U.S. patent application number 12/263621 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for controlling device for electronic device usage control.
Invention is credited to Seh-Huang CHAO, Yuan-Heng Chao.
Application Number | 20100113224 12/263621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42132136 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100113224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAO; Seh-Huang ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
CONTROLLING DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE CONTROL
Abstract
A controlling device for electronic device usage control
converts a user's operation of an exercise apparatus into an
operation record and controls the condition of on/off of an
electronic device according to the operation record.
Inventors: |
CHAO; Seh-Huang; (Chung Ho
City, TW) ; Chao; Yuan-Heng; (Chung Ho City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Family ID: |
42132136 |
Appl. No.: |
12/263621 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
340/573.1; 463/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 24/0075 20130101; A63B 22/0056
20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 69/0028 20130101; A63B
22/0235 20130101; A63B 24/0059 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 22/0605
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
340/573.1; 463/24 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63F 9/24 20060101 A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A controlling device for electronic device usage control,
comprising: the controlling device recording an exercise mode of an
apparatus capable of generating the exercise mode, and converting
the exercise mode into an operation record, so that the controlling
device uses the operation record as a necessary condition to turn
on or off an electronic device and controls power of the electronic
device to be turned on or off.
2. The controlling device of claim 1, wherein the apparatus capable
of generating the exercise mode is an exercise apparatus.
3. The controlling device of claim 1, wherein the apparatus capable
of generating the exercise mode is a device for detecting human
movement.
4. The controlling device of claim 3, wherein the device for
detecting human movement is a pedometer.
5. The controlling device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is an entertainment electronic device.
6. The controlling device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
is a computer, a television or a video game station.
7. The controlling device of claim 1, wherein the controlling
device comprises: an operation record generating unit, serving to
convert the exercise mode of the apparatus into the operation
record; a central processing unit, coupled with the operation
record generating unit and serving to convert the operation record
into a working period of the electronic device; and a power
controlling module, coupled with the central processing unit and
the electronic device, wherein the central processing unit controls
the power controlling module according to the working period so as
to turn on or off a power of the electronic device.
8. The controlling device of claim 7, wherein the controlling
device further comprises a data transmitting module that includes a
data output unit and a data input unit, wherein the data output
unit connects with the operation record generating unit and the
data input unit connects with the central processing unit, in which
the operation record is transmitted to the data input unit by the
data output unit for the central processing unit to convert the
operation record into the working period of the electronic device
and generate a power-on signal and a power-off signal.
9. The controlling device of claim 8, wherein the data transmitting
module implements a wireless transmission means or a wired
transmission means for data transmission.
10. The controlling device of claim 8, wherein the power
controlling module comprises a signal transmitting unit and a
signal receiving unit, in which the signal transmitting unit is
coupled with the central processing unit and the signal receiving
unit is coupled with a power system of the electronic device, said
signal transmitting unit transmitting the power-on signal and the
power-off signal to the signal receiving unit, and said signal
receiving unit turning on or off a power system of the electronic
device according to the signal it receives.
11. The controlling device of claim 10, wherein the signal
transmitting unit and the signal receiving unit each implements a
wireless transmission means or a wired transmission means for
signal transmission.
12. The controlling device of claim 10, further comprising a user
setting module that is coupled with the central processing unit and
allows a user to set at least one set of a turn on time and a turn
off time of the electronic device, in which the signal transmitting
unit at the turn on time and the turn off time transmits the
on-signal and the off-signal to the signal receiving unit so as to
turn or off the power system of the electronic device.
13. The controlling device of claim 7, wherein the operation record
generating unit, the central processing unit, and the power
controlling module are integrated in a control box.
14. The controlling device of claim 13, wherein the control box is
a device independent from the apparatus and is capable of
generating the exercise mode and the electronic device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention related to a controlling device that
makes an operational correlation between an apparatus capable of
generating an exercise mode and an electronic device. More
particularly, in the present invention, only when the apparatus has
been operated by a user of the electronic device for an operation
duration and frequency reaching predetermined thresholds, power of
the electronic device is turned on and the electronic device is
allowed to work for a corresponding working period.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] One of the known approaches to change or correct some
certain human behavior is to interconnect the certain behavior with
another behavior that is positive and take a record of performance
of the positive behavior as a necessary condition of performance of
this certain behavior. Hereinafter, human behavior of using
entertainment electronic devices is taken as an example for
illustration of the aforesaid corrective approach.
[0005] Entertainment electronic devices, such as televisions and
video game stations, have significantly changed the way people
enjoy their leisure time in this modern world. More and more people
rely on entertainment electronic devices to spend their leisure
time, and some even revel in using such entertainment electronic
devices. However, when using an entertainment electronic device.,
one usually keeps his/her body still or only with slight movement.
If things continue this way, as a natural result of the human
nature of indolence, the person is likely to suffer from physical
problems due to lack of exercise. Hence, to improve human health,
people shall prevent undue use of entertainment electronic devices
and maintain proper exercise. One solution for this purpose is to
interconnect one's behavior of using entertainment electronic
devices with his/her behavior of exercise and take a record of the
exercise behavior as a necessary condition of using the connected
entertainment electronic devices so as to encourage the person to
exercise with increased duration and frequency or to reduce his/her
using time of the connected entertainment electronic devices,
thereby, as an ultimate goal, correcting behavior of unduly using
entertainment electronic devices. However, one tends to fail in
fulfilling such solution when merely relying on mental motive and
self-encouragement. On the contrary, with the assistance of some
cooperative hardware while fulfilling such solution, the connection
and interaction between the two kinds of behavior can be enhanced
and the desired outcomes can become more achievable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a controlling device for
electronic device usage control. The controlling device makes an
operational correlation between an apparatus operated by a user to
perform an exercise mode and an electronic device (especially an
entertainment electronic device). Therein, only when the apparatus
has been operated by the user of the electronic device for
operation duration and frequency reaching predetermined thresholds,
power of the electronic device can be turned on and the electronic
device can be operated for a corresponding time period.
[0007] The present invention relates to a controlling device for
electronic device usage control, wherein an apparatus capable of
generating an exercise mode is operated by a user and generates the
exercise mode. The controlling device senses and records the
exercise mode of the apparatus, such as operation time, operation
mode, operation frequency, levels of difficulty and so on. Then the
controlling device converts the exercise mode into an operation
record and takes the operation record as a condition for an
electric device to be turned on, and the controlling device
controls the electric device to be turned on, continuously
operated, and/or turned off.
[0008] The present invention relates to a controlling device for
electronic device usage control, wherein the controlling device
determines an electric device to be turned on and to be
continuously operated according to an operation record of an
apparatus capable of performing an exercise mode. Basing on this
concept, a user is encouraged or forced to operate the apparatus
capable of performing the exercise mode by his/her desire or habit
for using the electronic device and thereby his/her exercise time
is prolonged. Meantime, the user's behavior of unduly using the
entertainment electronic device may be naturally changed or
corrected due to post-exercise tiredness.
[0009] In a controlling device for electronic device usage control,
the controlling device recording an exercise mode of an apparatus
capable of generating the exercise mode, and converting the
exercise mode into an operation record, so that the controlling
device uses the operation record as a necessary condition to turn
on an electronic device and controls power of the electronic device
to be turned on or off.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative
embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a controlling
device of the present invention coupled with an apparatus capable
of generating an exercise mode and an electronic device;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the controlling
device in detail; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is another schematic block diagram showing the
controlling device of the present invention coupled with the
apparatus and the electronic device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] While a preferred embodiment is provided herein for
illustrating the concept of the present invention as described
above, it is to be understood that the components in these drawings
are made for better explanation and need not to be made in scale.
Moreover, in the following description, resemble components are
indicated by the same numerals.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a controlling device 30 for electronic
device usage control is shown. The controlling device 30 serves to
makes an operational correlation between at least one apparatus 10
capable of generating an exercise mode and at least one electronic
device 20. The apparatus 10 may include various exercise apparatus
and devices for detecting human movement. Exercise apparatus
applicable to the present invention are those suitable for domestic
installation and use, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, steppers
and so on. The devices for detecting human movement may refer to
pedometers. The controlling device 30 converts information related
to human exercise generated by the device for detecting human
movement into the operation record. The electronic device 20 may be
an entertainment electronic device, such as a computer, a
television or a video game station. The controlling device 30
senses and records the exercise mode of the apparatus 10, and then
converts the exercise mode into an operation record. The
controlling device 30 takes the operation record as a condition for
an electric device 20 to be turned on, continuously operated, and
turned off.
[0016] Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 3. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, an operation record generating unit 31, a
data transmitting module 32, a central processing unit 33, a power
controlling module 34 and a user setting module 35 are integrated
in a control box 40 so as to realize the controlling device 30. The
control box 40 may be coupled to the apparatus 10 and the
electronic device 20.
[0017] The operation record generating unit 31 primarily serves to
record the exercise mode of the apparatus 10, such as operation
time, operation mode, operation frequency, difficulty and so on,
and then converts the exercise mode into the operation record. The
operation record is digital data receivable to a program preset in
the central processing unit 33. In an example where a treadmill is
implemented as the apparatus 10, the exercise mode of the apparatus
10 is substantially rotation of a tread of the treadmill. In this
case the operation record generating unit 31 senses rotation mode
of the tread, such as rotation rate and lasting duration, and
converts the rotation mode into the operation record. In another
example where a computer-controlled treadmill is implemented as the
apparatus 10, the operation record generating unit 31 can directly
access latest information about operation of the treadmill stored
in the computer and converts the rotation mode into the operation
record.
[0018] The data transmitting module 32 comprises a data output unit
321 and a data input unit 322, wherein the data output unit 321
connects with the operation record generating unit 31 and the data
input unit 322 connects with the central processing unit 33. The
operation record is delivered to the data input unit 322 by the
data output unit 321.
[0019] The central processing unit 33 utilizes the preinstalled
program to convert the operation record received by the data input
unit 322 into on/off time or working time of the electronic device
20 and then generates a power-on signal and a power-off signal.
[0020] The power controlling module 34 comprises a signal
transmitting unit 341 and a signal receiving unit 342. The signal
transmitting unit 341 is coupled with the central processing unit
33 and to receive the power-on signal and power-off signal, and to
transmit the signals to the signal receiving unit 342. The signal
receiving unit 342, when the control box 40 is coupled with the
electronic device 20, is coupled with a power system of the
electronic device and to control the power system of the electronic
device to be turned on or off according to the signal it
receives.
[0021] The user setting module 35 is coupled with the central
processing unit 33. A plurality of keys 351 and a display screen
352 belonging to the user setting module 35 are arranged at an
exterior of the control box 40. The keys 352 allow the user to set
at least one set of conditions such as the turn on/off time of the
electronic device 20. The display screen 352 serves to exhibit the
entered settings.
[0022] By setting the turn on time and turn off time, the user can
choose when to use the electronic device 20 as his/her wish, of
course, upon the necessary condition that the operation record
exists so that the central processing unit 33 is capable of
receiving the settings made through the user setting module 35.
When the control box 40 is coupled to the electronic device 20, the
signal transmitting unit 341, at the turn on time and the turn off
time, transmits the power-on signal and the power-off signal to the
signal receiving unit 342 respectively, so that the power system of
the electronic device 20 is turned on or off at the turn on time
and the turn off time.
[0023] The central processing unit 33 deletes the stored operation
record, when:
[0024] (1) The power system of the electronic device 20 is turned
on or off at the set turn on time and turn off time;
[0025] (2) It exceeds the turn off time; and
[0026] (3) The central processing unit 33 receives no settings
about the turn on time and turn off time of the electronic device
from the user setting module 35 receives after a certain time
period since generation of the operation record.
[0027] In other words, when the user uses up the duration he/she
sets for using the electronic device 20, or he/she fails to operate
the electronic device 20 during the duration he/she sets for using
the electronic device 20, or he/she fails to use the operation
record to set the usage of the electronic device 20, the operation
record is erased by the central processing unit 33. After that, the
user can not use the electronic device 20 until he/she operates the
apparatus 10 again to generate a new operation record and then uses
the operation record to set a new set of turn on time and turn off
time for the electronic device 20 by way of the user setting module
35.
[0028] The controlling device connects the apparatus 10 and the
electronic device 20 in aspect of use, while the power system of
the electronic device 20 is controlled by the controlling device
30. In a preferred embodiment, only after the apparatus 10 is
operated for a predetermined time period, the electronic device 20
can be turned on by the controlling device 30. The turn on time and
working period of the electronic device 20 are determined by the
operation duration of the apparatus 10. For example, when a user
operates the apparatus 10 for one hour, the operation record
generating unit 31 records that the apparatus 10 has been operated
for one hour and converts it into digital data receivable to the
program. Then the data output unit 321 transmits the digital data
to the data input unit 322 for the central processing unit 33 to
convert the digital data into the working period of the electronic
device 20 which may be one hour or half an hour subject to the
program. Afterward, the user can use the user setting module 35 to
set the turn on time and turn off time of the electronic device.
For example, the user may set the turn on time as 8:00 PM and the
turn off time as 9:00 PM. Therefore, the central processing unit
33, at eight o'clock in the evening, orders the signal transmitting
unit 341 of the power controlling module 34 to transmit a power
power-on signal so as to turn on the electronic device 20 at the
preset time. Later, at nine o'clock in the evening, the central
processing unit 33 orders the signal transmitting unit 341 of the
power controlling module 34 to transmit a power power-off signal so
as to turn off the electronic device 20 at the preset time.
[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the user can use the user setting module 35 to further set a
conversion pattern between the operation duration and the working
period. For example, the user may set the conversion pattern as
that one hour of operation duration is converted as two hours of
working period, or one hour of operation duration is converted as
half an hour of working period.
[0030] In yet another preferred embodiment, the user setting module
35 may further allow the user to select an exercise item, such as
walking, jogging, riding a bicycle, etc. The central processing
unit 33 thus automatically converts the operation duration into
corresponding working period according to the selected exercise
item.
[0031] The central processing unit 33 can not receive the settings
from the user setting module 35 until it obtains an operation
record of the apparatus 10. That is, the central processing unit 33
can only receive the settings from the user setting module 35 and
turns on the electronic device 20 only after it obtains an
operation record. In another word, a user has to exercise for a
certain time to gain a corresponding working period of the
electronic device 20. Hence, the subject matter of the present
invention compels the user to increase exercise time or frequency
and changes/connects users' undue use of enticement electronic
devices, thereby contributing to improve human health.
[0032] While in the above-mentioned embodiment the operation record
generating unit 31, data transmitting module 32, central processing
unit 33, power controlling module 34 and user setting module 35 are
integrated in the control box 40 so as to realize the controlling
device 30, the control box 40 is substantially a device independent
from the apparatus 10 and the electronic device 20. Besides, the
controlling device for electronic device use control is not limited
to the form described herein, and may be formed as a chip.
[0033] In the present invention, it is also feasible to settle the
operation record generating unit 31 on the apparatus 10, to settle
the data output unit 321 of the data transmitting module 32 on the
apparatus 10, and/or to settle the signal receiving unit 342 of the
power controlling module 34 on the electronic device 20. Thereupon,
the data transmitting module 32 may implement a wireless
transmission system or a wired transmission system. The signal
transmission between the signal transmitting unit 341 and the
signal receiving unit 342 of the power controlling module 34 may
also implement a wireless transmission system or a wired
transmission system.
[0034] Although the particular embodiment of the invention has been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that numerous
variations will be possible without going outside the scope of the
invention as disclosed in the claims.
* * * * *