Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.

Abstract: A physical activity monitoring device receives a workout regimen including a plurality of exercises. For each of the plurality of exercises, the physical activity monitoring device indicates that exercise to a user and measures physical activity attributes of the user. The physical activity monitoring device outputs information regarding the user's progress towards completion of that exercise based on the physical activity attributes.

Abstract: A physical activity monitoring device receives an indication of one or more physical activities to be performed as an extension of a game being played on a game system and measures physical activity attributes of a user wearing the physical activity monitoring device. The physical activity monitoring device determines the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities based on the physical activity attributes and outputs to the game device an indication of the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities.

Abstract: A system and method manage distribution of fitness equipment units based upon automatically collected usage information for the fitness equipment units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a stationary exercise bike along with a display that provides instruction to lead a rider through an exercise program. The invention allows a rider to obtain benefits of a group, instructor-led class though the rider's schedule does not permit the rider to participate in the class. The invention also describes a method of exercising with the foregoing bike and display.

Abstract: A virtual biking system and a virtual hiking method by which a user can bike indoors while simulating actually being outdoors are provided. The virtual hiking system includes a Personal Computer (PC) configured to display a simulation screen, a motion platform configured to move corresponding to a state of a road of the simulation screen displayed on the PC, and a bicycle fixed onto the motion platform such that the simulation screen is changed corresponding to a movement and a speed of a handle.

Abstract: A solution for managing access to exercise equipment in a fitness facility is provided. A planned exercise routine for a user, which includes data corresponding to a plurality of exercises desired to be performed by the user at the fitness facility is used for providing location information for presentation to the user. Each exercise can require use of an exercise apparatus. The exercise can be mapped to at least one exercise apparatus located at the fitness facility. A target exercise apparatus can be identified from the mapped exercise apparatus(es). Location information for one or more of the target exercise apparatuses can be provided for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A device capable of adjusting images according to a body motion of a user and a performing method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a display unit, at least one camera unit, and a control unit. The display unit functions for displaying images. The camera unit captures at least one motion image of the user. The control unit is electrically coupled to the display unit and the camera unit. The control unit receives the motion image of the user and adjusts the display unit according to the motion image of the user, whereby the images displayed by or on the display unit move as does the user.

Abstract: An approach is provided for tracking and analyzing physical activities. Inputs are received from a plurality of users. The inputs specify one or more physical activities. The inputs are analyzed to quantitatively compare the activities among the users. A score is assigned to each user based on the analysis. The scores can be presented to the users over a communication network.

Abstract: A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving biological information from a monitoring device responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime and processing the biological information to generate resultant information responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the first party.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the assisted performance of a fitness exercise, equipped with a fitness tool (2) configured to interact with the user (3) to enable the user to perform a movement along a preset path overcoming the force of a resistant load (7), comprises: sensing means (4) set up to provide a signal representing the movement of the user (3); feedback means (5) for transmitting a signal to the user (3) during performance of the exercise; a processor (6) connected to the sensing means (4) and to the feedback means (5) to provide the user (3) with feedback in real time on the correctness of performance of the exercise, based on a comparison between the signal representing the movement of the user and a predetermined reference pattern representing an ideal pattern for the movement of the user (3) corresponding to the exercise performed correctly.

Abstract: An exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device, and an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system. The remote communication system is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine and generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. The exercise device is receptive to the exercise program, and the exercise program causes the exercise device to simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit remotely-monitored rehabilitation of a patient. A system can comprise a patient monitor configured to monitor a patient's physiological data. The patient monitor can monitor using a first monitoring mode. A patient communication device can be configured to present, to the patient, an option to perform an exercise regimen, and to receive a response indicating whether the patient will perform the exercise regimen. A configuration module coupled to the patient communication device can be configured to activate a second monitoring mode when the response indicates that the patient will perform the exercise regimen. When the exercise regimen is complete, the first monitoring mode can be re-established. When the response indicates that the patient will not perform the exercise regimen, the response can be recorded as a negative response, and the option to perform the exercise regimen can be presented again.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing muscle development are disclosed. A method includes identifying a plurality of parameters of a user, and generating an exercise program based at least partially on the plurality of parameters. The exercise program includes a plurality of exercises. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of exercises, identifying one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise, and determining, for the exercise, a resistance to be applied by the exercise device during execution of the exercise program, in which the resistance is determined based at least partially on the one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring device includes: a setting section which sets a user's age and resting pulse rate; a calculating section which calculates a pulse rate range of aerobic exercise on the basis of the age and the resting pulse rate set by the setting section; a sensor which measures a working pulse rate of the user; a monitoring section which monitors whether or not the pulse rate measured by the sensor is within the pulse rate range calculated by the calculating section; and a notifying section which notifies the user of a result of monitoring obtained by the monitoring section.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for providing outputs to an individual during a physical activity. The methods may include generating performance data based on an individual's performance during the physical activity, providing a first output based on performance data to the individual during the physical activity via a first output device, determining that a second output based on the performance data should be provided to the individual via a second output device that is different than the first output device, and providing the second output to the individual during the physical activity via the second output device.

Abstract: An energy harvester system is provided in and responsive to movement of a motion control arrangement of an exercise machine for converting kinetic and ambient light energy supplied from an environment of the exercise equipment into electrical power which is delivered to a feedback system associated with the exercise equipment in order to provide information corresponding to the user of the exercise equipment.

Abstract: A system and method manage distribution of fitness equipment units based upon automatically collected usage information for the fitness equipment units.

Abstract: An exercise machine equipped with a device designed to be driven to move by the user during a workout, by applying a muscular force against a resistant load and which includes: a detector for detecting the muscular power applied by the user to the device; a display; a computer connected to the display and having access to a memory containing a plurality of values, representative of the power nominally absorbed by a plurality of corresponding electric household appliances, and digital data for graphically representing the plurality of electric household appliances, the computer being programmed for: comparing the power detected by the detector and at least one of the power values contained in the memory; and for generating on the display, depending on the comparison, a graphical output of the comparison, including a graphical representation of at least one of the electric household appliances, generated based on the digital data.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes monitoring accelerations from an inertial sensor integrated into a garment. The accelerations are processed to determine one or more acceleration statistics, and transmit the acceleration statistics.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, devices, and systems to monitor activity. One method to monitor activity includes monitoring activity of an individual including detecting a sensor activated by an individual during the individual's daily activities. The embodiment also includes comparing the sensor activation to a predetermined sensor activation timeframe, determining whether to initiate an alert based upon the comparison, and checking for at least one other sensor activation to confirm whether an alert should be initiated.

Abstract: A device for motivating a user of an exercise machine while working out indoors. The device includes an exercise machine, a display connected to the exercise machine, a processor, and a sensor. The processor dynamically creates a workout in response to initialization information. The workout includes a plurality of segments, wherein a segment of the plurality of segments satisfies one or more requirements of the workout. The processor selects one or more video clips that correspond to the segment of the plurality of segments.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.

Abstract: An embodiment of an exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine. Additionally, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine such that the remote communication system generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. Furthermore, an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system may receive the exercise program and simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine.

Abstract: An embodiment of an exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine. Additionally, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine such that the remote communication system generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. Furthermore, an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system may receive the exercise program and simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine.

Abstract: A mobile/portable multifunction and interactive exercise apparatus which may be usable as a mobile/portable striking apparatus and/or a mobile/portable speed bad apparatus, or both. The disclosed embodiments comprise conversion features and components, and utilize an attachment-free leverage application to create a temporary anchoring for the apparatus. Some disclosed embodiments further comprise an electronic interactive user features and components, and utilize impact sensors, a control unit, and a microprocessor for controlling the play of one or more interactive programs/games in which a participant may play against the control unit or against another participant.

Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating an athletic training program and selecting music for playing during the training program are described. Based on specified parameters, a training program module may generate a customized training program intended to help an athlete reach a goal. In conjunction therewith or independently thereof, a music selection module may generate a music playlist for playing during a training program. Music selection parameters may include training intensity, user speed, user location, user mood, a user's currently performance (e.g., as compared to an expected performance) and the like. The music selection module may select songs from a personal library or a public database of music. Music selection may be made to maximize user motivation/inspiration.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for annotating information collected about an individual engaged in a physical activity. The methods may include a server computer system receiving information collected about an individual from a remote computing device, the server computer system receiving an annotation associated with the information collected about the individual from the remote computing device, the server computer system generating visual display data based on the information collected and the associated annotation, and the server computer system transmitting the visual display data to a remote computing device for generating an output.

Abstract: Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in gaming. Functionality might, for instance, be provided wherein one or more users are, in the context of a video game, presented with one or more real-world fitness tasks to be performed. Various monitoring operations might, for example, be performed. Various compensatory operations might, for example, be performed. Such compensatory operations might, for instance, take into account user fitness levels and/or environments in which real-world fitness tasks are performed.

Abstract: Device (1) for measuring muscular capacity, comprising: removable fastening means (12) for fastening the device to the athlete or to the moved weight (3; 2); autonomous electrical power supply means (15); a display (11); a three-axis accelerometer (14) for delivering a sequence of accelerations (a(t)) along the axis of movement of the weight, said sequence comprising at least 100 measurements per second over a duration between 1 and 10 seconds; and data processing means (16) for determining, at the end of the test, on the basis of said sequence of accelerations, at least one quantity representative of the muscular capacity of the athlete and for displaying this quantity on said display (11).

Abstract: A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions to move a first tag in the input zone from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. Then, the final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.

Abstract: An exercise system comprising: an exercise cycle comprising a crank, wherein the crank is configured to be rotated by a user; and a sensing unit coupled to the exercise cycle, wherein the sensing unit is configured to sense information related to at least one crank measurement and to transmit the information related to the at least one crank measurement to a remote device via wireless communication. In some embodiments, the remote device is a mobile device. In some embodiments, the at least one crank measurement comprises a rotational speed of the crank or a force applied to the crank. The remote device can display information related to use of the exercise cycle based on the information received from the exercise cycle.

Abstract: An exercise guidance system and method dynamically adjusts an exercise route for meeting a fitness objective based upon a comparison of the route and actual received exercise metrics on an exercise device.

Abstract: A method for determining the motive instability of an individual using foot pressure, foot speed and foot direction data collected from sensors on shoes. The sensed data is used to determine the minimum number and the placement of pressure sensors in the shoe. The data from the sensors is processed to extract spatial and temporal parameters as desired. The data is grouped into segments based on a segmentation rule. The trend in each segment is determined. The variability of the trend in each segment is determined. The risk of fall is computed on the basis of the trend and variance. The computation is adjustable by emphasizing certain parameters in order to tailor the instability assessment to a specific individual.

Abstract: We have disclosed a system for sharing information about a first individual who has engaged or is engaging in a first physical activity. The system may include a first portable performance monitoring system that is capable of being carried with the first individual during the first physical activity. The first portable performance monitoring system may include a first processor configured to determine first performance information for the first individual and a transmitter configured to transmit the first performance information. The system may also include a second portable performance monitoring system that is capable of being carried with a second individual during a second physical activity. The second portable performance monitoring system may include a receiver configured to receive the first performance information and a second processor configured to generate display data based on the first performance information.

Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: There is provided a audio pacing device including a sensing unit, such as heart rate monitoring unit, to obtain a parameter, such as heart-beat rate (pulse), of a user in physical exercise, a memory to store a plurality of audio signals having predetermined tempo indications (e.g. beats per minute values); and a processing unit configured to (1) determine whether the intensity of the parameter of the user should be increased, decreased or maintained by using the parameter of the user from the heart rate monitor and a predetermined reference value, and (2) dynamically select and render an audio signal having (or adjusted to have) an audio-tempo that enables the user to accordingly increase, decrease or maintain exercise intensity, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a vibratory exercise apparatus having a frame and a handle, including: upper and lower plates formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval; a vibrator disposed on a center of the lower plate, having upper and lower vibration plates and installed to be vibrated up and down, and configured to vibrate an operating unit up and down by receiving a drive signal so that the upper plate in contact with the operating unit is vibrated up and down; and a plurality of vibration absorbing units disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate so as to maintain predetermined intervals in an edge region of the lower plate and configured to absorb an impact generated when the upper plate is lowered while the upper plate is vibrated.

Abstract: An exercise machine can include a motivating and instructional user interface or display. The interface can include a virtual coach or other encouraging stimulus to provide key motivation for users of indoor exercise machines.

Abstract: We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

Abstract: By combining data from different sensors (on fitness device, mobile smartphone, smart clothing, other devices or people in same location), an intelligent system provides a better indicator of an individual's physical effort, using rich data sources to enhance quantified metrics such as distance/pace/altitude gain, to provide a clearer picture of an individual's exercise and activity.

Abstract: A gait analysis system for training or rehabilitation has an endless belt with pressure sensors underneath the belt to sense a person walking on the belt and an analyzing unit for analyzing the gait of the person. The system further includes an image display system with stored data for displaying images to a person using the apparatus training and/or therapy purposes.

Abstract: An interface circuitry for a gym apparatus and the gym apparatus are disclosed. The interface circuitry comprises: a power transmission system interface to a power transmission system of the gym apparatus; a sensor interface to one or more sensors comprised in the gym apparatus and/or one or more sensors external to the gym apparatus; and a user interface connector connecting the interface circuitry to a casing of a portable electronic device serving as a user interface of the gym apparatus during a physical exercise performed with the gym apparatus. The interface circuitry includes a processing system arranged to cause the interface circuitry to process and provide connections between the power transmission system interface, sensor interface, and the user interface connector.

Abstract: A portable system retrieves one or more exercise programs from a remote communication system that provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an exercise mechanism. The exercise program further includes at least one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control device configured to retrieve the exercise program and deliver the motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise mechanism. A sensor communicates with the control device and tracks one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's performance of the exercise program. Data representative of the one or more measurable parameters can be delivered to the control device for delivery to the remote communication system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance monitoring with body synchronization analysis are disclosed. In one example, a first sensor output associated with a movement of an user foot and a second sensor output associated with a movement of an user arm are received, the user arm on a body side opposite the user foot. The first sensor output and the second sensor output are analyzed to identify a degree of synchronization between the movement of a user foot and the movement of a user arm.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.