Abstract: A computer-implemented interface method for use with a display device associated with an exercise device includes connecting a network connection to the exercise device capable of accessing information stored over a network, partitioning a first portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display content, partitioning a second portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display one or more controls that control the exercise device, and providing a selectable element on the display device that upon selection removes the second portion of the display used to display the one or more controls.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention, provide customized content to a consumer on a network-enabled exercise device, include providing an exercise device having a display console, the exercise device being connected to a network, receiving user profile information associated with a consumer operating the exercise device, receiving content information identifying available content for display on the display console, the content information including selection criteria for selecting content to be displayed from the available content, selecting content for display to the consumer based on the content information and the user profile information; and presenting an impression of the selected content to the consumer on the display console.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically managing the operation of an exercise device includes a timer that determines if a predetermined time interval has elapsed, and an embedded processor that identifies if the exercise device has submitted an indication that it is operational. If the exercise equipment is not operational, the embedded processor transmits a reset signal to the exercise device when the predetermined time interval has elapsed causing the equipment to restart operation properly.

Abstract: An award program using exercise equipment and the Internet provides users with incentives to exercise. Incentivizing use of an exercise device, includes providing an exercise device connected to a network, receiving over the network usage information associated with a user's operation of the exercise device, identifying a usage account associated with the user for storing usage point, and increasing a total of usage points stored in the usage account in response to the usage information. As usage points are accumulated, users can spend the usage points on products, services, or discounts on the same.

Abstract: A computer-implemented interface method for use with a display device associated with an exercise device includes connecting a network connection to the exercise device capable of accessing information stored over a network, partitioning a first portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display content, partitioning a second portion of the display device associated with the exercise device to display one or more controls that control the exercise device, and providing a selectable element on the display device that upon selection removes the second portion of the display used to display the one or more controls.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention, provide customized content to a consumer on a network-enabled exercise device, include providing an exercise device having a display console, the exercise device being connected to a network, receiving user profile information associated with a consumer operating the exercise device, receiving content information identifying available content for display on the display console, the content information including selection criteria for selecting content to be displayed from the available content, selecting content for display to the consumer based on the content information and the user profile information; and presenting an impression of the selected content to the consumer on the display console.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically managing the operation of an exercise device includes a timer that determines if a predetermined time interval has elapsed, and an embedded processor that identifies if the exercise device has submitted an indication that it is operational. If the exercise equipment is not operational, the embedded processor transmits a reset signal to the exercise device when the predetermined time interval has elapsed causing the equipment to restart operation properly.

Abstract: A method of pricing a network-enabled exercise device for sale to a customer is provided. The network-enabled exercise device includes an exercise device, a network connection and a display console. The method includes receiving usage information for predicting a future usage level of the exercise device, comparing the predicted future usage level with one or more threshold values and calculating a price for the exercise device in accordance with the comparison.