Systems and Methods to Monitor an Exercise Routine

Abstract

A computer-implemented method to monitor an exercise routine is described. An activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus is captured. Data relating to the captured activity is received. The received data is output to the user of the exercise apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/584,648 filed Jan. 9, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise is a bodily activity that helps promote and/or maintain physical fitness and an overall health and wellness. Frequent and regular physical exercise helps boost the immune system and may help prevent diseases of affluence, such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Physical exercise may also improve the mental health of an individual. In addition, exercise may prevent depression and promote or maintain a positive self-esteem.

Individuals that exercise may look for ways increase their motivation and resolve to continue exercising. For example, individuals may set personal goals they would like to achieve and then regularly exercise to accomplish these goals. Often times, the individual may be left on his/her own to figure out how to accomplish a particular goal. In addition, the individual may hire a personal trainer or other health coach to receive instructions on how to complete a particular goal.

Providers of exercise equipment are regularly introducing new exercise machines and equipment to be sold to gyms, individual consumers, schools, and the like. In some instances, an individual might not be familiar with a particular piece of exercise equipment. In addition, the consumer may be unaware that he/she is using the machine improperly. For example, the individual might not know how to use the equipment, the benefits of using the equipment, etc. As a result, the individual may choose to not use the equipment simply because he/she does not fully understand its functionality, benefits, etc. Further, a consumer may desire to hire a personal trainer, but the consumer may not be interested in exercising at the same location where the trainer is located. As a result, the consumer may opt to not seek the professional guidance of a personal trainer.

One type of method and system to control an exercise apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,852 issued to Scott R. Watterson et al. and assigned to Icon IP, Inc. In this patent, a portable system retrieves exercise programs from a remote communication system that provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an exercise machine. The exercise program includes at least one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control device that retrieves the exercise program and delivers the motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise machine. A sensor tracks one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's performance of the exercise program. Data representing the one or more measureable parameters is delivered to the control device for delivery to the remote communication system.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a computer-implemented method to monitor an exercise routine is described.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include capturing an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include receiving data relating to the captured activity.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include outputting the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include transmitting data representing the captured activity to a remote computing device.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include receiving at least one command to modify at least one setting of the exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include modifying the at least one setting of the exercise apparatus based on the received at least one command.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the at least one command to modify the at least one setting including a command to modify a speed setting of the exercise apparatus, a command to modify a resistance setting of the exercise apparatus, or a command to modify an incline setting of the exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include recording the activity of the user via a video camera integrated within the exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include establishing a video connection between the exercise apparatus and a remote computing device.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include outputting video data received from the remote computing device.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include establishing a video connection between the exercise apparatus and one or more additional exercise apparatuses.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include transmitting the captured activity of the user of the exercise apparatus to the one or more additional exercise apparatuses via the established video connection.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include receiving video data relating to the activity of one or more additional users using the one or more additional exercise apparatuses.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include outputting the received video data.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include capturing the activity by a video camera, a web camera, a digital cameral, a microphone, or a sensor.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include outputting instructions to the user to manually modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an exercise apparatus is also described. The exercise apparatus may include a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The exercise apparatus may further include a data capture apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the data capture apparatus capturing an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the exercise apparatus including a command receiving module stored in the memory.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the command receiving module receiving data relating to the captured activity.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the exercise apparatus including a data output apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the data output apparatus outputting the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a computer-program product is also described. The computer-program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions thereon.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the instructions including code programmed to capture an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the instructions including code programmed to receive data relating to the captured activity.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above-mentioned features and may further include the instructions including code programmed to output the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present method and system and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an environment in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a further embodiment of an environment in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a further embodiment of an environment in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an environment in which the present systems and methods may be implemented.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to provide exercise training

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to modify one or more settings of an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to automatically modify settings of an exercise apparatus based on the activity of the user of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing the present systems and methods.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods to monitor workout routines are disclosed herein. Specifically, the present systems and methods capture the activity of a user while the user is operating an exercise apparatus. The captured data may be displayed on the exercise apparatus itself and/or a remote device or additional exercise apparatuses. Other users may view the captured data, monitor the activity of the user using the exercise apparatus, and provide feedback regarding the user's technique, form, style, etc.

In one embodiment, a camera may record the activity of a user operating an exercise machine. The recorded activity may be displayed on a remote computing device. A camera may be located at the remote device and may record the activity of a user of the computing device. The recorded activity of the user of the computing device may be displayed to the user using the exercise machine. As a result, a real-time video connection may be established between the user of the exercise machine and the user of the remote computing device. The user of the remote computing device may issue commands via the remote computing device that may change one or more settings of the exercise machine. A video connection may also be established between the user of the exercise machine and another user of another exercise machine. Additionally, verbal instructions may be provided to the user operating the exercise device based at least in part on the monitored information. Details regarding the present systems and methods will be described below.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an environment 100 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In one configuration, an exercise apparatus 102 may communicate with a computing device 110 across a network 108 connection. The network 108 connection may include, but is not limited to, a WI-FI, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and the like.

In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus 102 may be, but is not limited to, a treadmill machine, a stair-climber machine, a stationary bicycle, a spinner bicycle, an elliptical exercise machine, a weightlifting machine, and the like. The apparatus 102 may include a data capture apparatus 104-a-1 and a data output apparatus 106-a-1. In one example, the data capture apparatus 104-a-1 may be a video camera, a web camera, a sensor, a microphone, a digital or non-digital camera, and the like. The data capture apparatus 104-a-1 may monitor and capture data relating to an activity of a user using the exercise apparatus 102. While only one data capture apparatus 104-a-1 is illustrates, the exercise apparatus 102 may include more than one apparatus to capture data. The data output apparatus 106-a-1 may output data to the user of the exercise apparatus 102. For example, the data output apparatus 106-a-1 may be audio speakers, and/or a display. The display may provide video data, text data, image data, etc. to the user of the exercise apparatus 102. The data capture apparatus 104-a-1 and the data output apparatus 106-a-1 may be integrated within the exercise apparatus 102.

Alternatively, portions of the function provided by the data capture apparatus 104-a-1 and/or the data output apparatus 106-a-1 may be provided by coupling a user's portable electronic device to the exercise apparatus 102. The personal electronic device may include, but is in no way limited to, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computing device, an iPad, an iPod, a smart phone, and the like. In one embodiment, the computing device 110 may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a tablet, or any other type of computing device. The device 110 may also include a data capture apparatus 104-a-2 and a data output apparatus 106-a-2.

In one example, the data capture apparatus 104-a-1 may be a video camera positioned to record the activity of a user using the exercise apparatus 102. Video data of the user's activity may be communicated to the computing device 110 across the network 108. The data output apparatus 106-a-2 located on the computing device 110 may output the video data to a user of the computing device 110. The user of the computing device 110 may be a personal trainer or other type of health coach. In one configuration, the user of the computing device 110 may view in real time (or delayed time) the activity of the user using the exercise apparatus 102 via the data output apparatus 106-a-2.

The data capture apparatus 104-a-2 located at the computing device 110 may capture the activity of the user using the computing device. As an example, the data capture apparatus 104-a-2 at the computing device 110 may also be a video camera. The captured data may be transmitted to the exercise apparatus 102 across the network 108. The data may be provided to the user of the exercise apparatus 102 via the data output apparatus 106-a-1. For example, the data output apparatus 106-a-1 may be a screen that displays the video data of the user of the computing device 110 to the user of the exercise apparatus 102. As a result, the user of the computing device 110 may record a video message that includes instructions and/or demonstrations for the user of the exercise apparatus 102 on ways the user may improve his/her exercising technique. The user of the exercise apparatus 102 may view such messages while he/she is using the exercise apparatus 102 and make the appropriate changes to his/her technique. The video message may also include instructions to modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102.

In one embodiment, the communication between the exercise apparatus 102 and the computing device 110 may be achieved through a video connection. The connection may be facilitated by a video connection provider such as Skype® or Facetime®. Other video connection providers may also be used to establish a video connection between the exercise apparatus 102 and the computing device 110. Additional types of connections may also be established between the exercise apparatus 102 and the computing device 110. For example, audio connections may be established. An audio connection may allow the users to communicate with each other via microphones and audio speakers. The user of the exercise apparatus 102 may describe audibly how he/she is using the exercise apparatus 102, how he/she is feeling, the biometric measurements of the user while he/she is exercising, etc. A personal trainer located at a remote location may receive the audio information via the data output apparatus 106-a-2 at the computing device 110. The trainer may provide audio instructions to the user and the user of the exercise apparatus 102 may receive the instructions via the data output apparatus 106-a-1 at the exercise apparatus 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a further embodiment of an environment 200 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In one configuration, an exercise apparatus 102-a may communicate with a computing device 110-a across a network 108 connection. The exercise apparatus 102-a may be an example of the exercise apparatus 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. The computing device 110-a may be an example of the computing device 110 illustrated in FIG. 1.

In one example, the exercise apparatus 102-a may include a data capture apparatus 104-b-1, a data output apparatus 106-b-1, and a command receiving module 202. Similarly, the computing device 110-a may include a data capture apparatus 104-b-2, a data output apparatus 106-b-2, and a command input module 204. The data capture apparatuses 104 and the data output apparatuses 106 may be examples of the apparatuses illustrates in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the command input module 204 may be an interface that allows the user of the computing device 110-a to enter one or more commands relating to the exercise apparatus 102-a. For example, the command input module 204 may allow the user to input commands to modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102-a. The commands provided to the command input module 204 may be transmitted across the network 108 to the command receiving module 202. Upon receiving the commands, the command receiving module 202 may modify the one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102-a. As an example, the exercise apparatus 102-a may be a treadmill. The data capture apparatus 104-b-1 may capture the activity of a user operating the treadmill. For example, the data capture apparatus 104-b-1 may be a camera that captures video data of the activity. The video data may be transmitted to the computing device 110-a. The user of the computing device 110-a may be a personal trainer or other type of health coach. The personal trainer may view the video data via the data output apparatus 106-b-2 and identify that the user is running/walking on the treadmill with an overpronation or underpronation foot position, for example. The data capture module 104-b-2 associated with the computing device 110-a may capture video data of the personal trainer. The video data may include instructions to the user of the exercise apparatus 102 to correct the pronation. The video data may be transmitted to the exercise apparatus 102. The user may then view the video data via the data output apparatus 106-b-1. The personal trainer may also input commands to the command input module 204 to modify the incline setting of the treadmill. The commands may be transmitted to the exercise apparatus 102 and received by the command receiving module 202. The command receiving module 202 may analyze the commands and automatically adjust the incline of the treadmill based on the received commands. In another embodiment, the command receiving module 202 may output the commands to the user of the exercise apparatus 102 via the data output apparatus 106-b-1. The user may then manually adjust the incline of the treadmill as indicted by the outputted commands.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a further embodiment of an environment 300 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In one configuration, an exercise apparatus 102-c may communicate with a computing device 110-c across a network 108 connection. The exercise apparatus 102-c may be an example of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 or 2. In addition, the computing device 110-c may be an example of the computing device 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2.

The exercise apparatus 102-c may include a data capture apparatus 104-c and a data output apparatus 106-c. As previously explained, the data capture apparatus 104-c may be a camera, or other input device, that captures the activity of a user while the user is using the exercise apparatus 102-c. The data output apparatus 106-c may output information to the user.

As previously explained, the data captured by the data capture apparatus 104-c may be transmitted to the computing device 110-c across the network 108. The computing device 110-c may include an analysis module 302 that may analyze the data received from the exercise apparatus 102-c. Based on the analysis, a command generation module 304 may automatically generate a command to modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c. For example, the data capture apparatus 104-c may be one or more sensors placed on the exercise apparatus 102-c. In one configuration, the apparatus 102-c may be a treadmill. The sensors may be placed on or under the moving tread or belt of the treadmill. In one example, the sensors may sense the position and running/walking technique of the user's feet while the user is running/walking on the treadmill. The data captured by the sensors may be transmitted to the analysis module 302. The module 302 may analyze the data to identify the pattern of the user's feet as they strike the surface of the moving tread of the treadmill. The analysis may conclude that the position of the user's feet is incorrect when the feet contact with the surface of the treadmill. The analysis module 302 may identify one or more settings that may be modified on the exercise apparatus 102-c to help correct the user's technique.

The command generation module 304 may generate a command indicating which settings to modify on the exercise apparatus 102-c based on the analysis of the analysis module 302. These commands may be transmitted across the network 108 and received by a command receiving module 202-a at the exercise apparatus 102-c. Upon receiving the commands, the receiving module 202-a may automatically modify the one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c. In another embodiment, the command receiving module 202-a may cause the commands to be outputted to the user via the data output apparatus 106-c. The user may then determine whether to manually modify the settings of the exercise apparatus. In addition, the user may determine whether to allow the command receiving module 202-a to automatically modify the settings.

Upon modifying the settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c, the data capture apparatus 104-c may continue to capture the activity of the user on the exercise apparatus 102-c. The data may be transmitted and analyzed by the analysis module 302. The module 302 may determine whether the user's technique is still incorrect. If the modified settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c do not improve or solve the user's exercise technique, the command generation module 304 may continue to generate commands to modify settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c until the user's technique is improved.

In one embodiment, the analysis module 302 and the command generation module 304 may be located on the exercise apparatus 102-c. As a result, data acquired by the data capture apparatus 104-c may not be transmitted across the network 108. Instead, the analysis module 302 located on the exercise apparatus 102-c may analyze the data captured by the data capture apparatus 104-c and the command generation module 304 may generate a command to modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c based on the analysis performed by the analysis module 302. The data output apparatus 106-c may output information to the user of the exercise apparatus 102-c indicating the settings that are scheduled to be modified by the command receiving module 202-a. The data output apparatus 106-c may further provide information to the user indicating the reason why the settings of the exercise apparatus 102-c are being modified. As a result, the user of the exercise apparatus 102-c becomes aware of the improper exercising techniques that the user is currently performing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an environment 400 in which the present systems and methods may be implemented. In one example, a number of exercise apparatuses may communicate with each other across a network 108 connection. For example, a first exercise apparatus 102-d-1 may communicate with a second exercise apparatus 102-d-2 across the network 108 connection. Each apparatus may include a data capture apparatus 104-d as well as a data output apparatus 106-d. The exercise apparatuses 102-d illustrated in FIG. 4 may be examples of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, 2, or 3.

In one embodiment, a first user may begin exercising using the first exercise apparatus 102-d-1. The data capture apparatus 104-d-1 may capture the activity of the first user. Similarly, a second user may begin exercising using the second exercise apparatus 102-d-2. The data capture apparatus 104-d-2 on the second exercise apparatus 102-d-2 may capture activity of the second user. The data output apparatus 106-d on each exercise apparatus may output to each user the captured data of the other user. As an example, the data capture apparatus 104-d may be a camera, and a video connection may be established between the two exercise apparatuses (such as a Skype® connection). The data output apparatus 106-d may be a monitor or display that outputs the data to each user. As a result, two different users on two different exercise apparatuses may engage in video communications while exercising. The two different users may be located at locations that are remote to each other. The connection may allow the users to exercise together, even though they may not be located near one another.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 to provide exercise training In one configuration, the method 500 may be implemented by the data capture apparatus 104 and the data output apparatus of FIG. 1, 2, 3, or 4.

At block 502, an activity of a user of an exercise apparatus may be captured. For example, a user may begin running and/or walking on a treadmill. The treadmill may include one or more cameras affixed to or near the treadmill. The cameras may record the actions of the user while the user is using the treadmill. At block 504, data relating to the captured activity may be received. For example, a personal trainer may remotely view the captured data of the user running and/or walking on the treadmill. The trainer may generate instructions for the user to improve the user's exercise technique. The trainer may input the instructions via a computing device that is remotely located from the exercise apparatus. These instructions may be audio instructions, video instructions, text, images, etc. The instructions may be the data received at block 504. At block 506, the received data may be output via an output apparatus of the exercise apparatus. For example, if the received instructions are audio instructions, speakers connected to the exercise apparatus may output the instructions to the user. If the received instructions are video instructions, a monitor or display connected to the exercise apparatus may output the video data to the user of the exercise apparatus. As a result, while the user is exercising, a trainer may remotely view the activity of the user and provide instructions for the user to improve the user's exercise routine. The trainer may, according to one embodiment, view the activity of the user in real-time in order to provide real-time instructions to improve the user's exercise techniques.

Thus, the method 500 may provide real-time training instructions for a user of an exercise apparatus. It should be noted that the method 500 is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 500 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 600 to modify one or more settings of an exercise apparatus. In one configuration, the method 600 may be implemented by the device capture apparatus 104 and the device output apparatus 106 of FIG. 1, 2, 3, or 4 as well as the command receiving module 202 of FIG. 2 or 3.

At block 602, an activity of a user of an exercise apparatus may be captured, as described above. At block 604, a command to modify a setting of the exercise apparatus may be received. In another embodiment, the captured data of the user using the exercise apparatus may not be transmitted to a remote computing device. The captured data may be analyzed by the analysis module 302 of FIG. 3. The analysis may automatically identify ways the user could improve his/her exercise technique. Based on the analysis, a command may be generated to modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus. The generated commands may be communicated from the analysis module 304 and received by the command receiving module 202 at block 604.

In one embodiment, at block 606, the one or more settings of the exercise apparatus may be modified based on the received command. For example, the speed of the exercise apparatus may be increased or decreased, the resistance of the exercise apparatus may be increased or decreased, the incline of the apparatus may be increased or decreased, and the like. The settings may be modified automatically by the exercise apparatus. In another embodiment, the commands may be outputted to the user of the exercise apparatus. The user may then manually change the settings of the exercise apparatus based on the received command.

Thus, the method 600 may provide a command to modify various settings of an exercise apparatus based on captured activities of the user of the exercise apparatus. It should be noted that the method 600 is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 600 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to automatically modify settings of an exercise apparatus based on the activity of the user of the exercise apparatus. In one configuration, the method 700 may be implemented by the data capture apparatus 104, the data output apparatus 106, the analyzing module 302, the command generation module 304, and the command receiving module 202, of FIG. 1, 2, 3, or 4.

At block 702, an activity of a user of an exercise apparatus may be captured. At block 704, data representing the captured activity may be analyzed. The captured data may be analyzed to identify one or more areas of improvement relating to the user's exercise technique on the exercise apparatus. For example, the captured data of the user may indicate that a user is running or walking on the exercise apparatus with a pronated foot position. At block 706, a command may be generated to modify a setting of the exercise apparatus based on the analysis of the captured data. For example, a command may be generated to increase the incline of the exercise apparatus, which may improve the pronated foot position of the user. At block 708, the setting of the exercise apparatus may be modified automatically based on the generated command. As a result, the incline of the apparatus may be automatically increased and the activity of the user may continue to be captured and monitored to determine if the increased incline improves the foot position of the user.

Thus, the method 700 may provide for automatically modifying a setting of an exercise apparatus based on analysis of data representing the activity of a user. It should be noted that the method 700 is just one implementation and that the operations of the method 700 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a computer system 810 suitable for implementing the present systems and methods. The computer system 810 may be an example of the exercise apparatus 102 and/or the computing device 110 of FIG. 1, 2, 3, or 4. Computer system 810 includes a bus 812 which interconnects major subsystems of computer system 810, such as a central processor 814, a system memory 817 (typically RAM, but which may also include ROM, flash RAM, or the like), an input/output controller 818, an external audio device, such as a speaker system 820 via an audio output interface 822, an external device, such as a display screen 824 via display adapter 826, serial ports 828 and 830, a keyboard 832 (interfaced with a keyboard controller 833), multiple USB devices 892 (interfaced with a USB controller 891), a storage interface 834, a floppy disk unit 837 operative to receive a floppy disk 838, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card 835A operative to connect with a Fibre Channel network 890, a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card 835B operative to connect to a SCSI bus 839, and an optical disk drive 840 operative to receive an optical disk 842. Also included are a mouse 846 (or other point-and-click device, coupled to bus 812 via serial port 828), a modem 847 (coupled to bus 812 via serial port 830), and a network interface 848 (coupled directly to bus 812).

Bus 812 allows data communication between central processor 814 and system memory 817, which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously noted. The RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and application programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices. Applications resident with computer system 810 are generally stored on and accessed via a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a hard disk drive (e.g., fixed disk 844), an optical drive (e.g., optical drive 840), a floppy disk unit 837, or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data communication technology when accessed via network modem 847 or interface 848.

Storage interface 834, as with the other storage interfaces of computer system 810, can connect to a standard computer readable medium for storage and/or retrieval of information, such as a fixed disk drive 844. Fixed disk drive 844 may be a part of computer system 810 or may be separate and accessed through other interface systems. Modem 847 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internet service provider (ISP). Network interface 848 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface 848 may provide such connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data connection or the like.

Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a similar manner (e.g., scanners, digital cameras and so on). Conversely, all of the devices shown in FIG. 8 need not be present to practice the present systems and methods. The devices and subsystems can be interconnected in different ways from that shown in FIG. 8. The operation of a computer system such as that shown in FIG. 8 is readily known in the art and is not discussed in detail in this application. Code to implement the present disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as one or more of system memory 817, fixed disk 844, optical disk 842, or floppy disk 838. The operating system provided on computer system 810 may be MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, Linux®, or another known operating system.

Moreover, regarding the signals described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a signal can be directly transmitted from a first block to a second block, or a signal can be modified (e.g., amplified, attenuated, delayed, latched, buffered, inverted, filtered, or otherwise modified) between the blocks. Although the signals of the above described embodiment are characterized as transmitted from one block to the next, other embodiments of the present systems and methods may include modified signals in place of such directly transmitted signals as long as the informational and/or functional aspect of the signal is transmitted between blocks. To some extent, a signal input at a second block can be conceptualized as a second signal derived from a first signal output from a first block due to physical limitations of the circuitry involved (e.g., there will inevitably be some attenuation and delay). Therefore, as used herein, a second signal derived from a first signal includes the first signal or any modifications to the first signal, whether due to circuit limitations or due to passage through other circuit elements which do not change the informational and/or final functional aspect of the first signal.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In order to assist a person that is exercising, as well as motivate the person to continue to exercise, and to enjoy the workout, the present system records certain aspects of the person while he/she is exercising. This may be accomplished by attaching a camera to an exercise machine, placing sensors on the exercise machine, or by positioning any other type of input device on or near an exercise apparatus and/or on the user. In general, the present systems and methods capture the person while he/she is exercising, provide the captured data to a personal trainer or an automated system, receive instructions from the personal trainer, provide the instructions to the person while they are exercising, and alter a setting of the exercise machine.

When the person begins exercising, a communication link may be established between the exercise machine and a computer used by the personal trainer. As the person exercises, a video camera or other sensor may capture the person's movements. These images may be relayed to the computer used by the personal trainer. The trainer may watch the person as they exercise in real-time. In addition, the person exercising may view a monitor on the exercise machine and view images of the personal trainer and/or view images of themselves exercising. As a result, a live video chat session may be established between the person exercising and the personal trainer.

During the session, the trainer may provide tips, feedback, advice, encouragement, etc. to the person while he/she exercises. The trainer may use the real-time footage of the person to identify areas of improvement relating to the exercising technique being performed by the user of the exercise apparatus that the person could implement while he/she exercises. For example, the trainer may identify that that the posture of the person is incorrect and that if the person continues exercising with that posture, their results will not be ideal. The trainer may speak, provide written instructions, provide an image, etc. to inform the person to change his/her posture. The person, while exercising, may view a monitor with a live video and/or audio feed of the personal trainer. The person may receive these instructions via the video connection and modify his/her posture.

In addition to providing instructions, the personal trainer may also input one or more commands on the remote computer. These commands may be transmitted to the exercise machine and various settings of the machine may be altered based on the commands. For example, from the live video feed and sensors attached to a treadmill, the personal trainer may identify that the person's heart rate is too high while the person is running on the treadmill. The trainer may input a command to reduce the speed of the treadmill. The command may be received by the exercise machine, and the speed may be automatically reduced. Alternatively, the person may receive instructions from the personal trainer to reduce the speed and the person may manually lower the speed of the machine.

For example, the video message from the trainer to the user may include instructions to modify the speed, modify the resistance, modify the incline, etc. of the exercise apparatus. In one embodiment, the user of the exercise apparatus may manually modify the one or more settings. In another embodiment, the one or more settings may be automatically modified based on the instructions provided in the video message. As a result, a personal trainer may remotely monitor the exercise activity of a customer and provide real-time instructions to the customer as well as real-time commands to modify one or more settings of the exercise equipment being used by the customer.

The video feed of the person exercising may be transmitted to a location other than a remote computer. According to one embodiment, the exercise machine may include software to analyze the video feed and identify any errors with the person's exercise routine. If errors are discovered, the software may automatically generate instructions to the user to correct the error. In addition, the software may generate commands to modify various settings of the exercise machine in order to help the person correct his/her exercise technique.

In conclusion, the present systems and methods provide for a mechanism by which a person is provided real-time advice, feedback, tips, etc. while he/she is exercising. The motivation for the person to continue exercising may also increase because the person is aware that a personal trainer is able to monitor their exercising technique in real-time. Individuals that are not as familiar with certain exercise machines may be motivated to use these machine since a trainer is able to remotely control the settings of the machine to help the person maximize the benefits of their exercise session with the machine.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

capturing, by a hardware processor, an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus;

receiving, by the hardware processor, data relating to the captured activity; and

outputting, by the hardware processor, the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting data representing the captured activity to a remote computing device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving data relating to the captured activity further comprises:

receiving at least one command to modify at least one setting of the exercise apparatus; and

modifying the at least one setting of the exercise apparatus based on the received at least one command.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one command to modify the at least one setting comprises a command to modify a speed setting of the exercise apparatus, a command to modify a resistance setting of the exercise apparatus, or a command to modify an incline setting of the exercise apparatus.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein capturing the activity of the user relating to the user of the exercise apparatus comprises recording the activity of the user via a video camera integrated within the exercise apparatus.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

establishing a video connection between the exercise apparatus and a remote computing device; and

outputting video data received from the remote computing device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

establishing a video connection between the exercise apparatus and one or more additional exercise apparatuses;

transmitting the captured activity of the user of the exercise apparatus to the one or more additional exercise apparatuses via the established video connection;

receiving video data relating to the activity of one or more additional users using the one or more additional exercise apparatuses; and

outputting the received video data.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the activity is captured by a video camera, a web camera, a digital cameral, a microphone, or a sensor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein outputting the received data further comprises outputting instructions to the user to manually modify one or more settings of the exercise apparatus.

10. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a processor;

memory in electronic communication with the processor;

a data capture apparatus, the data capture apparatus configured to capture an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus;

a command receiving module, stored in the memory, the command receiving module configured to receive data relating to the captured activity; and

a data output apparatus, the data output apparatus configured to output the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data capture apparatus is further configured to transmit data representing the captured activity to a remote computing device.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the command receiving module is further configured to:

receive at least one command to modify at least one setting of the exercise apparatus; and

modify the at least one setting of the exercise apparatus based on the received at least one command.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one command to modify the at least one setting comprises a command to modify a speed setting of the exercise apparatus, a command to modify a resistance setting of the exercise apparatus, or a command to modify an incline setting of the exercise apparatus.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data capture apparatus comprises a video camera integrated within the exercise apparatus, the data capture apparatus being further configured to record the activity of the user via the video camera integrated within the exercise apparatus.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data capture apparatus is further configured to establish a video connection between the exercise apparatus and a remote computing device.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the data output apparatus if further configured to output video data received from the remote computing device.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data capture apparatus is further configured to:

establish a video connection between the exercise apparatus and one or more additional exercise apparatuses; and

transmit the captured activity of the user of the exercise apparatus to the one or more additional exercise apparatuses via the established video connection.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the command receiving module is further configured to receive video data relating to the activity of one or more additional users using the one or more additional exercise apparatuses.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data capture apparatus comprises a video camera, a web camera, a digital cameral, a microphone, or a sensor.

20. A computer-program product, the computer-program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions thereon, the instructions comprising:

code programmed to capture an activity of a user relating to the use of an exercise apparatus;

code programmed to receive data relating to the captured activity; and

code programmed to output the received data to the user of the exercise apparatus.