WO2018138101A1

WO2018138101A1 - Managing exercise activity

Info

Publication number: WO2018138101A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/051614
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco SARTOR; Paul Anthony SHRUBSOLE; Leonie Francelle WAANDERS
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date: 2017-01-30
Filing date: 2018-01-24
Publication date: 2018-08-02

Abstract

Presented are concepts for managing exercise activity of a user. In particular, location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user, and user information relating to a property or activity of the user may be used to determine a target exercise intensity value for the user. In this way, embodiments may enable a user to obtain a personalised prescription of exercise intensity, taking account of their current context (such as the user's surrounding environment, activity, location, and/or physical attributes for example).

Description

Managing Exercise Activity

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to managing activity, and more particular to managing exercise activity of a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for a patient (or more generally, a person) experiencing (or at risk of) a medical problem to be advised to be physically active and exercise. However, such advised or prescribed activity can actually worsen or increase the risk of the medical problem if, for example, the activity is undertaken without guidance, unsupervised or irresponsibly. Accordingly, such risk of undesirable results is typically mitigated by ensuring the exercise activity is completed under the guidance and/or supervision of a supervisor, physiotherapist, medical professional, or the like, who may intervene and/or change a prescribed activity.

Thus, for patients at high risk of medical problems and/to suffering from a medical illness (such as cardiovascular disease for example), rehabilitation activities (such as structured exercise for example) are typically only performed in the presence of a supervisor and/or at a greatly reduced intensity. Such a cautionary approach can significantly limit an ability to perform rehabilitation activities (for example, to only certain locations and/or times) where adequate supervision is available. This may, in turn, prevent a patient from undertaking and/or planning normal activities of daily life. Also, when such rehabilitation activities are not performed under supervision, the efficacy of the activity may be reduced because it may be performed at an intensity that is not optimal (or not even performed at all).

Thus, there exists a need for patient activity management concepts that are preferably non-invasive and/or don't require close supervision. Such concepts may be beneficial for enhanced rehabilitation or general health in relation to many medical conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to at least partly fulfil one of the aforementioned needs. To this end, the invention provides devices, methods, computer program products and systems as defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims provide advantageous embodiments.

Thus, the invention provides an apparatus and a corresponding method for managing exercise activity of a user. The apparatus comprises: an location data acquisition unit adapted to obtain location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user; a user information unit adapted to obtain user information relating to a property or activity of the user; and a calculation unit adapted to determine a target exercise intensity value based on the user information and the location information. The calculation is further adapted to determine the proximity of the user to medical assistance based on the location information and to determine the target exercise intensity value based on the determined proximity of the user to medical assistance.

In this way, a pre-prescribed exercise intensity (e.g. set by medical professional, doctor, physiotherapist, or the like) for when the user is not supervised may be used a baseline and then adapted or adjust (up or down) depending on how far the user is from medical assistance. For instance, the exercise intensity may be increased from the baseline value when it is determined that the user is near medical assistance (e.g. near a doctor's office or medically-trained passer-by).

Proposed embodiments may be based on the concept of combining information about a location or surrounding environment of a user with information about a property or activity of the user in order to prescribe a target (e.g. safe or recommended) exercise intensity value. By taking account of information relating to the user's location or surrounding environment(such as global position, proximity to medical assistance, weather, airflow, humidity, temperature, for example) and user information (such as medical history, current health, user attributes, current activity, planned activity, for example), a target exercise intensity value for the user may be calculated. In this way, embodiments may enable a user to obtain a personalised prescription of exercise intensity, taking account of their current activity, location, and/or physical attributes. This may enable the users to adapt their activities depending on their specific circumstances, thereby ensuring appropriate exercise activity is undertaken whilst ensuring an associated risk is mitigated. Embodiments may therefore enable users to undertake desired activities while still managing any risk associated with potential medical complications or inadequate/unavailable medical assistance.

In this way, there may be provided a concept for providing user guidance regarding prescribed or planned exercise at a personal level which takes account of the unique context and/or activities of the user, user location and/or the surrounding environment. This may alleviate a need for close monitoring by medical professionals. It may also reduce a need for medical intervention or treatment (required as a result of undertaking activity without guidance, unsupervised or irresponsibly for example). Embodiments may therefore relieve healthcare requirements/resources.

Exemplary embodiments may thus provide a tool that enables a user, for instance, to obtain guidance for rehabilitation exercise activities without the close supervision of a medical professional (for example, as they go about desired activities). The user may, for example, obtain an understanding of a recommended exercise intensity based on their current location, which may then enable the user to continue or adapt their planned exercise activity. User-specific and/or dynamic activity risk assessment may therefore be provided which can help a person in their activities of daily life.

Embodiments may be of particular benefit to persons requiring rehabilitation from an illness, since it may enable the fulfilment of activities of daily life while exposure to complications or risk is potentially controlled/managed on an individual basis. Embodiments may also enable the provision of activity guidance data on a high personalisation and granularity level, so that actionable information is provided to help a user partake in activities at an acceptable risk level.

By way of example, embodiments may be of particular benefit to a person recovering from heart surgery or suffering from heart disease, since it may take account of how close a person's current location is to medical assistance when determining a target (e.g. recommended) exercise intensity value. For instance, when the person is in a remote wood that is far away from medical assistance, it may be determined to set a low target exercise intensity that is then communicated to the person. The low target exercise intensity may, for example, be a reduced or lowered value of pre -prescribed exercise intensity set for the user when not in the supervision of a medical professional. Cardiovascular properties of the person may then be monitored and guidance provide in response. For example, it may be checked that the target exercise intensity is adhered to and a warning signal communicated if the target exercise intensity is exceeded.

Additionally, or alternatively, embodiments may take account of an ambient temperature of a person's surrounding environment when determining a target (e.g. recommended) exercise intensity value. For instance, when the environment surrounding a person is hot or cold (e.g. outside a predetermined temperature range), it may be determined to set a low target exercise intensity that is then communicated to the person. As detailed above, cardiovascular properties of the person may then be monitored and guidance provided in response. For example, core body temperature of the person may be monitored a warning signal communicated if the body temperature exceeds a threshold value (calculated based on the target exercise intensity value for example).

By way of example, the target exercise intensity value may comprise a recommended range of exercise intensity values. In other examples, the target activity intensity may comprise a threshold value that should (preferably) not be exceeded by the user.

For the purpose of determining a target exercise intensity, the calculation unit may comprise a risk determination unit adapted to process the location information and the user information to determine a risk value representative of a risk associated with the user undertaking exercise. The intensity calculation unit may then be adapted to determine the target exercise intensity based on the determined risk value. Such embodiments may therefore assess a risk associated with partaking in exercise, and this assessment may be made in consideration of a positional or environmental context of a user (such as their location, relative location or proximity of medical help and/or conditions of the user's surrounding environment for example).

In some embodiments, the calculation unit may be further adapted to determine a target value of a cardiovascular property of the user based on the target exercise intensity value. Such embodiments may therefore convert or map the target exercise intensity value to a value of a cardiovascular property of the user. Transcribing exercise intensity to a value of a cardiovascular property may assist in understanding and/or monitoring adherence to the target exercise intensity, since an exercise intensity value may be subjective or difficult to accurately assess (whereas a value of a cardiovascular property may be simple to detect, monitor and understand).

By way of example, the cardiovascular property of the user may comprise at least one of: body temperature of the patient; activity of the patient; respiration rate of the patient; respiration rate variability of the patient; pulse rate or heart rate of the patient; and pulse rate or heart rate variability of the patient. For instance, a target pulse/heart rate may be determined based on the target exercise intensity, thereby enabling simple detection or monitoring of the exercise intensity via detection/monitoring of user pulse/heart rate for example. Similarly, a target range for the cardiovascular property may be determined based on the target exercise intensity (e.g. where the target exercise intensity comprises a range). In this way, embodiments may determine a target range of one or more cardiovascular properties of the user, such as a target range of heart rate of 150-180 beats per minute for example, and the range may be updated or modified based on a change in the user's location- based context (e.g. modified based on location information).

The user information may comprise at least one of the following: medical data relating to the user; a physical attribute of the user; an activity of the user; and one or more vital signs of the user (e.g. body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, etc.), for instance to enable assessment of whether physical factors relating to the user may increase or reduce the chance of a medical complication or adverse event. Also, the user information may enable the assessment and identification of conditions or parameters of the user which could adversely affect their risk of injury or illness. Embodiments may therefore provide exercise intensity guidance which takes account of a personal context of a user, such as their current state of health, activity, or medical history for example.

The user information may, for example, be processed to assess and identify factors which may increase or decrease a user's risk of illness or injury. By way of example, physical attributes (such as height, weight, age, health, body temperature, breathing pattern, activity etc.) of the user may be identified (e.g. using a thermometer, accelerometers etc.). Thus, the user information unit may comprise a user sensing arrangement adapted to sense a physical attribute or property of the user. Additionally, or alternatively, user information may be provided by other sources or services. For example, medical records from a database can be used. User information relevant for the purposes of assessing risk of illness or adverse event may then be generated via data processing algorithms. This processing may be done on the 'Cloud' (e.g. via a distributed processing environment).

The location information may comprise at least one of the following: global positioning information; information relating to distance from medical assistance; time and date information; weather information; humidity information; lighting information (such as UV radiation characteristics or properties, for example); airflow information; and temperature information, for instance to enable assessment of whether location-related factors may increase or reduce the chance of complications occurring as a result of the user partaking in exercise (such as a strenuous exercise for example). Also, the location information may enable the assessment and identification of environmental conditions or parameters of the user's location which could adversely affect the risk of inadequate medical help or supervision being available. For example, assessment may be made of how far the user is away from medical assistance in order to determine if the user is at increased or reduced risk in the event of complications arising from exercising. Embodiments may therefore provide risk assessment/determination which takes account of a location-based context of a user.

The location information may, for example, be processed to assess and identify factors which may increase or decrease a user's risk of medical complication or adverse event. By way of example, environmental conditions (such as airflow, wind direction, humidity, temperature, etc.) in the area of the user may be identified (e.g. using a flow sensor, humidity sensor, camera, thermometer, GPS system, etc.). Thus, the location data acquisition unit may comprise a sensing arrangement adapted to sense a value of a property of the surrounding environment. Additionally, or alternatively, location information may be provided by other sources or services. For example, local weather conditions from a database can be used. Location information relevant for the purposes of assessing risk of medical complication or adverse outcome may then be generated via data processing algorithms. This processing may be done on the 'Cloud' (e.g. via a distributed processing environment).

Embodiments may further comprise an output interface adapted to generate an output signal representative of the determined target activity value. For example, if a low exercise intensity value is determined or inferred, the user may be advised of the low exercise intensity value and guided via voice or visual prompts and/or tactile prompts how to undertake activity at or below the recommended intensity. The user may even be advised that the circumstances are such that it is too dangerous to undertake exercise (e.g. because no medical help or supervision is available within a predetermined distance). In such an instance, the user may be further guided to a safer location (e.g. using location information obtained by a GPS tracker of the system).

Embodiments may further comprise a user input interface adapted to receive a user input signal representative of at least one of: location information; and user information. Embodiments may therefore be thought of as providing an interface which enables a user to further specify information or data that may be relevant for the purpose of determining a target activity value. Such user- specified information may enable unique traits, circumstances and/or conditions specific to the user or the environment to be accounted for when assessing an activity for the user. Thus, there may be provided a tool which enables a user to further specify factors to be included in the determination of a target activity value, e.g. by specifying a value or value range for a user attribute or activity. Embodiments may therefore provide input options, increasing the flexibility and power of activity guidance. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a communication interface adapted to communicate with one or more databases so as to obtain at least one of the user information and the location information.

Proposed embodiments may thus dynamically adjust exercise guidance according to a specific context or situation of a user. For example, an embodiment may advise an unsupervised user to partake in exercise at an intensity level higher than what would otherwise typically be prescribed to the user in an unsupervised situation based on it being identified that the (unsupervised) person is near to medical assistance (e.g. a hospital or first-aid location). Such proximity to medical assistance may, for example, be determined using one or more approaches, such as GPS location, network detection, or a short-range communication link. In this way, the user may be guided to exercise at an intensity that is close to a level that would normally only be prescribed to the user when in a supervised and/or safe setting. Such embodiments may therefore be implemented as an application on a portable computing device carried or worn by the user.

There may be provided a portable computing device comprising apparatus for managing exercise activity of a user according to a proposed embodiment.

According to another aspect, there may be provided a system for managing user exercise activity. The system may process: location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user; and user information relating to a property or activity of the user so as to determine a target exercise intensity value for the user. The target exercise intensity value may take account of historical information relating to previously determined target exercise intensity values. For this purpose, the system may comprise at least one processor and a computer program product according to a proposed embodiment.

The system may further comprise a display device for displaying a graphical or non- graphical (e.g. auditory) user interface, wherein the graphical user interface is adapted to communicate information about calculated target exercise intensity value to a user.

Embodiments may comprise a client device comprising a data processor device. This may be a standalone device adapted to receive information from one or more remotely positioned information sources (via a communication link for example) and/or even adapted to access information stored in a database for example. In other words, a user (such as a medical professional, technician, researcher, patient etc.) may have an appropriately arranged client device (such as a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, PDA, etc.) which provides a system according to an embodiment and thus enables the user to provide data or information for the purpose of determining a target exercise intensity value for a person. The system may comprise: a server device comprising the at least one processor, where the server device may be configured to transmit generated instructions for determining and/or displaying a target exercise intensity value to a client device or communication network. In such a configuration, display instructions are made available by a server. A user may therefore link with the server to work with the system.

The processor may be remotely located from the display device, and a control signal may thus be communicated to the display device via a communication link. Such a communication link can be e.g. the internet and/or a wireless communication link. Other suitable short-range or long-range communication links and/protocols may be employed. In this way, a user (such as a medical researcher, doctor, carer, patient etc.) may have an appropriately arranged device that can receive and process information according to an embodiment for managing activity of an individual. Embodiments may therefore enable a user to remotely manage activity of an individual using a portable computing device, such as a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, PDA, etc. Embodiments may also enable data retrieval after a monitored time period.

The system may further comprise: a server device comprising the at least one processor; and a client device comprising a display device. Dedicated data processing means may therefore be employed for the purpose of determining a target exercise intensity value (representative of a recommended exercise intensity for example), thus reducing processing requirements or capabilities of other components or devices of the system.

Thus, it will be understood that processing capabilities may therefore be distributed throughout the system in different ways according to predetermined constraints and/or availability of processing resources.

According to another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a method for managing exercise activity of a user, comprising: obtaining location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user; obtaining user information relating to a property or activity of the user; and determining a target exercise intensity value based on the user information and the location information and wherein determining the target exercise intensity value comprises: processing the location information to determine the proximity of the user to medical assistance; and determining the target exercise intensity value based on the determined proximity of the user to medical assistance and the user information.

The step of determining the target exercise intensity value may comprise: processing the location information and the user information to determine a risk value representative of a risk associated with the user undertaking an activity; and determining the target exercise intensity value based on the determined risk value.

Proposed embodiments may further comprise generating instructions for displaying a GUI on a display device using a processor device, wherein the graphical user interface is adapted to communicate information about calculated target exercise intensity values to a user. Generating instructions for display of a GUI can mean generating a control signal for use by a display device. Such instructions can be in the form of simple images such as bitmap JPEG or other format. However, such instructions can also be more complex allowing real time build-up of the GUI or parts of the GUI on a regular display device such as for example CRT, LCD, OLED, E-ink or the like.

According to another aspect, there may be provided a computer program product downloadable from a communications network and/or stored on a computer readable medium and/or microprocessor-executable medium wherein the computer program product comprises computer program code instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, implement a method according to a proposed embodiment.

The independent claims define analogous advantages features for method and system claims. The advantages explained for the method herein above and herein below may therefore also apply to the corresponding systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following schematic drawings:

Figure 1 depicts an embodiment wherein a target exercise intensity is determined using a wearable computing device (such a smartwatch for example);

Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example system according to a proposed embodiment;

Figure 3 depicts a flow diagram of a method for managing exercise activity of a user according to an embodiment; and

Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram of a networked system comprising a computer system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Proposed embodiments relate to approaches and tools for managing exercise activity of a user. Information about a location or surrounding environment of a user may be combined with information about a property or activity of the user in order to determine a target (e.g. safe or recommended) exercise intensity value.

By taking account of information about the user's location (such a distance from medical assistance for example) or surrounding environment (such as weather, airflow, humidity, temperature, for example) and user information (such as medical history, current health, user attributes, current activity, planned activity, for example), an exercise intensity value for the user may be calculated. Embodiments may therefore enable personalised recommendations for exercise intensity which take account of a current activity, location, and/or physical attributes of a user. This may enable the user to adapt their exercise activity according to their specific circumstances, thereby ensuring appropriate exercise activity is undertaken whilst ensuring an associated risk is mitigated.

Such exercise intensity value may be repeatedly determined over a period of time, for example as the individual undertakes activities, changes location, and/or the environmental factors change.

Embodiments of invention may therefore be utilized in conjunction with many different types of sensors and/or information databases that may provide information for to determining a target exercise intensity value that more accurately accounts for the specific attributes of the individual, location, and/or environmental factors. A database may comprise, for instance, data relating to the individual's medical history or data relating to the risk associated with exercise in different environmental conditions. For example, information or data employed by embodiments may comprise the medical treatments, prescribed medicine, cardiovascular properties, temperature, etc.

Embodiments may therefore provide a method, device and/or system that provides for user-specific assessment and management of exercise intensity which takes account of contextual factors (including a surrounding environment, potential sources of medical assistance, and physical attributes of a person, for example) in order to provide more accurate guidance for exercise intensity. This may enable personalised exercise guidance and monitoring, whilst enabling the user to partake in desired activities of daily life.

The invention provides concepts for accounting for location-based and personal factors that are specific to a user. Proposed methods include, for example, accounting for the specific location and physical characteristics of a person when determining a recommended exercise intensity value. Embodiments may therefore provide a tool that monitors a person over a period of time and repeatedly determines updated exercise intensity value, thus catering for changes in circumstances (such as changes in weather and/or changes in distance from medical assistance) over time. For example, as a user walks into a wooded area that is remote from a hospital and nearby facilities, the target exercise intensity level may be reduced. Also, as the user returns to their home or car, the target exercise intensity may be increased.

Exemplary embodiments may thus provide a tool that enables a user, for instance, to obtain dynamic guidance for exercise activities without the close supervision of a medical professional. The user may, for example, obtain an understanding of a recommended exercise intensity based on their current location (e.g. proximity to medical help) and environmental conditions (such as weather conditions, including temperature and/or humidity), which may then enable the user to continue or adapt their planned exercise activity.

Illustrative embodiments may therefore provide concepts which take account of potential risks to undertaking exercise activity, which may for example, result from the location of the user, the surrounding environment of the user, and/or physical characteristics of the user. Dynamic context-based risk assessment may therefore be provided by proposed embodiments.

In particular, the present invention is directed toward enabling a user to partake in their exercise activities at or below a recommended exercise intensity level, wherein the exercise intensity level is determined by taking account of the particular circumstance of the user (which may be constantly changing). This may enable a user to quickly and easily manage exercise activities and minimise exposure to potential risks. Further, embodiments may communicate information about the target exercise intensity in a simple manner (e.g. by visual and/or audible alert) so that a user can readily and easily understand their personal target exercise intensity.

As a result, proposed embodiments may be of benefit to persons requiring rehabilitation from an illness, since it may enable the fulfilment of activities of daily life while exposure to complications or risk is potentially controlled/managed on an individual basis. One such example may enable patients that are highly susceptible to cardiovascular complication (for example, due to recent medical illness, surgery or treatment) to gain a level of independence whilst still managing their potential exposure to risk from exercising. This may, in turn, improve patient health, hospital efficiency, and available healthcare resources. Embodiments may therefore be of particular benefit for medical applications. The following description provides a context for the description of elements and functionality of the invention and of how elements of the invention can be implemented.

In the description, the following terms and definitions are used.

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators such as secondary notation.

A display device is an electronic display device that can be controlled by a display control device. The display control device can be part of, or operate together with, a processor device.

Generating instructions for displaying a GUI can comprise (or be as simple as) constructing images (Bitmap, JPEG, Tiff or the like) of GUI views to be displayed on a display device using regular methods known in the art. Alternatively, such generation of instructions can comprise more dedicated instructions for real time build-up of a GUI view. The instructions can be in the form of a display control signal.

The invention is at least partly based on the insight that it is advantageous to take account of an individual's specific context (in terms of surrounding environment, location, and/or physical characteristics) when seeking to assess a recommended exercise intensity value. In particular, information about the location or surrounding environment of the user and information unit relating to a property or activity of the user can be used to accurately determine a target (e.g. maximum or recommended) exercise intensity. In other words, location and user context information may be used to calculate an exercise intensity value of the user.

The invention may thus employ the concept that the location, environmental conditions and/or physical characteristics of an individual may be used to determine an exercise intensity value. Repeated calculation of the exercise intensity value based on such location-related conditions and/or physical characteristics of the individual change over time may then be employed to obtain up-to-date and dynamically adjusted exercise intensity guidance.

As will be apparent from the below described embodiments, there is herein proposed the concept of a method of managing exercise activity of an individual, in which a target exercise intensity value may be obtained. The target exercise intensity value may be representative of the risk associated with the user undertaking exercise in the specific circumstances. According to various embodiments, there are proposed several approaches to determining the exposure risk. Turning firstly to Figure 1, there is depicted an embodiment wherein a target exercise intensity is determined using a wearable computing device 10 (such as a smartwatch, for example).

The wearable computing device 10 comprises an location data acquisition unit 12 adapted to obtain location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user. In this example, the location data acquisition unit 12 comprises a thermometer 12 A, a humidity sensor 12B, a UV light meter/sensor 12C, and a communication interface 12D adapted to communicate information to/from a remote data server 14 via a wireless communication link 16.

The wearable computing device 10 also comprises a user information unit 18 adapted to obtain user information relating to a property or activity of the user and a calculation unit 20 (Such as a microprocessor unit for example) adapted to determine a target exercise intensity value based on the obtained user information and the location information. Here, the user information unit 18 is adapted to use the communication interface 12D to obtain user information from the remote data server 14 via the communication link 16. The user information unit 18 is also adapted to receive user information input to the device 10 via an input interface (e.g. button) 24 and touch-sensitive display 26.

In this example, the wireless communication interface 12D is also adapted to communicate with one or more sensors worn by the user and a remotely located data store. In this way, the wireless communication interface 12D may be used to obtain (i) location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user; and (ii) user information relating to a property or activity of the user. For instance, the wireless communication interface 12D obtains information about the user (from the sensor(s) and the data store 14) including: weather information relating to the location of the device 10 (including as airflow, humidity and/or temperature for example), medical data relating to the user (such as medical history, current health, etc.); a physical attribute of the user (such as height, weight, age, medical diagnosis, etc.); an activity of the user; one or more vital signs of the user (e.g. pulse rate, pulse rate variability, respiration rate, respiration rate variability, body temperature, etc.) and a location of the user. Such obtained location information and user information can be used to assess whether physical and/or contextual factors relating to the user may increase or reduce the chance of complication resulting from exercise.

The calculation unit 20 is adapted to process location information and user information so as to determine a risk value representative of a risk associated with the user undertaking exercise. The calculation unit 20 then determines the target exercise intensity based on the determined risk value. For this purpose, a lookup table may be used, wherein the lookup table contains recommended exercise intensity values for various risk values. The embodiment of Figure 1 therefore assesses a risk associated with partaking in exercise, and this assessment is made in consideration of an location context of a user (such as their location, relative location or proximity of medical help and/or conditions of the user's surrounding environment for example).

From the above description of Figure 1, it will be understood that the wearable device 10 is adapted to obtain information about the user and their current context (e.g. location and surrounding environment. The obtained information can be processed to determine a risk value (i.e. a value representative of a risk of the user experiencing medical problems as a result of undertaking exercise). The risk value can be assessed to determine a target exercise intensity value. The wearable device 10 therefore enables an accurate assessment of an exercise risk taking into account location factors and personal factors that influence the likelihood of the user experiencing adverse effects from undertaking exercise and/or obtaining medical assistance within a required timeframe.

The determined target exercise intensity value can be communicated to the user in many different ways. For example, the user can be warned if (s)he is in a dangerous environment (e.g. a location remote from medical help or in excessively hot and/or humid weather conditions), and the target exercise intensity value can be shown to the user (e.g. via the touch-sensitive display 26), and a warning can be provided if the target exercise intensity is reached or exceeded.

Thus, it will be appreciated that many different sources and/or types of data may be employed to improve the accuracy of target exercise intensity. For example, local and/or remote databases may be used, and these may comprise: medical data; medical historical data; data from (public) databases containing weather information; historical records of a patient; and/or past, current and "right now" medication data. Additionally, or alternatively, personal sensors may be employed to obtain information relating to: skin temperature; sweatiness; stress; vital signs; respiration type or pattern; etc. Similarly, environmental sensors may be used to obtain information relating to: temperature; humidity; light (e.g. UV or IR); and airflow. Distance, location and/or direction information may also be obtained, for example using a GPS unit, a compass, and/or accelerometers.

Data obtained by a user can also be shared with other users as a form of community data. Turning now to Figure 2, there is proposed an embodiment where at least part of the apparatus for managing exercise activity is integrated in portable computing device (e.g. a smartphone). Using built-in capabilities, the device can detect and measure location information and/or use information. Also, information can be gathered with location data acquisition units and/or obtained from (public) data providers such as weather stations, environmental sensors, air purifiers, etc. For instance, using the conventional communication abilities of the portable computing device, the device can communicate with one or more databases so as to obtain user information and location information. Also, the display of the device may be used to display a graphical user interface which communicates information about calculated exercise intensity values to a user of the device.

In more detail, the embodiment of Figure 2 comprises a client device 100, namely a smartphone 100, comprising data acquisition and processing components. The smartphone 100 is adapted to receive information from a vital sign sensor 110 worn by the user via a wireless communication link. Any suitable short-range or long-range communication links and/protocols may be employed.

The received information about the vital signs of the user thus comprises user information relating to a physical property or attribute of the user.

The smartphone 100 also comprises a thermometer 112 adapted to detect the temperature in the environment surrounding the user. Of course, in other embodiments, the microphone arrangement may be supplemented with over environmental sensors adapted to detect additional data relating to the location or surrounding environment of the user. Such a modified embodiment may, for example, be envisaged to be preferable where the smartphone is worn or carried somewhere on the person's body but not at a known or consistent location (thus making it difficult to know of infer the accuracy of temperature readings provided by the thermometer 112 of the smartphone 100).

The smartphone 100 is also adapted to send and/or receive information to/from a remotely located server 120 via the Internet 125.

The embodiment of Figure 2 also comprises an location data acquisition unit 130 adapted to obtain location information relating to a surrounding environment of the user. In this example, the location information comprises at least one of the following: global positioning information; information relating to distance from medical assistance; time and date information; weather information; humidity information; lighting information (such as UV radiation characteristics or properties, for example); airflow information; and temperature information, for instance to enable assessment of whether factors relating to the location of the user may increase or reduce a risk associated with performing exercise. The location data acquisition unit 130 therefore comprises one or more sensors adapted to detect such information relating to the surrounding environment of the user. It also comprises a communication interface that is adapted to send and/or receive location information to/from the server 120 via the Internet 125.

The information obtained by the smartphone 100 and the location data acquisition unit 130 is processed to assess and identify factors which may increase or decrease a user's risk of complication from partaking in strenuous activity. By way of example, environmental conditions (such as airflow, wind direction, humidity, temperature, etc.) in the area of the user can be used in the assessment of a risk of medical complication from undertaking strenuous exercise. Further, the obtained information relating to the user's physical attributes and/or current activity is also used in the assessment of the risk.

The information/data processing may be completed by the smartphone 100, by the 'Cloud', or by any combination thereof. The embodiment of Figure 2 is therefore implemented as a distributed processing environment in which various types of information/data are processed so as to determine a target exercise intensity value based on use information and location information. Also, in the example of Figure 2, the smartphone is adapted to determine a target value of a cardiovascular property of the user based on the target exercise intensity value. In this way, the smartphone 100 converts or maps the target exercise intensity value to a value of a cardiovascular property of the user. By way of example, the cardiovascular property of the user may comprise at least one of: body temperature of the patient; activity of the patient; respiration rate of the patient; respiration rate variability of the patient; pulse rate or heart rate of the patient; and pulse rate or heart rate variability of the patient. For instance, the smartphone 100 can determine a target pulse/heart rate based on the target exercise intensity, and this may therefore enable simple detection or monitoring of the exercise intensity via detection/monitoring of user pulse/heart rate. Transcribing the exercise intensity to a value of a cardiovascular property may assist in understanding and/or monitoring adherence to the target exercise intensity, since an exercise intensity value may be subjective or difficult to accurately assess (whereas a value of a cardiovascular property may be simple to detect, monitor and understand).

The smartphone 100 comprises an output interface, namely a display and speaker arrangement, adapted to generate an output signal representative of the determined exercise intensity value. For example, if a high risk is determined or inferred, the user may be advised of the potential risk and guided via voice or visual prompts to mitigate the risk (e.g. rising the user to move to a location near medical assistance and/or not exceed a recommended exercise intensity value).

The smartphone 100 is also adapted to receive (e.g. via its touch sensitive screen) a user input signal representative of at least one of: location information; use information; and a limit value representative of an acceptable upper limit of accumulated risk for the predetermined time period. The smartphone 100 therefore provides an interface which enables a user to further specify information or data that may be relevant for the purpose of determining a recommended exercise intensity. Such user-specified information enables unique traits, circumstances and/or conditions specific to the user or the environment to be accounted for when determining a recommended or target exercise intensity. Put another way, the smartphone 100 enables a user to further specify factors to be included in the determination of an exercise intensity value, e.g. by specifying a value or value range for a user attribute or activity. This provides many input options, increasing the flexibility and power of exercise management.

Additionally, or alternatively, further location information and/or susceptibility information may be provided by other sources or services. For example, local weather conditions and/or medical history data from a database of the server 120 can be used.

For example, in an exemplary implementation of the system of Figure 2, the server 120 comprises a data processor unit and is configured to transmit generated instructions for determining and/or displaying a target exercise intensity value to a client device or communication network. In such a configuration, display instructions are made available by the server 120. A user of the smartphone 100 can therefore link with the server 120 to work with the system. In this way, data processing means are remotely located from the portable computing device 100, and a control signal can thus be communicated to the portable computing device 100 via a communication link (e.g. the Internet 125).

Accordingly, a user is provided with an appropriately arranged device that can receive and process information relating to a target exercise intensity value. Embodiments may therefore enable a user to monitor recommended exercise intensity over time using a portable computing device, such as a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, PDA, etc. The portable computing device 100 therefore provides a tool that enables the user, for instance, to monitor recommended exercise intensity as they go about their normal activities. The user can obtain an understanding of their exposure to risk associated with partaking in exercise, which then enables the user to continue or adapt their planned activities (depending on their tolerance to risk for example). Also, a medical professional, technician, researcher, etc. may have an appropriately arranged client device (such as a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, PDA, etc.) which is adapted to receive information relating recommended and actual exercise intensity value of a monitored user (e.g. patient). In this way, a user can be provided with guidance regarding exercise intensity (e.g. a recommended range of exercise intensity values) at a personal level which takes account of the unique attributes and/or activities of the user, surrounding environment.

For example, if a low exercise intensity value is determined or inferred, the portable computing device 100 can generate an output signal advised the user of the low exercise intensity value and guide (via voice or visual prompts and/or tactile prompts for example) how to undertake activity at or below the recommended intensity. The portable computing device 100 may even advise the user that current circumstances are such that it is too dangerous to undertake exercise (e.g. because no medical help or supervision is available within a predetermined distance). In such an instance, the portable computing device 100 may further guide the user to a safer location (e.g. using location information obtained by a GPS tracker).

This can alleviate a need for close monitoring by medical professionals or caregivers, for example. It may also reduce a need for medical intervention or treatment (required as a result of repeated infection for example).

Dedicated data processing means can therefore be implemented at the server 120 for the purpose of determining a target exercise intensity value, thus relieving or reducing processing requirements at the portable computing device 100.

Thus, it will be understood that processing capabilities may therefore be distributed throughout the system in different ways according to predetermined constraints and/or availability of processing resources of specific embodiments.

By way of example, and for an improved understanding of potential embodiment, an exemplary implementation will now be described with respect to a user who is a male Coronary Artery Disease patient, aged 65, with percutaneous coronary intervention, and who is going for a brisk walking session of 50 minute as prescribed by his physio/cardiologist. A predetermined heart rate target with supervision would be 135 bpm +/- 5 bpm. However, with no supervision, it heart rate target is 120 bpm +/- 5 bpm.

Starting from his home, and with warm weather conditions (e.g. 27 degrees and 60% humidity), the user is well medicated and has not reported symptoms in the previous seven days. The proposed embodiment adjusts the target intensity to account for the weather conditions, knowing (for instance) that at this temperature and humidity, heart rate is raised bpm. His home is 20 minutes from the nearest hospital (where professional medical assistance and equipment is readily available).

After walking for some time, the location of the user changes to being significantly closer to the hospital (e.g. the hospital is only 2 minutes away). Taking account of the close proximity of the hospital, the proposed embodiment adjusts (e.g. increases) the target exercise intensity. This is because an associated risk is deemed to be significantly reduced because prompt and competent help will be in close reach.

Towards the end of his walk, the user enters a wood which is 25 minutes from the hospital and 5 min from his home. Moreover, he is now fatigued and reporting some breathlessness. Taking this factors into consideration, the embodiment re-adjusts (e.g. reduces) the target exercise intensity to below his unsupervised level so as to reduce the risk of adverse events.

However, let us now also consider the circumstance of a person with first aid training crossing the path of the user during his walk in the woods, wherein this medical person is registered a medical support system accessible to the embodiment. The proximity of the medical passer-by can be recognized by the system (e.g. using GPS tracking of the of the medical person which is monitored by the system) and the target exercise intensity updated (e.g. increased) to a slightly less conservative target value (because in case of adverse event this medical person is nearby to provide prompt medical assistance).

Proposed embodiments can therefore dynamically adjust exercise guidance according to a context of a user. For example, an embodiment may increase an exercise intensity from an amount prescribed to an unsupervised user based on it being identified that the (unsupervised) person is situated near to medical help (e.g. a passer-by registered with a database as having medical/first-aid training). Such proximity to medical assistance may, for example, be determined using a GPS arrangement or a short-range communication link established with the passer-by. In this way, the user may be guided to exercise at an intensity that is close to a level that would normally only be prescribed to the user when in a supervised and/or safe setting.

Turning now to Figure 3, there is depicted a flow diagram of a method 300 for managing exercise activity of a user according to an embodiment.

The method begins with steps of obtaining various information for use in determining a target exercise intensity. In step 310, location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user is obtained. By way of example, the location information may be provided from one or more external data sources via a communication link. Alternatively, or additionally, location information may be obtained using one or more sensors worn or carried by the user. Such sensors may, for example, comprise temperature and/or humidity detectors adapted to obtain information regarding the temperature and/or humidity of the environment in which the user is located.

In step 320, user information relating to a property or activity of the user is obtained. By way of example, the user information may be obtained by interrogating one or more external databases via a communication link. Alternatively, or additionally, user information may be obtained using one or more vital sign sensors worn or carried by the user. Such sensors may, for example, comprise heart rate and/or breathing rate detectors adapted to obtain information regarding the vital sign readings of the user.

For the avoidance of doubt, steps 310 and 320 may be undertaken in any order.

Having completed steps 310 and 320, the method proceeds to step 330 in which the obtained location information and the user information is processed in accordance with one or more algorithms to determine a risk value representative of a risk associated with the user undertaking exercise. By way of example, the step 300 may employ a lookup table such as Table 1 below:

Table 1.

Table 1 above detailed various weighting factors (e.g. scoring values) that are representative of an importance of a respective a parameter. Thus, obtained location information and the user information, and risk value may be obtained and then weighted (e.g. multiplied) by respective scoring value associated with the detected parameters of the detected potential infection instance.

Next, in step 340, a target exercise intensity value is determined based on the determined risk value (from step 330) and historical data relating to previously determined risk values obtained for the predetermined time period. Thus, in this example, step 340 comprises accessing historical data stored in a local or remote database.

Finally, in step 350, a target value of a cardiovascular property of the user is determined based on the target exercise intensity value. Here, the cardiovascular property of the user may comprise at least one of: body temperature of the patient; activity of the patient; respiration rate of the patient; respiration rate variability of the patient; pulse rate or heart rate of the patient; and pulse rate or heart rate variability of the patient.

By way of further example, the method may also comprise the additional step 360 of monitoring a value of a cardiovascular property of the user and generating a warning signal based on the target exercise intensity value and the monitored value of a cardiovascular property of the user.

From the above description, it will be understood that embodiments may provide a method for managing a user's exercise activity. For this purpose, the method may be employed on at least one processor.

Thus, there may be provided a computer program product downloadable from a communications network and/or stored on a computer readable medium and/or microprocessor-executable medium wherein the computer program product comprises computer program code instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, implement a method according to a proposed embodiment.

By way of example, as illustrated in Figure 4, embodiments may comprise a computer system 401, which may form part of a networked system 400. The components of computer system/server 401 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processing arrangements, for example comprising processors or processing units 410, a system memory 440, and a bus 600 that couples various system components including system memory 440 to processing unit 410.

Bus 600 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 401 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server 401, and it includes both volatile and non- volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 440 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 450 and/or cache memory 460. Computer system/server 401 may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 440 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus 600 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 440 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 480, having a set (at least one) of program modules 490, may be stored in memory 440 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 490 generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 401 may also communicate with one or more external devices 500 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 550, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system/server 401; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server 401 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces 420. Still yet, computer system/server 401 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 430. As depicted, network adapter 430 communicates with the other components of computer system/server 401 via bus 600. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 401. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

At this point, it is noted that the above described embodiments are merely example embodiments and that several extensions thereto and/or variations may be made.

For example, embodiments may repeatedly determine a target exercise intensity value so as to constantly update the target exercise intensity value to account for the changing context of a user. In this way, a target exercise intensity value may be dynamically changes, and this may be done so as to account for the proximity of the user to medical help or medical services for example.

Contextual information relating to the location and/or environment may be combined with personalised/user data to generate a personalised exercise intensity recommendation. Further, exercise intensity recommendations may be modified based on a user's response to the recommended exercise intensity.

Other suitable extensions and variations to the above disclosed embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person.

Proposed concepts may have the advantage that a network of portable computing devices with sensing and/or communication functions can be easily transformed into a exercise management system.

Aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a message display method or system at least partially embodied by a portable computing device or distributed over separate entities including a portable computing device. Aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Such a system, apparatus or device may be accessible over any suitable network connection; for instance, the system, apparatus or device may be accessible over a network for retrieval of the computer readable program code over the network. Such a network may for instance be the Internet, a mobile communications network or the like. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fibre, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present application, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fibre cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out the methods of the present invention by execution on the processor 110 may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the processor 110 as a stand-alone software package, e.g. an app, or may be executed partly on the processor 110 and partly on a remote server. In the latter scenario, the remote server may be connected to the head-mountable computing device 100 through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer, e.g. through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider.

Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions to be executed in whole or in part on the data processor 110 of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination system including portable computing device, such that the instructions create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidance system including the portable computing device to function in a particular manner.

The computer program instructions may, for example, be loaded onto a portable computing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the portable computing device and/or a server, to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the portable computing device and/or the server provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program product may form part of a patient monitoring system including a portable computing device.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for managing exercise activity of a user, comprising:

an location data acquisition unit (12) adapted to obtain location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user;

a user information unit (18) adapted to obtain user information relating to a property or activity of the user; and

a calculation unit (20) adapted to determine a target exercise intensity value based on the user information and the location information

wherein the calculation unit is further adapted to determine the proximity of the user to medical assistance based on the location information and to determine the target exercise intensity value based on the determined proximity of the user to medical assistance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the medical assistance comprises at least one of: a hospital; a medically-trained passer-by; a first-aid location; premises of a general practitioner; an urgent care clinic; a physiotherapist; and a medical professional.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the calculation unit (20) further comprises:

a value calculation unit adapted to determine a target value of a cardiovascular property of the user based on the target exercise intensity value, and preferably wherein the cardiovascular property of the user comprises at least one of:

body temperature of the patient;

activity of the patient;

respiration rate of the patient;

respiration rate variability of the patient;

pulse rate or heart rate of the patient; and

pulse rate or heart rate variability of the patient.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a monitor unit (110) adapted to detect a value of a cardiovascular property of the user and to generate a warning signal based on the target exercise intensity value and the detected value of a cardiovascular property of the user.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the user information unit (18) is adapted to obtain at least one of: medical data relating to the user; a physical attribute of the user; an activity of the user; and a vital sign of the user, and preferably wherein the user information unit (18) comprises a user sensing arrangement adapted to sense a physical attribute, activity or vital sign of the user.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the location information comprises at least one of the following: global positioning information; information relating to distance from medical assistance; time and date information; weather information;

humidity information; lighting information; airflow information; and temperature information, and preferably wherein the location data acquisition unit (12) comprises an sensing arrangement adapted to determine a location of the user or value of a property of the surrounding environment.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an output interface (26) adapted to generate an output signal representative of the determined target exercise intensity value.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a user input interface (24) adapted to receive a user input signal representative of at least one of: location information; and user information.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a communication interface (12D) adapted to communicate with one or more databases so as to obtain at least one of the user information and the location information.

A portable computing device

(10) comprising apparatus for managing activity according to any preceding claim.

11. A method for managing exercise activity of a user, comprising: obtaining (310) location information relating to a location or surrounding environment of the user;

obtaining (320) user information relating to a property or activity of the user; and

determining (340) a target exercise intensity value based on the user information and the location information,

wherein determining the target exercise intensity value comprises:

processing (330) the location information to determine the proximity of the user to medical assistance; and

determining the target exercise intensity value based on the determined proximity of the user to medical assistance and the user information.

12. Computer program product downloadable from a communications network and/or stored on a computer readable medium and/or microprocessor-executable medium wherein the computer program product comprises computer program code instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, implement a method as claimed in claim 11.