CN106955464B

CN106955464B - Athletic performance system

Info

Publication number: CN106955464B
Application number: CN201610908031.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雷蒙德.W.赖利; 凯文.W.霍弗; 小威廉.E.伯纳; 阿伦.M.施罗克; 詹姆斯.A.尼戈夫斯基; 威廉.F.劳赫霍尔兹
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-07
Filing date: 2007-09-06
Publication date: 2020-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2027-09-06
Also published as: CN103028228A; CN106955464A; CN101583403B; CN103120841B; WO2008030484A3; EP2059310A2; WO2008030484A2; CN103120841A; CN103007493B; CN101583403A; CN103007493A; CN103028228B

Abstract

An athletic performance system is provided, comprising: a processing system configured to store one or more training routines for a user; and a communication system configured to transmit the at least one training routine to a separate training device on which the user is to perform at least a portion of the at least one training routine.

Description

Athletic performance system

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application date of 09/06/2007, an application number of 201210405246.8, and an invention name of "athletic performance system".

Data of related applications

This application claims priority based on U.S. provisional patent application No.60/824,822 filed on 7/9/2006. This provisional patent application is fully incorporated herein by reference.

Aspects of the present invention relate to and/or may be used in conjunction with systems and methods of the type described, for example, (a) U.S. patent application No.11/166,351 filed at the united states patent and trademark office on day 27/6/2005; (b) U.S. patent application No.11/177,489 filed on 11/7/2005; and (c) U.S. patent application No.11/188,112, filed on 25/7/2005. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems and methods. Such systems may include components for sensing athletic performance data and/or components for storing and displaying desired information (e.g., athletic performance information) to a user. Systems according to at least some aspects of the present invention facilitate the transfer of athletic performance data from the performance sensing system to a processing system and/or display device, e.g., to enable data entry, storage, analysis, and/or display on or by an electronic display device, including on or by existing electronic display devices that are known and commercially available (e.g., including devices that are not typically designed and adapted to display athletic performance data, such as portable music and/or other audio/visual displays or playback devices). Systems and methods in accordance with at least some examples of this invention allow for more user control and/or alteration of entertainment, motivational, and other audio/video content presented to a user via an electronic device during an athletic performance.

Background

Contemporary technology has produced a variety of different electronic and/or communication devices that keep users in contact with each other, receiving entertainment and notifications. A variety of portable electronic devices are available for these purposes, such as: cellular telephones, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), pagers, BP sets (beepers), MP3 or other audio playback devices, radios, portable televisions, DVD players or other video playback devices, watches, GPS systems, and the like. Many people, while exercising (exercise) and/or participating in sports, prefer to carry one or more of these types of devices with them, for example, to keep them in contact with others (e.g., with a coach or exerciser in the case of harsh environments, injuries or emergencies, etc.), to keep them receiving entertainment, to provide information (e.g., time, direction, location, etc.).

Athletic performance monitoring systems also benefit from recent developments in electronics and digital technology. Electronic performance monitoring devices enable easy and convenient monitoring of many physical or physiological characteristics associated with exercise or other athletic performance, including, for example, speed and distance data, altitude data, GPS data, heart rate, pulse, blood pressure data, body temperature, and the like. However, such systems have drawbacks in terms of, for example, their portability, convenience, customizability, and/or user-friendliness.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present invention relate to athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems and/or methods. Such systems and methods may include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or components for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to a user (or other system). More specific examples of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may perform one or more of the following functions: sensing one or more physical or physiological parameters associated with the athletic performance; storing information about the athletic performance; presenting music or other media content to a user during an athletic performance; allowing a user to create and/or download a training (workout) routine (routine), which optionally includes music or other media content for presentation during the training routine; allowing a user to store information about the content of individual training routines and/or individual training activities; receiving user input to a training difficulty or intensity rating (ranking); receiving user input to rate music or other media content included in or associated with the workout routine; associating user rating information about music or other media content with objective data (objective data) about user performance during a training session at the time the content is presented; modifying a training routine based on user personal input and objective data regarding media content and/or user performance during presentation of particular media content; providing a reward and/or enhanced set of features for a determined, limited number of users or a particular user; determining a cadence (cadence) exhibited by the user in association with a plurality of training activities; comparing the training characteristics of the user with training characteristics of other users, celebrities, athletes, etc.; participating in virtual races, competitions, and/or events (e.g., for charitables, friend competitions, etc.); providing motivational and/or rewarding content, optionally media content, at preselected times during training and/or during predetermined events (e.g., when a user is approaching or reaching a goal, personal best performance, etc.); providing a specialized training routine based on user-selected events, characteristics, goals, etc.; and modifying and extending the training routine by adding one or more songs or additional media content to the training routine. Systems and methods according to the invention may perform additional functions and/or use any or all of the above functions in any desired combination or sub-combination.

Additional methods of the present invention pertain to user interfaces for operating and performing athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems (such as operating and/or performing systems of the types described above). Such a user interface may be presented on a display device, such as a display device of a computer and/or a display device of a portable electronic device (e.g., a device carried by a user during an athletic performance). User interfaces in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may use common interface interaction elements, features, and/or functions, such as those found in commercially available user interfaces for computers and/or electronic devices, such as those found in graphical user interfaces for WINDOWS-based Computer systems (available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington), MACINTOSH-based Computer systems (available from Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino, California), and so forth; elements, features and/or functions found in commercially available cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, and/or audio/video playback devices, such as IPOD systems (commercially available from Apple Computer, Inc, of Cupertino, California).

Aspects of the invention relate to an athletic performance system, including: a processing system configured to store one or more training routines for a user; and a communication system configured to transmit the at least one training routine to a separate training device on which the user is to perform at least a portion of the at least one training routine.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention and at least some features and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features throughout the figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system and example environment in which various aspects and features of the present invention may be practiced or used;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic interface/output or display device combination in accordance with at least some examples of this invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic line drawing showing components provided in one example of an electronic interface device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic line drawing showing components provided in one example of an athletic performance sensing system according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an athletic performance sensing system according to this invention, in which an athletic performance data sensor or collection device is mounted in an article of footwear;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of electronic communication between an athletic performance sensing system and an external device in accordance with at least some examples of this invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of electronic communication between an athletic performance sensing system and a remote system (e.g., a system for storing, tracking, and/or analyzing performance data and/or a system for providing training routine and/or other data) in accordance with at least some examples of this invention;

fig. 8-19 illustrate various example features that may be provided in and/or controlled by a user interface of an athletic performance sensing system according to at least some examples of this invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description of various examples of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various structures, embodiments, and examples in which aspects of the invention may be used and practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made to various illustrated and described elements or steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. Aspects of the present invention relate to any of the components, features, elements or steps described as part of the following systems, methods and user interfaces, and to any desired combination or sub-combination of such components, features, elements or steps.

I. General description of a system for practicing aspects of the invention

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to systems and apparatus for athletic performance sensing, e.g., measuring, processing, storing, and/or outputting physical and/or physiological data associated with an athletic event, exercise routine, or other physical or athletic performance (the terms "athletic performance" and "workout routine" are used in this specification to generically refer to any type of athletic event, exercise (training), routine, etc., including an event performed as a workout, an event performed as part of an actual competition, etc.). Some more specific aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for providing athletic performance data to an electronic device to enable display, further processing, output, and/or storage of athletic performance information and/or data. In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the electronic output device may be (and/or may include at least some functionality of) an existing and commercially available electronic audio, video, and/or alphanumeric display or output device (such as a cellular telephone, watch, PDA, pager, MP3 player, audio player, radio, portable television, portable DVD player, video playback device, etc.). At least some examples of systems and methods according to this invention may include or use an "adapter" or other interface system or device: (a) for receiving data from the athletic performance sensing system and (b) for sending data to an output device, optionally with some intervening data processing to place the data in a desired form or format, e.g., for direct output on the output device, for storage, for transmission, etc. The interface system or device, when present and/or necessary, can be physically plugged into an existing port or receptacle provided in the output device (such as a universal serial bus port, serial port, parallel port, or other data or power (power)/recharger input port), including into an existing port known and used in commercially available electronic devices. An advantage of this optional feature is that it provides the owner of an existing electronic device (e.g., an electronic device of the type described above) with the ability to display, store, output, and/or retransmit physical or physiological data collected during an athletic performance (e.g., during walking, running, cycling, rowing, etc., the user may view the performance data (e.g., speed, distance, heart rate, etc.) on an MP3 audio playback device display or other electronic device display and/or receive audio information via headphones connected to an MP3 player or other device with audio capabilities, etc.). If desired, the electronic device may receive and/or process the performance data directly, in which case the interface device may be omitted.

More specific examples of some aspects of the invention are as follows.

A. Receiving subjective user input to control training parameters

Aspects of the present invention relate to athletic performance tracking and/or control systems, methods, and computer interfaces. For example, such a system may include: (a) a display system (e.g., a display screen, an audio/video output system, etc.) that presents training information to a user, wherein the training information includes information about a training routine of the user; (b) a user interface system that prompts a user to enter a first input regarding a desired training intensity parameter of a training routine, wherein the user interface system prompts the user to enter the first input after the training routine has begun; (c) an input system for receiving a first input; and (d) a processing system programmed and adapted to perform at least one function selected from the group consisting of: (i) estimate a training routine in view of the first input, (ii) provide a revised training routine based at least in part on the first input, and/or (iii) modify at least one parameter of the training routine based on the first input. Some or all of these functions may be performed in and/or provided by a small, hand-held, or other portable electronic device (e.g., a device that may be carried by a user during a training routine), if desired.

Tracking and/or control systems in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may further include one or more sensors that sense physical or physiological characteristics of the user's participation in the training routine. One or more sensors may sense one or more physical or physiological characteristics associated with the athletic performance, such as, for example, characteristics of the type described in more detail below. The athletic performance data presented by the display system may include information based on output from the sensors (e.g., speed information, distance information, timing information, heart rate, pulse, etc.).

The user interface system may prompt the user to enter the first input at any desired time during the athletic performance. For example, the user interface system may prompt the user for the first input (e.g., an indication requesting a desired training intensity level) during an initial training activity of the overall training routine (e.g., an initial warm-up time period within the first 5 to 10% of the overall training routine time period, within the first 5 to 10% of a separate training activity within the overall training routine). As another example, the user interface system may prompt the user for this first input for the end of a training activity included in the training routine and/or toward the end of the entire training routine (e.g., if the user's training results up to this time have the user in a position where they can achieve personal best performance, achieve a goal or milestone level, etc.; for the end of a warm-up period; immediately prior to starting a new activity in the training routine, etc.). In some cases or under some conditions, the user interface system may require user input indicating whether a training activity (or an entire training routine) should be extended (e.g., by a determined period of time, by adding one or more songs to an existing training routine or activity, etc.).

When appropriate (e.g., in response to user input), the processing system may provide a revised training routine or modify at least one parameter of an existing training routine in a number of different ways. For example, based on user input, the training routine may be revised or modified in the following manner: increasing a time period associated with at least one training activity in a training routine; reducing a time period associated with at least one training activity in a training routine; increasing a resistance level associated with use of a piece of exercise equipment for training at least one training activity in a routine; reducing a level of resistance associated with use of a piece of exercise equipment for training at least one training activity in a routine; increasing a training speed associated with use of at least one exercise device in a training routine; reducing a training speed associated with use of at least one exercise device in a training routine; increasing a hill climb, step count goal, or rise change parameter associated with use of at least one exercise device in a workout routine; reducing a hill climb, step count goal, or rise change parameter associated with use of at least one exercise device in a training routine; increasing a distance parameter or goal associated with at least one training activity in a training routine; reducing a distance parameter or goal associated with at least one training activity in a training routine; adding one or more training activities to a training routine; removing one or more activities from the training routine; and/or to change activities or goals in the training routine. Other ways of modifying or revising the training convention are possible without departing from this invention.

Further aspects of the invention relate to methods for tracking and/or controlling exercise routines or activities included in athletic performance (e.g., methods performed by various systems described above, such as methods performed in or by one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during an exercise routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received). Examples of such methods and steps included therein are described above in terms of operating the above-described example systems, and they will be described in more detail below.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to user interfaces for operating, receiving user input, and/or performing athletic performance tracking and/or control systems, e.g., including the systems and methods described above. User interfaces in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may be provided on one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during a training routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received. Such user interfaces and example components and features thereof are generally described above with respect to operating the above-described system and performing the above-described method, and they will be described in greater detail below.

B. Athletic performance tracking system, method, and user interface using subjective user input

Another aspect of the invention relates to athletic performance tracking systems, methods, and computer-presented user interfaces. Such a system may include: (a) a processing system programmed and adapted to receive input indicative of at least a first parameter associated with the athletic performance of the user during a training session (e.g., physical or physiological data associated with the training session, such as speed information, distance information, timing information, heart rate information, pulse information, etc.); and (b) an input system that receives user input that ranks or characterizes the strength or difficulty of the training routine. The processing system may be further programmed and adapted to present objective data (e.g., speed information, distance information, timing information, heart rate information, pulse information, etc.) to a user regarding a training routine. Using subjective input by the user (and optionally objective data, when present), systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may better tailor future training routines or parameters, e.g., to help better maintain the user's interests, help the user better improve their health and/or reach their health goals, and/or help prevent pain, over-exercise, etc.

Systems in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may further include a storage system that stores data about a plurality of training routines performed by the user and/or stores user input that ranks or characterizes the intensity or difficulty of individual training routines. Such a storage system may form part of the user's portable device (e.g., a device carried by the user and/or used during a training routine) or be provided as part of a remote system, such as the user's personal computer and/or a remote networked computer (optionally a computer to which at least some portion of the user's portable device is connected and to which at least some portion of the user's portable device ultimately transmits data to and/or receives data from).

Athletic performance tracking systems in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may further include a training routine design system for designing future training routines based at least in part on user input that ranks or characterizes the strength or difficulty of the training routine. For example, for training that is rated as "too difficult" or "too strenuous," systems according to at least some examples of this invention design future training to be somewhat less difficult or strenuous (e.g., to help prevent pain, over-exercise, frustration, etc.). On the other hand, for exercises that are rated as "too easy," systems according to at least some examples of this invention will design future exercises to be somewhat less easy, e.g., to help users improve their health and/or achieve their health goals better or faster.

Further aspects of the invention pertain to methods for tracking athletic performance (e.g., methods performed by various systems described above, such as methods performed in or by one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during a training routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received from). Examples of such methods and steps included therein are described above in terms of operating the above-described example systems, and they will be described in more detail below.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to user interfaces for operating athletic performance tracking systems, receiving user input, and/or performing athletic performance tracking methods, e.g., including the systems and methods described above. User interfaces in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may be provided on one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during a training routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received. Such user interfaces and example components and features thereof are generally described above with respect to operating the above-described system and performing the above-described method, and they will be described in greater detail below.

C. Athletic performance sensing system with media content control including use of subjective user input

Another aspect of the invention pertains to an athletic performance sensing system that includes, for example, a media content presentation as part of a training routine (optionally including media content data or data identifying desired media content as a primary part of the data providing or proposing the desired training routine). Users may create their own training routines or download existing ones, and they may further control (or "mix") the media content to be played or presented during the course of the training routine. The data providing or suggesting training routine information may additionally include data for presenting the desired media content or data pointing to a memory location (optionally from an external source) and/or allowing retrieval or presentation of the desired media content. In addition, however, systems, methods, and computer interfaces in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may allow users to input their subjective reactions to media content presented during a training routine. For example, such a system may include: (a) a processing system programmed and adapted to receive input indicative of at least a first parameter associated with a user's performance during a training session, wherein the first parameter comprises physical or physiological data (e.g., speed, distance, timing, pulse and/or heart rate information, etc.) associated with the training session; (b) a media content presentation system for retrieving and/or presenting media content (e.g., a video display, an audio display (such as an MP3 or other music playback device, etc.) to a user during a workout routine; and (c) an input system that receives user input that rates or characterizes a user's subjective reaction to the presented media content. This user input may be used, at least in part, to control future placement of the media content (e.g., increase its playback frequency, decrease its playback frequency, eliminate it from a play library, promote it as a "motivational song" or "final motivational song," etc.).

The processing system in at least some examples of this aspect of the invention may be further programmed and adapted to: (a) associate characteristics of the presented media content with at least one physical or physiological parameter associated with the user's performance during the training routine, and/or (b) display objective data including information about the parameter. In this manner, users may also view objective data regarding their training, if desired, before changing the state and/or future placement of the media content to see how the media content actually affects their performance (e.g., how the performance improves during playback of the media content, etc.).

Further aspects of the invention pertain to methods for sensing athletic performance data (e.g., methods performed by various systems described above, such as methods performed in one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during a training routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received, or methods performed by such devices). Examples of such methods and steps included therein are described above in terms of operating the above-described example systems, and they will be described in more detail below.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to user interfaces for operating athletic performance sensing systems, receiving user input, and/or performing athletic performance sensing methods, e.g., including the systems and methods described above. User interfaces in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may be provided on one or more users 'portable devices (e.g., carried during a training routine) and/or one or more personal computers and/or remote computers to which the users' portable devices may be connected and to which data may be sent and/or received. Such user interfaces and example components and features thereof are generally described above in terms of operating the above-described systems and performing the above-described methods, and they will be described in greater detail below.

Specific examples of the invention

While example aspects and features of the invention are generally described above, the following detailed description in conjunction with fig. 1-19 provides more detailed examples of electronic devices and athletic performance sensing systems and methods according to examples of the invention, as well as example user interfaces for operating such systems and performing such methods. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description constitutes descriptions of examples of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

A. Description of various components of an example sensing system according to the invention

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system and environment in which various aspects of the present invention can be used. As shown in fig. 1, an individual 100 involved in an athletic performance or training action may have one or more sensing devices 102(a), 102(b), 102(c), and 102(d) included on their body, their clothing, their shoes, their equipment, and the like. These sensing devices may sense data associated with the athletic performance, including, for example, physical or physiological data associated with the athletic performance. As some more specific examples, in the environment illustrated in fig. 1, sensors 102(a) and/or 102(b) may sense step counts and data associated with such activity (e.g., for pedometer type speed and/or distance measurements), GPS data (e.g., location and/or altitude data, time data, etc.), step impact force data (e.g., for active impact attenuation control), jump height data, etc. The sensor 102(c) may sense pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, hydration level, etc., and the sensor 102(d) may sense heart rate, EKG data, etc. Of course, any number of sensors may be provided, and such sensors may sense any desired type of athletic performance information (e.g., one or more physical or physiological parameters) without departing from this invention. Additional examples of possible types of data regarding athletic performance that may be sensed and/or collected include, but are not limited to, route data; atmospheric temperature data; atmospheric humidity data; atmospheric pressure data; the insole part compresses data; air call-in rate or volume data; air exhalation rate or volume data; EEG data; blood gas content data, etc.

As will be described in detail below, a user 100 according to exemplary systems and methods of the present invention may be involved in a wide variety of different athletic performance and/or training activities, including, for example: various activities that use exercise machines (e.g., in gymnasiums), such as running machines, cycling machines, elliptical exercise machines, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, cross-country ski simulators, weight lifts, rowing machines, and the like; and various athletic activities that may or may not be directly related to the use of exercise machines or other equipment, such as running, walking, yoga, dancing, pilates, stretching, lifting (with free weight), fighting exercises, taekwondo (tae bo), boxing, wrestling, rowing (wrew), rowing (rowing), kayaking (kayaking), team-based sports (such as baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, american football, etc.), athletic tracking, and field items, among others. Systems and methods according to at least some aspects of the present invention may receive input data indicative of the type of activity the user is involved in, e.g., by manual user input, automatically via electronic communication utilizing portions of the system according to the present invention, semi-automatically in response to a user's command, etc., as will be described in more detail below.

The various sensors, e.g., 102(a) through 102(d), may also be portable and carried by the individual 100 in any desired manner without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, one or more sensors (e.g., such as sensors 102(a) and 102(b) in the illustrated example) may be mounted in or on a piece of footwear 104, provided in or on a piece of athletic apparel (e.g., as arm band 106 including sensor 102(c) in this example, in a shirt, shorts, pants, sock, headband, etc.), and/or carried with a piece of athletic equipment (e.g., such as a bicycle, bat, racquet, golf club (club), vehicle, ball, etc.). As further examples, as illustrated in fig. 1, the sensing device 102(d) may be mounted directly on the body of the athlete 100, e.g., via an adhesive, tape, hook, other mechanical connector, or the like.

The sensing systems and/or devices 102(a) -102 (d), as well as any data transfer system associated therewith (e.g., a wireless transmission or transceiver device 108 (e.g., an RFID element, a radio transceiver, etc.) such as that shown in fig. 1 and described below, for example) may be mounted on and/or in footwear, clothing, athletic equipment, adhesive substrates (adhesive substrates), etc. in any desired manner, including via, for example, clips, adhesives, stitches, in pockets, in suitable containers, via hook and loop fasteners, via other fasteners or mechanical structures, etc. alternatively, if desired, the sensing systems or devices 102(a) -102 (d) may be integrally formed with and/or part of an item of footwear, an item of clothing, an item of athletic equipment, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention (e.g., installed therein, optionally in a permanent or freely removable manner, etc.). If desired, one or more sensing devices and their/their associated one or more data transfer systems 108 may be included as part of a single structure, e.g., mounted in a common housing and/or on a common printed circuit board, connected to one another, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, if desired, the housing (if present) may be equipped with an ON/OFF switch; having an operating light (e.g., LED, etc.) or other indicator, for example, to indicate power status (e.g., on/off), power supply (power supply) status (e.g., charging operating on a battery), remaining battery life, data reception and/or processing status (e.g., standby, reception, transmission, processing, etc.), charge or recharge level status, and the like.

In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, physical or physiological data associated with an athletic performance may be collected by a plurality of sensing devices (e.g., devices 102(a) through 102(d)) and transmitted to output device 110 for display or other output (and optionally storage, further processing, etc.). Any type of output device 110 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, including, for example, existing or "off-the-shelf" output devices 110. More specific examples of suitable output devices 110 include: an electronic device having a display screen, such as an LED, LCD or plasma display screen; a watch; portable audio or other media content storage and/or playback devices having an audio output, a video display, or other output, such as radios, tape players, CD players, MP3 players, handheld computing devices, and the like; alphanumeric display devices such as pagers, and the like; portable video or audio/video display devices such as portable televisions, DVD players, and the like; portable communication devices such as cellular phones, radios, and the like; a portable computing system such as a PDA, hand-held or palm computing system, or the like. In the illustrated example, the output device 110 comprises an audio or other media content playback device (such as IPOD (available from Apple Computer inc. of Cupertino, California)) that the user 100 is attached with his belt or clothing (engage) so as to easily carry and use during the athletic performance. The use of this type of arrangement is advantageous in at least some instances because athletic performance data may be displayed on the display system of device 110 and/or sent to user 100 via headphones 140 or other audio output device, and thus the user need not obtain and/or carry a separate display device to enable the athletic performance data to be displayed or transmitted (thereby reducing weight, expense, and processing difficulty).

One cannot simply begin transmitting athletic performance data from the sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) to the existing electronic device 110 and expect the device 110 to operate to receive the data and display it in a desired format (and/or in a user-controllable form or format). Thus, as shown in fig. 1 and illustrated in more detail in fig. 2, systems and methods in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include an electronic interface device 112 that is physically inserted into the electronic device 110 (e.g., in a releasable manner) and carried with the electronic device 110 during an athletic performance. As shown in more detail in fig. 2, the electronic interface device 112 of this example includes a connector system 114 that is physically inserted into and connected with an existing input port 116 provided on the model of the electronic device 110. The input port 116 to which the connector system 114 of the interface device 112 is connected may be any type of input port provided on the electronic device 110, such as a data input port (e.g., a parallel port, a serial port, a USB port, a headset or other receptacle or port, etc.), for example, similar to input ports used in existing electronic devices for data input, synchronization, recharging, AC power, etc. The connector system 114 may include suitable connection means, such as wires, pins, electronic connectors, etc., for making electrical or other suitable connections with corresponding elements provided in the input port 116 of the electronic device 110 (e.g., to allow electronic and/or data communication between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110). If desired or desired, additional securing elements (securing elements) may be provided to fixedly hold the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110 together, such as straps, hooks, clasps, clips, retaining elements, mechanical connectors, and the like.

In operation, the electronic interface device 112 may receive signals from one or more external sources, such as a plurality of sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d), for example, send the signals via a data transfer system 108 included with the sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) to a data receiving device or system 118 (e.g., a wireless receiver or transceiver device, a wireless transceiver, an infrared receiver, a light source receiver, etc.) provided in the interface device 112 or provided with the interface device 112. If desired, the data transmission system 108 and the data reception system 118 may each include the capability of receiving input data and transmitting output data without departing from the scope of the present invention (of course, separate receiving and transmitting devices or systems may be provided on each of the sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) and the interface device 112, if needed or desired). Although a wireless communication protocol is illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, any desired manner of communication between the sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) and the interface device 112 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, including wired connections if desired. Data processing is optionally performed in the interface device 112 to place the signals from the sensors 102(a) through 102(d) into a form or format for display and/or use by the display device 110, which is communicated from the interface device 112 to the electronic device 110 via the connector system 114 (which is physically inserted into the input port 116 of the electronic device 110 in this illustrated example). Once input to the electronic device 110, the input data may be further processed if desired or required and then displayed to the user in a desired format on the display panel 120.

Any desired manner of placing data derived from body or physiological data from the sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) in an appropriate form or format for display on the electronic device 100 or output from the display device 110 may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example, if desired, the interface device 112 may be specifically designed and/or programmed for use with one or more particular electronic devices 110 (e.g., preprogrammed and/or connected to work with a particular device or devices (e.g., a particular module, etc.) and provide output data in a form and format suitable for those devices). In this case, the interface device 112 may be traded and sold specifically for a particular electronic device 110. As another example, if desired, the interface device 112 may be programmed at a later time to work with a wide variety of different electronic devices 110, e.g., by downloading display or device driver and/or format data for a particular electronic device 110 from the internet, a disk, or another source, etc. As a more specific example, when a user inserts the interface device 112 into the electronic device 110 (e.g., for the first time), signals exchanged between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110 may identify the devices to each other and/or otherwise, for example, cause a processing system of one of the devices to activate or download driver or setting information (e.g., from a remote or external source, such as the internet, a disk, a memory included with the interface device 112, etc.) similar to the manner in which a personal computer device recognizes newly connected hardware (e.g., a mouse, a printer, a scanner, etc.) and/or performs various setting operations associated with the newly added hardware or software. Of course, other ways of ensuring that the data is placed in an appropriate form or format for display, audio output, or other output may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. This processing of data into a form and/or format for display or other output may occur in the interface device 112, in the electronic device 110, in the sensor devices 102(a) -102 (d), and/or in any other desired component or system without departing from the scope of the invention.

If desired, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the electronic interface device 112 may further include a user input system 122, such as one or more rotational input devices, switches, buttons (as shown in the illustrated example in FIG. 2), a mouse or trackball element, a touch screen, and so forth. The user input system 122 may be used, for example: control one or more aspects of processing of input data received via the data reception device 118, control input data reception (e.g., timing, type of information received, on-demand data requests, etc.), control data output to or by the electronic device 110, control sensing devices 102(a) through 102(d) (e.g., activate or deactivate them, etc.), and so forth. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, an input system on the electronic device 110 (e.g., buttons 124, a touch screen, digitizer/stylus based input, a rotary input device, a trackball or roller ball, a mouse, etc.) may be used to provide user input data to the interface device 112 and/or to the sensing devices 102(a) -102 (d) or sensing systems (e.g., if the connector system 114 or other portion of the interface device 112 is designed to accept input from the electronic device 110). As a further example, if desired, the interface device 112 and/or the electronic device 110 may be provided to a voice input system, e.g., to enable user input via voice commands. Any other desired type of user input system for controlling any system elements and/or for any purpose may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The electronic device 110 may include additional input and/or output elements, such as

ports

126 and 128 as shown in fig. 2, for example, for headphones (or other audio output), a power source, wireless communication, infrared input, microphone input, or other devices. If desired, and if these ports 126 and/or 128 are covered when the interface device 112 is attached to the electronic device 110, the interface device 112 may be equipped with external ports similar to the ports 126 and/or 128, and internal circuitry may be provided in the interface device 112 to enable a user to plug the same additional devices into the interface device 112 as they could into the electronic device 110, and still have the advantages of the same functionality (e.g., thereby allowing the desired data, signals, power, and/or information to be communicated to the user, another output, and/or the electronic device 110 through the interface device 112.

Fig. 3 includes a schematic diagram of various example components that may be included in an electronic interface device 112 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As shown in fig. 3 and described in connection with fig. 1 and 2, the interface device 112 may include a connection system 114 for physically connecting to an electronic device, and a data transmission and/or reception system 118 (e.g., a wireless data receiver or transceiver, an infrared receiver, an RFID receiver, etc.) for receiving input data from an external source, such as a sensor for sensing athletic performance data, a computer, a network or other processing system, etc. Additionally, as further shown in fig. 3, the interface device 112 may include an input system 122 for receiving user input, e.g., via keys, buttons, a touch screen, a digitizer, voice input, stylus input, rotary dial input, trackball or roller ball input, mouse input, switches, and so forth.

In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, electronic interface device 112 may further include a processing system, e.g., microprocessor 300, for performing various operations, e.g., for operating electronic interface 112, for interacting with one or more external data sources, for receiving user input from one or more sources (e.g., via input system 122, via a computer or network connection, via transceiver 118, etc.), for interacting with electronic device 110 (e.g., via output provided to electronic device 110 via a wired or pin connection 302 included with connection system 114), etc. Any number of wires, pins, or other connections may be provided via the connection system 114 to provide suitable electronic/data communications between the interface device 112 and the external electronic device 110 (e.g., such as connection systems provided on cell phones, MP3 players, audio/video playback devices, PDAs, or other portable electronic devices, including now known and commercially available electronic devices). The connector system 114 may be designed to mate with the electronic device 110 into which it is inserted, thereby providing a path for electronic/data communications between the interface device 112 and the electronic device 110. Additionally, if desired, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the microprocessor 300 may include operating system software and/or may process input data from one or more of the sensing devices 102(a) -102 (d) to convert the data into an appropriate form for receipt, use, display and/or output by the electronic device, to change the data form or format for calculations based on the raw input data, and the like.

Fig. 3 further illustrates a power supply device 304 included as part of the electronic interface device 112. The power supply means 304 may comprise an existing battery, e.g., a rechargeable or long-life battery, as is well known and commonly used in the electronics art. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, the power supply device 304 may receive power input from the electronic device 110 to which it is attached (e.g., via input pins, wires, or lines 306 or other connection systems) and use the power source from the electronic device 110 to operate the various elements and components (e.g., the microprocessor 300, the data receiving system 118, the input system 122, any operating lights or displays, etc.) in the interface device 112. As yet another example, the power supply 304 may be connected to an external power source, such as an AC power source, an external battery power source, or the like, optionally used to recharge the rechargeable battery, if desired.

If desired, some or all of the various parts illustrated in FIG. 3 may be mounted, housed, or included in or on the housing system 308, formed in or on a common printed circuit board, or otherwise formed as a convenient module or package. The connection system 114 may extend at least partially outside of the housing 308, may be integrally formed as part of the housing 308, may be a separate element secured to the housing 308 (e.g., by an adhesive or connector, etc.), may be at least partially recessed within the housing, or may otherwise be available to and/or included with the housing system 308.

Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an overall athletic performance sensing or tracking system 400 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. In this system 400, an electronic interface device 402 is physically inserted into a portable electronic device 404 via a mechanical connection system 406 that holds the two devices together, e.g., in a fixed but releasable manner (e.g., via a friction fit, via a latch or retaining element, via a spring element, etc.). Optionally, if desired, other separate securing elements may be provided to at least partially assist in retaining the interface device 402 and the portable electronic display device 404 (e.g., hooks, straps, snaps, clips, clasps, retaining elements, etc.).

The example system 400 further includes a sensing system 408 for sensing and transmitting a type of athletic performance data. More specifically, in this example configuration, athletic performance data sensed by sensors a and/or B (e.g., physical or physiological data associated with the athletic performance), and data from these sensors, is transmitted to a processing system of the sensing system, e.g., a microprocessor, which optionally may cause the data to be stored (e.g., in a storage system or memory (not shown in fig. 4)), further processed, etc. A power source (either within the system 408 module or external thereto) may be provided to operate various components of the sensing system 408, such as sensors, microprocessors, a data transfer system 410, memory, and/or any other components as needed or desired. If desired, the microprocessor on board the sensing system 408 can process the sensor data, change its form or format, or otherwise manipulate the data before sending it to other parts of the system 400, if any. The sensing system 408 may constitute a sensor module such as the modules 102(a) through 102(d) illustrated in fig. 1.

At an appropriate or desired time (e.g., when a data request is received periodically, automatically, under user command, etc.), the sensing system 408 can send at least a portion of its data (e.g., raw data directly from one or more sensors, data derived at least in part from raw data, etc.) to the electronic interface device 402, e.g., for eventual output to a user via the electronic device 404. This may be accomplished, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, via a wireless data transmission system (e.g., from a wireless data transmission or transmission element 410 in the sensing system 408 to a wireless data reception element 412 in the electronic interface device 402), or in any other desired manner without departing from the scope of the invention. Any desired wireless protocol, broadcast protocol, or other data transmission protocol may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Once the athletic performance data is received at electronic interface device 402, the athletic performance data may be further processed, if needed or desired, and then provided to a processing system (e.g., a microprocessor) of electronic device 404. It may be implemented at any desired time or sequence (e.g., when a data request is received automatically, periodically, upon user request, etc.) without departing from the scope of the invention. From here, the data can be further processed, if desired or desired, and then transmitted to an output device in a form suitable for output to a user (e.g., in audio, video, and/or alphanumeric form, etc.).

In this illustrated example system 400, power for the electronic interface device 402 is provided via a power supply 416 for operating the electronic device 404 (which may be, for example, a rechargeable battery of a cellular telephone, audio playback device, or other portable electronic device), as shown by a connection 418 between the power supply 416 and a "power" element 424 via the connection system 406. The "power" element in the interface device 402 in this example may be a component that is simply used to distribute power from an external power source (e.g., the power source 416 of the electronic device 404 in this example) to the various components of the interface device 402. Alternatively, the power element 424 may be omitted, for example, if the internal wiring of the interface device 402 allows power transfer from the power supply 416 to all desired components of the interface device 402. As yet another example, power element 424 may constitute a rechargeable battery that may be recharged independently and/or by power provided via power source 416, if desired.

Additionally, in this example system 400, user input may be supplied via an input system 420 provided in the portable electronic device 404 to control the electronic interface device 402. For example, if desired, a user may enter a particular mode of operation via input provided on the electronic device 404 in which various features, functions, or characteristics of the electronic interface device 402 may be controlled. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the electronic interface device 402 may include its own input system (and/or its own power source), e.g., as described above in connection with fig. 3, without departing from the scope of the present invention (however, utilizing these components and resources from the electronic device 404 helps reduce the overall size, weight, and cost of the interface device 402 and the system 400).

Of course, many different arrangements of various elements or components, including some or all of the elements or components shown in fig. 4, may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, additional components or elements may be included in such a system, or one or more of the illustrated components or elements may be eliminated, without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, if desired, a single electronic interface device 402 and electronic device 404 may be operatively connected simultaneously to receive data input from a plurality of independent sensing systems, e.g., of the type shown at reference numeral 408 (see, e.g., the arrangement of FIG. 1). As another example, a single sensing system 408 may communicate with multiple interface devices 402 and/or electronic devices 404, either individually or simultaneously, if desired. Many variations in the overall structure, components, and architecture of the various systems are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

One possible advantage of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be that components and infrastructure of existing portable electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, etc.) may be supplemented and used in conjunction with electronic interface devices connected to and electronically communicating with them to allow the existing electronic devices to additionally display, output, and/or provide athletic performance data to a user without requiring the user to obtain and carry another electronic device. As described above, supplementing the input system and/or power supply of existing electronic devices for their display can further reduce the size, weight, cost, and complexity of the interface device, thereby providing additional advantages. Of course, if desired, a separate interface device (e.g., 112 or 402) may be eliminated and a separate dedicated electronic device 404 provided for accepting and displaying athletic performance data (and optionally performing other desired functions). As yet another example, if desired, the electronic device 404 may be configured to accept input directly from the sensing system 408, thereby making the interface device 402 unnecessary.

Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems may be provided in a wide variety of different environments without departing fromWithout departing from the scope of the invention. For example, as illustrated in fig. 4, if desired, one or more sensors for sensing data associated with the athletic performance (e.g., physical or physiological data) may be provided in the housing 422, optionally with at least a portion of a data transfer system (e.g., wireless transmission or transceiver device 410) and/or other processing or electronic components, e.g., to provide the athletic performance data sensing module or system 408. When provided as a module or otherwise provided as a separate element, these portions of the athletic performance sensing system (e.g., 408) may be provided at any desired location without departing from the scope of the invention, e.g., assuming their data sensing, processing, and/or transmission performance is not affected by positioning (compliance). Fig. 5 illustrates an example system and environment 500 in which an athletic performance sensing module 502 is installed in an article of athletic footwear 504. This module 502 may include, for example, one or more athletic performance data sensors, data transmission systems, processing capabilities, power supplies, and the like (e.g., such as the system 408 shown in fig. 4). Any desired manner of mounting the module 502 in or on an article of footwear 504 may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, such as via a slot, cavity, or receptacle formed in the midsole (e.g., in the heel or arch portion); via mounting pockets or elements; via tape, adhesive, mechanical connectors, hook and loop fasteners, retaining elements, and the like; via a user-removable connection; and the like. Alternatively, if desired, module 502 may be embedded or integrally formed as part of the article of footwear 504 and/or permanently secured thereto, e.g., during footwear manufacture. As a more specific example, under the insole (insoles) portion of the footwear, to resemble "PLUS" available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon^TMready "footwear, the module 502 may be installed in a receptacle formed in a heel or arch portion of the article of footwear (e.g., formed in an insole sandwich portion).

As further shown in fig. 5, the module 502 may communicate wirelessly (or otherwise) with an interface device 506, which interface device 506 is in turn physically connected to an electronic device 508, such as a music playback device or a cellular telephone as shown in fig. 5. The electronic device 508 may be attached to the user's body, clothing, or equipment, for example, so as to be easily carried, moved, and/or viewed during an athletic performance. In general, any of a variety of athletic performance sensing systems, electronic interface devices, and/or portable electronic devices of the types described above in connection with fig. 1-4 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. As a more particular example, if desired, the sensing device on-board module (aboard module)502 may provide step counts, timing, and/or other data, and the electronic interface device 506 may process the data to provide pedometer type speed and/or distance data for output by the electronic device 508. Of course, any type of data may be provided by the module 502 and any desired type of information displayed or otherwise output on the electronic device 508 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Given this general description of a basic athletic performance data collection system according to at least some examples of this invention, a more detailed description of example features, content, and use of example systems and methods according to examples of this invention follows.

B. Description of an example athletic performance sensing and tracking system according to this disclosure

Fig. 6 and 7 illustrate additional features and environments of use of the performance sensing and tracking system and method according to examples of the invention. In addition to running or walking on an open course (opencourt) using pedometer-based speed and distance information (or other sensed information), as illustrated in fig. 1, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be useful for sensing and/or tracking athletic performance characteristics in other locations, such as in a gym or nursing home, training room, home, and the like. The system 600 of fig. 6 illustrates the performance module 502 (e.g., carried by an athlete during performance, in one piece of footwear 504, as part of the athlete's clothing, an item worn by the athlete, etc.) in communication with a portable electronic device 508 via an interface device 506 (e.g., as shown in fig. 5). See transmission indicator 602 in fig. 6. In addition to this communication, as illustrated in FIG. 6, any or all of modules 502, interface devices 506, and/or electronic devices 508 may be configured to exchange data with one or more pieces of exercise equipment 604 or other items, such as equipment or transceiver devices included in a gym, nursing home, or other athletic performance setting.

Reference numeral 604 in fig. 6 may indicate any type of exercise device and/or gym, nursing home, or other athletic performance setting. For example, reference numeral 604 may be representative of a wide variety of different types of exercise and/or practice devices, including, for example: exercise machines commonly found in gymnasiums, such as treadmills, cycling machines, elliptical exercise machines, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, cross-country ski simulators, weight lifts, rowing machines, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, reference numeral 604 may represent various performance venues that may or may not be directly involved in the use of exercise machines, such as facilities for yoga, dancing, pilates, fighting exercises, extension exercises, weightlifting, taekwondo, boxing, wrestling, and the like (e.g., exercise rooms). As another example or alternatively, reference numeral 604 may represent or include an input device by which a user can input (enter) information about the sport or exercise activity he/she has performed or planned to perform, such as tracking and/or field exercises or items, team sport items, free weightlifting, and the like. Reference numeral 604 may also pertain to a body or physiological parameter measurement system, such as a meter, heart rate monitor, blood pressure measurement system, body temperature measurement system, and the like. Using systems such as those illustrated in fig. 6, a user can use element 604 to generate input for tracking any desired type of athletic or exercise activity they are involved in and/or physical or physiological parameters related to their exercise.

A wide variety of different types of data and information may be exchanged between exercise device 604 (or other exercise or athletic performance settings or devices) and the portable device held by the user (e.g., module 502, interface device 506, and/or electronic device 508). For example, if desired, device 604 may be designed to send information to the user device (e.g., via transmission/reception system 606) regarding training parameters for individual training or exercise exercises, such as: data that may be detected or sensed by the gym or exercise device, such as distance traveled, speed, rise change, number of steps, number of climbs, total time, speed or other data as a function of time, calories burned, revolutions per minute, number of revolutions, resistance settings, ramp or incline information, amount of weight lifting, number of repetitions, weight machine used, and the like. Any measured physiological characteristic may also be transmitted to the user's portable device, such as heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, EEG data, EKG data, body temperature, air in/out rate, etc. Transmission/reception system 606 also transmits identification information, such as an exercise machine identification, a room identification, a location identification, other device identification information, and the like. The desired data may be transmitted to the user's portable device at any desired time, such as in real-time (as data is collected by device 604), periodically, after exercise is completed, when the user leaves the gym facility, and so forth.

For systems using pedometer-based information, in addition to detecting speed and/or distance information, it is useful in at least some example systems and methods according to this invention for the sensing system to measure or detect data and information regarding the user's rhythm, cadence, or "tempo" associated with the athletic performance activity (e.g., steps, rotations, changes in foot movement direction, changes in arm movement direction, etc., with respect to time, such as steps per second, rotations per minute, stair stepper steps per second, rowing strokes per minute, etc.). Accelerometers and/or direction change sensors may be used to determine prosody. Module 502 and/or other portions of the portable device (e.g., interface device 506 and/or electronics 508) and/or device 604 may be used to provide data and information regarding the prosody of the user. Prosodic information may be collected for a wide variety of athletic performance activities, including many activities performed at a gym using an exercise device, such as running or walking on a treadmill, cycling, elliptical, stationary bicycle, stair stepper, cross-country skiing, rowing, and the like. In addition to providing data regarding athletic performance, prosodic information may also be useful in systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention for selecting motivational, performance enhancement, or other media content during athletic performance (e.g., for song selection, etc.), as will be described in more detail below.

When reference numeral 604 denotes a facility or venue, it may simply send identifying location and/or timing information (such as the time spent at the venue). For example, reference numeral 604 may include an RFID or other data transmission device 606 that communicates with a user's portable device to indicate when the user enters or leaves a room or area (such as a weight lifting room, an aerobic exercise room, a yoga room, or a prairie work room; a combat exercise facility, etc.) and/or to indicate the amount of time the user spends at that location (such as the actual time of entry and/or exit, date information, total time spent, etc.). If a particular venue is available for multiple activities, calendar or other information may be provided and/or sent so that the transmitting device 606 can also automatically send the type of activity the user is involved in when present at the location or facility. Such data can help users create and/or maintain detailed tracking and/or complete logs of their training activities, for example, even in situations where physical or physiological data is not provided by the sensors. Optionally, if desired, the user can include additional information in their training calendar or log, for example, for tracking purposes, such as user location data; flight or hotel accommodation information; menstrual cycle data; sports item calendar information; target or destination data information; and any desired historical, future, calendar or target information.

Data may also be transferred from the user's portable device (e.g., module 502, interface device 506, and/or electronic device 508) to the exercise device or other exercise or athletic performance settings 604. For example, user ID information may be sent so that exercise device or other training or athletic performance settings 604 may store training data associated with a particular user. As another example, if desired, the user's portable device (e.g., module 502, interface device 506, and/or electronic device 508) may be used, at least in part, to control an exercise device or other workout or athletic performance settings 604, e.g., such that the workout machine settings correspond to workouts preprogrammed into or downloaded into the user's portable device. For example, training information conventionally downloaded from training stored in or available through a portable device may be used to control various features of training, such as: weight machine setting, resistance setting, incline (or degree of incline) setting, target distance (or other total length of time or duration) setting, target calories burned (or other physiological-based parameter) setting, treadmill speed or incline setting, and the like. As yet another example, if desired, the user's portable device may send workout identification information (e.g., workout 12) to the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance settings 604, which the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance settings 604 may then use to provide the desired settings for the identified workout from the information stored in memory. If desired, the data collected as the workout progresses (e.g., via module 502, etc.) may also be used to control the exercise device or other workout or athletic performance equipment (e.g., set or change an intensity or resistance level, shorten or lengthen a workout time, etc.). Of course, other information may also be sent to element 604 from the user's portable device.

As another possible option or alternatively, if desired, the user's portable device (e.g., module 502, interface device 506, and/or electronic device 508) may be programmed and adapted to send information to exercise device 604, e.g., for display by exercise device 604, for transmission to a remote source (e.g., via a network maintained at a gym or nursing home, etc.), and so forth. As a more particular example, as described in more detail below, the electronic device 508 may be a playback device that presents audio and/or video information, such as music, video, and/or other entertainment content to a user. If desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be arranged and adapted to transmit this content to exercise device 604 (or another device) from electronic device 508 or through electronic device 508 (or other portable device carried by a user) so that media (or other) content may be displayed or presented on a screen or other output device (e.g., input panel, touch pad, television screen, audio output system, etc.) provided with exercise device 604. Additionally, if desired, in such a system, an input panel or other portion of exercise device 604 may be programmed and adapted to receive user input that controls the playback characteristics of the media content (e.g., skip songs or other content, play back songs or other content, select songs or other content for presentation, etc.).

FIG. 7 illustrates additional features that may be present in example athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems and methods according to this invention. The arrangement 700 shown in fig. 7 allows a user to send and/or receive data and information to/from one or more remote sources, such as from one of the portable devices (e.g., module 502, interface device 506, and/or electronic device 508) to a personal computer (e.g., at the user's home or office) or other computer station 702 (which may include the exercise apparatus itself and/or a computer maintained at a gym or other facility) and/or to a remote system 704 (optionally via a network connection, such as via the internet), which remote system 704 may be maintained and operated by the user, by a health center, by a gym, or by another third party. This arrangement 700 may allow for more convenient storage, maintenance, retrieval, and further processing of the collected athletic performance data (e.g., as compared to limiting the user interface, data processing, and/or computing capabilities of the overall system to the operations performed by electronic device 508 and/or interface 506).

In addition to storing historical data and information, the arrangement 700 allows data and information to be downloaded from one or more remote systems 704 to a user, for example, to a PC or other device 702 and/or to the portable device 508 (optionally through the interface device 506). Data may also originate from a PC or other device 702 (without the use of the remote computer 704) and be transmitted to the user's portable device 506 and/or 508. In some cases, remote system 704 (or system 702) may be accessible by multiple users (e.g., via a network such as the internet or a gym-based network), and such a system may provide a wide variety of data and information to the users (e.g., each individual user may have his/her own web page, user ID, password, etc.). Possible contents of the exchanged data and information are described in more detail below in connection with fig. 8 to 19 as examples, and the downloaded data and information may include: pre-programmed training; music or other audio/video content; pre-programmed training mixing music or other audio/video content including tutorial (coaching) and/or motivational content; comparing the data; instructional, safety and/or motivational content, and the like.

C. Description of example features of systems and methods according to the invention

One feature of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention relates to the ability to sense and track information about many types of athletic performance activities. Data regarding athletic performance can be entered automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually into systems and methods according to the present invention. More specific examples are as follows.

When performing athletic activities using exercise machines (e.g., such as those found in a gym, nursing home, etc.), users can obtain immediate feedback, data, and information about their activities, including data and information generated by module 502 and/or data and information collected or measured by exercise or other device 604, on their portable electronic device 508. This may be accomplished, for example, by using a system 600 similar to that shown in FIG. 6. If desired, the device 604 may transmit (automatically, in response to user input, in response to activation of an RFID transmission system, etc.) some type of identification data or information so that the electronic apparatus 508 or other portion of the portable device carried by the user can store information to track one or more of the following: a type of training activity (e.g., a type of machine, etc.), a length of the training, one or more parameters associated with the training, etc.

Some athletic performance activities do not utilize machines, but they may be performed in specially designated rooms or areas of a building or facility. As described above, a transmission means (e.g., means 606) may be provided at the venue to automatically, semi-automatically, or manually transmit data indicating the location or room where the user is present, optionally along with the type of activity occurring there (e.g., based on a schedule or other information, e.g., indicating that the user is involved in a dance class, a pula class, an aerobic exercise class, a fighting exercise, weightlifting, etc.). The room may include a wireless transmission system (optionally activated by a separate user, e.g., by pressing a button, turning on a light, checking in, signing off, opening a door, etc.) that transmits data indicative of, for example, the room identification, the type of activity being performed in the room at that moment (e.g., free-hand class, etc.), the user entry time, the user exit time, etc. For example, the transmitted data may be received and stored by the module 502, the interface 506, and/or the electronic device 508. In some cases, sensors included with module 502 (if any) can detect at least some data associated with these types of training, even if not directly related to the machine, such as information regarding step counts, heart rate, pulse, cadence, accelerometer data, or other data. For example, some characteristics or parameters related to training, such as calories burned, MET, speed, distance, etc., may be derived from the data by the electronics 508, interface 506, and/or module 502, and the data and information may be stored. Even if the module 502 is unable to detect specific data about the workout (such as step count, heart rate, etc.), the transmission of room or venue identification data to the electronic device 508 (optionally through the module 502) may be useful to the user, for example, to provide an indication and some record that the workout has occurred, and optionally at least some data indicating the type of workout (which data and information may be entered and included in the user's workout history).

Training information can be entered into the electronic device 508 even in the case of a machine, room, or other location 604 from which data is not being transmitted and/or even in the case where the module 502 (or the interface device 506 or the electronic device 508) is unable to sense data about a training (e.g., when running, jogging, or walking outdoors; when participating in dance, aerobic activity, or other lessons; fighting exercises; free weightlifting; team sports (such as baseball, softball, basketball, football, american football, etc.). This data may be provided, for example, by manually entering training information into the electronic device 508. Fig. 8 shows an example of an electronic device 508 having a display screen 800, the display screen 800 having an example user interface 810 that allows a user to enter information regarding a workout or activity in this case. When a wide variety of information and combinations of different types of information can be entered, this example interface 810 includes a panel 802 through which a type of activity to be performed is selected from the list and another panel 804 through which a type of activity (e.g., an activity optionally not found in the panel 802) can be entered. Additionally, if desired. The user interface 810 includes "start," "stop," and "pause" buttons that allow a user to record time and/or timing information associated with a workout or activity. Again, if the sensors included with module 502 are capable of detecting at least some data associated with these types of exercises, such as step counts, heart rate, pulse, or other data, that data may be collected, sent to electronic device 508, stored, presented on display screen 80, and/or associated with a particular exercise. The collection of data in this manner is useful for providing the user with at least some information indicative of his/her complete training history (e.g., training date, attendance, training length, etc.) even when little or no actual training data is generated from available sensors or available.

Moreover, any desired manner of inputting data into the interface screen 800 may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, roller ball, stylus, pen, touch screen, touch pad, rotational input device, and the like. Such interface systems and input devices are well known and commonly used in the art of electronic devices.

Of course, any desired data information or content may be requested and/or entered via the user interface 810 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As a more specific example, data entry may be requested and/or provided at a lesser level than described above in connection with FIG. 8. For example, depending on the type of activity, user settings, etc., more detailed information regarding the timing, duration, intensity, or other characteristics of the activity may be requested via the interface 810. For example, if the selected activity is "free weight" or "weight exercise," the user interface 800 according to at least some examples of this invention may request to enter additional information, such as the type of weight lifting performed (e.g., squat weight lifting (square), hard lifting (dead lift), supine weight lifting (bench press), hard pushing (fitness press), weight exercise (curl), etc.); the number of groups executed; the number of repeats per group; the weight lifted by each group, etc.; and the like. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the weight machine and/or individual weights may include an electronic module (e.g., such as an accelerometer or the like for sensing a change in direction and a transmission system (such as an RFID transmitter)) that allows for automatic transmission of certain information, such as repeat counts (each up/down movement of the weight), weight information for each group, number of groups, etc., to the electronic device 508 (optionally through the module 502 and/or the interface device 506). The transmission system may be activated automatically, manually, or semi-automatically.

Systems and methods according to examples of the invention may provide a wide variety of useful information, features, and/or data to users. For example, systems and methods according to examples of the invention allow a user to store and retrieve data relating to one or more exercises, which may be stored, for example, on local computer 702, remote system 704, on

portable devices

502, 506, and/or 508, and the like. Any sensed data, timing information, etc. may be stored, retrieved, and further processed and analyzed by the user. Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may further allow users to compare their training routine, data, and/or fitness level to other information, such as: training of their own storage; stored training of other users of the remote system 704 (optionally training of a particular individual, such as a friend, training partner, etc.; users of the same or similar size, weight, age, gender, fitness, etc.; etc.); similar training of well-known athletes or celebrities; and the like. As further examples, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may further allow users to compare their training routines, data, and/or health levels with information about athletic events that they may or may not participate in such athletic events, such as road races, bicycle events, trivia sports, etc. (e.g., "where the time of day ends in last year naval land battle team marathon", "how do i compare speeds of last year's ring law champions", etc.).

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may also be used to provide and/or suggest training to a user (e.g., preprogrammed training, optionally taking into account a variety of factors, such as the user's age, height, weight, fitness, gender, past performance, goals, etc.). Such training may be designed by health professionals, e.g., for individual users, for general categories and general groups of users, and so forth. The training or information regarding the training may be downloaded to portable electronic device 508 (e.g., via computer 702, from remote system 704, etc.), and may be designed to provide information to the user, optionally in real-time, before the training begins and/or as the training progresses. For example, the downloaded training may provide the user with a wide variety of information, such as: real-time training parameter feedback (e.g., speed, distance covered, steps climbed, elliptical, or other rate information, calories burned, elapsed time, etc.); training activities or machine change information (e.g., "you have completed the treadmill, moved to a stationary bicycle for 20 minutes;" machine setup change information (e.g., performed manually or automatically), etc.) when moving to a new machine or activity; information compared in real time to previous training or to the user's "personal best performance").

Additionally, the information downloaded and/or presented on the electronic device 508 is not limited to training information. The electronics 508 can also provide alerts or reminders (e.g., a suitable warm-up or relaxation reminder, particularly when a sudden change in activity is sensed (e.g., by module 502), etc.; an over-exercise alert (e.g., through training on a more continuous or recent date); a nutritional reminder; etc.). Moreover, because systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention are capable of storing information about exercises performed by a user over time, they are able to recognize the user's preferences and provide customized exercises or suggest certain exercises or portions thereof, such that the user's exercise routine changes (helps prevent boredom) and helps him/her to better achieve their goals. Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be programmed and adapted to provide user rewards over time, e.g., based on continued use, achieving a preset goal, etc. Any type of reward may be provided, such as a gift, prize, coupon, discount coupon, incentive audio or video content, etc., as will be described in more detail below.

Because at least some portions of systems and methods according to examples of this invention may receive data from multiple users, users may compete with each other and/or otherwise compare their athletic performance even when the users are not physically located in the same area and/or are not competing simultaneously (e.g., virtual race or competition). These features can help motivate users and keep them interested in training routines. Additionally, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention can suggest new training programs to a user based on the training programs followed by other users (whether or not the "other users" are known to the original user), optionally by similar size, weight, or age; the same sex; other users of the same general degree of health, etc. follow or practice the procedure. Such features can encourage users to compete with their friends or other users and defeat them in a variety of different training routines. Changing the training routine may also help users improve faster, reach their goals, break through the "platform," etc.

While various aspects of the invention described in this subsection are described as providing data and information to and from portable electronic device 508, those skilled in the art will recognize that data and information may be transmitted to and from other devices, such as module 502, interface device 506, the user's PC or other input device or

exercise apparatus

604 or 702, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention.

D. Use of subjective user input and/or feedback in systems and methods according to examples of this invention

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention utilize user feedback or user input in a variety of ways, for example, to better customize training; changing or improving the training entertainment and/or motivational content; maintenance training "health", etc. FIG. 9 illustrates one example of a system and method in accordance with this invention in which user feedback is used to select one or more characteristics of a workout prior to the commencement of the workout and/or at an early stage in the workout routine. As shown, in this example, screen 800 of electronic device 508 displays general features of the selected workout (e.g., individual workout activities) for the workout session in panel 900. At some time toward the start of training (e.g., before, during, or after an initial warm-up period, etc.), the user is prompted to enter information indicating what he or she "feels" today. More specifically, in the illustrated example, as the warm-up period begins or progresses (as indicated by the deepened time slot in the training schedule shown in the display panel 900), the system and method of this example requires the user to enter information regarding the required training level for the current day (e.g.,

input buttons

902a, 902b, and 902c are provided to allow the user to indicate whether "light", "medium", or "strong" is required for the current day, respectively). Any number of possible selections of training levels may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Optionally, the user interface may be displayed to the user along with motivational, coaching, and/or alerting media content, as described in more detail below (e.g., audio content that encourages the user to select a strong training level, reminders of past training, etc.).

Depending at least in part on the selected training level, the characteristics or parameters of the training vary significantly. For example, the type of activity included as part of the training may vary depending on the training level selected, if desired. As another example, one or more durations of one or more activities may be varied according to a selected training level. As yet another example, if desired, one or more of the amount of resistance, timing/speed/distance goal, caloric burn goal, total training time, degree of incline, number of sets of free weights, number of repetitions per set, degree of free weights, etc. may be changed to increase or decrease the "training level. Also, various combinations of the above possible changes (as well as other possible changes) may be used to change the "training level" for the user based at least in part on the user's input regarding the desired training level. Moreover, any desired amount of increase or decrease in training level may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The systems and methods according to this example of the invention may allow for more detailed user input indicative of training level parameters, including user input selecting multiple parameters or goals for an individual activity and/or an entire training, if desired.

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow a user to "continue exercising" (and possibly change) to view (and possibly change) more information about a particular workout or activity, if desired. For example, if desired, the user may perform one of the identified training activities (e.g., treadmill), which action may open another user interface/input panel identifying additional information about the activity (e.g., treadmill tilt, treadmill pre-set program information, etc.). If desired, the user can modify more specific aspects of the individual workout or activity, e.g., through such additional user interface/input panel or otherwise. Any desired number of "continue exercise" panels and/or levels for accepting user input may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The selection and/or modification of user training based on subjective user input is not limited to pre-training, pre-warm-up, and/or early training phases. Rather, systems and methods according to some examples of this invention may periodically prompt users to indicate how they "feel" and/or indicate whether training parameters should be changed in some way. These cues may occur automatically at a variety of different times during a workout or activity, e.g., a predetermined interval of uo; a predetermined time in a workout or activity; when the system senses that the user is too difficult to "maintain" the training; when the system senses that it is too easy for the user to remain trained (e.g., based on pulse or heart rate data, etc.); when the user is likely to exceed his/her personal best performance, reach a goal or milestone, etc. Such features can help motivate users and help them increase their fitness and/or achieve their fitness goals faster, while helping to avoid user boredom and over-exercise (and possible frustration).

Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a display screen 800 of the electronic device 508 providing an example user interface in which a user is prompted to provide feedback during the course of a training activity. As shown, the progress panel 1000 shows the user their current training activity (in this example, elliptical exercise) and the extent to which the activity is completed (in this example, 12% completed). At this time in this example training, the system prompts the user for their subjective feedback (region 1002), asking the user if the training should be changed. In this illustrated example, the user interface area 1002 provides buttons indicating several user options, namely: maintaining an initial training activity parameter 1002 a; increase training activity time goal 1002 b; a reduce training activity time objective 1002 c; increasing the training activity distance target 1002 d; reduce training activity distance target 1002 e; increasing training activity intensity 1002 f; reducing the training activity intensity 1002 g; change to the next activity 1002h in the selected training routine (indicating in this interface area 1004 that the next type of activity is a "treadmill" training activity); pause training 1002 i; or stop training 1002 j. Any desired information, change options, etc. may be included in the user interface area 1002 and/or information similar to that described above may be made available through multiple input screens without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, if desired, the user interface screen may be presented with appropriate motivational, instructional, and/or warning information (e.g., audio or video clips that encourage the user to increase his/her level, etc.).

Subjective user input may also be received and used by systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention after training is completed. Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate examples of user interface screens that may be used for post-training analysis scenarios. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, once training is complete, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be programmed and adapted to provide training information to a user on display screen 800. In this illustrated example, a training summary area 1100 is provided indicating various characteristics of the training, such as: a training identification code (in this example, "training 221"); "distance covered" data; "elapsed time" data; and "average cadence" data. Any type of data or information may be provided in the training summary area 1100 without departing from the scope of the present invention, including the user's physical or physiological data, etc. Additionally, if desired, training summary data may be provided for each individual activity or segment included in a workout (e.g., treadmill, elliptical exercise, weight lifting, etc.), and the type of data provided for a plurality of different activities may be the same or different (e.g., treadmill workout may be different than other workouts (stationary bicycle, elliptical exercise, stair climbing machine, outdoor run, rowing, etc.)). Scroll bars, additional display screens, and/or other ways of providing additional information in the training summary area 1100 may be provided to allow for information other than the information matched within the area 1100 to be included and/or presented on the electronic device 508.

Fig. 11 further illustrates a subjective user input area 1102 on the display screen 800 associated with the post-training analysis. More specifically, the system and method according to this example of the invention requests that the user "rate" the training using the subjective user input area 1102. While any desired rating and/or possible options may be available for subjective user ratings without departing from the scope of the present invention, in this illustrated example, the user has six choices for training ratings, namely: "too easy" 1102a, "easy" 1102b, "normal" 1102c, "hard" 1102d, "too hard" 1102e, and "hardest" 1102 f. Beneficially, in at least some examples of systems and methods according to this invention, this subjective ranking performance (e.g., ranking area 1102) will be provided to the user immediately upon completion of the workout on a portable, user-carried electronic device 508, such that the user's mind immediately reflects the true subjective feel and effect of the workout.

Subjective data may be used in a variety of ways by systems and methods according to examples of this invention. For example, once the subjective user rating is received in the rating area 1102 of fig. 11, an additional post-workout analysis screen 1200 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 12) may be provided. The post-workout analysis screen 1200 uses subjective ranking information and compares actual parameters of a current workout to objective historical data regarding the same or similar workouts to provide feedback to the user regarding the workout, their health, and/or their progress in reaching a preset goal. As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, the user rates the training as "easy" (area 1202) post-training analysis according to this example system and method of the invention compares this training to other training. While any desired parameters may be compared, in the illustrated example, the objective total distance and average cadence data for coverage of the current training is compared and ranked with objective data from previous training (optionally from training with the same or similar conditions and/or parameters, training including at least some of the same activities, etc.). Additionally, in this example, subjective user data is used to provide feedback (in the form of "comments" in area 1204) indicating how the subjective rating of the workout compares to earlier workouts. Any type of annotation and/or other information may be provided in area 1204 (or in some other manner, such as via audio, via email, etc.), for example, instructional feedback; incentives or congratulatory feedback; reward information (e.g., a coupon or a code for receiving a discount on the piece of athletic equipment or clothing, etc.). Subjective feedback may also be used by systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention to automatically modify future training for the user, e.g., to increase one or more training parameters (e.g., distance target, time target, intensity or resistance level settings, etc.) for training indicated as "easy" or "too easy", to decrease one or more training parameters for training indicated as "too difficult" or "hardest", and/or to otherwise modify training to continue challenging and motivating the user while preventing over-exercise, fatigue, frustration, etc.

The comparison of subjective and/or objective training data is not limited to comparison with efforts made by individual users and/or historical data generated by individual users. As described above in connection with fig. 7, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may communicate with a remote system (e.g., via the internet or other network connection), and multiple users may send their training data to one or more of the same remote systems. Thus, user input subjective data as well as objective data regarding a user's training may be compared to training data and/or subjective input generated by other users. In this manner, the system, method, and/or user can compare their training and health to other users, such as particular individuals (e.g., their friends, relatives, etc.); a famous athlete or celebrity; similar body type or other characteristics (e.g., same gender; same or similar age, height, weight; same general degree of health, etc.). Moreover, systems and methods according to some examples of the invention may provide completely new training for an individual, e.g., based on subjective training feedback from a user; training of "references" of others saved in the system (e.g., people performing similar training, people of similar age, height, weight, health, etc.). Multiple users may participate in a virtual race or other health competition (e.g., the first to run 100 miles, the first to lift 5000 pounds, etc.), which can help keep the users motivated and improve their health. Such virtual runs or competitions may also be designed to have charitable beneficiaries, e.g., where the user is assured of money support for running miles per mile, etc. is similar to actual (non-virtual) road runs for recruiting money for charities.

E. Use of music and other content in systems and methods according to examples of this invention

Aspects of the present invention further relate to the use of music and/or other audio and/or video content in an athletic performance sensing and/or tracking system. Such content is useful in a variety of ways in systems and methods according to examples of this invention, e.g., for providing entertainment, information, instructional messages or reminders, motivational content, and so forth. Beneficially, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, in addition to being able to download training routines and/or data as described above, electronic device 508 will also constitute or include an audio and/or video presentation device that allows a user to play and/or download music, video, or other audio/video data for presentation during the training process (e.g., a radio, tape player, MP3 player, IPOD device (commercially available from Apple Computer, inc., of Cupertino, California), etc.).

While audio or video presentation devices may be used in an existing manner, e.g., using user control content and/or output during a training process, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention allow for more user interaction and control of the presentation of content provided during training. For example, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow users to pre-program and/or "mix" their own workout with audio/video and/or other content, e.g., to include desired audio/video content (e.g., music playback, video playback, instructional or motivational content, etc.) at desired times and in desired timings or relationships with respect to various different stages of a workout routine or exercise program. A plurality of workout routines, optionally a user-mixed workout routine, stored and downloaded workout routines (optionally including pre-selected or user-selected music), purchased workout routines (optionally including pre-selected or user-selected music), etc. may be stored in or downloaded to electronic device 508. Also, in systems and methods that utilize an output device, a networked connection, or other computer base or remote station, a user may make their preprogrammed workouts available to others (e.g., "publicly available" or otherwise selectively available to one or more other individuals on the system), for example, for download or otherwise transmission to another user's electronic device 508 over a network.

Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate example features of a user interface that may be used to allow a user (or other people, such as a coach, a practicer, etc.) to create their own customized training routine (e.g., for their own use, for use by other people, etc.). While these figures illustrate using the electronic device 508 for user input to provide a user interface and create a training routine, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any computer in communication with the overall system (e.g., via the Internet, via a wired connection, etc.) may be used to create a training routine without departing from the scope of the invention, such as a personal computer 702 and/or another computer in communication with the electronic device 508 and/or the remote system 704 from FIG. 7. Moreover, while particular user interface elements (e.g., scroll bars, input regions, etc.) have been illustrated and described in connection with fig. 13 and 14, other user interface elements, user input hardware, and/or ways of receiving user input to create and/or change training routine features may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

User-created training conventions according to examples of the present invention may include one or more "parts" where a "part" constitutes a particular type of training activity, such as: warming up, walking, running, cycling, rowing, exercise equipment or gym machines (such as treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical machines, exercise bicycles, rowing machines, cross-country ski simulators, etc.), weightlifting (free weight or gym machines), yoga, dancing, aerobic exercise, fighting, team sports, comforting (cool-down), etc. In this example system and user interface, any combination of activities may be included in the training routine without departing from the scope of the invention, including, for example, gym or nursing home-based activities, outdoor or free-range activities, machine-based or free (non-machine) activities, team sports or individual activities, and the like.

According to an example of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13, a user can begin creating a workout by selecting an "Add part" button 1032 on the user interface 1300 to add a unique "part" or activity to the workout routine. In this example system and interface, adding a "part" or activity to the training routine creates "part" or

activity blocks

1304a, 1304b, and 1304 c. While three

active blocks

1304a, 1304b, and 1304c are illustrated in FIG. 13, any number of active blocks may be included in the workout routine, and other blocks related to the workout routine may be browsed by, for example, interacting with a scroll bar 1306 or otherwise indicating a desire to view other portions of the workout routine.

Once a portion or active block is created, it may initially appear blank or have a line of the "active type" provided (see "portion C" in active block 1304C in FIG. 13). The user may then select the desired type of activity. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, after adding the section or activity block 1304C in the interface 1300 of this example, the user may indicate that it is desired to add or change the "activity type" by selecting the "change" block 1308 associated with the section C "activity type" row. This action may cause a list of possible "activities" to appear (e.g., as a "pop-up box," as a separate screen, as an overlay, etc.), and the user may select a desired activity for training from the list, e.g., using any of a variety of user interface elements and interaction mechanisms and methods as are known and used in the art.

After the activity type is selected, other rows of the activity block may be populated, optionally in a user changeable manner. The type of activity selected may affect the data or information filled in and/or included in the remainder of the input line for the "part" or activity. For example, a selection of the type of activity with which the exercise machine is utilized may be propagated (populated) to other rows of

portions

1304a, 1304b, and/or 1304c to include information about the machine, such as a desired speed, a desired degree of incline, a desired weight or other resistance level, other desired training intensity characteristics, a desired distance, a desired number of calories burned, a desired distance to be performed, a desired total elapsed time, desired machine settings (such as ramping, random, etc.), and so forth. Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow a user to more finely tailor a training routine, if desired, for example, by providing the ability to control and/or change desired parameters of the training over time during a given activity (e.g., change the machine's grade, resistance or intensity level over time, change running speed over time, etc.). While additional rows of a given "part" 1304a, 1304b, and/or 1304c may be propagated in a default setting, for example, when a part and/or type of activity is initially selected, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow a user or other person to freely customize and/or change the contents of these rows, for example, in any desired manner, including in the general manner described above for changing the "type of activity," if desired. Alternatively, if desired, the default settings (if any) may be determined based on any desired information, for example, including historical data regarding the user's total recorded training history, the user's training history for that particular activity type, or other characteristics of the user's preferences or history (such as typical total elapsed training time, elapsed distance, typical speed, typical incline or resistance settings, weight, age, weight reduction/increase, etc.).

As shown in fig. 13, the data input created and related to the plurality of

training portions

1304a, 1304b, and 1304c includes "songs" (or optionally other media or other content) that may be presented to the user during this portion of the training. When the electronic device 508 is a media playback device, such as an MP3 player, an IPOD device (commercially available from apple computer, inc. of Cupertino, California), or the like, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may play the user-indicated song list during this portion of the training routine. If desired, the song or other media content presentation may be more specifically targeted to a particular time or portion of the training campaign. In these ways, the user can selectively and easily control the media content presented during portions of the training routine and activities during the course of the training without the need to adjust the settings or outputs of the device 508.

A number of ways of presenting media content may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may play back user-indicated songs in a user-specified order, in a random or alternating order, in a continuously recurring order, and so forth. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the user may include media content in the list or row of the

portion

1304a, 1304b, or 1304c that will last longer than the assigned time or duration of the activity, and systems and methods according to the present invention can be adapted to handle this in any desired manner (e.g., by stopping playback when the activity ends or changes, and optionally continuing playback from the stopped position or from the interrupted song when the training activity, training portion 1304a, 1034b, or 1034c, or media content list is next used, etc.). As yet another possible option, playback may continue to direct the next training activity to be undertaken (e.g., user input, as indicated or sensed by block 502, etc.) if desired, to continue providing entertainment and/or other content to the user between training activities. Other desirable ways of dealing with these situations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, if desired, the user may be provided with the ability to replace pre-selected content with new media selections during the course of training.

If insufficient media content is specified for the duration of the activity, systems and methods according to examples of the invention may also handle this situation in any desired manner without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a designated song or content may be repeated, a new song or content may be automatically selected (optionally based on other user input or history, such as "favorites" enumerated from the user, from the most frequently played content, from content having one or more characteristics similar to the user-identified content (e.g., content having similar tempo, rhythm, etc.; content from the same artist or same category; content "borrowed" from other users who include the same activity, etc.), other desired ways of handling these situations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The

training portion

1304a, 1304b, or 1304c of this illustrated example includes another feature, namely one or more "motivational song" rows. If desired, a user of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may select one or more "motivational songs". The one or more motivational songs (or other audio/video media content) may be played at multiple times during a training routine, for example, in an effort to help motivate the user to better or continue to perform. For example, when a user of a gym machine approaches a portion of training with the highest intensity (such as high incline, high resistance level, increased speed, etc.), systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may automatically output one of the motivational songs (or other media content) in an effort to motivate the user to expend additional effort to meet the additional increased intensity challenge. As a further example, one or more motivational songs may be automatically triggered, such as: when the user is close to the individual's best performance (e.g., best split time, best mile time, longest total distance, etc.); when the user approaches a predetermined time, distance or location in the workout; when the user falls behind a predetermined pace; when the user approaches a preselected target or milestone, etc. Any desired time, timing, or other parameter may be used to trigger presentation of motivational content without departing from the scope of the present invention, examples of which are described in more detail below. The motivational content may also include alphanumeric or textual information (e.g., in addition to or in place of audio and/or video content).

As yet another example, if desired, the device 508 (or 506) may include an "motivational" hardware button, the user interface may include a "motivational" icon, or otherwise the entire system may present motivational content readily available for manual triggering by a user during a training routine, such that the user can readily trigger the presentation of motivational songs or other content at will (e.g., if they begin to feel drowsy or otherwise feel they are not motivated or fall behind their desired output or pace, if they simply decide they want to speed up or need a motivation, etc.).

FIG. 14 illustrates additional possible features available for training to customize and blend users of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention. In addition to or in lieu of the one or more motivational song features described above, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow a user (or others) to select an audio/video "coach" or other "motivational," if desired, to provide encouragement to the user before, while, and/or after the workout. For example, the content source may be selected using the user interface area 1402 of the interface 1400 shown in FIG. 14 ("Add" button 1410a allows the user to select one or more available options to use as a coach/motivation voice, video, etc.). Any desired audio/video content may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, including, for example, the following human voices or videos: a coach or exerciser of the user; a famous athlete or celebrity (e.g., optionally selected by a user from an external source, such as the remote source 74 described above in connection with fig. 7; stored in memory on the electronic device 508, etc.); a spouse of the user; a child of the user; a user, etc. If desired, the user interface 1400 also includes user interaction and/or input elements, such as icons or buttons 1404a and 1404b, that allow the user to record or import (from an external source, such as the remote source 704 via the network of FIG. 7) any desired audio and/or video content for use as a trainer or motivational content (e.g., the voice of the user's child encourages the parent to actually try to reach a stronger goal, etc.).

As illustrated by area 1406 of user interface 1400 of FIG. 14, a wide variety of options and/or scenarios are available for automatically triggering or activating the coach/incentive content. Any number of different trigger events or circumstances may be selected by the user and used in a given training routine or activity without departing from the scope of the invention (optionally with some delay between successive activations of trainer/motivational content, e.g., to give the user the opportunity to make additional efforts in response to previous trainer/motivational content, to prevent overlapping of content, etc.). For example, an "add" button 1410b may be used to select one or more user desired triggers. Also, different exercises or portions thereof may include and use different triggering or actuation events, optionally selected and determined by the user. Examples of possible triggers for coach/motivational content include: behind a predetermined pace (e.g., slower than the actual trigger pace level; a certain percentage slower than the base or average pace, etc.); near individual best performance (or individual worst performance); training for a predetermined elapsed time; to a predetermined distance or position; reaching a predetermined number of groups or repeats; access to difficult or strenuous parts of training; a drop in pulse or heart rate, etc. Moreover, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may have automatic or default triggers, optionally triggers that are activated in addition to the user-selected activation trigger. The system need not be designed to trigger coach or motivational content during the experience of each trigger event, e.g., if doing so would cause an overexposure to coach/motivational content.

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may additionally or alternatively include and present "bonus content" to the user, if desired. The user may enter and/or control bonus content through the area 1408 of the example user interface 1400. The bonus content may be in a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the invention, such as audio and/or video greeting speech (e.g., similar to the sources of coaching/motivational content described above) from celebrities, famous athletes, spouses, children, coaches, practicers, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the bonus content may constitute bonus songs, if desired, e.g., selected by the user, selected from a predetermined list created by the user, etc. Similarly to the coach/incentive content selected through use of the user interface 1402, a content source for bonus content may be selected using any desired user interface system or element that allows one or more available options for bonus content to be selected from a list, such as an "add" button 1410 c. The bonus content may originate from any desired source, such as from an external source, such as the remote source 704 described above in connection with FIG. 7; in memory on the electronic device 508, etc. If desired, user interaction elements such as icons or buttons 1404a and 1404b can also be used to record or import (from an external source such as remote source 704 via the network of FIG. 7) any desired audio and/or video (or other) content for use as bonus content. Although not shown in fig. 14, the user interface 1400 may also accept user input to indicate a time and/or trigger for activating the bonus content, e.g., for achievement of any type of goal (e.g., run a lap or a split time or distance, or faster than a certain pace; increase the number of weights, groups, or repetitions when lifting weights; increase the incline or resistance level on the exercise machine; increase the total time or distance elapsed during an activity; successfully achieving a goal indicated by a coach or motivational person, etc.). For example, a region similar to region 1406 for triggering coach/motivational content may be used to specify a reward trigger selected by the user.

While the bonus content may be presented at the end of a workout or activity, this is not required. Rather, if desired, the reward content may be presented at any relevant time during the athletic performance, such as for achievement of any type of goal or milestone (e.g., run a lap or a split time or distance, or faster than a certain pace; increase the number of weights, groups, or repetitions when lifting weights; increase the level of incline or resistance on the exercise machine; increase the total time or distance elapsed during an activity, etc.). Presenting the bonus content for a plurality of intermediate time periods can serve the dual purpose of additionally providing motivational content to the user. The bonus content may also constitute alphanumeric or textual content (e.g., in addition to or instead of audio and/or video content).

Fig. 15 illustrates an example use of a display screen 800 of an electronic device 508 to provide a user interface 1500 that includes motivational content, e.g., to help motivate users to extend their workout, improve their performance, and/or achieve or exceed their desired fitness goals or personal best performance. As the training routine continues in this example system and method, the electronic device 508 receives speed, distance, and timing information and compares this information to the user's past training data regarding his/her personal best performance. In the illustrated example, the total distance, elapsed time, and current speed data are displayed to the user in field 1502. In addition, the collected data on existing training in this example indicates that the user is close to his/her personal best performance in terms of total distance covered. Any relevant data may be used to trigger this type of motivational content (e.g., total time, total calories burned, current pace, etc.).

In such a case, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may prompt the user to increase his/her effort and/or extend his/her training in an effort to reach a predetermined goal or milestone and/or set an individual's best performance. The user may be notified of the presence of the prompt on the screen, using audio and/or visual indicators such as a call, a flash, or an icon, if desired. Various types of possible motivational content are described above in connection with FIG. 14. Additionally or alternatively, music (or other audio, video, text, or alphanumeric content) may be used as an incentive, if desired. In the illustrated example, area 1504 of interface 1500 tells the user that he/she is approaching a certain goal or milestone. The interface 1500 then encourages the user to extend the training, for example, for the length of time represented by the at least one additional song. If the user indicates "yes" in response to the prompt, one or more additional songs will be played and the workout extended (if "no" is indicated, the workout will continue and end at its initially specified time/distance, etc.). An interface of the type shown in FIG. 15 may be particularly useful in situations where achieving an identified goal, milestone, or personal best performance will extend the workout in some manner (e.g., extending total time, distance, etc.) beyond the workout parameters previously set by the user, e.g., giving the user the opportunity to maintain his/her initial schedule, if desired.

Fig. 15 illustrates additional possible options that may be available in this case. Rather than simply playing the next song from a list or randomly selecting a song from among songs stored on electronic device 508 or available through electronic device 508, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow users to specify the use and/or select one of their specifically identified motivational songs during this extended training period. This may be accomplished, for example, by selecting the "motivational songs" icon 1506. This action may automatically select a song from a user's pre-specified list of motivational songs (e.g., see fig. 13), optionally randomly from the list if the list of motivational songs includes multiple songs. Alternatively, interaction with icon 1506 can activate a list that allows the user to select a particular motivational song desired at that time, if desired. Other interfaces and ways of providing motivational songs to a user may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

If desired, the motivational song icons or buttons (or other interface elements 1506) may appear in some or even all of the screens of an overall system, method, and user interface according to examples of this invention. This feature may allow a user to easily access and activate motivational content. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the electronic device 508 (or the interface 506 or other device) may be provided with hardware buttons or other hardware elements to allow easy access and/or activation of the motivational content of the user.

Further examples of user interfaces regarding the features and use of motivational songs and motivational song libraries will be described in greater detail in connection with fig. 16-19.

F. Use of subjective user input with respect to music and/or other content in systems and methods according to examples of this invention

As described above, for example, in connection with fig. 13-15, an aspect of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention relates to providing entertainment, motivational, and/or promotional content (e.g., audio, video, or other media content, alphanumeric or textual content, etc.) to users, for example, in an effort to keep users unhappy and/or drive users to improve their health, achieve their goals, etc. Motivational songs (or other media content) may be used at a number of different times during training, such as when a user has an opportunity to reach a preselected goal or milestone; when the user has an opportunity to achieve personal best performance; when the user actually reaches the goal, reaches a milestone, or sets a personal best performance; when the user falls behind a preselected pace or goal; when the user requests to actuate a song, etc.

Fig. 16 illustrates an example user interface 1600 by which a user selects motivational songs based on their own personal preferences. The user interface 1600 may be available to the user at any desired location, for example, provided on the electronic device 508, provided on the user's personal computer 702, downloaded from a remote system or source 704, and the like. In this illustrated example user interface 1600, activation of interface 1600 generates a song library list 1602 by which the user can select one or more songs (e.g., "Song C" highlighted in this example) and add them to an "incentive song library" 1604 using an "add" button icon 1606. Optionally, selection of the "add" button 1606 can activate systems, methods, and/or user interfaces to allow a user to download and purchase media content, e.g., from a remote, commercial, online source, etc., if desired and desired. The "delete" icon 1608 can be used to remove the song from the motivational songs library 1604. Many changes may be made in the content, presentation, and user interaction with the user interface for identifying and selecting motivational songs and controlling the content of a library of motivational songs without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while the above discussion (and most of the following) considers "motivational songs" to describe motivational content, those skilled in the art will recognize that motivational content may be in forms other than songs without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as any desired audio, video, and/or media content; alphanumeric or textual content; for example, by a portable playback device carried by the user.

Fig. 16 illustrates another feature usable in systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention. The example user interface 1600 requests that the user select "final motivational song" (see area 1610). The final motivational song may or may not be one of the songs included in motivational song library 1604; and it can be used in a variety of ways. In this illustrated example, the final motivational song may be changed by selection of a "change" button or icon 1612, and subsequent selection of a different song (e.g., from the general list 1602 or motivational song library 1604), or vice versa. Other ways of selecting and changing the final motivational song, when present, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As mentioned above, the "final motivational song" may be used in a variety of ways in systems and methods according to examples of this invention. For example, if a "final motivational song" is one of the user's favorite training songs, then designating it as a "final motivational song" may cause it to be used more frequently by systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention relative to other identified "motivational songs. In this case and arrangement, the user will hear their favorite song more frequently, but because there are other motivational songs in the library 1604, the final motivational song will not be played in each case that a motivational song is presented. As another example, a "final motivational song" may be reserved for a "special" training scenario, e.g., when the user may reach a goal or milestone; when the individual's best performance can be exceeded, etc., while other motivational songs may be used at other times, such as when excitement is needed, when the user falls behind a predetermined pace, etc. As yet another example, if desired, the final motivational song may be retained for use in response to user input requesting a motivational song (e.g., when button or icon 1506 is selected, as described in connection with FIG. 15), while other motivational songs in library 1604 may be automatically (and optionally randomly) selected, for example, by systems and methods according to the present invention in response to the user's performance (and/or in an effort to enhance the user's performance). Exemplary systems and methods according to the present invention may use the final motivational songs (if any) in additional ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the motivational song library may be omitted from systems and methods according to some examples of the invention, if desired. If desired, a single motivational song (rather than a collection of songs) may be identified by the user, for example, to provide motivational and/or bonus content.

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may provide additional features regarding motivational songs and/or a library of motivational songs. As described above, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be connected to a remote system (e.g., system 704 in FIG. 7) via the Internet or another networked connection, for example. Because the remote system may also receive data from other users, systems and methods according to examples of this invention may suggest or recommend media content (e.g., motivational song content) to one user based on motivational song information provided by other users. For example, upon selecting an incentive song of a library of incentive songs of a person (as shown in FIG. 16), systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may provide suggestions or recommendations of additional incentive songs of the user's library. Fig. 17 illustrates one example of a user interface 1700 for performing this function. As shown in FIG. 17, in the case of selecting a particular song of the motivational song library for the user, the systems and methods according to this example of the invention may review the selection history of that song and/or the motivational song library of other users of the system (e.g., using the remote system 704) and provide a list 1702 of other proposed motivational songs based on the motivational song libraries of other users who have selected the same song for their motivational song library. Once the list 1702 is generated and presented to the user, the user may select one or more songs from the list 1702 to include in their own motivational song library. If desired, a suitable interface may be provided to enable the user to download and/or purchase any desired song, for example, from a commercial and/or online source. This "free sample" icon 1704 allows the user to experience at least some portion of the proposed song or media content, such as a movie clip (e.g., if they do not recognize the content), to provide additional information upon which their selection decision is based.

The offers for additional songs (including motivational songs) and other media content are not limited to offers based on the particular song (or other content) selected by the user, and they are not limited to offers based on selections made by other users who have used the same song (or content). Based on the overall content of the user's song library, favorites list, most played list, motivational song library, etc., systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may suggest additional songs based on other factors, such as: songs from the same artist or group as songs included in a library or list of one or more users; songs that are the same category as songs included in a library or list of one or more users; songs having the same or similar tempo or rhythm as the songs included in the library or list of one or more users, and the like. Other similarity factors may also play a role in making these suggestions, such as similarity in age, gender, hobby lists, and the like. A suitable interface, such as that described above in connection with fig. 17, may be provided to display a list or title of the proposed songs to the user; enabling the user to download and/or purchase any desired song, for example, from a commercial and/or online source (if desired); allow the user to "sample," etc.

In systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention, subjective data input by a user may also be used, for example, to control, at least in part, the use and/or status of media content (e.g., songs, videos, etc.). Fig. 18 illustrates an example. Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may request subjective user feedback about a song or other content as training progresses and presentation of the song (or other media content) is completed. As shown in fig. 18, the user interface 1800 of this example includes an area 1802 that requests the user to indicate how much they like the previous content. In the illustrated example, the user may provide six possible responses to the query, namely: (a) maintaining the song in its current state (e.g., in its current playlist, at the same play frequency, etc.); (b) increasing the playing frequency; (c) adding to a "motivational songs library" (e.g., motivational songs as described above); (d) making it a "final motivational song" (e.g., the final motivational song described above); (e) reducing the playing frequency; and (f) removing it from training. Of course, these are merely examples of possible options that may be included in the area 1802. If desired, additional options may be included, one or more of the listed options may be omitted, other ways of presenting options may be provided, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 18 illustrates another feature usable in systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention. As described above, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may include an electronic module 502 and/or other means to sense, track, and/or store characteristics of a user's athletic performance (e.g., speed and/or distance monitoring systems, prosodic detection or monitoring systems, body or physiological parameter measurement systems, etc.). Objective data regarding the user's athletic performance may be tracked with respect to music or other media content presented to the user via electronic device 508 during training. In this manner, the objective effects, if any, of the media content with respect to the user's athletic performance may be tracked, and the user may make a decision (e.g., that it is included in the playlist, its frequency of play, its status as an incentive song, its status as a final incentive song, etc.) with respect to the particular media content based at least in part on objective data related to the presentation of the content and the user's actual performance. In other words, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be used to identify songs and/or other media content that positively or negatively impact a user's athletic performance, optionally with respect to different activity types (e.g., while running, when using an elliptical machine, during weightlifting, etc.).

As a more specific example, for at least some users, presenting content having a tempo (e.g., a music tempo or rhythm) that substantially corresponds to or matches the user's rhythm during the training activity (e.g., a step landing during running, a bike or elliptical exercise machine stepping on or off, a rowing pull, etc., e.g., each step or performing two music temples, etc.) can positively affect the user's performance. In other words, some users may consciously or subconsciously attempt to keep their steps or other performed rhythms up with the music beat. This action may help these users maintain increased cadence for longer periods of time (i.e., they may attempt to maintain rhythm that keeps up with music even when they are tired and will typically slow down). The opposite effect is also possible (e.g., when music content with slower beats is presented, the user may slow down their steps or perform cadence or rhythm). Thus, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention (e.g., systems and methods capable of correlating user performance characteristics with audio/video content presentation) may also be used to identify music and other content for users that may enhance and/or have indicated enhancement of their performance. In addition, by using data regarding music or other content that has a positive effect on the user's performance, the system and method according to this example of the invention may identify other content having genre characteristics (e.g., similar genre, tempo, etc.), and the system and method may automatically suggest or present content (e.g., songs) to the user. As yet another example, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may change the playback characteristics of music or other content to better match the characteristics of content that is indicated as having a positive impact on the user's performance (e.g., speed up and/or slow down the playback of music beats or music or other content to better match the beats of other positively-affected content, better match the user's cadence or pace, and/or help change the user's cadence, etc.).

As shown in fig. 18, the user interface 1800 includes an icon 1804 that allows a user to request objective data regarding their performance during presentation of an identified song (or other media content). In the illustrated example, selection of the icon 1804 changes the interface screen 1800, as shown in fig. 19, to present objective data regarding the user's athletic performance (if available) during presentation of the song (or other media content). In this illustrated example, a region 1806 of the interface 1800 indicates performance change data (if any) sensed during presentation of the identified song (or other media content). If desired, the user may then make changes to the song status, for example, in the area 1802, in the manner described above, based on the additional objective data. If desired, in at least some instances (e.g., when a strong positive or message performance impact is sensed), objective data can be automatically presented to the user without requiring interaction or selection by the user (e.g., using interface 1800 and/or icon 1804, etc.).

Stored information regarding the objective impact of music or other media content related to the athletic performance of a user may be otherwise used by systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention. For example, by identifying songs (or other media content) that appear to positively affect a user's performance, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be used to automatically present these songs at desired times during a workout (e.g., during a vigorous portion of the workout, when a slowing down is sensed, when a predetermined goal or milestone is about to be reached, when a new personal best performance is about to be reached, etc.). Indeed, using the objective performance data, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may automatically generate a "motivational song library" and/or identify a "final motivational song," as described above. Such automatically generated or identified content may be used in addition to and/or in lieu of the aforementioned subjective and user identified libraries and/or content. Any desired condition or parameter may be used to identify songs or other content for inclusion in the automatically generated "motivational song library" and/or "final motivational song" (e.g., increasing speed or other performance parameter by 1%, 2%, 3%, or more, etc.).

In addition to using objective data as related to media content that is output to provide an automatically generated "motivational song library" and/or "final motivational song," the objective data may be used by systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention to at least partially create a user's overall training routine (including mixed music). For example, a training routine that includes one or more activity types may be created using objective data, where music and/or other content is automatically selected for inclusion and presentation during the training routine (e.g., in an effort to enhance the user's performance) based on objective data that indicates songs or other content that have positively affected the user's performance in the past (optionally based on activity types).

In addition to using objective data from a particular individual to include in the training routine for that individual presentation, objective data regarding certain media content and its effectiveness with respect to performance may be shared with others, e.g., via remote source 704, via a network such as the internet, etc. As some more specific examples, a training routine or portion thereof (including media content) from one user may be used by systems and methods according to the present invention to create a training routine or portion thereof (including media content) for one or more other users and/or to present certain media content (which is found to positively affect the performance of at least one user) to one or more other users at certain times. Optionally, systems and methods according to examples of the invention may also use objective data and media content to at least partially present training routines (including media content) from one user to a user having one or more of the same general characteristics as the user, such as similar height, weight, fitness, training length, activity type, combination of activity types, the same gender, the same hobbies, and the like.

G. Many possible features of the aspects of the systems and methods according to examples of this invention

Many variations on the above-described features of the system, method and user interface thereof may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, including variations on the user interface to include features that are well known and common in the art, such as features of commercially available computer and/or electronic device operating systems. While the following section describes certain possible and specific variations as to the features of the system, method and user interface thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations and/or uses of or inclusion of other features as to these features are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of these specific features should not be construed as limiting or requiring that systems, methods, and user interfaces according to the present invention include these specific features and/or to indicate that systems, methods, and user interfaces according to the present invention may not include additional or different features.

1. Reward program and/or enhanced feature set for certain users

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention are not limited to situations and/or arrangements in which an electronic module (e.g., module 502, pedometer-type speed and/or distance measuring electronic module, body and/or physiological parameter measuring module, etc.) is included as part of an article of footwear or installed in a container provided in the article of footwear. Rather, the electronic module may be included in a variety of different products, such as in an article of clothing (e.g., a shirt or jersey, as shown in fig. 1); provided as a separate element carried or worn by the user; to a user's body, clothing, shoes, equipment, etc. (such as a wristband element or adhesively applied module as shown in fig. 1), etc. Any desired manner of mounting or carrying an electronic module may be used in accordance with at least some examples of this invention.

Even for modules that may be installed and effectively used in a variety of different locations or positions on a user's body or the like, systems and methods in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may provide different functionality to the module and/or the overall athletic performance sensing and/or tracking system based on the manner in which the module is installed, the device to which the module is installed, the manner in which the module is used, the items or arrangements purchased or obtained with the module, and the like. As an example, if desired, users of systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may receive a variety of "rewards" and/or "enhanced feature sets" when purchasing and/or using the module with devices provided by a certain manufacturer (e.g., in the clothing, footwear, and/or other devices, etc. of a predetermined manufacturer).

Any desired manner for providing and/or activating the "reward" and/or "enhanced feature set" may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, an article of clothing, footwear, and/or other device for use with the module may include at least some portion of an activation and/or authentication system that interacts with the electronic module in some manner to provide and/or trigger the availability of a "reward" and/or an "enhanced set of features. Examples of such activation and/or authentication systems are described, for example, in U.S. patent application No.11/166,351 filed on 27.6.2005, U.S. patent application No.11/407,328 filed on 20.4.2006, and U.S. patent application No.11/416,458 filed on 3.5.2006. Each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As another example, if desired, when a user purchases an article of clothing, footwear, or an article of athletic equipment that is "enabled" or "ready" by the module, they may be given a coupon, internet code, password, other access code, or other information that directly provides, activates, and/or provides access to the "reward" and/or "enhanced feature set. Other ways of activating and/or obtaining a "reward" and/or "enhanced feature set" and/or authenticating the use of the electronic module with a particular article of clothing, article of footwear, and/or piece of athletic equipment may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The "reward" and/or "enhanced feature set" may also take any desired form without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, as described above, a "reward" may constitute a coupon (paper or electronic) for free or discounted merchandise (e.g., a discount for future purchases, a discount on an electronic module (or other device) when purchasing footwear, clothing, or devices from participating manufacturers, etc.); a rebate offer; with free additional merchandise of the module and footwear, clothing or equipment purchased from the participating manufacturer, etc. As further examples, if desired, a remote system (e.g., system 704 in fig. 7, such as a website, server, etc.) or other system (e.g., running on or through computer 702 in fig. 7) for receiving, storing, processing, and/or managing athletic performance data may provide enhanced functionality (e.g., longer data storage life, additional interface features, additional data processing and/or display features, etc.) for a module user who also purchased footwear, clothing, or devices from participating manufacturers. As yet another example, if desired, the "reward" and/or "enhanced feature set" may constitute free access (optionally a limited number of free access or introductory periods) to a website or other computer program for storing and processing athletic performance data for module users who have purchased footwear, clothing, or equipment from participating manufacturers (while module users who have not purchased footwear, clothing, or equipment from participating manufacturers need to pay a fee or higher to access the website or computer system, optionally monthly or other subscription type fees, etc.). Many other types of "rewards" and/or "enhanced feature sets" are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

2. Athletic performance data presentation

As is known, existing athletic performance and exercise devices are capable of presenting data and information to users regarding their performance or training (e.g., distance, time, speed, calories burned, metabolic equivalents ("MET"), etc.). Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be programmed and adapted to provide performance data and/or information to a user in other forms or formats, e.g., to be more entertaining, motivational, goal-oriented, etc. For example, for distances that are not only indicative of miles or kilometers traveled, distance data (e.g., distance traveled for a given training, distance traveled in two or more training sessions, total distance traveled, etc.) may be presented as an indication of distance traveled in the "real world". As a more particular example, a map of the travel distance data as a relevant area (e.g., a user's local area, state map, united states map, world map, etc.) may be presented showing the distance traveled by the user on the map. Such presentation tools may help provide incentives and/or help users to better define and visualize targets. For example, a user may have a "goal" of a distance "across the state of their home" to run on a treadmill or ride on a stationary bicycle for a particular period of time (e.g., a month), or a distance "across the united states" for a particular period of time (e.g., a year). Presenting such user progress on the map helps them easily visualize their goals and current progress and/or provide incentives to continue efforts toward future goals. Multiple users (optionally users involved in the virtual race competing and/or striving with each other to achieve a common goal) may be shown on a single map, e.g., for further motivational purposes.

The user's progress and/or goals may be presented on a map of any desired area without departing from the scope of the present invention (e.g., a locally relevant map, a map of an area familiar to and/or selected by the user, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the map may be changed over time, optionally automatically by a system and/or method according to the present invention. For example, for a user with a long distance running or cycling goal, the displayed map may change as a certain milestone is approached and/or reached. For example, as the user's distance accumulates over time, the user's progress for a treadmill or exercise bicycle having the goal of running or cycling "across the united states" may be displayed in a variety of ways. During training in which the user's cumulative distance exceeds or is near 350 miles, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may display maps including California, San Diego and Arizona, Phoenix, and tell the user, for example, as follows: "congratulate, today you pass 350 miles of markup towards your target. Just as shown on the map, you started running in San Diego and you would be today on Phoenix! ". At a later time, the user will reach the 700 mile mark. On that day, the system and method according to this example of the invention will display a map including Washington, d.c. and Illinois, Chicago and tell the user, for example, as follows: "congratulatory today you passed the 700 mile mark towards your target as shown on the map, which is equal to the distance between Washington, D.C. and Illinois, Chicago, continuing to refuel! ". Of course, a wide variety of messages, maps, start/end locations, etc. may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, and user input may be provided, at least in part, to indicate or define such features.

"real world" goals for other types of training activities may include, for example: a total weight lifting target sufficient to lift the brooklin bridge (e.g., pounds x # of set x repeat/# of set, etc.); a climbing target sufficient to climb the total number of floors or hilly slopes of the maruman peak; a total number of miles of interest sufficient to stroke across Michigan lake; a total ski mile target sufficient to ski arctic, etc. Any desired "real world" goal may be visually or otherwise presented in an effort to entertain and motivate users over time and to maintain their interest in continuing their training routine.

It may also be useful to refer to other measured training parameters in "real world" terms, for example, for entertainment, motivational, and/or target-driven purposes. As another example, information regarding training intensity data (e.g., such as calories burned, MET, etc.) may be presented or displayed in a more "real world" form or format. As a more specific example, certain foods or beverages that are equivalent in "calorie" data and information (e.g., prior to targeted training, during training, and/or in post-training analysis) may be presented in real world terms. Of course, the display may present any desired food or beverage to the user without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, if a user selects a "calories burned" goal before starting a workout, systems and methods according to examples of the invention may display an icon or image of a food or drink corresponding to the calories burned goal (e.g., displayed on an exercise device display, displayed on portable electronic device 508, e.g., three hamburgers, two cups of wine, a complete meal, etc.). Thereafter, as the workout progresses, these icons or images will disappear and/or change appearance to indicate the degree of completion of the workout. Any desired manner of presenting and/or changing images or icons may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, such as: changing the color of the icon or image (optionally partially as training progresses); fading, darkening or disappearing more and more portions of the icon or image, etc.; coloring or appearing more and more portions of the icon or image; displaying an "X" on the icon or image (e.g., slowly superimposing an "X", "No" symbol, or similar character or icon, etc. on the food or beverage icon or image), etc. Additionally or alternatively, the burned calorie data and post-workout (or at other times) information may be displayed (e.g., on the exercise device, on the electronics 508, on a post-workout analysis computer (such as computer 702 in fig. 7), etc.) as equivalent images or icons of food, drinks, and/or a meal.

3. Special or directed training targets

As described above, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be used to provide preprogrammed workouts to a user (optionally, user-designed workouts, third-party-designed workouts, purchased workouts, downloaded workouts, combinations thereof, and the like). Such training may include a variety of different activity types, and optionally activities that change with training (e.g., different types of activities on different days, different training parameters on different days, etc.).

Systems and methods according to some examples of this invention may also allow users to define their training and/or goals in other ways. For example, users may state their goals in more "real world" terms, such as: a "pre-wedding" (or pre-dance, pre-course refocusing, or other event) weight loss training program; a swimsuit training procedure; "arm management of muscle relaxation" training program; a "blood pressure lowering" training program; "cholesterol control" training programs, and the like. Given these "actual world goals," optionally in conjunction with other data about the user or goal (e.g., gender, height, weight, current health, training history, date of the event, etc.), systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may provide training programs designed to help the user better achieve the desired goals (optionally receiving input from an expert).

The training program may be designed by a third party (e.g., coach, dietician, practicer, physician, etc.), optionally specifically designed for a particular requesting individual, or automatically selected by the system and method according to the present invention from pre-designed and stored training programs available to the user. For example, exercise routines for any individual day may be downloaded from another source (e.g., remote computer 704 or local computer 702 in FIG. 7, from an optical disk or other memory device, etc.) to electronic device 508, electronic module 502, interface device 506, etc., which may optionally be used to control the exercise apparatus and/or other aspects of exercise, as described above.

4. Other data or information presentation techniques

User movements or activities while making or participating in an athletic event or performance may make it difficult in at least some circumstances (e.g., during a particularly strenuous portion of a workout or project, etc.) to read detailed information provided on the screen 800 of the small electronic device 508 (e.g., particularly if the information is presented in a small font, etc.). Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may be designed to provide at least some information to a user in a quickly identifiable manner, e.g., in a manner that does not require reading of a small print.

One way of providing information to the user in a quickly recognizable manner is with respect to the background color presented on the display screen 800. For example, if desired, systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may make certain background colors corresponding to physical or physiological parameters associated with training. As a more specific example, the background color may be related to a physical or physiological parameter, such as current heart rate, total calories burned, total distance performed, current pace, percentage of training completed, and the like. Although any desired relationship between background color and body or physiological parameter may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, in certain examples of the invention the color changes with the visible spectrum (e.g., purple (for light/still/body or physiological parameter at onset, such as a resting heart rate) to red (for body or physiological parameter at heavy/severe/end, such as a heart rate near a dangerous or desired maximum level), optionally with intermediate changes through one or more of blue, green, yellow, orange, etc., to indicate the level of one or more body or physiological parameters. Which color to use and the manner in which the color is related to the level of the physical or physiological parameter) may be user-selected; preset by the system and/or method; determined based at least in part on a personal characteristic of the user (e.g., age, gender, height, weight, health, history, etc.); and/or in any other desired manner and/or using any other desired information.

The entire background of the screen 800 need not be changed or color coded to obtain the advantages of these exemplary aspects of the invention. As another example, if desired, the boundaries of the screen 800 may include these types of color-changing and/or color-coding features (if desired, more than one boundary or more than one color-coded parameter may be provided using a single (possibly multi-colored) boundary to provide information for more than one parameter). As another example, a portion of the screen (e.g., "intensity block" in the upper left corner, etc.) may be provided to include one or more of these types of color change and/or color coding features. As yet another example, the desired body or physiological data may be presented graphically or graphically, such as via a bar chart, "progress" chart (e.g., similar to a chart used to show download time remaining in a commercially available computer operating system), analog-type display (e.g., an analog speedometer or tachometer type display, etc.), a jumping ball or other icon element (e.g., similar to a graphical element provided in existing sound equalizer devices and/or applications), and so forth. As yet another example, font color (rather than background color) may be changed (e.g., using the color scheme described above) to quickly and easily provide information to a user, such as the types of information described above.

5. Health/training/intensity indexing

Systems and methods according to at least some examples of this invention may allow a user, device manufacturer, trainer, trainee, or other person to design their own parameters or indices to track a person's health, difficulty of training, strength of training, and/or characteristics of training. Any desired data and/or information may be used to form the formulas for these indices, such as: age; sex; a height; weight; training intensity data (e.g., speed, set resistance level, set incline level, number of sets, number of repetitions, etc.); training time/duration; the elapsed time; the distance traveled; a training history of the user; calories burned; MET, and the like. Any desired mathematical formula, algorithm, or scheme for combining information about one or more of these data items may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention to achieve a desired "index" for measuring, tracking, and/or comparing one or more individual health and/or training characteristics.

Conclusion III

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. For example, various aspects of the invention may be used in different combinations and with a single system or method with multiple different subcombinations of aspects of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, the various elements, components, and/or steps described above may be changed, their order changed, additional elements, components, and/or steps omitted, and/or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, although specific user interface elements and formats are shown in the illustrated examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any desired manner of presenting information to a user and/or receiving their input may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, while most of the above description pertains to a user interface provided on a portable electronic device (e.g., device 508) that may be carried by a user during a presentation, this is not required. Alternatively or additionally, any of the features of the systems, methods, and/or user interfaces described above may be accessed, operated, and/or controlled, if desired, by other computers, such as a personal computer (e.g., PC 702), an exercise device display screen or input panel, a remote computer (e.g., a central computer of a gym, a networked computer, etc.), and the like. Accordingly, the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for tracking athletic performance, comprising:

receiving, by a computing device having at least one processor, athletic performance data for an athletic activity performed by a first user, wherein the athletic performance data is tracked with respect to media content presented to the first user during the athletic activity performed by the first user;

determining a change in performance of the first user in relation to output of the media content item;

storing, by a computing device, performance indicators measured during output of a media content item in association with the media content item;

receiving, by a computing device, a request to display performance metrics specific to a media content item after performance of a athletic activity; and

in response to the request, a display of stored performance indicators specific to the media content item is generated by the computing device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the change in the first user's performance comprises:

a change in an athletic activity metric of the athletic performance data during the output of the media content item is calculated.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a second user's athletic activity routine comprising:

determining a physical similarity between the first user and the second user; and

in response to determining a physical similarity between the first user and the second user, at least one media content item that is conventional for the second user's athletic activity is selected based on a change in performance of the first user in relation to the output of the media content items.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

by selecting one or more media content items associated with positive changes in athletic performance, recommendations of media content items to be provided during future athletic activities are generated.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining that a change in performance of the first user satisfies a particular athletic performance condition; and

in response to determining that the change in performance of the first user satisfies the particular athletic performance condition, the media content items are stored to a particular group of media content items.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the particular condition comprises a particular amount of improvement in user performance.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to determining that the change in performance of the first user satisfies a particular condition, media content items are designated for automatic output during the future athletic activity.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the performance metric includes only athletic performance values measured during a time period corresponding to the output of the media content item.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the performance indicator describes an average pace over an output time period corresponding to the media content item.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to display performance metrics specific to the media content item is received independently of requests to display performance metrics specific to other media content items output during the athletic activity performed by the user.

11. A method for tracking athletic performance, comprising:

calculating a change in an athletic activity index of the athletic performance of the first user in relation to the output of the media content item;

storing performance indicators measured during output of the media content item in association with the media content item;

receiving a request to display performance metrics specific to a media content item after performance of a athletic activity, wherein the request is specific to the media content item; and is

In response to the request, a display of stored performance indicators specific to the media content item is generated.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

by selecting one or more media content items associated with a positive impact of the athletic performance, recommendations of media content items to be provided during future athletic activities are generated.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

determining that a change in the user's performance satisfies a particular athletic performance condition; and

14. A method for tracking athletic performance, comprising:

determining, by a computing device having at least one processor, athletic performance data for an athletic activity performed by a first user during output of a media content item;

15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the change in the first user's performance includes determining a change in the first user's athletic performance between a time before output of the media content item and a time during or after output of the media content item.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein selecting at least one media content item comprises selecting the media content item.