U.S. patent application number 11/432233 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for non-strenuous under furniture exercise device.
Invention is credited to David B. Glick.
Application Number | 20070265139 11/432233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38685845 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070265139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glick; David B. |
November 15, 2007 |
Non-strenuous under furniture exercise device
Abstract
An under-furniture exercise device is presented that provides a
non-strenuous workout that allows user to concentrate on day-to-day
tasks. The exercise device interacts with computer software
operating on a general purpose computer in order to provide an
incentive for users to continue their exercise. The software
receives data signals from the exercise device that allows the
software to determine whether the exercise has fallen below a
certain threshold. If so, the software issues a command to
entertainment software or driver software that controls a device
external to the computer. The command causes the entertainment
software to alter its performance so that the alteration would be
noticed by the user, and causes the driver software to change the
operation of the external device in a similar manner. Multiple
devices can be networked together for central monitoring, which can
be used by health insurance providers to provide incentives to
exercise.
Inventors: |
Glick; David B.; (Maplewood,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BECK AND TYSVER P.L.L.C.
2900 THOMAS AVENUE SOUTH
SUITE 100
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55416
US
|
Family ID: |
38685845 |
Appl. No.: |
11/432233 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/02 20130101;
A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2210/04 20130101;
A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/205
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/009 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A exercise system comprising: a) an item of furniture having i)
a generally horizontal work surface, and ii) at least one support
that keeps the work surface above a ground surface; b) an exercise
device located underneath the work surface and having i) data
gathering electronics that gather exercise data, and ii) a data
link through which data signals containing the exercise data are
transmitted from the exercise device; c) a general purpose computer
resting on the work surface, connected to the data link, and having
i) a general purpose operating system capable of operating a
plurality of application programs; ii) a control and analysis
software program that receives the data signals from the data link
and that transmits a command via the general purpose operating
system, the command being sent only when the data signals indicate
that a level of exercise currently being performed on the exercise
device does not meet a minimal level; iii) a second program that
receives the command and changes its functioning in response to the
command.
2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the second program is an
audio application program that creates an audible sound, and in
which the changed functioning relates to the audible sound.
3. The exercise system of claim 2, wherein the audible sound is
music, and in which the changed functioning is to discontinue the
playing of the music.
4. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the second program is a
visual application program that creates a visual image on a display
controlled by the general purpose computer, and in which the
changed functioning relates to the visual image display.
5. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the second program is a
driver program that controls a device external to the general
purpose computer, and wherein the changed functioning is to alter
the operation of the external device.
6. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein the external device is a
remote controlled electrical outlet, and wherein the changed
functioning is to turn off the outlet.
7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein after the command is
sent, the control and analysis software senses when the level of
exercise meets a restarting level, after which a second command is
sent to the second program that reverses the change in
functioning.
8. The exercise system of claim 7, wherein the minimal level and
the restarting level are the same.
9. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the control and analysis
software sends a control signal over the data link to the exercise
device in order to change the operation of the exercise device.
10. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
chosen from the set including an elliptical machine, a bicycle-type
machine, a skiing-type machine, and a leg-extension machine.
11. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
a leg exercise device having a vertical range of motion of less
than 4.5 inches.
12. An exercise system comprising: a) an exercise device having i)
an outer housing; ii) an electrically controlled resistance
mechanism that determines a resistance level for the exercise
device, iii) data gathering electronics that gather exercise data,
and iv) a data link passing through the outer housing through which
data signals containing the exercise data are transmitted from the
exercise device and through which control signals that alter the
resistance control mechanism are received by the exercise device;
and b) a general purpose computer external to the outer housing of
the exercise device having i) a general purpose operating system
capable of operating a plurality of application programs; ii) a
word processing productivity software program operating on the
general purpose operating system and that provides word processing
capabilities; iii) a control and analysis software program
operating on the general purpose operating system, that (1)
receives the data signals from the data link, (2) receives input
relating to the resistance of the exercise device through a user
input, (3) sends control signals to the exercise device through the
data link to control the resistance of the resistance mechanism,
and (4) transmits a command via the general purpose operating
system, the command being sent only when the data signals indicate
that a level of exercise currently being performed on the exercise
device does not meet a minimal level; iv) an entertainment control
program operating on the general purpose operating system that (1)
controls an entertainment related output that is perceptible
outside the general purpose computer, and (2) receives the command
and changes its functioning in response to the command, wherein the
change in functioning changes the entertainment related output.
13. An exercise system for workers in a workplace comprising: a) a
plurality of desks used by the workers; b) an exercise device under
each desk, the exercise device having i) data gathering electronics
that gather exercise data, and ii) a data link through which data
signals containing the exercise data are transmitted from the
exercise device; c) a general purpose computer on each desk that is
connected to the data link, each general purpose computer having i)
a general purpose operating system capable of operating a plurality
of application programs, ii) a control and analysis software
program that (1) receives the exercise device from the data link in
real time, (2) controls the functioning of a second software
program operating on the general purpose computer based upon the
exercise data, and (3) creates exercise summary data based upon the
exercise data; d) a computer network linking together each of the
general purpose computers; and e) a central analysis computer
different than the general purpose computers and linked to the
computer network, the central analysis computer receiving exercise
summary data from each general purpose computer over the computer
network.
14. The exercise system of claim 13, wherein the central analysis
computer is operated for the benefit of a healthcare insurance
provider, and wherein the exercise summary data is used to
determine whether a financial incentive has been earned that
effectively reduces the cost of providing health insurance for
workers using the exercise devices.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More
particular, the present invention relates to a small, under
furniture exercise device under the control of software operating
on a general purpose computer that provides a computerized
incentive to continue exercising.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many types of exercise equipment are known in the prior art.
In most cases, however, an individual must set aside time dedicated
to using the equipment in order to obtain the exercise necessary
for healthy living. There are few options available that allow
exercise while the user performs other tasks, and those that do
exist suffer from lack of follow through on the part of users. For
instance, hand exercisers can be used while watching television,
talking on the telephone, or even having a conversation with
friends. However, as the user's mind focuses on matters other than
exercise, the user will forget to keep up the exercise regimen.
Before long, the hand exerciser is placed on a table and forgotten,
all without a conscious decision on the part of the user to stop
exercising.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention overcomes these difficulties by
creating an exercise device that can operate under a desk, table,
or other piece of furniture. By providing a non-strenuous workout,
the present invention allows a user to concentrate on day-to-day
tasks during periods of exercise. Furthermore, the present
invention interacts with computer software operating on a general
purpose computer in order to provide an incentive for users to
continue their exercise.
[0004] The exercise device is connected to the computer through a
wireless or wired data link. Control and analysis software residing
on the computer uses this data link to receive data signals from
the exercise device and to send control signals to the exercise
device. This software is responsible for analyzing the data signals
and outputting its analysis to the user. In order to motivate the
user to use the exercise device, the software uses this analysis to
issue commands to other software if the exercise has fallen below a
certain threshold. In one embodiment, the other software is
entertainment software, such as music or movie player software,
wherein the instructions cause the entertainment software to alter
its performance so that the user would notice the alteration. For
instance, music software could cease operation or lower its volume.
In another embodiment, the other program is driver software for an
external device such as an alternating current plug into which a
separate electronic device is plugged. Similar to the first
embodiment, the instructions cause the driver software to change
the operation of the external device in order to provide a gentle
reminder for the user to continue their exercise, such as to
prevent electric current from passing through the plug to a radio,
television, or lamp.
[0005] Additionally, the exercise device can be designed to
communicate with a portable, dedicated computing device having a
simplified user interface with buttons for user input and a small
screen for communicating messages to the user. The dedicated
computing device stores the data from the exercise device for later
download to the control and analysis software.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present
invention exercise device located under a piece of furniture.
[0007] FIG. 2 is schematic diagram illustrating a first form for
the exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram illustrating a second form for
the exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is schematic diagram illustrating a third form for
the exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth form for
the exercise device of FIG. 1
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the environment
in a general purpose computer in which control and analysis
software operates in cooperation with the exercise device of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dedicated
computer device that can be used to operate the exercise device of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method of operating the
exercise device of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing multiple exercise
devices networked together for group management and health
insurance reimbursement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Overview
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is a small
exercise device 10 designed to fit under an item of furniture 30.
The furniture 30 can take the form of a desk, a table, or any other
furniture 30 that is held off the floor by supports 32 and
preferably has a relatively horizontal work surface 34 above the
exercise device 10. Residing on the work surface 34 is a general
purpose computer 100 that communicates with the exercise device 10
through a data link 40. This data link 40 can be a physical link,
such as that provided by the USB, IEEE 1394 (or "Firewire"), and
Ethernet protocols. Alternatively, the data link 40 can be a
wireless link, such as that provided by the Bluetooth and IEEE
802.11 protocols.
[0016] The exercise device 10 is purposefully designed as a small
machine for leg exercises requiring only a limited range of motion.
In the preferred embodiment, the vertical movement of a user's legs
during exercise is no more that 4.5 inches. The device 10 is
intended for non-strenuous, continuous exercise that can be
performed while performing typical desk-based office tasks. The
purpose is to allow a user to sit next to the furniture and perform
tasks on the work surface 34 while at the same time exercising
their legs on the exercise device 10. Of course, the user of the
device 10 may also be engaging in more leisure activities, such as
playing a game, talking on the telephone, working on a puzzle, or
watching television.
[0017] To keep the exercise device 10 in place, the device 10 can
be secured to the supports 32 of the furniture 30. In one
embodiment, the machine is manufactured together with the furniture
30, with the supports of the furniture 32 being integrated directly
into the case of the exercise device 10. In another embodiment,
weight is added to the exercise device 10 to keep it from moving
during use.
[0018] The exercise device 10 includes an adjustable resistance
mechanism 12 that is designed to control the amount of resistance
that the user will face when using device 10. As is known in the
prior art, the resistance mechanism 12 could take the form of an
electromagnetic device that allows the resistance to be controlled
through electronic signals. The exercise device 10 receives
instructions as to the appropriate resistance through data link 40.
Control circuitry 14 receives these instructions and develops the
appropriate electronic signals necessary to provide the appropriate
level of resistance at mechanism 12.
[0019] Exercise device 10 also includes data-gathering electronics
16, such as magnet and magnetic sensor combinations that are able
to count repetitions or strides. These strides are made by the user
exercising their legs against the footpads 18 that move relative to
the rest of the exercise device 12. The data that is obtained by
the data gathering electronics is analyzed by the control circuitry
14 and is then sent via data link 40 to the general purpose
computer 100. In the preferred embodiment, the resistance mechanism
12, control circuitry 14, and the data gathering electronics are
contained within an outer housing 19 of the exercise device.
[0020] The general purpose computer 100 contains control and
analysis software 120 that receives the data signals 44 from the
data link 40 and sends the control instructions over data link 40.
This software 120 provides a user with the ability to control the
workout settings for the exercise device 10, and to analyze the
results of their workout. The software 120 could take the form of a
small "widget" type application, or alternative could be normal
application software running on the general purpose computer 100.
This software 120 is also responsible for providing the reminders
and incentives to the user to continue their use of the exercise
device 10, as is described in more detail below.
[0021] In addition to connecting the device to a general purpose
computer 100, the exercise device 10 may also function utilizing a
portable, dedicated computing device 200. This dedicated device 200
connects to the exercise device through the same data link 40
described above, and has a simplified user interface that allows
the user to control and monitor the exercise device 10 in a manner
similar to that provided by the control and analysis software
120.
Exercise Device Alternatives
[0022] FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 disclose different embodiments for the
exercise device 10. In FIG. 2, exercise device 10 is shown as a
small, elliptical type machine 20 with two footpads 18 that move in
an elliptical motion. This machine 20 secures the footpad 18 to an
outer tube 24 that slides over an inner rod 25. The inner rod 25 is
secured to a stable attachment point 26, while the outer tube 24 is
attached to a rotating attachment point 27. As the outer tube 24
moves along with the rotating attachment point 27, the outer tube
24 will slide along the inner rod 25 as the inner rod 25 rotates
about the stable attachment point 26, causing the attached foot
pads 18 to move in an elliptical motion.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows exercise device 10 as a bicycle-type machine 21
in which the two footpads 18 move in a circular motion. In this
case, the footpads 18 have been directly attached to the rotating
attachment point 27 in such a way as to allow the footpads 18 to
rotate like standard bicycle pedals. This machine 21 could be the
same device 10 as the elliptical machine 20, with the outer tube 24
removed from the rotating attachment point 27. The footpads 18
could be removed from the outer tube 24 as shown in FIG. 3, or else
the footpads 18 that attach directly to the rotating attachment
point 27 could be different than those attached to the outer tube
24.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows exercise device 10 as a leg-extension machine
22 in which the two footpads 18 move in a linear motion. In this
case, the footpads 18 are attached directly to a linearly moving
attachment point 28. This attachment point 28 is attached to
internal mechanical and electrical devices that control resistance
and gather exercise data such as mechanism 12 and electronics 16
shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a skiing machine 23 in which the footpads 18
move in a shuffling or skiing motion. In this case, the footpads 18
are shown attached to outer tube 24 that is itself attached to the
linearly moving attachment point 28. As can be seen by comparing
FIGS. 4 and 5, the direction of movement differs between machines
22 and 23 by approximately forty-five degrees. It would be possible
to create a single exercise device 10 that converts between these
machines 22 and 23 by providing an ability to change the angle of
linear motion, such as by rotating the internal mechanism and
electronics together as a unit into the desired position.
[0026] In each embodiment, the user moves the footpads 22 relative
to the rest of the exercise machine 10 against the resistance
provided by resistance mechanism 12. The resistance mechanism 12
maybe mechanical, electro-magnetic, or any other known prior art
mechanism used for adjusting resistance in exercise devices.
[0027] Preferably, each of these devices is small in size, requires
little relative motion of the user's feet to complete the exercise,
and can be set so that the resistance provides only minimal to
moderate exertion on the part of the user. In this way, the user
can operate the exercise device 10 while continuing to focus on
other tasks while sitting adjacent to the furniture 30. The goal is
not to create a strenuous workout, but allow the user the ability
to perform constant, relatively stress-free exercise while engaging
in their normal routine.
Control and Analysis Software
[0028] FIG. 5 shows the software environment of the general purpose
computer 100. The control and analysis software 120 receives input
from the user and provides feedback to the user through the user
interface 110 of the general purpose computer 100, including the
display 112 and speaker(s) 114. The software 120 interacts directly
with the exercise device 10 by sending control signals 42 to the
device 10 and receiving data signals 44 from the exercise device 10
via the data link 40.
[0029] The control signals 42 sent by the control and analysis
software 120 direct the operation of the exercise device 10 in part
by specifying the resistance to be used. These control signals 42
are determined by the algorithms contained within the control and
analysis software 120, and preferably are based upon parameters set
by the user. For instance, a user may instruct the control and
analysis software 120 that they want the exercise device to
intermittently change resistance. The control and analysis software
120 would contain the appropriate algorithm, and would instruct the
exercise device 10 to change resistance at appropriate times by
sending the appropriate control signals 42 to the device 10. Of
course, it would be well within the scope of the present invention
to have a system in which no control signals 42 are ever sent to
the device 10. In this case, all controls for resistance and other
settings would reside on the exercise device 10 itself, or else the
device 10 would be pre-set to a particular settings without any
option for change.
[0030] The data signals 44 received from the exercise device 10
contain real-time data relating to the use of the device 10,
including repetition counts, speed, and force exerted. The control
and analysis software 120 analyzes these data signals 44 and
converts the signals into more useful information, such as
simulated distance traveled, elapsed time, pace, and calories
burned. This data can be graphed and outputted through the user
interface 110 for the benefit of the user. In addition, the control
and analysis software can store the data in permanent storage
available on the general purpose computer 100. In this way, data
from multiple uses of the exercise device 10 can be aggregated,
which allows long term goals to be tracked and compared with actual
results. In addition, this data can be exported in a delimited text
or standard spreadsheet format, thereby allowing external database
and spreadsheet applications to access the user's exercise
data.
[0031] One of the primary benefits of the present invention is the
ability to motivate a user to continue their exercise even while
their mind is focused on other activities. The control and analysis
software 120 provides this motivation by monitoring the data
provided by the exercise device and issuing a reminder if the data
indicates that the exercise has fallen below a preset threshold.
This threshold can be a default threshold, or can be selected
directly by the user. In its most simple form, the reminder would
be a simple audio or visual prompt on the user interface 110 of the
general purpose computer 100 generated directly by the control and
analysis software 120.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment however, the reminder takes the
form of an instruction or command 122 that is sent to another
program 140, 150 operating on the general purpose computer 100.
These commands 122 are formulated according to the requirements of
the operating system used by the general purpose computer 100. Such
commands are well known and understood in the prior art in at least
the Windows. Unix, Linux, and Macintosh operations systems. The
other program could be entertainment software 140, such as music or
movie player software. In this case, the instruction 122 instructs
the entertainment software 140 to alter its performance so that the
user would notice the alteration. For instance, a user working on a
computer may be utilizing the productivity software 130 while music
player software 140 provides background music. The control and
analysis software 120 monitors the data signals 44 received over
the data link, and allows the music player software 140 to operate
normally as long as the user is using the exercise device at the
established minimum level. When the user gets distracted and ceases
their exercise, the control and analysis software 120 will notice
this change and send a command 122 instructing the music player
software 140 to change how it is operating. For instance, the music
player software 140 might lower the volume of the music, or stop
playing music altogether. In this way, the user is gently reminded
to continue their exercise in order to keep the entertainment
software operating normally.
[0033] Alternative, the control and analysis software could send
the instruction 122 to driver software 150 that controls a device
that is external to the computer 100. For example, the driver
software 150 could operate a remotely controlled power outlet 190
into which a separate electronic device 192 could be plugged in. In
this case, the instruction 122 sent to the driver software 150
could cause the plug 190 to stop providing current to the
electronic device 192. By plugging a radio, television, or lamp
into the plug 190, the present invention could tie continued use of
the exercise device 10 to the ability to listen to the radio, watch
television, or light a lamp.
[0034] One of the primary benefits of placing the intelligence of
the control and analysis software 120 in a general purpose computer
100 is that it allows the exercise device 10 to be manufactured
with limited engineering and construction costs. The resistance
mechanism 12 and the data gathering electronics 16 are controlled
by control circuitry 14, but this circuitry can involve limited to
no software or firmware. The only function of the circuitry is to
translate between the signals sent on the data link 40 and the
signals sent to the resistance mechanism 12 and from the data
gathering electronics 16. Since all the complicated programming
occurs in a general purpose computer software program 120,
manufacturing, distribution, and upgrading costs are significantly
reduced. This feature also allows new versions of the control and
analysis software 120 to be easily downloaded over the
Internet.
Dedicated Computing Device
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the preferred embodiment of the dedicated
computing device 200 that can be used with the exercise device 10.
This dedicated computing device 200 can be similar in size and
complexity to standard bike computer. This type of computing device
200 can be used when communication with the general purpose
computer 10 is impractical or in certain corporate settings where
software installation on the general purpose computer 10 is not
permitted. This device 200 uses the same data link 40, control
signals 42, and data signals 44 as the control and analysis
software 120 operating on a general purpose computer 100. While
this device 200 is referred to as a "dedicated" computing device,
it is possible to program a personal digital assistant (PDA) or an
intelligent music player such as the iPod by Apple Computer to
function as the dedicated computer device 200.
[0036] This device 200 has a simplified user interface 210,
generally having several buttons 212 for user input and a small
screen 214 for presenting input prompts and data summaries to the
user. The dedicated computing device 200 stores the data received
from the exercise device 10 for later download to the control and
analysis software 120. This can be accomplished by simply
connecting the dedicated computing device 200 to the same data link
40 used by the general purpose computer 100, and then transmitting
the data signals 44 stored on the dedicated device 200 to the
control and analysis software 120. In this way, a user can still
track all of the exercise performed on the exercise device 10
without needing the general purpose computer 100 to be always
available.
Method of Present Invention
[0037] FIG. 7 shows the method used by the present invention to
interact with the exercise device 10 of the present invention. The
method begins by obtaining input from a user relating to the
operation of the exercise device 10 positioned under furniture 30
at step 302. This input will normally take place through the user
interface 110 of a general purpose computer 110. Next, at step 304,
control signals 42 are sent to the exercise device 10 through data
link 40 that cause the exercise device 10 to operate as requested
by the user. After this, the control and analysis software 120
receives data signals 44 from the exercise device at step 306. In
step 308, these data signals 44 are analyzed and converted into
more useful information about the exercise, such as simulated
distance traveled and calories burned. The control and analysis
software 120 will also track the duration of the current exercise
regime. This information is then presented through the user
interface 110 at step 310, and stored for comparison and
aggregation with earlier data at step 312.
[0038] The information is also used at step 314 to determine
whether the current exercise being performed on exercise device 10
is sufficient to meet the pre-established minimum level. If not, an
instruction or command 122 is sent at step 316 to external
software, such as entertainment software 140 or driver software
150. If the instruction 122 is sent to entertainment software 140,
then the software 140 will at step 318 change its operating
parameters so as to be noticeable to the user. As explained above,
such parameter changes might include reducing the volume or ceasing
the playing of music. If the entertainment software presents
audio/video content, the parameter change might dim or remove the
video component altogether. In any case, the parameter change is
designed to encourage the user to continue their exercise on the
device 10, and thus the change will last only until exercise is
resumed.
[0039] If the instruction 122 is received by driver software 150,
then the driver software will interpret the instruction 122 and
send its own signal to an external device at step 320. The above
example describes driver software that could turn an alternating
current outlet on and off, thereby controlling power to any device
plugged into the outlet. Many other external devices could also be
directly controlled by the driver software 150, including
electronic devices like television sets and music receivers. In
this case, the driver software 150 would interface directly with
the electronic device and instruct the electronic device to change
its functionality until the minimum level of exercise is
resumed.
System for Central Monitoring
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a networked system 400 in which multiple
exercise devices 10 are linked together through a network 410. One
of the advantages of the present invention is that the exercise
data created by the devices 10 are analyzed by general purpose
computers 100 in real time. It is therefore a trivial manner to
program the control and analysis software 120 to take advantage of
network connections already established by the computers 100 to
submit exercise data over the network 410 to a central management
point, such as a computer 420 operated by corporate management. The
actual exercise data submitted over the network 410 need not be the
exact exercise data received from the exercise device 10 over the
data link 40. Instead, the control and analysis software 120 will
preferably summarize this data into a more useful format before
sending the data over network 410. By using this system 400, a
corporation could place the exercise devices 10 under the desks of
its office workers, and then could analyze the amount of exercise
performed by its workers in real time.
[0041] Furthermore, as health insurers have recently began
reimbursing the cost of health club memberships to their insureds,
it is feasible that health insurance providers could use the
present system 400 to encourage exercise. As shown in FIG. 9, a
central health insurance monitoring facility 430 can receive
exercise data over the network 410 and determine whether the
employees of an employer had met a goal for total exercise. If so,
the insurer could issue an insurance rebate check to the employer
or otherwise reduce the cost of health insurance for the employer's
workers.
[0042] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the above description. Numerous modifications and
variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Since
such modifications are possible, the invention is not to be limited
to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described.
Rather, the present invention should be limited only by the
following claims.
* * * * *