Interactive mobile device
A device is disclosed that provides a portable, programmable, interactive apparatus that instructs, monitors, tracks, and provides feedback and motivational information to an individual in regards to managing their personal physical fitness information. One embodiment of the device comprises a housing configured to be carried by the user, a display for displaying information to the user, a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data. The device further contains an interface operable by the user to select and input data, and a processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the memory operable to control the display and to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory. The device enables a user to program and view their personalized programs, workout routines, video instructions, or nutrition plans, while at remote locations. The device may also be connected to external computers and connected to the Internet for downloading information such as personalized fitness and nutrition programs and for uploading and storing personal information such as user inputted data to an external computer or the Internet.
The present invention relates to a portable programmable interactive device used to instruct, monitor and track user activities, particularly in the fields of physical fitness and recreation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe past decade has involved a dramatic increase in consumer spending in the field of health and fitness products and sporting equipment. In the United States alone, an estimated 50 million people work out at least 3 times a week, over 27 million people play golf, and approximately 1 million people receive some kind of physical therapy every day. This has resulted in a strong demand for devices and methods that assist individuals in setting and reaching fitness goals. The currently available devices and methods however, fail to meet the needs of average consumers in many ways. This is especially true in the field of portable devices that may accompany an individual during their workout.
For example, prior art devices capable of being carried with a user on their physical fitness workout are severely limited in their functions. Many of these devices are intended to be incorporated into a wristwatch and are only capable of calculating a runners' speed, time and distance. Other functions may include a heart rate monitor that connects to the wristwatch device. There is little or no feedback from these current devices and methods. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,982 that describes a device used to aid a user in their fitness workout.
More sophisticated prior art devices that do allow for operator interactions are not portable and are usually mounted to the exercise equipment. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,075 to Poulton. Poulton's patent details a computer apparatus that provides feedback to an individual while the individual is on a treadmill. The structures and sensors necessary in this type of device are not intended to be portable.
In addition to the failures of the above devices, up to this point there has been no device created to replace a personal trainer. In order to receive proper instructions to perform an exercise, currently a personal trainer must be present during the workout.
In conclusion, the prior art methods and devices fail to provide a comprehensive and portable solution that may provide instruction, feedback, and track and monitor the physical fitness activities of an individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention improves on the prior art methods and devices by providing a portable, programmable, interactive device that instructs, monitors, tracks, and provides feedback and motivational information to the user. One embodiment of the device comprises a housing configured to be carried by the user, a display for displaying information to the user, a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data, an interface operable by the user to select and input data, and a processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the memory operable to control the display and to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory.
The device according to the present invention would provide a method of controlling a portable interactive device for providing instructions for personal physical fitness training, comprising the acts of allowing the user to select from a plurality of workouts, allowing the user to select from a plurality of exercises within each workout, and providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user selections, wherein each of the sets of the instructions comprises audio and visual data.
In addition to providing instructional material, the device further allows the user to program, store, and display personalized workouts. An individual may also enter and store personal statistics and download and store music to be played while exercising. The device also gives the user the ability to monitor and display the heart rate of an individual when a heart rate monitor is connected to the device. Feedback and motivational information are also displayed to the user in response to the personal statistics.
In another embodiment of the invention, the device allows the user to connect and access web based tools and the Internet. One type of connection provides a docking station that allows the portable device to connect to external computers and access the Internet. Information may then be downloaded and stored into the devices' memory for use at remote locations. Information may also be uploaded from the device to the external computer for storage and analysis.
The present invention therefore provides a portable device that overcomes the deficiencies of prior art devices and is capable of meeting all the needs of the active individual.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With further reference to
As shown in
One advantage of the present invention is that the docking station 26 allows the user access to a host of tools and information made available on the Internet. Both instructional and motivational information may be downloaded while the device 10 is in the docking station. Once the necessary information is stored locally on the device 10, the device may be unplugged from the station 26 and again used as a portable device.
For purposes of this disclosure, the external computer described above is simply any suitable computing device, whether portable or stationary (could include also a wireless device with a connection to the Internet). This definition includes, but is not limited to, electronic books, laptop and handheld computers, and desktop computers. Using wireless types of communications for example, the monitoring device 10 may communicate with a web page running on a remote server via the Internet.
The device 10 may include cellular or other wireless or wired communication capability so as to interconnect with the Internet either continuously or periodically. For communication with a remote server, the device 10 may also include some type of memory chip or memory module that may be removed from the device 10 and inserted into the external computer for transfer of data. It is also a feature of the present invention that the user with the aid of an external computer may program the device 10. For example, the user's preferred workout and exercises may be entered via a keyboard connected to the external computer. The information is then transferred from the external computer into the local memory of the device 10. For more details pertaining to the communications protocols and connections with all types of external computer systems, see copending application Ser. No. ______ filed Nov. 15, 2003 entitled “Protocol”, attorney docket number 41963-8002.
Referring now to
A memory 36 is provided to store all types of data to perform the desired functions of the device. This information includes the internal programs necessary for device operations, workout information, instructional information, motivational information and the user's personal statistics. The memory 36 typically includes both persistent and transient memory. A battery 38 is also provided to power the device in remote locations. The CPU 30 provides the data to display 40 for viewing by the subject. The memory 36 is interconnected with the CPU 30 and allows storage of data that may be entered by the user through the operator interface 34 or downloaded from an external computer through the external computer interface 44. An audio output connection 42 is provided for headphones or speakers to be connected to the device. Communications with external devices is provided through communications interface 44. This interface may be located in the device itself or may be provided in the docking station 26 as shown in
At this point, the user may begin to perform the selected exercise according to the displayed information. If for instructional purposes the user desires to view a video clip of the exercise being performed, the “INFO” button may be depressed in step S125. A previously stored video clip in the reference library is then automatically retrieved and played for the user (as shown in
Interacting with an external computer also allows one individual to compete against another. For example, a first user may receive information regarding the workout performed by a second user, then compete against the second user and vice versa. This competition may be live or time adjusted, e.g., a workout entered and stored previously on the home page 170 by the second user with which the first user competes against.
In this embodiment, button 181 sits above the surface of the device. Switch 182 is toggle switch that is mounted below the surface of the device, where the top of the switch sticks up above the surface of the device and equal in height to on/off button 181. The “Back” button 183 is also above the surface of the device and on the same level as button 181. The “Menu” button 184 is level with the surface of the device. The control buttons as described with reference to
The embodiments relating to a portable interactive device as described above are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method of controlling a portable interactive device for providing instructions for personal physical fitness training, comprising the acts of:
- allowing a user to select from a plurality of activity programs consisting of one or more workouts;
- allowing a user to select from a plurality of workouts;
- allowing the user to select from a plurality of exercises within each workout; and
- providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user selection, wherein said set of instructions comprises at least one of text, audio or visual data.
2. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 1, wherein the visual data includes a text message and an audio message of instructions.
3. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 2, wherein the visual data includes a video image.
4. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 3, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the selected exercise being performed.
5. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 4, wherein the audio data comprises audio instructions for performing the user selected exercise.
6. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 5, wherein the video data and audio data are simultaneously played.
7. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 6, wherein the text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise include a number of repetitions.
8. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 7, wherein the text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise includes a time duration of the user selected exercise.
9. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 8, wherein the text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise includes personalized information.
10. A portable interactive device for providing instructions to a user for personal physical fitness training comprising:
- a memory for storing instructions and statistical data relating to exercises;
- a user interface for allowing the user to select from a plurality of programs, workouts and allowing the user to select from a plurality of exercises within each workout; and
- a display for providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user selections, wherein each of the sets of instructions comprises at least one of audio and visual data.
11. The portable interactive device as in claim 10, wherein the visual data includes a text message of instructions.
12. The portable interactive device as in claim 11, wherein the visual data includes a video image.
13. The portable interactive device as in claim 12, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the selected exercise being performed.
14. The portable interactive device as in claim 13, further comprising an audio interface wherein the audio interface plays the audio data that is comprised of audio instructions for performing the user selected exercise.
15. The portable interactive device as in claim 14, wherein the video data and audio data are simultaneously played.
16. The portable interactive device as in claim 15, wherein the text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise include a number of sets and repetitions.
17. The portable interactive device as in claim 16, wherein the text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise includes a time duration of the user selected exercise.
18. The portable interactive device as in claim 17, wherein the user interface allows the user to enter information.
19. The portable interactive device as in claim 15, wherein an external computer may be connected to the portable interactive device.
20. A portable interactive device for providing to a user a set of instructions relating to an activity comprising:
- a housing,
- a processor;
- a memory for storing a set of instructions relating to a plurality of activities;
- a user interface for allowing the user to select from a plurality of activities; and
- a display for providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user selected activity.
21. A portable interactive device for selecting and monitoring physical fitness data for a user, the device comprising:
- a housing configured to be carried by the user;
- a display for displaying information to the user;
- a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data;
- an interface operable by the user to select and input data; and
- a processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the memory operable to control the display and to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory.
22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the user selects one program from a plurality of stored programs.
23. The device according to claim 22, wherein a user selects one workout from a plurality of workouts within the selected program.
24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the user selects one exercise from a plurality of exercises within the selected workout.
25. The device according to claim 24, wherein the user may select instructions relating to performing the selected exercise.
26. The device according to claim 23, wherein the user may select a plan relating to a number of repetitions to perform of the selected exercise.
27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the user may input the actual number of repetitions performed.
28. The device according to claim 21, wherein a heart-rate monitor is attached to the device to monitor the body of the user.
29. The device according to claim 21, wherein an audio output connection is provided.
30. The device according to claim 27, wherein the user input number of repetitions is stored in the memory.
31. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is connected to an external computer.
32. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is connected to an Internet website.
33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the user interacts with the Internet website.
34. The device according to claim 21, wherein the programs, workouts and exercises are shown on the display.
35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the user is given feedback on the display.
36. A method of controlling a portable interactive device for monitoring the personal physical fitness training of a user comprising the acts of:
- allowing the user to program and select from a plurality of workouts;
- allowing the user to program and select from a plurality of exercises within each workout,
- allowing the user to input personal statistics regarding the selected exercise; and
- providing feedback to the user regarding the input personal statistics.
37. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 36, further comprising the act of displaying the user programmed workouts.
38. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 37, further comprising the act of displaying the user programmed exercises.
39. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 38, wherein the user inputted personal statistics are stored in memory.
40. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 39, wherein the user inputted personal statistics are used to calculate progress and analysis of the progress of the user.
41. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 36, further comprising the act of storing data transmitted from external devices monitoring (e.g., HR) the body of the user.
43. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 36, further comprising the act of displaying visual data relating to the selected exercise.
44. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 43, wherein the visual data includes a text message of instructions for performing the user selected exercise.
45. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 43, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the selected exercise being performed.
46. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 36, further comprising the act of allowing the user to connect to a internet website.
47. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in claim 46, wherein the user interacts with the internet website.
48. A system for monitoring and tracking physical fitness activities for a user comprising:
- a programmable portable interactive device having a memory, a processor, an interface and a display; and
- a computing device having a display and an interface to communicate with the programmable portable interactive device, wherein the computing device is operable to receive and store user inputted data from the programmable portable interactive device.
49. A method for monitoring and tracking physical fitness activities for a user comprising:
- inputting personal statistics regarding physical fitness activities into a programmable portable interactive device having a memory, a processor, an interface and a display; and
- connecting a programmable portable interactive device to a computing device, wherein the computing device is operable to receive and store user inputted data from the programmable portable interactive device.
50. A method of exercising comprising:
- displaying to a user an exercise program;
- inputting personal statistics regarding the user's actual exercises;
- tracking and storing the user's personal statistics; and
- displaying feedback and motivational information to the user in response to the personal statistics.
51. A portable interactive device for selecting and tracking physical fitness data for a user, the device comprising:
- a display for displaying information to the user;
- a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts, exercises, instructions and user inputted data;
- a user interface operable by the user to select and input data;
- a communications interface that allows the portable interactive device to communicate with an external computer; and
- a processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the memory operable to control the display and to control the storage and retrieval of data from the memory, wherein the processor controls the portable interactive device to provide instructional and motivational information to the user.
52. The device according to claim 51, wherein the user selects one program from a plurality of stored programs.
53. The device according to claim 52, wherein a user selects one workout from a plurality of workouts within the selected program.
54. The device according to claim 53, wherein the user selects one exercise from a plurality of exercises within the selected workout.
55. The device according to claim 54, wherein the user may select instructions relating to performing the selected exercise.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2004
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2005
Inventor: Dirk Bartels (Cupertino, CA)
Application Number: 10/801,497