US20080004161A1

US20080004161A1 - Exercise monitoring device and motivational lottery system employing same

Info

Publication number: US20080004161A1
Application number: US11/769,475
Authority: US
Inventors: Fergal Woods
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-30
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: GB0612997D0

Abstract

An exercise motivation system comprising a server device capable of communication with client devices via a communications network. The server is arranged to perform lottery draws. It receives output codes from the client devices, each output code containing information indicative of the level of physical exercise taken by a respective user during an operating period. The server generates lottery entries in respect of each received output code.

Description

This application claims priority to UK patent application number 0612997.7, filed Jun. 30, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to an exercise monitoring device and, in particular, to a device for monitoring a user's heart rate. A further aspect of the invention relates to a motivational lottery system, especially an on-line lottery system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many individuals find that a major obstacle to maintaining a regular exercise regime is motivation. More often than not, an individual's initial impetus to take regular exercise is outweighed by the inconvenience of exercising or by laziness.
It would be desirable therefore to provide a system for motivating individuals to take regular exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an exercise monitoring device adapted to be worn by a user, the device comprising means for detecting that the user is engaged in physical exercise; means for recording the level of exercise taken by the user in an operating period; and means for providing a token, or output, that is determined by, or contains information that is indicative of or determined by, the recorded level of physical exercise taken by the user during said operating period.
Preferably, the exercise level recording means records the number of times that the user engages in physical exercise during an operating period the output code is determined by the number of times that the user engaged in physical exercise during said operating period and, more preferably, by the number of times that the user completed a valid physical exercise session during said operating period.
Preferably, the output code is encrypted such that the number of times that the user engaged in physical exercise during said operating period is not apparent from the output code. In particular, it is preferred that the code cannot be discerned by the user by reading the code, or without having access to any algorithm that may be required to decrypt the code, or any look-up record required to interpret the output code.
Preferably, said means for detecting that the user is engaged in physical exercise comprises means for determining the user's heart rate. More preferably, said means for recording the number of times that the user engages in physical exercise during an operating period comprises means for determining the number of times that the user's heart rate exceeds a heart rate threshold level for a threshold period.
In the preferred embodiment, the device is adapted to be worn on the user's wrist or lower arm.
Another aspect of the invention provides a computer implemented exercise motivation system comprising means for performing a lottery draw from a plurality of lottery entries, the system being arranged to receive at least one token in respect of a plurality of users, said at least one token representing a level of physical exercise taken by the respective user during an operating period, and wherein the system further includes means for generating at least one of said lottery entries in respect of each received token.
From another aspect, the invention provides an exercise motivation system comprising a server which includes means for performing a lottery draw from a plurality of lottery entries, the server being arranged to receive respective exercise data, typically in the form of output codes, for a plurality of users, said respective exercise data containing information indicative of the level of physical exercise taken by the respective user during an operating period, and wherein the server further includes means for generating at least one of said lottery entries in respect of each of said users for which said exercise data is received.
In the preferred embodiment, the system further includes at least one of said exercise monitoring devices, said output codes being produced by said at least one exercise monitoring device.
Another aspect of the invention provides an exercise motivation system, the system including means, especially computer-implemented means, for performing a lottery draw from a plurality of lottery entries, the system being arranged to receive output codes, wherein each output code contains information depending on, or indicative of, the level of physical exercise taken by a respective user during an operating period, and wherein the system further includes means, especially computer-implemented means, for generating at least one lottery entry from each received output code. In the preferred embodiment, the number of lottery entries depends on the information contained in the respective output code.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of exercise monitoring, the method comprising detecting that a user is engaged in physical exercise; recording the level of exercise taken by the user in an operating period; and providing an output code that is determined by, or contains information that is indicative of or determined by, the recorded level of physical exercise taken by the user during said operating period.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product comprising machine-readable instructions which when executed in a computer cause said computer to perform the method of the invention.
Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system suitable for use in implementing a motivational lottery system embodying one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing electronic and computer hardware for use in an exercise monitoring device embodying another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the preferred operation of the motivational lottery system; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of how operational codes may be provided for use in the motivational lottery system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a system suitable for use in implementing a motivational lottery system embodying one aspect of the present invention. The system 10 comprises a computer system in which a server 12 is in communication with a plurality of clients 14 by means of a communications network 16. The network 16 typically comprises a computer network and/or a telecommunications network. The network 16 may take any suitable form, e.g. a local area network (LAN) and/or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and/or a telephone network. In the preferred embodiment, the network 16 comprises the Internet, or other global computer network. The clients 14 typically comprise a computer and/or a telecommunications device, for example a personal computer (PC), or cellular telephone, or other personal or hand held device. The server 12 and clients 14 may each comprise a respective computer device supporting suitable computer software as will be apparent to a skilled person. Alternatively, the server 12 and/or the clients 14 may each comprise one or more computer-implementable processes, e.g. software processes, and need not necessarily each be associated with a respective computer and/or telecommunications device.
The preferred system 10 further includes an exercise monitoring device 18 for monitoring the level of physical activity undertaken by a user 20. In the preferred embodiment, the device 18 is arranged to monitor the user's heart rate, although other measures of physical activity may be used in alternative embodiments. It is preferred that the device 18 records the number of times the user's heart rate exceeds a threshold level for a threshold period of time. The threshold heart rate level may be selected depending on the physical condition of the user (e.g. age, fitness level and so on) and is typically set to a level that is indicative of at least moderate exercise being taken (e.g. a brisk walk, jogging, swimming, cycling, generally workout and so on). In the preferred embodiment, the device 18 allows the user to select the threshold heart rate level, as is described in more detail below. The threshold period of time level may be selectable depending on the physical condition of the user, but is typically fixed to a suitable period, e.g. 30 minutes.
In the preferred embodiment, the monitoring device 18 is adapted to be worn by a user 20, for example on the user's wrist or lower arm. To this end, the preferred device 18 includes a wrist strap or band 22 which typically includes or carries a processing unit as is described in more detail hereinafter. In alternative embodiments, the monitoring device 18 may be adapted to be worn on any other suitable part of the user's body and/or may be incorporated into one or more articles of clothing. Alternatively still, the monitoring device 18 may take the form of an exercise machine (not shown), e.g. a tread mill, rowing machine or other device, with which a user can exercise, the machine being arranged to record the level of exercise undertaken by the user based on for example length of usage of the machine and/or machine settings and/or user's heart rate.
In preferred embodiments, the monitoring device 18 includes means for measuring the user's heart rate. Any conventional heart rate measuring means may be used. For example, the device 18 may include conventional equipment for performing electrical measurements (e.g. for an ECG (electrocardiogram), or for measuring mechanical pressure changes close to an artery (e.g. using a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) sensor), or for making optical measurements (e.g. by applying a light source to the user's skin and measuring the amount of reflected light—this can be correlated to the contraction and relaxation of the heart). The device 18 includes one or more sensors and/or electrodes (not shown) appropriate to the measurement technique being used. In embodiments where ECG techniques are used, the sensors/electrodes (of which there are usually two) may each be located in or on a single unit (e.g. wrist band) in a spaced-apart relationship, or may be locatable separately (e.g. one electrode on the wristband and another attachable to the user's torso, or other body portion). The sensors may take any convenient conventional form and, by way of example, may comprise sensing material commonly known as “smart textiles”.
The monitoring device 18 also includes a suitably programmed processing unit 24, e.g. a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processing unit 24 is arranged to provide a token which represents the level of exercise recorded by the device. The token, which typically comprises data or information, can take any suitable form, e.g. a numeric or alphanumeric string or value, electronic or otherwise. The token may comprise user-related exercise data, or be derived from, or indicative of, user-related exercise data. In the illustrated embodiment, the token takes the form of an output code (which may alternatively be said to comprise an output value or an output signal) depending on the amount of exercise recorded by the device 18, i.e. the output code contains, preferably in an encoded form, information that is indicative of the level of exercise taken by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the code depends on the number of times the device 18 has registered that the user has maintained an elevated heart rate (i.e. a heart rate above the threshold level) for at least the threshold period—this is considered to constitute a valid period of exercise. Preferably, the device 18 is programmable to define an operating period (e.g. 30 days) over which instances of valid exercise periods are recorded. Hence, the code depends on the number of times the user has undertaken a valid exercise session during the operating period. Preferably, the device 18 is configured to define a period, e.g. one day, during which only one valid exercise period may be registered.
FIG. 2 shows typical components of one embodiment of the monitoring device 18. The device 18 includes the processing unit 24; an electrical power supply 26 (typically one or more batteries); pulse monitoring circuitry 28; and a memory 30. The processing unit 24 is programmed with suitable computer software as will be apparent to a skilled person. The pulse monitoring circuitry 28 may comprise a conventional “off-the-shelf” unit and includes or is associated with appropriate sensors/electrodes as discussed above. In use the pulse monitoring circuitry 28 generates a signal that is indicative of the user's pulse. The signal is provided to the processing unit 24 which analyses the signal to determine the user's pulse rate or heart rate. The memory 30 may comprise any convenient storage device, for example a non-volatile memory device. In use, the memory 30 may store a number of codes, as is described in more detail hereinafter.
The device 18 further includes a display unit 32, e.g. comprising an LCD display, and optionally an audio and/or visual alarm unit 34. The device 18 further includes means for inputting data into the device 18 and/or for activating the device 18, conveniently in the form of one or more buttons 36. Advantageously, the device 18 includes means, e.g. a USB port 38 or wireless transceiver or other interface device, for connecting it to a computer 14 to allow data to be transferred between the device 18 and the computer 14. The components shown in FIG. 2 are conveniently included in a housing or casing (not shown) which may be included in or carried by a wrist strap or other means for attaching it to the user's body.
In the preferred embodiment, each device 18, or each user 20, is associated with a unique identifier, or serial number, that distinguishes it from all other devices 18 participating in the system 10. The device 18 is also programmed to recognise at least one, and preferably a plurality of, activation codes. The device 18 is also arranged to provide to the user one of a plurality of output codes, or finishing codes, depending on the amount of exercise recorded by the device 18 in the operating period. The output codes are typically visual codes, for example displayed on the display 32, in which case it is particularly preferred that the amount of recorded exercise is not discernable by the user from the output code.
The activation code(s) are conveniently stored in memory 30. The activation codes may be downloaded to the device 18, for example when it is connected to a PC or other host device, or may be pre-stored in the device 18. Alternatively, the processing unit 24 may be programmed to generate the activation codes for verification purposes based on, for example, the serial number. Similarly, each device 18 may come pre-programmed with its serial number, or the serial number may be acquired by the user and then assigned to the device 18. The output codes may also be stored in memory 30, or may be generated by the processing unit 24, for example from the serial number, the activation code and the amount of recorded exercise. In preferred embodiments, the output codes are arranged as a look-up table, a respective output code corresponding to a respective combination of activation code and recorded exercise level (i.e. the number of times that the user recorded a valid exercise session in the operating period). In an alternative embodiment, where the device 18 is intended for single use, activation codes are not required.
During use of the preferred device 18, the user 20 inputs an activation code to the device 18. If the device 18 recognises the activation code as being valid, then the device 18 is activated and initiates an operating period during which instances of valid exercise are recorded or registered. Hence, the device 18 includes a timer (not shown but conveniently incorporated into the processing unit 24) capable of establishing an operating period typically measured in, typically, days or weeks. When the operating period expires, the device 18 will have recorded the number of times that the user completed a valid exercise session which, in the preferred embodiment, is the number of times the user's heart rate exceeded the threshold level for the threshold period of time. The device 18 then generates, and may provide to the user 20, an output code that is indicative of, or at least dependent on or determined by, the number of times that the user completed a valid exercise session in the operating period.
In the preferred embodiment, the output code is displayed on the display 32, but may alternatively, or in addition, be stored by the device 18 for transfer to the server 12 by any suitable means. For example, the user 20 may manually provide the output code to a client 14, e.g. via a keyboard or other client input device, which in turn communicates the code, or at least its information content, to the server 12. Alternatively, the output codes may be communicated from the device 18 to the server 12 via a communications link, e.g. a telecommunications network such as a cellular telephone network (in such cases, the devices 18 act as client devices to the server 12), or may be communicated indirectly to the server 12 via the clients 14. For example, the device 18 may be enabled to send electronic messages such as emails and/or text messages to the server 12, and/or may be enabled to communicate the codes to the clients 14 via any convenient wireless or wired connection. Alternatively still, the device 18 may include, or be adapted to receive, a removable memory device which may be connected to the clients 14 and/or server 12.
In cases where the output codes are provided to the user as visual codes, it is preferred that the output codes do not actually reveal the number of recorded exercise periods to the user 20. In cases where the output code is transferred to the server 12 without the user 20 needing to see it, it is not essential that the number of times that the user completed a valid exercise session cannot be discerned by the user 20 from the output code.
In cases where the device 18 is intended for single use, the device 18 may be activated in any convenient manner, e.g. by pressing a button 36, rather than entering an activation code. Once the device 18 has generated the output code, it may deactivate itself. The device 18 may be reactivated to initiate another operating period by providing it with another activation code.
Optionally, the device 18 is programmable to generate an alarm signal via the alarm unit 34 if a valid exercise period has not been registered within a specified (and preferably user selectable) time period. Such an alarm serves as a reminder to the user to take exercise. Another option is for the device 18 to generate an alarm signal via the alarm unit 34 if, during a period when a sufficiently elevated heart rate is measured, the measured heart rate drops below the threshold level before the threshold period is met, i.e. before a valid exercise session is registered. The device 18 may be programmed to allow the user a period of time to raise his heart rate back above the threshold level. If the heart rate is elevated above the threshold within the specified period, then the device 18 continues to count towards the threshold period, otherwise the device 18 determines that a valid exercise period was not achieved and resets itself to await the next exercise period.
In the preferred embodiment, the server 12, which may take the form of any suitable computing device with suitable computer software, manages the registration of users 20, the assignment of serial numbers, the provision of activation codes and the provision of output codes. The server 12 also receives output codes from users 20 after their operation period is complete and operates a lottery or draw for providing a reward to users 20 who have provided output codes to the server 12.
Conveniently, the server 12 supports a website (not illustrated), or other user-server interface, that is accessible by the clients 14 via the computer network 16. The website, or equivalent user-server interface, provides a facility for users to create a user account, i.e. to register themselves with the system 10. This may include providing personal details and, optionally, payment details (e.g. credit or debit card details). Once an account is created, the server 12 provides the user with a unique identifying code or serial number. The server 12 provides registered users with a facility to order a monitoring device 18 (although these may be obtainable from other convenient sources, e.g. fitness clubs). Preferably, the user's serial number is programmed into the device 18 (e.g. pre-programmed before it is sent to the user, or programmed after receipt by the user). Typically, the device 18 is purchased by the user thereby generating revenue for the system operator. The server 12 provides registered users with a facility to obtain (typically to purchase) activation codes (although these may be obtainable from other convenient sources, e.g. fitness clubs). The activation code may be input manually to the device 18 by the user to initiate an operating period, or may be communicated to the device 18 via the website and client device 14. The server 12 may provide registered users with output codes (although these may be generated by the device 18), the output codes preferably being dependant on the activation code and/or serial number.
Preferably, the user's age is provided to the device 18. This may be input directly to the device 18 by the user, or may be input to the server 12 and then downloaded to the device 18. The user's age may then be taken into account in determining the heart rate threshold level for the user.
Optionally, the user is able to select an exercise intensity level. The selection may be made directly at the device 18 by the user, or may be input to the server 12 and then downloaded to the device 18. The selected intensity level may then be taken into account in determining the heart rate threshold level for the user. Users may be accredited with one or more “virtual” valid exercise sessions depending on the intensity level selected. So, for example, the output codes may be configured to indicate not only the number of actual valid exercise sessions recorded, but also the selected exercise intensity level, and so the number of times the user is entered into the lottery may depend on the selected intensity level.
When the user's operating period is over, the device 18 generates an output code that is indicative of the number of valid exercise sessions that were registered during the operating period. The user's serial number and/or current activation code may also be included in or discernable from the output code. In the preferred embodiment, the output code is displayed to the user via display 32. The user may then provide this output code to the server 12 via his client device 14. The server 12 is able to extract from the output code the number of valid exercise sessions. For example, the server 12 may maintain a database or record 40 which correlates output codes with a number of valid exercise sessions. A respective record of this type may be maintained in respect of each user serial code and/or in respect of each activation code. Alternatively, the server 12 may be configured to extract said information from output codes by performing an algorithm on the output code (which algorithm may be dependent on the user's serial number and/or activation code). The server 12 may maintain other databases or records containing information concerning, for example, user profiles or competition data.
Once the server 12 has determined how valid exercise sessions were recorded by the user, it enters the user into the lottery or draw a number of times that is equal to, or at least is dependent upon, the number of recorded valid exercise sessions. Hence, the more often the user exercises, the higher the chance is that he will win a prize in the lottery. The lottery may be performed in any convenient manner, for example periodically, or whenever a specified number of users have been entered into the lottery.
FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a typical embodiment of the system. Firstly, the user 20 buys or obtains the device 18 via the website. Then he enters his personal details and obtains an activation code. The server 12 then processes the user's serial number and activation number to generate output codes for the user. The output codes are then provided to the user (e.g. for manual input to the device 18) or, more conveniently, are downloaded to the user's device 18 from the website (to this end, the device 18 may be connectable to the user's client device 14 (e.g. via a USB connection, wireless connection or other connection)) and are stored in the device's memory 30. The device 18 may then be configured, via the website, for exercise intensity level and age, and this information can then be downloaded to the device 18 and stored in memory 30. Once the operating period is complete, an appropriate output code is produced by the device 18. The user submits the output code to the server 12 and awaits the next lottery draw. Preferably, the server 12 provides a facility whereby the progress of the lottery can be viewed so that the user can see when the next draw is likely to occur. Lottery prizes may take any desired form, including cash prizes or vouchers.
In embodiments where the output codes are transferred to the server 12 from the device 18 itself (e.g. uploaded to the website via a client device 14 rather than being entered manually by the user), the information carried by the output codes does not need to be encoded. However, it is preferred that the output codes are not be accessible to the user (either at the device 18 or at the website) in order to ensure that the user could not tamper with the output code or generate fictitious codes.
A preferred relationship amongst codes is now described with reference to FIG. 4. It is preferred to offer a unique set of activation codes and output codes to each user. Therefore, each serial number is associated with a respective set of activation codes and each activation code is associated with a respective set of output codes. In some embodiments, each output code may be uniquely associated with a serial number and so uniquely associated with a particular user or device 18. Alternatively, each output code may be provided, in any suitable manner, to the server 12 together with a respective serial number and/or activation code. Alternatively still, each output code may include a respective serial number or a derivative thereof.
In FIG. 4, there is a plurality, e.g. 30, possible output, or finishing, codes, each representing a different level of recorded exercise, and there is a plurality, e.g. 12, different activation codes, each activation code being associated with a respective operating period and respective set of output codes (30 in each set in this example). This model is based on an assumption that the operating period would last for 30 days, that the user could register no more than one valid exercise session per day and that the life cycle of the device 18 is approximately one year. It will be understood that these specific numbers may be replaced with any other suitable numbers. The serial number is preferably written on the device 18 so that the user may enter it to the website. The serial number may be pre-programmed into the device 18 or may be downloaded to the device 18 via the website. The user may obtain an activation code by entering his serial number to the website (and paying any requisite fee). Then, the server 12 uses the activation code in conjunction with the serial number either to generate the output codes (if they have not been predetermined), or to identify the output codes (if they are already saved in memory 40.)
In alternative embodiments, the output codes need not necessarily be sent to the server via client devices. For example, the output codes may be provided to the server, or other computer arranged to perform the lottery draw, by the user using a user interface, e.g. a keypad or swipe terminal, with the server. Alternatively still, the server, other computer arranged to perform the lottery draw, may be integrated with, or physically connected to, one or more exercise monitoring devices, the output codes being sent automatically to the server after or during use of the exercise monitoring device by a user. In such cases, the exercise monitoring device(s) may be regarded as implementing client processes. Hence, the server and clients do not necessarily need to communicate via a network.
It will be understood that in some embodiments, the output codes need not necessarily be encoded. More generally, therefore, the output codes, or tokens, may be referred to as data that contains, or is derived from, information concerning the level of exercise undertaken by the user and may, for example, be provided to the server in a signal form or other electronic form via a client and/or may be manually provided to the server by the user via a user interface. Hence, the tokens may be generated by any suitable exercise monitoring means or device. The tokens may even be generated by a human exercise monitor, e.g. a gym instructor.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A computer implemented exercise motivation system comprising means for performing a lottery draw from a plurality of lottery entries, the system being arranged to receive at least one token in respect of a plurality of users, said at least one token representing a level of physical exercise taken by the respective user during an operating period, and wherein the system further includes means for generating at least one of said lottery entries in respect of each received token.

2. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in respect of each token, said generating means generates a number of said lottery entries, said number depending on the level of physical exercise represented by the respective token.

3. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a server capable of communication with at least one client, said server being arranged to receive said tokens from said at least one client.

4. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one client and said server are arranged for communication with one another via a communications network.

5. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 1, further including at least one exercise monitoring device comprising means for monitoring the level of exercise taken by at least one of said users in said operating period; and means for generating said at least one token for said at least one of said users.

6. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said exercise level monitoring means is arranged to determine a number of times that the user completes a valid exercise session during said operating period, said respective token representing said determined number of said completed valid exercise sessions.

7. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said monitoring means comprises means for determining a heart rate of the user.

8. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said monitoring means comprises means for determining a number of times that the user's heart rate exceeds a heart rate threshold level for a threshold period.

9. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one exercise monitoring device is adapted to be worn by said at least one of said users.

10. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at least one exercise monitoring device is adapted to be worn on an arm of said at least one of said users.

11. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said system further includes means for displaying said at least one token to said at least one of said users, wherein said token is encoded to be indeterminable by the user from a visual inspection of the token.

12. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said display means is provided on said at least one exercise monitoring device.

13. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a server capable of communication with at least one client, said server being arranged to receive said tokens from said at least one client, wherein at least one of said at least one client devices comprises at least one of said at least one exercise monitoring devices.

14. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, server capable of communication with at least one client, said server being arranged to receive said tokens from said at least one client, wherein said at least one exercise monitoring device is adapted for communication with at least one of said at least one client devices and arranged to provide said at least one token to said at least one of said at least one client devices via a communication link.

15. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one client device includes means for enabling said users to manually input said at least one token to said at least one client device.

16. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said server comprises a web server and said communications network comprises the internet.

17. An exercise motivation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one exercise monitoring device is adapted to receive an activation code in respect of each operating period and to begin monitoring exercise upon receipt of said activation code.

18. An exercise monitoring device comprising means for monitoring the level of exercise taken by a user in an operating period; and means for generating at least one token representing a level of physical exercise taken by the user during said operating period, wherein said device further includes means for displaying said at least one token to the user, wherein said token is encoded to be indeterminable by the user from a visual inspection of the displayed token.

19. A method of operating a computer-implemented exercise motivation system which includes means for performing a lottery draw from a plurality of lottery entries, the method comprising receiving at said server at least one token in respect of a plurality of users, wherein said at least one token represents a level of physical exercise taken by the respective user during an operating period; and generating at least one of said lottery entries in respect of each of received token.