. Based on this information, the angular position of the encoder disc at t.sub.i can be predicted by the following equation: α.sub.i.sup.1(t.sub.i)=α.sub.2.sup.1(t.sub.2.sup.1)+v.sup.1(t.sub.i−t.sub.2.sup.1) wherein v.sup.1=Δx.sup.1/(t.sub.1.sup.1−t.sub.2.sup.1). Herein, v.sup.1 may be understood to define said relation between angular position of the first readout structure and time around time instance t.sub.i. In this example, this relation is determined based on two detected passing times. However, three or more detected passing times may also be used to determine this relation, for example by using a polynomial fit procedure. Similarly, FIG. 2B depicts a second encoder signal depicting a first transition 210 at time instance t.sub.1.sup.2 associated with angular position α.sub.1.sup.2 and a second transition 212 at time instance t.sub.2.sup.2 associated with angular position α.sub.2.sup.2, wherein the distance between the first and second transition is denoted as Δx.sup.2. Based on this information, the angular position of the second encoder disc at t.sub.i can be predicted by the following equation: α.sub.i.sup.2(t.sub.i)=α.sub.2.sup.2(t.sub.2.sup.2)+v.sup.2(t.sub.i−t.sub.2.sup.2) wherein v.sup.2=Δx.sup.2/(t.sub.1.sup.2−t.sub.2.sup.2). Herein, v.sup.2 may be understood to define said relation between angular position of the first readout structure and time around time instance t.sub.i. This way, the torsional angle can be determined: Δα(t.sub.i)=α.sub.i.sup.2(t.sub.i)−α.sub.i.sup.1(t.sub.i)+α.sub.o at any time instance t.sub.i. As the encoder system can determine absolute rotary positions, the scheme works for both small and large torsional angles at high accuracy. Here, the diameter of the encoder disc and the number of position indicators, e.g. slots or (coded) markers, on the encoder discs may determine the resolution of the readout. The more position indicators, the higher the resolution of the rotary position.

[0131] Thus, as shown from the FIGS. 2A and 2B, the processor of a torque detection system may be configured to determine an angular position of the first readout structure occurring at a particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one first position indicator on the first readout structure and on a first relation between angular position of the first readout structure and time around said particular time instance and to determine an angular position of the second readout structure occurring at the particular time instance based on a detected passing time of at least one second position indicator on the second readout structure and, optionally, based on a second relation between angular position of the second readout structure and time around said particular time instance. Based on these angular positions, the process may then determine an angle of twist at the particular time instance wherein, the angle of twist is associated with a torque applied to the first and/or second part of the rotatable shaft. This way, the processor is able to produce torque values on the basis of the detection signals at a high frequency rate that is needed by the feedback controller in order to provide stable real-time responses, which is needed for simulating a realistic user experience on an exercise apparatus.

[0132] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for controlling a force feedback system according to an embodiment of the invention. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the force feedback system may include a computer receiving information from the encoder system connected to an exercise apparatus and transmitting control information to a force generating device connected to the exercise apparatus. A processor of the computer may execute a program which includes a first step 302 wherein the computer receives at least one signal from an encoder system, wherein the encoder system is configured to measure first absolute position information of a first part of a rotatable shaft and second absolute position information of a second part of the rotatable shaft, the signal being generated by the encoder system in response to a first torque exerted to the first part of the rotatable shaft. Here, first and second absolute position information may be generated by the encoder system by reading out a first readout structure in contact with a first part of a rotating shaft and the second encoder signal may be generated reading out a second readout structure in contact with a second part of a rotating shaft of the exercise apparatus. The first torque be applied to the first part, may be associated with a user of the exercise apparatus exerting a force onto a part of the exercise apparatus, e.g. a crank, wherein the part of the exercise apparatus may be rotatable connected, e.g. via a chain, a band or any other suitable transmission system, to the first part of the shaft.

[0133] Then, in a second step 304, the computer may use the first and second absolute position information to compute an angle of twist between the first part and second part of the shaft; and use the angle of twist to compute a control signal for a force feedback system, the force feedback system including a force generating device connected to the second part of the rotational shaft. The computer may use the angle of twist as an input to a kinetic model of the exercise apparatus in order to determine a suitable brake force that needs to be applied to the second part of the shaft.

[0134] Thereafter, in a third step 306 the computer may transmit the control signal to the force generating device, wherein the control signal may control the force generating device to exert a second torque to the second end of the shaft, wherein the second torque may be opposite to the first torque.

[0135] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic of a part of a spinning bike comprising a computer-controlled force feedback system according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, this figure depicts the side face of part of an exercise apparatus 400, in this case a stationary bike, comprising a frame 402 supporting a force receiving structure, i.e. the force receiving structure in the form of a force crank 404 with pedals 406, wherein the crank is rotatable connected via a chain 408 to a back gear 415. Here, the back gear is connected to a first part (e.g. a first end) to a rotatable shaft. The first part of the shaft is further connected to a first encoder disc 410 comprising position indicators 412, e.g. slots, that are arranged along the periphery of the first encoder disc. A detector 414 is located at the position of the position indicators so that when the apparatus is in use, the first encoder disc will rotate in reaction to a force exerted on the first part of the shaft and the position indicators sequentially pass the detector, which detects the passing slots. This way, the detector may generate a periodic square wave type signal as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 representing the rotary position of the first encoder disc as a function of time. The position indicators may include a reference readout element 416 which provides a reference signal. The reference signal may be used by the computer to detect the start of a new rotation and provides a reference position relative to the positions of position indicators. A force generating device 420 is rotatable connected via a band or a chain 408 to a second part of the shaft, wherein the second part of the shaft is connected to a second rotary disc, which can be readout by a second detector (not shown).

[0136] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic of another side view of the spinning bike as described with reference to FIG. 4. This figure illustrates the arrangement of the rotatable shaft 502 comprising a first part 501.sub.1 and a second part 501.sub.2. The shaft may comprise a deformable spring structure between the first and second part. Further, the shaft is rotatable mounted to the frame of the stationary bike and includes a gear unit 504 at a first end of the shaft and a driving wheel 506 at the second end of the shaft. A first encoder disc 508.sub.1 including a plurality of first position indicators is connected to the first part of the shaft and a second encoder disc 508.sub.2 comprising a plurality of second position indicators is connected to the second part of the shaft. When a force is exerted on the first part of the shaft, the shaft starts to rotate and the first and second encoder discs are read out by a first detector 510.sub.1 and second detector 510.sub.2 respectively, wherein a periodic signal generated by the first detector represents location information of the first part of the shaft and the periodic signal generated by the second detector represents location information of the second part of the shaft. Here, the driving wheel may be rotatable connected via a driving belt 512 to a driving wheel of a computer-controlled electronic motor 514, which is configured to produce a brake force which will be applied as a second torque to the second part of the shaft. The shaft encoder arrangement provides a compact design which can be easily integrated in conventional exercise apparatuses, such as an exercise bicycle.

[0137] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict computer-controlled force feedback systems for an exercise apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention. In particular, both FIGS. 6 and 7 depict part of exercise apparatus comprising a computer 602,702 connected to an encoder system 602,702 that is configured to read out rotary positions of a first part 606.sub.1,706.sub.1 and second part 602.sub.2,702.sub.2 of a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises a spring structure of a predetermined spring behaviour, e.g. a predetermined spring constant. If a first torque is applied to the first part of the rotatable shaft, the encoder system generates position information 608,708 of the first and second part of the shaft and the computer uses this information in order to determine an angle of twist of the shaft. The computer may use the angle of twist to control a force generating device 612,712 by sending a feedback signal 610,710 to the force generating device to generate a second torque to the second part of the shaft. These elements are described in detail with reference to FIG. 1-3. Additionally, FIGS. 6 and 7 depict variants wherein the computer-controlled force feedback system includes a third encoder configured to measure third position information. In this case, the third position information may be associated with a position of a body part of the user of the exercise apparatus. For example, FIG. 6 depicts a variant wherein the exercise apparatus is a stationary exercise bike, wherein the rotatable shaft is part of the rear axis of the bike and wherein the first part of the shaft is connected to a gear, which is connected via a chain 612 to the chainwheel of the crank 614 of the bike. The third encoder 616 may have a readout structure in the form of a disc comprising position indicators positioned along periphery of the disc, wherein each position indicators determines a rotary position of the crank relative to a reference position of the crank. Thus, the third encoder may generate third position information 618 in the form of a periodic signal that is generated by a detector of the third encoder sequentially reading the position indicators when the user uses the exercise bike. The third position information may be used by the computer to determine the position of the crank and the pedals 620 and thus the position of the feet of the user during the exercise. In an embodiment, the computer may use the third position information for determining if a user of the exercise apparatus is freeriding. For example, the processor may instruct the force generating device to adjust the second torque based on the third position information if the third position information signals the processor that the user of the exercise apparatus is freewheeling.

[0138] In a similar way, FIG. 7 depicts a computer-controlled force feedback system for a rowing exercise apparatus. As shown in this figure, the rotatable shaft may be mounted on the frame 714 of the exercise apparatus. The frame may include a slidable seat 716 and a footrest structure connected to the frame. The first part of the shaft may be connected to a rotary mechanism including a chain or a cord connected to a handle 720 (representing the oar). The rotary mechanism of the rowing exercise apparatus is configured to enable a user to exercise strokes wherein each stroke includes a catch position (the start position), a drive phase wherein the user generates power up to the release (the end of the stroke) and a recovery phase wherein the rower slides back to the catch position. During the drive phase, the user exerts a force onto the first part of the shaft by a pull mechanism, during this phase the encoder system may provide position information of the first and second part of the shaft. Further, the third encoder may determine third position information 718 representing the position of the user during stroke actions to the computer and the computer will use this information to control a force generating device to exert a second torque on the shaft that is opposite to the first torque. Hence, the third encoder may be configured to determine for example the position of the slidable seat using a linear position encoder. The computer may use the position of the seat to determine if the user is in a catch, drive, release or recovery position and to control the force generating device accordingly.

[0139] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a first and second cross sectional view of a shaft encoder structure according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 8A depicts an example of a rotatable shaft 800 including a torsion spring structure 802, preferably a spiral spring structure, between a first part 801.sub.1 and second part 801.sub.2 of the shaft, wherein a first encoder disc 808.sub.1 and second encoder disc 808.sub.2 are connected to the first and second part of the shaft respectively. At the first part, the shaft may be further connected to a gear 804, for rotatable connecting the shaft to e.g. a crank. The second part of the shaft may be connected to a gear or a driving wheel 806 for connecting the second part to a force generating device. Thus, the torsion spring structure connects the first part of the shaft to the second part of the shaft, so that if a torque is applied to the first and second part the spring structure may cause an angle of twist between the first and second part. The shaft encoder structure depicted in FIG. 8 is similar to the structure described with reference to FIG. 5 with the exception that the torsion spring has the shape of a spiral torsion spring 803, sometimes also referred to as a mainspring, e.g. a metal mainspring.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 8B, the spiral torsion spring may be contained in a (circular) enclosure 807. The spiral torsion spring may include an outer end 805.sub.1 connected to the outer enclosure wherein the outer enclosure may be connected to the first part 801.sub.1 of the shaft. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, one side of the outer enclosure of the main spring may be fixed to the first encoder disc 808.sub.1 that is connected to the first part of the shaft. Further, the spiral torsion spring may include an inner end 805.sub.2 connected to the second part 801.sub.2 of the shaft. The spring arrangement of FIGS. 8A and 8B provides a particular compact design wherein the spiral torsion spring can be designed such that it has a spring behaviour, e.g. a spring constant, for determining an angle of twist within a predetermined range. In one embodiment, a range between −20 and 20 degrees is selected. In another embodiment, a range between −10 and 10 degrees is selected.

[0141] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary data processing system that may be used in as described in this disclosure. Data processing system 900 may include at least one processor 902 coupled to memory elements 904 through a system bus 906. As such, the data processing system may store program code within memory elements 904. Further, processor 902 may execute the program code accessed from memory elements 904 via system bus 906. In one aspect, data processing system may be implemented as a computer that is suitable for storing and/or executing program code. It should be appreciated, however, that data processing system 900 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and memory that is capable of performing the functions described within this specification.

[0142] Memory elements 904 may include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory 908 and one or more bulk storage devices 910. Local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of the program code. A bulk storage device may be implemented as a hard drive or other persistent data storage device. The processing system 1000 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from bulk storage device 910 during execution.

[0143] Input/output (I/O) devices depicted as input device 912 and output device 914 optionally can be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input device may include, but are not limited to, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, or the like. Examples of output device may include, but are not limited to, for example, a monitor or display, speakers, or the like. Input device and/or output device may be coupled to data processing system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. A network adapter 916 may also be coupled to data processing system to enable it to become coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and/or remote storage devices through intervening private or public networks. The network adapter may comprise a data receiver for receiving data that is transmitted by said systems, devices and/or networks to said data and a data transmitter for transmitting data to said systems, devices and/or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapter that may be used with data processing system 950.

[0144] As pictured in FIG. 9, memory elements 904 may store an application 918. It should be appreciated that data processing system 900 may further execute an operating system (not shown) that can facilitate execution of the application. Application, being implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by data processing system 900, e.g., by processor 902. Responsive to executing application, data processing system may be configured to perform one or more operations to be described herein in further detail.

[0145] In one aspect, for example, data processing system 900 may represent a client data processing system. In that case, application 918 may represent a client application that, when executed, configures data processing system 900 to perform the various functions described herein with reference to a “client”. Examples of a client can include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, a portable computer, a mobile phone, or the like. In another aspect, data processing system may represent a server. For example, data processing system may represent an (HTTP) server in which case application 918, when executed, may configure data processing system to perform (HTTP) server operations. In another aspect, data processing system may represent a module, unit or function as referred to in this specification.

[0146] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0147] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.