WO2014115093A1

WO2014115093A1 - Activity monitor and display

Info

Publication number: WO2014115093A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Henricus Gerardus ROUS; Ana Paula RIBEIRO ATAYDE; Jaydev Varma THAMPAN; Gerard David La Hei; Henricus Antonius Gerardus Van Vugt
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2014-01-23
Publication date: 2014-07-31

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method for monitoring activity of a user, including receiving data corresponding to a first target threshold and a second target threshold of activity, and displaying the first target threshold level. Further included is receiving activity level data corresponding to the user activity, determining whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level, and notifying the user that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level. Further included is determining whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level, and notifying the user that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

Description

Activity Monitor And Display

CROSS REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/755,741, filed on January 23, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of promoting a healthier lifestyle to a subject and in particular to a system, method, and computer readable medium for monitoring activity of a user and displaying the current activity levels of the user.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Activity monitors have recently been made available for users to monitor their daily physical activity. Some of these activity monitors utilize pedometers or accelerometers to measure the user's activity. In some of the activity monitors the user's activity levels are stored and processed.

[0004] It is important that users have target levels of daily activity so that the user can work to achieve that target. It is also important that the activity levels are communicated to the user in an efficient and effective manner so that the user can achieve the target levels.

[0005] However, the currently available activity monitors are not designed to provide an efficient display for the user. SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure incorporates the use of a client device for performing a method for notifying and displaying user activity levels in relation to target threshold levels.

[0007] In an aspect, a method for monitoring activity of a user is provided including receiving data corresponding to a first target threshold and a second target threshold of activity, and displaying the first target threshold level. The method also includes receiving activity level data corresponding to the user activity, determining whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level, and notifying the user that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level. The method also includes determining whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level, and notifying the user that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

[0008] In aspects of the disclosure, the method further includes displaying the activity level data in a first color when it is determined that the first target threshold level has not been exceeded, and displaying the activity level data in a second color when it is determined that the first target threshold is exceeded. In aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes determining if a command to display the activity level data accumulated has been received, and displaying the activity level data accumulated when the command is received. In aspects of the present disclosure, the determining if a command has been received includes determining whether a monitoring device is placed in a predetermined orientation. The notifying may include delivering an audible and/or visual notification.

[0009] In an aspect of the present disclosure an apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to receive data corresponding to a first target threshold and a second target threshold of activity and display the first target threshold level. The apparatus is further caused to receive activity level data corresponding to the user activity, determine whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level, and deliver a first notification that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level. The apparatus is further caused to determine whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level, and deliver a second notification that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

[0010] In aspects of the present disclosure, the instructions, when executed further cause the apparatus to display the activity level data in a first color when it is determined that the first target threshold level has not been exceeded, and display the activity level data in a second color when it is determined that the first target threshold is exceeded. In aspects of the present disclosure, the instructions, when executed further cause the apparatus to determine if a command is received to display the activity level data accumulated, and display the activity level data accumulated when the command is received. The command may include placing the client device or other monitoring device in a preconfigured orientation. The notification may include delivering an audible and/or visual notification.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided and configured to carry out any or all of the steps of any of the methods described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on the clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0013] In the figures:

[0014] Fig. 1A is a top view of one embodiment of a client device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. IB is a top view of another embodiment of a client device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig . 2 is a rear view of the client devices of Figs. 1A and Fig. IB;

[0017] Fig . 3 is a front view of the client devices of Figs. . 1A and Fi£ · IB;

[0018] Fig . 4 is a side view of the client devices of Figs. 1A and Fig. IB;

[0019] Fig . 5 is a side view of the client devices of Figs. 1A and Fig. IB;

[0020] Fig . 6 is a bottom view of the client devices of Fi; gs. 1A and Fig. IB; [0021] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a client device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for notifying a user of activity progress in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for displaying activity progress of a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 10A is an example display of a client device in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 10B is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold being lower than a second target threshold;

[0026] Fig. IOC is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels;

[0027] Fig. 10D is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels;

[0028] Fig. 10E is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels after the user activity levels exceed the first threshold;

[0029] Fig. 10F is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels reaching a second target threshold;

[0030] Fig. 10G is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels exceeding the second target threshold level;

[0031] Fig. 11A is an example display of a client device in accordance with the present disclosure; [0032] Fig. 11B is the display of Fig. 11A displaying a first target threshold being higher than a second target threshold;

[0033] Fig. 11C is the display of Fig. 11 A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels;

[0034] Fig. 11D is the display of Fig. 11A displaying user activity levels after the user activity levels reach the second threshold;

[0035] Fig. 1 IE is the display of Fig. 11 A displaying user activity levels reaching the first target threshold; and

[0036] Fig. 1 IF is the display of Fig. 11A displaying user activity levels exceeding the second target threshold level and the first target threshold level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, methods, and devices for monitoring activity levels of a user and displaying the activity levels of the user and target levels.

[0038] Figs 1A and IB illustrate two different embodiments of client devices 100a and 100b, respectively, where each embodiment includes a different display. In particular, Fig. 1A illustrates client device 100a having a display 120a and Fig. IB illustrates client device 100b having display 120b. Client devices 100a and 100b are referred to herein collectively as client device 100. Additionally, displays 120a and 120b are referred to collectively as display 120. Although client device 100 is shown as having a particular display 120 with a particular orientation, it is envisioned that client device 100 may include any suitable display 120. [0039] Fig. 2 is a rear view of client device 100. Fig. 3 is a front view of client device 100. Figs. 4 and 5 are side views of client device 100. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of client device 100.

[0040] Turning now to Fig. 7, client device 100 includes a processor 103, memory 105, receiving unit 107, notification unit 109, communication interface (VF) 1 11, and display 120. Although this particular implementation of client device 100 is illustrated and primarily described, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation of client device 100 according to particular needs. Further, although each of the components of client device 100 are described as performing particular functions, any of the components may be capable of implementing any of the other components of client device 100. Additionally, client device 100 may include some, all, or more than the components described herein.

[0041] Processor 103 includes any suitable device operable to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform operations. Processor 103 may include any type of central processing unit (CPU) such as those available from Intel®, AMD®, TI®, Qualcomm®, and the like.

[0042] Memory 105 may include any suitable device operable for storing data and instructions, which may be executable by processor 103. Memory device 105 may include Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disk, flash memory, optical disk, or any other suitable data storage device.

[0043] Memory 105 may include software or instructions that when executed by the processor 103 cause the processor 103 to perform any of the methods described herein. Memory 105 may include any computer memory (e.g., RAM or ROM), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a Compact Disk (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), or USB Flash Drive), database and/or network storage (e.g., a server), or any combination thereof. Memory 105 may also include any other computer- readable tangible medium, or a combination of any of the preceding.

[0044] Receiving unit 107 is configured to receive target activity thresholds and current activity levels of a client using client device 100. Target activity thresholds may be calculated by the client device 100, input by a coach, or input by the user.

[0045] Notification unit 109 is configured to generate and deliver notifications based on the current user activity levels with respect to the target threshold levels.

[0046] Interface (VF) 11 1 includes any suitable device operable to receive input, send output, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, such as other client devices 100, data processing servers, or any combination of the preceding.

[0047] Display 120 includes any suitable device operable for displaying information to a user/client, for example in the form of a graphical user interface or light emitting diode configuration. Display 120 may include, for example, a touch screen, a video display, etc.

[0048] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to client device 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components of client device 100 may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of client device 100 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. [0049] Turning now to Figs. 8 and 9, methods according to the present disclosure will be described with particular detail. Although illustrated and described in a particular order and including particular steps, it is envisioned that any of the methods described and illustrated herein may be carried out in any order and including some, all, or more of the steps.

[0050] With particular reference to Fig. 8, a method for notifying a user of activity progress is illustrated and described as method 800. Method 800 begins with step 801 where, receiving unit 107 receives a first target threshold level and a second target threshold level. The first and target threshold levels may be preprogrammed, calculated automatically, may be user defined, or may be any combination thereof. Subsequent to step 801, method 800 proceeds to step 802 where receiving unit 107 receives the current activity levels of the user. In aspects of the disclosure, the current activity levels are received from an external device. In other aspects of the disclosure, the current activity levels are generated by receiving unit 107 or another component of the client device 100, such as but not limited to, an internal pedometer or accelerometer.

[0051] Method 800 then proceeds step 805. In step 805, a component of client device 100 determines if the current activity levels received in step 803 are greater than or equal to the first target threshold received in step 801. If the current activity levels received in step 803 are not greater than or equal to the first target threshold level received in step 801 (NO in step 805), then method 800 reverts to step 803 to continue receiving current activity levels of the user. Alternatively, if the current activity levels received in step 803 are greater than or equal to the first target threshold level received in step 801 (YES in step 805), then method 800 proceeds to step 807. [0052] In step 807, the notification unit 107 delivers a notification to the user that the first target threshold is reached. In aspects of the disclosure, the notification delivered is an audible notification such as an alarm. In aspects of the disclosure, the notification is a visual notification displayed on the display. In aspects, a combination of audible and visual notifications are used. The type of notification may be configured or selected by a user. In aspects of the disclosure, the notification is carried out by changing the color of some or all of the light emitting diodes on the display 120 from a first color to a second color to indicate that the first target threshold level has been achieved. In aspects of the disclosure, the notification includes blinking or flashing some or all of the light emitting diodes included in the display 120.

[0053] Subsequent to either or both of step 805 and step 807, method 800 then proceeds to step 809, while continuing to receive the activity levels of the user. In step 809, a component of client device 100 determines if the current activity levels are greater than or equal to the second threshold level received in step 801. If the current activity levels are not greater than or equal to the second threshold level received in step 801 (NO in step 809), then method 800 proceeds to step 810 where receiving unit 107 continues to receives the current activity levels of the user until the determination is made that the current activity levels are equal to or greater than the second threshold level. Alternatively, if the current activity levels are greater than or equal to the second activity threshold level received in step 801 (YES in step 809), then method 800 proceeds to step 811 where notification unit 109 delivers a second notification indicating that the second target threshold has been reached. The second notification delivered in step 811 may be any of the notifications delivered in step 807, any combinations thereof, or may be different from the notifications described above with respect to step 807.

[0054] Turning now to Fig. 9, a method for displaying activity progress of a user is illustrated and described as method 900. Method 900 begins at step 901 where a target is displayed. In embodiments, step 901 includes displaying more than one target, where one target is programmable by a user and the other target is preprogrammed or automatically calculated. In one aspect, the two target displayed can be for different time periods. In an aspect of the disclosure, step 901, and/or any of the displaying functions of the present disclosure are carried out upon a command. The command may be the activation of a switch, a voice command, or a physical orientation of the client device 100. In one embodiment, the command is activated upon placing the client device 100 in a horizontal orientation. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the command is activated upon detecting that the client device 100 is placed on a flat surface.

[0055] In step 903, display 120 displays the current activity levels of the user as pre- first threshold level activity. In aspects of the present disclosure pre -first threshold activity is displayed in a first color (i.e., a yellow color), which may be the same or different from the color of the display of one or all of the target threshold levels displayed in step 901.

[0056] In step 901, a component of client device 100 determines if the current activity levels are greater than or equal to the first target threshold level. If the current activity levels are not greater than or equal to the first target threshold level (NO in step 905), then method 900 reverts to step 903 where the current activity levels are displayed are pre-first target threshold level activity (i.e., a yellow color). Alternatively, if the current activity levels are greater than or equal to the first target threshold (YES in step 905), then method 900 proceeds to step 907. In step 907, notification unit 109 delivers a notification that the first target has been achieved. In this respect, step 907 of method 900 is similar to steps 807 and 811 of method 800 and will not be further described.

[0057] In step 909, display 120 displays the current activity levels as post-first target threshold activity levels or pre-second target threshold levels (i.e., a green color). In an aspect of the present disclosure, step 909 is implemented by displaying the current activity levels in a second color different from the first color (i.e. a green color). This change in color (i.e., from yellow color to green color) may indicate to a user that a first target has been achieved and any current activity is considered to be subsequent to the achievement of the first target.

[0058] In step 911, a component of client device 100 determines if the current activity level is greater than or equal to the second threshold level. If the current activity level is not greater than or equal to the second target threshold level (NO in step 911), then method 900 reverts to step 909 where current activity level is displayed as post-first target threshold level or pre-second target threshold level activity (i.e., a green color). Alternatively, if the current activity level is greater than or equal to the second target threshold level (YES in step 911), then method 900 proceeds to step 913. In step 913, notification unit 109 delivers a notification that the second target level has been achieved. In this respect, step 913 of method 900 is similar to steps 807 and 811 of method 800 and will not be further described for the sake of brevity.

[0059] In step 915, display 120 displays the current activity levels as post-second target threshold level activity. In an aspect of the disclosure, step 915 is implemented by displaying the current activity levels in a color that is different from the pre-first target activity level and/or the post-first target threshold levels (i.e., a blue color).

[0060] Although methods 800 and 900 have been illustrated and described as including two threshold levels, it is understood that the methods may include fewer or more threshold levels. Additionally, the threshold levels may be independent of each other. Therefore, the second threshold need not be higher than the first threshold.

[0061] Fig. 10A is an example display 120 of a client device 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 10B is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold being lower than a second target threshold. Fig. IOC is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels. Fig. 10D is the display of Fig. 10A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels. Fig. 10E is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels after the user activity levels exceed the first threshold. Fig. 10F is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels reaching a second target threshold. Fig. 10G is the display of Fig. 10A displaying user activity levels exceeding the second target threshold level.

[0062] Fig. 11A is an example display 120 of a client device 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 11B is the display of Fig. 11A displaying a first target threshold being higher than a second target threshold. Fig. 11C is the display of Fig. 11A displaying a first target threshold and user activity levels. Fig. 1 ID is the display of Fig. 11A displaying user activity levels after the user activity levels reach the second threshold. Fig. 1 IE is the display of Fig. 11 A displaying user activity levels reaching the first target threshold. Fig. 1 IF is the display of Fig. 11A displaying user activity levels exceeding the second target threshold level and the first target threshold level. [0063] In an aspect of the disclosure, client device 100 includes a display 120 having a number of light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The number of LEDs on the display 120 of the client device 100 is M. One LED will be marked to indicate that it is the first LED. The LED with number 1 <= X <=M will be marked to indicate that this is the "daily activity target" LED. A PC or smartphone program can store two threshold values A and B in the client device 100 at t=0. Threshold value A is the actual value of the "daily activity target" corresponding with LED with number M. The client device 100 will display the following LED patterns after having been used for N seconds and/or after having been in a horizontal position for n seconds:

[0064] LED with number minimum(M,trunc(X*(B/A))) will always blink to indicate threshold B. The client device 100 may display the LED patterns in response to an additional or alternative trigger, such as pressing a button on the device, tapping the device, or other triggering methods.

[0065] If the current activity level measured by the device has reached the value P, the device will light up minimum(M, trunc(X*(P/A))) lights beginning at the first LED. More specifically: if P <B the device will light up minimum(M,trunc(X*(P/A))) lights in color CI ; if P>= B the device will light up minimum(M,trunc(X*(P/A))) lights in color C2.

[0066] If P>=A the device will present a light animation or produce sounds to show that the daily activity target has been accomplished.

[0067] It is envisioned that any of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in any system and may be used by any users not described above, for any purpose other than those described above. [0068] Finally, it is pointed out that in the present application the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, that "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and that a single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several means. The present disclosure resides in each and every novel characteristic feature and each and every combination of characteristic features. Moreover, any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting their scope.

[0069] The foregoing examples illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and practice of the methods of the present disclosure. The examples are not intended to provide an exhaustive description of the many different embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, although the foregoing present disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize readily that many changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing form the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

IN THE CLAIMS:

1. A method for monitoring activity of a user, comprising

receiving data corresponding to a first target threshold and a second target threshold of activity;

displaying the first target threshold level;

receiving activity level data corresponding to the user activity;

determining whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level;

notifying the user that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level;

determining whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level; and notifying the user that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

displaying the activity level data in a first color when it is determined that the first target threshold level has not been exceeded; and

displaying the activity level data in a second color when it is determined that the first target threshold is exceeded.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

displaying the activity level data in a first color when it is determined that the first target threshold level has not been exceeded; and displaying the activity level data in a second color when it is determined that the first target threshold is exceeded.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

determining if a command to display the activity level data accumulated has been received; and

displaying the activity level data accumulated when the command is received.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the determining if a command has been received includes determining whether a monitoring device is placed in a predetermined orientation.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying includes an audible notification.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying includes a visual notification.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive data corresponding to a first target threshold and a second target threshold of activity;

display the first target threshold level;

receive activity level data corresponding to the user activity; determine whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level; deliver a first notification that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level; determine whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level; and

deliver a second notification that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to:

display the activity level data in a first color when it is determined that the first target threshold level has not been exceeded; and

display the activity level data in a second color when it is determined that the first target threshold is exceeded.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to:

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to:

determine if a command is received to display the activity level data accumulated; and display the activity level data accumulated when the command is received.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined that the command is received when a monitoring device is placed in a predetermined orientation.

13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first notification or the second notification includes an audible notification.

14. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first notification or the second notification includes a visual notification.

15. A non-transitory computer- readable storage medium, storing instructions that when executed, cause an apparatus to perform a method comprising:

displaying the first target threshold level;

receiving activity level data corresponding to the user activity;

determining whether the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level; notifying the user that the first target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the first target threshold level; determining whether the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level; and notifying the user that the second target threshold level has been exceeded, when it is determined that the activity level data exceeds the second target threshold level.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:

displaying the activity level data accumulated when the command is received.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the notifying includes an audible notification.