WO2007102708A1

WO2007102708A1 - Scales that can be connected to external devices and service providing method using the scales

Info

Publication number: WO2007102708A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/001133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seung-Hun Park
Original assignee: Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation Of Kyunghee University; Codisoft Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-03-07
Filing date: 2007-03-07
Publication date: 2007-09-13

Abstract

Provided are a set of scales that can access an external device which includes a weight detection unit detecting and outputting weight information of a user, an interface unit managing data and transceiving data with the external device using a predetermined communication method, and a control unit converting the weight information received from the weight detection unit according to the communication method and transmitting the converted weight information through the interface unit. The weight information is used to provide at least one of an exercise prescription, a nutrition prescription, and advice appropriate for the health state of the user.

Description

SCALES THAT CAN BE CONNECTED TO EXTERNAL DEVICES AND SERVICE PROVIDING METHOD USING THE

SCALES

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an exercise management system providing an exercise prescription appropriate for a user, and more particularly, to a set of scales which are connectable to an external device such as a computer and a service providing method using the same.

Background Art

[2] Busy modern people lack adequate exercise. In particular, the development of computer technology has made many modern people sit in front of computers doing nothing but simple and small repetitive actions such as mouse or keyboard operations which leads to an absolute lack of exercise. Also, the rapid popularization of the Internet has further increased the amount of time modern people spend in front of computers. Thus, this lack of exercise can result in endangering the health of the modern people so that attention must be drawn to this situation.

[3] In this regard, obesity has recently attracted much attention. The term 'obesity' generally refers to a state of having excessive body fat. In detail, a man is defined to be obese when body fat is over 25% of his weight while a woman is obese when body fat is over 30% of her weight. Clinically, being obese is defined when the body mass index (BMI) is over 30 and the present weight exceeds 20% of an ideal weight. The BMI is obtained by dividing weight by a square of height of a person. A body fat index is related to body fat and relatively not related to the height. In general, a BMI for normal weight is defined to be 20-25 and a BMI for excessive weight is defined to be 25-30. A BMI for obesity is over 30 and a BMI for excessive obesity is over 40. However, according to the result of recent studies, Asian people have a prevalence rate of diseases at a lower body fat index compared to Western people. Accordingly, the obesity for Asians has been redefined so that a man is obese when his body fat index is over 22%. The causes for obesity include a genetic factor, an environmental factor, and energy metabolism abnormalities. According to the result of a variety of recent studies, obesity is known as a fundamental reason for adult diseases such as metabolism syndrome. A method for determining obesity includes measuring weight and measuring the thickness of skin wrinkle using a caliper. A modified Broca's method is used as a clinical method for evaluating an obesity index in which a formula of (height- 100) ' 0.9 is regarded as an ideal weight and the present weight is converted into percentage with respect to the ideal weight. That is, a degree of obesity is obtained by (actually measured weight-ideal weight)/ideal weight ' 100%.

[4] There are a variety of exercise methods to escape from the dangers of obesity. Of these methods, a method of simply reducing the amount of caloric intake is not preferable because it is difficult to produce a high effect and further may cause essential nutrient deficiency phenomena or a complication such as osteoporosis. Rather, it is preferable to consume an appropriate amount of calories and perform more exercise.

[5] A variety of apparatuses to measure obesity using weight have been introduced. A set of scales that not only simply measure weight but also measure body fat based on the received weight of a user have been introduced. However, not only is the accuracy of the apparatus not high, but also an exercise method and a dietary treatment for the reduction of weight are totally chosen by the user using the apparatus that can determine your own weight and body fat only. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] However, not all exercises are beneficial for everyone. For example, a muscle exercise which is regarded as being beneficial for healthy men in his twenties may be dangerous to women in the menopause showing osteoporosis pseudo symptoms. Thus, one who exercises needs to use different exercise method according to one's body conditions. An exercise that is not appropriate for one's body condition may cause serious damages such as muscle injury or bone fracture.

[7] Therefore, there is a demand for an apparatus which can accurately measure the health and physical status of a user and prescribe the most appropriate exercise based on the measured information so that a weight loss effect for the user is maximized and the danger of adult diseases is avoided.

Technical Solution

[8] To solve the above and/or other problems, the present invention provides a set of scales which can be connected to an external device such as a computer and provides exercise prescription, nutrition prescription, and advice which are optimized for a user, based on health information such as the weight of the user that is accurately managed.

Advantageous Effects

[9] The present invention provides a service providing method which, by providing contents based on the interaction between a user using scales and a donor who has given the scales to the user as a present, provides a motive to a user to continuously manage one's health, nutrition, and exercise and maximizes an effect of exercise by continuously providing interest in exercise. Description of Drawings

[10] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[11] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected to an external device;

[12] FIG. 2 illustrates external devices to which scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected;

[13] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the scales according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[14] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an exercise prescription and a nutrition prescription provided to the external device to which the scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected;

[15] FIG. 5 illustrates scales according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[16] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed;

[18] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to another embodiment of the present invention is performed; and

[19] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is performed.

Best Mode

[20] According to an aspect of the present invention, a set of scales that can access an external device comprises a weight detection unit detecting and outputting weight information of a user, an interface unit managing data and transceiving data with the external device using a predetermined communication method, and a control unit converting the weight information received from the weight detection unit according to the communication method and transmitting the converted weight information through the interface unit, wherein the weight information is used to provide at least one of an exercise prescription, a nutrition prescription, and advice appropriate for the health state of the user.

[21] The scales further comprise a lamp unit emitting light in different colors according to the weight information.

[22] The external device is connected to a network and to a web site where a user of the scales is registered and which provides content to the user, wherein the web site is shared by a donor who has given the scales as a present to the user and the user of the scales and is operated as a message transfer channel between the donor and the user.

[23] The web site is configured such that the donor provides a predetermined gift to the user and the user selects and purchases a desired item.

[24] The external device is one of a computer, an IPTV, and a mobile device which is accessible to the web site through the network.

[25] The interface unit transceives data using one of a universal serial bus (USB) communication, an IEEE 1394 communication, Bluetooth, a parallel communication, a wireless local area network communication, and an infrared communication.

[26] The scales further comprise a memory unit storing the weight information of a user, wherein the control unit transmits to the external device any weight information stored when the scales are not connected to the external device through the interface unit when the scales are connected to the external device.

[27] The scales further comprise an RFID tag storing identification information, as predetermined identification information, to be read by an RFID reader included in the external device, and further comprising an RFID reader reading user identification information, wherein the external device identifies the scales using the identification information.

[28] According to another aspect of the present invention, a service providing method using scales that can access an external device comprises accessing, by a user of the scales, a web site through a predetermined network, approving the user and receiving and storing weight information of an approved user from the scale, and providing, to the user, at least one of an exercise prescription, a nutrition prescription, and advice appropriate for the health state of the user corresponding to the weight information.

[29] The method further comprises accessing, by a donor of the scales, the web site through the network, and providing, to the donor and the user, a predetermined content based on an interaction between the donor and the user.

[30] The providing of a predetermined content comprises storing a predetermined message provided by an approved donor for the user, and providing the message to the user when the user accesses the web site.

[31] The providing of a predetermined content comprises selecting, by an approved donor, a predetermined item that is to be transferred to the user, and providing the item to the user when the user accesses the web site.

[32] The item is one of an animation, a moving picture, an item for decorating a web page, and a health related product.

[33] The method further comprises selecting by the user at least one of weight information, a weight reduction target, a weight reduction target date, and contents update right to provide to the donor, and providing the selected information to the donor when the donor accesses the web site. Mode for Invention

[34] The attached drawings for illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention are referred to in order to gain a sufficient understanding of the present invention, the merits thereof, and the objectives accomplished by the implementation of the present invention.

[35] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by explaining preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

[36] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a set of scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected to an external device. Referring to FIG. 1, a set of scales 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected to an external device 190 such as a computer. The scales 110, like conventional scales, include a detection unit 130 detecting the weight of a user and a display unit 120 displaying the weight.

[37] However, the scales 110 according the present embodiment transmit measured weight information to the external device 190. The external device 190 makes an exercise prescription and a nutrition prescription appropriate for a user using the weight information received from the scales 110. The exercise prescription is a service provided by analyzing physical information such as the health and strength level of an individual and determining the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise appropriate for the individual according to the result of analysis. Also, the exercise prescription is a scientific and systematic health improvement system which controls the quality and quantity of exercise according to the phase of the exercise. The exercise prescription is systematically made based on sport science with medical expertise. Basically, to provide an exercise prescription, the external device 190 uses not only the weight information of a user received from the scales 110 but also the height of the user. To obtain detailed information on the health state of a user, the external device 190 may receive not only the weight but also basic physical information such as blood pressure and exercise physical information such as pulse, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure during exercise. When detailed physical information is received from a variety of physical information measurement devices such as the scales 110 or the like, the external device 190 can improve accuracy in the provided health information. Also, the external device 190 uses the basic information such as the weight and height information of a user and refers to a database about standard health figures of, for example, Korean people to obtain approximate physical information. When the database is used, accuracy of physical information is lowered. However, the cost of a system is reduced because separate physical information measurement devices are not needed. [38] When the basic physical information of a user is received, the external device 190 provides an exercise prescription appropriate for the user based on the received physical information. For example, when the user is determined to be obese based on the user's BMI, the external device 190 provides an exercise prescription to the user to perform walking at a low intensity for a long time. On the other hand, when the user is determined to be in only a slightly overweight state, the external device 190 issues a prescription to the user to perform a relatively higher intensity exercise. In addition, the external device 190 may provide a prescription that, instead of continuing a low intensity exercise, the user should exercise by appropriately combining the low intensity exercise and a high intensity exercise based on the physical information.

[39] It can be assumed, for example, that the exercise intensity of a user is categorized from index 0 through index 10 and that, according to the result of analysis of the user's basic physical information, the user is in an underweight state and needs a physical strength improvement. Then, in this case, the external device 190 may issue a prescription to perform exercise at intensity 5 to 8 for 5 minutes at each step and take a rest for 1 minute, skipping exercise between intensity 0 to 4, and then enter the maximum intensity 10 exercise for 2 minutes without having a rest just after performing an intensity 9 exercise for 3 minutes. After performing the exercise following the prescription provided by the external device 190, the user can take a rest for about 3 minutes so that muscles can be sufficiently rested. If necessary, the previously performed exercise pattern can be repeated after the above exercise is performed. According to the above exercise prescription, the user can efficiently improve one's physical strength.

[40] However, when the user is determined to be obese so that the basic physical strength is low according to the result of analysis of the user's basic physical information, the external device 190 unlike the above-described prescription may issue an exercise prescription to perform exercise of intensity 0 to 4 for 2 minutes and take a rest for 5 minutes. According to the exercise prescription, the user can use up a lot of calories without seriously damaging his or her bones.

[41] The structure of the scales 110 and the exercise prescription provided by the external device 190 will be described in detail later.

[42] FIG. 2 illustrates external devices to which a set of scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected. Referring to FIG. 2, a variety of electronics devices 210, 220, 230, and 240 are connected to an external device forming a small home network 270. The network 270 can be connected to a large home network such as the Internet 290.

[43] In FIG. 2, electronic devices such as a set of scales 210, a television 220, an air conditioner 230, and an illuminating device 240 are connected to and controlled by an external device. The external device may be a personal computer (PC) to which the scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected. For example, a user makes a reservation for the time to turn on the television 220 and a program to record on the PC, so that the user can easily record a desired program. A lso, the user can make a reservation for the operation of the air conditioner 230 30 minutes before coming home, using the PC. The illuminating device 240 can be controlled to operate for two hours from 7 pm during a long-term absence to reduce a possibility of theft.

[44] In addition, the electronic devices 210, 220, 230, and 240 can be automatically operated by the PC. For example, during the long-term absence, the illuminating device 240 is operated for two hours from 7 pm and the television 220 is operated together so that an effect of the presence of people at home can be obtained. The PC is connected to the Internet 290 via a gateway (not shown) and a user can access the Internet 290 so that the PC can be controlled from a remote place.

[45] When the weight information of a user is measured by the scales 210, the measured weight information is transferred to the PC. The PC provides an exercise prescription most appropriate for a user based on the physical information of a user and the measured weight information. Also, the PC stores the history of the weight information of the user for the systematic weight management or accesses a dedicated facility such as a hospital through the Internet 290 to improve the specialty of the exercise prescription. A variety of physical information measuring devices (not shown) are connected to the PC so that accuracy of the exercise prescription can be improved.

[46] In FIG. 2, the network 270 is preferably a home network for integrally controlling electronic devices for home use. For example, the home network 270 can be configured using the Viiv™ technology suggested by Intel ® targeting a home network market called a digital home. The Viiv technology employs the PC located in a living room with a shape similar to an audio and video system and the television 220 having a large screen in the living room is connected to the PC. Then, the user can enjoy various digital entertainment contents attainable from the Internet 290 through the television 220.

[47] When the electronic devices are connected through the home network 270, the user can receive a preferable exercise prescription while checking the weight information measured by the scales 210 through the large screen of the television 220. The exercise prescription can be provided by being specified to an exercise equipment (not shown) that the user owns. For example, when a user owns a treadmill, the exercise prescription may concern a method of controlling the intensity of exercise of the treadmill. In addition, many users can receive appropriate exercise prescriptions using a PC signal after passing a simple individual identification procedure. [48] Also, the external device may be an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) accessible to the

Internet. The weight measured by the scales 210 can be transferred to a health management web site through the Internet 290 by the IPTV. The exercise prescription using the external device and the nutrition prescription providing method will be described in detail.

[49] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the scales according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the scales 110 and 210 include a weight detection unit 310, a voice output unit 320, a display unit 330, an interface unit 340, a control unit 350, a user operation unit 360, a memory unit 370, and an RFID tag 380. The weight detection unit 310 measures the weight of a user. The weight detection unit 310 measures a weight using a load cell or a force sensing resistor (FSR). The FSR is manufactured using a polymer film in which resistance decreases as a force to a sensor surface increases. Compared to conductive rubber, the FSR exhibits hardly any electrical hysteresis and is cheap. Also, compared to piezoelectric film, since the FSR is more highly endurable to vibrations and heat, the FSR is widely used in various fields such as biomedical engineering and robotics.

[50] The weight measured by the weight detection unit 310 is transferred to the control unit 350. The control unit 350 converts the received weight fitting to communication specifications used for communication with external devices and transmits the same through the interface unit 340. For example, the interface unit 340 can communicate with an external device using a universal serial bus (USB). The USB communication method is one of communication methods used when a computer communicates with peripheral devices and includes a host part and a slave part. A host reads and interprets data received from a slave while the slave performs communication according to the command and control of the host. The interface unit 340 can transmit weight information to an external device using communication methods such as IEEE 1394, Bluetooth, parallel communication, wireless local area network communication, and infrared communication. IEEE 1394 is one of communication methods for communicating between a computer and external devices. IEEE 1394 is appropriate for data communication because its transmission speed is very fast - up to 400 Mbps. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless connection technology which connects information communication devices and digital home appliances such as computers, printers, mobile phones, and PDAs at home or office wirelessly without a physical cable connection. Bluetooth uses Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK) and provides frequency hoping. The interface unit 340 can communicate with external devices through the above-described various communication methods. When the interface unit 340 communicates using a wireless communication technology, portability of the external devices and scales without a separate cable is guaranteed. [51] The display unit 330 displays the weight information measured by the weight detection unit 310. The weight information can be displayed by the external device after being transferred to the external device through the interface unit 340 or by being directly displayed through the display unit 330 included in the scales. When the scales include the display unit 330, there is an advantage in that the weight of a user can be measured in a state in which the external device and the scales are not connected.

[52] The user operation unit 360 is used to identify a user or input physical information such as the weight of the user. When a set of scales are used in a home network, family members can be easily identified using a simple button. The weights of many users can be systematically managed using the user operation unit 360.

[53] The memory unit 370 stores the weight information measured by the weight detection unit 310. The scales shown in FIG. 3 can be used by being connected to the external device or used independent of the external device. For example, it would be very inconvenient to turn on the external device such as a computer whenever a user measures one's weight. Thus, the user can measure one's weight using the scales whenever he/she wants to do. The measured weight is displayed on the display unit 330 and the weight of an identified user is stored in the memory unit 370 by the user operation unit 360. The control unit 350 makes out a graph indicating the change of user's weight and displays the graph on the display unit 330. Also, when the scales are later connected to a computer, the control unit 350 can transfer the accumulated weight information of a user that has been measured so far to the computer at once. Accordingly, the user can measure the weight like general scales regardless of whether the scales are connected to the computer. Since the weight information measured during which the scales are not connected to the computer can be uploaded later at once, the convenience for a user is improved.

[54] The RFID tag 380 stores ID information of the scales read out by an RFID reader

(not shown) included in the external device. An RFID technology is a non-contact recognition system in which a small chip is attached to a variety of items and item information and environment information are transmitted and processed at a radio frequency. An RFID system is referred to as a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) or a wireless identification system. The RFID system includes a reader having a reading function, an RFID tag having characteristic information, operation software, and a network. The RFID system processes information by identifying a tag that is a thin plate attached to an item. The RFID tag consists of a transponder chip and an antenna and is classified into a passive type or an active type. The passive RFID tag operates by receiving energy from a radio wave signal of the reader without requiring an internal power while the active RFID tag includes a battery for self-operation. The RFID technology makes reading out information by direct contact or scanning within a visible range as in a barcode to unnecessary. A low frequency radio wave identification system (30 KHz-500 KHz) is used at a short distance of not more than 1.8 m. A high frequency radio wave identification system (850 MHz-950 MHz or 2.4 GHz-2.5 GHz) is capable of transmitting a signal even at a long distance of 27 m or more. The RFID tag 380 is useful because the external device can directly recognize the scales without a special operation.

[55] Also, the scales according to the present embodiment may include an RFID reader

(not shown) reading identification information to identify a user. When the RFID card is used by each user, even if many users use a single scales, there is no need to identify each user. For example, each family member or user at a fitness center approaches the scales while carrying an individual RFID card. Then, the scales identify a user from the RFID card that the user carries and measures the weight of the user. The measured user's weight information is stored in the memory unit 370 and uploaded later when the scales are connected to the external device.

[56] The voice output unit 320 outputs as a voice signal the measured weight information or the exercise prescription provided by the external device so that the user's convenience is improved.

[57] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an exercise prescription and a nutrition prescription provided to the external device to which the scales according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected. A display 400 includes a user information display section 410, a weight change display section 430, a physical information display section 420, and an exercise prescription display section 450.

[58] The user information display section 410 includes user identification information.

The displayed identification information may be the name or nickname of a user. When the user is changed, another user can be selected from stored users by clicking a change button 415.

[59] The physical information display section 420 displays physical information such as height, weight, a body fat rate, and obesity level. The physical information display section 420 displays a summary of the user's physical state so that the user can easily recognize the present physical state of him or herself.

[60] The weight change display section 430 displays a weight change graph for a particular period. The history information is very important when the user exercises. For example, when there is a rapid weight loss or gain, the user can determine whether there is any problem in the exercise method. Also, the user can be motivated while visually checking the result of the exercise.

[61] The exercise prescription display section 450 displays a selected exercise prescription appropriate for the physical information of a user. The exercise prescription display section 450 suggests a details exercise method for each of exercise categories such as muscle exercise or aerobics. In addition, the exercise prescription display section 450 displays check points when the user exercises according to the physical information or a preferred method in performing the exercise. Even when the users perform the same exercise, if the method of performing exercise is incorrect, a desired exercise effect cannot be obtained. Thus, the exercise prescription display section 450 maximizes the exercise effect by particularly suggesting a preferable exercise posture and method for each exercise.

[62] The exercise prescription display section 450 transfers an exercise prescription to a user through a speaker (not shown) as voice information. When the exercise prescription and the present physical state are transferred as voice information, it is easy to obtain information without watching a display during measurement. In addition, since interesting moving picture and sound can be provided to a user during exercise, the user is not bored while exercising.

[63] The nutrition prescription display section 460 provides information about a rec- ommendable dietary to a user. Even when the user exercises hard, a preferable result cannot be obtain if a preferable dietary does not go with. Thus, attention to nutrition is required as one exercise harder. In this regard, a nutrition prescription providing information about nutrition attracts attention. Recently, a nutrition prescription using a glycemic index (GI) has become more focused upon than ones using calories, that is, the amount of food intake.

[64] The GI is an index that indicates a blood glucose level increase rate 30 minutes after having food on an empty stomach, assuming that pure glucose has a value of 100, and the glucose content is taken for lOOg of a food. When the GI is low, the food is slowly changed to glucose. When the GI is high, the food is quickly changed to glucose. Thus, of foods having the same amounts of calories, a food having a low GI is effective to weight reduction. The nutrition prescription display section 460 provides preferable dietaries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in detail to the user with the GI of each food which will increase user's understanding.

[65] FIG. 5 illustrates a set of scales according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a set of scales 510 include a display unit 520, a lamp unit 540, and a weight detection unit 530. Since the operations of the weight detection unit 530 and the display unit 520 are the same as those of the scales shown in FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

[66] The scales according to the present embodiment preferably have an aesthetic design giving the user a good feeling whether they have bought it themselves or it has been given as a present from another person. The scales 510 of FIG. 5 have a heart shape and the lamp unit 540 at the edge there of which emits light in a variety of colors. When a user stands on the weight detection unit 530 to measure his/her weight, the measured weight information is compared to a target weight or an appropriate weight calculated using the height of the user that is preset. Then, the lamp unit 540 emits light of different colors according to the result of comparison. For example, the lamp unit 540 can emit an orange light when the user is underweight, a blue light for a normal weight, and a red light when the user is overweight. In this case, the lamp unit 540 may include one or more lamps arranged in a predetermined shape or more. The user can easily identify whether his/her weight is appropriate according to the color of light emitted by the lamp unit 540. Also, when the weight of a user belongs to a set range, one or more lamp units are sequentially turned on or light in rainbow colors so that the user is inspired to achieve an appropriate weight. Further, although the lamps forming the lamp unit 540 light in the same color, it is possible to light with different brightness according to a degree of heaviness of the weight of a user.

[67] By using the scales of FIG. 5, the user can not only measure weight but also determine his/her health state with ease and is encouraged to do their best to achieve a target weight based on the above determination.

[68] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the scales according to the present embodiment are connected to the external device that can access a network such as the Internet. The external device may be a PC, PDA, a network client, an IPTV, and a mobile phone.

[69] The service providing method according to the present embodiment is realized using a web site installed on a server. First, a user and a donor are registered on the web site. The donor is a person who gives a set of scales to the user as a present and may be a lover or parents having a close relationship with the user or may be profit- making organizations such as a department store, a hospital medical testing center, or a fitness center. The donor and user each can register the web site with independent accounts. Then, the donor and user can communicate by exchanging messages and content via the web site to maintain a continuous relationship.

[70] First, the user and donor receive approval from the web site and log on the web site

(S610). The donor and user preferably set their own account. In this case, by inputting an ID number such an intrinsic number of a scale, it is preferable that only a person who uses the scales offline can use the web site.

[71] The weight information is received from the scales (S620). A health prescription appropriate for the user can be provided using the received weight information and various physical information of the user (S630). The user's physical information can be input when the user registers the web site or can be measured by a variety of other physical information measurement modules connected to the external device such as a computer. [72] The donor can browse information of which publication is permitted by the user, of the physical information of the user including the weight information (S640). For example, when the donor is a doctor at the hospital health testing center, the doctor can access the web site and easily check a degree of the weight reduction of the user and issue a health prescription according thereto. The user can be encouraged to exercise by sharing the desired information with the donor.

[73] Also, the donor and user can send messages therebetween through the web site

(S650). For example, when it is assumed that a department store is the donor that provides a set of scales to a faithful customer as a gift, when the user first logs on the web site, the department store can send a message such as 'Thank you. Please keep exercising and maintain your health.' Also, the department store can provide a user with a promotion message about its planed products. Compared to having an advertisement exposed to unspecified multitude, since an advertisement is provided after a favor relationship between the donor and user has established, a side effect of improving the exposure to advertising can be obtained. In the case where it is assumed that a wife worrying about the health of the husband presents a set of scales to a husband rapidly gaining weight, when the husband first logs on the web site, he can receive an encouraging message from the wife such as 'My love, please don't forget that your health is the start of our family's happiness.' In addition, as the physical information such as weight is available to the wife, the husband can continuously exercise with the interest and consideration of the wife.

[74] Not only can the donor and user exchange messages but also the donor can present an item selected by the donor to the user (S660). The item includes animations, moving pictures, webpage decoration items, and health related products. For example, a company that have presented a set of scales to a customer can maintain a favorable relationship with the customer by additionally presenting a clip about health such as yoga or ki chejo, which have recently become popular. The webpage decoration items include avatar which is popularly being sold through portal sites. In particular, as a father presents the avatar to a daughter, the daughter's will to exercise can be heightened. Also, when the donor presents animation like flash, the user can enjoy various flash contents displayed on a screen of a computer while the user measures weight. Different types of animations can be viewed for each time when the user prepares the measurement of weight, when the user measures the weight, when the weight measurement is completed, and when the target weight is achieved. Also, the items that the donor can present to the user include not only exercise related products such as exercise equipments and exercise cloths but also all general products. The web site is preferably embodied as a portal site selling all products.

[75] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is performed. Referring to FIG. 7, a web site 700 includes a menu list 710 and a main screen 750. The main screen 750 includes an advertisement screen 790. When selecting a personal information management menu, a user can change a variety of items such as ID, password, publication of weight, or transfer of a message. As described above, the user can join the web site 700 using identification information such as the intrinsic number of a set of scales and the identification information can be shared by the donor. Thus, the donor and user having the same identification number can be integrally managed with a virtual single account. Accordingly, undesirable information leakage can be prevented by permitting the transfer of a message only between the user and donor having the integrally managed account. However, the user and donor can exchange personal information as they want. The personal information includes a variety of information such as a weight reduction target, a weight reduction target date, contents update right, receiving of a message from an arbitrary user. When a lover has given the scales as a gift, the weight information can be set as secret and only a degree of change in weight can be set to be viewed by the donor. Then, the user can protect personal information and simultaneously sufficiently encouraged to exercise.

[76] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to another embodiment of the present invention is performed. Referring to FIG. 8, a web site 800 indicates that a message menu is selected from a menu list 810. As shown in FIG. 8, a main screen 850 includes detailed items such as a message box, open recent messages, write a new message, and a sent box. FIG. 8 shows the state that the user has selected the recent message opening item. The recent message 890 shows a message sent by an insurance company to a subscriber. As described above, this message can be used to encourage a favorable relationship between a department store, a bank, a functional food/drug company, a hospital, a health testing center, a company, a school, or the like and each user and stir up interest in exercise. For example, the recent message 890 provides a favor of reduction of an insurance fee to a user succeeding in the reduction of weight so that an additional effect according to exercise can be expected.

[77] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen of a display in which the service providing method according to another embodiment of the present invention is performed. Referring to FIG. 9, a web site 900 shows the state where gift item content is selected from a menu list 910. In FIG. 9, a main screen 950 includes detailed items such as a sports device corner, sports clothes, sports books, sports images and animation, web page decoration items, fancy items, office items, entertainment items. The donor can select an item to present to the user from the above items and provide the same to the user. The presented item can be delivered to the user with a low message as shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the web site has functions to exchange messages between the user and donor and provide an exercise prescription appropriate for the user. Further, the web site works like an online shopping mall.

[78] When the external device to which the scales according to the present invention are connected is an IPTV, the web site can be easily accessed by turning on the IPTV without separately booting a computer. In this case, the weight information measured by a set of scales are transferred to the IPTV using a wired or wireless communication. The transferred weight information is provided to the web site through the Internet by the IPTV. In the present specification, the web site does not mean a display screen only but a server itself providing various contents. That is, the weight information is transferred to the server providing the display screen of FIGS. 7 through 9. The server provides preferable a health prescription and a nutrition prescription to the user using the received weight information. For the IPTV, digital multimedia broadcast (DMB) and satellite broadcasting can be received and the user can easily measure weight while viewing a desired broadcasting and the exercise prescription appropriate for the user.

[79] When the external device to which the scales according to the present invention are a mobile phone, the weight information is preferably transferred from the scales to the mobile phone using a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth. Then, the mobile phone is connected to a wireless communication network through a wireless application protocol (WAP), provides the measured weight information to the web site, and receives a health prescription and a nutrition prescription corresponding thereto from the web site. In this case, since the user probably measures weight while talking on the mobile phone, the weight information must be set by excluding the weight of the mobile phone. Animation or moving picture can be directly displayed. By using the mobile phone as an external device, the user can always measure his/her weight.

[80] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although the information shown in the physical information display section 420 of FIG. 4 is height, weight or body fat, various other physical information can be provided.

[81] As described above, according to the present invention, by being connecting to an external device such as a computer, not only user's weight history information is managed but also information about his/her weight is continuously checked. Thus, to train for an optimal body shape, necessary information, advice, and motivation can be continuously provided.

[82] Also, by providing content based on the interaction between the user using a scales and the donor who has presented the scales as a gift to the user, the user is continuously motivated to carry out exercise and nutrition management. Also, by connecting a favorable supervisor or a sponsor, the health management can be continuously carried out without being given up halfway.

Industrial Applicability

[83] The present invention is applicable to an exercise management system, which provides an exercise prescription appropriate for a user. The present invention is further applicable to a set of scales which are connectable to an external device such as a computer.

Claims

[1] A set of scales that can access an external device, the scales comprising: a weight detection unit detecting and outputting weight information of a user; an interface unit managing data and transceiving data with the external device using a predetermined communication method; and a control unit converting the weight information received from the weight detection unit according to the communication method and transmitting the converted weight information through the interface unit, wherein the weight information is used to provide at least one of an exercise prescription, a nutrition prescription, and advice appropriate for the health state of the user.

[2] The scales of claim 1, further comprising a lamp unit emitting light in different colors according to the weight information.

[3] The scales of claim 1, wherein the external device is connected to a network and to a web site where a user of the scales is registered and which provides content to the user, wherein the web site is shared by a donor who has given the scales as a present to the user and the user of the scales and is operated as a message transfer channel between the donor and the user.

[4] The scales of claim 3, wherein the web site is configured such that the donor provides a predetermined gift to the user and the user selects and purchases a desired item.

[5] The scales of claim 3, wherein the external device is one of a computer, an IPTV, and a mobile device which is accessible to the web site through the network.

[6] The scales of claim 1, wherein the interface unit transceives data using one of a universal serial bus (USB) communication, an IEEE 1394 communication, Bluetooth, a parallel communication, a wireless local area network communication, and an infrared communication.

[7] The scales of claim 1, further comprising a memory unit storing the weight information of a user, wherein the control unit transmits to the external device any weight information stored when the scales are not connected to the external device through the interface unit when the scales are connected to the external device.

[8] The scales of claim 1, further comprising an RFID tag storing identification information, as predetermined identification information, to be read by an RFID reader included in the external device, and further comprising an RFID reader reading user identification information, wherein the external device identifies the scales using the identification information. [9] A service providing method using scales that can access an external device, the method comprising: accessing, by a user of the scales, a web site through a predetermined network; approving the user and receiving and storing weight information of an approved user from the scale; and providing, to the user, at least one of an exercise prescription, a nutrition prescription, and advice appropriate for the health state of the user corresponding to the weight information. [10] The method of claim 9, further comprising: accessing, by a donor of the scales, the web site through the network; and providing, to the donor and the user, a predetermined content based on an interaction between the donor and the user. [11] The method of claim 10, wherein the providing of a predetermined content comprises: storing a predetermined message provided by an approved donor for the user; and providing the message to the user when the user accesses the web site. Different messages could be provided depending on the user's health status. [12] The method of claim 10, wherein the providing of a predetermined content comprises: selecting, by an approved donor, a predetermined item that is to be transferred to the user; and providing the item to the user when the user accesses the web site. [13] The method of claim 11, wherein the item is one of an animation, a moving picture, an item for decorating a web page, and a health related product. [14] The method of claim 9, further comprising: selecting by the user at least one of weight information, a weight reduction target, a weight reduction target date, and contents update right to provide to the donor; and providing the selected information to the donor when the donor accesses the web site.