Novel systems for integration of audio stimuli and physiologically ameliorative protocols

Abstract

Improved systems and methods allow users to employ audio stimuli to provide a desired cadence set, series of pre-arranged and programmed stress inducing or mitigating periods, in combination with other desired parameters to allow users to recover from disease or bodily injury by following a prescribed methodology from a healthcare provider, or others, or to increase or enhance fitness. Conventional music delivery systems function in complement with the instant teachings, as do the business methods and related kits which are disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims full Paris Convention priority of U.S. Ser. No. 60/878340, filed 3 Jan. 2007, and incorporates the same expressly by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates to systems for providing cadence and fitness training to those wishing to improve their response to, among other things, the stress of exercise, recovery from cardiovascular injury, recovery from orthopedic injury, control of diabetes and other vascular diseases, and other health, fitness and medical application. In particular, the disclosure relates to a number of systems and business methods to utilize conventional delivery systems for music, for example, in ways that have neither been contemplated, practiced or described which constitute progress in science and the useful arts. Likewise, the present invention discloses unique pre-synchronized cadence systems for athletes and others requiring cardiovascular and other medically-required exercise, audible in combination with other tools from the Internet.

2. General Background

Many attempts have been made to make athletes and others able to train to optimize their respective performances over time. However, given the technology that today can accept, store and array euphonious auditory stimuli, a paradigm shift has been made by the advent of the instant teachings. Namely, by leveraging off of the music delivery systems for personalized use (e.g. the iPod® and iPod nano® brands of devices available from Apple computers®, for example) the present inventor has developed systems to optimize physiological response, to develop desired cadences and capacities for endurance, and to enable those wishing to use music to improve or stimulate their exercise or their need to exercise to have a new arsenal of tools.

Within the context of this specification the term music delivery systems denotes those conventional and after-developed technologies allowing users to harvest, capture, arrange, store and replay desired audio stimuli, comprising the exemplary systems set forth above and those described below as would be known to artisans.

Those skilled in the audio arts will be aware of the multiplicity of platforms, systems and storage media implicated by the above definitional structure, and how any number of such systems could be interchanged with those exemplary and non-limiting embodiments set forth herein. This combination of conventional systems is within the ambit of the present invention.

It is respectfully submitted that the teachings of the present invention solve the longstanding need to provide a numbers of ways that music and related stimuli can be used in synchrony with physiological signatures, responses and feedback cycles based on science available today to solve a series of unrequited needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, improved systems and methods allow users to employ audio stimuli to provide a desired cadence set, series of pre-arranged and programmed stress inducing or mitigating periods, in combination with other desired parameters to achieve tangible and useful results. Conventional music delivery systems function in complement with the instant teachings, as do the business methods and related kits which are disclosed.

According to features of the present disclosure there are provided, among other things, a method for improving physiological output, which comprises, in combination, arraying a plurality of harmoniously euphonious data sets (musical tracks) having at least a desired cadence set in a medium from which they can be retrieved, providing a music delivery system capable of at least one of reading, playing, storing, housing and arraying said musical tracks embodying at least a desired cadence set, loading at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set onto the music delivery system, playing the at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for a time interval while exercising, and repeating any of the above steps, including using the Internet, any “wiki-models”, open source or other content screening, storing or euphonious systems.

According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method to enable a human to improve physiological output, which comprises, in combination; arraying a plurality of harmoniously euphonious audio data sets, perceptible as music tracks having at least a desired cadence set in a medium from which they can be retrieved, providing a music delivery system capable of at least one of reading, playing storing, housing and arraying said musical tracks embodying at least a desired cadence set, loading at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set onto the music delivery system, delivering for playing at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for a time interval during at least one activity selected from the group consisting of exercising, recovering from a physical or mental challenge, and engaging in a proactive health maintenance program, and repeating any of the above steps.

According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apparatus, housing a plurality of harmoniously euphonious audio data sets, perceptible as music tracks having at least a desired cadence set in a medium from which they can be retrieved, provided to a music delivery system capable of at least one of reading, playing storing, and arraying said musical tracks embodying at least a desired cadence set, loaded with at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for playing at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for a time interval during at least one activity selected from the group consisting of exercising, recovering from a physical or mental challenge, and engaging in a proactive health maintenance program.

According to features of the present disclosures, there are provided multiple iterations of readily accessible fitness promoting, improving and optimizing systems and processes, as will be useful for those having a modicum of skill in the art.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIGS. 1(A and B) is an example of a GUI and the like from an exemplary web-site page;

FIGS. 2(A and B) shows other aspects of an interface mechanism according to the instant teachings;

FIG. 3 shows other aspects of an interface mechanism according to the instant teachings;

FIG. 4 shows other aspects of an interface mechanism according to the instant teachings;

FIGS. 5(A and B) shows other aspects of an interface mechanism according to the instant teachings;

FIG. 6 is a chart according to the present invention; and,

FIGS. 7(A and B) is a graphical depiction of aspects of the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of aspects of the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor has discovered that he can solve a longstanding need by implementing an elegant, mechanically straightforward solution to a problem that has not been effectively addressed among the teachings of the prior art.

Those skilled in the musical arts will readily understand that a variety of products are available to listen to, store and otherwise enjoy music. Athletes have traditionally employed various training techniques to enhance performance, increase resistance and generally improve physiological outputs. Physicians requiring patients to adopt and adhere to rigorous and controlled programs for gradual and sustained recovery from cardiovascular, orthopedic and other injuries, as well as control of vascular diseases, such as diabetes, have had no techniques for stimulating patients to achieve these results other than under direct and constant supervision. However, prior to the advent of the instant teaching, combining these two disparate fields of endeavor has not been successfully undertaken.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a basic format shows one embodiment, for example, with three different sets of selections that can be chosen by a user, namely 130/135/140/145 or 150 beats per minute. What this does is take years of physiological research and learning and schematizes it to create training tools for those who wish to maximize their output.

Those skilled in the art understand that there is a rhythm inherent in human physiology which can be tapped into, and to a certain extent captured, through the electronic generation of synchronized output. Given the plethoric nature of musical choices and styles, to provide a systematized approach that users can employ to leverage this provides for a substantial advantage for anyone wishing to increase their respective physiological output.

The present inventor leverages all one-line, wired and wireless platforms to, for example, sample known musical track and confirm from the desired pre-determined cadence sets. Technology enables artisans to select a desired beat-per-minute measure (e.g. 135 to 155 bpms) and conform various musical selection desired by users to the same. The same as one can hear Pink Floyd®'s epic DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (citation) in conventional, punk, disco, or reggae mode (DUB SIDE OF THE MOON citation). The present invention allows a user's desired musical base to be customized, combined and selected to fit the bpm desired. In the case of medical applications, the present invention provides for a customized and stimulating use of the musical base to ease medically-needed persons into an exercise routine through the coordination of music bpms and time for performance, such that a safe, controlled “step” recovery or maintenance process can be achieved.

Referring now to FIGS. 1(A and B), amateur athletes and elite athletes (such as Katya Meyers, a world-class and elite tri-athlete (using embodiments available from TECHNO SWEAT®, P.O. Box 130338 Carlsbad, Calif. 92009) have songs and music crafted at speeds of any range, including 135 bpm, 140 bpm, 145 bpm, 150 bpm and 155 bpm, to use for training in all types of athletics. The methodology is useful in fitness centers, gyms and outdoors and for all types of training, including but not limited to cardiovascular efforts, running, spinning, cycling, skiing and swimming. The applicant's methodology is being used in fitness centers under contracts with MYECLUBTV.com. Ms. Meyers, currently under contract with Techno Sweat, trains for competition in elite triathlons at 155 bpm and above.

Those skilled in the art understand that going to the web-site, bringing or acquiring music and linking to the instant system can generate a customized quasi-customized or stock PC direct to listen to. See for example, www.technosweat.com. The inventor, in consultation with physicians, has developed a “step” program using slower bpms to provide a systematic pre-coordinated recovery and maintenance system in the same fashion for medical applications.

As shown in FIGS. 2(A and B), the inventor has pre-assembled continuous play music at different and changing bpms to simulate different kinds of training movements, such as sprints, rolling hills, climbs, etc., for simplicity and ease of use. These pre-assembled units simulate exercises in intervals of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes and 75 minutes, and use music in different genres, such as rock, Latin, dance, electronic, etc.

FIGS. 3 and 6 also shows how a user can listen, submit, store and select desired tracts. According to the teaching of the present invention, TRAINING TRACKS comprise desired songs, artists or genre's that may be submitted, licensed or otherwise acquired from users lawfully and combined as part of the present inventions. Users can choose desired parameters and self-select, or having sets of training tracks compiled for them. Still others can purchase pre-coordinated sets designed to ramp up speeds and distances at pre-determined intervals. By using conventional shopping cart and credit card technologies (exemplified in FIG. 4), navigation through the web-site of FIGS. 1-6 is achieved.

Referring now also to FIGS. 7(A and B), those skilled will understand that everyone from elite athletes to novices can use a relationship between target heard rates (bpm) and musical beat, measure and cadence to achieve exercise targets. Variation between fast and slow bpm's for intervals, “Fartlek” (“speed-play” in Swedish) and other training methods can be used by those under the claims of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, physicians and patients can choose recovery and maintenance systems for cardiovascular, orthopedic, and other conditions and diseases, by prescribing “step” recovery pre-coordinated systems for controlling both the speed (bpms) and distance (time) for optimal recovery and sustainable results. A 4-step process at different time intervals (10 minutes to 60 minutes) motivates patients to follow a prescribed methodology for assisting in the recovery from disease and bodily injury.

By way of further example, Lasse Viren and distance running guru Arthur Lydiard pioneered may concepts in cardio vascular training based upon varied time and tempo. According to their theories, for example, after building up a “base” of long-slow-distance (LSD) training, intervals—or short bursts of speed may be used to “peak” or perform optimally over time with the present invention, implementing such training programs can be done by a user over the Internet.

Similarly, users can offer their preferred musical tracks and have their choices made compliant with a desired bpm cadence. This is done with conventional software removing small pieces from existing songs or pre-composing the same. Benefits, features and advantages of the instant system range from embedding resulting products in chips, chip sets and later developed music delivery systems, among other things.

Accordingly, artisans will appreciate that the teachings of the present invention enable one-stop shopping that those wishing to employ training tracks can access. This is differentiated from existing systems, yet can be used with them to enhance their availability to help users. Anyone from world-class athletes to recovering patients or those challenged with special needs can benefit from pacing with the teaching of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method to enable a human to improve physiological output, which comprises, in combination:

arraying a plurality of harmoniously euphonious audio data sets, perceptible as music tracks having at least a desired cadence set in a medium from which they can be retrieved;

providing a music delivery system capable of at least one of reading, playing storing, housing and arraying said musical tracks embodying at least a desired cadence set;

loading at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set onto the music delivery system;

delivering for playing at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for a time interval during at least one activity selected from the group consisting of exercising, recovering from a physical or mental challenge, and engaging in a proactive health maintenance program; and

repeating any of the above steps.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said steps is performed on-line.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein a user subscribes for a fee to the service.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a user is given access with at least a password to a web-site linked set of choices and selections and performs at least one of the steps by making selections from at least a menu on the web-site.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising at least an interface enabling tracking of a user's progress and communication with at least one of a health care provider, personal trainer and fitness adviser and others.

6. A process for generating and delivering a set of training musical tracks comprising, in combination:

offering a plurality of songs each linked to a cadence;

combining them in a vehicle enabling them to be played; and

supplying them to a purchaser.

7. The process of claim 6, whereby the songs are customized or quasi-customized before linking them to said cadence.

8. The process of claims 7,, wherein the vehicle is compatible with known music delivery systems.

9. A product, produced by the process of claims 8.

10. A product produced by the process of claim 8, offered with input from at least one of a healthcare provider, personal health and fitness trainer, and other person who is supporting recovery from illness, bodily injury, physical or mental challenge or ageing.

11. An apparatus, housing a plurality of harmoniously euphonious audio data sets, perceptible as music tracks having at least a desired cadence set in a medium from which they can be retrieved, provided to a music delivery system capable of at least one of reading, playing storing, and arraying said musical tracks embodying at least a desired cadence set, loaded with

at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for playing at least one of said musical tracks embodying said at least a cadence set for a time interval during at least one activity selected from the group consisting of exercising, recovering from a physical or mental challenge, and engaging in a proactive health maintenance program.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is portable, wireless and attaches to at least one of a body part, medical sporting or leisure device glasses, and an article of clothing.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, said medical sporting or leisure device further comprising:

a bicycle, cane, crutch, I-V pole, monitor, treadmill, skull, weight training machine, shoe, ski, surfboard, wakeboard, water-ski or elliptical trainer.