U.S. patent application number 10/801497 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for interactive mobile device.
Invention is credited to Bartels, Dirk.
Application Number | 20050209050 10/801497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34987068 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050209050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bartels, Dirk |
September 22, 2005 |
Interactive mobile device
Abstract
A device is disclosed that provides a portable, programmable,
interactive apparatus that instructs, monitors, tracks, and
provides feedback and motivational information to an individual in
regards to managing their personal physical fitness information.
One embodiment of the device comprises a housing configured to be
carried by the user, a display for displaying information to the
user, a memory for storing data relating to programs, workouts,
exercises and user inputted data. The device further contains an
interface operable by the user to select and input data, and a
processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the
memory operable to control the display and to control the storage
and retrieval of data from the memory. The device enables a user to
program and view their personalized programs, workout routines,
video instructions, or nutrition plans, while at remote locations.
The device may also be connected to external computers and
connected to the Internet for downloading information such as
personalized fitness and nutrition programs and for uploading and
storing personal information such as user inputted data to an
external computer or the Internet.
Inventors: |
Bartels, Dirk; (Cupertino,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 2168
MENLO PARK
CA
94026
US
|
Family ID: |
34987068 |
Appl. No.: |
10/801497 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0084 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 24/0075 20130101; A63B 2225/20
20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/06; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a portable interactive device for
providing instructions for personal physical fitness training,
comprising the acts of: allowing a user to select from a plurality
of activity programs consisting of one or more workouts; allowing a
user to select from a plurality of workouts; allowing the user to
select from a plurality of exercises within each workout; and
providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user
selection, wherein said set of instructions comprises at least one
of text, audio or visual data.
2. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 1, wherein the visual data includes a text message and an
audio message of instructions.
3. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 2, wherein the visual data includes a video image.
4. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 3, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the
selected exercise being performed.
5. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 4, wherein the audio data comprises audio instructions for
performing the user selected exercise.
6. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 5, wherein the video data and audio data are simultaneously
played.
7. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 6, wherein the text message of instructions for performing
the user selected exercise include a number of repetitions.
8. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 7, wherein the text message of instructions for performing
the user selected exercise includes a time duration of the user
selected exercise.
9. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 8, wherein the text message of instructions for performing
the user selected exercise includes personalized information.
10. A portable interactive device for providing instructions to a
user for personal physical fitness training comprising: a memory
for storing instructions and statistical data relating to
exercises; a user interface for allowing the user to select from a
plurality of programs, workouts and allowing the user to select
from a plurality of exercises within each workout; and a display
for providing to the user a set of instructions based on the user
selections, wherein each of the sets of instructions comprises at
least one of audio and visual data.
11. The portable interactive device as in claim 10, wherein the
visual data includes a text message of instructions.
12. The portable interactive device as in claim 11, wherein the
visual data includes a video image.
13. The portable interactive device as in claim 12, wherein the
visual data includes a video clip of the selected exercise being
performed.
14. The portable interactive device as in claim 13, further
comprising an audio interface wherein the audio interface plays the
audio data that is comprised of audio instructions for performing
the user selected exercise.
15. The portable interactive device as in claim 14, wherein the
video data and audio data are simultaneously played.
16. The portable interactive device as in claim 15, wherein the
text message of instructions for performing the user selected
exercise include a number of sets and repetitions.
17. The portable interactive device as in claim 16, wherein the
text message of instructions for performing the user selected
exercise includes a time duration of the user selected
exercise.
18. The portable interactive device as in claim 17, wherein the
user interface allows the user to enter information.
19. The portable interactive device as in claim 15, wherein an
external computer may be connected to the portable interactive
device.
20. A portable interactive device for providing to a user a set of
instructions relating to an activity comprising: a housing, a
processor; a memory for storing a set of instructions relating to a
plurality of activities; a user interface for allowing the user to
select from a plurality of activities; and a display for providing
to the user a set of instructions based on the user selected
activity.
21. A portable interactive device for selecting and monitoring
physical fitness data for a user, the device comprising: a housing
configured to be carried by the user; a display for displaying
information to the user; a memory for storing data relating to
programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data; an interface
operable by the user to select and input data; and a processor in
communication with the display, the interface, and the memory
operable to control the display and to control the storage and
retrieval of data from the memory.
22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the user selects one
program from a plurality of stored programs.
23. The device according to claim 22, wherein a user selects one
workout from a plurality of workouts within the selected
program.
24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the user selects one
exercise from a plurality of exercises within the selected
workout.
25. The device according to claim 24, wherein the user may select
instructions relating to performing the selected exercise.
26. The device according to claim 23, wherein the user may select a
plan relating to a number of repetitions to perform of the selected
exercise.
27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the user may input
the actual number of repetitions performed.
28. The device according to claim 21, wherein a heart-rate monitor
is attached to the device to monitor the body of the user.
29. The device according to claim 21, wherein an audio output
connection is provided.
30. The device according to claim 27, wherein the user input number
of repetitions is stored in the memory.
31. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is
connected to an external computer.
32. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is
connected to an Internet website.
33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the user interacts
with the Internet website.
34. The device according to claim 21, wherein the programs,
workouts and exercises are shown on the display.
35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the user is given
feedback on the display.
36. A method of controlling a portable interactive device for
monitoring the personal physical fitness training of a user
comprising the acts of: allowing the user to program and select
from a plurality of workouts; allowing the user to program and
select from a plurality of exercises within each workout, allowing
the user to input personal statistics regarding the selected
exercise; and providing feedback to the user regarding the input
personal statistics.
37. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 36, further comprising the act of displaying the user
programmed workouts.
38. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 37, further comprising the act of displaying the user
programmed exercises.
39. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 38, wherein the user inputted personal statistics are stored
in memory.
40. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 39, wherein the user inputted personal statistics are used to
calculate progress and analysis of the progress of the user.
41. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 36, further comprising the act of storing data transmitted
from external devices monitoring (e.g., HR) the body of the
user.
43. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 36, further comprising the act of displaying visual data
relating to the selected exercise.
44. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 43, wherein the visual data includes a text message of
instructions for performing the user selected exercise.
45. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 43, wherein the visual data includes a video clip of the
selected exercise being performed.
46. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 36, further comprising the act of allowing the user to
connect to a internet website.
47. The method of controlling a portable interactive device as in
claim 46, wherein the user interacts with the internet website.
48. A system for monitoring and tracking physical fitness
activities for a user comprising: a programmable portable
interactive device having a memory, a processor, an interface and a
display; and a computing device having a display and an interface
to communicate with the programmable portable interactive device,
wherein the computing device is operable to receive and store user
inputted data from the programmable portable interactive
device.
49. A method for monitoring and tracking physical fitness
activities for a user comprising: inputting personal statistics
regarding physical fitness activities into a programmable portable
interactive device having a memory, a processor, an interface and a
display; and connecting a programmable portable interactive device
to a computing device, wherein the computing device is operable to
receive and store user inputted data from the programmable portable
interactive device.
50. A method of exercising comprising: displaying to a user an
exercise program; inputting personal statistics regarding the
user's actual exercises; tracking and storing the user's personal
statistics; and displaying feedback and motivational information to
the user in response to the personal statistics.
51. A portable interactive device for selecting and tracking
physical fitness data for a user, the device comprising: a display
for displaying information to the user; a memory for storing data
relating to programs, workouts, exercises, instructions and user
inputted data; a user interface operable by the user to select and
input data; a communications interface that allows the portable
interactive device to communicate with an external computer; and a
processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the
memory operable to control the display and to control the storage
and retrieval of data from the memory, wherein the processor
controls the portable interactive device to provide instructional
and motivational information to the user.
52. The device according to claim 51, wherein the user selects one
program from a plurality of stored programs.
53. The device according to claim 52, wherein a user selects one
workout from a plurality of workouts within the selected
program.
54. The device according to claim 53, wherein the user selects one
exercise from a plurality of exercises within the selected
workout.
55. The device according to claim 54, wherein the user may select
instructions relating to performing the selected exercise.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable programmable
interactive device used to instruct, monitor and track user
activities, particularly in the fields of physical fitness and
recreation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The past decade has involved a dramatic increase in consumer
spending in the field of health and fitness products and sporting
equipment. In the United States alone, an estimated 50 million
people work out at least 3 times a week, over 27 million people
play golf, and approximately 1 million people receive some kind of
physical therapy every day. This has resulted in a strong demand
for devices and methods that assist individuals in setting and
reaching fitness goals. The currently available devices and methods
however, fail to meet the needs of average consumers in many ways.
This is especially true in the field of portable devices that may
accompany an individual during their workout.
[0003] For example, prior art devices capable of being carried with
a user on their physical fitness workout are severely limited in
their functions. Many of these devices are intended to be
incorporated into a wristwatch and are only capable of calculating
a runners' speed, time and distance. Other functions may include a
heart rate monitor that connects to the wristwatch device. There is
little or no feedback from these current devices and methods. See
U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,982 that describes a device used to aid a user
in their fitness workout.
[0004] More sophisticated prior art devices that do allow for
operator interactions are not portable and are usually mounted to
the exercise equipment. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,075 to
Poulton. Poulton's patent details a computer apparatus that
provides feedback to an individual while the individual is on a
treadmill. The structures and sensors necessary in this type of
device are not intended to be portable.
[0005] In addition to the failures of the above devices, up to this
point there has been no device created to replace a personal
trainer. In order to receive proper instructions to perform an
exercise, currently a personal trainer must be present during the
workout.
[0006] In conclusion, the prior art methods and devices fail to
provide a comprehensive and portable solution that may provide
instruction, feedback, and track and monitor the physical fitness
activities of an individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention improves on the prior art methods and
devices by providing a portable, programmable, interactive device
that instructs, monitors, tracks, and provides feedback and
motivational information to the user. One embodiment of the device
comprises a housing configured to be carried by the user, a display
for displaying information to the user, a memory for storing data
relating to programs, workouts, exercises and user inputted data,
an interface operable by the user to select and input data, and a
processor in communication with the display, the interface, and the
memory operable to control the display and to control the storage
and retrieval of data from the memory.
[0008] The device according to the present invention would provide
a method of controlling a portable interactive device for providing
instructions for personal physical fitness training, comprising the
acts of allowing the user to select from a plurality of workouts,
allowing the user to select from a plurality of exercises within
each workout, and providing to the user a set of instructions based
on the user selections, wherein each of the sets of the
instructions comprises audio and visual data.
[0009] In addition to providing instructional material, the device
further allows the user to program, store, and display personalized
workouts. An individual may also enter and store personal
statistics and download and store music to be played while
exercising. The device also gives the user the ability to monitor
and display the heart rate of an individual when a heart rate
monitor is connected to the device. Feedback and motivational
information are also displayed to the user in response to the
personal statistics.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the device allows
the user to connect and access web based tools and the Internet.
One type of connection provides a docking station that allows the
portable device to connect to external computers and access the
Internet. Information may then be downloaded and stored into the
devices' memory for use at remote locations. Information may also
be uploaded from the device to the external computer for storage
and analysis.
[0011] The present invention therefore provides a portable device
that overcomes the deficiencies of prior art devices and is capable
of meeting all the needs of the active individual.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention
held by a user.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in
a docking station.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the device according to the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows the device displaying the main menu
function.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the main
menu function of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows the device displaying the personal profile
function.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the
personal profile function of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows the device displaying the reference library
function.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the
reference library function of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 shows the device displaying the workout library
function.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the
workout library function of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows the device displaying the programs exercise
execution function.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the
programs library function of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 shows the device displaying the music library
function.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing one method enacted by the
music library function of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a view of a web page used in the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 is another embodiment of the invention relating to
the control features.
[0030] FIG. 19 is another embodiment of the invention relating to
the clip feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the portable
programmable interactive device 10 according to the present
invention. The device 10 includes a case or housing 12 that
contains and houses the necessary electrical components for
operation of the device. A clip 14 is attached to the back of the
device 10 that allows the portable device to be easily grasped for
carrying. A display 16 is arranged on the front of the case 12 so
that the user can view the numerous types of information.
[0032] With further reference to FIG. 1, control buttons 18, 20 and
22 are provided for controlling the functions of the device 10. The
device 10 is designed to be worn or carried by the user during
their physical fitness workouts or other daily activities. The
portability and ease of use make the device 10 equally well suited
for situations where the user is at some remote or outdoor
location. Some examples include a golf course, on a bicycle ride,
grocery store (shopping for food articles pursuant to a nutrition
database), at the beach, etc.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates the compact size and portability of the
device 10. A user's hand 25 easily grasps the device 10 with the
aid of the clip 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The clip 14 may also be used
as a stand in which the user may place the device 10 on a table and
view the screen 16. For further details regarding the adjustable
clip, see copending patent application Ser. No. ______ filed Nov.
15, 2003, entitled "clip", attorney docket number 41963-8003, by
inventor.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 may be plugged into an
external computer docking station 26. When in the docking station
26, the device 10 may communicate with an external computer (not
shown) by interconnecting a wire 28 between the external computer
and the device 10. Other embodiments of the present invention
include communications with local and remote computers using any of
a variety of wired and wireless approaches such as Bluetooth and
USB connections. While in docking station 26, the device 10 is
capable of both sending and receiving data to an external computer
and charging a battery.
[0035] One advantage of the present invention is that the docking
station 26 allows the user access to a host of tools and
information made available on the Internet. Both instructional and
motivational information may be downloaded while the device 10 is
in the docking station. Once the necessary information is stored
locally on the device 10, the device may be unplugged from the
station 26 and again used as a portable device.
[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, the external computer
described above is simply any suitable computing device, whether
portable or stationary (could include also a wireless device with a
connection to the Internet). This definition includes, but is not
limited to, electronic books, laptop and handheld computers, and
desktop computers. Using wireless types of communications for
example, the monitoring device 10 may communicate with a web page
running on a remote server via the Internet.
[0037] The device 10 may include cellular or other wireless or
wired communication capability so as to interconnect with the
Internet either continuously or periodically. For communication
with a remote server, the device 10 may also include some type of
memory chip or memory module that may be removed from the device 10
and inserted into the external computer for transfer of data. It is
also a feature of the present invention that the user with the aid
of an external computer may program the device 10. For example, the
user's preferred workout and exercises may be entered via a
keyboard connected to the external computer. The information is
then transferred from the external computer into the local memory
of the device 10. For more details pertaining to the communications
protocols and connections with all types of external computer
systems, see copending application Ser. No. ______ filed Nov. 15,
2003 entitled "Protocol", attorney docket number 41963-8002.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, the circuitry contained in the
device 10 for one embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated schematically. The device 10 includes a processor CPU
30 for processing and controlling the various components and
functions. A body activity monitor 32 provides a signal indicative
of the body activity of the subject to the CPU. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the body activity monitor would be a
heart rate monitor. The operator interface 34 sends signals to the
CPU 30 to perform the intended functions as selected by the user.
In the preferred embodiment, the operator interface 34 consists
mainly of controlling buttons (18,20 and 22 as shown in FIG. 1)
located on the device itself.
[0039] A memory 36 is provided to store all types of data to
perform the desired functions of the device. This information
includes the internal programs necessary for device operations,
workout information, instructional information, motivational
information and the user's personal statistics. The memory 36
typically includes both persistent and transient memory. A battery
38 is also provided to power the device in remote locations. The
CPU 30 provides the data to display 40 for viewing by the subject.
The memory 36 is interconnected with the CPU 30 and allows storage
of data that may be entered by the user through the operator
interface 34 or downloaded from an external computer through the
external computer interface 44. An audio output connection 42 is
provided for headphones or speakers to be connected to the device.
Communications with external devices is provided through
communications interface 44. This interface may be located in the
device itself or may be provided in the docking station 26 as shown
in FIG. 3. The communications interface 44 may also be a wired or
wireless interface.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the device of present
invention with a main menu of choices displayed to the user. The
user may move the highlighted choice bar up and down using keys 42.
The BACK key allows the user to go back to a previous display
screen. The MUSIC key allows the user to select and play music
while working out. The 5 choices displayed that are available on
the main menu are "Personal Profile" 51, "Reference Library" 52,
"Workout Library" 53, "Programs Library" 54, and "Music Library"
55. In this embodiment, control keys 56 may be used by the operator
to move the highlighted selection bar up and down, and to select
the highlighted option. The control keys 56 are also used for
further selections from additional menus and displays as will be
described.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 60 of steps enacted to select from
the choices provided in the main menu. The process begins in step
S62 where all the main menu choices, "Personal Profile", "Reference
Library", "Workout Library", "Programs Library", and "Music
Library, are displayed to the operator as shown in FIG. 5. In step
S64, the user operates the keys 56 to highlight and select their
desired option. Once the user selection is received in step S64,
step S66 continues the interactive displays by proceeding with the
next appropriate display screen based on the operator selection.
For example, the next appropriate display screens would be as shown
in FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. These figures show display screens of
the present invention that involve specific data relative to the
operator section made from the main menu choices. For example, FIG.
7 shows the display when the operator selects "Personal Profile",
FIG. 11 shows the display screen when the operator selects the
"Workout Library". A specific method of controlling the device is
enacted depending on each of the choices from the main menu. FIGS.
8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 explicitly detail the process for each
operator selection.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows the display to the user when the "Personal
Profile" option from the main menu is selected. The name of the
user 71 "Jeff Holt" is displayed along with personal data 72 such
as height, weight, date of birth, sex, and resting heart rate. Also
displayed are choices "5K Running Log" and "Workout Log", 73 and 74
respectively. Using the operator interface keys, the user may enact
the next workout, previous workouts completed and view personal
statistics relating to those specific workouts. The personal
statistics and personal information may also be entered using an
external computer and downloaded to the device when the device is
placed in the docking station as shown in FIG. 3.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart 80 of steps enacted when the user
selects the "Personal Profile" option from the choices provided in
the main menu. Once the user has selected the "Personal Profile"
option from the main menu in step S81, the personal statistics and
the user profile are displayed (as shown in FIG. 7) in step S82. In
step S83 the user may enter personal information into the profile.
At this point in the process, the user may choose to enter
information into a Program in step S84, or enter information into a
Workout Log in step S85. If step S84 is enacted, the user may enter
data or personal information in to a specific Program in step S84
or further information into a specific Workout in step S86. If step
S85 is enacted, the user is prompted to enter information into a
Workout Log or given the ability to enter data into a Past Workout
in step S87. In step S88 the user may quit this process and return
to the Main Menu in step S89, otherwise the process continues back
to step S83.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows the display to the user when the "Reference
Library" option from the main menu is selected. The display for
example shows a person performing a "Two Handed Curl" exercise. The
"Reference Library" option allows the user to browse through a
programmable reference library and to access video and audio data
that provides instructional information relating to a specific
exercise. If a user is unclear as to how to perform a specific
exercise, a video clip 91 of the exercise being performed may be
displayed on the screen. Also available and stored in the
"Reference Library" are text instructions and audio instructions.
The text instructions may also be displayed to the individual if
desired. The present invention also allows for audio information to
be played simultaneously with the video clip 91. This further
enhances the users' ability to perform the exercise as intended and
thereby receive the maximum benefit from their workout.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart 100 of steps enacted when the user
selects the "Reference Library" option from the choices provided in
the main menu. Step S101 begins the process when the user selects
the "Reference Library" option from the choices provided in the
main menu. Once the user has selected the "Reference Library"
option from the main menu, in step S102 a plurality of categories
of exercises are displayed to the user. Also in this step, the user
highlights and selects a specific exercise from the selected
category. Examples of exercise category choices would be for
example "Abdominal Exercises" or "Free Weight Exercises". Once a
specific category is selected, a menu of exercises is displayed to
the user in step S102. For example if "Arm Exercises" is selected,
exercises such as "Wrist Curl", "One Handed Curl" and "Two Handed
Curl" are displayed. Finally in step S102 the operator selection of
a specific exercise is received, "Two Handed Curl" for example. In
step S103 the user selects what type of instructional information
is to be accessed from the Reference Library. In step S104 the
selected video or audio instructional information is displayed to
the user. As shown in FIG. 9, a video clip of "Two Handed Curl" is
displayed so the user can see how to correctly perform the
exercise. After viewing the video clip and/or hearing audio
instructions, the user may quit the "Reference Library" option in
step S105. In step S106 the user may also choose the "Back" option
by activating the appropriate buttons on the device and return to
the main menu.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows the display to the user when the "Workout
Library" option from the main menu is selected. This option also
allows the user to access their personalized specific workout
plans. FIG. 11 shows an example of tracking a specific exercise
"Threshold 800" within a "Track Workout". This option also allows
the user's heart rate 111 to be monitored and displayed on the
screen with a heart rate monitor connected as shown in FIG. 4. The
user is also able to enter the actual statistics 113 of the
performed workout to compare with planned statistics 112 of the
planned routine.
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart 120 of steps enacted when the user
selects the "Workout Library" option from the choices provided in
the main menu. Once the user has selected the "Workout Library"
option from the main menu in step S21, the method begins in step
S122 where a plurality of workouts are displayed to the user. Also
in this step the user highlights and selects a specific workout.
Examples of workout choices would be for example "Abdominal
Workout" or "Track Workout". Once a specific workout is selected, a
menu of exercises is displayed to the user in step S123. For
example, if "Chest Workout" is selected, exercises such as "Bench
Press", "Dumbbell Flys", and "Pushups" are displayed. Also in this
step the operator selection is received. In step S124 a planned
routine for the selected exercise is displayed to the user. As
shown in FIG. 13, a number of repetitions and weights for each set
number are displayed.
[0048] At this point, the user may begin to perform the selected
exercise according to the displayed information. If for
instructional purposes the user desires to view a video clip of the
exercise being performed, the "INFO" button may be depressed in
step S125. A previously stored video clip in the reference library
is then automatically retrieved and played for the user (as shown
in FIG. 9). If the user knows how to perform the selected exercise
step S125 may be bypassed. Once the user is done with the exercise,
the actual personal statistics may be entered and stored by the
device into memory in step S126. After entering the actual personal
statistics, it is determined if the workout is completed in step
S126. If there are more exercises stored in the workout routine,
the next exercise is automatically displayed as the process returns
to step S122. If the workout is finished the user may return to the
main menu in step S128. This process essentially guides the user
through the workout with stored routines, instructional information
if desired, and the ability to log their performance.
[0049] FIG. 13 shows the display to the user when the "Programs
Library" option from the main menu is selected. In this mode the
display prompts the user to enter a specific workout, a specific
exercise, and the number of repetitions and amount of weight used
in each set. FIG. 13 shows how the display would appear to the user
when entering the desired workout plan for the "Bench Press"
exercise. In this example, the operator is able to enter data
relating to sets 131, data relating to the number of repetitions
132, and the amount of weight used in each set 133. The present
invention also allows the programming of workout plans through the
use of an external computer connected via the docking station as
shown in FIG. 3. The programmed workout data may also be downloaded
from a website.
[0050] FIG. 14 shows a flowchart 140 of steps enacted when the user
selects the "Programs Library" option from the choices provided in
the main menu. Once the user has selected the "Programs Library"
option from the main menu in step S141, the method continues in
step S142 where a plurality of workouts are displayed to the user.
Also contained in step S142 are the user highlighting and selecting
a specific workout program. In step S143 the user is prompted to
program a workout or exercise. In step S144 the newly programmed
workout data is stored into the device memory. After entering the
new data, the user may quit the program option in step S145. In
step S146 the user may also choose the back option by activating
the appropriate button on the device, and return to the main
menu.
[0051] FIG. 15 shows the display to the user when the "Music
Library" option from the main menu is selected. In this example the
user has stored music selections from Led Zeppelin 151, Michael
Jackson 152, Kiss 153, Madonna 154, and Kenny G. 155. Using the
controlling keys 56, the operator is able to move the highlighted
selection bar up and down, and then make their appropriate choice.
The music selection is played through some externally connected
speaker system via the audio output connection 42.
[0052] FIG. 16 shows a flowchart 160 of steps enacted when the user
selects the "Music Library" option from the choices provided in the
main menu. Once the user has selected the "Music Library" option
from the main menu in step S161, the method begins in step S162
where a plurality of music selections are displayed to the user as
shown in FIG. 15. Also in step S162 the user highlights and selects
a specific music selection. Once a specific selection is chosen, it
is played through the externally connected speakers in step S163.
At this point the user may begin to perform the selected exercise
while listening to the music selection. In step S164 the user may
quit or stop the music. In step S165 the user may also choose to
return to the main menu options by activating the appropriate
buttons on the device.
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a website 170 that the user may interact with
while using the device of the present invention. The user may
choose to proceed with one of the selections available on the
selections bar 171 across the top of the home page. For example,
choices such as "Getting Started", "The Pro Shop" and "Coaches
Corner" are available. These options lead to directions on how to
operate the device, an online sports store, and email
communications with an expert trainer, respectively. Other
selections available to the user allow for tracking, monitoring and
feedback of the users' workout statistics. As described above, all
types of information (text and video) and music may be downloaded
and stored into the device for use in remote locations.
[0054] Interacting with an external computer also allows one
individual to compete against another. For example, a first user
may receive information regarding the workout performed by a second
user, then compete against the second user and vice versa. This
competition may be live or time adjusted, e.g., a workout entered
and stored previously on the home page 170 by the second user with
which the first user competes against.
[0055] FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment describes another specific control key arrangement.
Control buttons and switches 181, 182, 183 and 184 are located on
the top of the device. Button 181 provides inputs for the "on",
"enter", and "off" functions of the device. Switch 182 performs the
"up" and "down" functions of moving the highlight bar throughout
the various displays. Once the appropriate choice is highlighted,
it may be selected using button 181. Button 183 is a "back" button
as is conventional for switching to a previous display screen.
Button 184 is a "menu" button for allowing the user to jump to the
"menu" function as described above.
[0056] In this embodiment, button 181 sits above the surface of the
device. Switch 182 is toggle switch that is mounted below the
surface of the device, where the top of the switch sticks up above
the surface of the device and equal in height to on/off button 181.
The "Back" button 183 is also above the surface of the device and
on the same level as button 181. The "Menu" button 184 is level
with the surface of the device. The control buttons as described
with reference to FIG. 18, allow the user to operate the device in
all of the modes as described in FIGS. 2-17. Other embodiments of
the invention may include other types of control button
arrangements that allow the user to operate the device in the modes
described herein.
[0057] FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the position of the clip 14 is not adjustable.
The clip 14 in this embodiment is also shorter in length than the
clip shown in FIGS. 1-3 above. This clip arrangement has advantages
such as being smaller and more compact, while still providing the
user with the functions of portability, either hand-held or clipped
onto another article. The clip 14 may also function as a stand for
the device 10. The display of the device 10 may be easily viewed
when the device is placed on a flat surface supported by the clip
14. This allows the user to operate the device in a "hands free"
manner. For example, the individual may practice or perform an
exercise while watching the visual data of the exercise being
performed. Again, other embodiments of the invention relating to
the clip function of the device are incorporated by reference in
copending patent application Ser. No. ______ filed Jan. 27, 2004,
attorney docket number 41963-8003.
[0058] The embodiments relating to a portable interactive device as
described above are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive. The invention is not to be limited to the details
given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended
claims.
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