Can You Learn to Surf Without Water? Try the iSurf Simulator #Exergame

i-Surfsimulators – who have been making surfing simulations since 1992 in Hawaii – announced the launch of a portable event exergame system that provides virtual “waterless” surfing, including two-player-on-screen interactive games. iSurf Simulators: Surf's Up!

Exergaming Points to Ponder (ExP2P)

• I think any game is more immersive given the right conditions and environment. Take for example the authentic board to play on increases the realism. The larger screen or projector gives you a more visually appealing interface. And realistic and loud ambient sounds and feedback to provide knowledge of results and performance. These factors combined with the gameplay elements greatly impact user experience (UX) and thus the likelihood that it might be repeated in the future.

i-Surfsimulators Official Website

Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving simulators.

The 8th Annual Games for Health Conference in Boston, MA at the Hyatt Harboside Hotel is June 12-14 -- under one month away!
Register today at: http://www.regonline.com/gbew2012

Additional Games for Health Keynotes!

Constance Steinkuehler Squire, senior policy analyst for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will discuss the opportunities for videogames to address national challenges, including those in health, health care, and biotechnology.

Bill Crounse, MD, senior director of worldwide health for Microsoft, will present “Connecting & Kinecting Health and Health Care,” which will explore how Microsoft and its partners are merging its information and game technologies to create global solutions for personal health and professional health care.

Jane McGonigal, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of SuperBetter Labs, will highlight the design and release of SuperBetter, a game-based social application designed to help people boost personal resilience and lead healthier, longer, and more positive lives.

Jay Walker, curator and chairman of TEDMED, a global community of people who passionately believe that the future of health and medicine is here, will provide the end-of-conference special guest keynote: “Gaming the System”.


About Games for Health
Founded in 2004, the Games for Health Project supports the development of the health games community, champions efforts to mainstream health games, and brings together researchers, medical professionals, and game developers to share information about the impact games and game technologies can have on health, health care, and policy. The Pioneer Portfolio of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is a major supporter of both the Games for Health Project and its annual Games for Health Conference.


About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and its Pioneer Portfolio
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing the United States. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. Projects in the Pioneer Portfolio are future-oriented and look beyond conventional thinking to explore solutions at the cutting edge of health and healthcare. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org/pioneer.

Pony Panic: Potential #Exergame

As the many naysayers continue to hammer the President's Council recent backing of# exergaming as a source of physical activity (see tweets below), its important to remember that its always in the way that you use these tools to achieve your intended outcomes.  At last year's GFH Europe Game Jam - this group pulled 50 hours together to create Pony Panic a game that is played on 2 laptops / computers where the two players are racing their ponies against each other. Once your ponies hit a time-warp / worm hole, you have to run to the other computer to complete the race. The further the distance = the more activity you get. Imagine all the obstacles and other ways you could set this game up (push-ups, jumping jacks, burpees...). It's in the way that you use it!

PCFSN Exec Dir Shellie Pfohl quoted about benefits of active screen time through #VideoGames in the Washington Post: wapo.st/JsM7VK
— President's Council (@FitnessGov) May 16, 2012

How can you send a message that is more wrong! Government backs exergaming washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/well…
— Dr Boris Gojanovic (@DrSportSante) May 22, 2012

Active Gaming is Not a Substitute for Kids Getting Exercise bit.ly/yhtReM
— Valda _Hinahon (@Valda_Hinahon) May 22, 2012

Audience Award at the Games 4 Health Game Jam 2011! The game was also showcased at the Games for Health Conference in Amsterdam!
http://www.ragesquid.com 
http://www.facebook.com/RageSquid


Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving concepts.

Exergamer on Kickstarter

The PC #exergaming peripheral Exergamer is a little short ($98, 596 to be exact) of attaining his $100k goal and I've profiled the device previously. Would you buy one for $50?

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (P2P)

• It reads that "vertical movements...[are] comparable to the pressing and releasing of a joystick trigger or left mouse button". 
• So does that mean in essence doing a push-up?  
• To shoot or use your trigger you need to do a push-up? 
• If you were standing up, would you have to jump to use the trigger, left-mouse?
• Games would be over pretty quickly for any shooting game.
• It looks like they switched to Mouse Mapper for the mapping functionality.
• I like the customizability of the JS Mapper software as it allows for multiple user preferences and abilities.
• Being in the plank position for any amount of time is difficult, but having to also look at your laptop on the floor while playing and moving around in your game, essentially forces your neck into an awkward hyper-extended position....ouch.
• I think it is also seems a little uncomfortable having to do push-ups, move around then have to pick-up your Exergamer Hands and re-position them without leaving the push-up position.
• I'd like to try the ExerGamer to see how it works. I know the movements would be a fantastic workout, but I worry about the effect on the games and the enjoyment levels.

The 8th Annual Games for Health Conference in Boston, MA at the Hyatt Harboside Hotel is June 12-14 -- under one month away!
Register today at: http://www.regonline.com/gbew2012

Additional Games for Health Keynotes! Constance Steinkuehler Squire, senior policy analyst for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will discuss the opportunities for videogames to address national challenges, including those in health, health care, and biotechnology. Bill Crounse, MD, senior director of worldwide health for Microsoft, will present “Connecting & Kinecting Health and Health Care,” which will explore how Microsoft and its partners are merging its information and game technologies to create global solutions for personal health and professional health care. Jane McGonigal, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of SuperBetter Labs, will highlight the design and release of SuperBetter, a game-based social application designed to help people boost personal resilience and lead healthier, longer, and more positive lives.

To see all the latest scheduled sessions please visit:
Our Schedule Block Page
You can also follow us  on Twitter. 

Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

Novint's Ultimate FPS Motion Gaming Rig

Novint just revealed its yet to be named dream product mash-up "Self contained, Virtual Reality, Gaming and Training System."  Looking at Tom Anderson (tomlucient Novint's CEO) demo the setup, I can't help but think that all of these products have been featured here (ExerGame Lab) over the past 3 years. I can see the comments and discussion boards already lighting up with excitement and anticipation for its commercialization. Get ready to really feel like to "Be in the game!"

+  +

http://www.exergamelab.org/2008/12/tn-games-vest.html

http://www.exergamelab.org/2010/06/forcetek-xio-force-feedback-game.html

http://www.exergamelab.org/2008/06/novint-falcon-experience-games-in-3d.html



."

ExerGamer Hands Looks to "Push-Up" into ExerGaming Market

Stay with me on this newly released product called the ExerGamer. So from what I can gather this device with the hand switches and cables attached to your chest essentially act as a joystick/keyboard arrows to "play" your game on a PC. You can either play your games in the push-up position or standing and moving around the ExerGamer "base". I guess the idea is to reposition your hands and body according to your pre-mapped positions.

*BTW - Don't watch the video if you want to know how to play the ExerGamer (6:30 minutes)

Apparently he is also preparing an Exergamer App Store to distribute any games they accept and share 80% of profits with the developers.

Points 2 Ponder:

• It reads that "vertical movements...[are] comparable to the pressing and releasing of a joystick trigger or left mouse button". 
• So does that mean in essence doing a push-up?  
• To shoot or use your trigger you need to do a push-up? 
• If you were standing up, would you have to jump to use the trigger, left-mouse?
• Games would be over pretty quickly for any shooting game.
• I like the customizability of the JS Mapper software as it allows for multiple user preferences and abilities.
• Being in the plank position for any amount of time is difficult, but having to also look at your laptop on the floor while playing and moving around in your game, essentially forces your neck into an awkward hyper-extended position....ouch.
• I think it is also seems a little uncomfortable having to do push-ups, move around then have to pick-up your Exergamer Hands and re-position them without leaving the push-up position.
• I'd like to try the ExerGamer to see how it works. I know the movements would be a fantastic workout, but I worry about the effect on the games and the enjoyment levels.

Click below to read more from the ExerGamer website.

Blobo to fight blubber? Finland's Squeezable Exergame controller

The Finnish company Ball-it has a buttonless controller and for its own game console that is played on a PC or Mac.  It's been on sale since 2010 but I haven't seen any ads for it in the US or on store shelves.  I wonder what their marketing strategy is for the US?   Currently at their website you can buy the console and Blobo squeezable controller that connects (PC, Mac) via Bluetooth for 60 EUR. A six-degree of freedom controller plus a pressure sensor amounts to what some people are calling a seven-degrees of sensing device that reacts to your movements while holding the device, while the device is tossed in the air, or when it is squeezed.  


The first suite of games (6) looks similar to Wii Play or Wii Sports and altogether it looks to be about 12 games in total, including: sack-race, hulahoop, long-jump, football, and ski-jump.


I haven't seen any studies done on this device yet but I would imagine it would be in the LPA to MPA zones.


Features:

• triaxial accelerometer (STMicroelectronics LIS3LV02DL)
• magnetometer (Aichi Steel AMI302)
• pressure sensor (STMicroelectronics LPS001DL)

This is the only device besides the KiloWatt and Sqweeze (formerly of IA Labs) that features a pressure-sensitive controller, although on completely different scales.  This one I believe is the first hand-held pressure sensitive controller and I am excited to see its components be refined and further developed into  other controllers, interfaces and gameplay.


Will you Throw it! Swing it! Squeeze it! to better health?

Move + Kinect = iDong

 News: This is What Move's and Kinect's Children Would Look Like: " [Via Techon]

At the China Hi-Tech Fair, the hybrid motion gaming controller "i-dong" (AKA knock-off), developed by Taishan Online Technology Co Ltd, showcased its use on a PC and as an STB (set-top box) for playing games.

The i-dong consists of a sensor unit to be used with a display and a dedicated controller to be held by the user. The sensor unit is connected to a PC or an STB via USB and powered via it. Price US $220. 

While presenting at the 2009 Korea Serious Games Festival I saw a ton of game controllers/remote controllers.

GYROXUS - Partial Motion-Gaming Chair, SEEE- Spectrum of Exergaming Energy Expenditure

Getting more into a game usually isn't a problem for most exergamers, but to say that that the following gaming accessory is "Full-Motion" is a little stretch - Gyroxus Full Motion Game Chair, especially with PS3 Move and Kinect coming out shortly. [Via HubPages]

Exergaming Benefits:

• The controls you use, in turn changes the chair's position, which in turns changes how you are positioned in the chair.
• Seated positions require you to actively resist (initially) large movements (front to back, or side to side).
• Most muscle contractions, once placed in a non-neutral position, would primarily be isometric (trunk muscles).
• Self-righting reflex and vestibular responses are also initiated by the changing seat positions.
• Makes you feel more "immersed" in the game, at least according to the people in the videos. Of course playing on such large screens can also have the same effect.

Exergaming Concerns:

• DEFINITELY NOT FULL MOTION GAMING
• You are NOT controlling your character's playing position.
• You are passively moved into different seated positions. Your conscious movements have no impact on game play

This chair looks cool to play and I would love to play one. It reminds me of the one I played in Korea, but I really wonder what the energy expenditure is from playing in a moving gaming chair.  Definitely more than traditional seated, but it has to be less than standing and of course less than really full-motion gaming options like EyeToy, Kinect, Move, etc..

What do you SEEE?

Many people have been calling for labels on games that highlight the workout that can be gained by playing exergames (commercial off the shelf - COTS). As a brief non-exhaustive view of exergames, I propose to use the following spectrum (SEEE) to highlight where many games fall in terns energy expenditure.

Spectrum of Exergaming Energy Expenditure  (SEEE) --- graphic to follow ---

Seated < Moving Seated < Standing < Walking < Cycling < Step Machine < Dancing < Boxing < Full-Motion

If you want to be involved with The Exergame Network's efforts please join us on Skype Thursday morning to discuss our Exergame Experience Rating System among other things. 

Gyroxus is the ultimate full-motion video game chair. It is easy to set up and fully adjustable for game players of all shapes and sizes. The smooth gliding controls allow you to become fully immersed in the game as your body controls each movement. Take gaming to a whole new level • Full motion game experience • Feel the movement / put yourself in the game Easy to use • Sets up in minutes • No tools required • Intuitive interface Plug-n-Play • No drivers to install • Supports game controller and keyboard

Related articles by Zemanta

• Games for Health 2010: Interview with PS3 Move Creator Dr. Richard Marks (medgadget.com)
• X-Dream Gyroxus Gaming Chair For PS3 Up For Pre-order (ubergizmo.com)
• Molyneux - Motion control will not kill standard controller, motion control importance discussed (gonintendo.com)

Swinxs Gets Gamers Away From Screens and Moving With Friends (Hands-on part1)

Swinxs is calling itself the first screen-free, family-friendly (and award winning) game console that uses technology to add a fresh twist to traditional play encouraging social interaction, creativity and physical game play suitable for in-and-outdoor settings.

I was lucky enough to have received a testing unit from Arnout Asjes - Managing Director for Swinxs with 40 FRID bands to test with my classes (Thanks Arnout!).  I will be giving the unit to my students to develop standard driven lesson plans that cover the 3 domains of learning (psychomotor, cognitive, and affective) but I wanted to try it out before the fall.  After charging the wireless base for at least 8 hours via the included USB cord, each unit is pre-loaded with 10 games but of course you can go online and download (for free) many other games or even develop your own games with the free SDK kit.  I will be playing with this unit for a while with my kids and others and will update this blog with my reflections and reactions.  Check back here for all the news on Swinxs via the ExerGame Lab.

Other Features

• FREE downloadable games. (Most DLC's cost money)

Exergaming Benefits

• Large groups of students can be active at the same time. 
• Simple games that will be easy to play for kids of all ages.
• Highly customizable games for the teacher to emphasize any domain or learning objective
• The FRID XS-wristbands encased in silicone / rubber will be easy to clean.
• For its size, the volume is surprisingly loud given that is the main method of communicating with the players. 

Exergaming Concerns

• Included speaker might not be loud enough for noisy gyms or fields.  It would be good to have an external speaker output to be able to plug in a louder speaker. Our department has a couple of these wireless rechargeable speakers with iPod charging docks and hooking into one of those would be perfect outdoors.

Unverified

• XS-wristbands made of silicone or rubber

PARS - Physical Activity Rewards System

Can a wrist activity monitor ($110) with it's  ($55) PC base-reader and a $15.00 monthly fee to PARS - Physical Activity Rewards System be the solution to "encouraging" kids to move more and sit less?  NewWayFitness hopes it can be the solution to the crushing amount of sedentary time kids accumulate (TV, video games, computer) by combining components of behavioral economics, reward/token systems, and physical activity monitoring into a "self-monitoring" system of healthy choices and behaviors.  This is how it works: 

1. Set and enter a physical activity goal for the week (or longer)

2. Wear the wrist activity monitor (accelerometer)

3. At the end of the day, upload data by placing watch on USB-attached base

4. Enjoy the benefits and rewards of attaining your pre-determined goals

"P.A.R.S., developed in conjunction with the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, is an easy to use and innovative, web based software system that improves physical activity levels of sedentary children by using a unique incentive and reinforcement leveraging system and the latest technology Polar Activity Watch to measure activity."

If the child/youngster does not reach their  physical activity goals, you can also stop the flow of electricity going to their favorite electricity-based device  (game console, computer, tv, etc..) through the use of the awesome X10 in-home automation power controllers. This option will definitely cost you more.....in more than one way too.

Costs

$345 = Total Cost - Year One equipment and yearly subscription

$180 = Total Cost Yearly Subscription

Optional components

$55 = X10 power controller

$99 = X10 ActiveHome Professional Computer Interface and USB Cable

$50 =  ActiveHome Professional Software

$50 = Smart Macro Software Module for ActiveHome Pro

Concerns

• I have used these watch bases before and although they are "wireless", the actual base is attached via USB. It would be great if there were an option for a Wireless USB stations like the FitBit, but the FA20 activity watch does not have that option.  
• Considering so many kids also game on portable systems like DS, PSP, iPod Touch and on mobile phones and smartphones - the X10 would have no impact on how much time they are "able" to game.
• I love the fact that parents have a hand in helping their children become more accountable but I can't stop thinking about Jesse Schell's DICE 2010 lecture on being prisoners to external reward structures - although you could argue that we are already there with Google, GPS, airline rewards, credit card purchases, coupon clubs, etc..). Hmmmmm..  Let's see how PARS works up close and stay tuned for a thorough review.

Battle Tag Brings Exergaming Outdoors and Console Free

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Play laser tag outdoors (FPS, Survival mode) or anywhere you want or even biatholon using Ubisoft's newest exergame - Battle Tag. At E3 last night, they unveiled exergaming's newest entry into an ever changing user interface market. In how Ubisoft describes Battle Tag as the first Live Shooter Game (LSG), the infrared (IR) lasers have a 70 meter range while the pc base needs to stay within a range of 300 meters in order to keep track of the game using the UbiConnect antennae.  You can pick up health, ammunition, or objective packs to keep your game going and they are scanned using the RFID sensors placed in both the gun and packs. This is somewhat reminiscent of Hyper Dash, Hyper Jump, Animal Scramble from Wild Entertainment  and an FRID toy called Swinxs that is finally available in the US. It would be neat to test all three systems to compare what kids like about each system. If you know someone that can get us a test kit - please get in touch with me at exergamelab@gmail.com. 
Other features include:

• UbiConnect Game Master program & antennae
• Up to 8 players can play together (4 v 4)
• User-generated data shared with Battle Tag community
• Laser sensing vests
• Voice prompting from Game Master transmitted via the laser gun's speakers

Exergaming Benefits

• Physical activity (primarily cardiovascular) away from a console.
• If most of the movements are near maximal and in short bursts, it could be one of the elusive exergames that elicit the vigorous intensity level that has shown to have excellent health benefits.
• Choice of many types of games and challenges.
• Social interaction with peers while playing and after receiving results.
• Strategies (individual and group) and group dynamics.
• Problem-solving during game-play.

Exergaming Concerns

• If we really want the kids to get outdoors, they probably should focus on making this game/ type of exergame a mobile-based system (think Jogging at Distance)  or one that can leave the range of UbiConnect and continue to be able play. Similar to some wireless real-time heart-rate monitors that leave the base range and continue to collect data - then when you get back in range, the data is streamed to the base.
• Tethered to the UbiConnect base (300m).
• "Shooting" / using humans as targets.
• Batteries and charging system.

Unverified

• Any haptic feedback in vest or gun?
• GPS / mobile systems in development? 
• Customizable games and features?
• Language packs?

Release date Holiday Season 2010.  I know what I'm going to ask Santa for this Christmas:-) Tag On!

UBISOFT BRINGS TOGETHER TOYS AND VIDEOGAMES WITH BATTLE TAG

Los Angeles, USA – June 14, 2010 –Today live at the E3 exposition in Los Angeles, Ubisoft demonstrated a unique new brand of video game toys. The new UbiConnect^TM brand brings video games and toys together to offer an immersive and innovative game experience. The brand launches in holiday 2010 with its first product, Battle Tag^TMa real shooter game that can be played between friends anywhere – at home or outside.

Battle Tagcombines the best of two worlds: a laser tag game and a shooter video game. Using unique real world accessories, players will be able to recharge and increase their life points. The PC will act as a Game Master, challenging players and keeping track of scores between teams. Players will also be able to download new content, create their own content and share with their friends and the Battle Tagcommunity.

“Today’s children grow up with video games and accept them as a part of their play time,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “UbiConnect brings together video games and physical toys, allowing players to play the game both at and away from a video screen.”

Battle Tagis a social, physical and fun experience that brings the interactivity of video games into real life using real world toys and accessories. Battle Tag will launch across North America during this fiscal year.

For more information on Battle Tag, please visit: www.battle-tag.com

Posted via web from ExerGame Lab's posterous

Facesay - Social Skills Game for Students with Autism

My student Jenna Monahan created this autism awareness video as part of her final project this semester and she   nailed it!  The pc-based game she played is called FaceSay. There are some great research findings available on their website. The online video creator we used was Animoto and it does a fantastic job of getting professional video transitions, adding text and include short video clips.

VisionPlay(ers) Dance In My Head

Trendy Entertainment recently released some screenshots and trailers about VisionPlay, a PC camera-based video game peripheral.  It looks and seems to play like Sony PS2's EyeToy Play, Play 2 and other titles. I'm wondering if you're playing on a smaller PC monitor if you need to move as much to play compared to a large screen like in the trailers. Even with Project Natal's apparent 0.1 s, I have to suspect that VisionPlay's will be even longer, no? Will it defeat the Ultimate Camera-based ExerGame....EyeToy Kinetic?

Stemming from years of military-based research by Accelerond, VisionPlay is a revolutionary new video game technology that allows any low-resolution, off-the-shelf webcam and low-end PC to do full-body positioning and motion analysis.

Based on Accelerond’s advanced image processing algorithms, VisionPlay knows where your head, arms, legs, and torso are, their orientation, and distance from the camera. The VisionPlay system feeds these refined calculations to the video game (via an easy-to-use API) in real-time at 30hz, and the game can then use that data for any number of purposes.

Potential game applications may include a character that moves as you do in 3D, driving a car by gripping an invisible steering wheel, or even simply using your finger as a screen pointing device – all without the need for any custom peripherals!

The possibilities are endless, and we will be initially making use of them via a suite of physical casual social games. If you’re interested in finding out more about VisionPlay, the technology behind it, or even our plans for it, please get in touch This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with us!

VisionTennis is our first VisionPlay game, currently in prototype form.
Features will include:

• Control of your tennis player with your body. They will move as you do, serve as you serve, and swing where you swing! Get a real work-out and improve your basic tennis skills – all while playing a video game!
• Singles and Doubles matches. Go head-to-head or team up with a partner. For 1 to 4 players.
• A variety of Racquet-based games, including Tennis, Squash, Badminton, and even ‘brick breaker’.
• Low system requirements - and any basic webcam will do!
• Instant, seamless online gameplay within your Web Browser. No installation necessary!

Coming in 2010!

Nabii: The Next ExerGaming Controller

By popular demand, people wanted to see more of the Nabii device I featured a couple of days ago.  The company is Microinfinity and they also have a another Air Mouse peripheral that is also a great PPT presentation tool. I love using the game controller for a couple of the games that came with it including the drumming game. 



Keep your eyes open for the images and videos from some of the games. In the meanwhile, here are some screens from the Tennis game that was made by a Taiwanese game company.  The beauty of these games is that they can be played through IPTV.  In fact at the KSF 2009, we were able to play over IPTV with people at another location within the exhibit hall.  To grow exergames and serious games, that has to be a crucial component to have, socialization, networking, online game play, and data tracking.
Thanks to Ed & Tommy of Exergame Fitness for supplying my lab with a set of these.  We will have them featured at our Exergame Workshop: Active Video Gaming = Serious Fun at AAHPERD in Indinapolis later in March.

Featured speakers will include yours truly (Stephen Yang, SUNY Cortland), John Foley, PhD, State University of New York - Cortland, Cortland, NY; Dan Lawler; Lisa Hansen, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL; Aaron Hart, Station PE, Cortland, NY; Andrea Oh, ITECH Fitness, Denver, CO; Richard Coshott, Gamercize, UK, Cortland, NY; and Helena Baert, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

Featured equipment:
Positive Gaming's iDANCE platform
Gamercize
BrainBike
Activio Group Heart Rate Monitoring
Microinfinity Nabii
and much much more!

Get Your Bike On! ExerGaming Bike Bonanza Round-Up

This is the Penultimate guide to ExerGame Biking.  Whether you want to hack your wheels to work with your PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Mac or you prefer to buy a commercially available one, there are certainly lots of choices. Scroll through to see the only place to find them all corralled in one place…the ExerGame Lab blog - Giddy up!

If I’ve missed anything, please let me know at exergamelab AT gmail DOT com.
Have a great weekend and if you haven’t already done so, please consider giving to the rescue efforts in Haiti by donating to your favorite charity including the Red Cross.

HACKS

Hack #1: Project Excite Bike is a home brew project putting an old bike together with an Xbox 360 to play more than just racing games. They are apparently going to release the schematics and software so that you can do it yourself (DIY) so check back in a bit.


Categories: Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMG
Price:?

View Full Album

Hack #2: Engineer Cameron Etezadi posted his hack to create his own bike trainer computer instead of purchasing $1000+ unit. Of utmost importance to his design was a quality fluid resistance trainer unit, and he went with a Kinetic by Kurt model. I don’t think he hacked it originally to use as a game controller – but I think it is capable of being used. (Speed Mediated Gaming –SMG)


Categories: Bike Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated Gaming – SMG
Price:?





Hack #3: VR enthusiast Shingo showcases his SpaceBike setup that allows him to explore Google Street View, Google Earth, Second Life,  while on his rig hooked up to a virtual reality headset. Definitely a neat way to explore our real world without having to leave your house


Categories: Bike Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Price:?

Hack #4: Using an Ubuntu-based laptop that is wired up to an Arduino, this group of hackers wanted to show how you keep it green by pedaling for your bits and bytes (internet flow).


Categories: Speed Mediated ExerGaming/Surfing – SMEG (internet surfing)
Price:?

Hack #5: CycleScore is a MIT student project that tied a Precor bike to some software built on motivational principles intending to keep you focused on specific task while pedaling your way through the game.  I’m not sure if they have commercialized this yet or if they are working with any other companies.


Categories: Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Price: ?

View Full Album

Hack #6: Heart Burn is a research paper and project that demonstrates heart-rate scaling on a exergame bike project by a Queen’s University and UVIC research group. To read more on the Heart Burn project, click here.  When two players are playing cycling games where the speed of the cycling is tied to the speed of the game vehicle or person (truck, car, bike, etc..), the player who is more fit will always have an advantage over the less-fit player.Using logarithmic scaling of heart-rate response while playing, they were able to show two players of different fitness levels in a close competition using recumbent bikes hooked via the internet.


Categories: Bike simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Price: ?

Heart Burn from tstach on Vimeo.

Hack # 7: Grand Theft Bicycle. is a game-installation by Steve Gibson, Justin Love and Jimmy Olson. Taken from an earlier post on my blog: “Now, for those not interested in a robot as a fitness leader, Grand Theft Bicycle is a PC hack based on GTA codes but re-worked so that the two competing gangs represent world leaders (Obama,Blair, Harper & Allis vs bin Laden, Hussein, and Jong-Il). Pedaling on the Borgcycle pedals your character's bike through "Bagdad" city and you use the controls mounted on the handlebars to jump and shoot your way to political and terrorist nirvana.” To read more on the Grand Theft BikExergaming, click here.


Categories: Bike simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Price: ?

Hack #8: The Future of Exercise – a University of Victoria Computer Science project supported by Microsoft Research & LeMond Fitness. Created by three students (David Whittaker, Wes Alcock and Ryan Williams) along with Bruce Gooch their supervisor, this team took a $2500+ LeMond G-Force recumbent bike and converted it to a PC game controller for racing games and MS Flight Simulator X with heart-rate parameters embedded on-screen.

Categories: Bike simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Price: $3000

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PRODUCTS

Now, if you have some money to spend or you are a school looking to upgrade your fitness equipment, there are plenty of choices to look at and get sweaty. It all depends on what floats your boat.  Some of these bikes will be Movement Mediated Gaming (Gamercize), others will be Speed Mediated Gaming (eXerbike, GameBike) while others will be Non-Mediated Gaming (FXB). If I’ve missed anything, please let me know at exergamelab AT gmail DOT com.


Product #1: NeuroActive BrainBike designed by Motion Fitness, uses a high-end recumbent bike loaded with a pc, Gamercize's "patented response technology", and brain training software by NeuroActive. Essentially you will need to pedal to play any of the brain-training games (via arm supported mouse table) that works on 16 different brain functions (processing speed, selective attention, math skills, and visuo-spatial skills to name a few). If you stop pedaling, the games are paused until you start pedaling again.  This is one of the only Movement Mediated Gaming devices on the market as your game avatar/character/vehicle is not tied to the speed at which you pedal.


Categories: Bike Simulator, Movement Mediated ExerGaming – MMEG
Price: $3900

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Product #2: Cyberbike is a new European software (Cyberbike Cycling Sports) and bike from Big Ben Interactive exclusively for the Wii.  Riding in this new planet Cyclo, you travel on the ground, in the air, and under water to collect the elements that are polluting planet Cyclo. PEGI: 3+ rating for up to 4 players and the bike peripheral is compatible with other racing games and capable of back pedaling and braking.


Categories: Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: £99.99

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Product #3: Dogfight Interactive Flight Simulator is a full featured flight simulator interfaced with a high end exercise bike. The players propels the plane by pedaling and controls it by pushing and pulling on the spring loaded side handles.


Categories:  Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $6995
 

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Product #4:  eXerbike is an exergame bike that hooks up to a PS2 designed by Motion Fitness and Hoggan Health. Steer with the handle bars and peddle as fast as you can to beat your opponents and if that’s not enough you can turn up the resistance to make it even harder.

Categories: Bike Trainer, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: Pro $3000; Junior $?

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Product #5: Expresso – is a networkable Virtual Trainer that takes you on races or pelotons, throughout the world’s best courses and mountain climbs.  I think the fact that most Expresso bikes are connected to Expresso servers is a huge advantage over other products.  It runs on a PC platform and you can also watch TV or surf the internet on most of these units. There is a kids model as well as adult models.

Categories: Virtual Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $3000-$5000

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Product # 6: FXB – the Fun Exercise Bike has no controls over game play in that it is neither speed-mediated nor movement mediated – all it serves is a place to cycle while playing racing games like Mario Kart.


Category: Non-Mediated ExerGaming - NMEG
Price: $140

Product #7: GameBike (formerly Cateye now through Source) works with any game console. Steer with the handle bars and peddle as fast as you can to beat your opponents.


Categories: Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: Home version $350, Pro Upright $1500,  Pro Recumbent $2000

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Product #8: GameCycle is a hand ergometer adapted to use as a game-controller. What I think is great is that the cranking can be easily set to be reciprocal (asynchronous cranking) or non-reciprocal (synchronous) depending on the ability of the player and the therapeutic requirements. There’s also a great list of research benefits from using the GameCycle available here.



Categories: Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: Home version $350, Pro Version $1200

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Product #9: Gamercize has a range of products for the home or gym but they all have patented technology that makes this company unique.  GZ units are compatible with all game consoles and PC’s and the technology works so that when you stop pedaling, your game goes into pause mode.  In order to play whatever game you want, you just have to start pedaling again. Richard’s unofficial philosophy is to let kids play as much as they want as long as they want, so long as they use the GZ device. Instead of a speed mediated gaming device where only racing games and simulators are most effective, you can effectively play any of the 1000’s of game titles available with much less sitting around. Last year they released a 3-in-1 Family Fun unit that is a recumbent bike, a rowing machine, and a Gamercize unit all built into one package.   Granted you cannot game while rowing, but at least there's an option for more than one activity unlike the rest of the devices. WIBC -  It would be really cool to try to put a unit together somehow with switches on the rowing handle and maybe some switches on the heel cradle footboard.


Categories:  Movement Mediated ExerGaming – MMEG
Prices: GZ Sport (pc, ps2, xbox,gc) $189, GZ Pro Sport (xbox360, ps3, wii, pc)  $289, GZ Kids Cycle (ps2) $299,  3-in-1 Family Fit $1500

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Product #10: PC GamerBike (The MagneTrainer) looks to be the latest generation of the Neo-Racer which is no longer available. You can play your favorite racing games, FPS, MMOG, SL, or even their own software Island Works.


Categories:  Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $209 cycle only, IslandWorks software $39

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Product #11: Nextfit MOG – was a dynamo of a bike trainer which features variable resistance, and haptic feedback in three points (handlebar, seat, and pedals) to get a feel for the road.
Can be used on PC, PS2, Xbox, and most likely on the newer generation platforms as it connects via USB. You can even do LAN parties with up to 8 bikes connected. Navigation and game controls are built in to the handle bars. This is the Cadillac of GameBikes; however it is no longer available.


Categories: Bike Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: MSRP $2500. Used from New Zealand currently in online auction and available for $795.

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Product #12: Qmotions FunFitness Full Motion Game Controller is an interface between your game console (PS2 or Xbox) and your home exercise bike.
Categories:  Virtual Trainer, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $20-$90

Product #13: SimCycle is an at home cycle machine that hooks to your PC (via COM – does anyone have that anymore?) 


Categories:  Virtual Trainer, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $95 cycle, $40 for SimCycle Gamebox to use with PC games.

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Product #14: Tacx Virtual Reality Trainer – a bike trainer is required for this package but besides multiplayer online races you can also work on your time trials from the comfort of your own home.


Categories: Bike Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: Software ~ $120. Full rig - (Tacx Fortius Multiplayer Virtual Reality Cycle Trainer – T1930) $1600

Product #15: Trixter – Xdream bikes is the latest in the line of spinning cycles built to interact with PC racing software. It is also the “only interactive bike on the market which includes fully independent and analogue control brakes.” What I love about these bikes is the ability to stand up (like a spinning bike) and the independent steering / twisting actions afforded by the X-Bars arc motion and spring mechanism design.


Categories: Virtual Trainer, Bike Trainer, Bike Simulator, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: $2000+

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Product #16: VCycling is a virtual reality system that licenses the hardware and software from Tacx and targets the schools and clubs as opposed to the competitive cyclist.  I remember getting a demo from Buzz on their earlier system at least 4 years ago and I was impressed with the Tacx gearing and software.


Categories: Bike Simulator, Bike Trainer, Speed Mediated ExerGaming – SMEG
Prices: ?

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