Patent Application
20250135289
This application claims the priority of Australian Application No. 2023903397, filed Oct. 25, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to motivating persons to exercise. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to rewarding persons for exercising.
Obesity is one of the fastest-growing problems in society today. One contributing factor to this growth in obesity is the increasingly sedentary behaviour of large portions of society and the lack of exercise.
Lack of motivation is one of the biggest reasons that people do not regularly exercise. Even after purchasing expensive exercise equipment, it is common for persons to stop exercising as they lose motivation. As such, a lot of effort has been made to make exercise more engaging.
Personal trainers or the like may be used to increase motivation. In short, a personal trainer is often able to help motivate a person to train more regularly through regular contact with the person to hold the person accountable. A problem, however, with personal trainers is that they are quite expensive. As a result, they are generally used relatively sparingly, and not for long periods of time.
Gyms attempt to increase motivation by providing a variety of equipment and available workouts, regularly updating schedules, and running competitions and the like. A problem with gyms, however, is that they are relatively expensive, and may not be convenient. Furthermore, many persons do not feel comfortable training at a gym.
Certain exercise equipment has been incorporated with television screens, to enable persons to enjoy television while training. Most of these televisions are, however, generally small. Furthermore, many persons do not enjoy watching television while exercising, particularly strenuous exercise.
As such, there is clearly a need for improved exercise motivation systems and methods.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
The present invention relates to exercise motivation systems and methods, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an exercise motivation system including:
Advantageously, the system motivates persons to exercise by providing a reward through access to a device, such as a television. If the person has not exercised, access to the device may be restricted, which motivates the user to exercise.
Controlling the at least one other device may include turning the at least one other device on or off.
Alternatively, controlling the at least one other device may include configuring the at least one other device such that functionality is changed.
The at least one other device may comprise a television. Controlling access to the television may include turning the television on or off.
The at least one other device may comprise an internet access device. The internet access device may comprise a modem or router. The internet device may comprise a cellular internet device, such as a 4G or 5G cellular device. The internet access device may comprise a smartphone.
Controlling access to the internet access device may include controlling access to websites or applications through the internet access device. Controlling access to the internet access device may include turning on and off access to the Internet, or part thereof, of the internet access device.
Access to the internet may be turned on and off at any point in the network. Access to the internet may be turned off outside of the device being controlled. For example, turning off the internet may include turning off the internet on a network providers device (e.g. a cellular network device). Alternatively, internet access may be turned off on the device being controlled.
The at least one other device may comprise a computing device. Controlling access to the computing device may include restricting functionality of the computing device. The functionality may include applications, access to the internet, or the like.
The controller may comprise a power switch, configured to disrupt power to the at least one other device to control access thereto.
The power switch may comprise a power relay, selectively configurable to supply power to the at least one device. The power relay may include a male plug, configured to be received in a mains power supply (i.e. power point), and a female socket, configured to receive a power plug associated with the at least one device. The power relay may be configurable to disrupt a power supply between the male plug and the female socket.
The power relay may include a wireless control interface. The wireless control interface may be configured to receive control messages, wherein the power relay controls power to the at least one device according to the received control messages.
The system may be configured to receive data relating to monitored exercise from the exercise monitor, and associate same with an account.
The account may be associated with an individual person. The account may comprise a family account. Multiple individual accounts may be associated to form a family group. Control of the one or more devices may be performed with reference to an account or family group.
The system may include one or more servers, configured to receive data relating to monitored exercise from the exercise monitor, and associate same with an account.
The one or more servers may be configured to monitor exercise time.
The one or more servers may be configured to store exercise time for each of a plurality of different users.
Monitored exercise time may be associated with time the controller is configured to control access to at least one other device. For example, 1 hour of exercise may be associated with 10 hours of access to the one or more devices.
A ratio of exercise time to access time may be configurable by a user. As an illustrative example, a user may choose an easy goal of 1 h of exercise for 30 h of entertainment (e.g. TV access). Alternatively, the user may choose a difficult goal of 1 h of exercise for 2 h of entertainment (e.g. TV access).
The ratio of exercise time to access time may depend on a type of exercise. E.g. exercise on a treadmill may be associated with a first ratio, and exercise on a rowing machine may be associated with a second ratio.
The ratio of exercise time to access time may depend on an intensity of exercise. E.g. exercise on a treadmill at or around walking pace may be associated with a first ratio, and exercise on a treadmill at running pace may be associated with a second ratio.
The system may include multiple exercise monitors, each associated with different exercise equipment. Such configuration may enable a user to be rewarded for exercise on a variety of equipment.
The system may include multiple controllers each configured to control access to at least one other different device. Such configuration may enable a user to be rewarded for exercise on a variety of different devices, e.g. televisions, game consoles and the like.
In particular, the one or more servers may include a bank of credits associated with each account, wherein the credits may be redeemed by providing access to the one or more devices.
The one or more servers may remotely control the controller. The one or more servers may issue control instructions to control access to at least one other device.
The controller may comprise a remotely operated switch, wherein the one or more servers remotely operates the switch.
The system may include a user interface, with which the user may interact. The user interface may provide an indication of credits available for use on the one or more devices.
The server may provide the user interface in the form of a web page. As such, the server may also function in part as a web server.
The exercise monitor may be integral to the exercise equipment. The exercise equipment may include a user interface allowing users to configure the exercise equipment in the system. The user interface may include a display screen and/or one or more buttons.
The system may include an interface, through which a smartphone of the user may interact. The smartphone may include an application (app) through which the user may interact.
The system may further enable credits to be redeemed for other rewards. The other rewards may include virtual or physical rewards. Examples of other rewards include discounts for weight loss programs, gym memberships, or vitamin supplements.
The credits may be configured to expire within a defined period. Such configuration may encourage users to exercise more regularly.
The exercise equipment may comprise a treadmill, a rowing machine, an elliptical trainer, or an exercise bike. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitable exercise equipment may be used.
In another form, the invention resides broadly in an exercise motivation method including:
Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.
Embodiments of exercise motivation systems and methods are described below that may motivate users to exercise by monitoring exercise, and controlling access to one or more devices according to the monitored exercise.
The exercise motivation system 100 includes exercise equipment 105, on which a user 110 may exercise. The exercise equipment 105 in
An exercise monitor 115 is associated with the exercise equipment 105 and is configured to monitor exercise thereon. The exercise monitor 115 may be integral to the exercise equipment 105 (e.g. part of hardware and software that controls the exercise equipment 105). As an illustrative example, the exercise equipment 105 may include a user interface in the form of a control panel 105a allowing the user 110 to use the exercise equipment 105 and configure the exercise equipment 105 in the system 100.
In some embodiments, the user 110 is associated with an account. In such case, the user 110 may be able to enter his is her account details on a user interface of the exercise equipment 105 to enable exercise monitoring to be associated with the user 110.
The system 100 includes a bank of ‘credits’ associated with each account, wherein the credits may be redeemed by providing access to a television 120 and/or other devices. In particular, a controller 125, which is wirelessly coupled to the exercise monitor 115, is configured to control access to the television 120 by controlling power thereto.
The controller 125 comprises a power relay, configured to disrupt power to the television 120 to control access thereto by sitting intermediate the television 120 and a power point 130. In particular, the controller 125 plugs into the power point 130, and a power plug 135 of the television 120 plugs onto the controller.
The controller 125 comprises a body 200, from which a male plug 205 extends, the male plug 205 configured to be received in a mains power supply (e.g. power point 130), from which it may receive power. The male plug 205 is a standard plug found on mains-powered devices, and may take various forms according to the jurisdiction in which it is to be used.
The body 200 further includes a female socket 210, on an opposing side to the male plug 205, the female socket 210 is configured to receive the plug 135 of the television 120 (or other device). The female socket 210 is similarly a standard socket found on power points 130, and may take various forms according to the jurisdiction in which it is to be used.
The controller 125 includes a status light 215, and a configuration button 220, to enable the user 110 to see a status of the controller 125 and configure same. The configuration button 220 may be used to initially configure the controller 125, e.g. to connect the controller to the Internet, upon which a web interface may be used to configure the controller 125 and/or system in more detail.
As outlined above, the controller 125 is configurable to disrupt the power supply to the television 120 (or other device), and it does this by disrupting the power supply between the male plug 205 and the female socket 210.
As outlined above, the controller 125 includes a wireless control interface. The exercise monitor 115 may remotely (wirelessly) control the controller 125 by issuing instructions to turn power on or off to the television 120. In such case, the exercise monitor 115 may maintain credits and issue control instructions to the controller 125 when the credits are used.
Monitored exercise time may be associated with time the controller 125 is configured to control access to the television 120 or other device. For example, 1 hour of exercise may be associated with 10 hours of television 120 access. More preferably, however, the monitored exercise may be associated with credits which the user 110 can redeem through access to the television.
The user 110 may configure the ratio of exercise time to access time according to their preference. As an illustrative example, a user 110 may choose an easy goal of 1 h of exercise for 30 h of entertainment (e.g. TV access). Alternatively, the user may choose a difficult goal of 1 h of exercise for 2 h of entertainment (e.g. TV access).
In some embodiments, the controller 125 may be integrated with the television 120 or other device. This enables the television 120 or other device to be controlled without requiring any further hardware, and in manners beyond simply turning the device on or off.
As an illustrative example, the controller may in such case control access to certain channels on the television.
The exercise monitor 115 may be an item that is coupled to the exercise equipment 105. In such case, the exercise monitor 115 may comprise a module that is coupled to a data port of the exercise equipment, or otherwise associated with the exercise equipment. In other embodiments, the exercise monitor 115 may comprise part of the control panel 105a.
In some embodiments, the device is an internet access device, such as a modem or router, cellular device, smartphone or the like. Controlling access to the internet access device may include controlling access to websites through the internet access device.
As an illustrative example, the internet access device may be configured to restrict access to entertainment websites (or other classes of websites), streaming content (e.g. restrict certain streaming channels), or any other aspect of content. Such configuration ensures that basic functionality of the internet access device remains even when restricted.
Access to content, websites, etc, may be controlled at any point. For example, the access may be controlled from the network providing access to the internet (i.e. outside of the device being controlled), or on the device being controlled.
For other types of devices, the controller may configure the at least one other device such that functionality is changed in any suitable way.
The system 100 may include a user interface, with which the user may interact. The user interface may provide an indication of credits available for use on the one or more devices.
The user interface may be provided in the form of a web page, which may be provided by the controller 125 or exercise monitor 115. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface may be provided to an app of a smartphone of the user.
The controller 125 includes a processor 405, and a memory 410 coupled to the processor, the memory 410 including instruction code executable by the processor 405 for performing various functions of the controller 125.
The controller 125 further includes a data interface 415 coupled to the processor 405. The data interface 415 may comprise a wireless data interface such as a wireless data interface according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Finally, the controller 125 includes a power switch 420, coupled to the processor 405, configured to switch power to one or more devices. The power switch 420 may be coupled to a plug and socket, configured to be received intermediate a device and a power point, to thereby control power to the device.
In use, control instructions may be received on the data interface 415, to turn on or off a device. The processor 405, may then cause the power switch 420 to open, thereby disrupting power to the device.
Alternatively, the processor 405 may determine that access to the device should no longer be provided, e.g. based upon exercise data and device usage data, and based thereon, cause the power switch 420 to open, thereby disrupting power to the device.
The controller 125 may be configured to monitor power usage therethrough, and determine whether the television 120 (or other device) is being used. This may enable the system 100 to subtract earned credits associated with the user or account automatically, thereby allowing the user to turn on and off the television as usual.
The exercise monitor 115 and/or control panel 105a may have a similar structure to the controller 125 as illustrated
In some embodiments, instead of the exercise monitor working directly with the controller 125, one or more servers (e.g. cloud servers) are configured to maintain exercise credits and usage records, and issue control instructions to the controller 125.
In particular, when the user 110 exercises on the exercise equipment 105, exercise data is sent from the exercise monitor 115 to the server 505, where it is associated with an account of the user 110.
The account may alternatively be associated with a group of users (e.g. a family account). Similarly, multiple individual accounts may be associated with each other to form a family group. Control of the television 120 may then be performed with reference to an account or family group.
When the user 110 watches the television 120, the controller 125 informs the server 505 of same, and the server 505 deducts credits from the account according to a predefined rate. As outlined above, different ratios of exercise vs device access may be configured. Alternatively, the user 110 may connect to the server 505, e.g. using a smartphone, to turn on and off access to the television 120.
The configuration illustrated in
The server 505 may be configured to store exercise time for each of a plurality of different users 110. Such configuration provides scalability an enables relatively simple controllers 125 and exercise monitors 115 to be used.
In some embodiments, the system 500 may include multiple exercise monitors, each associated with different exercise equipment 105. Such configuration may enable a single user 110 to be rewarded for exercise on a variety of different equipment 105 and/or different users to use a variety of different equipment 105 in the system 100.
Similarly, the system 500 may include multiple controllers 125 each configured to control access to at least one device. Such configuration may enable a single user 110 to be rewarded for exercise on a variety of different devices, such as a television, a gaming console, smartphones, the Internet, or the like. Similarly, such system enables different users 110 to be rewarded using their own devices (e.g. their own television at home).
The ratio of exercise time to credits (or access time on a device) may depend on a type of exercise. E.g. exercise on a treadmill may be associated with a first ratio, and exercise on a rowing machine may be associated with a second ratio.
The ratio of exercise time to credits (or access time) may similarly depend on an intensity of exercise. E.g. exercise on a treadmill at or around walking pace may be associated with a first ratio, and exercise on a treadmill at running pace may be associated with a second ratio.
Similarly, the ratio of credit (or exercise time) to access time on a device may depend on a type of device. E.g. time on a television may be associated with a first ratio, and time on a gaming console may be associated with a second ratio.
In short, the exercise time may be first converted to credits at a fixed or dynamic ratio, and then from credits to time on a device, also at a fixed or dynamic ratio. Generation of credits and consumption of credits will, however, generally be done at different times.
As step 605, exercise on exercise equipment is monitored. This may be performed using sensors of the exercise equipment, sensors coupled to the exercise equipment or sensors associated with the exercise equipment.
At step 610, one or more credits are generated according to the monitored exercise. The one or more credits may be generated at least in part on a time basis. The one or more credits may be generated at least in part on an exertion basis.
At step 615, the one or more credits are allocated to a user associated with the exercise. When exercising, the user may log onto the exercise equipment using account details. These account details may be used to allocate the credits to the user. Similarly, the exercise equipment may be associated with the user, e.g. at the time of purchase or configuration.
At step 620, access to at least one other device, such as a television, is controlled according to the credits. Access may be provided at least in part on a time basis.
In some embodiments, credits may be redeemed for other rewards. The other rewards may include virtual or physical rewards. Examples of other rewards include discounts for weight loss programs, gym memberships, or vitamin supplements.
Furthermore, the credits can be set to expire within a defined period. This may be useful in encouraging the user 110 to exercise regularly.
Advantageously, the systems and methods described above may motivate users to exercise by monitoring exercise, and controlling access to one or more devices according to the monitored exercise. The device may, for example, comprise a television, such that the user is earning access to the television through their exercise.
In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023903397 | Oct 2023 | AU | national |
