KR20140010933A - Consumer useable testing kit - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and techniques are provided for evaluating performance characteristics. One or more fitness devices, such as balls and / or mats, may have sensors to measure the user's behavior during activity protocols such as test training. A sensor is disclosed that is configured to detect whether a fitness device meets an operating criterion. In one embodiment, the fitness device may include a ball and the operating criteria may relate to the weight, size, and / or internal pressure of the ball. In one embodiment, data from the fitness device may be used to calculate the score. In other embodiments, the score may be calculated, but it may not be associated with qualification or certification if certain operating criteria are not met.

Description

Consumer Available Test Kits {CONSUMER USEABLE TESTING KIT}

Both professional and amateur athletes struggle to achieve a level of athletic performance. Unfortunately, however, their chosen exercise routine may not allow athletes to outperform their full potential. Also, individuals without experienced coaches or trainers will probably reach much less of their full potential. So, it may be important for an individual to improve certain performance characteristics, but the following standard exercise routines are not just to help. For example, an individual who wants to play soccer for a professional sports team may have an appropriate speed that would be deemed possible as a member of a team or league, but his response to sports or fitness is acceptable. Will be able to go below range. Blindly, the following inappropriate exercise routine may not improve his responsiveness.

In addition, coaches and recruiters need to quickly determine the performance characteristics of some individuals in a relatively short time. Although they may receive a record or stats of possible players, most probably will not provide an accurate assessment of the appropriate characteristics, such as speed, responsiveness, alertness, and stamina, among others. In addition, statistics may be manipulated or inaccurate. Although attempting to accurately measure performance characteristics, there may be a high level of uncertainty given the unknown state of timers, equipment, and other variables. In addition, the performance of each athlete may have been measured with different timers, equipment, and / or environmental conditions.

Certain systems and methods may provide certified ratings of athletes, but current systems and methods are expensive and time consuming. For example, current systems and methods require trainers to operate multiple test protocols. In addition, given the cost and time consuming process of training, measuring equipment, moving to various locations, and performing analyses, it is a costly and time consuming process that many athletes cannot afford.

Also, amateur athletes may not pursue such testing or analysis. This is unfortunate because improving athletic performance tends to encourage continuous movement, even for non-competitive individuals. Unfortunately, without proper analysis and testing, an individual may not be able to improve the quality of physical education desired. In addition, many physical improvements are expected to take weeks or months, thereby providing insufficient incentives to maintain an exercise program, and so by physical improvement obtained from exercise often results in failure. For example, it may take a long time for an individual to physically know what is improving the quality and why it is not improving. In addition, without accurate systems and methods for measuring their performance, an individual will be able to incorrectly evaluate one or more performance characteristics. Therefore, for these and other reasons, there is a need for improved systems and methods.

The following presents a general overview of aspects of the invention in order to enable a basic understanding of the invention and its various elements. This Summary is not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way, it merely provides a general overview and context for the following more detailed description.

Aspects of this invention relate to systems and methods for assessing athletic performance characteristics of a user. According to certain embodiments, one or more fitness devices may be detected. Any component or set of components configured to measure a fitness parameter may be a fitness device according to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, a fitness device may include components typically required or otherwise associated with a particular physical activity, such as balls, puck, discs, or the like. For example, in one embodiment, the fitness device may include a ball, such as a medicine ball. In another embodiment, the fitness device may include an object within the environment in which physical activity occurs, including an environment such as a bone marker or mat that the user may stand in place. More exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below when describing specific embodiments. One or more fitness devices may be utilized together in the system. For example, the medicine ball may include a sensor configured to measure the first parameter, and the second fitness device, such as a mat, may include at least one sensor configured to measure the second parameter.

Another aspect relates to a sensor configured to detect whether a fitness device meets an operating criterion. In one embodiment, the fitness device may include a ball and the operating criteria may relate to the weight, size, and / or internal pressure of the ball. In certain embodiments, the ball (or other fitness device) may not collect data regarding fitness parameters if some of the operating criteria are not met. In another embodiment, the fitness device may collect data from one or more sensors, but the use of the data may be limited. In one embodiment, data from the fitness device may be used to calculate the score. In other embodiments, the score may be calculated, but it may not be associated with qualification or certification if certain operating criteria are not met.

Another aspect relates to systems and methods for performing an activity protocol with a fitness device. The activity protocol may be selected from a plurality of activity protocols. In one embodiment, the selection may be based, at least in part, on the set of the detected fitness device or fitness device, the sensor of the detected fitness device, the parameters measured by the detected fitness device, and combinations thereof. Could be.

Multiple performance characteristics may be calculated related to the user's performance with respect to the activity protocol. For example, in one embodiment, the performance characteristic is selected from the group consisting of fitness, agility, speed, reaction, and / or alertness. In certain embodiments, data collected from sensors on some fitness devices may be cross-referenced to verify the data. For example, the timing between two user actions, the timing of a particular user action, the location of the user, the location of the fitness device, the speed of the user, the speed of the fitness device, the acceleration of the user, the acceleration of the fitness device, Data relating to the detection and / or detection of the fitness device may be verified by comparing with data collected or otherwise derived from sensors of the fitness device. In certain embodiments, the score may be calculated from the validated data.

Another aspect relates to standardizing the user's performance during fitness equipment and activity protocols. For example, in one embodiment, the fitness device may comprise a mat, and the device (which may or may not be a fitness device) may comprise a shoe. In one embodiment, the mat may include one or more sensors configured to detect pressure from the shoe and determine whether the shoe includes an unapproved pressure point, such as a spike. In certain embodiments, such systems and methods may prevent cheating and / or ensure that multiple users utilize similar fitness devices in a consistent manner during one or more activity protocols. In other embodiments, if a particular instrument is not detected, certain characteristics (eg, protocols available for selection and / or calculation for a particular score) may be disabled or otherwise unavailable. For example, if a ball (such as a medicine ball) is not detected, the certified score may not be calculated. In another embodiment, if a particular sensor (eg, on a medicine ball) is not detected, no certified score may be collected.

According to various embodiments, the fitness device may have one or more replaceable sensors. In one embodiment, the medicine ball may include a replaceable two-axis accelerometer, which may be replaced with a three-axis accelerometer. In certain embodiments, the detection of a particular sensor, such as an accelerometer, may be utilized in the selection of one activity protocol from a plurality of activity protocols. Another embodiment may detect that the replacement sensor is a different type of sensor than the original sensor. Another embodiment may adjust the characteristics of the fitness device based on the detected characteristics of the other fitness device.

Another aspect relates to a ball fitness device having a first sensor configured to measure a fitness parameter. The ball may have a second sensor configured to measure the first operating reference of the ball. The ball's wireless transceiver may be able to transmit data collected from the first and second sensors. The ball may be configured to communicate with a system having a memory having computer executable instructions. The command may determine whether the first operating criterion is met. In certain embodiments, the characteristics of the system, including the characteristics of the balls, may be disabled or otherwise not fully functional. For example, in one embodiment, collection of data and / or utilization of data to calculate a score may be disabled. In certain embodiments, data from the ball's sensors may be used to calculate performance characteristics such as, for example, physical fitness, agility, speed, reaction, alertness, and combinations thereof. Specific data may be, for example, about distance traveled, flight speed, and / or impact power.

The ball may be configured to communicate with one or more other fitness equipment. In one embodiment, calculating at least one performance characteristic comprises utilizing data from two or more fitness devices. In one embodiment, the performance characteristic is calculated from data from the sensor of the ball and the sensor of the mat.

These and other features of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

A more complete understanding of the various aspects and specific advantages disclosed in this document may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description in view of the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment that may be used to implement various examples of this invention;
2 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
3 is an exemplary system having one or more fitness devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;
5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
Inform the reader that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In the following description of various exemplary structures and methods in accordance with the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document, which shows a variety of fitness devices using a fitness device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. And the system are shown by way of example. In addition, it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this invention.

An aspect relates to a fitness device having one or more sensors. As used in this document, the term “physical training device” includes any physical object that may be used or implicated during physical activity, such as sports or rigorous training. In certain embodiments, a user may be able to lift, attach, or wear one or more fitness devices. Exemplary devices may include, among others, clothing such as shoes, shirts, shorts, gloves, hats, or electronic devices such as watches, telephones, media players. In one embodiment, the fitness device may be attachable to the shoe of the user. In another embodiment, the device may be attached to the user's arm, similar to a watch, a ring, or by hand, as with any handheld electronic device including a mobile terminal and / or a personal media player. You can see it.

More exemplary fitness devices may include components that are required for physical activity or otherwise commonly associated. Exemplary fitness equipment includes golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls (soccer balls), soccer balls (rugby balls), balls, hockey puck, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof It may include, but is not limited to. In another embodiment, an exemplary fitness device includes the environment itself, such as parts of the playground, such as bone nets, hoops, backboards, centerlines, outlines, end zones, field goal markers, bases, and combinations thereof. Activity may include objects within the environment in which they occur.

1 illustrates an exemplary fitness device 100 according to one embodiment disclosed in this document. Exemplary fitness device 100 may be a ball having a spherical shape. The fitness device 100 may include one or more sensors, such as sensors 101A and 101B (collectively referred to as sensor 101). Sensor 101 may include any device configured to detect a stimulus and provide an output signal. In a particular embodiment, the sensor 101 may control one or more parameters, such as, for example, speed, acceleration, pressure, position, energy transfer, temperature, orientation, light, sound, magnetic force, or specific motion along two or more axes. It can be used to measure.

In one embodiment, sensor 101 may comprise an accelerometer module. In one embodiment, the accelerometer module may be implemented by a biaxial accelerometer that measures acceleration along two orthogonal axes. In another embodiment, the accelerometer module may be implemented by a three-axis accelerometer that measures acceleration along three orthogonal axes. More exemplary sensors may include strain gauges, conductive inks, piezoelectric devices, and / or pressure transducers. In certain embodiments, the relative pressure exerted on two or more sensors 101 may be used to indicate a weight distribution. Could be. In another embodiment, the pressure detected or measured by one or more sensors 101 may be used to detect grips, such as grasping a ball or bat.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more sensors 101 may be embedded within the fitness device 100. In this regard, the sensor may be disposed within the outer layer of the fitness device. This may be advantageous to protect the sensor 101 and / or to prevent tampering by the sensor 101. In other embodiments, one or more sensors 101 may not be completely embedded in the fitness device 100. This may be advantageous, for example, in obtaining accurate measurements from the sensor 101. Regardless of whether one or more sensors 101 are fully embedded or partially embedded in the fitness device 100, one or more sensors 101 may be removable and / or replaceable. This implementation may be useful for one or more reasons, such as facilitating replacement of an incomplete or aged sensor. It may also allow the fitness device 100 to be utilized in a variety of activities. For example, the fitness device 100 may include a ball, and the sensor 101A is configured to detect acceleration within a first range commonly associated with a professional athlete performing a specific activity. It may include a module. The accelerometer module may be replaced with a different sensor (ie, a pressure sensor), configured to detect parameters commonly associated with professional athletes performing different activities. Further, although sensor 101A is shown to be physically separate from 101B, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would be to provide two or more sensors, such as sensor 101, on a single component. It will be readily appreciated.

Using a removable sensor may allow a sensor, such as sensor 101A, to be used with several different fitness devices, such as a soccer ball, medicine ball, rugby ball, and / or a user, incomplete, such as a medicine ball. The device may be upgraded or replaced without having to obtain a new sensor. In certain embodiments, the placement of one or more sensors 101 is such that the weight of the included sensor 101 is greater than that of the fitness device 100. It may be configured so as not to change the balance or the center of gravity.

In a particular embodiment, sensor 101A may be of the same type as sensor 101B. For example, in one embodiment, the sensors 101 may each be accelerometers. In other embodiments, sensor 101A may be similar to but not identical to sensor 101B. For example, sensor 101A may include a first accelerometer configured to detect acceleration within a first range, and sensor 101B may include a second accelerometer configured to detect acceleration within a second range. will be. In a particular embodiment, the first range may overlap or otherwise include a value within the second range detectable by the second accelerometer. In another embodiment, sensor 101 may measure different parameters. For example, in one embodiment, sensor 101A may include an accelerometer and sensor 101 may include a pressure sensor.

The sensor 101 may be active or passive. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more sensors may actively transmit or provide an output, such as a wireless signal, that may be used for detection of a parameter. For example, sensor 101 may include an electromagnetic device, such as a wireless sensor, including, for example, radio frequency, electromagnetic and / or optical sensors. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be implemented with microstrip antennas. In another embodiment, sensor 101 may include a passive sensor configured to detect and / or measure a stimulus. Regardless of whether the sensor 101 is active or passive, the sensor 101 may be another device, such as a fitness device 100, or a second fitness device, or a non-fitness device. It may be possible to detect the stimulus or the result of the stimulus transmitted by the other sensor. Power to the sensor 101 may be provided by the power supply 107 (described below).

The fitness device 100 may include a processor 103 and / or a memory 104. Memory 104 may include read-only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the memory 104 may store computer-implemented instructions for execution by a processor, such as the processor 103. In a particular embodiment, the processor 103 may be configured to process the output sent from the sensor 101. The processor 103 may be a programmable microprocessor, but in other embodiments, the processor 103 may be a purpose-specific circuit device such as an ASIC. In certain embodiments, the memory 104 may include instructions that are executed by a computer, such that, when executed by a processor such as the processor 103, may be configured to cause the performance of one or more operations. Exemplary computer executable instructions may include performing operations such as curve smoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, summation, integration, or the like, on output from sensor 101. Although memory 104 and processor 105 are shown disposed within device 100, those skilled in the art, whether memory 104 and / or processor 105, may be external to fitness device 100. It will be easy to see that there can be.

In a particular embodiment, the processor 103 may be in operative communication with the transceiver 105 for transmission to an electronic device, such as the device 108, thereby providing a processed or unprocessed signal. Could be. In a particular embodiment, the power supply 107 may be configured to provide power to the transceiver 105, the memory 104, the processor 103, and / or the sensor 101. The power supply 107 may be configured to accept either alternating current (AC) and / or direct current (DC). In a particular embodiment, the power supply 107 may include a converter for converting energy between AC power and DC power.

The electronic device 108 may include a transceiver 109 configured to communicate with the transceiver 105 of the fitness device 100. In other embodiments, the transceiver 109 may be configured to communicate with other fitness devices in addition to or instead of the fitness device 100. In a particular embodiment, receiver 109 may be in operational communication with a processor, such as processor 111. For example, the transceiver may transmit a signal, such as unprocessed or processed sensor data, to the processor 111. Like the processor 103, the processor 111 may perform any desired operation on the processed signal, such as curve smoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, summation, integration, or the like.

Electronic device 108 may include two separable components 112a and 112b. For example, component 112a may be a relatively smaller component than component 112b. For example, in one embodiment, component 112b is a mobile terminal and / or personal media player, and component 112a provides additional functionality for component 112b. Component 112a may connect to component 112b such that processor 111 may communicate with computing device 113 of electronic device 108. The processor 111 may be in direct communication with the computing device 113, and in certain embodiments, may be part of the computing device 113. Component 112a, via input / output (I / O) interface 114, uses one or more channels, such as channel 114a, with other portions of computing device 113 and component 112b. You may be able to communicate. For example, in certain embodiments where 112a is not separable, the I / O interface may be excluded. In addition, the processor 111 of the component 112a and / or the computing device 113 of the component 112b may be unnecessary or, in certain embodiments, otherwise not required.

Computing device 113 may include a processor configured to write and / or read data in memory 115. Exemplary data may include an unprocessed or processed signal from sensor 101. The computing device 113 generates, for example, a set of athletic data corresponding to the athletic activity performed by the user with respect to the processed signals provided by the one or more fitness equipment, such as the fitness device 100. To be able to work further. In a particular embodiment, computing device 113 may execute computer executable instructions in a memory, such as memory 115. Exemplary computer executable instructions may include one or more processes described below with respect to FIGS. 2, 4, and / or 5.

The electronic device 108 may further include an I / O interface device 117. I / O interface device 117 may include one or more ports or interfaces (or devices connected through such ports or interfaces) configured to receive input or transmit output from device 108. In certain embodiments, I / O interface device 117 may include peripherals that are permanently or semi-permanently connected to computing device 203. For example, in many computers, computing device 113, memory 115 are semi-permanently embedded in a housing. In certain embodiments, such as a mobile terminal or a personal media player, the display may also be in the housing. In yet another embodiment, one or more other peripherals, such as removable memory and / or display, may be removably connected to the computer. The port of the interface or I / O interface device 117 allows an peripheral device to be in operational communication relationship with the computing device 113 (either directly or, for example, indirectly via a bus), for example. For example, it may include one or more communication ports. An exemplary communication port may be a parallel bus port or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or an IEEE 1394 High Speed Serial Bus standard (e.g., a Firewire port). It may include a serial bus port, such as a serial bus port to use. Alternatively or additionally, the I / O interface device 117 device may include a communication port configured to communicate with the network. In a particular embodiment, I / O interface device 117 may include a wireless data “port”, such as a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, an infrared data port, or the like.

It is to be understood that the electronic device 108 is merely exemplary, and that various embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include more or fewer components than the electronic device 108 illustrated in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, electronic device 108 may include certain functionality, such as a server computer at a fitness center. Such dedicated devices may thus omit unnecessary peripherals such as keyboards and / or mice, but further include devices such as professional or multiple communication connections. Other exemplary embodiments of electronic device 108 may alternatively or additionally employ computing devices that seek to have a wide variety of functions, such as desktop or laptop computers. Such a computing device may have any combination of peripherals or additional components as desired.

Another aspect disclosed in this document relates to a standardized or albanized fitness device, such as the fitness device 100. In a particular embodiment, the one or more sensors may be configured to detect the performance parameters of the user utilizing one or more fitness devices to standardize one of the fitness devices in use. In certain embodiments, the standardized or generalized fitness equipment may be configured to measure a particular behavior of a user of the fitness equipment. In certain embodiments, one or more sensors may be configured to detect inappropriate use. In one embodiment, two or more fitness devices may be utilized in a network environment.

2 is a flowchart 200 illustrating an exemplary method that may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The flowchart 200 may be used with the fitness device 100 shown in FIG. 1 or any other device having a sensor configured to detect or measure a parameter. In a particular embodiment, flowchart 200 may be performed in connection with a system having a plurality of sensors. Therefore, exemplary use of the particular embodiment of flowchart 200 of FIG. 2 will be described in conjunction with system 300 of FIG. For example, block 202 may be implemented to detect a fitness device. Referring to the system 300 of FIG. 3, two fitness devices, a fitness ball 301 and a mat 302 are shown. The ball 301 may be a fitness or athletic ball in certain embodiments. In a particular embodiment, the ball 301 may be substantially similar to the fitness equipment 100 of FIG. 1, and therefore, the ball 301 may include one or more components shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, although not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, reference to the individual components 101-108 of the ball 301 is made when describing the particular embodiment disclosed herein below. System 300 may further include additional fitness equipment, such as mat 302. Like the ball 301, the mat 302 may include one or more components shown in the exemplary fitness device 100 of FIG. 1.

Implementation of block 202 may allow detection of the ball 301, the mat 302, and / or other fitness equipment of the system 300. As described below, the ball 301, mat 302, and / or other fitness device may be released together as a kit. In a particular embodiment, the mat 302 may include the memory 304. Memory 304 may include computer readable instructions, including values that allow identification of mat 302. Computer executable instructions may be executed by a processor, such as processor 306, and may be transmitted by a transceiver 208 to a computing device. The memory 304, the processor 306, and the transceiver 308 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 to indicate that they may be embedded in the mat 302. In a particular embodiment, the mat 302 may include a protective chamber or housing that protects the electronic components, including components 304-308, from damage. Similarly, memory 104 of ball 301 may store a value that allows identification of ball 301.

For example, a value representing a fitness device such as the ball 301 and / or the mat 302 may include unique values. The unique value may include a serial number assigned to a kit that is part of that particular device or device. In another embodiment, the value may not be unique, but rather may generally refer to the type of device. For example, the value may be a function of the characteristics of the fitness device. In one embodiment, a particular value may be assigned to a ball weighing 6.6 pounds, and a different value may be assigned to a ball weighing 3.3 pounds. In other embodiments, specific values may be assigned to a fitness device, such as ball 301, designed for a particular purpose. In another embodiment, the value may allow the manufacturer or supplier of the device to be identified. In a particular embodiment, the value may include both unique and general identifiers. For example, the value may include a unique serial number (or portion thereof) and also a general identifier assigned to a device having the specified characteristic.

The value may be received at a computing device, such as electronic device 108. In one embodiment, memory 115 may include computer executable instructions that, when executed by computing device 113 and a processor, permit detection of one or more fitness devices in system 300. In this regard, the memory 115 may include software having one or more characteristics that may depend on the detected fitness device. For example, when detecting a particular fitness device, such as the ball 301 or the mat 302, certain characteristics may be available, but if the ball 301 and / or the mat 302 are not detected, at least Some of the features may not be enabled or may be fully functional. As described later in this disclosure, including, for example, when describing block 514 of FIG. 5, aspects of this disclosure relate to calculating a score based on sensor data. However, if a particular fitness device is not detected, such a feature may be disabled or otherwise not available.

Another aspect relates to systems and methods for generalizing or standardizing fitness equipment. Implementing such systems and methods may be advantageous for some reasons, including but not limited to the fact that using improperly configured equipment may be dangerous or harmful to any audience as well as the user. In addition, if the fitness equipment is to measure a user's performance characteristics to provide a score used, it would be advantageous to ensure that the equipment provided to each scored user is generalized or standardized to ensure significant results. .

In a particular embodiment, block 204 may be performed to determine whether one or more fitness equipment is within specific operating criteria or parameters. In one embodiment, the sensor 101 of the ball 301 may comprise a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the ball 301. In this regard, if the pressure exceeds the limit, the user may not have gripped the ball properly to perform the particular task. Likewise, if the internal pressure of the ball 301 falls below the limit, the user may have an unfair advantage by having an increased grip thereon. In another embodiment, the mat 302 or another fitness device may detect or measure the characteristics of the other fitness device. For example, in one embodiment, the mat 302 may include a sensor (ie, sensor 310) configurable to measure the parameters of the ball 301. In one embodiment, the sensor 310 may measure the weight of the ball 301 to ensure that it is within a predetermined range.

In addition, fitness devices such as devices 301 and 302 may measure or detect environmental conditions or operating parameters of an unmeasured or undetected fitness device. For example, certain activities on the mat 301 may require the user to wear certain types of shoes, such as jogging shoes. Sensors on mat 301, including but not limited to sensors 310, 312, 314, may detect or measure whether an illegal shoe, such as a spike, is being worn. In certain embodiments, mat 302 may include one or more sensors configured to measure pressure points and / or weight distributions derived from shoes. System 300 may be configured to determine whether the shoe includes an unapproved pressure point, such as wearing a spike. Unauthorized pressure points may be determined, for example, based on a predetermined range specified in computer executable instructions on memory 304.

In other embodiments, the component may be a fitness device, but the sensor may not be configured to measure a characteristic, detectable by another fitness device. For example, in one embodiment, at least one fitness device includes an article called a shoe. For example, a shoe may include a sensor to measure speed (an exemplary method that may be implemented to detect speed is described in more detail below), however, the shoe may not be used in conjunction with the use of spikes. As such, it may not include a pressure sensor for detecting an unapproved pressure point. Therefore, a shoe is technically a fitness device, but another fitness device, such as mat 302, may be used to detect certain characteristics of the shoe.

In certain embodiments, a camera, such as camera 320, may detect or measure one or more characteristics of a user at any time before, during, or after any process or routine initiated in a document. The camera 320 may be included in one or more fitness devices, including the mat 302, physically or logically. In another embodiment, camera 320 may be implemented as a helmet, such as a batter's helmet, that may be used for baseball related activities. In one embodiment, the camera 320 may be operatively connected to a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone. In a particular embodiment, the mobile terminal (or any mobile device) may be a general-purpose device that includes a memory having computer-implemented instructions to configure a device to perform as a fitness device. For example, a cellular phone may include software for tracking a user, such as using the location of the same signal to detect speed, acceleration, location or other parameters during physical activity. In this regard, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a camera, such as camera 320, may be associated with any type of fitness device.

In other embodiments, the camera 320 may be physically or logically distinguished from one or more fitness equipment. In one embodiment, camera 320 may include any type of imaging equipment configured to capture one or more images. In one embodiment, camera 320 may be configured to capture still images, but in another embodiment, it may be configured to capture multiple images, such as in the form of video. Camera 320 may be configured to capture light of any spectrum. For example, in certain embodiments, camera 320 may capture infrared (IR) light. In other embodiments, camera 320 may be a plurality of cameras. Camera 320 may detect three-dimensional motion. In another embodiment, camera 320 may be utilized in rendering a three-dimensional animation of the detected motion. The camera 320 may be sold as a kit with another fitness device, including the ball 301 or the mat 302.

At block 204, if it is determined that the reference (parameter) is not within a predetermined range (ie, block 206), one or more characteristics of the software application and / or the other fitness device may be disabled or otherwise unavailable. . For example, a software characteristic that assists in calculating a particular score based on sensor data from one or more fitness devices 301, 302 may not be functional. In other embodiments, the score may still be allowed to be calculated, but if a particular parameter is not within a predefined range, it will not be certified or associated with a qualification. In one embodiment, the fitness device includes a ball, such as ball 301, and the predetermined operating criteria may specify ranges in terms of weight, size, internal pressure, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the defined range may include a single value. For example, in one embodiment, the acceptable range for the ball is 3.3 pounds, so both 3.2 pounds and 3.4 pounds will be out of range.

In a particular embodiment, block 208 may transmit an electronic signal, configured to display a message on the display device. For example, in one embodiment, the message may be displayed for the user to see that a fitness device, such as ball 301 or mat 302, is indicating an error. In a particular embodiment, the message may indicate an acceptable range, as well as the detected or measured value obtained at block 206. In another embodiment, a simpler message may only indicate which parameter failed. In another embodiment, a simpler message may indicate that the fitness device has failed the test. In addition to or instead of displaying a message on a display device, information regarding the detected or measured parameter is stored on a computer readable medium such as memory 115 or transmitted to a remote computer readable medium via a communication channel. Could be.

If it is determined in block 204 that one or more parameters are within the defined range, block 210 may be implemented. Block 210 may adjust one or more characteristics of the fitness device 301, 302. The adjustment (or determination to adjust) may be based on one or more parameters detected or measured at block 204. In other embodiments, adjustments (or related decisions) may be based on any data obtained from sensors 101, 310, 312, and / or 314. For example, in one embodiment, sensor 314 is disposed between indicia 316 and indicia 318. If the height or weight of the user exceeds the limit, the distance between the indications may be increased. In one embodiment, the indications 316 and 318 may be displayed by one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) and are adjusted automatically. In another embodiment, the mat 302 may include a trace that causes the indication 316 or the indication 318 to be adjusted. Indeed, any mechanism that may be configured to allow adjustment of the indications 316, 318 is within the scope of this invention.

Block 212 may be implemented to determine or select which activity protocol to perform by the fitness device 301, 302. In one embodiment, a test protocol configured to measure a user's performance characteristics during a defined activity to provide a score may be implemented. In one embodiment, the SPARQTM test protocol may be selected. The selected protocol, which may be a SPARQTM test protocol, may be selected from a plurality of different activity protocols. The best practice is the SPARQTM Football Test Protocol, which is publicly available at http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/sparqtraining/en_US/how_to_test?sport = football2 & gender = m & user_type = athlete & test = overview (last accessed May 25, 2010) It may include one or more activities described within, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

One or more factors may be considered in the selection of the protocol of action. 4 shows a flowchart 400 of an exemplary method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention that may be implemented as part of selecting an activity protocol, such as by block 212. Although the various blocks of FIG. 4 are shown in a linear arrangement, one of ordinary skill in the art, with the help of this disclosure, flowchart 400 is merely exemplary, includes one or other acts simultaneously, and a flowchart It will be readily appreciated that the illustrated blocks may be performed in any order, including such activities associated with another block of 400. In addition, more or fewer processes may be performed with the choice of protocol without departing from the scope of this invention.

Block 402 may detect one or more fitness devices. In a particular embodiment, block 402 may include or be part of information or data from block 202. In another embodiment, block 402 is performed in addition to or instead of block 202. In one embodiment, computer executable instructions, such as may be placed on the memory 115 of the electronic device 108 upon detection of the ball 301 and the mat 302, select a particular activity protocol. And may be implemented as by the computing device 113. In certain embodiments, detection of specific fitness devices may allow selection of specific protocols. For example, if the mat 302 was detected, but the ball 301 was not detected, at least one protocol, which may be available in other ways, may not be appropriate for the selection.

Block 404 may detect one or more sensors on one or more fitness equipment, such as ball 301 or mat 302. For example, the sensor 101 of the ball 301 may need to be interchangeable with other sensors. Therefore, in certain combinations, the sensor 101 will cause the ball 301 to be out of balance or have an incorrect center of gravity. Therefore, in one embodiment, computer executable instructions may be executed to detect the presence of one or more sensors 101 in the ball 301 or other fitness device. In one embodiment, the actual placement of the sensor 101 may be considered. Thus, it is contemplated that the embodiments disclosed in this document may be configured such that the weight of the sensor 101 that includes the fitness device does not change the balance or center of gravity of the fitness device 100. In certain embodiments, the "authentication" protocol may not be selected, or if a sensor or combination of sensors is detected, the selected one may not be "authentication".

In this regard, block 404 may determine whether “certified” sensors are in the fitness device 301, 302. In one embodiment, less expensive sensors may allow the user to select a particular test protocol, but less expensive sensors may not have the level of accuracy and precision required to authenticate the activity performed by the test equipment. As may be possible, the parameters measured using the fitness equipment may not be certified. In certain embodiments, a particular sensor may be shaped to fit only in a specific arrangement with respect to specific fitness equipment, such as to ensure compliance.

Exemplary block 406 may be implemented to obtain one or more parameters from a sensor prior to selecting an activity protocol. The parameters may include, for example, parameters from the environment, user, other equipment, and / or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the parameters may be measured or detected prior to the selection of the activity protocol and are later utilized in the selection and / or provide options for the selection. For example, one or more activity protocols may be selected or made available for selection based on the user's weight and / or height or a combination of the user's weight or height. In a particular embodiment, the sensor 101 may measure the distance between the ball 301 and the mat 302. The mat 302 may be configured such that one of the sensors 406, 408, and / or 410 measures the weight of the user. For example, in one embodiment, the user may be requested or required to place the ball 301 over the user's head while standing on the mat 302. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the user's weight and height are merely exemplary measurements, and that other measurements or detection of parameters from one or more fitness devices will fall within the scope of this invention.

User input may be implemented at block 408. The user input may be received via, for example, the I / O interface device 117 of the electronic device 117. In one embodiment, the user input may select a particular activity protocol. The choice of protocol may be made from a plurality of available protocols. The plurality of possible protocols may be based, at least in part, on one or more results obtained from other processes, including, for example, those described with respect to blocks 402 through 406, or from other processes disclosed herein.

Block 216 may be implemented to initiate an activity protocol. In one embodiment, the activity protocol may include a protocol selected at block 214. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of performing an activity protocol according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary flowchart 500 of FIG. 5 illustrates only one exemplary embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5, a user may be described to perform a particular activity (see, for example, block 502). In a particular embodiment, the description is provided by providing a link that the user may only select, such as by a user input device operatively connected to the I / O interface device 117 of the electronic device 108. Could be. In other embodiments, the description may include an audible component, such as describing when the user should "start" or "stop" an activity. Another embodiment may include a video or electronically generated description, which may be provided, for example, by a display device that is operatively connected to the electronic device 108. In other embodiments, the description may be provided in a tangible form, such as by allowing a user to print the description on paper, such as by a printer device operatively connected to the electronic device 108.

In other embodiments, the description may be provided by transmitting output from a fitness device, such as ball 301 or mat 302. For example, in one embodiment, the indication 316 may be a “starting line” that requires a description (such as block 502) to start the activity of that indication 316. Certain protocols of activity may require a user to move towards the indication 318, and therefore, in certain embodiments, visual indicators, such as LEDs, may be associated with one or more of the indications 316, 318. For example, the green LED may indicate that the user should start at the indication 316 and the red LED may indicate that the user should stop at the indication 318. In another embodiment, the indication may be 318, which may be associated with the indication 318 to indicate a different starting location for the activity. In another embodiment, portions of the ball 301 may be used to illuminate, vibrate or otherwise signal the user. The description may be based on a parameter, detected from one or more sensors or other device.

Block 504 may receive one or more parameters from a sensor that includes sensors 101 and / or 310, 312, and 314. In addition, there is no requirement that all of the received parameters be received from the fitness device. In a particular embodiment, the camera 320 may not be associated with a fitness device, but the parameters from the camera 320 may be received as part of block 504 or as any other process disclosed in this document. Could be. Information from sensors such as sensor 101, 310, 312, 314 and / or camera 320 may be stored in one or more processors, such as processor 103, processor 111, and / or computing device 113. May be processed (see, for example, block 506). In one embodiment, raw data may be retained. In another embodiment, data from a sensor such as sensor 101 may be processed according to a plurality of different processes. Processing of data from one sensor, such as sensor 101A, may depend on data received from another sensor, such as sensor 101B. In other embodiments, data from multiple sensors such as sensor 101 may be combined. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, with the help of this disclosure, that the precise processing of data from one or more sensors may depend on a myriad of factors, including specific protocols of activity, including but not limited to.

Data obtained from one or more sensors, such as sensors 101, 310, 312, 314 and / or camera 320 may be utilized to calculate performance characteristics (see block 508 for example). The data may include raw data and / or processed data. In one embodiment, the data includes data processed according to block 506. One exemplary performance characteristic might include speed. Speed may be measured, such as by an accelerometer or by speed along one or more axes. For example, the speed parameter may include linear and / or lateral velocity. In other embodiments, speed switching may be considered, such as measuring speed with respect to the user's changing direction, such as their right or left or forward or backward direction. In certain embodiments, multidimensional accelerometers, such as detecting velocity along two orthogonal axes, may be utilized. In another embodiment, the accelerometer may measure speed along three orthogonal axes.

Whether used alone or in combination with one or more additional devices, such as another sensor, an accelerometer measures acceleration, including initial or starting acceleration, deceleration, acceleration during different time frames, and / or acceleration at specific locations. You can do it. For example, sensors 310, 312, and 314 may be used to detect the user's pressure and, therefore, the user's position on the mat 302. Other example data may relate to distance traveled, flight speed, and / or impact power. Sensors such as sensors 101, 310, 312, 314 may be configured to transmit and / or receive information location data, such as via wireless signals. In one embodiment, GPS data may be utilized to detect a user's location, fitness devices 301, 302, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, one or more sensors may include active or passive RFID components. For example, the location may be determined as the user passes within the vicinity of the RFID device, embedded or attachable within the mat 302. In other embodiments, the optical signal may assist in determining one or more performance characteristics. For example, if the user traverses the light beam, the snag of the light reception at the sensor may indicate the user's location, and the timing of interruption of reception of the signal (such as light, radio, and combinations thereof) may be determined by speed, And / or data on other performance characteristics such as acceleration.

The calculation of the performance characteristic may be performed using one or more algorithms or results stored on a computer readable medium such as memory 115. An exemplary technique for determining a user's speed from an accelerometer signal is, for example, granted to Blackadar et al. On May 24, 2005, and the name of the invention is "Monitoring activity of a walking user. Activity of A User In Locomotion On Foot, US Patent No. 6,898,550, Ohlenbusch et al., Dated Apr. 19, 2005, entitled "Monitoring Activity Of A Footing User." US Pat. No. 6,882,955, Darley et al., April 5, 2005, entitled "User In Locomotion On Foot," and entitled "Monitoring Activity Of A User In Locomotion." US Patent No. 6,876,947, Olenbush et al., Dated Dec. 10, 2002, and entitled "Monitoring Activity Of A User In Locomotion On Foot." Patent No. 6,493,652 to Black Cardar, etc. Gudet, U.S. Patent No. 6,298,314, filed on October 2, 2001, entitled "Detecting The Starting And Stopping Of Movement Of A Person On Foot." US Patent, issued April 18, 2000 to Gaudet et al., Entitled "Measuring Foot Contact Time And Foot Loft Time Of A Person In Locomotion." 6,052,654, issued to Jan. 25, 2000, entitled "Measuring Foot Contact Time And Foot Loft Time Of A Person In Locomotion." US Pat. No. 6,018,705, for any and all purposes, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A single protocol of action may have more than one subcomponent. For example, the first subcomponent may be designed and / or implemented to primarily measure the first athletic quality or a group of qualities from the user. For example, some performance characteristics may be collected during the portion of the activity protocol, and among others, there may be particular themes for fitness, agility, speed, response, alertness, and combinations of one or more of these characteristics. . Certain activities may be selected and / or grouped, among other things, to depend on other variables, including the user's characteristics such as weight, gender, height, past performance, planned performance, goals, or combinations of one or more of these characteristics. Could be.

Certain sports, such as soccer, require strength and speed, while other sports may require less fitness and more speed. Therefore, different activities may be performed to measure these characteristics. In addition, different locations within team sports, such as soccer, often require different intensities for optimal performance. Therefore, it may be important to carry out different codes of conduct for different individuals. In certain embodiments, different protocols of activity may be provided to different individuals to provide different scores. For example, the football activity protocol may be different from the rugby activity protocol and results in two different scores. For example, the first score may be a “soccer” score and a second score “rugby” score. In another embodiment, every individual is assigned a specific score, such as an overall score, to measure a set of performance characteristics, including but not limited to: speed, agility, stamina, agility, response, and combinations thereof. Could be.

Block 510 may determine whether data obtained during one or more activity protocols may be verified. In one embodiment, verification of the data may compare one or more values obtained from one or more sensors, such as sensors 101, 310, 314 of the fitness device 100, 301, and 302. In certain embodiments, the received value is indicative of the presence or use of certain fitness devices, such as devices 301 and 302. In such an embodiment, a method substantially similar to the one or more processes described above with respect to block 202 of FIG. 2 may be implemented. For example, if a particular fitness device (or a specific sensor of the fitness device) is not detected, the data may not be verified.

In another embodiment, the parameters collected from the sensors (ie, sensors 101 and 310-314) may be utilized in the verification process as shown in block 510. For example, the activity protocol may require the user to handle the ball 301 at or around the mark 316 during the first period of time, and then jump from the position of the mark 318 towards the sensor 312. In such protocols, the sensor 101 of the ball 301 may include a location sensing device and may be used to ensure that a person other than the user does not assist in the activity protocol. In another embodiment, the speed of a portion of the user, such as an arm or leg, is compared to the speed of a fitness device, such as the ball 301, to ensure that the user performs one or more activities correctly in accordance with a particular activity protocol. Could be. Verification may take into account the time at which a particular activity in the activity protocol is performed. For example, an activity protocol may require a user to perform a particular action within a predetermined time frame. There may be further requirements indicating that the second act should be performed after a predetermined time frame from the first act. In this regard, inconsistent data from one or more sensors may be detected or measured. Sensors separated from the ball 301, the mat 302, or other fitness equipment may also be utilized to verify the data. For example, data from camera 320 may be utilized to verify any data from sensors of the fitness device.

The system and method of verification may utilize any information from any process described in this document. For example, any information collected, transmitted or received with respect to the process described in FIG. 2 and / or 5 may be utilized as part of the verification process. For example, the data obtained during block 202 (detecting a body training device) may be combined with the data obtained during block 506 (processing information from the sensor). In this regard, data that may have been within an acceptable parameter of a predetermined criterion during the process (ie, blocks 202 and 506) may be applied separately or in combination with different criteria. Derivation of such data may also be used within the verification process according to various embodiments, alone or in combination.

The determination of the verification may be performed using one or more local or remote electronic devices. In one embodiment, the electronic device 108 is configured to perform one or more processes to verify data. In certain embodiments, remote electronic devices, such as servers remotely on the network, may be utilized for verification of data. In another embodiment, block 510 may be omitted and / or replaced with another process that only receives an indication of whether the data has been verified.

Block 512 may be implemented if any portion of the data obtained has not been verified (either from a fitness device or from another device such as camera 320 if not part of a fitness device). Block 512 may transmit (or receive) an electronic signal configured to provide an error message. In one embodiment, block 512 may include one or more processes described with respect to block 208 of FIG. 2. The error message may indicate which data was not verified, why the particular data could or could not be verified, the proposed solution, the activity affected by the activity protocol, and a combination thereof. A more probable error message may only quote code like alphanumeric values. In certain embodiments, alphanumeric values may be utilized by third parties to identify one or more problems with data, fitness equipment, activity protocols, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the code may not be easily human readable. This may be beneficial to prevent the user from attempting an unauthorized action to suppress or avoid an error in an attempt to incorrectly perform an activity protocol. The error message may be sent to one or more electronic devices including the electronic device 108. In a particular embodiment, the message may be sent to another device, such as a mobile terminal. There is no requirement for error messages to use alphanumeric values. In a particular embodiment, the error message may use an auditory, visual, or audiovisual cue to indicate that at least some of the collected data could or could not be verified.

However, if at least some of the data was verified at block 510, the score may be calculated (see block 514 for example). As described above, scores may be based on activity protocols, user characteristics, and / or other variables. The calculation may be based on one or more performance characteristics of block 508. In this regard, calculating the score may be based, at least in part, on the inclusion of specific data and / or weighting of specific performance characteristics. Calculation of scores may include, but is not limited to, processor 103, processor 111, and or computing device 113, and may be performed on one or more local or remote processors. In certain embodiments, scores may be formed based on one or more subscores. For example, the subscore may be calculated for certain characteristics such as, for example, speed, reactivity, alertness, and / or stamina. In a particular embodiment, only a single score may be provided to the user, but the subscore may be utilized to provide a recommendation to improve the user's score, as in block 516.

Block 516 may be implemented to provide a recommendation to improve a user's score. As described above, the recommendation may be based, at least in part, on one or more subscores or part of the collected data. For example, a particular subscore does not need to be calculated and may be used to provide a recommendation, whether or not data is processed. The recommendation may include an indication of a particular performance characteristic, a specific activity by activity protocol, or a combination thereof. The recommendation may include a listing of activities that were not performed during one or more activity protocols.

Historical data may be utilized as part of block 516. Exemplary historical data may include sensor data collected from past activity protocols. For example, it may indicate that a user has increased or decreased his performance during a particular activity. Other historical data may include information about others, such as other individuals who have performed the same or similar protocols of activity. For example, for others with similar user characteristics, including gender and / or age, data may be limited. Block 516 may consider the user's goal or a good level of performance. For example, if the user is a high school football player who wants to play Division I college football, block 516 may utilize this data to provide a recommendation. Providing data obtained from another individual may be full competition and / or motivation to maintain an exercise routine. In addition, the recommended routine may be more beneficial to help an individual reach a specific goal. In certain embodiments, the data may be associated with third party identification information. For example, the user's data may be compared against data from multiple individuals. In one embodiment, local individuals with predetermined characteristics such as similar scores, subscores, performance characteristics, demographic qualities, and combinations thereof may be identified. The user may be provided with direct or indirect contact opportunities with other individuals. This may be advantageous, for example, to provide competition to the user to motivate and / or use the fitness devices 100, 301, 302 together.

Further exemplary aspects of this invention, one or more elements or components of a fitness device or electronic device may be utilized as a release, sale, or kit. One such embodiment may include a kit configuration.

The kit may include instructions for constructing a fitness device, including using one or more specific sensors with one or more fitness devices. Other descriptions may indicate how to use one or more fitness equipment during one or more activity protocols. In a particular embodiment, a description may be provided that represents an exemplary method for using one or more fitness devices with one or more additional electronic devices to generate scores. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any description need not be printed, physically provided with other components of the kit, and the description may be provided on a computer readable medium. Such description may reside on a server that the user will have access to. According to a particular embodiment, the user may be provided with information, such as a link to an address on the Internet, which includes a description and is within the scope of providing a description. Thus, as used in this document, providing descriptions is not limited to printed copies that can be delivered with the fitness equipment.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific examples including the presently preferred modes of carrying out this invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and substitutions to the systems and methods described above. Thus, the spirit and scope of this invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (37)

In the ball,
A first sensor configured to measure fitness parameters;
A second sensor configured to measure a first operating reference of the ball; And
A transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit data relating to the first parameter and the first parameter measured by the first sensor and the second sensor
/ RTI >
ball. The method of claim 1,
The ball is configured to communicate with the system,
The system comprises:
A processor; And
A computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions,
The computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor,
Determining that the first operating criterion is not met; And
Disabling a feature of the system
Lt; / RTI >
ball. 3. The method of claim 2,
The feature includes a calculation of a score,
ball. The method of claim 3,
The feature includes a calculation of a certified score,
ball. The method of claim 1,
A processor; And
Further comprising a computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions,
The computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor,
Calculate a plurality of performance characteristics during a user's performance on a first activity protocol based at least in part on the fitness parameters measured by the first sensor doing,
ball. The method of claim 5,
The performance characteristic is selected from the group consisting of power, agility, speed, reaction, quickness, and combinations thereof,
ball. 3. The method of claim 2,
The first operating criterion specifies a range relating to weight, size, internal pressure, and combinations thereof,
ball. The method of claim 5,
The calculation of at least one of the plurality of performance characteristics includes utilization of data from a third sensor associated with a fitness device configured to measure a fitness parameter,
ball. 9. The method of claim 8,
The fitness parameter measured by the first sensor is selected from the group consisting of traveled distance, flight speed, power upon impact, and combinations thereof, wherein the performance characteristics are: fitness, agility, speed, Selected from the group consisting of reactions, alertness, and combinations thereof,
ball. 10. The method of claim 9,
The command includes:
Determining a score based on the calculated performance characteristic,
ball. In the method of evaluating the performance characteristics of the user,
Detecting a ball comprising a sensor configured to measure a first parameter and a sensor configured to detect whether the ball meets a predefined operating criterion; And
Selecting a first activity protocol from the plurality of activity protocols,
The selection is based at least in part on at least one factor selected from the group consisting of a detected fitness device, a sensor of the detected fitness device, a parameter measured by the detected fitness device, and a combination thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 12. The method of claim 11,
The sensor configured to measure the first parameter comprises the sensor configured to detect whether the ball meets the predetermined operating criterion,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. The method of claim 12,
Calculating a plurality of performance characteristics from data collected from one or more sensors of the ball during the user's performance on the first activity protocol,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. The method of claim 13,
The performance characteristic is selected from the group consisting of physical strength, agility, speed, reaction, alertness, and combinations thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. The method of claim 13,
Receiving data from a sensor of a second fitness device; And
Timing between two user actions, timing of specific user actions, user location, location of the fitness device, user speed, speed of the fitness device, user acceleration, acceleration of the fitness device, and detection of sensors Cross-referencing data collected from the second fitness device and the sensor of the ball to verify an action selected from the group consisting of detection of the fitness device, and combinations thereof
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 12. The method of claim 11,
At least one detected fitness device includes a ball, and the predetermined operating criteria specify a range relating to weight, size, internal pressure, and combinations thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising using the sensor of the ball to determine whether the device meets predetermined operating criteria,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. In the method of evaluating the performance characteristics of the user,
A plurality of fitness devices in the system, the plurality of fitness devices comprising at least one first fitness device including at least one sensor configured to measure a first parameter and at least one sensor configured to measure a second parameter Detecting a second fitness device comprising;
Determining, by the sensor of the at least one detected fitness device, whether at least one detected fitness device meets a predetermined operating criterion; And
Selecting a first activity protocol from the plurality of activity protocols,
The selection is based at least in part on at least one factor selected from the group consisting of a detected fitness device, a sensor of the detected fitness device, a parameter measured by the detected fitness device, and a combination thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Calculating a plurality of performance characteristics from data collected from the first fitness device and the second fitness device during the user's performance on the first activity protocol,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 20. The method of claim 19,
The performance characteristic is selected from the group consisting of physical strength, agility, speed, reaction, alertness, and combinations thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 20. The method of claim 19,
Timing between two user actions, timing of specific user actions, user location, location of the fitness device, user speed, speed of the fitness device, user acceleration, acceleration of the fitness device, and detection of sensors Cross referencing data collected from sensors of the first and second fitness devices to verify an action selected from the group consisting of detection of the fitness device, and combinations thereof;
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. The method of claim 21,
Calculating a score from at least a portion of the calculated performance characteristic,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
At least one detected fitness device includes a ball, and the predetermined operating criteria specify a range relating to weight, size, internal pressure, and combinations thereof,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Using a sensor of the detected fitness device to determine whether a device other than one of the detected fitness devices meets a predetermined operating criterion,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 25. The method of claim 24,
The fitness device to be detected comprises a mat and the device comprises a shoe,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 26. The method of claim 25,
Detecting, by the sensor of the mat, pressure from the shoe; And
Determining whether the shoe includes an unapproved pressure point
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
The detected fitness device comprises a mat and a shoe, the mat comprising one or more sensors configured to detect pressure from the shoe,
The method comprises:
Detecting, by the sensor of the mat, pressure from the shoe; And
Determining whether the shoe includes an unapproved pressure point
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Determining that at least one operating criterion has not been met; And
Disabling a feature of the system
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 29. The method of claim 28,
The characteristic includes a calculation of a score,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the property comprises a calculation of a certified score,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Determining that at least one particular type of fitness device has not been detected, and
Disabling at least one characteristic of the system
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 32. The method of claim 31,
The characteristic includes a calculation of a score,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 33. The method of claim 32,
Wherein the property comprises a calculation of a certified score,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 25. The method of claim 24,
At least one or detected fitness device or device comprises a camera,
The method comprises:
Capturing an image with the camera; And
Generating a plurality of three-dimensional images for motion
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Detecting that the detected first sensor of the fitness device is replaced with a second sensor; And
Selecting a second activity protocol from the plurality of activity protocols
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How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 36. The method of claim 35,
Further comprising determining that the second sensor is a different type of sensor than the first sensor,
How to evaluate user performance characteristics. 19. The method of claim 18,
Adjusting the characteristic of the second fitness device based at least in part on the detected characteristic of the first fitness device;
How to evaluate user performance characteristics.

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