U.S. patent application number 12/269179 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for exercise regime management tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Maurizio Simeoni.
Application Number | 20090156364 12/269179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40754023 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simeoni; Maurizio |
June 18, 2009 |
EXERCISE REGIME MANAGEMENT TOOL
Abstract
A method is presented for managing an exercise regime. The
method may include developing a plan for an exercise regime and
transmitting the plan to one or more client computers. The client
computer may be associated with a user. The client computer may
acquire performance-related data from the user during execution of
the plan, and may transmit the acquired data to a server in
communication therewith. The server may analyze the
performance-related data to verify that predetermined expected
performance values are reached, and may modify the plan according
to the analysis. The modified plan may then be provided to the
client computer.
Inventors: |
Simeoni; Maurizio; (Fiuggi,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM CORP. (AUSTIN)
C/O NELSON AND NELSON, 2984 E. EVERGREEN AVE.
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84109
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
40754023 |
Appl. No.: |
12/269179 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 20/30 20180101;
A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 5/1118 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2007 |
EP |
EP07301693 |
Claims
1. A method for managing an exercise regime, the method comprising:
developing a plan for an exercise regime; transmitting the plan to
at least one client computer associated with a user; enabling the
at least one client computer to acquire performance-related data
from the user during execution of the plan; transmitting the
acquired data to a server in communication with the at least one
client computer; enabling the server to analyze the
performance-related data to verify that predetermined expected
performance values are reached; enabling the server to modify the
plan according to the analysis; and providing the modified plan to
the at least one client computer.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein developing the plan comprises
enabling a remote server computer to develop the plan.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein developing the plan further
comprises: building a user profile; determining at least one target
value for a performance-related variable for the user; and
determining at least one threshold value for an allowable deviation
from the at least one target value.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein enabling the at least one client
computer to acquire performance-related data from the user
comprises enabling the at least one client computer to acquire a
value for the performance-related variable from the user.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein enabling the server to analyze
the performance-related data comprises enabling the server to
compare the value acquired from the user with a corresponding
target value for the performance-related variable.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein enabling the server to compare
the value with the corresponding target value further comprises
enabling the server to compare the value with a corresponding
threshold value in the event the value deviates from the
corresponding target value.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein enabling the server to modify the
plan comprises enabling the server to modify the plan in the event
that the value exceeds the corresponding threshold value.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein enabling the server to modify the
plan further comprises enabling the server to notify the user in
the event that the value exceeds the corresponding threshold
value.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the modified
plan to use in developing subsequent plans.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein developing the plan comprises
enabling a trainer to develop the plan.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein enabling the server to modify
the plan comprises enabling the trainer to modify the plan.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein enabling the server to acquire
the performance-related data further comprises enabling the server
to transmit the performance-related data to the trainer.
12. A computer program product for managing an exercise regime, the
computer program product comprising: a computer-usable medium
having computer-usable program code embodied therein, the
computer-usable program code comprising: computer-usable program
code for developing a plan for an exercise regime; computer-usable
program code for transmitting the plan to at least one client
computer associated with a user; computer-usable program code for
enabling the at least one client computer to acquire
performance-related data from the user during execution of the
plan; computer-usable program code for transmitting the acquired
data to a server in communication with the at least one client
computer; computer-usable program code for enabling the server to
analyze the performance-related data to verify that predetermined
expected performance values are reached; computer-usable program
code for enabling the server to modify the plan according to the
analysis; and computer-usable program code for providing the
modified plan to the at least one client computer.
13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the
computer-usable program code for developing the plan comprises
computer-usable program code for enabling a remote server computer
to develop the plan.
14. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the
computer-usable program code for developing the plan further
comprises: computer-usable program code for building a user
profile; computer-usable program code for determining at least one
target value for a performance-related variable for the user; and
computer-usable program code for determining at least one threshold
value for an allowable deviation from the at least one target
value.
15. The computer program product of claim 12, further comprising
computer-usable program code for storing the modified plan to use
in developing subsequent plans.
16. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the
computer-usable program code for developing the plan comprises
computer-usable program code for enabling a trainer to develop the
plan.
17. A system for managing an exercise regime, the system
comprising: a planning module for developing a plan for an exercise
regime; a transmission module for transmitting the plan to at least
one client computer associated with a user; a data acquisition
module to acquire performance-related data from the user during
execution of the plan; a comparator to receive the
performance-related data from the data acquisition module and
analyze the performance-related data to verify that predetermined
expected performance values are reached; and a feedback loop
between the comparator and the planning module to enable the
planning module to modify the plan in the event the predetermined
expected performance values are not reached.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the planning module further
transmits the modified plan to the at least one client
computer.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the planning module further
stores the modified plan in a database to use in developing
subsequent plans.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the planning module further
notifies the at least one client computer of an imminent change to
the plan in the event the predetermined expected performance values
are not reached.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Many training devices exist to help athletes improve their
performance. The more innovative of these devices allow athletes to
practice against a recorded workout which describes a series of
activities to be performed, such as a sequence of distances or
times or heart rates. These devices typically include data relating
to one or more performance attributes of the athlete during
training. These devices also typically include a notification
mechanism that signals the athlete that he or she is ahead or
behind their desired target values. Some online services also
provide tailored training plans.
[0002] In any case, such systems typically require a workout to be
defined in advance of a training session, and a post-workout
analysis to be performed on data acquired from the athlete during
training. An exemplary training session is shown in FIG. 1. In this
example, the athlete runs a first 1,000 meters at a planned pace.
The athlete then begins to experience difficulties maintaining the
pace. The athlete's performance worsens during the next 400
meters.
[0003] During the training session, the athlete must decide whether
to continue to try to follow the predefined training program, or to
reduce the pace during the initial 1000 meter distance, or during
the subsequent 400 meter distance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the invention provide exercise regime
management tools.
[0005] In one embodiment, a method for managing an exercise regime
in accordance with the present invention may include developing a
plan for an exercise regime and transmitting the plan to one or
more client computers. The client computer may be associated with a
user. The client computer may acquire performance-related data from
the user during execution of the plan, and may transmit the
acquired data to a server in communication therewith. The server
may analyze the performance-related data to verify that
predetermined expected performance values are reached, and may
modify the plan according to the analysis. The modified plan may
then be provided to the client computer.
[0006] A corresponding computer program product and system are also
disclosed and claimed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be
readily understood, a more particular description of embodiments of
the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference
to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of
its scope, embodiments of the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a table detailing a sample workout and pace
measured during the workout (wherein RP represents an ideal Race
Pace);
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus of an alternative
embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of notifications to a user during
a training session in accordance with embodiments of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of an alternative
embodiment; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer on which embodiments
of the invention may operate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It will be readily understood that the components of
embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and
illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in
a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following
more detailed description of the embodiments of the systems and
methods of the present invention, as represented in the Figures, is
not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but
is merely representative of selected embodiments of the
invention.
[0016] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0017] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize,
however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without
one or more of the specific details, or with other methods,
components, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, or
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the disclosure.
[0018] The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout. The following description
is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain
selected embodiments of the invention that are consistent with the
disclosure as claimed herein.
Architecture of the System of a First Embodiment
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, a system 10 of one embodiment of the
invention may include a primary database 12 configured to store a
profile for each registered user. The system 10 may further include
a secondary database 14 configured to store previous values (if
available) of the user's performance attributes. Together, the
profile and values may form a record of the user's performance
history. The system 10 may further include a tertiary database 15
configured to store records of previous workout plans and
modifications thereto.
[0020] In some embodiments, the system 10 may include a planning
module 16 configured to retrieve information from the primary,
secondary, and tertiary databases 12, 14, and 15. The planning
module 16 may use this information to construct a workout plan for
the user. Since thresholds, events, and corrective actions may all
be part of a workout plan, the workout plan may be expressed, for
instance, in XML format. The system 10 may further include a
transmission module 18 which may be configured to transmit the
workout plan to a receiver (not shown) of the user. In some
embodiments, the receiver may include a wireless receiver. In use,
the system 10 may be located in a remote server some distance from
the user.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the system 10 may further include a
data acquisition module 20 configured to receive data relating to
predefined performance attributes of the user. The data acquisition
module 20 may transmit the acquired data to a comparator 22. The
comparator 22 may be configured to compare the acquired values of
the performance attributes with desired values for these
attributes. The desired values, or target values, may be acquired
from the planning module 16.
[0022] The system 10 may further include a first feedback loop 24
between the comparator 22 and the planning module 16. A second
feedback loop may be interposed between the planning module 16 and
the tertiary database 15.
[0023] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system
described above may be organized in other equivalent embodiments,
and many changes or modifications may be made to the system without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the
three databases mentioned above may be included in a single
database. Another possible alternative may be to monitor several
users at the same time, with the same central system.
Method of Operation of the First Embodiment
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a method in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention may include two phases, namely, a
configuration phase and an execution phase. During the
configuration phase, a user may register with the system by
providing, inter alia, training goals and data relating to various
physiological attributes (e.g., age, weight, medical conditions,
fat content, medical conditions, etc.). From this information, a
profile of the user may be constructed 26 and stored in the primary
database 12.
[0025] During the execution phase, the method may determine 28 the
length of time elapsed since the user last trained. This
information may be obtained by asking the user, or by looking at a
date stamp of a most recent entry in the secondary database 14, for
example. If a record from a previous workout plan for the user is
available, the method may retrieve the record. From this
information, the method may generate 30 a workout plan for the
current training session of the user. The workout plan may include
details of target values for specified performance-related
variables. The workout plan may also include thresholds for
allowable deviations from these target values. The method may then
transmit 32 the workout plan to the user.
[0026] As the user trains in accordance with the transmitted
workout plan, a plurality of sensors in contact with the user (or a
device which the user is using) may acquire 34 performance-related
data from the user. The data may be transmitted to the data
acquisition module 20, which may forward the data to the comparator
22. The comparator 22 may then compare 36 the data with the target
values prescribed for the relevant performance-related variables in
the current workout plan.
[0027] In the event that the acquired data deviates from the target
values for a given performance-related variable, the comparator 22
may determine the extent of the deviation and compare it with the
prescribed deviation threshold. In the event that the deviation
exceeds the threshold, the comparator may transmit, through the
feedback loop 24, a flag to this effect to the planning module 16,
together with the degree of deviation. On receipt of the flag for a
predefined monitoring time interval, the planning module 16 may
adjust 38 the workout plan for the user. The planning module 16 may
further warn the user that there has been a deviation from the
target values, and may notify the user of an imminent change to the
workout plan. The planning module 16 may then transmit 42 the
adjusted workout plan to the user. Finally, the planning module 16
may store the adjusted workout plan in the tertiary database
15.
[0028] The planning module 16 and the comparator 22 may thus
collectively provide a dynamic feedback system which monitors the
status of a user during training, and adapts the training plan in a
dynamic real-time fashion. This dynamic modification may be
inherently sensitive and responsive to the physical and
environmental conditions experienced by the user.
Architecture of the System of an Alternative Embodiment
[0029] In another embodiment, the system may receive input for a
workout plan from a trainer. This feature may be particularly
useful for specialized or very high-level training for particular
sports. In particular, referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative
embodiment of the invention may include a system 10 adapted to
communicate with a user's device 44 and a trainer's device 46.
[0030] The trainer's device 46 may include a workout builder for
creating and modifying a workout plan. To this end, the trainer's
device 46 may communicate with the planning module of the system 10
to download a workout plan developed by the planning module, modify
it in accordance with the specific needs of the user (and relevant
sport), and upload the modified workout plan into the planning
module of the system 10.
[0031] In another embodiment, the trainer may be allowed to
intervene directly into the system 10 and prevent the planning
module from developing an initial workout plan for the user.
Instead, the trainer may implement this process. In particular, the
trainer may develop the workout plan and download it directly to
the planning module of the system 10. To assist the trainer in
modifying or creating the workout plan, the trainer may be provided
with access to a history of previous workout plans and acquired
performance-related variables in the secondary and tertiary
databases.
[0032] The trainer's device 46 may also include a workout tracker
for monitoring an ongoing workout. The trainer may thus be provided
with continuous feedback on the real performance achieved by the
user, compared to the user's target performance. The trainer may
also be permitted to intervene in a training session and provide a
modified workout plan as desired, even if this is not triggered by
the conditions used in the comparator of the system 10. To support
the above functions, the trainer's device 46 may be provided with
internet connectivity for receiving the data collected during the
training sessions and for downloading and uploading workout
plans.
[0033] As previously discussed, in use, external sensors may
monitor performance-related variables from the user (e.g., heart
rate, speed and distance) during a training session. This data may
be acquired and collated by the user's device 44, which may
transmit the data to the system 10. To support this activity, the
user's device 12 may be provided with internet connectivity. The
collected data may be accessed from the system 10 for real-time or
post-workout analysis.
[0034] This embodiment may also provide a notification service to
notify the trainer that the user is starting a training session, as
well as to notify the trainer if and when the deviation thresholds
for the user's performance-related variables are repeatedly
exceeded. In one embodiment, the notifications may be provided
through Systems Management Server ("SMS") messaging. The user's
device 44 may include an SMS sender to transmit the relevant SMS
message to the trainer. Similarly, the trainer's device 46 may
include an SMS receiver for receiving messages from the user. The
notification service may also be used by the trainer to notify the
user that a new workout is available. Each message may include a
list of properties similar to those shown in FIG. 5.
[0035] As before, a system 10 in accordance with embodiments of the
invention may modify a workout plan in accordance with the user's
performance, and may allow the user's device 44 to download the
modified workout plan as appropriate.
Method of Operation of the Alternative Embodiment
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the
trainer may build 48 a workout plan for a specific user and upload
50 it to the system 10. The user may then download 52 the workout
plan before starting a training session. The user may then begin 54
training. At this point, a notification may be sent 56 to the
trainer to signal the start of the activity.
[0037] During the training session, performance-related data may be
acquired 58 from the user. As previously discussed, the data may be
compared 60 with allowable ranges provided in the workout plan.
Repeatedly exceeding the predetermined thresholds may trigger 62 an
event that is sent 64 to the trainer. The trainer, based on the
event received, may adjust 66 the workout plan and upload 68 the
adjusted workout plan to the planning module of the system 10.
[0038] The system 10 may then send 70 a notification to the user,
via SMS for example, to signal that an update is ready to be
downloaded. Upon receipt of the notification, the user may download
72 the new workout plan. The downloaded workout plan may then
become the current workout plan.
System and Method of a Third Embodiment
[0039] In some embodiments, the roles of the planning module and
the trainer may be complementary. Accordingly, a third embodiment
may provide a hybrid of the planning module and the trainer. In
particular, the third embodiment may act primarily as a facilitator
for the trainer (as in the second embodiment), and may switch to
the automated workout planning facility (of the first embodiment)
in situations where the trainer is unavailable.
[0040] More particularly, the third embodiment may operate as
follows. When a user begins a workout program, the user's device
may send to the trainer a notification, and may wait for a response
therefrom. If no response arrives within a certain time, the
automatic trainer (of the first embodiment) may be enabled. If
during the training session the trainer becomes available, the
third embodiment may switch to the human trainer mode (of the
second embodiment). Further, if during the training session the
trainer leaves, the third embodiment may again switch to the
automatic trainer mode (of the first embodiment).
Generic Operating Environment
[0041] A machine on which embodiments of the invention may operate
may include a generic structure, as shown in FIG. 7. More
particularly, a generic computer of the system may be denoted with
80. The computer 80 may be formed by several units connected in
parallel to a system bus 82. In detail, one or more microprocessors
84 may control operation of the computer 80. A RAM 86 may be
directly used as a working memory by the microprocessors 84, and a
ROM 88 may store basic code for a bootstrap of the computer 80.
[0042] Peripheral units may be clustered around a local bus 90 by
means of respective interfaces. Particularly, a mass memory may
include a hard disk 92 and a drive 94 for reading CD-ROMs 96. The
computer 80 may further include input devices 98 (for example, a
keyboard and a mouse), and output devices 100 (for example, a
monitor and a printer). A Network Interface Card ("NIC") 102 may be
used to connect the computer 80 to the network. A bridge unit 104
may interface the system bus 82 with the local bus 90. Each
microprocessor 84 and the bridge unit 104 may operate as master
agents requesting an access to the system bus 82 for transmitting
information. An arbiter 106 may manage the granting of the access
with mutual exclusion to the system bus 82.
[0043] In any case, embodiments of the invention facilitate
automatically and dynamically adapting a user training program
according to specific conditions experienced by the user during
training. Embodiments of the invention further provide more
responsive mechanisms for automated training. Some embodiments
facilitate storing a number of different training programs tailored
to a number of users and their individual progress needs. As
embodiments of the invention may be largely automated, such
embodiments may be implemented in a system remote to the user. This
feature may accommodate the needs of geographically distant users,
such as those that may be traveling for different races,
tournaments, competitions, and other events.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the system may enable a trainer to
remotely monitor users during their training, regardless of where
the training is performed. Further, the trainer may remotely
monitor and adjust a user's workout based on real-time data. In
this manner, a user may be assisted remotely by his or her
trainer.
* * * * *