Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking system
21 claims: 13 independent, 8 dependent
- 1ワークアウトルーチン中のユーザのパフォーマンスに関連する少なくとも第一のパラメータを示す入力を受けるようにプログラムされ、かつ適合された処理システムであって、該第一のパラメータが前記ワークアウトルーチンに関連する身体的または生理学的データを含む、処理システムと、 前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度 の 順位付けまたは特性決定 を含む主観的 ユーザ入力を受ける ように構成された 、入力システムと、を含 み、ここで、 前記処理システムは、 前記ワークアウトルーチン中のユーザのパフォーマンスの間、該ワークアウトルーチンに関連する所定の条件に合致しているか否かを決定し、 該所定の条件に合致しているとの決定に応答して、前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度の順位付けまたは特性決定をユーザに促し、 前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度の順位付けまたは特性決定に基づいて将来のワークアウトルーチンを生成する、 ようにさらに適合されている、 アスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 2ユーザによって実行される複数のワークアウトルーチンに関するデータを記憶し、該ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度 の 順位付けまたは特性決定 を 記憶する、記憶システムをさらに含む、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 3前記第一のパラメータが、速度情報、距離情報、またはタイミング情報の少なくとも一つを含む、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 4前記アスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システムが、ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度 の 順位付けまたは特性決定 に 基づいて、ワークアウトルーチンの少なくとも一部を修正するようにさらに構成される、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 5前記入力システムが、ワークアウトルーチン前のユーザの気分を特性決定する第二のユーザ入力を受けるようさらに構成され、 前記処理システムが、該第二のユーザ入力に基づいて複数のワークアウトルーチンからワークアウトルーチンを選択するようプログラムされ、かつ適合された、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 6ユーザのパフォーマンスに関連するユーザのリズムを検出するよう構成された感知システムをさらに含む、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 7ユーザの心拍数を検出するよう構成された感知システムをさらに含む、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 8加速度計を含む感知システムをさらに含む、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 9前記アスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システムが、ユーザのパフォーマンスが行われた場所を決定し、追跡するようさらに構成される、請求項1記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 10前記アスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システムが、ユーザが所定の場所で費やした時間を決定するようさらに構成される、請求項 9 記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 11前記アスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システムが、前記場所に位置した1または複数の他の装置との連絡により、場所を決定するよう構成される、請求項 10 記載のアスレチックパフォーマンス追跡システム。
- 12ワークアウトルーチン中のユーザのパフォーマンスに関連する少なくとも第一のパラメータを示す 電子 入力を 処理システムにおいて 受ける段階であって、該第一のパラメータが前記ワークアウトルーチンに関連する身体的または生理学的データを含む、段階と、 前記ワークアウトルーチン中のユーザのパフォーマンスの間、該ワークアウトルーチンに関連する所定の条件に合致しているか否かを決定する段階と、 該所定の条件に合致しているとの決定に応答して、前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度の順位付けまたは特性決定をユーザに促す段階と、 前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度 の 順位付けまたは特性決定 を特定する主観的 ユーザ入力を受ける段階と、 前記ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度の順位付けまたは特性決定に基づいて将来のワークアウトルーチンを生成する段階と、 を含む方法。
- 13前記第一のパラメータが、速度情報、距離情報、またはタイミング情報の少なくとも一つを含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 14前記方法が、ワークアウトルーチンの強度または難易度 の 順位付けまたは特性決定 に 基づいて、ワークアウトルーチンの少なくとも一部を修正する段階をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 15ワークアウトルーチン前のユーザの気分を特性決定する第二のユーザ入力を受ける段階と、 該第二のユーザ入力に基づいて複数のワークアウトルーチンからワークアウトルーチンを選択する段階と、をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 16ユーザのパフォーマンスに関連するユーザのリズムを検出する段階をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 17ユーザの心拍数を検出する段階をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 18加速度計を用いて動きを検出する段階をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 19ユーザのパフォーマンスが行われた場所を決定し、追跡する段階をさらに含む、請求項 12 記載の方法。
- 20ユーザが所定の場所で費やした時間を決定する段階をさらに含む、請求項 19 記載の方法。
- 21前記場所の決定が、該場所に位置した1または複数の他の装置との連絡により、行われる、請求項 19 記載の 方法 。
Independent claims21
134 paragraphs, as filed
0001Related application data This application claims priority under US Patent Provisional Application No. 60 / 824,822 filed September 7, 2006. This patent provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
0002Aspects of the invention include, for example, (a) US Patent Application No. 11 / 166,351 filed with the United States Patent Office on June 27, 2005, and (b) US Patent Application No. 11 filed on July 11, 2005. Can be used with and / or with the types of systems and methods described in US Pat. No. 11,177,489, and (c) U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 188,112, filed July 25, 2005. .. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference as a whole.
0003Field of invention The present invention generally relates to athletic performance sensing and / or tracking systems and methods. Such a system can include components for sensing athletic performance data and / or for storing and / or displaying desired information (eg, athletic performance information) to the user. Systems of at least some aspects of the invention are, for example, known and commercially available conventional electronic display devices (eg, devices that are not typically designed and adapted to display athletic performance data. Performance to enable data entry, storage, analysis and / or display on or through electronic display devices, such as portable music and / or other audio / video display or playback devices). Facilitates the transfer of athletic performance data from the sensing system to the processing system and / or display. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention provide significant user control and / or modification of entertainment, motivation and other audio / video content provided to the user via electronic devices during athletic performance. to enable.
0004background Modern technology has created a variety of electronic and / or communication devices that keep users in contact with each other, entertaining, and informed. For these purposes, a variety of portable electronic devices, such as: mobile phones; personal digital assistants (PDAs); pagers; beepers; MP3s or other audio playback devices; radios; portable TVs, DVD players or other video playback Devices; clocks; GPS systems, etc. are available. Many people exercise and / or attend athletic events, for example, to maintain contact with others (eg, in bad weather, injuries; or in emergencies; to contact coaches or trainers, etc.). Prefer to carry one or more of these types of devices, for entertainment purposes, to provide information (eg, time, direction, location, etc.).
0005Athletic performance monitoring systems have also benefited from recent advances in electronics and digital technology. Electronic performance monitoring devices are easy and convenient for many physical or physiological properties related to exercise or other athletic performance, such as speed and distance data, altitude data, GPS data, heart rate, blood pressure data, body temperature, etc. Enables monitoring. However, such systems are disadvantageous, for example, in portability, convenience, customizability and / or ease of use.
0006Overview Aspects of the invention relate to athletic performance sensing and / or tracking systems and / or methods. Such systems and methods are for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and / or for storing and / or displaying desired information related to athletic performance to the user (or others). Can contain components of. More specific examples of the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention can perform one or more of the following functions: one or more physical or physiological related to athletic performance. The ability to sense parameters; the ability to store information about athletic performance; the ability to provide the user with music or other media content during the athletic performance; to allow the user to optionally provide a workout routine during the workout routine. Ability to allow creation and / or download, including music or other media content; Ability to allow users to remember information about the content of individual workout routines and / or individual workout activities; workout difficulty Ability to receive user input to rank degree or intensity; Ability to receive user input to rank music or other media content included or associated with a workout routine; users associated with music or other media content Ability to correlate ranking information with objective data related to user performance at the time the content was served during the workout routine; the user's media content and / or user performance during the delivery of specific media content. Ability to modify workout routines based on subjective input and / or objective data; Ability to provide rewards and / or enhanced feature sets for a limited number of specific or designated users; Ability to determine the rhythm of user performance associated with various workout activities; the ability to compare a user's workout characteristics to other users, celebrities, athletes, etc .; virtual races, competitions and / or events (eg, charity) Ability to participate (for example, in competition with friends); at pre-selected points in time during a workout and / or during a given event (eg, when the user approaches or reaches a goal, personal best, etc.) Motivational and / or reward content, the ability to optionally provide media content; the ability to provide specialized workout routines based on user-selected events, nature, goals, etc .; and one or more songs or additional media The ability to modify and extend a workout routine by adding content to the workout routine. The systems and methods of the present invention can perform additional functions and / or use any or all of the above functions in the desired combination or subcombination.
0007A further aspect of the invention is to activate an athletic performance sensing and / or tracking system to perform an athletic performance sensing and / or tracking method (eg, to activate and / or perform a system of the above type). Regarding the user interface of. Such user interfaces can be presented on display devices, such as computer display devices and / or portable electronic devices, such as display devices carried by users during athletic performance. The user interfaces of at least some examples of the present invention include common interface interaction elements, mechanisms and / or functions, such as elements, mechanisms and / or functions found in commercially available user interfaces for computers and / or electronic devices. For example, WINDOWS®-based computer systems (commercially available from Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington), MACINTOSH®-based computer systems (Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, Elements, mechanisms and / or features found in graphical user interfaces such as (commercially available from California); commercially available mobile phones, personal digital assistance and / or electronic audio / video playback devices such as the IPOD® system (Apple Computer, Inc.) You can use the elements, mechanisms and / or features found in the graphical user interface of., Cupertino, California).<u style="single">The basic features and various aspects of the present invention are listed below.</u><u style="single">[1]</u><u style="single"> A display system that presents the user with workout information, including information about the content of the user's workout routine.</u><u style="single"> A user interface system that prompts the user for the first input regarding a desired workout intensity parameter for the workout routine and prompts the user for the first input after the workout routine has started.</u><u style="single"> With an input system to receive the first input</u><u style="single"> With a processing system programmed and adapted to provide modified or modified workout routines, at least in some circumstances, based on the initial input, at least in part.</u><u style="single">Athletic performance control system, including.</u><u style="single">[2]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system according to [1], wherein the sensor senses the physical or physiological characteristics of user participation in the workout routine, and the workout information further includes a sensor containing information based on the output from the sensor.</u><u style="single">[3]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system according to [2], wherein the sensor senses at least one of speed information, distance information, or timing information.</u><u style="single">[4]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the display system includes a display screen.</u><u style="single">[5]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the display system includes an audio output system.</u><u style="single">[6]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system according to [1], wherein the display system and input system are portable and carried by the user during a workout routine.</u><u style="single">[7]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the user interface system prompts the user for the first input during the initial workout activity of the workout routine.</u><u style="single">[8]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the user interface system prompts the user for the first input during the initial warm-up period.</u><u style="single">[9]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the user interface system prompts the user for the first input within the first 10% of the workout routine period.</u><u style="single">[10]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the user interface system prompts the user for the first input within the first 5% of the workout routine period.</u><u style="single">[11]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [1], wherein the user interface system prompts the user for the first input near the end of the workout activity contained in the workout routine.</u><u style="single">[12]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system described in [11], which prompts the user to indicate whether the user interface system should extend workout activity.</u><u style="single">[13]</u><u style="single"> The user interface system prompts the user for the first input in response to data indicating that the user's performance in the workout activity or workout routine may reach or exceed his or her personal best or workout goal. 1] The athletic performance control system described.</u><u style="single">[14]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system according to [1], wherein the user interface system requires that the user indicate whether additional songs or other media content should be added to the workout routine.</u><u style="single">[15]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance control system according to [1], wherein the modified or modified workout routine is modified or modified by at least one method selected from the group below: at least one workout activity in the workout routine. Increasing the duration associated with; decreasing the duration associated with at least one workout activity in the workout routine; to the use of one exercise device for at least one workout activity in the workout routine Increasing the associated resistance level; decreasing the resistance level associated with the use of one exercise device for at least one workout activity in the workout routine; at least one workout activity in the workout routine Increase the workout speed associated with the use of one exercise device for; decrease the workout speed associated with the use of one exercise device for at least one workout activity in the workout routine; Raise hill climb, step goals or altitude change parameters associated with the use of one exercise device for at least one workout activity in the workout routine; for at least one workout activity in the workout routine Lowering the hill climb, step goal or altitude change parameter associated with the use of one of the exercise devices; increasing the distance parameter associated with at least one workout activity in the workout routine; and in the workout routine Decrease the distance parameter associated with at least one workout activity.</u><u style="single">[16]</u><u style="single"> A processing system programmed and adapted to receive input indicating at least the first parameter related to the user's performance during the workout routine, the first parameter being the body associated with the workout routine. With a processing system that contains physical or physiological data</u><u style="single"> With an input system that receives user input to rank or characterize the intensity or difficulty of the workout routine</u><u style="single">Athletic performance tracking system, including.</u><u style="single">[17]</u><u style="single"> A storage system that stores data about multiple workout routines performed by the user and stores user inputs that rank or characterize the intensity or difficulty of each of the workout routines.</u><u style="single">The athletic performance tracking system described in [16], including further.</u><u style="single">[18]</u><u style="single"> A workout routine design system for designing future workout routines based on user input that ranks or characterizes the strength or difficulty of the workout routine, at least in part.</u><u style="single">The athletic performance tracking system described in [16], including further.</u><u style="single">[19]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance tracking system according to [16], wherein the first parameter contains at least one of speed information, distance information or timing information.</u><u style="single">[20]</u><u style="single"> A processing system programmed and adapted to receive input indicating at least the first parameter related to the user's performance during the workout routine, the first parameter being the body associated with the workout routine. Processing systems that contain physical or physiological data, and</u><u style="single"> With a media content presentation system for presenting media content to users during the workout routine</u><u style="single"> With an input system that receives user input that ranks the media content or characterizes the user's subjective response to the presented media content.</u><u style="single">Athletic performance sensing system, including.</u><u style="single">[21]</u><u style="single"> The processing system is further programmed and adapted to correlate at least the first parameter related to the user's performance during the workout routine with the presented media content or at least one feature of the presented media content. The athletic performance sensing system described in [20].</u><u style="single">[22]</u><u style="single"> The processing system is further programmed and adapted to display objective data containing information related to the first parameter in the workout routine that correlates with the presented media content, [20]. Athletic performance sensing system.</u><u style="single">[23]</u><u style="single"> The athletic performance sensing system according to [20], wherein the processing system is further programmed and adapted to change the characteristics of the playback characteristics of the media content in response to user input.</u><u style="single">[24]</u><u style="single"> The stage of presenting workout information to the user through a portable display system, including information related to the content of the user's workout routine.</u><u style="single"> A step in which the user is prompted for the first input regarding the desired workout intensity parameter for the workout routine, and the prompting occurs after the workout routine has started.</u><u style="single"> The stage of receiving the first input, and</u><u style="single"> The stage of providing a modified or modified workout routine, at least in part, based on the initial input, under at least some circumstances.</u><u style="single">Athletic performance control methods, including.</u><u style="single">[25]</u><u style="single"> The stage in which the processing system receives an electronic input that at least indicates the first parameter for user performance during the workout routine, and the first parameter contains physical or physiological data associated with the workout routine. ,and</u><u style="single"> Steps to receive user input to rank or characterize the intensity or difficulty of the workout routine</u><u style="single">Athletic performance tracking methods, including.</u>
0008A more complete understanding of the present invention and at least some of its features and advantages can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The same reference number indicates the same kind of features throughout the figure.
0009<figref num="1">Illustrative systems and environments in which various aspects and features of the invention can be implemented or used are shown.</figref><figref num="2">An exemplary electronic interface / output or display device combination of at least some examples of the present invention is shown.</figref><figref num="3">A schematic diagram showing a component provided by an example of the electronic interface device of the present invention is shown.</figref><figref num="4">A schematic showing the components provided in an example of the athletic performance sensing system of the present invention is shown.</figref><figref num="5">An example of the athletic performance sensing system of the present invention in which an athletic performance data sensor or collector is attached to a footwear product is shown.</figref><figref num="6">An example of electronic communication between the athletic performance sensing system of at least some examples of the present invention and an external device is shown.</figref><figref num="7">To provide at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the invention and remote systems such as systems for storing, tracking and / or analyzing performance data and / or workout routines and / or other data. An example of electronic communication with the system is shown.</figref><figref num="8">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="9">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="10">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="11">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="12">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="13">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="14">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="15">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="16">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="17">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="18">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref><figref num="19">Illustrative features that can be provided and / or controlled by the user interface of at least some of the athletic performance sensing systems of the present invention are shown.</figref>
0010Detailed explanation The following description of the various examples of the invention is provided by illustration of various structures, embodiments and examples that form part of this specification and can be used and practiced using aspects of the invention. Refer to the drawing. It will be appreciated that structural and functional modifications can be made to the various elements or stages illustrated and described using other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Aspects of the invention relate to the components, features, elements or stages described as part of the following systems, methods and user interfaces and the desired combinations or subcombinations of such components, features, elements or stages.
0011I. Overview of systems useful for carrying out aspects of the invention Aspects of the invention generally include athletic performance sensing for measuring, processing, storing and / or outputting physical and / or physiological data related to, for example, athletic events, exercise routines or other physical or athletic performance. (In the present specification, the terms "athletic performance" and "workout routine" refer to events performed as training exercises, events performed as part of actual competition, etc. Used to generically refer to any type of athletic event, exercise, training, routine, etc., including). Some more specific aspects of the invention are systems and methods for providing athletic performance data to electronic devices to enable the display, further processing, output and / or storage of athletic performance information and / or data. Regarding. According to at least some examples of the present invention, the electronic output device is a conventional commercially available electronic audio, video and / or alphanumeric display or output device (eg, mobile phone, clock, PDA, pager, MP3 player, audio). It can be a player, radio, portable TV, portable DVD player, video player, etc. (and / or can include at least some of their features). At least some examples of the systems and methods of the present invention include (a) for receiving data from an athletic performance sensing system, and (b) for rapid output, storage, retransmission, etc. of data in an output device. Includes or uses an "adapter" or other interface system or device for transmission to the output device, with any data processing optionally intervening to distribute the data in the desired form or format. be able to. An interface system or device, if present and / or if required, an existing port on the output device or It can be physically plugged into a jack (eg a universal serial bus port, serial port, parallel port or other data or power / charge input port), eg a conventional port known and used in commercial electronics. .. This optional feature gives owners of traditional electronic devices (eg, devices of the type described above) the ability to view, store, output and / or retransmit physical or physiological data collected during athletic performance. It has the advantage of providing performance data (eg speed, distance, heart rate, etc.) on the MP3 audio player display or other electronic display, such as during walking, running, biking, rowing, etc. You can view and / or receive audio information via headphones connected to an MP3 player or other device with audio capabilities etc.). If desired, the electronic device can directly receive and / or process the performance data, in which case the interface device can be omitted.
0012More specific examples of some aspects of the invention are given below.
0013A. Accepting subjective user input to control workout parameters Aspects of the invention relate to athletic performance tracking and / or control systems, methods and computer interfaces. Such systems include, for example, (a) display systems (eg, display screens, audio / video output systems, etc.) that present workout information to the user, including information about the content of the user's workout routine; (b) work. With a user interface system prompting the user for the first input associated with the desired workout intensity parameter for the workout routine after the outroutine has started; (c) with an input system for receiving the first input; (d) (i) Evaluate the workout routine in consideration of the first input, (ii) provide a workout routine that is at least partially modified based on the first input, and / or (iii) the first It can include a processing system programmed and adapted to perform at least one function selected from the group of changing at least one parameter of the workout routine based on the input. If desired, some or all of these functions can be performed in small handheld or other portable electronic devices, such as devices that can be carried by the user in the course of a workout routine. And / or can be provided by it.
0014The tracking and / or control system of at least some examples of the present invention may further include one or more sensors that sense the physical or physiological characteristics of user participation in the workout routine. The sensor can sense one or more physical or physiological properties associated with athletic performance, such as the types of properties described in more detail below. The athletic performance data presented by the display system can include information based on the output from the sensor (eg, velocity information, distance information, timing information, heart rate, pulse, etc.).
0015The user interface system can prompt the user for the first input at any desired time during the athletic performance. For example, the user interface system during the initial workout activity of the entire workout routine (eg, during the initial warm-up period, within the first 5-10% of the total workout routine period, individual work within the entire workout routine. The user can be prompted for the first input (eg, within the first 5-10% of the out activity) (eg, requesting an indication of the desired workout intensity level). As another example, the user interface system provides a personal best for the user's workout results up to that point near the end of the workout activity contained in the workout routine and / or near the end of all workout routines. If you place the user in a position where they can achieve, reach goals, milestone levels, etc., enter the first input near the end of the warm-up period, just before starting a new activity in the workout routine, etc.) You can also urge the user. In some cases, or in some circumstances, whether the user interface system should extend a workout activity (or the entire workout routine) (eg, add one or more songs to an existing workout routine or activity, etc.) Etc., it is possible to request user input indicating (only for a specific period).
0016The processing system can, where appropriate (eg, in response to user input), provide a modified workout routine or modify at least one parameter of an existing workout routine in a variety of ways. For example, based on user input, a workout routine can be modified or modified by: Increasing the duration associated with at least one workout activity in the workout routine; at least in the workout routine. Reducing the duration associated with one workout activity; increasing the resistance level associated with the use of one exercise device for at least one workout activity in the workout routine; at least one in the workout routine Decrease the resistance level associated with the use of one exercise device for workout activities; increase the workout speed associated with the use of at least one exercise device used in the workout routine; use in the workout routine Decrease the workout speed associated with the use of at least one exercise device that is performed; increase the hill climb, step goal or altitude change parameter associated with the use of at least one exercise device used in the workout routine; workout Lowering the hill climb, step goal or altitude change parameter associated with the use of at least one exercise device used in the routine; increasing the distance parameter or goal associated with at least one workout activity in the workout routine; Lowering the distance parameter or goal associated with at least one workout activity in the outroutine; adding one or more workout activities to the workout routine; adding one or more workout activities from the workout routine To remove; And / or change the activities or goals of the workout routine. Other methods of modifying or modifying the workout routine are possible without departing from the present invention.
0017A further aspect of the invention is a method of tracking and / or controlling workout routines or activities involved in athletic performance (eg, methods performed by the various systems described above, eg, during a user's portable device (eg, during a workout routine). One or more and / or the user's portable device can be connected to it and send data to it, and / or the user's portable device can receive data from it. With respect to personal computers and / or methods performed within or by remote computers. Examples of such methods and the steps involved therein have been described above with respect to the case of operating the above exemplary system, but will be described in more detail below.
0018Further aspects of the invention include, for example, the systems and methods described above, to operate athletic performance tracking and / or control systems, to receive user input, and / or athletic performance tracking and / or control methods. Regarding the user interface used to perform. The user interface of at least some examples of the present invention connects one or more of a user's portable device (eg, carried during a workout routine) and / or the user's portable device to it and sends data to it. And / or can be provided on one or more personal computers and / or remote computers from which the user's portable device can receive data. Such user interfaces and exemplary components and features thereof are generally described above with respect to operating the system and performing the above methods, but will be described in more detail below.
0019B. Athletic performance tracking system, method and user interface using subjective user input Another aspect of the invention relates to athletic performance tracking systems, methods and computer-presented user interfaces. Such a system (a) inputs indicating at least the first parameter related to the user's athletic performance during the workout routine (eg, physical or physiological data related to the workout routine, such as speed information, distance). A processing system programmed and adapted to receive information, timing information, heart rate information, pulse information, etc., and (b) It can include an input system that receives user input to rank or characterize the intensity or difficulty of the workout routine. The processing system may be further programmed and adapted to present the user with objective data related to the workout routine (eg, velocity information, distance information, timing information, heart rate information, pulse information, etc.). it can. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention use the user's subjective input (and optionally objective data, if any) to help, for example, the user to better maintain interest. To help improve one's fitness and / or to reach one's fitness goals, and / or to prevent pain, overtraining, etc., future workout routines or parameters Can be better designed.
0020The system of at least some examples of the present invention further stores data about multiple workout routines performed by the user and / or a user who ranks or characterizes the strength or difficulty of each workout routine. It can include a storage system that stores the input. Such a storage system can also form part of a user's portable device (eg, a device carried by the user and / or used in the course of a workout routine), or a remote system, eg. A user's personal computer and / or a remote network-attached computer (optionally a computer that can connect at least some part of the user's portable device to it, or at least some part of the user's portable device then ultimately sends and receives data. ) Can also be provided.
0021The athletic performance tracking system of at least some of the examples of the present invention further designs future workout routines based on user input that ranks or characterizes the intensity or difficulty of the workout routine, at least in part. Workout routine design system can be included. For example, for workouts ranked as "too tight" or "too strong," the system of at least some examples of the present invention can design future workouts with somewhat lower difficulty or intensity ( For example, to help prevent pain, excessive training, discouragement, etc.). On the other hand, for workouts ranked as "too easy", the systems of at least some of the examples of the invention, for example, improve fitness better or faster for the user, and / or fitness goals. Future workouts can be designed with somewhat higher difficulty to help achieve.
0022A further aspect of the invention is in one or more of the methods of tracking athletic performance (eg, methods performed by the various systems described above, eg, carried in a user's portable device (eg, carried during a workout routine). , Or the method performed by them) and / or one or more of which the user's portable device can be connected to it and send data to it, and / or the user's portable device can receive data from it. For personal computers and / or remote computers. Examples of such methods and the steps contained therein have been described above with respect to the case of activating the above exemplary system, but will be described in more detail below.
0023Further aspects of the invention are used to activate athletic performance tracking systems, to receive user input, and / or to perform athletic performance tracking methods, including, for example, the systems and methods described above. Regarding the user interface. The user interface of at least some examples of the present invention connects one or more of a user's portable device (eg, carried during a workout routine) and / or the user's portable device to it and sends data to it. And / or can be provided to one or more personal computers and / or remote computers from which the user's portable device can receive data. Such user interfaces and exemplary components and features thereof are generally described above with respect to operating the system and performing the above methods, but will be described in more detail below.
0024C. Athletic performance sensing system with media content control, including the use of subjective user input Another aspect of the invention is, for example, an athletic performance sensing system that includes media content presentation as part of a workout routine (optionally, media content data or data identifying the desired media content is the desired workout routine. Included as an essential part of the data that provides or initiates). Users can create their own workout routines or download existing routines, as well as control (or "mix") the media content played or presented during the course of the workout routine. .. The data that provides or initiates workout routine information can also point out memory locations (optionally from an external source) to present the desired media content or data, and / or search or present the desired media content. Can contain data to be used. However, in addition, the systems, methods and computer interfaces of at least some of the examples of the invention allow users to enter their subjective reactions to the media content presented during the workout routine. To do. Such a system may include, for example: (a) be programmed and adapted to receive input indicating at least the first parameter related to the user's performance during the workout routine. A processing system in which one parameter contains physical or physiological data related to the workout routine (eg, speed, distance, timing, pulse and / or heart rate information, etc.); (b) Media content during the workout routine. Media content presentation system for searching and / or presenting to users (eg video display, audio display (eg MP3 or other music player), etc.); And (c) an input system that receives user input that ranks or characterizes the user's subjective response to the presented media content. User input, at least in part, controls future trends in media content (eg, increasing its frequency of playback, reducing its frequency of playback, removing it from the playing library, making it a "motivational song" or "best". It can be used to increase motivation songs, etc.).
0025The processing system in at least some examples of this aspect of the invention can be further programmed and adapted as follows: (a) The features of the presented media content, the user in the workout routine. Correlate with at least one physical or physiological parameter related to the performance of; and / or (b) display objective data containing information about this parameter. In this way, if desired, users will see objective data related to their workout and the media content will affect their performance before changing the state and / or future trends of the media content. If so, you can see how it affected you (for example, if your performance improved while playing the media content).
0026A further aspect of the invention is one or more of the methods of sensing athletic performance data (eg, methods performed by the various systems described above, eg, a user's portable device (eg, carried during a workout routine). And / or within one or more personal computers and / or remote computers where the user's portable device can be connected to it and send data to it, and / or the user's portable device can receive data from it. (Or the methods performed by them). Examples of such methods and the steps contained therein have been described above with respect to the case of activating the above exemplary system, but will be described in more detail below.
0027Further aspects of the invention are used, for example, to activate an athletic performance sensing system, to receive user input, and / or to perform an athletic performance sensing method, including the systems and methods described above. Regarding the user interface. The user interface of at least some examples of the present invention connects one or more of a user's portable device (eg, carried during a workout routine) and / or the user's portable device to it and sends data to it. And / or can be provided to one or more personal computers and / or remote computers from which the user's portable device can receive data. Such user interfaces and exemplary components and features thereof are generally described above with respect to operating the system and performing the above methods, but will be described in more detail below.
0028II. Specific example of the present invention Although exemplary aspects and features of the invention have been generally outlined above, the following detailed description, along with FIGS. 1-19, describes the electronic devices and athletic performance sensing systems and methods of the examples of the invention and such systems. A further detailed example of an exemplary user interface for working and performing such a method is provided. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the following description constitutes an explanation of the examples of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
0029A. Description of Various Components of the Illustrative Sensing System of the Invention FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system and environment in which various aspects of the invention can be used. As shown in FIG. 1, a person 100 engaged in an athletic performance or workout activity may have one or more sensing devices 102 (a), 102 (b), included in himself, clothing, footwear, equipment, etc. It can have 102 (c) and 102 (d). These sensing devices can sense data related to athletic performance, such as physical or physiological data related to athletic performance. As a more specific example, in the environment shown in FIG. 1, sensors 102 (a) and / or 102 (b) are for steps and data related to such activity (eg, pedometer type speed and / or distance measurement). Because), GPS data (eg location and / or altitude data, time data, etc.), step impact force data (eg, for active impact attenuation control), jump height data, etc. can be sensed. The sensor 102 (c) can detect pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, hydration level, etc., and the sensor 102 (d) can detect heart rate, EKG data, and the like. Of course, any number of sensors may be provided without departing from the present invention, such sensors sensing the desired type of athletic performance information (eg, one or more physical or physiological data). be able to. Further examples of possible types of data related to athletic performance that can be sensed and / or collected include, but are not limited to: route data; ambient temperature data; ambient humidity data; barometric data; sole components. Compressed data; Intake rate or volume data; Exhaust rate or volume data; EEG data; Blood gas content data, etc.
0030As described in more detail below, users 100 of the systems and methods of the examples of the present invention perform a variety of athletic performance and / or workout activities, such as training machines (eg, those in the gym), such as treadmills, spinning. Various activities using machines, elliptical training machines, aerobikes, steersteppers, cross-country ski simulation machines, weightlifting machines, rowing machines, etc .; as well as including or directly using training machines or other equipment. Various athletic activities that may not be included, such as running, walking, yoga, dancing, Pilates, stretching, weight lifting (using free weights), martial arts training, taebo, boxing, wrestling, crew, boating, kayaking, team competition (eg Can engage in baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, etc.), athletic events, etc. The systems and methods of at least some aspects of the invention include input data indicating the type of activity in which the user is engaged, eg, by manual user input, of the system of the invention, as described in more detail below. It can be received automatically, semi-automatically, etc. in response to a user's command via electronic communication with some part.
0031Various sensors, such as 102 (a)-102 (d), are also portable and can be carried by the person 100 in a desired manner without departing from the present invention. For example, if desired, one or more sensors can be attached to the footwear product 104 (eg, such as sensors 102 (a) and 102 (b) in this illustrated example), athletic apparel products (eg, for example). Attached to the armband 106 of this example, including sensor 102 (c), shirts, shorts, pants, socks, headbands, and / or athletic equipment (eg, bicycles, bats, rackets, clubs, vehicles, balls, etc.) Can be carried with (such as). As a further example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sensing device 102 (d) can also be attached directly to the athlete 100's body, for example with an adhesive, band, hook, or other mechanical connector.
0032Sensing system and / or devices 102 (a) to 102 (d) and any related data transfer system (eg, wireless transmission or transceiver device 108 shown in FIG. 1 and further described below). (For example, RFID elements, wireless transceivers, etc.) can be used in the desired manner, for example by clips, clamps, glues, stitches, in pockets, in suitable receivers, by hook and loop fasteners, other fasteners or machines. It can be mounted on and / or in footwear products, clothing, athletic equipment, adhesive supports, etc., depending on the structure. Alternatively, if desired, the sensing system or devices 102 (a)-102 (d) may be integrally formed with a footwear product, a garment product, an athletic device, etc., without departing from the present invention. It can also be included as part of them (eg, optionally permanently or detachably mounted therein). If desired, one or more sensing devices and their associated data transfer system 108 are included as part of a single structure without departing from the invention, eg, in a common housing and / or in common. It can be mounted on a printed circuit board, connected to each other, etc. Furthermore, if desired, the housing (if any) has an ON / OFF switch, eg power state (eg on / off), power state (eg charge vs. battery operation), battery life, data reception and / or processing. It may include an actuation lamp (eg LED, etc.) or other indicator to indicate status (eg, standby vs. receive vs. transmit vs. processing, etc.), charge or charge level status, etc.
0033According to at least some examples of the present invention, physical or physiological data related to athletic performance is collected by various sensing devices (eg, devices 102 (a)-102 (d)) and displayed or otherwise output. It can be transmitted to the output device 110 for (and optionally storage, further processing, etc.). Any type of output device 110 can be used without departing from the present invention, for example, including conventional or off-the-shelf output devices 110. A more specific example of a suitable output device 110 is: an electronic device with a display screen, eg LED, LCD or plasma display screen; a clock; portable audio or other with audio output, visual display device or other output. Media content storage and / or playback devices such as radios, tape players, CD players, MP3 players, handheld computing devices; alphanumeric display devices such as beepers, pagers; portable video or audio / video display devices such as portable TVs , DVD players, etc .; Portable communication devices, such as mobile phones, radios, etc .; Includes portable computing devices, such as PDA, handtop or palmtop computing systems. In the illustrated example, the output device 110 is an audio or other media content player (eg, IPOD) that User 100 has in engagement with a belt or garment so that it can be easily carried and used during athletic performance. (Registered Trademark) (Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, Commercially available from California)). The use of this type of configuration allows athletic performance data to be displayed on the display system of device 110 and / or sent to user 100 via headphones 140 or other audio output device, thus allowing the user to use it. At least in some situations, because you do not have to acquire and / or carry a separate display device to enable the display or transmission of athletic performance data (which reduces weight, cost and awkwardness). Is advantageous.
0034The athletic performance data simply begins to be transmitted from the sensing devices 102 (a) to 102 (d) to the conventional electronic device 110, the device 110 is activated to receive the data and format it (and / or the user) as desired. It cannot be expected to be displayed in a controllable form or format). Thus, as shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 2, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention are physically plugged into electronic device 110 (eg, in a releasable manner). An electronic interface device 112 that is carried with the electronic device 110 during an athletic performance can be included. As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the electronic interface device 112 of this example includes a connector system 114 that physically plugs into and connects to a conventional input port 116 provided in this electronic device 110 model. The input port 116 to which the connector system 114 of the interface device 112 connects is any type of input port provided on the electronic device 110, such as a data input port (eg, parallel port, serial port, USB port, earphone or other jack). (Port, etc.), eg, an input port used in conventional electronic devices for data entry, synchronization, charging, AC power, etc. The connector system 114 includes suitable connectors, such as wires, pins, electrical connectors, etc., to form electrical or other suitable connections with the corresponding elements provided at the input port 116 of the electronic device 110. It can (eg, to enable electronic and / or data communication between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110). Additional fixing elements such as straps, hooks, buckles, clips, clamps, clasps, retaining elements, mechanical connectors, etc. are provided to ensure that the interface device 112 is held together with the electronic device 110 if necessary or desired. May be good.
0035During operation, the electronic interface device 112 transfers data from one or more external sources, such as various sensing devices 102 (a) to 102 (d), together with, for example, sensing devices 102 (a) to 102 (d). Receiving a signal transmitted through system 108 to a data receiver or system 118 (eg, wireless receiver or transceiver device, wireless transceiver, infrared receiver, light source receiver, etc.) provided in or with interface 112. Can be done. If desired, without departing from the present invention, the data transfer system 108 and the data receiving system 118 can each include the ability to receive input data and transmit output data (which is, of course, necessary and necessary). / Or, if desired, the sensing devices 102 (a)-102 (d) and the interface device 112 may each be provided with a separate receiving and transmitting device or system). The wireless communication protocol is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but without departing from the present invention, if desired, the sensing device 102 (a)-102 (d) and the interface device 112, including a wired connection. Any desired method of communication can be used between them. The signals from sensors 102 (a)-102 (d) are optionally data-processed in the interface device 112 and placed in a form or format for display and / or use by the display device 110 before the connector system. It is transferred from the interface device 112 to the electronic device 110 via 114 (which is physically plugged into the input port 116 of the electronic device 110 in this illustrated example). Once input to the electronic device 110, the input data can be further processed as needed or desired and then displayed to the user in the desired form on the display panel 120.
0036Correct form for display on electronic device 110 or output from electronic device 110 without departing from the present invention, data derived from physical or physiological data from sensing devices 102 (a)-102 (d). Alternatively, any desired method of arranging in the format can be provided. As an example, if desired, the interface device 112 can be specially designed and / or programmed for use with one or more specific electronic devices 110 (eg, a specific device (eg, specific). Pre-programmed and / or wired to work with (models, etc.) and provide output data in a form and format suitable for such equipment). In this situation, the interface device 112 can be marketed and sold with a specific target for the particular electronic device 110. Alternatively, if desired, the interface device 112 internets the display or device driver and / or format data for a particular electronic device 110, eg, to work with a variety of different electronic devices 110. It can also be programmed later, such as by downloading from a disk or another source. As a more specific example, when the user plugs the interface device 112 into the electronic device 110 (for example, for the first time), for example, the personal computer device recognizes newly installed hardware (eg, mouse, printer, scanner, etc.). And / or the signals exchanged between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110 identify each other, as well as techniques for performing various setup operations related to the newly added hardware or software. , And / or the processing system of one of the devices can otherwise activate or download driver or setup information from, for example, a remote or external source, such as the internet, disk, memory contained in the interface device 112, etc. Can be it can. Of course, other methods can be used to ensure that the data is arranged in the correct form or format for display, audio output or other output without departing from the present invention. The processing for arranging the data in a form and / or format for display or other output without departing from the present invention includes the interface device 112, the electronic device 110, the sensor devices 102 (a) to 102 (d) and / Or can be implemented in any other desired component or system.
0037If desired, according to at least some examples of the invention, the electronic interface device 112 further comprises a user input system 122, such as one or more rotary input devices, switches, buttons (in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2). It can include a mouse or trackball element, a touch screen, and so on. The user input system 122 controls, for example, one or more aspects of processing input data received via the data receiving device 118 to receive input data (eg, timing, type of information received, on-demand). Controls data requests, etc.), controls the data output to or by the electronic device 110, and controls the sensing devices 102 (a)-102 (d) (eg, activates or deactivates them). It can be used for activation etc.). Alternatively or additionally, if desired, using the input system of the electronic device 110 (eg button 124, touch screen, digitizer / stylus-based input, rotary input device, trackball or rollerball, mouse, etc.), User input data can also be provided to interface device 112 and / or sensing devices 102 (a)-102 (d) or sensing system (eg, connector system 114 or other part of interface device 112 from electronic device 110). If it is designed to receive input). As yet another example, if desired, a voice input system can be provided with the interface device 112 and / or the electronic device 110 to allow user input via voice commands, for example. Any other desired type of user input system may be provided for the control of any system element and / or for any purpose without departing from the present invention.
0038The electronic device 110 provides additional input and / or output elements, such as ports 126 and 128 for headphones (or other audio outputs), power supplies, wireless communications, infrared inputs, microphone inputs or other devices, as shown in FIG. Can be included. If desired, and if interface device 112 is attached to electronic device 110 and these ports 126 and / or 128 are covered, then interface device 112 is a similar external port to port 126 and / or 128. The interface device 112 may be provided with an internal circuit to allow the user to plug the same additional device into the interface device 112 as if it were plugged into the electronic device 110 to take advantage of the same functionality (eg). , Thereby sending the required data, signals, power and / or information to the user, another output and / or electronic device 110 via the interface device 112).
0039FIG. 3 includes schematics of various exemplary components that can be included in the electronic interface device 112 of at least some examples of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 and previously noted in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, the interface device 112 is for sensing the connectivity system 114 for physical connection to the electronic device and external sources such as athletic performance data. A data transmission and / or reception system 118 (eg, wireless data receiver or transceiver, infrared receiver, RFID receiver, etc.) for receiving input data from a sensor, computer, network or other processing system, etc. Further, as further shown in FIG. 3, the interface device 112 is via, for example, keys, buttons, touch screen, digitizer, voice input, stylus input, rotary dial input, trackball or rollerball input, mouse input, switch, and the like. It can include an input system 122 for receiving user input.
0040According to at least some examples of the present invention, the electronic interface device 112 further performs various operations, eg, activates the electronic interface 112, interacts with an external data source, user input from one or more sources. To interact with electronic device 110 (eg, via input system 122, via computer or network connection, via transceiver 118, etc.) and through wire or pin connector 302 included with connection system 114 (eg, via wire or pin connector 302). Through the output supplied to the electronic device 110) Processing systems for the like, eg, microprocessor 300, can be included. Any number of wires, pins or other connections can be provided via the connection system 114 to provide suitable electronic / data communication between the interface device 112 and the external electronic device 110 (eg, a mobile phone). , MP3 players, audio / video playback devices, PDAs or connection systems found in other portable electronic devices, including conventional electronic devices known and commercially available). The connector system 114 can be designed to fit the electronic device 110 to which it plugs in to provide a path for electronic / data communication between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110. Moreover, if desired, according to at least some examples of the present invention, the microprocessor 300 includes operating system software and / or processes input data from sensing devices 102 (a)-102 (d). The data is converted into a form suitable for reception by an electronic device, use in it, display and / or output by it, changing the data form or format, and performing calculations based on unprocessed input data. Etc. can be done.
0041FIG. 3 further shows the power supply device 304 included as part of the electronic interface device 112. The power supply 304 can include conventional batteries such as those commonly known and used in electronics technology, such as rechargeable or long life batteries. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the power supply 304 receives power input from the electronic device 110 to which it is attached (eg, via input pins, wires or lines 306 or other connecting system). Power from the electronic device 110 can be used to activate various elements and components in the interface device 112, such as the microprocessor 300, data receiving system 118, input system 122, actuation lamp or indicator. As yet another example, if desired, the power supply 304 can be connected to an external power source, such as an AC power source, an external battery power source, etc., to optionally charge the rechargeable battery.
0042If desired, a housing system 308 in which some or all of the various components shown in FIG. 3 are formed in or on a common printed circuit board, or otherwise formed as a conventional module or package. It can also be mounted, housed, or included inside or on top. The connection system 114 can at least partially extend out of housing 308, can be integrally formed as part of housing 308, or is secured to housing 308 (eg, by glue or connector, etc.). ) It can be a separate element, it can be at least partially recessed in the housing, or it can be made available in other ways, and / or it can be included with the housing system 308. ..
0043FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the entire athletic performance sensing or tracking system 400 of at least some examples of the present invention. In this system 400, the electronic interface device 402 provides a detent or retention element via, for example, a mechanical connection system 406 that holds the two devices together in a secure and releasable manner (eg, via frictional fitting). Physically plugged into the portable electronics 404 (via a spring element, etc.). Optionally, other independent fixing elements can be provided to help at least partially hold the interface device 402 with the portable electronics 404 (eg, hooks, straps, snaps, clips, clamps, etc.). Clasps, retention elements, etc.).
0044The exemplary system 400 further includes a sensing system 408 for sensing and transmitting some type of athletic performance data. More specifically, in this exemplary structure, athletic performance data (eg, physical or physiological data related to athletic performance) is sensed by sensors A and / or B, and data from these sensors is sensed by the sensing system. Can be sent to a processing system such as a microprocessor, which optionally stores its data (eg, in a storage system or memory (not shown in Figure 4)), further processes it, and so on. it can. Power supplies can also be provided to operate various components of the sensing system 408, such as sensors, microprocessors, data transfer systems 410, memory and / or any other necessary or desired component (within the system 408 module or Outside that). If desired, if there is a microprocessor onboard the sensing system 408, it processes the sensor data, modifies its form or format before sending it to other components of the system 400. , Or other techniques can be used to manipulate the data. The sensing system 408 can be configured with sensor modules such as the modules 102 (a)-102 (d) shown in FIG.
0045At the appropriate or desired time point (eg, when a data request is received, periodically, automatically, at the time of user request, etc.), the sensing system 408 will see the data (eg, directly from one or more sensors). Sending at least some portion of the unprocessed data, at least partially derived from the unprocessed data, to the electronic interface device 402, for example to eventually output to the user via the electronic device 404. Can be done. This does not deviate from the present invention, for example, via a wireless data transmission system (eg, wireless data transfer in sensing system 408 or wireless in electronic interface device 402 from transmission element 410, as shown in FIG. It can be achieved by data receiving element up to 412) or other desired method. Any desired wireless protocol, simultaneous communication protocol or other data transfer protocol can be used without departing from the present invention.
0046The athletic performance data, once received by the electronic interface device 402, can be further processed if necessary or desired and then supplied to the processing system (eg, microprocessor) of the electronic device 404. This can be achieved at a desired time or time (eg, when a data request is received, automatically, periodically, at a user command, etc.) without departing from the present invention. From there, if necessary or desired, the data can be further processed and then sent to the output device in a form suitable for output to the user (eg, audio, video and / or alphanumeric form, etc.).
0047In this illustrated exemplary system 400, the power for the electronic interface device 402 activates the electronic device 404 as indicated by the connection 418 between the power supply 416 and the "power" element 424 via the connection system 406. It is supplied via a power source 416 (which may be, for example, a rechargeable battery of a mobile phone, audio player or other portable electronic device) used to power it. The "power" element 424 in the interface device 402 in this example is used only to distribute the power from an external power source (eg, the power supply 416 of the electronic device 404 in this example) to the various components of the interface device 402. It can also be a component. Alternatively, the power element 424 may be omitted, for example, if the internal wiring of the interface device 402 allows power transfer from the power supply 416 to all required components of the interface device 402. As yet another example, if desired, the power element 424 can also constitute a rechargeable battery that can be charged independently and / or by the power supplied by the power supply 416.
0048Further, in this exemplary system 400, the user input may also be provided for controlling the electronic interface device 402 via the input system 420 provided in the portable electronic device 404. For example, if desired, the user can enter a particular mode of operation through which the various mechanisms, functions or characteristics of the electronic interface device 402 can be controlled via the inputs provided to the electronic device 404. In addition or alternatives, if desired, the electronic interface device 402 does not deviate from the present invention and is itself an input system (and / or itself), for example as described above in connection with FIG. The use of these components and resources from electronic device 404 also helps reduce the overall size, weight and cost of interface device 402 and system 400).
0049Of course, many different configurations of various elements or components, including some or all of the elements or components shown in FIG. 4, can be used without departing from the present invention. Moreover, additional components or elements may be included in such a system without departing from the present invention, or one or more of the illustrated components or elements may be omitted. Furthermore, if desired, one electronic interface device 402 and electronic device 404 are simultaneously operationally connected, for example, to receive data input from a number of independent sensing systems of the type indicated by reference numeral 408. It can also be done (see, for example, the configuration in Figure 1). As another example, if desired, one sensing system 408 can communicate with multiple interface devices 402 and / or electronic devices 404 separately or simultaneously. Many modifications of the overall structure, components and architecture of various systems are possible without departing from the present invention.
0050One potential advantage of the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention is that existing electronic devices further user athletic performance data without requiring the user to acquire and carry another electronic device. Enhance the components and infrastructure of this existing portable electronic device (eg mobile phones, MP3 players, PDAs, etc.), connect to it, and electronically communicate with it to be able to display, output and / or provide to The fact is that it can be used in combination with electronic interface devices. As mentioned above, the enhancement of the input system and / or power supply of the existing electronic device used for its display further reduces the size, weight, cost and complexity of the interface device, thereby further benefiting. Can be provided. Of course, if desired, omit the separate interface device (eg 112 or 402) and provide a separate dedicated electronic device 404 to receive and display athletic performance data (optionally perform other desired functions). May be good. As yet another example, if desired, the electronic device 404 can be configured to receive input directly from the sensing system 408, thereby eliminating the need for the interface device 402.
0051The athletic performance sensing and / or tracking system can be provided in a variety of different environments without departing from the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if desired, one or more sensors for sensing data related to athletic performance (eg, physical or physiological data) may optionally be transferred into the housing 422. A system (eg, wireless transmission or transceiver device 410) and / or at least a portion of other processing or electronic components can be provided to provide, for example, an athletic performance data sensing module or system 408. When provided as a module or otherwise as separate elements, these parts of an athletic performance sensing system (eg, 408) do not deviate from the present invention, eg, their data sensing, processing and /. Alternatively, it can be provided at any desired location, assuming that the transmission capability is not compromised by the arrangement. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary system and environment 500 in which the Athletic Performance Sensing Module 502 is mounted on the Athletic Footwear Product 504. Module 502 can include, for example, one or more athletic performance data sensors, data transfer systems, processing power, power supplies and / or similar (eg, such as system 408 shown in FIG. 4). Any desired method of mounting the module 502 in or on the footwear product 504, eg, a slot, chamber or receiver formed in the midsole (eg heel or arch) without departing from the present invention. Techniques via: mounting pockets or elements; straps, adhesives, mechanical connectors, hooks & loop fasteners, retention elements, etc.; It is possible to provide a method or the like via a user-detachable connection. Alternatively, if desired, the module 502 can be, for example, embedded in or integrally formed as part of the footwear product 504 during footwear manufacturing and / or permanently fixed to it. As one more specific example, Module 502 is a footwear similar to the receiver provided in the "PLUS ready" footwear marketed by NIKE, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon. It can be mounted in a receiver formed under the footwear insole member (eg, formed on the midsole member) of the heel or arch of the product.
0052Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the module 502 may be in wireless (or other) communication state with the interface device 506, while the interface device, on the other hand, is an electronic device 508, eg, music playback, as shown in FIG. Physically connected to the device or mobile phone. The electronics 508 can be attached to the user's body, clothing or equipment for easy carrying, movement and / or visibility during, for example, athletic performances. In general, any of the various types of athletic performance sensing systems, electronic interface devices and / or portable electronic devices described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 can be used without departing from the present invention. As a more specific example, if desired, the sensing system mounted on the module 502 provides steps, timing and other data, which the electronic interface device 506 processes and outputs by the electronic device 508. Pedometer type speed and / or distance data can be provided. Of course, without departing from the present invention, any type of data may be provided by the module 502, and any desired type of information may be displayed or otherwise output onto the electronic device 508.
0053Having outlined the basic athletic performance data acquisition system for at least some of the examples of the invention, the following is a more detailed description of the exemplary features, content and use of the systems and methods of the examples of the invention.
0054B. Description of an exemplary athletic performance sensing and tracking system of the present invention Figures 6 and 7 show further features of the exemplary performance sensing and tracking systems and methods of the invention and their environment of use. In addition to running or walking on an open course, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention use pedometer-based speed and distance information (or other sensing information) as shown in FIG. It can also be useful for sensing and / or tracking athletic performance characteristics elsewhere, such as in the gym or spa, workout class, home, etc. The system 600 of FIG. 6 is in contact with the portable electronic device 508 via, for example, the interface device 506 as shown in FIG. (For example, carried by an athlete during a performance, eg, in footwear product 504, as part of the athlete's clothing, as a product worn by the athlete, etc.). See transmission indicator 602 in Figure 6. In addition to this communication, as shown in FIG. 6, any or all of the module 502, the interface device 506 and / or the electronic device 508 may be one or more exercise devices 604 or other objects, such as a gym, spa. Alternatively, it can be configured to exchange data with equipment or transceiver devices included in other athletic performance settings.
0055Reference number 604 in FIG. 6 can indicate any type of exercise equipment and / or gym, spa, home or other athletic performance settings. For example, reference number 604 refers to a wide variety of different types of athletic and / or training equipment, such as training machines commonly found in the gym, such as treadmills, spinning machines, elliptical training machines, exercise bikes, steersteppers, cross-country skis. It can represent a simulation machine, a weightlifting machine, a rowing machine, or the like. Additional or alternative, reference number 604 may include or not directly include the use of training machines in various performance locations such as yoga, dance, Pilates, martial arts training, stretching, weightlifting, taebo, It can represent a facility used for boxing, wrestling, etc. (eg, a training room). As yet another example or alternative, reference number 604 inputs information about athletics or training activities that the user has performed or plans to perform, such as athletics training or events, team sporting events, free weightlifting, and the like. Can represent or include an input device that can. Reference number 604 can also relate to physical or physiological parameter measurement systems such as scales, heart rate monitors, blood pressure measurement systems, body temperature measurement systems and the like. Using a system as shown in FIG. 6, the user can use element 604 to determine any desired type of athletic or training activity and / or physical or physiological parameters for his or her training that he or she engages in. Inputs for tracking can be generated.
0056Exercise equipment 604 A wide variety of different types of data and information between (or other workout or athletic performance settings or equipment) and portable equipment held by the user (eg module 502, interface equipment 506 and / or electronics 508). Can be exchanged. For example, if desired, device 604 provides information about workout parameters for an individual's workout or training exercise, such as data detectable or perceived by a gym or workout device, such as distance traveled, speed, altitude changes, steps, etc. Number of floors climbed, total time, other data as a function of speed or time, calories burned, revs per minute, revs, resistance settings, climbing or descending slope information, amount of weight lifted, number of repetitions, use It can also be designed to send a weight machine or the like to the user's equipment (eg, via the transmission / reception system 606). It is also possible to send any measured physiological characteristics such as heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, EEG data, EKG data, body temperature, intake / exhaust rate, etc. to the user's portable device. The transmission / reception system 606 can also send identification information such as exercise machine identification, room identification, location identification, other device identification information, and the like. Send the desired data to the user's portable device at any desired time, for example in real time (at the same time as it is collected by device 604), on a regular basis, such as when the user leaves the gym facility after the exercise is finished. be able to.
0057For systems that use pedometer-based information, in addition to detecting speed and / or distance information, in at least some exemplary systems and methods of the invention, the sensing system is an athletic performance activity (eg, time). User's tone, rhythm or "beat" related to steps, rotation, foot movement direction change, arm movement direction change, etc., such as steps per second, rotations per minute, steer stepper steps per second, rowing strokes per minute, etc. It is useful to measure or detect data and information about. Accelerometers and / or direction change sensors can be used to determine the rhythm. Modules 502 and / or other parts of the portable device (eg, interface device 506 and / or electronic device 508) and / or device 604 can be used to provide data and information related to user rhythm. Many activities performed in the gym using exercise equipment, such as running or walking on a treadmill, spinning, elliptical training, exercise bike training, steer stepper training, cross-country skiing simulation, rowing simulation, etc. Can collect rhythm information about various athletic performance activities. In addition to providing data on athletic performance, rhythm information also provides motivation, inspiration, and performance during athletic performance in at least some of the systems and methods of the invention, as described in more detail below. It may be useful for improving or selecting other media content (eg song selection).
0058If reference number 604 represents a facility or location, it may simply send location-identifying and / or timing information (eg, time spent at that location). For example, reference number 604 communicates with an RFID or user's portable device to allow the user to enter or leave a particular room or area (eg, weightlifting room, aerobics, yoga or Pilates studio, martial arts training facility, etc.). Can include other data transmitters 606, which indicate if and / or the amount of time the user has spent at the location (eg, actual entry and / or exit times, date information, total stay time, etc.). .. Also, if a particular location may be used for a number of activities, scheduling and / or providing and / or transmitting other information, the transmitter 606 allows the user to use that location or facility. You can also make it possible to automatically send the type of activity you engaged in if you were there. Such data, for example, creates and / or maintains a detailed tracking and / or complete record of their workout activity, even in situations where sensors are unable to provide physical or physiological data. Can be useful for. Optionally, if desired, the user may provide additional information, eg, user location data; flight or hotel stay information; menstrual cycle data; athletic event calendar information; target or target date information; and any, for tracking purposes. You can include the desired history, appointments, calendar or goal information in your workout calendar or record.
0059Data can also be transferred from the user's portable device (eg, module 502, interface device 506 and / or electronic device 508) to the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance setting 604. For example, the user ID information may be transferred so that the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance setting 604 can store workout data related to that particular user. As another example, if desired, the user's portable equipment (eg, module 502, interface equipment 506 and / or electronics 508) is used to at least partially configure the exercise equipment or other workout or athletic performance setting 604. For example, the workout machine settings can be adapted to workouts pre-programmed or downloaded to the user's portable device. For example, using workout information stored in a portable device or downloaded from a workout routine that is available through it, various workout features such as weight machine settings, resistance settings, slopes ( Alternatively, you can control climbing slope level settings, target distance (or other total time or duration) settings, target calorie consumption (or other physiological parameters) settings, treadmill speed or slope settings, and so on. As yet another example, if desired, the user's portable device sends workout identification information (eg, workout 12) to the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance setting 604, which uses this identification information. It is possible to provide the desired settings for the workout identified from the information stored in the memory. Also, if desired, exercise equipment or other workouts using the data collected as the workout progresses (eg, via module 502, etc.) You can also control the athletic performance device (eg, set or change intensity or resistance levels, reduce or extend workout time, etc.). Of course, other information can also be transferred from the user's portable device to element 604.
0060As another potential option or alternative, if desired, the user's portable device (eg module 502, interface device 506 and / or electronic device 508), eg, display by exercise device 604, transfer to a remote source (eg, eg). , Through a network maintained in the gym or spa, etc.), etc.) can also be programmed and adapted to send information to the exercise device 604. As a more specific example, as described in more detail below, the electronic device 508 may be a playback device that presents audio and / or video information, such as music, video and / or other entertainment content, to the user. Good. If desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention exercise this content from or through electronic device 508 (or other user-carrying portable device) 604. Send to (or another device) to display media (or other) content on a screen or other output device (eg, input panel, touch panel, television screen, audio output system, etc.) provided with the exercise device 604. Or it can be configured and adapted to be presented. Furthermore, if desired, in such a system, the input panel or other part of the exercise device 604 receives user input that controls the playback function of the media content (eg, skipping a song or other content, song or other part). It can also be programmed and adapted (for repeating other content, selecting songs or other content for presentation, etc.).
0061FIG. 7 shows additional features that may be present in the exemplary athletic performance sensing and / or tracking systems and methods of the present invention. Configuration 700, shown in FIG. 7, allows the user to send and / or receive data and information from one or more remote sources, eg, a portable device (eg, module 502). , Interface device 506 and / or electronic device 508) from a personal computer (eg, in the user's home or office) or another computer station 702 (Can include the workout device itself and / or a computer maintained in the gym or other facility) and / or can be maintained and operated by the user, fitness center, gym or other third party Allows sending to a remote system 704 (optionally over a network connection, eg on the internet). This configuration 700 enables easier storage, maintenance, retrieval and future processing of collected athletic performance data (eg, system-wide user interface, data processing and / or computing power, electronic device 508 and / Or compared to limiting to the processing performed by interface 506).
0062In addition to storing historical data and information, this configuration 700 allows the download of data and information from one or more remote systems 704 to users such as PCs or other devices 702 and / or portable devices 508. (Optionally via interface device 506). Data can also be generated from a PC or other device 702 (without using a remote computer 704) and sent to the user's portable device 506 and / or 508. In some cases, remote system 704 (Or system 702) can also be accessed by a large number of users (eg, via a network, such as an internet or gym-based network), such a system providing diverse data and information to users. (For example, each individual user can have their own web page, user ID, password, etc.). The possible content of this exchanged data and information will be described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 8-19 as an example, but this downloaded data and information is a pre-programmed workout, music. Or other audio / video content, pre-programmed workouts mixed with music or other audio / video content, such as instructional and / or motivation content, comparison data, instructional, safety and / or motivation content, etc. Can be included.
0063C. Description of exemplary features of the systems and methods of the invention One feature of the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention relates to the ability to sense and track information about various types of athletic performance activities. Data on athletic performance can be automatically, semi-automatically and / or manually entered into the systems and methods of the invention. A more specific example is given below.
0064When performing athletic activities using an exercise machine (such as in a gym, spa, home, etc.), users are provided with prompt feedback, data and information about their activities by module 502. Data and information and / or data and information collected or measured by an exercise or other device 604 can be obtained on its own portable electronic device 508. This can be achieved using, for example, a system 600 as shown in FIG. If desired, the device 604 can transmit some type of identification data or information (automatically in response to user input, in response to activation of the RFID transmission system, etc.) and of the user-carrying portable device. Electronics 508 or other parts store information and one or more of the type of workout activity (eg machine type, etc.), the length of the workout, one or more parameters related to the workout, etc. Can also be tracked.
0065Some athletic performance activities do not use machines, but such activities may be performed in a specially designated room or area of a building or facility. As mentioned above, a transmitter (eg, device 606) is provided at that location to indicate where the user was or room, optionally along with the type of activity performed while there (eg, schedule or Based on other information, for example, the user can send data automatically, semi-automatically or manually (indicating that the user has participated in a dance class, Pilates class, aerobics class, martial arts training, weightlifting, etc.) it can. The room is a wireless transmission system (optionally by an individual user) that sends data indicating, for example, room identification information, the type of activity performed in the room (eg karate class, etc.), user entry time, user exit time, etc. , For example activated by pressing a button, turning on, signing in, signing out, opening a door, etc.).. This transmitted data can be received and stored, for example, by module 502, interface 506 and / or electronic device 508. In some cases, even if there is no machine directly involved, the sensors included with Module 502 (if any) have at least some data related to their workout type, such as steps, heart rate, pulse, rhythm, Information related to accelerometer data or other data can be detected. From this data, any features of the workout or parameters related to the workout, such as calorie consumption, MET, speed, distance, etc., can be derived, for example, by electronic device 508, interface device 506 and / or module 502. And can store information. Even if the module 502 cannot detect specific data about the workout (eg steps, heart rate, etc.), sending room or location identification data to the electronics 508 (optionally via module 502) is, for example, It can be useful to the user if it provides an instruction that the workout was performed and some record and optionally at least some data indicating the type of workout (the data and information is the user's workout history). Can be entered in and included).
0066Even team sports (eg when participating in baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, etc.) can be entered into the electronic device 508. Data can be provided, for example, by manually inputting workout information into electronic device 508. FIG. 8 shows an example of an electronic device 508 with a display screen 800 having an exemplary user interface 810 that allows user input of information about a workout or activity in this situation. Although various information and combinations of different types of information can be entered, this exemplary interface 810 allows the type of activity to be performed to be selected from the panel 802 and the type of activity (eg, optionally). Includes another panel 804 where you can enter (activities not found in panel 802). In addition, the user interface 810 includes "start", "stop", "pause" buttons that allow the user to record time and / or timing information related to workouts or activities, if desired. .. Again, if the sensors included with Module 502 can detect at least some data related to these types of workouts, such as steps, heart rate, pulse or other data, collect that data. It can be sent to electronic device 508, stored, presented on the display screen 800, and / or associated with a particular workout. Such data collection is at least some information that indicates the user's complete workout history, even if it is almost or completely impossible to generate, or make available, actual workout data from available sensors. For example, workout date, number of participations, workout length, etc.) can be useful when provided to the user.
0067Also, any desired method of inputting data to the interface screen 800 without departing from the present invention, such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, rollerball, stylus, pen, touch screen, touch pad, rotary input device, etc. It can also be provided. Such interface systems and input devices have been known in the past and are used in electronic device technology.
0068Of course, any desired data information or content can be requested and / or input via the user interface 810 without departing from the present invention. As a more specific example, data entry can be requested and / or provided at a level of granularity than the level described above in relation to FIG. For example, more detailed information about the timing, duration, intensity or other features of an activity can be requested via interface 810, depending on, for example, activity type, user settings, etc. For example, if the activity selected is "free weight" or "weight training", the user interface 810 of at least some examples of the present invention provides further information, eg, the type of lifting performed (eg squat, dead). Lifts, bench presses, military presses, curls, etc.); Number of sets performed; Number of repetitions per set; Weight lifted per set, etc. can be requested. Additional or alternative, if desired, the weight machine and / or individual weights provide specific information, such as count counters (each vertical movement of weights), weight information per set, number of sets, etc. Can also include electronic modules (eg, accelerometers, etc. for sensing directional changes and transmission systems (eg, RFID transmitters)) that allow automatic transmission (optionally via module 502 and / or interface device 506). Yes, the sending system can be activated automatically, manually or semi-automatically.
0069The systems and methods of the examples of the present invention can provide a variety of information, features and / or data useful to the user. For example, the systems and methods of the examples of the invention allow one or more workouts in which the user can be stored, for example, in a local computer 702, a remote system 704, a portable device 502, 506 and / or 508. Allows you to memorize and retrieve data about. Any of the sensed data, timing information, etc. can be stored, retrieved, further processed, and analyzed by the user. The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention further allow users to provide their workout routines, data and / or fitness levels with other information, such as: their own stored workouts; other remote systems 704. A user's remembered workout (optionally a specific individual, such as a friend, workout partner, etc .; a user's workout of the same or similar physique, weight, age, gender, fitness level, etc.); a well-known athlete or Allows comparison with similar workouts of celebrities. As a further example, if desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention may further allow the user to participate or not participate in his or her workout routine, data and / or fitness level. Allows you to compare information about an athletic event, such as a road race, bike event, triathlon, etc. (eg, "What would you have done in last year's Marine Corps Marathon at today's time?", "Last year's Tour de France. How does it compare to the speed of the French winner? "
0070The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention also workouts for the user (eg, optionally various factors such as the user's age, height, weight, fitness level, gender, past performance, goals, etc. It can also be used to provide and / or suggest pre-programmed workouts) with consideration given to. Such workouts can be designed by fitness professionals, for example for individual users, general categories or groups of users, and the like. Information about the workout or workout can be downloaded to portable electronics 508 (for example, from remote system 704 via computer 702) before the workout begins and / or as the workout progresses. It can optionally be designed to provide information to the user in real time. For example, downloaded workouts have a variety of information, such as real-time workout parameter feedback (eg speed, treadmill, steer stepping, elliptical or other speed information, calories burned, elapsed time, etc.); workout activity or machine changes. Information (for example, when to move to a new machine or activity: "The treadmill is finished. Go to the aerobike and do it for 20 minutes"; Machine configuration change information (for example, done manually or automatically) ) Etc.); Can provide users with previous workouts or real-time comparison information with the user's "personal best".
0071Moreover, the information downloaded and / or presented to electronic device 508 is not limited to workout information. The electronics 508 also alerts or alerts (eg, correct warm-up or cool-down alerts, especially when sudden changes in activity are detected (eg, by module 502); overtraining alerts (eg, daily or, for example). (By comparing workouts of recent dates); nutritional alerts, etc.) can be provided. Also, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention can store information about workouts performed by the user over time, thus recognizing the user's preferences and the user's workout routine. Can change (to help prevent boredom) and offer customized workouts or suggest specific workouts or parts thereof to help you achieve your goals better. .. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention can be programmed and adapted to reward the user over time based on continued use, achievement of preset goals, and the like. Any type of reward can be offered, such as gifts, prizes, coupons, discounts, motivational audio or video content, etc., as described in more detail below.
0072Because at least some parts of the systems and methods of the examples of the invention can receive data from a large number of users, users are not physically in the same area and / or are not competing at the same time. You can compete with each other and / or compare their athletic performances in other ways (eg virtual races or competitions). These features can help motivate users and keep their workout routines interesting. Moreover, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention include workout programs followed by other users, optionally similar physique, weight or age; same gender; same general fitness level, etc. A new workout program can be proposed to the user based on a program followed or implemented by the user (whether or not the original user knows "other users"). Such features can motivate users to compete with friends or other users in a variety of different workout routines and / or defeat friends or other users. In addition, changes in the workout routine can help users to improve quickly, reach their goals, break through the "status quo", and so on.
0073Although the various aspects of the invention described in this subsection have been described as exchanging data and information with and from the portable electronic device 508, those skilled in the art have expressed the data and information without departing from the invention. You will also recognize that it can also send and receive to and from other devices such as module 502, interface device 506, user's PC or other input device or exercise device 604 or 702.
0074D. Use of subjective user input and / or feedback in the systems and methods of the examples of the present invention. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention use user feedback or user input in various ways, for example, to better customize workouts; modify or improve workout entertainment and / or motivational content. Do; maintain the "freshness" of your workout, etc. FIG. 9 shows an example of a system and method of the invention that uses user feedback to select one or more features of a workout before the start of the workout and / or early in the workout routine. As illustrated, in this example, screen 800 of electronics 508 displays the general characteristics of the selected workout (eg, individual workout activities) for the workout session in panel 900. Near the start of the workout (eg, before the actual start, during or after the initial warm-up period, etc.), the user is prompted to enter information that indicates the "feel" of the day. More specifically, in this illustrated example, as the warm-up period begins or progresses (indicated by the darkened time slots in the workout schedule shown on display panel 900), the systems and methods of this example. Asks the user to enter information about the desired workout level for the day (for example, whether the user wants a "light" or "normal" workout for the day, or "tight". Input buttons 902a, 902b and 902c are provided that allow you to indicate if you want a workout). It is possible to provide a possible selection of any number of workout levels without departing from the present invention. Optionally, this user interface can be displayed to the user along with motivational, instructional and / or warning media content, as described in more detail below (eg, audio content that encourages the user to choose a tight workout level, Content that reminds you of past workouts, etc.).
0075The characteristics or parameters of a workout can vary widely, at least in part, depending on the workout level selected. For example, if desired, the type of activity included as part of a workout can be changed, depending on the workout level selected. As another example, one or more durations of activity can be modified, depending on the workout level selected. Yet another example is, if desired, the amount of resistance, timing / pace / distance goals, calorie consumption goals, total workout time, slope level, number of free weightlifting sets, per set. You can also increase or decrease the "workout level" by changing the number of repetitions, free weightlifting weight level, etc. It also uses various combinations of the above possible changes (and other possible changes) to change the user's "workout level", at least in part, based on the user's input regarding the desired workout level. You can also do it. It is also possible to add or subtract a desired amount to the workout level without departing from the present invention. If desired, the systems and methods of this example of the invention include more detailed user input indicating workout level parameters, user input to select various parameters or goals for individual activities and / or the entire workout. Can be forgiven.
0076If desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention perform a "drill-down" analysis for the user to see (and potentially change) more information about a particular workout or activity. Forgive that. For example, if desired, the user can perform a drill-down analysis of one of the identified workout activities (eg, treadmill), which action provides additional information about that activity (eg, treadmill speed, treadmill tilt). You can open another user interface / input panel to identify the treadmill preset program information, etc.). If desired, for example, the user may be able to modify the more detailed aspects of an individual workout or activity through such additional user interfaces / input panels or in other ways. A desired number of "drill-down" panels and / or levels can be provided to receive user input without departing from the present invention.
0077Selection and / or modification of user workouts based on subjective user input is not limited to pre-workout, pre-warm-up and / or early workout stages. On the contrary, the systems and methods of some of the examples of the invention show the user on a regular basis to show how they "feel" and / or whether the workout parameters should be changed in any way. Can be urged to. Such prompts are given at various different times during a workout or activity; for example, at predetermined intervals; at a given time after entering the workout or activity; the system keeps the user following the workout too tightly. If the system senses that the workout is too easy for the user to follow (for example, based on pulse or heart rate data); the user exceeds his or her personal best, goals or miles. It can happen automatically, such as when there is a possibility of reaching a stone. These features help motivate users and help them avoid pain and excessive training (and potentially discouragement), while increasing their fitness level more quickly and. / Or can help you reach your fitness goals.
0078FIG. 10 shows an example of a display screen 800 of electronic device 508 that provides an exemplary user interface that encourages the user to provide feedback during the course of a workout activity. As shown, the Progress Panel 1000 shows the user the current workout activity (elliptical training in this example) and the progress of that activity (12% complete in this example). In this case, in this exemplary workout, the system prompts the user for subjective feedback (Area 1002) and asks the user if the workout should change. In this illustrated example, the user interface area 1002 provides input buttons indicating some options for the following users: 1002a to maintain the original workout activity parameters; Increase 1002b; Decrease workout activity time goal 1002c; Increase workout activity distance goal 1002d; Decrease workout activity distance goal 1002e; Increase workout activity intensity 1002f; Decrease workout activity intensity 1002g; Selected work Modify the next activity of the outroutine 1002h (The following type of activity is shown as a "treadmill" workout activity in interface area 1004); Pause the workout 1002i; Or stop the workout 1002j. Without departing from the present invention, desired information, modification options, etc. can be included in the user interface area 1002 and / or information as described above can be made available via multiple input screens. it can. Also, if desired, this user interface screen can be presented with appropriate motivation, guidance and / or warning information (eg, audio or video clips that encourage the user to increase their level).
0079It is also possible to receive and use subjective user input by the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention after the workout is complete. Figures 11 and 12 show examples of user interface screens that can be used in post-workout analysis situations. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, once the workout is complete, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention are programmed and adapted to provide workout information to the user on the display screen 800. Can be done. In this illustrated example, various features of the workout are provided, for example, a workout summary area 1100 showing: Workout identification code (workout 221 in this example); distance traveled data; "Elapsed time" data; and "Average pace" data. Any type of data or information, including physical or physiological data of the user, can be provided to the workout summary area 1100 without departing from the present invention. Furthermore, if desired, workout summary data can be provided for each individual activity or segment included in the workout (eg treadmill, elliptical training, weightlifting, etc.) for a variety of different activities. The type of data provided to is the same or different (for example, workout summary data is for treadmill workouts, other workouts such as exercise bikes, elliptical training, stairsteppers, etc. It may be different compared to outdoor running, rowing, etc.). Scrollbars, additional display screens and / or other ways to provide more information to the workout overview area 1100 to allow inclusion and / or presentation of more information than fits within area 1100 of electronics 508. It can also be provided.
0080FIG. 11 further shows the subjective user input area 1102 on the display screen 800 associated with this post-workout analysis. More specifically, the systems and methods of this example of the invention require the user to "rank this workout" using the subjective user input area 1102. While the desired ranking and / or potential options are available for subjective user ranking without departing from the present invention, in this illustrated example, the following for ranking workouts: It has six choices: "too easy" 1102a; "easy" 1102b; "normal" 1102c; "tight" 1102d; "too tight" 1102e; and "tightest ever" 1102f. Advantageously, in at least some examples of the systems and methods of the invention, this subjective ranking ability (eg, ranking area 1102) is such that the true subjective sensation and effect of the workout is immediately in the user's mind. As soon as the workout is finished, it is provided to the user on the portable user-carrying electronic device 508 for clarity.
0081Subjective data can be used in a variety of ways by the systems and methods of the examples of the invention. For example, once subjective user ranking is received in the ranking area 1102 of FIG. 11, an additional post-workout analysis screen 1200 (eg, as shown in FIG. 12) can be provided. This post-workout analysis screen 1200 uses subjective ranking information to compare the actual parameters of the current workout with objective historical data about the same or similar workouts. Provide users with feedback on their fitness level and / or progress in reaching their default goals. In this example, the user ranks the workout as "easy" (Area 1202), as shown in Figure 12. Post-workout analysis of the systems and methods of this example of the present invention compares this workout with other workouts. Any desired parameters can be compared, but in this illustrated example, objective total distance traveled and average pace data for this workout from previous workouts (optionally, at least some of the same activity). Compared and ranked with objective data (from workouts, etc. with the same or similar conditions and / or parameters, including). In addition, this example uses subjective user data to provide feedback (in the form of "comments" in area 1204) showing how the subjective ranking of this workout compares to previous workouts. There is. Provide (or provide) any type of comment and / or other information to Area 1204, such as instructional feedback, motivational or congratulatory feedback, reward information (eg, coupons or codes for discounts on athletic equipment or clothing), etc. , Other methods, such as audio, email, etc.). Subjective feedback is also, for example, "easy" or "easy" to automatically change future workouts for the user.
0082Comparison of subjective and / or objective workout data is not limited to comparisons made with efforts made by individual users and / or historical data generated by individual users. As mentioned earlier in connection with FIG. 7, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention can communicate with remote systems (eg, via the Internet or other network connections) and are numerous. Users can send their workout data to the same remote system. Thus, user input subjective and objective data regarding a user's workout can be compared to workout data and / or subjective input generated by others. In this way, the system, method and / or user can perform their workouts and fitness with other users, such as certain individuals (eg friends, relatives, etc.); famous athletes or celebrities; similar body shapes or others. Can be compared with other users and the like (eg, same gender; same or similar age, height, weight; same general fitness level, etc.). Also, the systems and methods of some examples of the invention are based on, for example, the user's subjective workout feedback; For individuals by "borrowing" workouts from others stored in the system (eg, people practicing similar workouts, people of similar age, height, weight, fitness level, etc.) You can also offer a whole new workout. Virtual races or other fitness competitions that can help a large number of users motivate users and improve their fitness level (for example, who runs 100 miles first, who first £ 5,000 You can participate in (lifting, etc.). Such virtual races or competitions can also be designed to have charitable beneficiaries, for example, in which case the user is a real (non-virtual) road used to raise money for a charity. As with the race, you get a monetary donation promise for every mile you run.
0083E. Use of music and other content in the systems and methods of the examples of the invention. Aspects of the invention further relate to the use of music and / or other audio and / or video content in athletic performance sensing and / or tracking systems. Such content can be useful in a variety of ways, such as in the systems and methods of the examples of the invention, for providing entertainment, information, instructional advice or alerts, motivational content, and the like. Advantageously, according to at least some examples of the present invention, in addition to being able to download the workout routine and / or data as described above, the user presents in the course of the workout. Audio and / or video presentation devices that allow music, video or other audio / video data to be played and / or downloaded for (eg radios, tape players, MP3 players, IPOD® devices (Apple Computer, Inc.) ., Cupertino, commercially available from California), etc.).
0084Audio or video presenters can be used in the traditional manner in the process of workout, eg, with user-controlled content and / or output, but at least some of the systems and methods of the invention are during the workout. Allow more user interaction and control over the content presentation provided. For example, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention allow users to pre-program and / or "mix" their workouts with audio / video and / or other content, eg, desired. Allows audio / video content (eg, music playback, video playback, instructional or motivational content, etc.) to be included at the desired time, at the desired timing or relationship to various different stages of the workout routine or exercise program. Multiple workout routines, optionally user-mixed workout routines, stored and downloaded workout routines (optionally including pre-selected or user-selected music), purchased workout routines (optional) (Including pre-selected or user-selected music) and the like can be stored or downloaded to the electronic device 508. Also, in systems and methods that use output devices, network connections or other computer-based or remote stations, users can download their pre-programmed workouts by others, for example, over the network. To be available for transmission to another user's electronic device 508 in other ways (for example, "publicly available" to one or more other individuals on the system or in other ways. Can be selectively made available).
0085Figures 13 and 14 allow users (or others, such as coaches, trainers, etc.) to create their own customized workout routines (for example, for their own use, for others to use, etc.). Shows exemplary features of the user interface that can be used to. These drawings describe the use of an electronic device 508 for user input to provide a user interface and create workout routines, but those skilled in the art will work with the entire system without departing from the present invention. Using any computer that communicates (eg, over the internet, over a wiring connection, etc.), eg, a personal computer 702 and / or another computer that communicates with the electronic device 508 and / or the remote system 704 in Figure 7. You will understand that you can also create workout routines. Also, although specific user interface elements are shown and described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 (eg scroll bars, input areas, etc.), other user interface elements, user input hardware, without departing from the present invention. You can also use the method of creating and / or modifying the features of your workout routine in response to user input.
0086The user-created workout routine of the examples of the present invention can include one or more "parts", each "part" of a particular type of workout activity, such as warm-up, walking, running, biking, boating. Use of saws, exercise equipment or gym machines (eg treadmills, stairsteppers, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, rowing machines, cross-country ski simulators, etc.), weight lifting (free weights or gym machines), yoga, dance, aerobics, martial arts , Team sports, cool down, etc. In this exemplary system and user interface, without departing from the present invention, for example, gym or spa-based activities, outdoor or free range activities, machine or free (non-machine) based activities, team sports or personal activities, etc. Any combination of activities to be performed can also be included in the workout routine.
0087According to the example of the invention as shown in FIG. 13, the user can work out by selecting the "Add Part" button 1302 on user interface 1300 to add a separate "part" or activity to the workout routine. You can start creating. In this exemplary system and user interface, adding a "part" or activity to a workout routine creates a "part" or activity block 1304a, 1304b, and 1304c. Although three activity blocks 1304a, 1304b and 1304c are shown in Figure 13, any number of activity blocks can be included in the workout routine, for example interacting with scrollbar 1306 or in the workout routine. You can also browse other blocks about your workout routine by showing your desire to see other parts in other ways.
0088Once a part or activity block is created, it is first shown as blank or as a line for the provided "activity type" (see "Part C" in activity block 1304c in Figure 13). ). The user can then select the desired activity type. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, after adding a part or activity block 1304c, in this exemplary interface 1300, the user can select the "change" block 1308 associated with the part C "activity type" line. Can indicate a request to add or change an "activity type". This operation can cause a list of possible "activities" to appear (eg, as a "pop-up", as another screen, as an overlay, etc.), and the user is known and used, for example, in the art. You can select the desired activity for your workout from the list using any of the various user interface elements as well as interaction mechanisms and methods.
0089After the activity type is selected, other lines of the activity block can be optionally filled with user-modifiable techniques. The activity type selected may affect the data or information contained in and / or contained in the "part" or the rest of the input line for the activity. For example, the choice of activity type using an exercise machine may include other lines in parts 1304a, 1304b and / or 1304c, information related to that machine, such as desired speed, desired slope level, desired weight or other. Resistance level, other desired workout intensity characteristics, desired distance, desired calorie consumption, desired distance traveled, desired total elapsed time, desired machine settings (eg leeches, random, etc.) It may be filled with etc. If desired, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention allow the user to control and / or change, for example, the desired parameters of a workout over time of a given activity (eg, machine tilt). It may even allow more in-depth customization of the workout routine by providing the ability to change the degree, resistance or intensity level over time, change the running speed over time, etc.). Further lines of a given "part" 1304a, 1304b and / or 1304c can be filled with default settings, for example if the part and / or activity type is initially selected, but at least some examples of the invention. The system and method of is free in any desired method, including the general method described above regarding the case where the user or others change the contents of these lines, eg, if desired, the "activity type". Allows you to customize and / or change to. Optionally, if desired, for example, the user's recorded workout history generally relevant historical data, the user's workout history for a particular activity type, or other features of the user's preferences or history (eg, typical total work). Default settings can also be determined based on desired information including out elapsed time, elapsed distance, typical speed, typical slope or resistance settings, weight, age, weight gain or loss, etc.).
0090As shown in Figure 13, various workout parts 1304a, 1304b and 1304c are generated, and data entry about them can be presented to the user in the course of that part of the workout "songs" (or optionally others). Media or other content). If the electronic device 508 is a media player (eg, MP3 player, IPOD® device (commercially available from Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, California), etc.), the systems and methods of at least some examples of the invention , You can play songs from the user-instructed list during that part of the workout routine. If desired, the song or other content presentation can even be more specifically targeted to a particular time or part of the workout activity. In this way, the user selectively and easily controls the media content presented during various parts of the workout routine and activity without having to adjust the settings or outputs of device 508 during the workout process. be able to.
0091Various methods of presenting media content can be provided without departing from the present invention. For example, if desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention can play user-directed songs in a user-specified order, a random or shuffled order, a continuously looping order, and the like. Additional or alternative, if desired, the user may include media content that lasts longer than the time or duration assigned to the activity in the list or line for that part 1304a, 1304b or 1304c. Systems and methods can be adapted to handle this situation in the desired manner (eg, stop playback when the activity ends or changes, and optionally then its workout activity, workout part 1304a. , 1304b or 1304c or, if a media content list is used, resume playback from the stopped position or the interrupted song, etc.). Yet another possible option is to continue playing the workout activity and the workout activity, if desired, until the next workout activity is undertaken (eg, directed or sensed by module 502, user input, etc.). In the meantime, you can continue to provide entertainment and / or other content to your users. Other desired methods of dealing with these situations can also be used without departing from the present invention. Users can also be provided with the ability to disable preselected content with new media selections during the workout process, if desired.
0092If insufficient media content is specified during the period of activity, the systems and methods according to the examples of the invention can also handle this situation in any desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, the specified song or content can be repeated, or a new song or content can be automatically selected (optionally, based on other user input or history, for example from the user registration "Favorites". From the most frequently played content, content with characteristics similar to user-specific content (eg, content with similar beats, rhythms, etc .; content of the same artist or genre; content of other users with the same activity Content that is "borrowed" from a workout; content that is "borrowed" from other workout activities within the same workout, etc.). Other desired ways of dealing with these situations without departing from the present invention. You may use it.
0093The workout parts 1304a, 1304b or 1304c of this illustrated example include another feature, the "motivational song" line. If desired, the user of the system and method of at least some examples of the present invention may select one or more "motivational songs". Motivational songs (or other audio / video media content) can be played at various points during a workout routine, for example, with the aim of helping motivate users for better or continued performance. For example, if a user of a gym machine approaches a part of a workout with high intensity (eg, high slope, high resistance level, increased speed, etc.), the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention will be further enhanced. One of the motivational songs (or other media content) can be automatically output in an attempt to motivate the user to make further efforts to challenge the difficulty level. As a further example, a motivational song is, for example, when the user approaches his or her personal best (eg, best split time, best mile time, maximum total distance, etc.); when the user approaches a given time, distance or location during a workout. If; the user lags behind a given pace; it can also be triggered automatically, such as when the user approaches a preselected goal or milestone. The desired time, timing or other parameters can be used to trigger the presentation of motivational content without departing from the present invention (examples are described in more detail below). Motivational content can also contain alphanumeric or textual information (for example, in addition to or instead of audio and / or video content).
0094As yet another example, the device 508 (or 506) may include a "motivated" hard button so that the user can easily trigger the presentation of a motivational song or other content, if desired. It can be done, the user interface can include a "motivation" icon, or the entire system can otherwise easily trigger the presentation of motivational content by the user manually during a workout routine. Can (for example, if the user feels helpless, or otherwise lacks motivation, or feels behind the desired output or pace, simply wants to increase the pace or want motivation Case etc.).
0095FIG. 14 shows additional possible features that are available to customize or mix workouts for users of the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention, in addition to or instead of the features of the motivational song, to the user before, during and / or after the workout, if desired. Allows the user (or others) to select an audio / video "coach" or other "motivator" to provide encouragement. This content source can be selected, for example, using the user interface area 1402 of interface 1400 shown in Figure 14 (with the "Add" button 1410a, the user has the option available as coach / motivator audio, video, etc. You can choose one or more of them). Without departing from the present invention, for example, the coach or trainer of the user; a well-known athlete or celebrity (eg, optionally selected by the user from an external source, eg, the remote source 704 described above with respect to FIG. 7; electronic device 508. Any desired audio / video content can be used, including audio or image of the user, etc.); the user's spouse; the user's children; If desired, the User Interface 1400 also provides the desired audio and / or video content that the user uses as coach or motivator content (eg, the voice of the user's child encouraging parents to work towards a strong finish). Can include user interaction and / or input elements, such as icons or buttons 1404a and 1404b, that allow you to record or import (from an external source, such as a remote source 704 via the network in Figure 7).
0096A variety of options and / or situations can be made available to automatically activate or activate coach / motivator content, as illustrated by Area 1406 of User Interface 1400 in Figure 14. Without departing from the present invention, any number of different triggering events or situations can be selected by the user and used in a given workout routine or activity (optionally, eg, for previous coach / motivator content). (With some delay between continuous activation of coach / motivator content to give the user the opportunity to respond and make further efforts, prevent overplaying the content, etc.). One or more of the triggers desired by the user can be selected, for example, using the "Add" button 1410b. Also, different workouts or parts thereof may include and use different trigger or activation events, optionally selected and determined by the user. Examples of possible triggers for coach / motivator content are: delays from a given pace (eg, slowdown below the actual trigger pace level, slowdown of a certain percentage below the base or average pace, etc.); Approaching your best (or worst); over time of a given workout; reaching a given distance or location; reaching a given set or number of repetitions; approaching difficult or strong parts of your workout; Includes pulse or decreased heart rate. Also, if desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention can have an automatic or default trigger, optionally a user-selected activation trigger, as well as an activation trigger. The system does not need to be designed as such if, for example, invoking coach or motivator content during each trigger event experience results in overexposure to coach / motivator content.
0097If desired, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention may additionally or alternatively include "reward content" and be presented to the user. The user can enter and / or control the reward content through area 1408 of this exemplary user interface 1400. Reward content takes the form of audio and / or video congratulations from a variety of different forms, such as celebrities, famous athletes, spouses, children, coaches, trainers, etc., without departing from the present invention. Can be (for example, similar to the source of instruction / motivation content above). Additional or alternative, if desired, the reward content can constitute a reward song, for example selected by the user, selected from a predetermined list created by the user, and the like. Similar to the coach / motivator content selected by the use of interface area 1402, the content source for reward content is one or more available for any desired user interface system or element, eg reward content. It can be selected using the "Add" button 1410c, which allows selection from the list of options. The reward content can be generated from any desired source, such as an external source, such as the remote source 704 stored in the memory of the electronic device 508, described above in connection with FIG. Also, if desired, use user interaction elements such as icons or buttons 1404a and 1404b to record or import any desired audio and / or video (or other) content used as reward content (external). It can also be from a source, such as a remote source 704 via the network in Figure 7. Although not shown in Figure 14, the user interface 1400 also achieves, for example, some goal (eg, laps or split times or distances above a certain pace; Increase the number of weights, sets or iterations during weightlifting; increase the slope or resistance level of the exercise machine; increase the total elapsed time or distance during activity; successfully achieve the goals indicated by the coach or motivator, etc.) It can also receive user input to indicate the time and / or incentive to activate the reward content for. For example, an area similar to area 1406 for invoking coach / motivator content can be used to specify a user-selected reward incentive.
0098Reward content can be presented at the end of a workout or activity, but not necessarily. On the contrary, if desired, the reward content will be at a reasonable time during an athletic performance, for example, to reach some goal or milestone (eg, lap or split time or distance above a certain pace; weight during weightlifting). Can be presented for increasing the number of sets or iterations; increasing the slope or resistance level of the exercise machine; increasing the total elapsed time or distance during activity, etc.). The presentation of reward content in various intermediate periods can further serve the dual purpose of providing motivational content to the user. Reward content can also be composed of alphanumeric or text content (for example, in addition to or instead of audio and / or video content).
0099Figure 15 shows, for example, that users achieve or exceed their desired fitness goals or personal bests to extend their workouts, improve their performance, and / or. An example of using the display screen 800 of the electronic device 508 to provide a user interface 1500 containing motivational content to help. As the workout routine progresses with this exemplary system and method, electronics 508 receives speed, distance and timing information and compares that information to the user's past workout data regarding the user's personal best. In this illustrated example, total distance, elapsed time and current velocity data are displayed to the user in area 1502. In addition, the data collected for existing workouts in this example show that the user is approaching his personal best in total mileage. Any relevant data (eg, total time, total calorie consumption, current pace, etc.) can be used to trigger this type of motivational content.
0100In such situations, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention increase efforts and / or aim to reach a given goal or milestone and / or achieve personal best. , You can encourage users to extend their workout. The user may also be notified of the presence of this prompt on the screen using audio and / or visual indicators such as electronic sounds, flashes or icons, if desired. Various types of possible types of motivational content are listed earlier in relation to FIG. In addition or alternatives, music (or other audio, video, text or alphanumeric content) can be used as a motivator if desired. In the illustrated example, area 1504 of interface 1500 advises the user that the user is approaching some goal or milestone. Interface 1500 then encourages users to extend their workout by, for example, at least one more song. If the user indicates "yes" to this prompt, one or more additional songs may be played and the workout may be extended (if indicated "no"). , The workout can continue and be completed at the originally specified time / distance etc.). The type of interface shown in Figure 15 allows the achievement of identified goals, milestones or personal bests to extend the workout in some way beyond the workout parameters previously set by the user (eg total time, distance, etc.). In situations (extending), it can be particularly useful, for example, to give the user the opportunity to maintain the original schedule if desired.
0101Figure 15 shows additional possible options available in this situation. The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention simply play the next song from the list, or randomly select one song from the songs stored in or through the electronic device 508. Rather, it allows the user to specify the use of one of the specially identified motivational songs and / or select that song during this extended workout period. This can be achieved, for example, by selecting the "motivation song" icon 1506. This behavior allows the user to automatically select a song from a pre-specified list of motivational songs (see, eg, Figure 13), and optionally if the motivational song list contains a large number of songs. It is a random selection from the list. Alternatively, if desired, interaction with Icon 1506 can activate a list that allows the user to select the particular motivational song desired in that case. Other interfaces and methods that provide motivational songs to users may be used without departing from the present invention.
0102If desired, the motivational song icon or button (or other interface element) 1506 can also appear on some or all screens of all systems, methods and user interfaces of the examples of the invention. This feature allows the user to have easy access to and activation of motivational content. Additional or alternative, if desired, a hard button or other hardware element may be provided with the electronic device 508 (or interface 506 or other device) for easy access to the user's motivational content and / or its activation. It can also be made possible.
0103In the context of FIGS. 16-19, further examples of features of the motivational song and motivational song library and the user interface related to their use will be described in more detail below.
0104F. Use of subjective user input related to music and / or other content in the systems and methods of the examples of the present invention. For example, as noted earlier in connection with FIGS. 13-15, one aspect of the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention, for example, keeps the user from getting bored and / or stimulates the user. Provide users with entertainment, motivation and / or reward content (eg audio, video or other media content, alphanumeric or text content, etc.) to improve their fitness, achieve their goals, etc. Regarding to do. Motivational songs (or other media content) are at various different points in the workout, such as when the user has the opportunity to reach a preselected goal or milestone; the user has the opportunity to reach their personal best. Time point; time point when the user actually achieves the goal, reaches a milestone or sets a personal best; time point when the user lags behind a preselected pace or goal; time point when the user requests a motivational song, etc. be able to.
0105FIG. 16 shows a user interface 1600 that allows users to select motivational songs based on their personal tastes. The user interface 1600 can be made available to the user at any desired location, for example, provided on electronic device 508, provided on the user's personal computer 702, downloaded from a remote system or source 704, and the like. In the user interface 1600 of this illustrated example, activation of interface 1600 produces a song library list 1602 through which the user can see one or more songs (eg, highlighted "in this example". You can select "Songs C") and "Add" them / to the "Motivation Song Library" 1604 using the "Add" button icon 1606. Optionally, if desired and desired, the selection of the "Add" icon 1606 activates the system, method and / or user interface, allowing the user to download media content from, for example, remote, commercial, online sources, etc. , Allows you to buy. Songs can also be deleted from the Motivation Song Library 1604 using the "Delete" icon 1608. Without departing from the present invention, many variations in content, presentation and user interaction with the user interface for identifying and selecting motivational songs and controlling the content of the motivational song library are possible. Further, the above description (and many of the following description) describes the motivation content with respect to the "motivation song", but those skilled in the art will not deviate from the present invention and the motivation content will be in a form other than the song, for example, desired audio. , Video and / or media content, alphanumeric or textual content, such as those that can be presented by a user-carrying portable playback device.
0106FIG. 16 shows another feature available in the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention. The user interface 1600 in this example requires the user to select the "best motivational song" (see Area 1610). The best motivational song may or may not be one of the songs included in the motivational song library 1604 and can be used in a variety of ways. In this illustrated example, the best motivated song is changed by selecting the "Change" button or icon 1612 and then selecting a different song (for example, from All Songs List 1602 or Motivational Song Library 1604) or vice versa. be able to. If the best motivational song exists, without departing from the present invention, other methods may be used to select and modify it.
0107As mentioned above, the "best motivational song" can potentially be used in a variety of ways with the systems and methods of the examples of the present invention. For example, if the "best motivational song" is one of the user's favorite workout songs, then its designation as the "best motivational song" is that the song is the system of some examples of the invention and Depending on the method, it can be used more frequently than other identified "motivational songs". In such situations and configurations, users will listen to their favorite songs more often, but due to the presence of other motivational songs in Library 1604, the best motivational songs are presented with motivational songs. It is not played every time. Another example is when a "best motivational song" can be exceeded by a "special" workout opportunity, such as when a user's goals or milestones are potentially reachable. On the other hand, other motivational songs can be used at other times, such as when you have to be enthusiastic, or when you fall below a preset pace. As yet another example, if desired, the best motivational song is set aside for use in response to user input requesting the motivational song (eg, button or icon 1506, as described in connection with Figure 15). On the other hand, other motivational songs in Library 1604 are automatically (and / or optionally enhanced) in response to (and / or enhance) the user's performance by the systems and methods of the invention. You can also select (randomly with). The systems and methods of the examples of the invention can also use the best motivational songs (if any) in yet other ways without departing from the invention.
0108Optionally, the motivational song library can be omitted with the systems and methods of some of the examples of the invention, if desired. If desired, a single motivational song (rather than a set of songs) can also be identified by the user, for example to provide motivational and / or reward content.
0109The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention can provide additional functionality for motivational songs and / or motivational song libraries. As mentioned above, at least some of the systems and methods of the invention can be connected to remote systems (eg, system 704 in FIG. 7) via, for example, the Internet or another network connection. Since the remote system can also receive data from other users, the systems and methods of the examples of the present invention provide media content (eg, motivational song content) by one person based on the motivation song information provided by the other user. Can also be suggested or recommended to users of. For example, once a motivational song for one motivational song library is selected (as shown in Figure 16), the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention are for additional motivational songs for the user's library. Suggestions or recommendations can be provided. FIG. 17 shows an example of the user interface 1700 for performing this function. As shown in FIG. 17, when a particular song for a user's motivation song library is selected, the systems and methods of this example of the invention are the song selection history and / or the motivation of other users of the system. Browse the song library (eg using remote system 704) and provide a list of other suggested motivational songs 1702 based on the motivation song library of other users who selected the same song as the motivation song library. Can be done. Once the list 1702 is generated and presented to the user, the user can select one or more songs from the list 1702 to include in his or her motivational song library. If desired, a suitable interface may be provided to allow the user to download and / or purchase any of the desired songs, for example from commercial and / or online sources. "Free sample" a
0110Suggestions for additional songs (including motivational songs) or other media content are not limited to suggestions based on a particular song (or other content) selected by the user, but use that same song (or content). It is not limited to proposals based on the choices made by other users. The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention are based on the entire content of the user's song library, favorites list, most frequently played list, motivation song library, and other factors, eg, the user. Songs from the same artist or group as songs in one or more of your library or list; songs of the same genre as songs in one or more of your library or list; included in your library or list Further songs can be proposed based on songs having the same or similar beats or rhythms as the songs. Also, other similarity factors, such as age, gender, hobby list, etc., can play a role in making these proposals. Show the user a list or title of suggested songs; allow the user to download and / or purchase the desired songs, for example from commercial and / or online sources, as needed; the user "watches a sample" For example, an appropriate interface as described above in connection with FIG. 17 can be provided.
0111Also, subjective data entered by the user may be used in at least some of the systems and methods of the invention to at least partially control the use and / or state of media content (eg songs, videos, etc.). You can also do it. FIG. 18 shows an example. As the workout progresses and the presentation of the song (or other media content) is complete, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the invention may request subjective user feedback on the song or other content. .. As shown in FIG. 18, the user interface 1800 of this example includes an area 1802 that requires the user to indicate how much he likes the previous content. In this illustrated example, the user can provide six possible responses to this question: (a) the song in its current state (eg, in its current playlist). Keep the same playing frequency, etc.; (b) increase the playing frequency, (c) add to the "motivational song library" (for example, motivational songs like the one above); (d) "best motivational song" ( For example, make it the best motivational song as above; (e) reduce its playing frequency; and (f) remove it from your workout. Of course, these are just examples of possible options that can be included in Area 1802. If desired, it is possible to include additional options, omit one or more of the listed options, provide other ways of presenting options, etc., without departing from the present invention.
0112FIG. 18 shows another feature that can be made available in the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention. As mentioned above, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention are electronic modules 502 and / or other devices (eg, speed and /) for sensing, tracking and / or storing the characteristics of a user's athletic performance. Alternatively, a distance monitoring system, a rhythm detection or monitoring system, a physical or physiological parameter measurement system, etc.) can be included. Objective data about the user's athletic performance can be tracked for music or other media content presented to the user via electronic device 508 during the workout. In this way, the objective effect (if any) of the media content on the user's athletic performance can be tracked, and the user is at least partially in the objective data that correlates the presentation of the content with the user's actual performance. It is possible to make decisions about the state of a particular media content (eg, its inclusion in a playlist, its playing frequency, its state as a motivational song, its state as the best motivational song, etc.). In other words, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention add to the user's athletic performance with respect to optionally different activity types (eg, running, using an elliptical machine, weightlifting, etc.). Or it can be used to identify songs and / or other media content that have a negative impact.
0113As a more specific example, for at least some users, presenting content (eg, landing while running) that has beats that closely correspond to or match the user's rhythm (eg, musical beats or tempo) during a workout activity. , Exercise bikes or elliptical training machines stepping or push-offs, rolling pulls, etc., for example, two musical beats per step or force inspiration) can have a positive impact on the user's performance. In other words, some users may consciously or subconsciously try to synchronize their steps or other inspirational rhythms with the beat of the music. This behavior can help these users maintain a longer pace-up (ie, the user will try to keep the rhythm in sync with the music, even if they get tired and usually slow down. Can be). The opposite effect is also possible (for example, if music content with a slower beat is provided, the user can also slow down the pace or rhythm of steps or inspirations). Thus, at least some of the systems and methods of the invention (eg, systems and methods that can correlate a user's performance characteristics with audio / video content presentation) can also enhance performance and / or It can also be used to identify music and other content for users that have been proven to enhance performance. Furthermore, by using data about music or other content that has a positive effect on user performance, the systems and methods of this example of the invention have similar characteristics (eg, similar genres, beats, etc.). Other content can be identified and the system and method can automatically suggest or present this content (eg, a song) to the user. As a further example, if desired, at least some of the invention
0114As shown in FIG. 18, user interface 1800 includes icon 1804, which allows the user to request objective data about his or her performance during the presentation of the identified song (or other media content). In this illustrated example, the selection of this icon 1804 alters the interface screen 1800 as shown in FIG. 19 to utilize objective data about the user's athletic performance while presenting a song (or other media content). Have them present it if possible. In this illustrated example, area 1806 of interface 1800 represents performance change data (if any) sensed during the presentation of the identified song (or other media content). Then, if desired, the user can make changes to the state of the song, for example in area 1802, based on this further objective data, in the manner described above. Objective, if desired, at least in some cases (eg, when strong positive or negative performance impacts are perceived), without the need for user interaction or selection (eg using interface 1800 and / or icon 1804, etc.) Data can be automatically presented to the user.
0115The storage of information about the objective impact of music or other media content on a user's athletic performance can also be used in other ways by the systems and methods of at least some examples of the invention. For example, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention identify songs (or other media content) that may have a positive impact on user performance at a desired time point during a workout (or other media content). Automatically play these songs, for example, if you feel a slowdown during a strong part of your workout, if you are about to reach a certain goal or milestone, if you are about to reach a new personal best, etc.) Can be used to present. In essence, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention use objective performance data to automatically generate a "motivational song library", as outlined above, and / Or you can identify the "highest motivation song". Such automatically generated or identified content may be used in addition to and / or in place of the subjective user-specific libraries and / or content described above. Any desired condition or parameter (eg, speed or other) when identifying songs or other media content to include in the automatically generated "motivational song library" and / or "best motivational songs" Performance parameters of 1%, 2%, 3% or more increase, etc.) can be used.
0116In addition to the use of objective data that correlates with media content output to provide an automatically generated "motivational song library" and / or "highest motivational song", the objective data is at least some of the present invention. The system and method of the example can also be used to create an entire workout routine (including mixed music) for the user, at least in part. For example, objective data is included in workout routines, and music and / or other content for presentation (eg, in an attempt to improve user performance) has had a positive impact on user performance in the past. Can be used to create workout routines that include one or more activity types that are automatically selected based on objective data that indicates a song or other content (optionally by activity type). ..
0117In addition to using objective data from that individual to include in the workout routines proposed for that individual, objective data related to that effect on specific media content and performance, for example. , Remote source 704, network (eg internet) It can be shared with others via etc. As a more specific example, a workout routine from one user or a portion thereof (including media content) is used by the systems and methods of the present invention to workout routines for one or more other users. Or create that part and / or present certain media content (which is known to have a positive impact on the performance of at least one user) to one or more other users at a particular point in time. Can be done. Optionally, the systems and methods of the examples of the invention also use objective data and media content, at least in part, to make workout routines (including media content) from one user the same general as that user. It can be presented to multiple users who have one or more similar characteristics, such as similar height, weight, fitness level, workout length, activity type, combination of activity types, same gender, same hobby, etc.
0118G. Various possible features of the systems and methods of the examples of the invention Without departing from the present invention, the above-mentioned functions of the system, the method and the interface for the present invention include the functions generally known and used in the art, for example, the functions of a commercially available computer and / or electronic device operating system. It can provide a variety of changes, including changes to the user interface for. The following parts describe specific possible specific changes to the features of the system, method and user interface for it, but those skilled in the art will not deviate from the present invention and will have other changes to these features and /. Or you will recognize that other features can be used or included. The following description of these specific features limits the systems, methods and user interfaces of the invention, or requires them to include these specific features, and / or of the present invention. It should not be construed as an indication that the system, method and user interface shall not contain additional or different functionality.
01191. Reward program and / or enhanced feature set for specific users The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention include electronic modules such as module 502, pedometer type speed and / or distance measurement electronic modules, physical and / or physiological parameter measurement modules, etc. It is not limited to the situation and / or configuration included as part or attached to the receiver provided in the footwear product. On the contrary, electronic modules are included in a variety of different products, such as clothing (eg, shirts or jerseys as shown in Figure 1); provided as separate elements carried or worn by the user; the user's body, clothing, etc. It can be attached to shoes, equipment, etc. (for example, the wristband element shown in FIG. 1 or a module to which adhesive is applied). According to at least some examples of the present invention, the desired technique of mounting or carrying an electronic module can be used.
0120Even in the case of modules that can be mounted and effectively used in a variety of different locations or locations, such as the user's body, the systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention are how the modules are mounted, the modules are mounted. Different functionality can be provided for the entire module and / or athletic performance sensing and / or tracking system, depending on the equipment used, how the module is used, the goods or equipment purchased or obtained with the module, and so on. As an example, if desired, users of the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention will purchase and / or use the module with equipment provided by a particular manufacturer (eg, of a given manufacturer). If purchased, installed and / or used in clothing, footwear and / or other equipment, etc.), you will receive various "rewards" and / or "enhanced feature sets".
0121Any desired method of providing and / or activating a "reward" and / or an "enhanced feature set" can be provided without departing from the present invention. For example, clothing, footwear and / or other equipment for use with the module interacts with the electronic module in some way to provide the availability of "rewards" and / or "enhanced feature sets" and / Or it can include at least some part of the activation and / or authentication system that activates. Examples of such activation and / or authentication systems are, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 166,351 filed June 27, 2005, U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 407,328 filed April 20, 2006, and It is described in US Patent Application No. 11 / 416,458, filed May 3, 2006. Each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference as a whole. As another example, if the user purchases a module "available" or "operable" clothing, footwear products and / or athletic equipment, the user will receive a "reward" or "enhanced functionality". You may be given coupons, internet codes, passwords, other access codes or other information that directly provide, activate, and / or provide access to them. Activate and / or obtain "rewards" and / or "enhanced feature sets" without departing from the present invention, and / or electronically with certain clothing, footwear products and / or athletic equipment. Other methods of authenticating the use of the module can also be used.
0122The "reward" and / or "enhanced feature set" can also take the desired form without departing from the present invention. For example, as mentioned above, a "reward" can constitute a coupon (paper or electronic) for: Free or discounted merchandise (eg, when purchased with footwear, clothing or equipment from a participating company): , Discounts on future purchases, discounts on electronic modules (or other equipment), etc.); Cashback offers; Free additional items, etc. when purchasing modules and footwear, clothing or equipment from participating companies. As a further example, if desired, a remote system (eg, system 704 shown in Figure 7, eg website, server, etc.) or other system for receiving, storing, processing and / or managing athletic performance data (eg, eg). Enhanced functionality (eg, longer data storage time, additional interface capabilities, additional) for module users who also purchased footwear, clothing or equipment from participating companies while running on or through computer 702 in Figure 7. Data processing and / or display function etc.) can be provided. As a further example, if desired, a "reward" or "enhanced feature set" can be used to store and process athletic performance data for module users who also purchased footwear, clothing or equipment from participating companies. Free access to the site or other computer programs (optional, free access for a limited time or trial period) can be configured (on the other hand, module users who have not purchased footwear, clothing or equipment from participating companies. , Fees or higher fees for access to websites or computer programs, optionally monthly or other membership type fees, etc.). Various other types of "rewards" and / or "enhanced feature sets" are possible without departing from the present invention.
01232. Athletic performance data presentation As is known, conventional athletic performance and exercise equipment presents the user with data and information about the user's performance or workout (eg, distance, time, speed, calories burned, metabolic equivalent (MET), etc.). can do. The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention are intended to provide performance data and / or information to users in other forms or formats, for example to be more entertaining, motivational, goal oriented, etc. It can also be programmed and adapted. For example, in terms of distance, rather than simply indicating the number of miles or kilometers traveled, distance data (eg, distance traveled for a given workout, distance traveled in the course of two or more workouts, total travel). Distance, etc.) can also be provided as an indication of the distance traveled in the "real world". As a more specific example, the travel distance data can be presented as a map of the area in question showing the distance traveled by the user (eg, the user's local area, state map, US map, world map, etc.). Such presentation tools can provide motivation and / or help the user better set and visualize goals. For example, a user "crosses the local state" within a specified time (for example, one month) or "crosses the United States" within a specified time (for example, one year) on a treadmill or exercise bike. You can have a "goal". Presenting such user progress on a map provides users with easy visualization of their goals and current progress and / or motivation to continue striving for future goals. Can help you to. For example, for further motivational purposes, a large number of users, optionally participating in virtual races, competing with each other, and / or striving to achieve common goals, can be shown on a single map. ..
0124A map of any desired area (eg, a map of location, familiar to the user, and / or of an area selected by the user) that captures the user's progress and / or goals without departing from the present invention. It can be presented on the map, etc.). In addition or alternatives, the map can optionally be changed automatically over time by the systems and / or methods of the invention. For example, for a user with a long-distance running or biking goal, the displayed map can change as a particular milestone approaches and / or is achieved. For example, the progress of a treadmill or exercise bike user with a "cross-US" running or biking goal can be viewed in various ways as the user's distance accumulates over time. During workouts where the user's cumulative distance exceeds or approaches 350 miles, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention can display a map containing San Diego, CA and Phoenix, Arizona to the user. You can advise, for example, "Congratulations. I've passed the 350 mile mark towards my goal today. As you can see on this map, I'll start running from San Diego and reach Phoenix by the end of today!" Later, this same user can reach the 700 mile mark. That day, the systems and methods of this example of the invention could display a map that included Washington DC and Chicago, Illinois, and told the user, for example, "Congratulations. Today, we have passed the 700 mile mark towards our goal. As shown on this map, this is an equal distance between Washington DC and Chicago, Illinois. Good luck with this! I can advise you. Of course, a variety of messages, maps, start / goal points, etc. can be used without departing from the present invention and can provide user input to direct or define those features, at least in part. ..
0125For other workout activity types, the "real world" goal is, for example, a total weight goal sufficient to lift the Brooklyn Bridge (eg pounds x number of sets x number of repetitions / set, etc.); to climb Everest. Sufficient total floors or hill climb goals; sufficient total mileage goals for boating across Lake Michigan; total mileage goals sufficient for skiing to the North Pole, etc. can be included. Any desired "real world" goal can be presented visually or in other ways to entertain, motivate, and entertain the long-lasting workout routine.
0126For example, other measured workout parameters can be usefully expressed in "real world" terms for entertainment, motivation and / or goal-oriented purposes. As a further example, information about workout intensity data (eg, calories burned, MET, etc.) can be presented or displayed in a more "real world" form or format. As a more specific example, "calorie" data and information can be presented in real-world language as equivalent to a particular food or beverage (eg, before or during a workout as a goal). And / or during post-workout analysis). Of course, without departing from the present invention, the labeling can present the desired food or beverage to the user. As an example, if the user selects a "calorie consumption" goal before starting a workout, the example systems and methods of the present invention provide food or beverage icons or images corresponding to that calorie consumption goal. It can be displayed (for example, displayed on the display device of an exercise device, on the portable electronic device 508, etc., for example, 3 hamburgers, 2 glasses of wine, 1 complete meal, etc.). Then, as the workout progresses, these icons or images disappear and / or their appearance can be changed to indicate the extent to which the workout is complete. Any desired method of presenting and / or varying an image or icon without departing from the present invention, eg, the following method, can be used: varying the color of the icon or image (optionally, the workout Method (partially as it progresses); methods such as gradually fading, graying or disappearing parts of the icon or image; methods of gradually coloring or appearing parts of the icon or image; How to erase an icon or image with an "x" (for example, gradually overlay a "x" or "No" symbol or similar letter or icon on a food or beverage icon or image), etc. .. Additional or alternative, calorie consumption data and information after workout (or at other times) can also be displayed as images or icons of equivalent foods, beverages and / or meals (eg, exercise equipment). Above, on electronics 508, on a post-workout analysis computer (eg computer 702 in Figure 7), etc.).
01273. Special or targeted workout goals As mentioned above, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention are pre-programmed workouts for users (optionally user-specified workout routines, third-party designed workout routines, purchased. It can be used to provide new workout routines, downloaded workout routines, combinations thereof, etc.). Such workouts can include a variety of activity types and, optionally, activities that vary from workout to workout (eg, day-to-day activities, day-to-day workout parameters, etc.).
0128The systems and methods of some examples of the present invention allow users to otherwise determine their workouts and / or goals. For example, users can describe their goals in more "real world" terms: "Before Wedding (Before Graduation Dance Party, Before Alumni or Other Events) Weight Loss Workout Program"; "Wearing water" workout program; "Tightening upper arm" workout program; "Lower blood pressure" workout program; "Cholost suppression" workout program, etc. Given these "real world goals", optionally in combination with other data about the user or goals (eg, gender, height, weight, current fitness level, workout history, date and time of the event, etc.), the present invention. At least some of the example systems and methods can provide workout programs designed to help users better achieve their desired goals (optionally, with input from experts). ).
0129Workout programs are designed by third parties (eg coaches, nutritionists, trainers, doctors, etc.) and can optionally be specially designed for specific individuals with demands and are available to users. It can also be automatically selected by the systems and methods of the invention from previously designed and stored programs. Workout routines for individual days are, for example, from another source (eg, from the remote computer 704 or local computer 702 in Figure 7, from a disk or other memory device, etc.), optionally from the exercise equipment and as described above. / Or can be downloaded to electronic device 508, electronic module 502, interface device 506, etc. that can be used to control other aspects of the workout.
01304. Other data or information presentation technology If the user's movements or activities during a workout or attending an athletic event or performance are at least in some cases (eg, during a particularly strong part of the workout or event), a small electronic device 508. It can make it difficult to read the detailed information provided on the screen 800 (for example, especially when the information is presented in a small font). The systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the present invention may be designed to provide at least some information to the user in a rapidly identifiable manner, eg, in a manner that does not require reading small print. it can.
0131One way of providing information to the user in a quickly identifiable manner relates to the background color present on the display screen 800. For example, if desired, the systems and methods of at least some of the examples of the invention can adapt a particular background color to the physical or physiological parameters associated with the workout. As a more specific example, the background color can be correlated with physical or physiological parameters such as current heart rate, total calories burned, total distance traveled, current pace, percentage of completed workouts, and the like. Any desired correlation between background color and physical or physiological parameters can be used without departing from the invention, but in some examples of the invention the color is in the visible spectrum range. Can vary with (for example, purple (mild / rest / starting physical or physiological parameters, eg resting heart rate), but optionally indicates intermediate levels of physical or physiological parameters. To approach red (severe / strong / end physical or physiological parameters such as risk level or desired highest level, with intermediate changes via one or more such as blue, green, yellow, orange, etc. (In the case of heart rate). Of course, without departing from the present invention, any number of colors, color combinations, color change schemes, etc. (gray scaling, cross-hatching or shading, lines or font types / features, etc.) Color coding keys (eg, which colors are used, how those colors correlate with the level of physical or physiological parameters) can be selected by the user; system And / or preset by method; at least in part based on the user's personal characteristics (eg, age, gender, height, weight, fitness level, history, etc.); and / or other It can be set in the desired manner and / or using other desired information.
0132In order to take advantage of these exemplary aspects of the invention, it is not necessary to change or color code the entire background of the screen 800. As another example, the border of the screen 800 can include these types of color change and / or color coding capabilities if desired (to provide information about one or more parameters if desired). , More than one border may be provided, or one (potentially multicolored) border may be used to provide more than one color-coded parameter). As another example, a portion of the screen (eg, "intensity block" in the upper left corner) may be provided to include one or more of these types of color change and / or color coding features. As a further example, the desired physical or physiological data can be graphically or pictorially used, for example, in bar graphs, "progress" charts (eg, used on commercial computer operating systems to indicate download time). Similar to graphic elements provided in charts), analog type displays (eg analog speedometer or rotator type displays), bouncing balls or other icon elements (eg traditional sound ecolyzer devices and / or applications). It can also be presented by things). As yet another example, the font color (rather than the background color) may be varied (eg, using the color scheme) to provide the user with the above type of information quickly and easily.
01335. Fitness / Workout / Intensity Index The systems and methods of at least some examples of the present invention allow users, equipment manufacturers, coaches, trainers or others to track fitness, workout difficulty, workout intensity and / or other workout characteristics. Allows you to design your own parameters or exponents for. Any desired data and / or information, such as: age; gender; height; weight; workout intensity data (eg, speed, set resistance level, setting) can be used to formulate these indices. Incline level, number of sets, number of repetitions, etc.); Workout time / duration; Elapsed time; Elapsed distance; User's workout history; Calorie consumption; MET, etc. Fitness and / or workout characteristics of one or more individuals using any desired mathematical formula, algorithm or scheme to match information about one or more of these data items without departing from the present invention. Can reach the desired "index" for measuring, tracking and / or comparing.
0134III. Conclusion Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, including preferred embodiments of carrying out the invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous modifications and modifications of the systems and methods described above. For example, different combinations of aspects of the invention can be used in different combinations without departing from the invention, and different combinations of aspects of the invention can be used together in one system or method. It is also possible to change, reorder, omit, and / or add additional elements, components and / or stages as described above without departing from the present invention. Further, although the illustrated examples show specific user interface elements and formats, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to present any desired method and / or user of information to the user without departing from the present invention. You will understand that any desired method of receiving input can be used. Also, much of the above description relates to, but not necessarily, the user interface provided on a portable electronic device (eg, device 508) that can be carried by the user during performance. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, via another computer, such as a personal computer (eg PC702), exercise equipment display screen or input panel, remote computer (eg gym central computer, networked computer, etc.), etc. You can access, operate and / or control any of the above system, methods and / or user interface features. Therefore, the present invention should be broadly construed as stated in the claims.
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16 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Decision of grant or rejection writtenTRDD | TRDD | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
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| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Report on retrievalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007A977 | A977 | |
| Notification of resignation of power of attorneyJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7424RD04 | RD04 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 6093333
- Application
- 170057
Titles2
- Japanese
- アスレチックパフォーマンス感知および/または追跡システムならびに方法
- English
- Athletic performance sensing and / or tracking system and method
Classification
- CPC, 37
- G16H20/30
- G06Q10/0639
- G06F16/4387
- G06F16/68
- G16Z99/00
- A63B24/0087
- A63B24/0006
- A63B24/0062
- A63B24/0075
- A63B2024/0065
- A63B2024/0068
- A63B2024/0071
- A63B2220/17
- A63B71/06
- A63B2071/0694
- A63B2220/00
- A63B2220/20
- A63B2220/30
- G05B15/02
- G06F3/165
- A63B24/0059
- A63B71/0622
- A63B71/0686
- A63B2071/0625
- G09B5/02
- G09B5/04
- A63B71/0616
- A63B2220/12
- A63B2225/20
- A61B5/1118
- A61B5/74
- A61B5/7405
- A61B2503/10
- A63B69/0028
- A63B69/16
- A63B2220/836
- A63B2230/06
- IPC, 4
- A63B69 00
- A63B71 06
- G16H20 30
- G16Z99 00
