Patent Application
20140257537
Many fitness goals require repeated exercise over multiple individual exercise sessions. Although existing fitness monitors or displays may provide a person with feedback as to performance for an individual exercise session, most fitness monitors or displays do not provide a person with feedback regarding progression towards a multi-session exercise goal. Those that do are not intuitive, are difficult to read and are not motivational.
As shown by
During such exercise sessions, electronic input 22 receives signals indicating the person's performance with respect to one or more exercise metrics. Example of exercise metrics include but are not limited to, distance (mileage), duration (time, repetitions), calories, work (force and resistance multiplied by distance and number of repetitions) and the like. The signals received by electronic input 22 indicating performance with regard to such exercise metrics may be received from one or more sensors located on a fitness equipment unit, through manual input using a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, microphone, touchscreen and the like) or from a space-based satellite navigation system such as a global positioning system (GPS) source (such as when a person is running) In one implementation, electronic input 22 is local with respect to controller 26 and/or display 24. In another implementation, electronic input 22 may be remote from controller 26, wherein such signals are transmitted to controller 26 in a wired or wireless fashion.
Controller 26 comprises one or more circuits or processing units configured to receive signals from electronic input 22 and to generate control signals causing a display 28 to visibly present information to a person while the person is exercising. Display 28 comprises any device configured to provide a visible presentation to a person while the person is exercising based upon signals received from controller 26. In one implementation, display 28 comprises a monitor or display directly associated with a fitness equipment unit. In another implementation, display 28 comprises a monitor or display provided independent of any fitness equipment unit, such as a television, a desktop monitor or a portable electronic device. Examples of portable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, flash memory players, computer tablets, personal data assistants, smart phones and spaced-based satellite navigation system or GPS display wearables such as wrist-top computers, wristbands and the like having displays.
For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 26 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. In one implementation, controller 26 may be directly associated with display 28, wherein controller 26 not only directs what content is being presented on display 28 but directs the operation of display 28 itself.
In another implementation, controller 26 may be independent of display 28, wherein a separate controller receives the signals from controller 26 and controls the functional operation of display 28 based upon signals from controller 26. For example, in one implementation, controller 26 may be provided by a server remote from display 28, wherein signals indicating the content (images and data) to be presented on display 28 are transmitted over a wide area network (Internet) or a local-area network in a wired or wireless fashion to the local controller of display 28. In one implementation, electronic input 22 and display 28 may be provided as part of a fitness equipment unit or as part of a portable electronic device, wherein the electronic input 22 receives signals indicating an excise metric by the person during an ongoing exercise session and transmits such signals to a remotely located controller 26 (such as a controller in the cloud or at a central computing site associate with a fitness facility). Using such signals, controller 26 generates control signals for directing what content should be displayed on display 28 and transmits such control signals to the fitness equipment unit or to the portable electronic device including electronic input 22 and display 28. Upon receiving such control signals from controller 26, display 28 presents the information to the person while he or she is exercising.
As indicated by step 104, controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to display or present a start time indicator 42 representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal (MSEMG). The starting time is the time at which exercise metrics for sessions are first counted towards the multi-session excise metric goal. In the example illustrated, the start time indicator 42 is displayed at the 12:00 clock position. In other implementations, the start time indicator 42 may be displayed at other clock positions on dial 40.
In one implementation, indicator 42 (schematically shown) may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40. For purposes of this disclosure, an indicator is considered to be on the dial when the indicator is positioned within or outside of the perimeter of dial 40, but circumferentially located with respect to the center point or axis 44 of dial 40, like numbering on a clock face. In other implementations, indicator 42 may comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters, such as a graphical depiction of a race starting line or the like.
Indicator 42 provides a person exercising with an intuitive reference point for understanding other indicators on dial 40. In one implementation, starting indicator 42 is located so as to circumferentially coincide with the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG. In other words, the MSEMG value is proportioned 360 degrees about axis 44. For example, a distance MSEMG of 10 miles would apportion an angle of 36 degrees about axis 44 to each mile or 3.6 degrees to each tenth of a mile. Such an apportionment changes for each MSEMB depending upon the value of the MSEMG. In other implementations, although possibly being less intuitive to quickly visually determine status and advancement towards the multi session goal), starting indicator 42 may be angularly offset from the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG.
As indicated by step 106 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28, controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to display or present an ongoing performance indicator 48. Indicator 48 moves about axis 44 in proportion to and based upon signals from electronic input 22 during an ongoing exercise session. The starting point during anyone exercise session for the position or location of indicator 48 is the ending point for indicator 48 at the conclusion of the immediately preceding exercise session of the series of sessions during which the MSEMG is to be attained. For example, if the metric being measured is distance and during a first session the person runs or otherwise traverses 3 miles, the starting point for indicator 48 at the beginning of the second session would be the 3 mile location (angularly spaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc proportional to the three-mile value). If during a second session the person runs 7 miles, the starting point for the third session would be the 10 mile location (angularly spaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc having a length proportional to the 10 mile value). This information format allows a person exercising to quickly and intuitively ascertain his or her status with regard to an individual exercise session target as well as with regards to the longer-term multi-session exercise metric goal. As a result, the person exercising may maintain his or her focus on the exercise activity itself rather than on a display.
In one implementation, a rate at which indicator 48 moves about axis 44 is also proportional to the rate at which the value for an exercise metric is being increased. For example, when dial 40 is representing a distance MSEMG, the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 indicates a total distance achieved thus far, wherein indicator 48 will move faster or slower about axis 44 depending upon how fast the person may be running. In other implementations, the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 on display 28 may be adjusted at predetermined or predefined time intervals, wherein indicator 40 is stationary between such adjustment times.
As with indicator 42, indicator 48 (schematically shown) may be visibly presented with various graphical depictions. For example, indicator 48 may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40. In other implementations, indicator 42 may comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters, such as a graphical depiction of a runner or person exercising.
In one implementation, characteristics of indicator 48 may change depending upon exercise performance characteristics. For example, in one implementation, indicator 48 may change color, brightness, flashing frequency or the like depending upon whether the signals received from electronic input 22 indicate that progress of a person towards an individual target excise metric is slowing down or is at a pace such that the individual session exercise metric will not be attained. As a result, the characteristics of indicator 48 may indicate to the person that he or she should speed up or pick up the pace of activity during the individual exercise session. In such an implementation, the MSEMG may incorporate at least two metrics. For example, although the dial may represent a distance goal, the color of the indicator 48 may indicate whether or not a person is satisfying his or her predefined running pace objective while pursuing the distance goal.
As indicated by step 108 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28 in
Arc 60 corresponds and is proportional to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time. For example, if the ongoing exercise session is the third exercise session of the series of exercise sessions constituting the total number of exercise sessions, at the end of which the MSEMG goal is to be attained, arc 60 has an arcuate length proportional to the total value of the metric achieved during the previous two exercise sessions. For example, with respect to the above example, if the person completed 3 miles during the first session and 7 miles during a second session (a total distance of 10 miles out of the 100 mile total goal) prior to the ongoing third session, arc 60 would have an arcuate length of 36 degrees.
Satellite navigation system 168 comprises a space-based satellite system which provides locational information for use in determining distances traversed by a person during exercise independent of any fitness equipment unit. One example of satellite navigation system 168 comprises a global positioning system source. In such an implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise an appropriate antenna for receiving signals from the satellite navigation system 168.
Manual input 170 comprise a keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, mouse, stylus, microphone and speech recognition software alike by which a person may manually or personally enter data. For example, a person engaged with a resistive weightlifting machine may manually enter the weight being lifted or the number repetitions being lifted (in contrast to another implementation where such values may be sensed). In some implementations, manual input 170 may be further connected to controller 126 for inputting a MSEMG.
In one implementation, electronic input 122 may be provided on a single portable electronic device having one or more ports, antennas and the like to facilitate communication with the different types of fitness equipment units and 164, 166, the satellite navigation system 168 or the manual input 170. In such an implementation, the person or user may selectively connect electronic input 122 to the particular component 164, 166, 168, 170 being utilized during the individual exercise session. In another implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise distinct sensors or antennas associated with the different fitness equipment units 164, 166 as well the satellite navigation system 168 and manual input 170, wherein such the signals from the different locations are transmitted to controller 126.
Controller 126 is similar to controller 26 except the controller 126 is specifically configured to carry out method 200 illustrated in the flow diagram of
As indicated by step 204, prior to each exercise session, controller 126 obtains any prior session exercise metric results. During the first exercise session, there are no such results. As indicated by step 206, controller 126 adds up the results of the previous individual exercise sessions to determine cumulative value of the prior metric results (CMR). As indicated by step 208, controller 126 compares the CMR to the MSEMG. The comparison identifies whether or not the person's performance, to date, is on track or in line with the end objective or goal. In one implementation, controller 126 may generate control signals causing display 28 to present the result of the comparison (a percentage completion value).
As indicated by step 210, controller 126 utilizes the completed comparison to determine a session target adjustment (STA). The session target adjustment is a metric value to be added to (or subtracted from in the case of an overachieving pace for fear of burnout) to one or more of the predetermined initial session target values determined in step 202 so as to reduce or eliminate any difference between a current or actual pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace (determined in step 202) for the person to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal. In one implementation, the comparison is step 208 may indicate that the person is behind where he or she should be, wherein the deficiency is made up by a single session target adjustment. In another implementation, the deficiency may be made up by the deficiency amount being added to and spread across several successive exercise sessions. According to one example, system 120, during a setup mode, may allow the person or his or her trainer to indicate (using manual input 170) how fast any determined pace deficiencies should be made up during one of more subsequent exercise sessions.
As indicated by step 212, controller 126 determines a multiple section exercise metric estimate using the current pace to date of the person. The current pace MSEM estimate is an estimate of the value of the metric that will have been attained upon completion of all of the sessions given the current pace which is based upon the cumulative metric results for those sessions completed to date.
As indicated by step 214, controller 126 further determines the current MSEMG shortfall. The current MSEMG shortfall is an estimate of the final multiple session exercise metric based on the assumption that each of the subsequent initial session target values (determined in step 202) will be attained. For example, with regard to the above 10 session 100 mile MSEMG, if after three sessions, the person has completed 18 miles, the current MSEMG shortfall would be 88 miles (100−(100/10×3 sessions−18)).
As indicated by step 216 and as depicted on display 28 of
Indicators 242, 248 and 254 identical to indicators 42, 48 and 54 described above except that such indicators are specifically illustrated with the aforementioned radial lines. Indicator 244 comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating the determined CMR (pursuant to step 206). Indicator 260 comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating a suggested alteration of the initial session target value for the one ongoing session (as indicated by indicator 254) based upon the determination made in step 210 of method 200. In the example illustrated, indicator 260 is angularly spaced from indicator 254 about axis 44 by an arc 270 having a length corresponding to determine cumulative shortfall for the metric after the last completed exercise session. In other words, the session target adjustment represented by the length of arc 270 is proportional to a metric amount or value that will completely make up the deficiency in the ongoing exercise session. Indicator 262 on dial 40 represents an alternative session target adjustment having an arc length less than arc 270, wherein the determined cumulative deficiency is made up and apportioned over multiple exercise sessions.
Indicator 264 on dial 40 indicates the current pace MSEM determined in step 212. Indicator 266 on dial 40 indicates the current MSEMG shortfall as determined in step 214. In other implementations, one of more steps 210, 212 and 214 may be omitted, wherein their corresponding indicators would also be omitted from dial 40.
As indicated by step 218, once the ongoing exercise session has been completed, controller 126 adds the value for the metric from the just completed exercise session to the prior CMR to determine the new CMR for use when determining indicators for dial 40 during the next exercise session. The new CMR is stored.
As indicated by step 220, controller 126 determines whether the number of sessions identified for completion of the MSEMG have been concluded or completed. As indicated by arrow 222, if additional sessions remain in the allotted number of exercise sessions for completion of the MSEMG, controller 126 returns to step 208 and the process begins anew for the next exercise session. As indicated by step 224, if the just completed ongoing session is the final session, the results are displayed. As indicated by step 226, if the MSEMG was achieved, controller 126 transmits a reward signal to a reward implement 270 (shown in
In the example illustrated, controller 126 generates control signals directing display 28 to present additional information pertaining to the indicators presented on dial 40. In particular, controller 126 generates control signals directing display 28 to present the numerical value 327 for the initial target metric value (serving as a base for the length of arc 58 in
Overall, system 320 allows a person to set multiple multi-session exercise metric goals for multiple exercise metrics while easily ascertaining and tracking the status of his or her pursuit towards such goals. System 320 further provides the person with rewards one such goals have been achieved. As a result, system 320 not only notifies the person over his or her status towards achievement of his or her longer-term, multi-session exercise goals, but offers both guidance (individual session target adjustments) and motivation (encouragement and reward).
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
