JP2016528016A - Energy consuming equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

Keep track of and monitor athletic activity while maintaining the interests of individuals who continue athletic activities while providing encouragement. For example, an energy consumption value and an energy consumption intensity value are calculated based on the duration and type of activity performed by the individual. These values and other exercise data may be displayed on the interface to motivate and maintain the individual's interest. Other individuals (eg, friends) may be displayed on the interface that tracks the user's progress. This allows the user to check the progress of other people until the completion of the activity goal and / or challenge.

Description

This application claims priority and benefit to US Patent Application No. 61 / 869,499, entitled “Energy Expenditure Device”, filed Aug. 23, 2013. This application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

  Most people understand the importance of physical fitness, but many are struggling to find the motivation they need to maintain a normal exercise program. Some people find it particularly difficult to maintain an exercise regimen that involves continuous repetitive movements such as running, walking and cycling.

  In addition, individuals view training as work or chores, and may separate training from the fun of everyday life. In many cases, such a clear separation of athletic activity and other activities reduces the motivation for individuals to train. In addition, athletic activity services and systems for encouraging individuals to participate in athletic activities are too focused on one or more specific activities, and personal interests may be ignored. In addition, this may reduce user interest in participating in athletic activities and using athletic activity services and systems.

  Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods to address these and other challenges in the art.

  The following provides a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It does not indicate an important or essential element of the disclosure, nor does it define the scope of the disclosure. The following summary presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the following description.

  Aspects of this disclosure relate to calculating energy consumption values. In certain embodiments, energy consumption points can be calculated. One or more devices may monitor user activity using accelerometers and / or other sensors. In certain implementation situations, the user may obtain energy consumption points for various activities.

  In some embodiments, the invention may be implemented in part or in whole on computer readable media, for example by storing computer-executable instructions or modules or utilizing computer-readable data structures.

  Of course, the methods and systems of the foregoing embodiments may include other additional elements, stages, computer-executable instructions, or computer-readable data structures.

  These and other embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that may be configured to provide personal training and / or obtain data from a user's physical exercise according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example computing device that may be part of and in communication with the system of FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary sensor assembly that a user can wear according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary sensor assembly that may be worn by a user according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an illustrative location for perceptual input that includes physical sensors located on / in a user's clothing and / or based on identifying a relationship between two moving body parts of the user. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating an energy consumption value such as points according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various user interface screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Aspects of this disclosure include obtaining, storing and / or processing athletic data regarding physical movements of athletes. Athletic data may be detected and / or stored actively or passively in one or more non-transitory storage media. Yet another aspect relates to using athletic data to generate output, such as calculated athletic attributes and feedback signals, to provide guidance and / or other information. These and other aspects are discussed in the following exemplary context of a personal training system.

  In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and are shown by way of various illustrative embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure can be implemented. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure are not to be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure, and example embodiments are not limited to the exemplary headings.

I. Exemplary Personal Training System A. Descriptive Network Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may be utilized across multiple networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to accommodate a dynamic network environment. Still other embodiments may be operable in different separate network environments. FIG. 1 shows an example of a personal training system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary system 100 may include one or more interconnected networks, such as an illustrative body area network (BAN) 102, a local area network (LAN) 104, and a wide area network (WAN) 106. As shown in FIG. 1 (described throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (eg, BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106) may overlap and otherwise include each other. The illustrative networks 102-106 are logical networks that may each include one or more different communication protocols and / or network architectures and that may be further configured to have gateways to each other or to other networks. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that. For example, BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 may each be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellular network architecture 108 and / or WAN architecture 110, respectively. For example, the portable electronic device 112, considered a component of both the BAN 102 and the LAN 104, can transmit, via one or more of the architectures 108 and / or 110, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), User Data Protocol (UDP). A network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to convert data and control signals into network messages and vice versa according to one or more communication protocols such as. These protocols are well known in the art and will not be discussed in more detail here.

  The network architectures 108 and 110 may include one or more information distribution networks of any type or topology, eg, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc., and thus one or more wired or It may be variously configured to have a wireless communication channel (including but not limited to WiFi®, Bluetooth®, near field communication (NFC) and / or ANT technology). Accordingly, any device in the network of FIG. 1 (such as portable electronic device 112 or other devices described herein) may be considered to be included in one or more of the various logical networks 102-106. . With the above in mind, exemplary components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to WAN 106) are described.

1. Exemplary Local Area Network LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as computer device 114, for example. Computer device 114 or other components of system 100 may include a mobile terminal such as a phone, music player, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, the computing device 114 may be a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server, game console (e.g., Microsoft (R) Xbox, SONY (R) Playstation, and / or Nintendo (R) Wii game). Console, etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing is merely an exemplary device for description, and that the present disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structure of the computing device 114 may vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. One exemplary implementation of computing device 114 is provided in FIG. 2, which shows a block diagram of computing device 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of FIG. 2 is applicable to any device disclosed herein. Apparatus 200 may include one or more processors, such as processors 202-1 and 202-2 (generally referred to herein as "processor 202" or "processor 202"). The processors 202 may communicate with each other or other components via an interconnection network or bus 204. The processor 202 may include one or more processing cores, such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (referred to herein as "core 206" or more commonly "core 206"), where the processing cores are a single integrated. It may be mounted on a circuit (IC) chip.

  The core 206 may include a shared cache 208 and / or a dedicated cache (eg, caches 210-1 and 210-2, respectively). One or more caches 208/210 may locally cache data stored in system memory, such as memory 212, for fast access by components of processor 202. Memory 212 may communicate with processor 202 via chipset 216. In certain embodiments, cache 208 may be part of system memory 212. Memory 212 may include, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and other solid state memory, optical or magnetic storage, and / or other that can be used to store electronic information. Media may be included. Still other embodiments may omit the system memory 212.

  System 200 may include one or more input / output devices (eg, input / output devices 214-1 to 214-3, each commonly referred to as input / output device 214). Input / output data from one or more input / output devices 214 may be stored in one or more caches 208, 210 and / or system memory 212. Input / output devices 214 may each be configured permanently or temporarily to functionally communicate with components of system 100 using any physical or wireless communication protocol.

  Returning to FIG. 1, four exemplary input / output devices (shown as elements 116-122) are shown in communication with computer device 114. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the devices 116-122 may be stand alone devices and may be associated with other devices as well as the computing device 114. For example, one or more input / output devices may be associated with or interact with BAN 102 and / or WAN 106 components. The input / output devices 116 to 122 may include an athletic data acquisition unit such as a sensor, but are not limited thereto. One or more input / output devices may be configured to sense, detect and / or measure athletic parameters from a user, such as user 124. Examples include accelerometers, gyroscopes, position determination devices (eg, GPS), light (including invisible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, Examples include, but are not limited to, an image capture sensor, a moisture sensor, a force sensor, a compass, an angular rate sensor, and / or combinations thereof.

  In still other embodiments, input / output devices 116-122 may be used to provide output (eg, auditory, visual, tactile cues) and / or receive input, such as user input, from athlete 124. . Although exemplary uses of these illustrative input / output devices are described below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such considerations are merely a depiction of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Will do. Further, any data collection unit, input / output device or sensor reference may refer to one or more input / output devices, data collection units and / or sensors disclosed herein and / or known in the art (individually or It should be construed as disclosing embodiments that may have (in combination).

  Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) may be used to provide a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics (or may be utilized with these information), such as Parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics can be expressed as speed, acceleration, distance, steps, direction, motion parameters such as relative movement with respect to a particular body part or other object, or angular velocity, linear velocity or a combination thereof. Physiology such as other motion parameters that may be, calories, heart rate, sweat detection, labor, oxygen consumption, oxygen reaction rate and other metrics that may be in one or more categories (pressure, impact force, etc.) Parameters, information on athletes (height, weight, age, demographic information and combinations thereof) Not a constant.

  System 100 may be configured to transmit and / or receive athletic data that includes parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics that are collected within system 100 or otherwise provided to system 100. As an example, the WAN 106 may include a server 111. Server 111 may include one or more components of system 200 of FIG. In one embodiment, server 111 includes at least a processor and memory (such as processor 206 and memory 212). Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may include athletic data such as raw data or processed data collected within the system 100. The system 100 may be configured to send data, such as energy consumption points, to a social network website or a host of such a site. Server 111 may be utilized to allow one or more users to access and / or compare athletic data. Thus, the server 111 may be configured to send and receive notifications based on athletic data and other information.

  Returning to the LAN 104, the computing device 114 is shown in functional communication with a display device 116, an image capture device 118, a sensor 120, and an exercise device 122 described below with respect to the exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, display device 116 may provide an audiovisual cue to athlete 124 to perform a specific athletic exercise. Audiovisual cues may be provided in response to computer-executed instructions executed on computer device 114 or other devices, including BAN 102 and / or WAN devices. Display device 116 may be a touch screen device and may be configured in other ways to receive user input.

  In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image capture device 118 and / or other sensors (such as sensor 120), which may be used alone to detect (and / or measure) athletic parameters. May be used in combination with other devices or stored information. Image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may include a transceiver device. In one embodiment, sensor 128 may include infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM), or acoustic transceivers. For example, the image capture device 118 and / or the sensor 120 transmits a waveform to an environment that includes the direction of the athlete 124 and receives a “reflection” or otherwise detects a change in such emitted waveform. May be. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to a number of different data spectra can be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, devices 118 and / or 120 may detect waveforms emitted from an external source (eg, not system 100). For example, the devices 118 and / or 120 may detect heat radiated from the user 124 and / or the surrounding environment. Accordingly, the image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may include one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, the image capture device 126 and / or the sensor 128 may include an infrared device configured to perform range phenomena.

  In one embodiment, the exercise device 122 may be any device (eg, treadmill, step machine, etc.) that can be configured to allow or facilitate the athlete 124 to perform physical exercise. The device may not be fixed. In this regard, wireless technology allows the use of portable devices, and therefore, certain embodiments can utilize bicycles and other mobile training devices. One skilled in the art may recognize that device 122 may be an interface for receiving an electronic device that includes athletic data that is executed remotely from computing device 114, and may include such an interface. For example, a user may use a sports device (described below with respect to BAN 102) and download athletic data to element 122 or other device of system 100 after returning to the location of home or equipment 122. Any input / output device disclosed herein may be configured to receive activity data.

2. Body Area Network BAN 102 may include two or more devices (including passive devices) configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data. Exemplary devices include one or more data collection units, sensors or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including but not limited to input / output devices 116-122. Two or more components of the BAN 102 may communicate directly, and in yet other embodiments, the communication may occur via a third device that may be part of the BAN 102, the LAN 104, and / or the WAN 106. Good. One or more components of the LAN 104 or WAN 106 may form part of the BAN 102. In certain embodiments, whether a device such as portable device 112 is part of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 determines whether the athlete is capable of communicating with mobile cellular network architecture 108 and / or WAN architecture 110. Depends on the proximity to the access point. Also, user activity and / or preferences may affect whether one or more components are utilized as part of the BAN 102. Exemplary embodiments are described below.

  The user 124 may include any number of devices, such as a portable device 112, a shoe-mounted device 126, a wrist-mounted device 128, and / or a detection location that may include physical devices or locations used to collect information. It may be associated with a detection location such as 130 (eg, owned, carried, worn and / or interacted). The one or more devices 112, 126, 128 and / or 130 may not be specifically designed for fitness or athletic. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relate to collecting, detecting and / or measuring athletic data utilizing data from multiple devices, some of which are not fitness devices. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or other network) may include a fitness or sports device specifically designed for a particular sport. As used herein, the term “sport device” includes any object that may be used or related during a particular sport or fitness activity. Exemplary sporting devices include golf balls, basketballs, baseball balls, soccer balls, footballs, power balls, hockey packs, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. It is not limited to. In yet other embodiments, exemplary fitness devices include specific sports including environments themselves such as goal nets, hoops, backboards, midlines, external boundary markers, portions of fields such as bases, and combinations thereof. Objects in the sports environment where the action is performed may be included.

  In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the one or more sporting devices may be part of the structure (or may constitute the structure) and vice versa, or the structure may include one or more sporting devices. It will be appreciated that it may be configured to interact with a sports device. For example, the first structure may include a basketball goal and backboard that is removable and replaceable with a goal post. In this regard, the one or more sports devices may include one or more sensors, such as one or more of the sensors described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3, wherein the sensors are independently or associated with one or more structures. Information used in connection with other sensors, such as one or more sensors provided, may be provided. For example, the backboard may include a first sensor configured to measure the force and direction of the basketball force on the backboard, and the goal may include a second sensor that detects the force. . Similarly, the golf club may include a first sensor configured to detect a grip attribute on the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure an impact by the golf ball.

  Looking at the illustrative portable device 112, this device may be a multipurpose electronic device, for example, Apple, Inc., Cupertino, California. Telephone or digital music player including IPOD®, IPAD® or iPhone® device available from Zune® or Microsoft® available from Microsoft, Redmond, Washington (Trademark) Windows apparatus is mentioned. As is known in the art, a digital media player can serve as an output device, input device, and / or storage device for a computer. The device 112 may be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more devices in the BAN 102, LAN 104 or WAN 106. In one or more embodiments, the portable device 112 may include one or more components of the computing device 114. For example, the portable device 112 may include a display 116, an image capture device 118, and / or one or more data collection devices, such as any of the aforementioned input / output devices 116-122, added to configure a mobile terminal. There may or may not be any component.

a. Descriptive garment / accessory sensor In certain embodiments, the input / output device is configured in a garment or accessory of the user 124, including a watch, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoes, etc., or other It may be associated in a way. These devices may be configured to monitor a user's athletic movement. These devices may detect athletic movement and / or operate independently of computer device 114 (or other devices disclosed herein) while a user interacts with computer device 114. Please understand that. For example, one or more devices in BAN 102 may be configured to function as an all-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of user proximity or interaction with computer device 114. Further, it should be understood that the perception system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the device assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4 (each described in the following paragraphs) are merely illustrative examples.

i. Shoe-mounted Device In certain embodiments, the device 126 shown in FIG. 1 includes one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. Footwear that may be included may be included. FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a sensor system 302 that provides one or more sensor assemblies 304. The assembly 304 may include one or more sensors, such as, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a positioning component, a force sensor, and / or other sensors disclosed herein or known in the art. May be included. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 304 incorporates a plurality of sensors that may include a force sensitive resistor (FSR) sensor 306, although other sensors may be utilized. The port 308 may be positioned within the shoe sole structure 309 but is generally configured to communicate with one or more electronic devices. A port 308 may be provided to communicate with the electronic module 310, if desired, and the sole structure 309 may include a housing 311 that houses the module 310 or other structure, if desired. The sensor system 302 may also include a plurality of leads 312 that connect the FSR sensor 306 to the port 308 to allow communication with the module 310 and / or another electronic device via the port 308. Module 310 may be housed in a recess or cavity in the sole structure of the shoe, and housing 311 may be positioned in the cavity or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided in a single housing, such as module 310 or housing 311. In at least yet another embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that are configured to provide direction information and angular velocity data when operating. Port 308 and module 310 include complementary interfaces 314 and 316 for connection and communication.

  In certain embodiments, the at least one force sensitive resistor 306 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed between the first and second electrodes or electrical contacts 318, 320 and the electrodes 318, 320 to provide the electrodes 318, 320. And a force-sensitive resistance material 322 that electrically connects the two. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322, the resistivity and / or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322 changes, thereby changing the potential between the electrodes 318 and 320. The sensor system 302 can detect a force applied to the sensor 316 by detecting a change in the resistance value. The force-sensitive resistance material 322 can change its resistance value under pressure. For example, the force sensitive material 322 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Still other embodiments may utilize “volume resistance”, which can be realized by “smart materials”. As another example, material 322 may change resistance by changing the degree of surface contact, such as between two force sensitive materials 322 or between force sensitive material 322 and one or both electrodes 318, 320. Good. In some situations, this type of force sensitive resistance behavior may be referred to as “contact base resistance”.

ii. Wrist-Worn Device As shown in FIG. 4, device 400 (which may be similar to sensory device 128 shown in FIG. 1 and may include sensory device 128) includes wrist, arm, ankle, neck It can be configured to be worn by the user 124, such as around. Device 400 may include an input mechanism such as push-type input button 402 configured to be used during operation of device 400. Input button 402 may be operatively connected to controller 404 and / or other electronic components, such as one or more of the elements described with respect to computing device 114 shown in FIG. The controller 404 may be embedded in the housing 406 or a part thereof. The housing 406 may be constructed from one or more materials including elastomeric components and may include one or more displays, such as the display 408. The display can be considered the illuminated portion of the device 400. Display device 408 may include a series of individual lighting elements or lamp members, such as LED lamp 410. The lamp may be configured in an array and functionally connected to the controller 404. The apparatus 400 may include an indicator system 412 that may also be considered a part or component of the overall display 408. The indicator system 412 may operate and light in connection with the display 408 (which may have multiple pixel elements 414), and may be completely separate from the display 408. The indicator system 412 may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or lamp members, but in the exemplary embodiment, may take the form of an LED lamp. In certain embodiments, the indicator system may provide a visual indication of the goal, such as by illuminating a portion of the illumination member of the indicator system 412 to represent the realization of one or more goals. The apparatus 400 may be configured to display data represented by activity points or currency earned by the user based on the user's activity, via the display 408 and / or indicator system 412.

  The fastening mechanism 416 may be removed where the device 400 may be positioned around the wrist or portion of the user 124 and then the fastening mechanism 416 may be placed in the engaged position. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 416 may include an interface that includes, but is not limited to, a USB port, for interacting with the computing device 114 (such as the devices 120 and / or 112). In certain embodiments, the fastening member may include one or more magnets. In one embodiment, the fastening member has no moving parts and may rely entirely on magnetic force.

  In certain embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a sensor assembly (not shown in FIG. 4). The sensor assembly may include a plurality of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly may include or allow a functional connection to a sensor as disclosed herein or known in the art. Apparatus 400 and / or its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

iii. Garment and / or Body Position Detection Element 130 of FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary sensory position that may be associated with a physical device such as a sensor, data collection unit, or other device. In still other embodiments, the specific location of the body portion or region may be monitored, such as by an image capture device (eg, image capture device 118). In certain embodiments, element 130 may include a sensor, so that elements 130a and 130b may be sensors incorporated into clothing such as athletic clothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location on the user 124's body. Sensors 130a / b may communicate (eg, wirelessly) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106. In certain embodiments, the passive detection surface may reflect a waveform such as infrared radiation emitted by the image capture device 118 and / or the sensor 120. In one embodiment, a passive sensor placed on the clothes of user 124 may include a generally spherical structure made of glass or other transparent or translucent surface that can reflect the waveform. Various types of garments may be utilized, with certain types of garments having specific sensors configured to be placed near specific parts of the user's 124 body when properly worn. For example, a golf garment may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a first configuration, and a soccer garment may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a second configuration. Good.

  FIG. 5 shows descriptive positions of the perceptual input (see, for example, perceptual positions 130a-130o). In this regard, the sensor may be a physical sensor located on / in the user's garment, and in yet other embodiments the sensor locations 130a-130o are based on identifying relationships between two moving body parts. Also good. For example, the sensor location 130a may be determined by identifying the movement of the user 124 with an image capture device such as the image capture device 118. Thus, in certain embodiments, the sensor may not be physically located at a particular location (such as sensor locations 130a-130o), such as image capture device 118 or other sensor data collected from other locations, etc. May be configured to detect the characteristic of the position. In this regard, the overall shape or part of the user's body may allow identification of a particular body part. Whether an image capture device is utilized, a physical sensor located on the user 124 is utilized, data from another device (such as the sensory system 302) is used, the device assembly 400 and / or the book Regardless of whether other devices or sensors disclosed in the specification or known in the art are utilized, the sensors can detect the current position of the body part and / or track the movement of the body part. In one embodiment, perceptual data regarding the position 130m may be used to determine the user's center of gravity (also referred to as center of mass). For example, using the relationship between the position 130a and the position 130f / 130l with respect to one or more of the positions 130m to 130o, whether the user's center of gravity has been lifted in the vertical axis direction (such as when jumping), or the user bends the knee It may be determined whether the jump is “pretending” by shortening. In one embodiment, sensor location 1306n may be located around the sternum of user 124. Similarly, sensor location 130o may be located near the naval of user 124. In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations 130m-130o may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity of user 124. In still other embodiments, the relationship between multiple sensor positions, such as sensors 130m-130o, may be utilized in determining the turning force, such as the orientation of the user 124 and / or the torsion of the torso of the user 124. Furthermore, one or more positions such as a position may be used as the moment center position or may be in the vicinity thereof. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the positions 130m-130o may serve as a point of the user 124 center of moment position. In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as the center of moment for a particular body part or region.

II. Calculation of Energy Consumption Points FIG. 6 illustrates a method for calculating energy consumption values, such as points, according to one embodiment of the invention. Certain embodiments may classify a user's physical movements. For example, in the explanatory stage 602, one or more activities may be classified. The system may attempt to classify user activity by processing data received from one or more of the aforementioned sensors. For example, the system may compare the sensor signal with one or more signals or activity “templates” or “signatures” corresponding to the selected activity. In certain embodiments, the template may be created by attaching sensors to the user and monitoring signals generated when the user performs various activities. According to certain embodiments, the activity may be associated with an activity template that is unique to the user 124. In one such embodiment, user 124 may assign a default template to an activity unless a particular template is assigned to the particular activity. Accordingly, the user 124 may create or receive an activity template that may be more accurate than the default template, as the template is specific to the user and / or activity (although it is not necessary to create or receive it). Absent). User 124 may also create one or more predefined or undefined activity templates. Certain or other new templates may be shared with a population of users. The shared template may be based on various sensors. In some embodiments, the template may be modified or adjusted for use with various sensors. For example, a template created for use with a shoe-mounted sensor may be modified for use with a wrist-mounted sensor.

  Activity templates may be used to identify movements or actions that a user performs while performing a particular type of activity. For example, an action may correspond to a set of one or more events, such as detecting that the user has advanced one step to the right and then moved to the left and detecting that the user has jumped while waving his wrist. Accordingly, different sets of one or more actions may define an activity template, and different sets of one or more activity templates may be defined for different types of activities. For example, a first set of activity templates defined for basketball may include dribbling, basketball shoot, box out, slam dunk, sprint, and the like. A second set of activity templates defined for soccer may include kicking the ball to shoot, dribbling, steel, heading the ball, etc. The activity template may correspond to a desired level of granularity. Any number of templates may be defined for an activity type as needed. In yet another example, as described above, the template may be manually selected by the user rather than selected by the system.

  An activity template may be created from data obtained from one or more of a plurality of different sensors. For example, a first set of sensors (eg, sensors 126 and 128) may be used to form or refine a first activity template, while a second set of sensors (eg, sensor 138 and portable electronic device). 112) may be used to form or improve the second activity template. In yet other embodiments, the third set of sensors is not utilized to form the same activity template as the user 124, but rather the first activity template of the second user (eg, not the user 124). It may be used when creating. Thus, according to certain embodiments, it is not necessary to receive data from a specific sensor for 1) the same activity template for different users and / or 2) different activity templates for the same user.

  In one embodiment, a wrist-mounted accelerometer (which may be a multi-axis accelerometer) may be attached to the user to create a signal template based on the accelerometer output, for example when the user runs or walks. The template may be a function of the sensor used and / or the position of the sensor. In some embodiments, a single signal (or value) is created by combining multiple signals (or values). For example, the three outputs of the three-axis accelerometer may be added together or combined in other ways to create one or more signals. Exemplary stage 602 may include comparing a signal, multiple signals, or a combination of signals with one or more templates. In some embodiments, a best-fit approach that attempts to classify any activity may be implemented. In other embodiments, the activity may remain unclassified if the signal, multiple signals, or combination of signals do not fully match the template. Some embodiments may utilize only running and walking templates, and the best priority approach is used to determine whether the user is running or walking.

  Classification of activities may be performed by identifying the various events and actions indicated in the signals and data received from any number and type of sensors. Thus, activity tracking and monitoring compares the signal and / or sensor data with one or more templates and determines whether one or more expected or known actions have been performed by the user and metrics associated with the actions. It may include determining. In one example, an action may correspond to a series of one or more low-level or granular events and may be detected using a predetermined activity template. For example, by using an activity template, the computer 102 may automatically detect that a user has performed a specific activity or a specific movement predicted during that activity. When a user is playing basketball, for example, detection that the user has jumped while waving his wrist may indicate that the user has shot. In another example, detecting that the user has moved both feet outward while jumping and then moved both feet inward may indicate that the user is performing one repetition of a hand-jumping exercise. As described above, various other activity templates that identify specific types of activities, behaviors or movements may be defined as desired.

  After at least one activity of user 124 activity is classified, step 604 may be performed to determine a corresponding activity. Activity levels may correspond to active running, moderate paced running, slow walking, or other activities. The activity level of an activity may be associated with calories or energy generally required to perform the activity. If no activity is classified at step 602, a default activity may be selected or derived. In some embodiments, multiple default activities may be utilized. Activity intensity, duration, or other characteristics may be evaluated and one or more default activities may be applied from that characteristic. Multiple activities may be set by medium / average, range or other statistical techniques.

  Energy consumption point calculations may be used in connection with matches and competitions. Some games and competitions may limit giving energy expenditure points to activities that have a relatively low degree of activity. In some embodiments, the granting of energy consumption points to activities with relatively low activity may be limited at all times or in other situations. At step 306, it can be determined whether the activity exceeds a threshold. For example, exemplary threshold values may be 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0. In another embodiment, the threshold may be 2.8. Various matches and competitions may use other thresholds. When the activity does not exceed the threshold, step 608 may be performed to ignore the corresponding activity and not use that activity when calculating energy expenditure points.

  Another embodiment may have a threshold that is generally applied, but the threshold may not be applied when a game or competition is in progress or at least during a particular game or competition. A match or competition may be based on all points and may not depend on whether a threshold is met. In another embodiment, thresholds may always be applied to matches and competitions. In other embodiments, different thresholds may be applied depending on activity, game and / or competition, eg, active running threshold, running threshold, walking threshold. There is a threshold for different activities, a default threshold.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, activity is used to calculate energy expenditure points. After at least one of the activities of user 124 has been classified, at stage 610, energy expenditure points may be calculated. By using energy consumption points (EEP), activity levels can be compared, collaboration between users can be facilitated, competition between users of various abilities can be standardized, and activities can be facilitated in other ways. In one embodiment, the energy consumption points are calculated as follows:

  EEP = AF * Duration (Formula 1)

here,
EEP = energy consumption point AF = activity determined in stage 604 duration = duration of activity classified in stage 602

  Stage 610 may be performed on a device that includes a sensor that monitors activity and / or another device that includes a processing device such as a portable electronic device 112 or server (eg, see server 111). In alternative embodiments, Equation 1 may be modified to include various combinations of other coefficients, scalars, and / or terms.

  In some embodiments, Equation 1 may be modified to include a scalar multiplied by activity and duration. The scalar may be selected such that typical energy consumption points are within a desired point range. Point ranges for various matches or competitions may be required and / or adjusted. A scalar may represent the intensity of the activity. For example, the first scalar corresponds to active running, and the second scalar corresponds to moderate paced running. In alternative embodiments, additional activity templates and activity levels may be used to accommodate various running, walking or other activity intensity.

  Variations of Equation 1 may be used in other embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the user may select an expression and / or one or more variables (eg, scalars). The formula can be selected for various matches and competitions. In one example, a group may set a handicap between players based on fitness, so that most fitness players have a common activity or set of activities over a longer period of time. Only generate EEP. A set of users participating in an energy consumption point competition may agree to a particular formula or method before starting the competition. In some embodiments of the invention, a user may participate in multiple competitions and earn different points for the same activity due to different calculation methods. For example, a user may participate in two competitions that have unique calculation methods. A user may earn two different total points in two different matches and a third total point for their overall energy consumption. Some total points may be maintained separately from all total points.

  Alternative embodiments of the invention may use alternative or additional formulas for calculating point values and / or other quantities. The formula may include derivatives of measured values and / or calculated values. Derivatives containing time periods may be used to indicate percentage and rate of change. For example, an equation is used to determine the percentage of accumulated activity points or energy consumption points. Another formula may be used to determine the amount of activity points or energy expenditure points accumulated over a predetermined time period.

  Some formulas may use variables other than time. For example, some equations may be used to calculate values as a function of activity points or energy consumption points and steps. Calculation of values that are a function of activity points or energy consumption points and other variables may be used to compare the efficiency of various activities. For example, an equation may be used to determine that the faster the walking pace, the faster the pace at which activity points or energy expenditure points are accumulated per step. Another exemplary formula may determine activity points or energy consumption points per predetermined distance or unit of distance (1 meter, 1 kilometer, half mile, 1 mile, etc.).

  Several equations may be used to calculate the first and / or second derivative of the measured or calculated value to indicate the rate or rate of change. For example, a formula may be used to calculate or estimate the accumulation rate of activity points or energy consumption points at a given time. In some embodiments, the instantaneous accumulation rate of activity points or energy consumption points is displayed to the user by display 235 or a display that is part of the mobile device.

  After the energy consumption points are calculated, the calculated points may be added to the total (such as by addition) at step 612. The sum may allow the user 124 (and / or a particular individual or group approved by the user 124) to see the number of points earned over various time periods (days, weeks, months, etc.). The sum may be calculated over multiple time periods. For example, the user may receive a total of periods including 24 hours, a week, a month, and a year. In some embodiments, the user may select other time periods and / or deselect time periods. The user can track multiple time periods simultaneously and track points awarded from the start of use of the device or the start of the program. The total over a given time period may represent points earned for some activities. For example, a user may receive walking, jogging and sprinting points over various time periods during the day. As mentioned above, the points earned for each activity may be a function of the corresponding activity factor.

Exemplary Embodiments FIGS. 7-20 illustrate various user interface screens of an embodiment of the present invention. The user interface screen may be displayed on the portable electronic device 112. The portable electronic device 112 may include one or more sensors configured to detect movement. Exemplary sensors include positioning components such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS receivers, and altimeters. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-12, motion is detected by one or more sensors of the portable electronic device 112, and a processor in the portable electronic device 112 receives the motion data and energy consumption points. And may be programmed with computer executable instructions to calculate the energy consumption point rate and generate the illustrated user interface screen. In the example shown, the energy consumption points are in the form of Nike Fuel points.

  FIG. 7 shows the user interface screen at three different times. Areas 702, 704, and 706 show total energy consumption points for a day or other time period. As shown in FIG. 7, the background color of the user interface may correspond to the current intensity at which energy consumption points are obtained. For example, a red background corresponds to low intensity, a yellow background corresponds to medium intensity, and a green background corresponds to high intensity. The intensity level may be determined by comparing energy expenditure points acquired during a time period (1 minute, 5 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) to various thresholds.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a text message for motivating further fitness may be displayed based on the current and / or past athletic ability of the athlete. For example, if the total energy consumption points for a first time period (e.g., 8 am to 10 am, 1 day, 1 week, etc.) is less than a predetermined threshold, the user interface may display the user in area 708. Display a notification that is below the threshold and / or other motivational / encouragement messages such as "Need a Push" or "Don't slow down! Almost there" Also good. In one example, the predetermined threshold may correspond to total energy consumption points acquired during the second time period. The second time period may correspond to a similar duration as the first time period. For example, the user interface area 708 displays a message indicating that the user's current total energy consumption point is 133 points less than the total energy consumption point acquired by the user during the same period from the previous day. As an addition or alternative to the text message, the device may have voice generation hardware, software and / or firmware that creates a conversation based on the text.

  As mentioned above, certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to the calculation of energy consumption intensity values. As an example, this value may be determined by quantifying the user's energy consumption value over a particular time period. For example, an energy consumption value over a period of time (or a derivative thereof) may be used to determine an energy consumption intensity value for that period of time. Motion data may be obtained from a plurality of different time periods within a time frame. For example, data from a first sensor (eg, may be an accelerometer) may be acquired every second or multiple times per second, and data from a second sensor (such as a force sensor) may be acquired at the same time Periods, different time periods, or partially overlapping time periods may be obtained. For example, data from the second sensor may be collected at a rate that is half that of the first sensor. Data collected at these times may be used to determine energy consumption values for specific time periods within the time frame. The time frame does not have to be static. For example, the time period may be a continuous duration. However, in other embodiments, the time frame may be static.

  Certain embodiments may determine whether one or more energy consumption intensity values meet a threshold during a time frame. Still other embodiments may allow one or more users to compete for which user or group of users obtains more energy consumption during one or more time periods. In one embodiment, if a first user meets an intensity threshold level for a duration and a second user does not meet the intensity threshold level for that duration, the first user Sometimes considered a winner of duration. A draw may be declared if both users meet the threshold level. In another embodiment, the winner may be determined using the total energy consumption for a longer time period, including the period when both users met the threshold level. In still other embodiments, which user may have acquired a higher intensity level during a duration or longer time period may be used to determine the winner. Certain embodiments may not utilize data from other actual users. In certain implementations, virtual artificial intelligence (AI) users may be utilized.

  Still other embodiments may not use virtual or actual data from other users, but the user's performance, such as achieving a goal or obtaining a virtual reward, may be different from other users' data. May be based solely on whether a set threshold value is achieved, regardless of what does indicates and / or no other user data to compare. In this regard, a single user can “win” or at least compete with the games, competitions and / or group activities described herein. For example, the user can “win the day” by obtaining a threshold amount of time or a time frame that satisfies a threshold strength level. As another example, a user can “win that time” by obtaining a threshold fraction or time frame that meets a threshold strength level. Accordingly, all disclosures herein relating to comparing a first user's data with a second user's data are collected from the first user's data from another user's actual activity data. It is disclosed to compare with electronically stored data that may not have been present.

  In one embodiment, how many times the user meets the threshold intensity level in a time frame (such as 1 hour or 1 day) may be quantified. The system and method may be implemented to quantify the number of times that multiple users each meet a threshold within a set time, such as within a day. Certain methods may be configured to allow users to compete for examples that meet threshold intensity levels within a day or other length of time. As one exemplary embodiment, it may be determined whether someone of multiple users has obtained an intensity threshold level for a set length of time. If the user meets the threshold level for any set duration measured by having multiple continuous consumption values, those consumption values may be recognized over a longer period of time. The amount of threshold intensity level that meets a specified duration may be quantified, and one or more users may be rated or otherwise compared. For example, a user can “win” if the user meets or exceeds a threshold level higher than another user. As described above, one or more tie-finals may be used. Further, as discussed throughout this disclosure, certain criteria may be used to determine whether and / or how sensor data is considered. Further, while exemplary threshold levels have been discussed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple threshold levels can be used. In one embodiment, a higher threshold intensity level may be weighted when ranking and / or determining a winner.

  FIG. 8 shows a user interface screen that includes curves 802 and 804 showing energy consumption point level intensity over time. As shown in the figure, as the intensity increases, the curves 802 and 804 move toward the top of the screen, and the color changes from red (low intensity) to yellow (medium intensity) and green (high intensity). There is. In one embodiment, the user interface screen may include icons and other symbols that indicate total energy consumption points acquired during a predetermined time period. For example, icon 814 indicates that the user earned 479 energy consumption points in one hour (eg, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM).

  Each user interface screen may include an icon or other symbol that indicates that the user has exceeded an intensity threshold for a predetermined time period. The threshold may need to exceed the energy consumption point rate for a predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the predetermined time period for maintaining a particular energy consumption point rate may be a portion of the predetermined time period (eg, a sub-time period). For example, in one embodiment, the threshold value requires the user to exceed an energy consumption point rate in a predetermined fraction (eg, a sub-time period) of a time period (eg, a predetermined time period). There are things to do. For example, meeting a threshold if the user earns at least 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 Nike Fuel points (eg, energy consumption points) per minute for at least 4, 5 or 6 minutes of the hour There is. In an alternative embodiment, the user may meet a threshold if he burns a predetermined number of calories for at least 4, 5 or 6 minutes or other portion (eg, sub-time period) of an hour period. In yet another embodiment, a user may have a predetermined range of energy consumption points per minute (eg, 6-10 energy consumption points) per predetermined range of sub-time periods (eg, 5-10 minutes of an hour). The threshold may be satisfied when the number of energy consumption points is acquired. Of course, the threshold may be based on other energy consumption point values, energy consumption point ranges, and various time periods and sub-time periods.

  As shown in FIG. 8, rows 806 and 808 indicate that the user has exceeded an intensity threshold for a predetermined time period. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the threshold requires that the user exceed all energy consumption points or energy consumption intensity values earned by the second user during a similar time frame. There is. Rows 806 and 808 each include a series of circles (eg, sub-icons) that represent time periods that gradually increase over a particular time frame (eg, a single time frame). Each circle may correspond to a specific time period within the time frame (eg, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). For example, row 806 includes 13 circles, and each circle (eg, sub-icon) represents a time period of 1 hour. Therefore, curve 802 shows the energy consumption point level intensity over a 13 hour time frame. Rows 806 and 808 also include black circles that indicate a particular time period (eg, time) that the user has exceeded the intensity threshold. For example, row 806 includes three bullets that represent three one hour periods that exceeded the intensity threshold within the time frame to which the user corresponds. Similarly, row 808 includes seven bullets representing seven one hour periods in which the user has exceeded the intensity threshold within the corresponding time frame.

  Text sections 810 and 812 correspond to the number of bullets and further indicate whether the user has won in a particular time period and / or the total number of time periods in which the user has won. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the user interface may provide the user with one or more activity recommendations so that the user can set an intensity threshold for a particular time period. Can do enough activities to exceed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the text section 812 must continue to move for at least another 5 minutes (eg, for activity) for the user to win that time (eg, exceed the intensity threshold). It will remain).

  As another example, the user interface may display a message that motivates the user to be active if the threshold level is not reached in the time period. Similarly, a notification may be provided that indicates that the user is unlikely to meet the threshold level, such as during a time period that includes the current time that the user wants to be notified. A second reminder, which may be the same as or different from the first reminder, may be provided again when the remaining time is low. In some embodiments, the notification may be configured to be generated at a device that includes at least one sensor that created at least a portion of the user's motion data. In one embodiment, the device may be configured to be worn on an outer limb such as, for example, a user's arm, wrist or leg. The device may include at least one accelerometer to obtain motion data. In still other embodiments, the device may be configured to not only generate notifications but also provide notifications by display, sound, haptic feedback (eg, vibration) and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the notification may be generated by a first device, such as a computer or portable electronic device, and sent to a device having at least one of the sensors used to collect the data.

  9 and 10 show user interface screens that may be used to show activity, energy consumption points, and energy consumption intensity values. Activities may include movement, walking, running, and other activities, and may be determined by comparing data received from one or more sensors to an activity template. The user interface may display or show one or more of various activities performed by the user as icons or other virtual objects. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may show the total energy consumption points associated with and / or derived from a particular activity type. The energy consumption intensity value may be indicated by a color. For example, a red icon may correspond to a low energy consumption intensity value, a yellow icon may correspond to an intermediate energy consumption intensity value, and a green icon may correspond to a high energy consumption intensity value. The energy consumption intensity value may be indicated by a magnitude. For example, a small icon may correspond to a low energy consumption point intensity value, an intermediate size icon may correspond to an intermediate energy consumption intensity value, and a large icon may correspond to a high energy consumption intensity value.

  FIG. 11 shows a user interface screen that may be used to show energy consumption points, energy consumption intensity values, and the geographic location from which the points were earned. Bubbles, icons or other virtual objects may be color coded to represent energy consumption intensity values. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a red bubble corresponds to a low energy consumption intensity value, a yellow bubble corresponds to an intermediate energy consumption intensity value, and a green bubble corresponds to a high energy consumption intensity value. Also good. Additionally or alternatively, the size of the bubble, icon or other virtual object may correspond to the amount of energy consumption points earned at each location. In other embodiments, the size of the bubble, icon or other virtual object may correspond to the consumption intensity value at each location. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a small bubble corresponds to a low energy consumption intensity value, an intermediate size bubble corresponds to an intermediate energy consumption intensity value, and a large bubble corresponds to a high energy consumption intensity value. It may correspond to.

  In some embodiments, the user interface may display a map associated with one or more geographic regions in which the user has performed athletic activity. User location data may be obtained by a GPS sensor associated with a device (eg, portable electronic device 112). As shown in FIG. 11, the center of each bubble, icon or other virtual object displayed in the user interface may be at a specific geographic location where the energy consumption points have been earned. Also, one or more areas of the user interface may display a text message (eg, area 812) indicating the geographic area where the user earned energy consumption points. The location data may be used to determine and / or identify one or more physical or historical landmarks associated with a particular geographic region where energy consumption points have been earned (eg, a location where a user has performed athletic activity). May be processed. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, the user interface indicates that the user has earned 893 energy consumption points at the Union Square Landmark in San Francisco.

  FIG. 12 shows a user interface screen showing energy consumption points acquired in one week. As shown, the portable electronic device 112 may be configured to compare the number of points per week and generate a message regarding the comparison. In some embodiments, the user interface screen shows how the energy consumption points earned on one day are compared to the energy consumption points earned on another day (such as the same day of the previous week). May have icons, colored shading or different icon sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, one or more icons are lower than other icons displayed on the user interface to indicate a particular time period (eg, days) that earned a small number of energy consumption points. It may have visibility. The user interface may display text messages that provide encouragement or motivation based on the user's athletic performance. In some embodiments, the user interface may display athletic metrics associated with the user's athletic activity. For example, the user interface may display the number of miles or steps the user has run during athletic activities. As another example, the user interface may display an athletic metric that compares the user's current athletic activity with previous athletic activity. As shown in FIG. 12, the user interface may indicate in region 1212 that the average number of users of acquired energy consumption points was 4% higher than the number of energy consumption points acquired by the user last week.

  As described above, in some embodiments, users may compete with each other to earn energy consumption points. FIG. 13 shows a user interface screen that may be displayed on the portable electronic device 112 during the challenge. The total number of energy expenditure points for each person is shown in sections 1302 and 1304. Rings 1306 and 1308 may be used to graphically indicate the current state of the challenge. The total number of points and the ring may be color coded to indicate user association. For example, the total number of points 1302 may be the same color (eg, green) as the ring 1306, and the total number of points 1304 may be the same color (eg, blue) as the ring 1308. As shown in the figure, when points are earned, the larger portion of each ring may be colored or shaded to indicate the user's progress to completion of the challenge. The user interface may display a text message indicating the current status of the challenge. For example, the interface may display the number of energy consumption points required to complete the challenge, the amount of time remaining to complete the challenge, and other challenge status information.

  FIGS. 14-15 illustrate alternative user interface screens that may be used to indicate the status of the challenge. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the two user challenge is shown for illustration only. Alternative challenges may include three, four or more users. In some embodiments, the user may select a challenge partner. In other embodiments, the partner is selected by one or more portable electronic devices 112 or another computing device (such as server 111). In some embodiments, the portable electronic device 112 may visually modify one or more portions of the user interface background to indicate the user's progress to completing the challenge. When a user initially competes to earn 3000 energy consumption points, the user interface background associated with each user is visually modified to show the user's progress to completion of the challenge (eg, , Shaded or colored). In other examples, the user interface may be visually modified to identify a user who has won the challenge (eg, closest to achieving the challenge goal). As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, one or more portions or sections of the user interface background may be visually modified to show the user's progress to completion of the challenge.

  FIG. 16 shows a user interface screen that may be used to provide hints and information to help motivate the user and / or earn energy expenditure points. FIG. 17 shows the user interface screen at various times when the user is changing the energy consumption point intensity. Initially, the user interface background is red to indicate low intensity (eg, low levels of physical activity, not exercising, etc.). The user interface background changes from red to orange to yellow when the energy consumption point intensity increases to an intermediate level (eg walking). As shown, while changing, a portion of the background may be one color (eg, red) and another portion may be another color (eg, orange). To the right of the figure, the background changes from yellow to green when the consumption point intensity increases to a high level (eg, running).

  FIG. 18 shows a user interface screen showing daily activities. Activities and / or intensity may be categorized and presented on ring 1802. Intensity and activity may be color coded to represent a user's activity or intensity during a time period (eg, one day), and one or more sections of the ring 1802 may be extended with an appropriate color. FIG. 18 shows that the user walked 23% of the day and includes an expanded yellow section representing the user's athletic activity. Instead, if the user ran 33% of the day, the expanded segment may be colored more green to represent the user's athletic activity and increased energy consumption point intensity.

  FIG. 19 shows a user interface screen that may be used to initiate a challenge. As mentioned above, various examples of the present invention allow users to “challenge” one or more other users (ie, athletes using embodiments of the present invention) for athletic activity competition. May be possible. In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, a user may challenge one or more other athletes by requesting the user interface 1902 shown in FIG. A user may invite one or more other users to participate in the challenge using a “friend invitation” button 1904. If the invited person agrees to participate in the challenge in response to the invitation, the portable electronic device 112 is notified that the invited person has agreed to participate in the challenge. The user interface may display one or more icons indicating the user who has accepted the challenge. After the desired participant is identified and the invitation is accepted, the user may initiate the challenge by pressing a “Play Now” button 1906.

  After the challenge is initiated, the portable electronic device 112 or other device monitors activity data collected for each participant and aggregates the relevant data values within the collected activity data. For example, if the challenge is a race that determines who can initially run 100 miles, the portable electronic device 112 for each participant will be in each activity data set collected for that participant after the start date. Add up all the distance values. When a participant has a sum of all distance values that match or exceed the specified challenge distance (and is the first invited person to do so), the portable electronic device 112 will May be identified as the winner of the challenge. In response, the portable electronic device 112 may notify each participant of the winner. The portable electronic device 112 may notify the participant using any desired technique, such as by sending an email message or displaying a dedicated interface. Various such notification techniques are well known in the art and are therefore not described in detail.

  In various examples of the present invention, the portable electronic device 112 may further provide updates regarding the status of the participant to other participants. Such updates can also be provided using any desired technique, such as sending an email message or displaying a dedicated interface. For example, the portable electronic device 112 configures a user interface that indicates the progress of each participant up to the challenge goal using, for example, a per-participant ring of the type described above for monitoring individual athletic activity levels. May be provided.

  FIG. 20 shows a user interface screen showing the state of the challenge. The user interface screen 2002 may be used during an hourly challenge. A dot or icon row is shown above each user. Shading or color may be used to indicate which users have achieved maximum energy consumption points in an hour. For example, a loss may be represented by a light shadow or a first color, a draw may be represented by an intermediate shadow or a second color, and a win may be represented by a dark shadow or a third color. . As another example, the user interface screen 2004 may be used for a one day challenge. Each user's total points may be presented by appropriately coloring or shading corresponding portions of columns or rows of the user interface.

  The aspects described herein may be used and applied equally well for other types of activities other than running, walking and other step exercises. For example, data such as skiing, jumping, weightlifting, etc. may be presented and processed by the functions described herein. In particular, the energy expenditure point value may be determined from any type of exercise in which the amount of calories burned may be measured and determined (eg, by the equations and algorithms described above).

CONCLUSION While the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, including presently preferred embodiments of practicing the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that such systems are within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It will be understood that there are numerous variations and substitutions of technology.

102 BAN
104 LAN
106 WAN
108 Cellular network architecture 110 WAN architecture 112 Portable electronic device 114 Computer device 116 Display device 122 Exercise device 124 User 126 Sensor 128 Sensor 130a, 130b Element

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application with claims priority and benefit to filed August 23, 2013 "Energy Expenditure Device" (energy consuming device) entitled U.S. Patent Application No. 61/869, No. 505 This application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Claims (20)

A computer-implemented method comprising:
Receiving user movement data along a plurality of axes during a first time period and a second time period;
Calculating at least a first energy consumption intensity value for the first time period and a second energy consumption intensity value for the second time period using at least the motion data;
Determining that the first energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a first threshold and the second energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a second threshold;
Displaying the first and second energy consumption intensity values as a function of time;
Including
The first energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a first variant of display characteristics based on exceeding the first threshold;
The computer-implemented method, wherein the second energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a second variation of the display characteristic based on exceeding the second threshold.   The method of claim 1, wherein the display characteristic is associated with at least one of color, size, or shape. The first variant of the display characteristic is a first color;
The second variant of the display characteristic is a second color;
The method of claim 1.   The method of claim 1, wherein the motion data is received from a sensor embedded in a portable electronic device. The first time period and the second time period are both within a single time frame comprising a plurality of time periods;
The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an amount of time duration within the time frame associated with an energy consumption intensity value that exceeds the first threshold.   The method of claim 5, further comprising visually modifying a representation of a virtual object that indicates a time period within the time frame associated with an energy consumption intensity value that exceeds the first threshold.   The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an activity recommendation to a user based at least in part on the first threshold or the second threshold.   The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a first total energy consumption value for the first time period and a second total energy consumption value for the second time period using at least the motion data. the method of.   The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a motivational message to the user based at least in part on a comparison of the first and second total energy consumption values.   The method of claim 1, wherein the first threshold comprises an energy consumption point accumulation threshold rate during a first portion during the first time period.   The method of claim 10, wherein the first portion of the first time period comprises 5 minutes.   The method of claim 10, wherein the energy consumption point accumulation threshold rate comprises 5 energy consumption points per minute. A processor;
A device for storing instructions,
When the instruction is executed by the processor,
Receiving user movement data along a plurality of axes for a first time period and a second time period;
Calculating at least a first energy consumption intensity value for the first time period and a second energy consumption intensity value for the second time period using at least the motion data;
Determining that the first energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a first threshold and the second energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a second threshold;
Displaying the first and second energy consumption intensity values as a function of time;
At least to the apparatus,
The first energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a first variant of display characteristics based on exceeding the first threshold;
The apparatus wherein the second energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a second variation of the display characteristic based on exceeding the second threshold.   The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first threshold comprises an energy consumption point accumulation threshold rate during a portion during the first time period.   The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the portion of the first time period comprises 5 minutes.   The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the energy consumption point accumulation threshold rate comprises 5 energy consumption points per minute. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing execution instructions,
When the execution instruction is executed,
Receiving user movement data along a plurality of axes for a first time period and a second time period;
Calculating at least a first energy consumption intensity value for the first time period and a second energy consumption intensity value for the second time period using at least the motion data;
Determining that the first energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a first threshold and the second energy consumption intensity value has exceeded a second threshold;
Displaying the first and second energy consumption intensity values as a function of time;
To at least execute the device,
The first energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a first variant of display characteristics based on exceeding the first threshold;
The non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the second energy consumption intensity value is displayed as a second variation of the display characteristic based on exceeding the second threshold. The first time period and the second time period are both within a single time frame comprising a plurality of time periods;
When the execution instruction is executed,
Further causing the apparatus to determine an amount of a time period within the time frame associated with an energy consumption intensity value that exceeds the first threshold;
The computer readable medium of claim 17. When the execution instruction is executed,
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further causing the apparatus to visually modify a representation of a virtual object that indicates a time period within the time frame associated with an energy consumption intensity value that exceeds the first threshold. Computer readable media. When the execution instruction is executed,
The computer-readable medium of claim 17, further causing the apparatus to provide an activity recommendation to the user based at least in part on the first threshold or the second threshold.