US20130165195A1 - Competitive Race System - Google Patents
Competitive Race System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130165195A1 US20130165195A1 US13/725,355 US201213725355A US2013165195A1 US 20130165195 A1 US20130165195 A1 US 20130165195A1 US 201213725355 A US201213725355 A US 201213725355A US 2013165195 A1 US2013165195 A1 US 2013165195A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- competition
- individual
- exercise
- processing unit
- performance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0207—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills having shock absorbing means
- A63B22/0228—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills having shock absorbing means with variable resilience
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0084—Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0616—Means for conducting or scheduling competition, league, tournaments or rankings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
- A63B2024/0068—Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
- A63B2024/009—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled in synchronism with visualising systems, e.g. hill slope
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
- A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B2071/0658—Position or arrangement of display
- A63B2071/0661—Position or arrangement of display arranged on the user
- A63B2071/0663—Position or arrangement of display arranged on the user worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0015—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements
- A63B22/0023—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with an adjustable movement path of the support elements the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B22/0056—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
- A63B22/0235—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable multiple steps, i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/18—Inclination, slope or curvature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/72—Temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/73—Altitude
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/74—Atmospheric pressure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/75—Humidity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/76—Wind conditions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
- A63B2220/78—Surface covering conditions, e.g. of a road surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/20—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/01—User's weight
- A63B2230/015—User's weight used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/04—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
- A63B2230/06—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations heartbeat rate only
- A63B2230/062—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations heartbeat rate only used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/20—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics
- A63B2230/201—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/20—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics
- A63B2230/202—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics glucose
- A63B2230/203—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics glucose used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/20—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood composition characteristics
- A63B2230/207—P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value
- A63B2230/208—P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/30—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood pressure
- A63B2230/305—Measuring physiological parameters of the user blood pressure used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/40—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics
- A63B2230/42—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics rate
- A63B2230/425—Measuring physiological parameters of the user respiratory characteristics rate used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/50—Measuring physiological parameters of the user temperature
- A63B2230/505—Measuring physiological parameters of the user temperature used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/70—Measuring physiological parameters of the user body fat
- A63B2230/705—Measuring physiological parameters of the user body fat used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
- A63B2230/75—Measuring physiological parameters of the user calorie expenditure
- A63B2230/755—Measuring physiological parameters of the user calorie expenditure used as a control parameter for the apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
- A63B23/1236—Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0075—Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0028—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for running, jogging or speed-walking
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
Definitions
- the present invention relates to systems and methods for conducting a competitive race between two or more individuals or between an individual and a previous race completed by that individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to handicapping or aiding one or more of the race participants in order to achieve a more competitive racing experience.
- an exercise device includes a frame, a movable element, a fan, a sensing mechanism, a processing unit, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing.
- an exercise system includes a first competition equalization device, a second competition equalization device, and a processing unit.
- the first competition equalization device has a first competition condition mechanism that collects data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a first individual in a competition.
- the second competition equalization device has a second competition condition mechanism that collects data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a second individual in the competition.
- the processing unit receives the data collected by the first and second competition condition mechanisms.
- the processing unit based on an analysis of the collected data, determines whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists between the first individual and second individual.
- the processing unit determines an appropriate remedy to negate a competitive advantage or disadvantage between the first and second individuals.
- the processing unit transmits the remedy to at least one of the first and second competition equalization devices.
- At least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms collect the data from a sensor.
- the senor communicates the collected data to at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms via a wireless communication linkage.
- At least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms collect the data from a user input device.
- the first and second individuals are in locations that are geographically separated.
- the one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a first or second individual is selected from the group consisting of weather, terrain, type of exercise, and a physiological condition.
- At least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms further comprise a transmitter and a receiver.
- the processing unit receives the data collected by the first and second competition condition mechanisms via a network connection.
- At least one of the first and second competition equalization devices collects data concerning the one or more conditions during the competition.
- At least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms further comprise display.
- the display is an audio or visual display and provides information regarding the remedy determined by the processing unit.
- the display is a visual display and provides data regarding the relative position of the at least one of the first or second individuals in the competition.
- the remedy determined by the processing unit is to handicap the individual with the competitive advantage.
- the remedy determined by the processing unit is to aid the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- the remedy determined by the processing unit is to handicap the individual with the competitive advantage and to aid the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- a method creates a more fair competition between two or more individuals.
- the method includes collecting data concerning a first condition that may affect the performance of a first individual during a competition.
- the method includes collecting data concerning a second condition that may affect the performance of a second individual during the competition.
- the method includes analyzing the data concerning the first and second performance affecting conditions to determine whether the first performance affecting condition or the second performance affecting condition provides the first individual or the second individual with a competitive advantage or disadvantage during the competition.
- the method includes determining a remedy to negate the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.
- the method includes implementing the remedy to negate the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.
- the first and second performance affecting conditions are selected from a group consisting of environmental conditions, physiological condition, and conditions related to the type of exercise being performed.
- the remedy includes handicapping the individual with the competitive advantage and aiding the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- a method tracks the performance of an exerciser during an exercise session compared to a performance during a previous exercise session.
- the method includes tracking a performance during a first exercise session, wherein tracking the performance during the first exercise session comprises collecting data concerning a first condition that affects the performance during the first exercise session.
- the method includes, subsequent to the first exercise session, tracking a performance during a second exercise session, wherein tracking the performance during the second exercise session comprises collecting data concerning a second condition that affects the performance during the second exercise session.
- the method includes, during the second exercise session, comparing the performance during the second exercise session to the performance during the first exercise session to determine whether the performance during the second exercise session is better, worse, or the same as the performance during the first exercise session.
- comparing the performance during the second exercise session to the performance during the first exercise session includes comparing the data concerning the first and second performance affecting conditions.
- the method includes, during the second exercise session, providing one or more indications that the performance during the second exercise session is better, worse, or the same as the performance during the first exercise session.
- the first and second exercise sessions are performed by a single exerciser.
- FIG. 1 illustrates, using block diagrams, an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing simultaneously in a race.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race and using the same competition equalization device.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Exercise system 100 includes a first competition equalization device 102 , a second competition equalization device 104 , a remote processing unit 105 and a network 106 .
- First competition equalization device 102 and second equalization device 104 may be communicatively connected to remote processing unit 105 and to each other, through network 106 .
- First competition equalization device 102 may be secured to the body of an individual.
- first competition equalization device 102 may be worn on the wrist of an individual similar to a wrist watch.
- First competition equalization device 102 includes a competition condition mechanism 108 .
- Competition condition mechanism 108 may be any mechanism that receives data concerning one or more conditions that may affect a competition and/or an individual's ability to perform in a competition.
- Competition condition mechanism 108 may receive data from one or more user input controls 110 , one or more integrated sensors 112 , and/or one or more external sensing mechanisms 114 .
- External sensing mechanism 114 may transmit data to competition condition mechanism 108 through a wired or wireless communication linkage.
- external sensing mechanism 114 may transmit data to competition condition mechanism 108 through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.
- User input controls 110 may be used to input data into competition condition mechanism 108 .
- user input controls 110 may include one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input mechanisms.
- Sensors 112 and 114 may be any device that senses a condition that may affect a competition.
- sensors 112 and 114 may sense one or more environmental or physiological conditions.
- Environmental conditions that may affect an individual's performance in a competition may include the altitude at which an individual is exercising and/or the incline of the surface on which an individual is performing an exercise.
- Environmental conditions that may affect a competition may also include the temperature and/or the type of surface on which an individual is exercising. Possible surfaces may include sand, cement, grass, dirt, or another surface.
- Environmental conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may also include whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors and/or whether or not the person is exercising on a machine. For example, if two individuals are competing in a biking race and one individual is biking on a trail outdoors while the other individual is using a stationary bike indoors, this difference may create a competitive effect between the individuals.
- environmental conditions including the weather, such as wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (e.g., smog) may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- environmental conditions such as traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition. For example, if two individuals are competing in a running race and one individual is running on an indoor track and the other person is running down a busy street, the fact that the outdoor runner may have to stop at red lights or for traffic may affect the competition between the individuals.
- the type of exercise each individual is performing can also be an environmental condition that may affect a competition between two individuals. For example, if two individuals are competing in a race and one is riding a bike and the other is running, clearly this is a condition that will affect the competition between these individuals.
- Physiological conditions may also affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- Physiological conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may include a competing individual's gender, age, weight, height, inseam, cadence and/or stride length. For example, age and gender discrepancies may create a competitive disparity between a middle-aged woman and a young man.
- physiological conditions including body fat percentage, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, general health condition, current or previous illnesses or diseases, and other physical limitations may also affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- a competition between two individuals may be affected by the fact that one individual suffers from asthma.
- Physiological conditions that affect a competition may also include an individual's lifestyle. For example, whether an individual smokes or follows a strict dietary regimen are factors that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- Other physiological conditions that affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may also include an individual's heart rate, body temperature, caloric burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, perspiration rate, blood oxygen level, metabolic equivalent of task (or “MET”), and/or carbohydrate burn rate.
- a competition between two individuals may be affected by the individuals' blood oxygen levels.
- Competition equalization device 102 may receive through competition condition mechanism 108 data concerning any condition, including but not limited to the environmental and physiological conditions identified above, that may affect a completion and/or the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- Competition condition mechanism 108 may receive data concerning a competition affecting condition from user input controls 110 and/or sensors 112 and 114 .
- an individual may use a button to input data into the competition condition mechanism 108 regarding that individual's gender, age, and weight.
- sensors 112 , 114 may provide data regarding a condition that may affect a competition to competition condition mechanism 108 .
- a competition affecting condition may be sensed by a pulse monitor, a thermometer, an altimeter, and/or a barometer.
- data may be received by the competition condition mechanism 108 prior to initiation of an exercise, during the exercise, or after the exercise has been completed.
- First competition equalization device 102 may also include a processor 116 .
- Processor 116 may further include a memory 118 .
- Processor 116 may analyze and store the data collected by competition condition mechanism 108 and/or data collected by another competition equalization device.
- First competition equalization device 102 also includes a display 120 .
- Display 120 may be a visual display.
- display 120 may be an LED display, an LCD, or another type of visual display.
- display 120 may be an auditory display.
- display 120 may be a speaker.
- first competition equalization device 102 includes a transmitter 122 and a receiver 124 .
- Transmitter 122 may send data gathered by competition condition mechanism 108 to second competition equalization device 104 or to remote processing unit 105 through network 106 .
- Network 106 may be a wide area network like the Internet, or a local area network.
- Transmitter 122 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless transmitter.
- Remote processing unit 105 may, for example, be accessible at a website on the Internet.
- Receiver 124 may receive data from external sensing mechanism 114 and/or from remote processing unit 105 through network 106 .
- receiver 124 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless receiver.
- second competition equalization device 104 is part of an exercise apparatus 126 . In other embodiments, however, second competition equalization device 104 may be separate from an exercise apparatus, similar to first competition equalization device 102 . Second competition equalization device 104 may include the same components that are part of first competition equalization device 102 . For example, second completion equalization device may include a competition condition mechanism 128 .
- Competition condition mechanism 128 may receive data from one or more user input controls 130 , one or more integrated sensors 132 , and/or one or more external sensing mechanisms 134 .
- External sensing mechanism 134 may transmit data to competition condition mechanism 128 through a wired or wireless communication linkage.
- external sensing mechanism 134 may transmit data to competition condition mechanism 128 through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.
- Competition condition mechanism 128 may receive the environmental or physiological conditions identified above or other data concerning a condition that may affect a competition. Because second competition equalization device 104 is a part of exercise apparatus 126 , integrated sensor 132 could be located on any portion of exercise apparatus 126 . For example, exercise apparatus 126 may be a treadmill and sensor 132 could comprise a scale or potentiometers on the tread deck. In addition, competition condition mechanism 128 may receive other data, such as operational data regarding exercise apparatus 126 .
- Second competition equalization device 104 may also include a processor 136 .
- Processor 136 may further include a memory 138 .
- Processor 136 may analyze and store the data collected by competition condition mechanism 128 and/or data collected by another competition condition mechanism.
- Second competition equalization device 104 also includes a display 140 .
- Display 140 may be a visual display.
- display 140 may be an LED display, an LCD, or another type of visual display.
- display 140 may be an auditory display.
- display 140 may be a speaker.
- second competition equalization device 104 includes a transmitter 142 and a receiver 144 .
- Transmitter 142 may send data gathered by competition condition mechanism 128 to first competition equalization device 102 and/or to remote processing unit 105 through network 106 .
- transmitter 142 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless transmitter.
- Transmitter 142 may also be a wired communication linkage.
- Receiver 144 may receive data from external sensing mechanism 114 and/or from remote processing unit 105 through network 106 .
- receiver 144 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless receiver.
- Receiver 144 may also be a wired receiver.
- Exercise apparatus 126 also include one or more actuators 146 .
- Actuators selectively adjust an operating parameter on exercise apparatus 126 .
- actuator 146 may adjust the difficulty level of an exercise being performed on exercise apparatus 126 .
- actuator 146 may comprise a motor that selectively adjusts the speed at which a moveable member 148 moves.
- actuator 146 may comprise a brake that selectively adjusts the resistance applied to the rotational movement of pedals on an exercise bike or an elliptical machine.
- Actuator 146 may comprise a belt motor that selectively adjusts the speed of a belt on a treadmill
- Actuator 146 may also adjust the speed of a fan or another operating parameter that is associated with another moveable member 148 on an exercise apparatus 126 .
- Actuator 146 may also adjust the incline at which an exercise is performed.
- Remote processing unit 105 may include software that analyzes this data and determines, based on the data, whether one individual has a competitive advantage over the other. If one individual is found to have an advantage, this software may further determine an appropriate remedy so that a more competitive contest between the two individuals may be achieved.
- Remote processing unit 105 may analyze any data to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists for either individual and to determine an appropriate remedy.
- the data compared may be data concerning the same condition from each individual or data concerning different conditions from each individual. For example, remote processing unit 105 may compare body fat percentages from two individuals to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists. Remote processing unit 105 may then identify an appropriate remedy depending on the disparity between the body fat percentages. Alternatively, remote processing unit 105 may compare the fact that one individual has as asthma with the fact that another individual is exercising at five thousand feet. Remote processing unit 105 may use this data to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists and to determine an appropriate remedy if necessary.
- the remedy identified by remote processing unit 105 may be to handicap the advantaged individual, or to aid the disadvantaged individual, or a combination of both handicapping the advantaged individual and aiding the disadvantaged individual.
- remote processing unit 105 may require that the advantaged individual wear a weight belt or another device that increases the difficulty level of the exercise for that individual.
- remote processing unit 105 may require that an advantaged individual perform the exercise over a longer or shorter time.
- Remote processing unit 105 may also require that an advantaged individual perform additional exercises. For example, if two individuals are running a ten mile race, the advantaged individual may be required to run an extra mile or do an additional exercise or set of exercises (such as ten push-ups) after each mile.
- the remote processing unit 105 may also require the advantaged individual to achieve a higher heart rate before the exercises performed by that individual count in the competition. Alternatively, an individual with a lower heart rate may have to perform additional exercises in order to complete the competition. In addition, remote processing unit 105 may require the advantaged individual to achieve a larger metabolic equivalent of task (MET), a higher total number of calories burned or calorie burn rate, and/or a higher total number of carbohydrates burned or carbohydrate burn rate. In addition, remote processing unit 105 may require the advantaged individual to maintain a specified pace.
- MET metabolic equivalent of task
- the remote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to adjust a parameter on the exercise apparatus.
- the remote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to increase the difficulty level.
- the exercise apparatus is a treadmill
- the incline of the tread base could be increased.
- the exercise apparatus is an elliptical machine or an exercise bike
- the rotational resistance applied to the pedals could be increased.
- cushioning on a treadmill deck or pedals on an elliptical machine or exercise bike could be adjusted.
- remote processing unit 105 may allow the disadvantaged individual to perform the exercise over a shorter distance and/or time. If the disadvantaged individual is exercising on an exercise apparatus, the remote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to adjust a parameter on the exercise apparatus. For example, the remote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to decrease the difficulty level. Specifically, if the exercise apparatus is a treadmill, the incline of the tread base could be decreased. If the exercise apparatus is an elliptical machine or an exercise bike, the rotational resistance applied to the pedals could be decreased.
- remote processing unit 105 determines an appropriate remedy or remedies to achieve a more competitive contest between the two individuals, the remedy or remedies may be transmitted from remote processing unit 105 to first and second competition equalization devices 102 and 104 .
- First and second competition equalization devices 102 and 104 may cause the remedy or remedies to be displayed by displays 120 and 140 .
- the remedy or remedies that remote processing unit 105 identifies may be implemented by the competing individuals themselves. Alternatively, remote processing unit 105 may send control commands causing the remedy to be automatically implemented.
- FIG. 2 illustrates exercise system 200 , which is another possible implementation of the present invention.
- Exercise system 200 allows for a real time competition between two individuals engaging in a distance race.
- Exercise system 200 includes a first competition equalization device 202 , which is being worn on the wrist of a first individual 204 .
- Exercise system 200 also includes a second competition equalization device 206 , which is part of a stationary exercise bike 208 .
- a second individual 210 is performing an exercise on stationary exercise bike 208 .
- first and second individuals 204 and 210 are exercising simultaneously in geographically separate locations.
- Exercise system 200 further includes a remote processing unit 212 and a network 214 .
- first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 may gather data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the competition between first individual 204 and second individual 210 . This data may be gathered through sensors on first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 , exercise bike 208 , or input by first second individuals 204 and 210 through user input controls that are associated with first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 .
- first individual 204 and second individual 210 are competing for competition between first individual 204 and second individual 210 .
- type of exercise each is performing First individual 204 is running while second individual 210 is riding a stationary bike.
- Other factors, including those identified herein above, may also the competition of exercise system 200 .
- first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 have gathered data concerning a condition that may affect the competition between first individual 204 and second individual 210 , this data is transmitted to a remote processing unit 212 through network 214 .
- Network 214 may be the Internet and remote processing unit 212 may be accessible through a website.
- remote processing unit 212 may analyze the data to determine whether first individual 204 or second individual 210 is at a competitive advantage (or disadvantage) in a competition (for example a race) between first and second individual 204 and 210 .
- a competitive advantage for example a race
- remote processing unit 212 would likely find that the second individual has a competitive advantage over the first individual given the fact that that first individual is running and the second individual is riding a stationary exercise bike 208 .
- remote processing unit 212 may identify an appropriate remedy or remedies so that a more competitive contest between the first and second individuals 204 and 210 may be achieved.
- One remedy may be to aid the first individual 204 .
- first individual 204 may be required to travel a shorter distance than the second individual 210 .
- the second individual 210 may be handicapped.
- the resistance level of stationary exercise bike 208 may be increased.
- an auditory or visual message may be sent to first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 instructing first and second individuals 204 and 210 to implement the identified remedy or remedies.
- the remote processing unit 212 may send a control command to first and/or second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 causing the remedy to be automatically implemented.
- remote processing unit 212 may send a control command to stationary exercise bike 208 so that the remedy is implemented without any interaction by second individual 210 .
- First and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 can continue to obtain data concerning conditions that may affect the competition between first individual 204 and second individual 210 during the race between them. This data may be sent to remote processing unit 212 for analysis and, if necessary, additional remedies or corrections to the remedies previously provided to first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 may be provided. Thus, first and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 may continuously receive real-time data concerning conditions that may affect the race, send this data to remote processing unit 212 , and receive updated remedies from remote processing unit 212 . This may help to ensure that the competition is as fair as possible between first and second individual 204 and 210 at all times during their race.
- remote processing unit 212 may send a remedy to second individual 210 offsetting the assistance created by the tailwind. Specifically, remote processing unit 212 may send a control command to stationary exercise bike 208 reducing the resistance level.
- first competition equalization device 202 may be part of an exercise apparatus and second equalization device 206 may be worn on the body of an individual exercising.
- all of the individuals may be on exercise apparatuses, none of the individuals may be on exercise apparatuses, or some individuals may and some individuals may not be on exercise apparatuses.
- First and second competition equalization devices 202 and 206 may also provide visual or audible prompts regarding the progress of the competitors in the race.
- first competition equalization device 202 may include a display that lets first individual 204 know whether he is winning the race, and how far behind or ahead of second individual 210 he is.
- Second competition equalization device 206 may include a display where a ghost image of first individual 204 and/or second individual 210 may be seen.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method 300 for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing simultaneously in a race.
- a first competition equalization device data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a first competition equalization device.
- the first equalization device is associated with a first individual.
- a second competition equalization device data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a second competition equalization device.
- the second equalization device is associated with a second individual.
- the first and/or second competition equalization devices may be a part of an exercise apparatus or worn on the body of or otherwise carried by an individual.
- the data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition may be gathered through one or more sensors and/or input by an individual through user input controls that are associated with the competition equalization devices.
- the data gathered by the first and second competition equalization devices in steps 302 and 304 is sent to a processing unit.
- the processing unit may be remote from the first and second competition equalization devices, as shown in step 306 .
- the processing unit may be part of the first and/or second competition equalization devices as shown in step 308 .
- the processing unit analyzes the data to determine whether either of the first or second individuals has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other.
- the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in step 312 .
- the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to either of the first or second competition equalization devices, or both.
- the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method 400 for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race.
- a first competition equalization device This data may be gathered prior to, during, and/or after a first exercise session.
- First competition equalization device may be worn or held by an individual or it may be part of an exercise apparatus.
- the data gathered by the first competition equalization device is sent to a processing unit in a second step 404 .
- step 406 data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session is gathered by a second competition equalization device, the second exercise session being later in time than the first exercise session.
- the data gathered by the second competition equalization device in step 406 is sent to the processing unit in step 410 .
- the processing unit may be remote from the first and second competition equalization devices, or it may be part of either the first and/or second competition equalization devices.
- the processing unit analyzes the data from both the first and second competition equalization devices to determine whether either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other.
- the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in step 414 .
- the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to the second competition equalization device. Because the first exercise session occurs earlier in time than the second exercise session, the remedy identified by the processing unit (whether a handicap or an aid) can only be implemented in the second exercise session.
- step 418 the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented.
- the remedy may be implemented automatically or by an individual. Steps 406 through 418 may be performed prior to the initiation of the second exercise session and repeated during the second exercise session so that adjustments to the remedy identified by the processing unit can be made and implemented prior to completion of the second exercise session, which is step 420 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates exercise system 500 .
- Exercise system 500 is another possible implementation of the present invention, which allows an individual to compete against a previous exercise session performed by that individual or another individual.
- Exercise system 500 includes a competition equalization device 502 , which is illustrated as part of a treadmill 504 . As with competition equalization devices 104 and 206 , however, competition equalization device 502 may be separate from an exercise apparatus.
- Competition equalization device 502 gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during a first exercise session on treadmill 504 . This data may be gathered through one or more sensors or input by an individual through user input controls that are associated with treadmill 504 or competition equalization device 502 .
- the sensors may be an internal part of treadmill 504 , or the sensors may be external to treadmill 504 and communicate with treadmill 504 through a wired or wireless communication connection.
- individual 506 is wearing a chest strap 510 that may sense heart rate, perspiration, caloric burn rate, respiration rate and other physiological parameters of individual 506 . Chest strap 510 may transmit this data to treadmill 504 via a wired or wireless communication linkage 512 .
- competition equalization device 502 gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during the first exercise session on treadmill 504 , this data is stored in a memory.
- This memory may be internal or external to treadmill 504 .
- this data may be stored on a memory device that is removably engageable with treadmill 504 or it may be stored on a memory within the electronics of treadmill 504 .
- Competition equalization device 502 also gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session on treadmill 504 , which occurs subsequent to the first exercise session.
- the second exercise session may be performed by the same individual or different individuals.
- competition equalization device 502 itself may include a processing unit 508 having software that analyzes the data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during the first and second exercise sessions on treadmill 504 .
- Processing unit 508 may determine, based on the data, whether an individual competing on treadmill 504 during the first or second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is found, processing unit 508 may provide a remedy to be applied to the second exercise session.
- the remedy provided by processing unit 508 may be to handicap or aid the individual competing on treadmill 504 during the second exercise session.
- This remedy may be displayed on treadmill 504 either visually or auditory.
- the remedy may be implemented by the individual competing on treadmill 504 during the second exercise session or the remedy may be implemented automatically.
- processing unit 508 may determine that an appropriate remedy is to decrease the incline of the tread base on treadmill 504 during the second exercise session.
- processing unit 508 may determine that an appropriate remedy is to increase the incline of the tread base on treadmill 504 during the second exercise session.
- Competition equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may provide visual or audible prompts regarding the progress of the competition.
- competition equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may include a display that lets individual 506 know whether he is winning the race, and how far behind or ahead of the competition he is.
- Competition equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may include a display where a ghost images of the competitors may be seen.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method 600 for achieving a more fair competition between individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race and with the same competition equalization device.
- a competition equalization device data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a competition equalization device. This data may be gathered prior to, during, and/or after a first exercise session.
- a second step 604 data from the first exercise session is stored in a memory.
- step 606 data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session is gathered by the competition equalization device, the second exercise session being later in time than the first exercise session.
- the data gathered by the competition equalization device in steps 602 and 606 is sent to a processing unit.
- the processing unit may be remote from the competition equalization device, as shown in step 608 .
- the processing unit may be part of the competition equalization device as shown in step 610 .
- the processing unit analyzes the data to determine whether either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other.
- the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in step 614 .
- the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to the second competition equalization device.
- the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented.
- a competition equalization device which may be worn on any part of a body of an individual competing in a race, can receive data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of an individual in a competition. This data may be sent to a processing unit, which may analyze the data from two or more competition equalization devices and determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists for any participant in the competition. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is found, the processing unit may determine an appropriate remedy.
- a competition equalization device can be worn on the wrist, arm, ankle, leg, torso, or around the neck of the individual.
- the competition equalization device may also be part of an exercise apparatus or fitness equipment that the individual uses to compete.
- the competition equalization device may be part of or mounted on a stationary exercise apparatus or another device used to perform an exercise.
- Such exercise apparatuses may include, but are not necessarily limited to exercise bikes, Nordic style skiers, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, ellipticals, and striding exercise machines.
- These exercise apparatuses may include one or more moveable elements, such as belts, pedals, foot and/or arm linkages, levers, seats, handle members, and the like.
- the competition equalization device may also be part or mounted on a bicycle, a ski, incline skates, roller skates, or another device used to perform an exercise.
- Environmental conditions include but are not limited to the altitude at which an individual is exercising, the incline of the surface on which an individual is performing an exercise, the temperature and/or the type of surface on which an individual is exercising, whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors and/or whether or not the person is exercising on a machine, the weather, wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (e.g., smog), traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic.
- Environmental conditions include but are not limited to the altitude at which an individual is exercising, the incline of the surface on which an individual is performing an exercise, the temperature and/or the type of surface on which an individual is exercising, whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors and/or whether or not the person is exercising on a machine, the weather, wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (e.g., smog), traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic.
- air quality e.g., smog
- Physiological conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition include but are not limited to a competing individual's gender, age, weight, height, inseam, cadence and/or stride length, body fat percentage, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, general health condition, current or previous illnesses or diseases, lifestyle, heart rate, body temperature, caloric burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, perspiration rate, blood oxygen level, metabolic equivalent of task (or “MET”), and/or carbohydrate burn rate.
- the present invention can also be used to make a competition between two individuals exercising on different exercise apparatuses more fair.
- a race between an individual running and an individual riding a bike could be made into a competitive contest.
- the individuals in a contest could be located anywhere in the world.
- the contest could involve any number of individuals.
- the contest could be held at the same time or at different times.
- Real-time updates to the competition can be received by the individuals in the race so that conditions that change during the course of a race can be taken into account.
- the competition could be against a previous race conducted by a single individual. For example, if an individual competed in a five mile race ten years ago, that individual could compete in a race with himself or herself and have the individual's age and other changed conditions taken into account so that the competition is more fair.
- an auditory or visual display may provide information so that each individual knows where he or she is in the race and their relative position to other competitors.
- a visual display may allow an individual to see ghost images of the other competitors.
- a map of the race with each competitor's position thereon could also be provided on a visual display.
- an audible display such as a speaker could provide an individual with information regarding his or her place in the race and/or relative position to other competitors.
- an individual may wear an ear bud which provides periodic updates on the individual's relative position in the race. For example, a voice may state “you are in second place and thirty seconds behind the leader.”
- This auditory or visual display may also be used to convey competitive remedy information to an individual in a race. For example, a simultaneous bicycle race between two individuals could be initiated. If during the race a tailwind picks up for one individual, a competition equalization device may sense this condition and send data regarding this condition to a processing unit. The processing unit may determine that the appropriate remedy to adjust for this change could be to extend the distance for the individual with the tailwind by an extra mile. This remedy could be displayed to one or both of the individuals visually or auditory. For example, ear buds in each of the individuals' ears may state “Due to a tail wind assisting individual A, the race distance for individual A has been increased by one mile.” A similar display could be provided to the individuals visually.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/580,166 filed Dec. 23, 2011 titled “Competitive Race System.” The provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- In general, the present invention relates to systems and methods for conducting a competitive race between two or more individuals or between an individual and a previous race completed by that individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to handicapping or aiding one or more of the race participants in order to achieve a more competitive racing experience.
- Whether a person is on a stationary exercise apparatus indoors or riding a bike or running outdoors, exercising can be monotonous and boring. Some people make competition a part of their exercising routine in order to avoid the monotony and boredom that is often associated with exercise alone. Whether competing against other people or against one's self, competition can help make exercising more exciting and easier to maintain a consistent routine.
- With technology that is available today, a person in one part of the world may compete in a race against someone in a completely different part of the world. Technology also allows a person to record an exercise session for a future competition with one's self or with another person. Such competitions, however, are not always fair.
- There are many different factors that affect competitions. For example, environmental factors may create an unfair advantage between competitors that are in different geographic locations. Physiological factors may create an unfair advantage between competitors that are in different age groups. These factors, and others, must be considered and remedial corrections must be made in order for the competition to be as fair as possible. Examples of various exercise competition systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,351, U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,852, U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,947, U.S. Pat. No. 7,628,730, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,800.
- In one aspect of the disclosure, an exercise device includes a frame, a movable element, a fan, a sensing mechanism, a processing unit, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing.
- In one or more other aspects of the disclosure, an exercise system includes a first competition equalization device, a second competition equalization device, and a processing unit.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first competition equalization device has a first competition condition mechanism that collects data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a first individual in a competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the second competition equalization device has a second competition condition mechanism that collects data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a second individual in the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit receives the data collected by the first and second competition condition mechanisms.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit, based on an analysis of the collected data, determines whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists between the first individual and second individual.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit determines an appropriate remedy to negate a competitive advantage or disadvantage between the first and second individuals.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit transmits the remedy to at least one of the first and second competition equalization devices.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms collect the data from a sensor.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the sensor communicates the collected data to at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms via a wireless communication linkage.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms collect the data from a user input device.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first and second individuals are in locations that are geographically separated.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the one or more conditions that may affect the performance of a first or second individual is selected from the group consisting of weather, terrain, type of exercise, and a physiological condition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms further comprise a transmitter and a receiver.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit receives the data collected by the first and second competition condition mechanisms via a network connection.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first and second competition equalization devices collects data concerning the one or more conditions during the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first and second competition condition mechanisms further comprise display.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the display is an audio or visual display and provides information regarding the remedy determined by the processing unit.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the display is a visual display and provides data regarding the relative position of the at least one of the first or second individuals in the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedy determined by the processing unit is to handicap the individual with the competitive advantage.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedy determined by the processing unit is to aid the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedy determined by the processing unit is to handicap the individual with the competitive advantage and to aid the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method creates a more fair competition between two or more individuals.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes collecting data concerning a first condition that may affect the performance of a first individual during a competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes collecting data concerning a second condition that may affect the performance of a second individual during the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes analyzing the data concerning the first and second performance affecting conditions to determine whether the first performance affecting condition or the second performance affecting condition provides the first individual or the second individual with a competitive advantage or disadvantage during the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes determining a remedy to negate the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes implementing the remedy to negate the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first and second performance affecting conditions are selected from a group consisting of environmental conditions, physiological condition, and conditions related to the type of exercise being performed.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedy includes handicapping the individual with the competitive advantage and aiding the individual with the competitive disadvantage.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method tracks the performance of an exerciser during an exercise session compared to a performance during a previous exercise session.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes tracking a performance during a first exercise session, wherein tracking the performance during the first exercise session comprises collecting data concerning a first condition that affects the performance during the first exercise session.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes, subsequent to the first exercise session, tracking a performance during a second exercise session, wherein tracking the performance during the second exercise session comprises collecting data concerning a second condition that affects the performance during the second exercise session.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes, during the second exercise session, comparing the performance during the second exercise session to the performance during the first exercise session to determine whether the performance during the second exercise session is better, worse, or the same as the performance during the first exercise session.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, comparing the performance during the second exercise session to the performance during the first exercise session includes comparing the data concerning the first and second performance affecting conditions.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes, during the second exercise session, providing one or more indications that the performance during the second exercise session is better, worse, or the same as the performance during the first exercise session.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first and second exercise sessions are performed by a single exerciser.
- In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, wherein the first and second exercise sessions are performed by different exercisers.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present methods and systems and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope thereof.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates, using block diagrams, an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing simultaneously in a race. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving a more fair competition between individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race and using the same competition equalization device. -
FIG. 1 illustrates anexercise system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.Exercise system 100 includes a firstcompetition equalization device 102, a secondcompetition equalization device 104, aremote processing unit 105 and anetwork 106. Firstcompetition equalization device 102 andsecond equalization device 104 may be communicatively connected toremote processing unit 105 and to each other, throughnetwork 106. - First
competition equalization device 102 may be secured to the body of an individual. For example, firstcompetition equalization device 102 may be worn on the wrist of an individual similar to a wrist watch. Firstcompetition equalization device 102 includes acompetition condition mechanism 108.Competition condition mechanism 108, according to the present invention, may be any mechanism that receives data concerning one or more conditions that may affect a competition and/or an individual's ability to perform in a competition. -
Competition condition mechanism 108 may receive data from one or more user input controls 110, one or moreintegrated sensors 112, and/or one or moreexternal sensing mechanisms 114.External sensing mechanism 114 may transmit data tocompetition condition mechanism 108 through a wired or wireless communication linkage. For example,external sensing mechanism 114 may transmit data tocompetition condition mechanism 108 through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transmitter. - User input controls 110 may be used to input data into
competition condition mechanism 108. For example, user input controls 110 may include one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input mechanisms.Sensors sensors - Environmental conditions that may affect an individual's performance in a competition may include the altitude at which an individual is exercising and/or the incline of the surface on which an individual is performing an exercise. Environmental conditions that may affect a competition may also include the temperature and/or the type of surface on which an individual is exercising. Possible surfaces may include sand, cement, grass, dirt, or another surface.
- Environmental conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may also include whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors and/or whether or not the person is exercising on a machine. For example, if two individuals are competing in a biking race and one individual is biking on a trail outdoors while the other individual is using a stationary bike indoors, this difference may create a competitive effect between the individuals.
- If a person is exercising outdoors, environmental conditions including the weather, such as wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (e.g., smog) may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition. In addition, if a person is exercising outdoors, environmental conditions such as traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition. For example, if two individuals are competing in a running race and one individual is running on an indoor track and the other person is running down a busy street, the fact that the outdoor runner may have to stop at red lights or for traffic may affect the competition between the individuals.
- The type of exercise each individual is performing can also be an environmental condition that may affect a competition between two individuals. For example, if two individuals are competing in a race and one is riding a bike and the other is running, clearly this is a condition that will affect the competition between these individuals.
- Physiological conditions may also affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition. Physiological conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may include a competing individual's gender, age, weight, height, inseam, cadence and/or stride length. For example, age and gender discrepancies may create a competitive disparity between a middle-aged woman and a young man.
- Other physiological conditions, including body fat percentage, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, general health condition, current or previous illnesses or diseases, and other physical limitations may also may also affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition. For example, a competition between two individuals may be affected by the fact that one individual suffers from asthma. Physiological conditions that affect a competition may also include an individual's lifestyle. For example, whether an individual smokes or follows a strict dietary regimen are factors that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.
- Other physiological conditions that affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition may also include an individual's heart rate, body temperature, caloric burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, perspiration rate, blood oxygen level, metabolic equivalent of task (or “MET”), and/or carbohydrate burn rate. For example, a competition between two individuals may be affected by the individuals' blood oxygen levels.
-
Competition equalization device 102 may receive throughcompetition condition mechanism 108 data concerning any condition, including but not limited to the environmental and physiological conditions identified above, that may affect a completion and/or the ability of an individual to perform in a competition.Competition condition mechanism 108 may receive data concerning a competition affecting condition from user input controls 110 and/orsensors competition condition mechanism 108 regarding that individual's gender, age, and weight. Alternatively,sensors competition condition mechanism 108. For example, a competition affecting condition may be sensed by a pulse monitor, a thermometer, an altimeter, and/or a barometer. In addition, data may be received by thecompetition condition mechanism 108 prior to initiation of an exercise, during the exercise, or after the exercise has been completed. - First
competition equalization device 102 may also include aprocessor 116.Processor 116 may further include amemory 118.Processor 116 may analyze and store the data collected bycompetition condition mechanism 108 and/or data collected by another competition equalization device. Firstcompetition equalization device 102 also includes adisplay 120.Display 120 may be a visual display. For example,display 120 may be an LED display, an LCD, or another type of visual display. Alternatively,display 120 may be an auditory display. For example,display 120 may be a speaker. - Finally, first
competition equalization device 102 includes atransmitter 122 and areceiver 124.Transmitter 122 may send data gathered bycompetition condition mechanism 108 to secondcompetition equalization device 104 or toremote processing unit 105 throughnetwork 106.Network 106 may be a wide area network like the Internet, or a local area network.Transmitter 122 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless transmitter.Remote processing unit 105 may, for example, be accessible at a website on the Internet.Receiver 124 may receive data fromexternal sensing mechanism 114 and/or fromremote processing unit 105 throughnetwork 106. For example,receiver 124 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless receiver. - In the presently illustrated embodiment, second
competition equalization device 104 is part of anexercise apparatus 126. In other embodiments, however, secondcompetition equalization device 104 may be separate from an exercise apparatus, similar to firstcompetition equalization device 102. Secondcompetition equalization device 104 may include the same components that are part of firstcompetition equalization device 102. For example, second completion equalization device may include acompetition condition mechanism 128. -
Competition condition mechanism 128 may receive data from one or more user input controls 130, one or moreintegrated sensors 132, and/or one or moreexternal sensing mechanisms 134.External sensing mechanism 134 may transmit data tocompetition condition mechanism 128 through a wired or wireless communication linkage. For example,external sensing mechanism 134 may transmit data tocompetition condition mechanism 128 through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transmitter. -
Competition condition mechanism 128 may receive the environmental or physiological conditions identified above or other data concerning a condition that may affect a competition. Because secondcompetition equalization device 104 is a part ofexercise apparatus 126,integrated sensor 132 could be located on any portion ofexercise apparatus 126. For example,exercise apparatus 126 may be a treadmill andsensor 132 could comprise a scale or potentiometers on the tread deck. In addition,competition condition mechanism 128 may receive other data, such as operational data regardingexercise apparatus 126. - Second
competition equalization device 104 may also include aprocessor 136.Processor 136 may further include amemory 138.Processor 136 may analyze and store the data collected bycompetition condition mechanism 128 and/or data collected by another competition condition mechanism. Secondcompetition equalization device 104 also includes a display 140. Display 140 may be a visual display. For example, display 140 may be an LED display, an LCD, or another type of visual display. Alternatively, display 140 may be an auditory display. For example, display 140 may be a speaker. - Finally, second
competition equalization device 104 includes atransmitter 142 and areceiver 144.Transmitter 142 may send data gathered bycompetition condition mechanism 128 to firstcompetition equalization device 102 and/or toremote processing unit 105 throughnetwork 106. For example,transmitter 142 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless transmitter.Transmitter 142 may also be a wired communication linkage.Receiver 144 may receive data fromexternal sensing mechanism 114 and/or fromremote processing unit 105 throughnetwork 106. For example,receiver 144 may be a Bluetooth, Wifi, or cellular wireless receiver.Receiver 144 may also be a wired receiver. -
Exercise apparatus 126 also include one ormore actuators 146. Actuators, according to the present invention, selectively adjust an operating parameter onexercise apparatus 126. For example,actuator 146 may adjust the difficulty level of an exercise being performed onexercise apparatus 126. Specifically,actuator 146 may comprise a motor that selectively adjusts the speed at which amoveable member 148 moves. Alternatively,actuator 146 may comprise a brake that selectively adjusts the resistance applied to the rotational movement of pedals on an exercise bike or an elliptical machine.Actuator 146 may comprise a belt motor that selectively adjusts the speed of a belt on atreadmill Actuator 146 may also adjust the speed of a fan or another operating parameter that is associated with anothermoveable member 148 on anexercise apparatus 126.Actuator 146 may also adjust the incline at which an exercise is performed. - Once data concerning one or more conditions that may affect a competition has been collected by
competition condition mechanisms transmitters remote processing unit 105.Remote processing unit 105 may include software that analyzes this data and determines, based on the data, whether one individual has a competitive advantage over the other. If one individual is found to have an advantage, this software may further determine an appropriate remedy so that a more competitive contest between the two individuals may be achieved. -
Remote processing unit 105 may analyze any data to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists for either individual and to determine an appropriate remedy. The data compared may be data concerning the same condition from each individual or data concerning different conditions from each individual. For example,remote processing unit 105 may compare body fat percentages from two individuals to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists.Remote processing unit 105 may then identify an appropriate remedy depending on the disparity between the body fat percentages. Alternatively,remote processing unit 105 may compare the fact that one individual has as asthma with the fact that another individual is exercising at five thousand feet.Remote processing unit 105 may use this data to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists and to determine an appropriate remedy if necessary. - The remedy identified by
remote processing unit 105 may be to handicap the advantaged individual, or to aid the disadvantaged individual, or a combination of both handicapping the advantaged individual and aiding the disadvantaged individual. In order to handicap one of the competing individuals,remote processing unit 105 may require that the advantaged individual wear a weight belt or another device that increases the difficulty level of the exercise for that individual. Alternatively or in addition,remote processing unit 105 may require that an advantaged individual perform the exercise over a longer or shorter time. -
Remote processing unit 105 may also require that an advantaged individual perform additional exercises. For example, if two individuals are running a ten mile race, the advantaged individual may be required to run an extra mile or do an additional exercise or set of exercises (such as ten push-ups) after each mile. - To handicap an advantaged individual, the
remote processing unit 105 may also require the advantaged individual to achieve a higher heart rate before the exercises performed by that individual count in the competition. Alternatively, an individual with a lower heart rate may have to perform additional exercises in order to complete the competition. In addition,remote processing unit 105 may require the advantaged individual to achieve a larger metabolic equivalent of task (MET), a higher total number of calories burned or calorie burn rate, and/or a higher total number of carbohydrates burned or carbohydrate burn rate. In addition,remote processing unit 105 may require the advantaged individual to maintain a specified pace. - If the advantaged individual is exercising on an exercise apparatus, the
remote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to adjust a parameter on the exercise apparatus. For example, theremote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to increase the difficulty level. Specifically, if the exercise apparatus is a treadmill, the incline of the tread base could be increased. If the exercise apparatus is an elliptical machine or an exercise bike, the rotational resistance applied to the pedals could be increased. In addition, cushioning on a treadmill deck or pedals on an elliptical machine or exercise bike could be adjusted. - In order to aid one of the competing individuals,
remote processing unit 105 may allow the disadvantaged individual to perform the exercise over a shorter distance and/or time. If the disadvantaged individual is exercising on an exercise apparatus, theremote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to adjust a parameter on the exercise apparatus. For example, theremote processing unit 105 may send a control command to the exercise apparatus to decrease the difficulty level. Specifically, if the exercise apparatus is a treadmill, the incline of the tread base could be decreased. If the exercise apparatus is an elliptical machine or an exercise bike, the rotational resistance applied to the pedals could be decreased. - Once
remote processing unit 105 determines an appropriate remedy or remedies to achieve a more competitive contest between the two individuals, the remedy or remedies may be transmitted fromremote processing unit 105 to first and secondcompetition equalization devices competition equalization devices displays 120 and 140. The remedy or remedies thatremote processing unit 105 identifies may be implemented by the competing individuals themselves. Alternatively,remote processing unit 105 may send control commands causing the remedy to be automatically implemented. -
FIG. 2 illustratesexercise system 200, which is another possible implementation of the present invention.Exercise system 200 allows for a real time competition between two individuals engaging in a distance race.Exercise system 200 includes a firstcompetition equalization device 202, which is being worn on the wrist of afirst individual 204.Exercise system 200 also includes a secondcompetition equalization device 206, which is part of astationary exercise bike 208. Asecond individual 210 is performing an exercise onstationary exercise bike 208. Inexercise system 200, first andsecond individuals Exercise system 200 further includes aremote processing unit 212 and anetwork 214. - Prior to initiation of and/or during an exercise by
individuals competition equalization devices second individual 210. This data may be gathered through sensors on first and secondcompetition equalization devices exercise bike 208, or input by firstsecond individuals competition equalization devices - One obvious condition that may affect the competition between first individual 204 and
second individual 210 is the type of exercise each is performingFirst individual 204 is running whilesecond individual 210 is riding a stationary bike. Other factors, including those identified herein above, may also the competition ofexercise system 200. - Once first and second
competition equalization devices second individual 210, this data is transmitted to aremote processing unit 212 throughnetwork 214.Network 214 may be the Internet andremote processing unit 212 may be accessible through a website. - Once
remote processing unit 212 receives the data gathered by first and secondcompetition equalization devices remote processing unit 212 may analyze the data to determine whether first individual 204 orsecond individual 210 is at a competitive advantage (or disadvantage) in a competition (for example a race) between first andsecond individual exercise system 200,remote processing unit 212 would likely find that the second individual has a competitive advantage over the first individual given the fact that that first individual is running and the second individual is riding astationary exercise bike 208. - In order to make the competition between the first and
second individuals remote processing unit 212 may identify an appropriate remedy or remedies so that a more competitive contest between the first andsecond individuals first individual 204. For example,first individual 204 may be required to travel a shorter distance than thesecond individual 210. Alternatively, or in addition, thesecond individual 210 may be handicapped. For example, the resistance level ofstationary exercise bike 208 may be increased. - In order to implement the remedy or remedies identified by
remote processing unit 212, an auditory or visual message may be sent to first and secondcompetition equalization devices second individuals remote processing unit 212 may send a control command to first and/or secondcompetition equalization devices remote processing unit 212 may send a control command tostationary exercise bike 208 so that the remedy is implemented without any interaction bysecond individual 210. - First and second
competition equalization devices remote processing unit 212 for analysis and, if necessary, additional remedies or corrections to the remedies previously provided to first and secondcompetition equalization devices competition equalization devices remote processing unit 212, and receive updated remedies fromremote processing unit 212. This may help to ensure that the competition is as fair as possible between first andsecond individual - For example, if at some point during the race, a tailwind picks up that assists
first individual 204,remote processing unit 212 may send a remedy tosecond individual 210 offsetting the assistance created by the tailwind. Specifically,remote processing unit 212 may send a control command tostationary exercise bike 208 reducing the resistance level. - In other embodiments, first
competition equalization device 202 may be part of an exercise apparatus andsecond equalization device 206 may be worn on the body of an individual exercising. In addition, there may be more than two competition equalization devices receiving data concerning conditions that may affect the performance of an individual in a competition. For example, there may be ten or more equalization devices, each receiving data concerning conditions that may affect the performance of a different individual in a competition. In a competition, all of the individuals may be on exercise apparatuses, none of the individuals may be on exercise apparatuses, or some individuals may and some individuals may not be on exercise apparatuses. - First and second
competition equalization devices competition equalization device 202 may include a display that lets first individual 204 know whether he is winning the race, and how far behind or ahead of second individual 210 he is. Secondcompetition equalization device 206 may include a display where a ghost image offirst individual 204 and/orsecond individual 210 may be seen. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in amethod 300 for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing simultaneously in a race. In afirst step 302, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a first competition equalization device. The first equalization device is associated with a first individual. In asecond step 304, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a second competition equalization device. The second equalization device is associated with a second individual. The first and/or second competition equalization devices may be a part of an exercise apparatus or worn on the body of or otherwise carried by an individual. The data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition may be gathered through one or more sensors and/or input by an individual through user input controls that are associated with the competition equalization devices. - Next, the data gathered by the first and second competition equalization devices in
steps step 306. Alternatively, the processing unit may be part of the first and/or second competition equalization devices as shown instep 308. Instep 310, the processing unit analyzes the data to determine whether either of the first or second individuals has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other. - If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or disadvantage, the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in
step 312. In astep 314, the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to either of the first or second competition equalization devices, or both. Finally, instep 316, the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented. The remedy may be implemented automatically or by an individual.Steps 302 through 316 may be performed prior to the initiation of the race and/or during the race such that real time adjustments to the competition between the first and second individuals are made prior to completion of the race, which isstep 318. - Due to scheduling conflicts and different time zones, competitions between individuals cannot always occur simultaneously. Accordingly,
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in amethod 400 for achieving a more fair competition between two or more individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race. In afirst step 402, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a first competition equalization device. This data may be gathered prior to, during, and/or after a first exercise session. First competition equalization device may be worn or held by an individual or it may be part of an exercise apparatus. The data gathered by the first competition equalization device is sent to a processing unit in a second step 404. In step 406, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session is gathered by a second competition equalization device, the second exercise session being later in time than the first exercise session. - Next, the data gathered by the second competition equalization device in step 406 is sent to the processing unit in
step 410. The processing unit may be remote from the first and second competition equalization devices, or it may be part of either the first and/or second competition equalization devices. Instep 412, the processing unit analyzes the data from both the first and second competition equalization devices to determine whether either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other. - If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or disadvantage, the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in
step 414. In astep 416, the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to the second competition equalization device. Because the first exercise session occurs earlier in time than the second exercise session, the remedy identified by the processing unit (whether a handicap or an aid) can only be implemented in the second exercise session. - Finally, in
step 418, the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented. The remedy may be implemented automatically or by an individual. Steps 406 through 418 may be performed prior to the initiation of the second exercise session and repeated during the second exercise session so that adjustments to the remedy identified by the processing unit can be made and implemented prior to completion of the second exercise session, which isstep 420. -
FIG. 5 illustratesexercise system 500.Exercise system 500 is another possible implementation of the present invention, which allows an individual to compete against a previous exercise session performed by that individual or another individual.Exercise system 500 includes acompetition equalization device 502, which is illustrated as part of atreadmill 504. As withcompetition equalization devices competition equalization device 502 may be separate from an exercise apparatus. - An individual 506 is performing an exercise on
treadmill 504.Competition equalization device 502 gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during a first exercise session ontreadmill 504. This data may be gathered through one or more sensors or input by an individual through user input controls that are associated withtreadmill 504 orcompetition equalization device 502. The sensors may be an internal part oftreadmill 504, or the sensors may be external totreadmill 504 and communicate withtreadmill 504 through a wired or wireless communication connection. For example, individual 506 is wearing achest strap 510 that may sense heart rate, perspiration, caloric burn rate, respiration rate and other physiological parameters ofindividual 506.Chest strap 510 may transmit this data totreadmill 504 via a wired orwireless communication linkage 512. - Once
competition equalization device 502 gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during the first exercise session ontreadmill 504, this data is stored in a memory. This memory may be internal or external totreadmill 504. For example, this data may be stored on a memory device that is removably engageable withtreadmill 504 or it may be stored on a memory within the electronics oftreadmill 504. -
Competition equalization device 502 also gathers data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session ontreadmill 504, which occurs subsequent to the first exercise session. The second exercise session may be performed by the same individual or different individuals. - Unlike other embodiments of the present invention, where a competition between two or more individuals using different competition equalization devices, the two exercise sessions in
exercise system 500 are performed non-simultaneously and with the same competition equalization device. Thus, since the same competition equalization device is used in each exercise session, there is no need to transmit data gathered by the competition equalization device to a remote processing unit. Rather, inexercise system 500,competition equalization device 502 itself may include a processing unit 508 having software that analyzes the data concerning conditions that may affect a competition during the first and second exercise sessions ontreadmill 504. Processing unit 508 may determine, based on the data, whether an individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the first or second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is found, processing unit 508 may provide a remedy to be applied to the second exercise session. - The remedy provided by processing unit 508 may be to handicap or aid the individual competing on
treadmill 504 during the second exercise session. This remedy may be displayed ontreadmill 504 either visually or auditory. The remedy may be implemented by the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session or the remedy may be implemented automatically. - For example, if the temperature and humidity levels are higher during the second exercise session, the individual competing on
treadmill 504 during the first exercise session may have had a competitive advantage over the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session. In this situation, processing unit 508 may determine that an appropriate remedy is to decrease the incline of the tread base ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session. In another example, if the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the first exercise session had a higher body fat percentage than the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session, the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session may have a competitive advantage over the individual competing ontreadmill 504 during the first exercise session. In this situation, processing unit 508 may determine that an appropriate remedy is to increase the incline of the tread base ontreadmill 504 during the second exercise session. -
Competition equalization device 502 ortreadmill 504 may provide visual or audible prompts regarding the progress of the competition. For example,competition equalization device 502 ortreadmill 504 may include a display that lets individual 506 know whether he is winning the race, and how far behind or ahead of the competition he is.Competition equalization device 502 ortreadmill 504 may include a display where a ghost images of the competitors may be seen. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps that may be implemented in amethod 600 for achieving a more fair competition between individuals competing in a non-simultaneous race and with the same competition equalization device. In afirst step 602, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition is gathered by a competition equalization device. This data may be gathered prior to, during, and/or after a first exercise session. In asecond step 604, data from the first exercise session is stored in a memory. Instep 606, data concerning a condition or conditions that may affect a competition during a second exercise session is gathered by the competition equalization device, the second exercise session being later in time than the first exercise session. - Next, the data gathered by the competition equalization device in
steps step 608. Alternatively, the processing unit may be part of the competition equalization device as shown instep 610. Instep 612, the processing unit analyzes the data to determine whether either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other. - If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or disadvantage, the processing unit identifies a remedy to make the competition between the first and second individuals more fair in
step 614. In astep 616, the remedy identified by the processing unit is sent to the second competition equalization device. Finally, instep 618, the remedy sent from the processing unit is implemented. The remedy may be implemented automatically or by an individual.Steps 606 through 618 may be performed prior to the initiation of the second exercise session and repeated during the second exercise session so that adjustments to the remedy identified by the processing unit can be made and implemented prior to completion of the second exercise session, which isstep 420. - In general, the methods and exercise systems disclosed herein help to ensure a more fair competition in a race between two or more individuals or a race between a single individual and a previous performance by that individual. A competition equalization device, which may be worn on any part of a body of an individual competing in a race, can receive data concerning one or more conditions that may affect the performance of an individual in a competition. This data may be sent to a processing unit, which may analyze the data from two or more competition equalization devices and determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists for any participant in the competition. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is found, the processing unit may determine an appropriate remedy.
- A competition equalization device can be worn on the wrist, arm, ankle, leg, torso, or around the neck of the individual. The competition equalization device may also be part of an exercise apparatus or fitness equipment that the individual uses to compete. For example, the competition equalization device may be part of or mounted on a stationary exercise apparatus or another device used to perform an exercise. Such exercise apparatuses may include, but are not necessarily limited to exercise bikes, Nordic style skiers, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, ellipticals, and striding exercise machines. These exercise apparatuses may include one or more moveable elements, such as belts, pedals, foot and/or arm linkages, levers, seats, handle members, and the like. The competition equalization device may also be part or mounted on a bicycle, a ski, incline skates, roller skates, or another device used to perform an exercise.
- The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to make a competition between any number of individuals more fair, regardless of any environmental, physiological, or other condition. Environmental conditions include but are not limited to the altitude at which an individual is exercising, the incline of the surface on which an individual is performing an exercise, the temperature and/or the type of surface on which an individual is exercising, whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors and/or whether or not the person is exercising on a machine, the weather, wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (e.g., smog), traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic.
- Physiological conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition include but are not limited to a competing individual's gender, age, weight, height, inseam, cadence and/or stride length, body fat percentage, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, general health condition, current or previous illnesses or diseases, lifestyle, heart rate, body temperature, caloric burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, perspiration rate, blood oxygen level, metabolic equivalent of task (or “MET”), and/or carbohydrate burn rate.
- The present invention can also be used to make a competition between two individuals exercising on different exercise apparatuses more fair. For example, using the present invention a race between an individual running and an individual riding a bike could be made into a competitive contest. The individuals in a contest could be located anywhere in the world. The contest could involve any number of individuals. The contest could be held at the same time or at different times. Real-time updates to the competition can be received by the individuals in the race so that conditions that change during the course of a race can be taken into account. The competition could be against a previous race conducted by a single individual. For example, if an individual competed in a five mile race ten years ago, that individual could compete in a race with himself or herself and have the individual's age and other changed conditions taken into account so that the competition is more fair.
- During a competition with one's self or with other individuals, an auditory or visual display may provide information so that each individual knows where he or she is in the race and their relative position to other competitors. For example, a visual display may allow an individual to see ghost images of the other competitors. A map of the race with each competitor's position thereon could also be provided on a visual display. Alternatively, an audible display such as a speaker could provide an individual with information regarding his or her place in the race and/or relative position to other competitors. For example, an individual may wear an ear bud which provides periodic updates on the individual's relative position in the race. For example, a voice may state “you are in second place and thirty seconds behind the leader.”
- This auditory or visual display may also be used to convey competitive remedy information to an individual in a race. For example, a simultaneous bicycle race between two individuals could be initiated. If during the race a tailwind picks up for one individual, a competition equalization device may sense this condition and send data regarding this condition to a processing unit. The processing unit may determine that the appropriate remedy to adjust for this change could be to extend the distance for the individual with the tailwind by an extra mile. This remedy could be displayed to one or both of the individuals visually or auditory. For example, ear buds in each of the individuals' ears may state “Due to a tail wind assisting individual A, the race distance for individual A has been increased by one mile.” A similar display could be provided to the individuals visually.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/725,355 US20130165195A1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2012-12-21 | Competitive Race System |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161580166P | 2011-12-23 | 2011-12-23 | |
US13/725,355 US20130165195A1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2012-12-21 | Competitive Race System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130165195A1 true US20130165195A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 |
Family
ID=48655075
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/725,355 Abandoned US20130165195A1 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2012-12-21 | Competitive Race System |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130165195A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2795565A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104011762A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012358201A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2856139A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013096889A1 (en) |
Cited By (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130316830A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Nxp B.V. | Device control system and method of determining altitude |
US20150018989A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-15 | Bion Inc. | Wireless exercise signal receiver system with personal portable unit as relay transmitter |
US20150209617A1 (en) * | 2014-01-27 | 2015-07-30 | Wanin Interantional Co., Ltd. | Fitness equipment combining with a cloud service system |
US20160059079A1 (en) * | 2014-08-27 | 2016-03-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Providing Interaction with Broadcasted Media Content |
US20160250519A1 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-09-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Simulating Real-World Terrain on an Exercise Device |
US20160375307A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Lenitra M. Durham | Wearable device normalization of fitness equipment settings and characteristics |
US20160375308A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Intel Corporation | System and method for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10220259B2 (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2019-03-05 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | System and method for controlling an exercise device |
US10226396B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2019-03-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Post workout massage device |
US20190118038A1 (en) * | 2017-10-25 | 2019-04-25 | Technogym S.P.A. | Method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines |
US10272317B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-04-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Lighted pace feature in a treadmill |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10388183B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-08-20 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Encouraging achievement of health goals |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10433612B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2019-10-08 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Pressure sensor to quantify work |
US10493349B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-12-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Display on exercise device |
US10625137B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-04-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated displays in an exercise device |
US10671705B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2020-06-02 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Customizing recipe recommendations |
US10786706B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2020-09-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cycling shoe power sensors |
US10864407B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-12-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10918905B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2021-02-16 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing runaway resistance on an exercise device |
CN112439163A (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-03-05 | 北京赛锐奥科技有限公司 | Electronic contest type elliptical machine system |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10994173B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2021-05-04 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US11000730B2 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2021-05-11 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Elliptical exercise machine |
US11033777B1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2021-06-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Stationary exercise machine |
US11058913B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Inclinable exercise machine |
US11058914B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling methods for exercise equipment |
US11170886B2 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2021-11-09 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11187285B2 (en) | 2017-12-09 | 2021-11-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for selectively rotationally fixing a pedaled drivetrain |
US11244751B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2022-02-08 | Finish Time Holdings, Llc | Method and device for providing a person with training data of an athlete as the athlete is performing a swimming workout |
US11298577B2 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2022-04-12 | Ifit Inc. | Cable and power rack exercise machine |
US11326673B2 (en) | 2018-06-11 | 2022-05-10 | Ifit Inc. | Increased durability linear actuator |
US11451108B2 (en) | 2017-08-16 | 2022-09-20 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
US11534654B2 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2022-12-27 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for an interactive pedaled exercise device |
US11534651B2 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2022-12-27 | Ifit Inc. | Adjustable dumbbell system |
US11565148B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2023-01-31 | Ifit Inc. | Treadmill with a scale mechanism in a motor cover |
US11673036B2 (en) | 2019-11-12 | 2023-06-13 | Ifit Inc. | Exercise storage system |
US11794070B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 | 2023-10-24 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for cooling an exercise device |
EP4227882A4 (en) * | 2020-11-17 | 2023-11-01 | ASICS Corporation | Travel recording device, travel recording system, and travel recording method |
US11850497B2 (en) | 2019-10-11 | 2023-12-26 | Ifit Inc. | Modular exercise device |
WO2024018419A1 (en) * | 2022-07-22 | 2024-01-25 | Universita' Vita-Salute San Raffaele | System for physical activity, and related method |
US11931621B2 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2024-03-19 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for treadmill drift avoidance |
US11951377B2 (en) | 2020-03-24 | 2024-04-09 | Ifit Inc. | Leaderboard with irregularity flags in an exercise machine system |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN114307102A (en) * | 2021-12-31 | 2022-04-12 | 深圳市大数据研究院 | Running interaction method for multi-person sports |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040046692A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-11 | Robson Jack D. | Physical training system |
US20050233861A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2005-10-20 | Hickman Paul L | Mobile systems and methods for heath, exercise and competition |
US20070239479A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-11 | Juha Arrasvuori | System and method for gaming |
US20080300914A1 (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2008-12-04 | Microsoft Corporation | Dynamic activity management |
US7934983B1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2011-05-03 | Seth Eisner | Location-aware distributed sporting events |
US20110165998A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2011-07-07 | Perception Digital Limited | Method For Monitoring Exercise, And Apparatus And System Thereof |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2003111881A (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2003-04-15 | Rakuraku Service:Kk | Computer sport competition executing method and multi- function type pedometer |
JP2007528277A (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2007-10-11 | ハートレート・ゲームズ、インコーポレイテッド | Interactive exercise system with users |
US7465257B1 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2008-12-16 | Morgan Jr Robert Bowman | Cyber sports exercise system |
KR20110043901A (en) * | 2009-10-22 | 2011-04-28 | (주)인성정보 | Network health game method and system |
-
2012
- 2012-12-21 US US13/725,355 patent/US20130165195A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-12-21 CA CA2856139A patent/CA2856139A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-12-21 WO PCT/US2012/071457 patent/WO2013096889A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-12-21 EP EP12860430.3A patent/EP2795565A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-12-21 CN CN201280064145.7A patent/CN104011762A/en active Pending
- 2012-12-21 AU AU2012358201A patent/AU2012358201A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050233861A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2005-10-20 | Hickman Paul L | Mobile systems and methods for heath, exercise and competition |
US20040046692A1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-11 | Robson Jack D. | Physical training system |
US20070239479A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-11 | Juha Arrasvuori | System and method for gaming |
US20080300914A1 (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2008-12-04 | Microsoft Corporation | Dynamic activity management |
US7934983B1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2011-05-03 | Seth Eisner | Location-aware distributed sporting events |
US20110165998A1 (en) * | 2010-01-07 | 2011-07-07 | Perception Digital Limited | Method For Monitoring Exercise, And Apparatus And System Thereof |
Cited By (71)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10688346B2 (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2020-06-23 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | System and method for controlling an exercise device |
US10220259B2 (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2019-03-05 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | System and method for controlling an exercise device |
US9604134B2 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2017-03-28 | Ams International Ag | Device control system and method of determining altitude |
US20130316830A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Nxp B.V. | Device control system and method of determining altitude |
US11170886B2 (en) * | 2012-07-31 | 2021-11-09 | Peloton Interactive, Inc. | Exercise system and method |
US11244751B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2022-02-08 | Finish Time Holdings, Llc | Method and device for providing a person with training data of an athlete as the athlete is performing a swimming workout |
US11923066B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2024-03-05 | Finish Time Holdings, Llc | System and method for providing a trainer with live training data of an individual as the individual is performing a training workout |
US11322240B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2022-05-03 | Finish Time Holdings, Llc | Method and device for providing a person with training data of an athlete as the athlete is performing a running workout |
US11810656B2 (en) | 2012-10-19 | 2023-11-07 | Finish Time Holdings, Llc | System for providing a coach with live training data of an athlete as the athlete is training |
US11338169B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2022-05-24 | IFIT, Inc. | Strength training apparatus |
US10953268B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2021-03-23 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10709925B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2020-07-14 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus |
US20150018989A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-15 | Bion Inc. | Wireless exercise signal receiver system with personal portable unit as relay transmitter |
US10967214B1 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2021-04-06 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable exercise machine |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10758767B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2020-09-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Resistance mechanism in a cable exercise machine |
US20150209617A1 (en) * | 2014-01-27 | 2015-07-30 | Wanin Interantional Co., Ltd. | Fitness equipment combining with a cloud service system |
US10433612B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2019-10-08 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Pressure sensor to quantify work |
US10932517B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2021-03-02 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Pressure sensor to quantify work |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10226396B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2019-03-12 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Post workout massage device |
US10186161B2 (en) * | 2014-08-27 | 2019-01-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Providing interaction with broadcasted media content |
US10726730B2 (en) | 2014-08-27 | 2020-07-28 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Providing interaction with broadcasted media content |
US20160059079A1 (en) * | 2014-08-27 | 2016-03-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Providing Interaction with Broadcasted Media Content |
US20160250519A1 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-09-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Simulating Real-World Terrain on an Exercise Device |
US10388183B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-08-20 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Encouraging achievement of health goals |
US10391361B2 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2019-08-27 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Simulating real-world terrain on an exercise device |
US10709935B2 (en) | 2015-06-26 | 2020-07-14 | Intel Corporation | System and method for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment |
US20160375308A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Intel Corporation | System and method for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment |
US20180221714A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2018-08-09 | Intel Corporation | System and method for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment |
US9962576B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2018-05-08 | Intel Corporation | System and method for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment |
US9864844B2 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2018-01-09 | Intel Corporation | Wearable device normalization of fitness equipment settings and characteristics |
US20160375307A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Lenitra M. Durham | Wearable device normalization of fitness equipment settings and characteristics |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10864407B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-12-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10272317B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-04-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Lighted pace feature in a treadmill |
US11013960B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2021-05-25 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Exercise system including a stationary bicycle and a free weight cradle |
US11794075B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2023-10-24 | Ifit Inc. | Stationary exercise machine configured to execute a programmed workout with aerobic portions and lifting portions |
US11565148B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2023-01-31 | Ifit Inc. | Treadmill with a scale mechanism in a motor cover |
US10493349B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-12-03 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Display on exercise device |
US10625137B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2020-04-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated displays in an exercise device |
US10994173B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2021-05-04 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US11779812B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2023-10-10 | Ifit Inc. | Treadmill configured to automatically determine user exercise movement |
US11058914B2 (en) | 2016-07-01 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cooling methods for exercise equipment |
US10671705B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2020-06-02 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Customizing recipe recommendations |
US10918905B2 (en) | 2016-10-12 | 2021-02-16 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for reducing runaway resistance on an exercise device |
US11451108B2 (en) | 2017-08-16 | 2022-09-20 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for axial impact resistance in electric motors |
US20190118038A1 (en) * | 2017-10-25 | 2019-04-25 | Technogym S.P.A. | Method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines |
US11187285B2 (en) | 2017-12-09 | 2021-11-30 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Systems and methods for selectively rotationally fixing a pedaled drivetrain |
US11058913B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Inclinable exercise machine |
US11596830B2 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2023-03-07 | Ifit Inc. | Elliptical exercise machine |
US11000730B2 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2021-05-11 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Elliptical exercise machine |
US11326673B2 (en) | 2018-06-11 | 2022-05-10 | Ifit Inc. | Increased durability linear actuator |
US10786706B2 (en) | 2018-07-13 | 2020-09-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cycling shoe power sensors |
US11534654B2 (en) | 2019-01-25 | 2022-12-27 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for an interactive pedaled exercise device |
US11298577B2 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2022-04-12 | Ifit Inc. | Cable and power rack exercise machine |
US11452903B2 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2022-09-27 | Ifit Inc. | Exercise machine |
US11426633B2 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2022-08-30 | Ifit Inc. | Controlling an exercise machine using a video workout program |
US11951358B2 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2024-04-09 | Ifit Inc. | Encoding exercise machine control commands in subtitle streams |
US11058918B1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2021-07-13 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Producing a workout video to control a stationary exercise machine |
US11033777B1 (en) | 2019-02-12 | 2021-06-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Stationary exercise machine |
US11794070B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 | 2023-10-24 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for cooling an exercise device |
US11534651B2 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2022-12-27 | Ifit Inc. | Adjustable dumbbell system |
CN112439163A (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-03-05 | 北京赛锐奥科技有限公司 | Electronic contest type elliptical machine system |
US11850497B2 (en) | 2019-10-11 | 2023-12-26 | Ifit Inc. | Modular exercise device |
US11673036B2 (en) | 2019-11-12 | 2023-06-13 | Ifit Inc. | Exercise storage system |
US11931621B2 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2024-03-19 | Ifit Inc. | Systems and methods for treadmill drift avoidance |
US11951377B2 (en) | 2020-03-24 | 2024-04-09 | Ifit Inc. | Leaderboard with irregularity flags in an exercise machine system |
EP4227882A4 (en) * | 2020-11-17 | 2023-11-01 | ASICS Corporation | Travel recording device, travel recording system, and travel recording method |
WO2024018419A1 (en) * | 2022-07-22 | 2024-01-25 | Universita' Vita-Salute San Raffaele | System for physical activity, and related method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2012358201A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
EP2795565A1 (en) | 2014-10-29 |
EP2795565A4 (en) | 2015-10-14 |
CN104011762A (en) | 2014-08-27 |
WO2013096889A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 |
CA2856139A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130165195A1 (en) | Competitive Race System | |
KR102224618B1 (en) | Exercise equipment using virtual reality system | |
JP5985858B2 (en) | Fitness monitoring method, system, program product and application thereof | |
US9028370B2 (en) | Indoor-outdoor exercise system | |
CN105122005B (en) | Motion monitoring system with media content automatic pause | |
JP5465285B2 (en) | Sports electronic training system and method for providing training feedback | |
JP5744074B2 (en) | Sports electronic training system with sports balls and applications thereof | |
CA2939445C (en) | Monitoring and tracking athletic activity | |
US8021270B2 (en) | Online sporting system | |
US20180160943A1 (en) | Signature based monitoring systems and methods | |
US20160263439A1 (en) | Automated Prescription of Activity Based on Physical Activity Data | |
EP3352107A1 (en) | Interactive athletic equipment system | |
US20100248900A1 (en) | Exercise systems for simulating real world terrain | |
EP2774659A1 (en) | Systems, methods, and devices for simulating real world terrain on an exercise device | |
WO2002051308A1 (en) | Health control system, health control device, server and health control method | |
JP2009050699A (en) | Sports electronic training system with electronic gaming function, and applications thereof | |
de Groot et al. | Role of technology in athlete assessment | |
JP3619437B2 (en) | Experience competition relay device | |
WITKOWSKA | S&D. Integration of sport and design for innovative systems. Application to a swimmer wearable integrated monitoring system For innovative training | |
Walking et al. | 2 Miles Walking a Day: Reveal How This Simple Habit Can Transform Your Health Explore the life-changing benefits of walking 2 miles daily |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC., UTAH Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WATTERSON, SCOTT R.;REEL/FRAME:033009/0687 Effective date: 20140509 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, MA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.;ICON IP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:036104/0833 Effective date: 20150710 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ICON IP, INC., UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC., UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: HF HOLDINGS, INC., UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: ICON DU CANADA INC., CANADA Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES, UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: ICON - ALTRA LLC, UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 Owner name: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC, UTAH Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS;REEL/FRAME:039584/0575 Effective date: 20160803 |