U.S. patent application number 12/249562 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-16 for virtual trainer.
Invention is credited to Ralph J. Del Giorno.
Application Number | 20090098981 12/249562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40534787 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090098981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Del Giorno; Ralph J. |
April 16, 2009 |
Virtual Trainer
Abstract
An interactive virtual training system including at least one
exercise equipment device including a video user interface, an
audio input, an audio output, voice recognition software for
interpreting a user's spoken commands and software that monitors a
user's exercise pattern for consistency, where changes in the
exercise pattern trigger a query to the user asking whether
assistance is necessary, and software for adjusting the workout
routine if a user indicates that modification is needed.
Inventors: |
Del Giorno; Ralph J.; (East
Rockaway, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
40534787 |
Appl. No.: |
12/249562 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60979213 |
Oct 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0658 20130101;
A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2220/808 20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B
22/04 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2071/0636 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 2071/0638
20130101; A63B 2220/52 20130101; A63B 2071/068 20130101; A63B
2225/20 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 22/0664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An interactive virtual training system comprising: at least one
exercise equipment device including a video user interface, an
audio input, and an audio output; software executing on said
exercise equipment device utilizing voice recognition for
interpreting a user's spoken commands received via the audio input;
software executing on said exercise equipment device for
implementing a workout routine based on a user's spoken commands;
software executing on said exercise equipment device for monitoring
a user's exercise pattern for consistency, wherein changes in said
exercise pattern prompt a query to the user whether assistance is
necessary; and software executing on said exercise equipment device
for adjusting the workout routine based upon a user's spoken
commands if a user indicates that modification is needed.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the query to the user
whether assistance is necessary is provided via the audio
output.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the query to the user
whether assistance is necessary is provided visually via the video
user interface.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said software for
modifying a workout routine implements a change in workout
parameters.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said workout parameters
include at least one of level of difficulty, duration, resistance,
weight, incline, and speed.
6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising software
executing on said exercise equipment device that provides visual
feedback, motivation and encouragement via the video interface.
7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising software
executing on said exercise equipment device that provides auditory
feedback, motivation and encouragement via the audio output.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising software
executing on said exercise equipment device for generating a
customizable interactive virtual trainer based on user's spoken
commands.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said interactive
virtual trainer is an animated human form.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said video user
interface includes a plurality of display screens
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said audio input is
placed at the point on the exercise equipment device closest to the
user's voice.
12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising software
executing on said exercise equipment device for monitoring a user's
workout data.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said workout data is
stored on a central server.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said user's workout
data is accessible via the world wide web.
15. A method of personal training, comprising the steps of:
providing a user with a virtual trainer on exercise equipment;
creating a workout routine based on a user's spoken commands;
monitoring a user's exercise pattern for consistency; recognizing
changes in a user's exercise pattern; querying the user whether
modification in the routine is needed if a change is recognized;
and adjusting the workout routine based upon a user's spoken
commands if a user indicates that modification is needed.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the virtual trainer provides
visual feedback, encouragement and motivation.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the virtual trainer provides
auditory feedback, encouragement and motivation.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the virtual trainer is
customizable.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the virtual trainer is
customizable in its gender, appearance, voice and intensity
level.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein voice recognition technology is
used.
21. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of
receiving workout data from the exercise equipment and storing the
workout data on a central server.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the workout data is accessible
via the world wide web.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/979,213 filed on
Oct. 11, 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to fitness training, and
more specifically to a system and method for providing an
interactive virtual fitness trainer to users in real-time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As personal fitness becomes more popular, people are looking
for better and more effective ways to exercise. People further seek
exercise programs which keep their interest and motivation levels
high. One of the best ways for people who go to a gym, and even
those who work out at home, to achieve a good workout is to enlist
the help of personal trainers.
[0004] Personal trainers are individuals who usually have a fitness
training background and who provide personal training services to
an individual customer. These trainers instruct the exerciser how
to properly use the equipment, design personalized exercise
routines, give encouragement throughout the workout and even, if
necessary, give the exerciser help, such as a spot. Another benefit
of personal trainers is that they often provide their customers
with the needed incentive and motivation to continue to work out
and perform, and may also revise the exercise routine over time
based on performance and results. However, these, real personal
trainers can become extremely expensive and may not be available at
all times. Often gyms have a limited number of trainers on staff
and therefore it is also difficult to change trainers if
desired.
[0005] As technology and the Internet have developed, various
methods of overcoming the problem with personal trainers have
arisen. Many aerobic exercise machines now come with predetermined
programs that the user can tailor to fit his/her exercise needs and
desires. Furthermore, systems have been developed to compare a
user's current and previous performance and adjust the exercise
equipment accordingly.
[0006] Methods to instruct users on the use of equipment and to
design personal exercise routines have also developed. Videos have
been produced to provide the details on how to use exercise
equipment and computer programs have been written that will custom
tailor an exercise routine to a user's abilities and
requirements.
[0007] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication
2005/0164833 discloses software that allows users to choose a
virtual personal trainer and select their own exercise routine. The
virtual trainer demonstrates the use of the gym equipment on a
computer and then the users follow the routine at their own pace
and at a place and time of their own convenience. However, the
virtual trainer is not there to encourage, motivate and assist the
user while he/she is exercising.
[0008] None of these technological replacements for real personal
trainers have all of the aspects of a real personal trainer. None
provide the on site encouragement, motivation, incentive or
assistance that a personal trainer can give. It is therefore
desired to provide a system and method for creating and
implementing an interactive virtual personal trainer that can be
used on various exercise equipment. It is also desired to provide a
system and method for providing a virtual trainer which provides a
planned exercise routine and real time motivation based on past
performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a customizable interactive virtual trainer for providing an
exercise routine and motivation and encouragement during the
exercise routine. It is also an object of the present invention to
provide a system and method which retains exercise data and history
and provides the exercise routine and motivation based on the
exercise data and history.
[0010] These and other objectives are achieved by providing a
virtual trainer exercise system including at least one exercise
equipment device including a video user interface, an audio input,
an audio output, and a data port for receiving a portable storage
device, a server in communication with the exercise equipment
device, a database in communication with the server, the database
including one or more user profiles, software executing on the
exercise equipment device for receiving user data from the portable
storage device, software executing on the server for accessing a
user profile corresponding to the user data, and software executing
on the server for generating an interactive virtual trainer based
on the user profile and providing the interactive virtual trainer
to the user via the user interface and audio output.
[0011] Also provided is a method of providing a user with a virtual
trainer in situ on exercise equipment including the steps of
receiving user data from a portable memory device, accessing a user
profile corresponding to the user data, generating an interactive
virtual trainer, displaying the interactive virtual trainer on a
video display, implementing a workout routine on the exercise
equipment, receiving speech input from the user and providing a
response to the speech input via the interactive virtual
trainer.
[0012] Further provided is a method of generating an interactive
virtual trainer and workout regiment for use in situ on exercise
equipment, including the steps of accessing a server via the
Internet, creating a username and a password, entering one or more
personal data elements corresponding to the user for storage in a
user profile, selecting a customizable virtual trainer for storage
in the user profile, selecting trainer attributes indicative of at
least one of an appearance and a behavior of the virtual trainer,
providing one or more workout parameters, and receiving a workout
routine based on the one or more workout parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a virtual trainer exercise
system according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of the system shown in FIG.
1
[0015] FIGS. 3A and B are exemplary video user interfaces
employable by the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a method of providing a virtual trainer employable
by the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary screenshots generated by the
system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0018] FIG. 6 is another method of providing a virtual trainer
employable by the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an exemplary exercise equipment device employable
by the virtual trainer exercise system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0020] FIG. 8 is another view of the exemplary exercise equipment
device shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a system for providing a virtual trainer
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
system includes one or more exercise equipment devices 110, such as
treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, stair
climbers, weight lifting machines, etc. These exercise equipment
devices 110 may be purchased by a user for in-home use or used at a
fitness facility or gym. Preferably the system includes a network
of exercise equipment, either in a particular facility or across a
plurality of facilities.
[0022] Each device 110 includes a data port for receiving profile
data 142 from a profile storage device 140, a video user interface
214, and an audio input/output 212. The profile storage device 140
may be any digital storage device that is sufficient to identify a
user, such as a portable memory stick or a USB flash drive or a
database of user profiles. The video user interface 214 includes an
LCD monitor for displaying an interactive virtual trainer according
to the present invention and/or a touch screen interface for
receiving manual input from the user.
[0023] The audio input/output 212 includes a voice recognition
application such as Natural Internet Voice Recognition ("NIVP") to
receive speech data and/or commands from the user. The audio
input/output 212 includes a microphone, or a wireless communication
receiver, e.g., Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a
wireless headset. The placement of the microphone is required to
initiate voice recognition communication between the Virtual
Personal Trainer and the user will vary according to the type of
exercise equipment to be used but should always be at the closest
point in relation to the users voice. For example, said microphone
might be placed on the bar of a chest press machine. The audio
input/output 212 further includes one or more speakers for
providing audio portions of the virtual trainer. The speakers may
be included in a headset (e.g., Bluetooth headset).
[0024] The NIVP includes software executing on the server 100
and/or exercise equipment device 110 for recognizing and
interpreting speech input from the user 200. Based on the
interpreted speech input, the system or software thereof formulates
commands to send to the exercise equipment device 110 to adjust a
workout routine and/or interact with the virtual trainer. The NIVP
also receives speech commands to start and stop the workout. For
new users, the NIVP may further receive information necessary to
create a new user profile.
[0025] The system further includes one or more workstations 130.
The workstation 130 may be a personal computer remotely accessible
to the system or a terminal (e.g., kiosk) located in the vicinity
of the exercise equipment device 110. Via the workstation 130, a
user may provide user input 132 to the server 100 to generate
his/her user profile, and download profile data 142 to a profile
storage device 140. For example, the user can select a trainer and
customize the trainer's attributes via the workstation 130. The
user can also select attributes of his/her workout routine.
However, user input 132 and profile data 142 can also be generated
and stored to the server and/or profile storage device 140 directly
through the exercise equipment 110, e.g., via the user interface
214 and audio input 212 thereof.
[0026] User input 132 and user profiles are stored in one or more
databases 112 accessible by the server 100. The databases 112 may
further include reference to fitness, health and/or particular
fitness equipment information which is accessible to the users
(e.g., via interaction with their virtual trainer). The server 100
further communicates with the exercise equipment device 110 (e.g.,
via the internet 120) before, during and/or after a workout
routine. The server 100 transmits trainer data, such as data
indicative of an interactive virtual trainer, and workout regimens
to the exercise equipment device 110 and receives workout results
150 therefrom. The results 150 (e.g., workout history) are stored
by the server 100 and used by the system to update workout routines
and further generate the interactive trainer. For example, the
interactive virtual trainer may provide relevant motivation and
feedback to the user based on his/her past workout performance.
[0027] On exercise equipment devices 110 that are weight lifting
machines, the devices may be equipped with hydraulic technology to
change the load associated with the exercise, as well as provide
assistance (e.g., a spot) when the system senses a user 200 is in
need of help or when a user communicates to the virtual trainer
that he/she needs assistance. Furthermore, the exercise equipment
devices 110 may be equipped with power seats that automatically
adjust to profile data 142.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a system for using the exercise equipment
device 110. The exercise equipment device 110 contains a processor
210 for executing software, an audio input/output device 212 and a
user interface 214. The processor 210 downloads profile data 142
from the profile storage device 140. The profile data 142 may
include a complete user profile, any portion thereof or a trigger
to enable the system to access the user profile from the server
100. For example, the processor 210 may use the profile data 142 to
access the server 100 and retrieve trainer data and/or workout
regimens 152 corresponding to the user.
[0029] Based on the user profile, the system generates an
interactive virtual trainer (e.g., 520) for continuous display and
interaction with the user 200 during his/her workout. In some
embodiments, the system provides a three-dimensional display of the
virtual trainer to the user. The virtual trainer provides
motivation, encouragement and feedback including audio and video
trainer data 222/224 to the user during the workout. The system
further receives receive input from the user 200 to the virtual
trainer via the user interface 214 and/or the audio input device
212. The virtual trainer may therefore ask targeted questions of
the user (e.g., confirmations, desired equipment settings, etc.)
and answer questions and responds to commands from the user. For
example, the virtual trainer may answer questions about fitness
and/or the particular equipment, and may implement commands such as
changes to the workout routine in progress. In another example,
using voice recognition will trigger the assistance and motivation
required to complete additional repetitions during a fitness
exercise. Alternatively, the device will monitor the pattern and
"smoothness" with which the user carries out a repetitive exercise.
The virtual trainer will then request if the user could use
assistance and how many additional repetitions should be completed.
The trainer will then reduce the weight enough to complete the
desired set of repetitions.
[0030] The system employs the NIVP software to interpret questions
from the user 200 and provide the appropriate responses. The system
further responds to user's 200 requests by adjusting the workout
routine if appropriate and providing necessary motivation,
encouragement and/or incentives, etc. The virtual trainer 520 may
be able to respond to its name and/or be able to refer to the user
200 by his/her name. During and/or upon completion of the workout,
workout data 150 or workout results are transmitted to the server
100. The workout data 150 is stored in the corresponding user
profile for access by the user and use in future workouts (e.g., by
the virtual trainer). For example, a virtual trainer may suggest
increasing a duration or weight to a user based on his/her
performance in a previous workout.
[0031] The user's workout data 150 as well as additional data
relating to the user's overall health and health history may be
compiled. This data may be shared with health care providers and
insurance providers in order to make better preventative health
programs and incentives for their clients.
[0032] FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of the exercise equipment
device 110 including a user interface 214. The user interface 214
provides the visual depiction (e.g., 3-D visual depiction) of the
virtual trainer 520 to the user and/or other workout and trainer
data. The user 200 can manually input information and/or
preferences into the user interface 214 to adjust workouts and/or
control other aspects of the system, including the appearance of
the virtual trainer 520, the trainer's attributes, demeanor,
intensity and/or involvement. Alternatively, design of the various
features of the virtual trainer may be carried out using the voice
recognition software.
[0033] FIG. 4 depicts a method of creating a user profile, a
virtual trainer, and a workout routine. The user 200 first accesses
the virtual trainer server, e.g., via a website of the system (step
401). The server and/or website is accessible via a workstation of
the system, or through a user interface of exercise equipment of
the system. The website and/or exercise equipment 110 may then ask
if the user 200 is a new or returning user (step 403).
[0034] If the user 200 is a new user, the user is prompted to
register (step 405). Registration may include entering or speaking
the user's 200 personal information, including but not limited to
name, address, payment information, age, and/or weight. Some
information, such as heart rate and weight, may be received by
sensors of the system included on the exercise equipment device 110
or other devices of the system. Once registration is complete, the
user is prompted to design a virtual trainer 520. If the user 200
is not a new user, the user may simply be prompted to log-in (step
409). Once logged-on, the server 100 may access the database 112 to
retrieve the user's stored information and, if desired, modify the
user's virtual trainer.
[0035] Once the user 200 has designed a virtual trainer (step 407)
or log-in (step 409), the user is prompted to provide workout
preferences (step 411). The step of providing workout preferences
may include selecting what personal training devices 110 to use
and/or deciding what muscle group to work on. The workout
preferences may also include a preferred workout duration, number
of repetitions and/or sets, a workout intensity, etc. A user may
provide general workout preferences, detailed workout preferences
or no preferences at all. Based on the preferences provided, if
any, the system generates a workout routine and prompts the user
for confirmation of the routine. In some embodiments, a user may
add music to his/her user profile. For example, user profiles may
include any number of songs and play lists to be provided to the
user during his/her workout. Finally, once the workout is created,
profile data is downloaded to the profile storage device 140.
[0036] The user profiles may be securely maintained by the server
100 or, at the user's option, displayed in whole or part on a
webpage. For example, the system may include an online community
for fitness minded people to meet and network. Users can view other
user's profiles, fitness goals and progress. Users can further post
photos and personal advertisements, ask and answer questions via
chat rooms, share experiences via blogs, etc.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B show screenshots generated by the software
used to customize a virtual trainer 520. A virtual trainer 520 may
be chosen from a database of already created virtual trainers or
may be generated and/or customized by each user. Numerous aspects
of the virtual trainer may be customized including but not limited
to, hair style and color 504, clothing 506, age 508, skin tone 510,
gender, demeanor, voice characteristics, body type and size, eye
color, facial features, etc. Additionally, e.g., in the for-home
use version, the virtual trainer 520 may be customizable to be nude
and/or use profanity. Furthermore, the virtual trainer 520 can be
designed to have a celebrity likeness, which aspect of the system
may be accessible for a fee.
[0038] FIG. 6 depicts a method of using the personal training
device 110. Before beginning to exercise, the user 200 inserts the
profile storage device 140 into the personal training device 110
(step 601). Then, the processor 210 accesses a user profile
corresponding to information provided on the profile storage device
(step 603). Using the profile data 142, the processor 210 may use
software to communicate with the server 100 to upload the trainer
data and/or workout regimen 152. Once the processor 210 has all the
necessary data, including but not limited to the trainer data and
workout regimen 152, the processor 210 generates and provides the
interactive virtual trainer 520 to the user via the user interface
214 and audio input/output 212 (step 605).
[0039] The virtual trainer 520 proceeds to ask the user 200, via
the user interface 214, audio device 212 or any other
communications means, if the user 200 is ready to begin the workout
and confirms workout parameters. After the user 200 communicates,
via the user interface 214, audio device 212 or any other
communications means, that he/she is ready to begin the workout,
the processor 210 may implement the workout parameters from the
user profile and begins the workout (step 609).
[0040] During the workout, the processor 210 may receive data
regarding the user's 200 performance from the personal training
device 110 and may use software to instruct the virtual trainer 520
to provide the appropriate feedback to the user 200 (step 611).
Such feedback may include motivation, encouragement to work harder,
incentive to improve performance, and accolades for good
performance. Such feedback is communicated visually through the
user interface 214 and/or audibly through the audio device 212
and/or speakers attached to the exercise equipment 110.
[0041] During the workout, the processor 210 continuously monitors
the user's 200 commands, through the audio device 212, the user
interface 214 and/or any other communications means. If at any time
during and/or before the workout the user 200 wishes to modify the
workout (steps 613), the processor 210 makes the necessary
adjustments, including but not limited to length of the workout,
intensity of the workout, number of sets and/or repetitions, etc.
The user may communicate using microphones using voice recognition.
Placement of the microphones will vary depending upon the type of
exercise equipment which is being used. Once the modifications to
the workout are made, the virtual trainer 520 confirms the
adjustments with the user (step 617), implements the workout
parameters and begins the new workout.
[0042] As an additional feature, the equipment may be able to track
the user's body weight and maintain historical records over time.
This data will be stored on the web based database for future
access and reference.
[0043] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary exercise equipment
device 110 employable by the virtual trainer exercise system
according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The
device 110 may include multiple displays or user interfaces
214a-214c. Each display or monitor may have its own functions and
state of the art technology providing added distraction to a
fitness work out. Users may select the particular content to be
displayed on each. For example, a virtual trainer may be
interactively display on a first display (e.g., 214a), workouts
statistics and/or workout design functions on second display (e.g.,
214b) and multimedia (e.g., TV, cable, Internet, Email, Direct TV,
DVD, etc.) on a third display (e.g., 214c).
[0044] In some embodiments, the device 110 and/or displays thereof
are operable via selectable menus on any one or all of the
displays. Menus of dialogue choices provide a means of
communication with the virtual trainers. These choices can be
questions and/or responses to the user's answers that motivate you,
teach, and direct you through your desired fitness routine. A user
may therefore communicate with his/her virtual trainer via the
voice recognition application described above, via questions
presented on the display(s) with selectable (e.g., touch screen)
answers or options, or by both means. A user may also create and/or
modify a virtual trainer via a series of menus on the display(s).
In some embodiments, the device 110, displays and/or menus are also
controllable using a remote or wireless controller. The virtual
personal trainers can be designed, profiles created, and routines
programmed with the remote control or wireless controller.
[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to
a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are
not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and
indeed many modifications and variations will be ascertainable to
those of skill in the art.
* * * * *