U.S. patent application number 12/683210 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for system and method for processing raw activity energy expenditure data.
This patent application is currently assigned to Move2Health Holding BV. Invention is credited to Erik Petrus Nicolaas Damen.
Application Number | 20100114499 12/683210 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40799519 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100114499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Damen; Erik Petrus
Nicolaas |
May 6, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING RAW ACTIVITY ENERGY EXPENDITURE
DATA
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a method is provided for
calculating, by an activity monitor comprising one accelerometer, a
raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user.
The method includes determining if the raw activity energy
expenditure data is associated with a high intensity physical
activity, wherein the high intensity physical activity causes the
raw activity energy expenditure data to differ from an expected
activity energy expenditure data. The method includes calculating a
corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity
energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity
physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure
data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure data is
substantially identical to the expected activity energy expenditure
data.
Inventors: |
Damen; Erik Petrus Nicolaas;
(Doorwerth, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patent Capital Group
6119 McCommas Blvd
Dallas
TX
75214
US
|
Assignee: |
Move2Health Holding BV
|
Family ID: |
40799519 |
Appl. No.: |
12/683210 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11965238 |
Dec 27, 2007 |
7676332 |
|
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12683210 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/19 ;
702/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/11 20130101; A63B
2220/40 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A61B 5/222 20130101; A61B 2562/0219 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 69/0028 20130101; A63B 2220/836
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/19 ;
702/142 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00; G01P 3/00 20060101 G01P003/00 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A method, comprising: calculating a raw activity energy
expenditure data based on movement by a user; determining if the
raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high
intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical
activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ
from an expected activity energy expenditure data; and if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high
intensity physical activity, calculating a corrected activity
energy expenditure data based on the raw activity energy
expenditure data.
32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: displaying the
corrected activity energy expenditure.
33. The method of claim 31, further comprising: determining a speed
of the user based on the raw activity energy expenditure data if
the raw activity energy expenditure data is not associated with the
high intensity physical activity; and displaying the speed of the
user.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the speed of the user is
determined by an equation given as (raw activity energy expenditure
[RawAEE] metabolic equivalent (MET)-1)/0.49 kilometer/hours (km/h)
if the speed of the user is based on the raw activity energy
expenditure data, or by (corrected activity energy expenditure
MET-1)/0.95 km/h if the speed of the user is based on the corrected
activity energy expenditure data.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs is calculated by (c*|a|)+1, wherein c is a
predetermined value stored in the activity monitor, wherein |a| is
the absolute value of the acceleration determined by an activity
monitor and based on signals generated by an accelerometer.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the determining if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high
intensity physical activity comprises determining if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is greater than a predetermined
threshold value.
37. The method of claim 31, wherein the corrected activity energy
expenditure data in METs is calculated by (RawAEE MET-T)*B+F,
wherein RawAEE MET is the raw activity energy expenditure data,
wherein T is a predetermined threshold value associated with the
high intensity physical activity, wherein B is a predetermined
gradient value, and wherein F is a predetermined offset value.
38. The method of claim 31, wherein the corrected activity energy
expenditure data comprises energy expended by the user in
directions other than a direction of movement measured by an
accelerometer.
39. The method of claim 31, wherein a selected one of the corrected
activity energy expenditure data and the raw activity energy
expenditure data are communicated over a network.
40. The method of claim 31, wherein the expected activity energy
expenditure data in METs is determined by (G*v)+1, wherein G is a
predetermined gradient value of 0.95 h/km during the high intensity
physical activity and 0.49 h/km for low intensity physical
activity, wherein v is a velocity of the user, 1 is one MET.
41. An apparatus, comprising: an accelerometer; a display; and a
processor, wherein the accelerometer and the processor are
configured to interact in order to: calculate a raw activity energy
expenditure data based on movement by a user; determine if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high
intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical
activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ
from an expected activity energy expenditure data; and if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high
intensity physical activity, calculate a corrected activity energy
expenditure data based on the raw activity energy expenditure
data.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the display is configured to
display the corrected activity energy expenditure.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a speed element
configured to: determine a speed of the user based on the raw
activity energy expenditure data if the raw activity energy
expenditure data is not associated with the high intensity physical
activity, or based on the corrected activity energy expenditure
data if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with
the high intensity physical activity.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the speed of the user is
determined by an equation given as (RawAEE MET-1)/0.49 km/h if the
speed of the user is based on the raw activity energy expenditure
data, or by (CorAEE MET-1)/0.95 km/h if the speed of the user is
based on the corrected activity energy expenditure data, wherein
the RawAEE MET is the raw activity energy expenditure data in METs,
wherein the CorAEE MET is the corrected activity energy expenditure
data in METs, wherein 1 is one MET.
45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs is calculated by (c*|a|)+1, wherein c is a
predetermined value stored in the activity monitor, wherein |a| is
the absolute value of the acceleration determined by activity
monitor based on signals generated by the one accelerometer,
wherein 1 is one MET.
46. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein a selected one of the
corrected activity energy expenditure data and the raw activity
energy expenditure data are communicated over a network to a
server.
47. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the corrected activity
energy expenditure data in METs is calculated by an equation given
as (RawAEE_MET-T)*B+F, wherein RawAEE_MET is the raw activity
energy expenditure data, wherein T is a predetermined threshold
value associated with the high intensity physical activity, wherein
B is a predetermined gradient value, wherein F is a predetermined
offset value.
48. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the accelerometer is a
piezo-electric accelerometer.
49. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein a selected one of the
corrected activity energy expenditure data and the raw activity
energy expenditure data are stored in a memory element and
accessible through a web portal.
50. Logic encoded in computer-readable media to be executed by a
processor configured to perform operations comprising: calculating
a raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user,
the movement measured by one accelerometer; determining if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high
intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical
activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ
from an expected activity energy expenditure data; calculating a
corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity
energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity
physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure
data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure is
displayed; determine a speed of the user based on the raw activity
energy expenditure data if the raw activity energy expenditure data
is not associated with the high intensity physical activity, or
based on the corrected activity energy expenditure data if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high
intensity physical activity; and display the speed of the user,
wherein the determining if the raw activity energy expenditure data
is associated with the high intensity physical activity comprises
determining if the raw activity energy expenditure data is greater
than a predetermined threshold value.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to an activity monitor
and, more particularly, to a system and a method for processing raw
activity energy expenditure data.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An activity monitor allows the measurement of human energy
expenditure. The activity monitor allows the user wearing the
activity monitor to measure the amount of energy consumed during a
selected period of time for a certain physical activity, such as
walking and running. An activity monitor utilizing a single
accelerometer is less expensive and consumes less power than an
activity monitor utilizing a plurality of accelerometers. A single
accelerometer may be a uni-axial accelerometer that generates a
signal, which is proportional to the energy expenditure, such that
the signal is generated in response to body movements in the
particular direction along the single axis of the
accelerometer.
[0003] When user is performing a low intensity physical activity,
such as walking, the dominant direction of body movement is the up
and down direction occurring along the vertical axis. If the
accelerometer is properly aligned with the body movement of user to
measure movements along the vertical axis, the activity monitor
will provide a signal, which is a relatively accurate
representation of the energy expenditure by the user. However, when
user is performing a high intensity physical activity, such as
running, the forward and backward movement of the body provides an
additional, non-negligible contribution to energy expended by the
user. In response to the backward and forward movement occurring
along the horizontal axis during high intensity physical activity,
the accelerometer will provide a signal, which is an inaccurate
representation of the actual energy expenditure by the user because
the accelerometer primarily measures movements along the vertical
axis. Therefore, the energy expenditure measured by the uni-axial
accelerometer in the activity monitor will deviate from the real
energy expenditure of the user. One way to solve this problem for
accurately measuring energy expended requires using an additional
accelerometer, which can measure forward and backward body movement
along the horizontal axis. However, this additional sensor will
increase the cost of the activity monitor, and the amount of power
consumed by the activity monitor.
[0004] Additionally, an activity monitor with only one sensor, such
as a uni-axial accelerometer, does not include hardware operable to
calculate the speed of a user while the user is walking or running.
One way to solve this problem for determining the speed of the user
requires using an additional sensor for tracking speed, such as an
accelerometer worn on the foot or shoe, a switch on the sole of the
shoe, or a GPS sensor. However, this additional sensor will
increase the cost of the activity monitor, and the amount of power
consumed by the activity monitor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a method, a
system, and an apparatus for collecting, converting, displaying,
and communicating data is provided, which substantially eliminates
or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous
systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0006] According to one embodiment, a method is provided for
calculating, by an activity monitor comprising one accelerometer, a
raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user.
The method includes determining if the raw activity energy
expenditure data is associated with a high intensity physical
activity, wherein the high intensity physical activity causes the
raw activity energy expenditure data to differ from an expected
activity energy expenditure data. The method includes calculating a
corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity
energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity
physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure
data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure data is
substantially identical to the expected activity energy expenditure
data. The method may display the corrected activity energy
expenditure data. the corrected activity energy expenditure data in
METs is calculated by (RawAEE_MET-T)*B+F, wherein RawAEE_MET is the
raw activity energy expenditure data, wherein T is a predetermined
threshold value associated with the high intensity physical
activity, wherein B is a predetermined gradient value, wherein F is
a predetermined offset value.
[0007] According to one embodiment, a method is provided for
determining a speed of the user based on the corrected activity
energy expenditure data and displaying the speed of the user. The
speed of the user may be determined by (CorAEE_MET-1)/G, wherein
CorAEE_MET is the corrected activity energy expenditure data in
metabolic equivalents (METs), wherein 1 is one MET, wherein G is a
predetermined gradient value of 0.95 hours/kilometers (h/km) during
high intensity physical activity, such as running, or 0.49 h/km
during light intensity physical activity, such as walking.
[0008] Important technical advantages of certain embodiments of the
present invention include utilizing a single uni-axial
accelerometer to accurately calculate activity energy expended by
user during both low intensity and high intensity activities. As a
result of only requiring a single accelerometer to accurately
measure activity energy expended by user, the activity monitor is
less expensive and consumes less power than activity monitors with
additional sensors for accomplishing this task.
[0009] Other technical advantages of certain embodiments of the
present invention include utilizing a single uni-axial
accelerometer to calculate speed of user during both low intensity
and high intensity activities. As a result of only requiring a
single accelerometer to accurately measure speed of user, activity
monitor is less expensive and consumes less power than an activity
monitor with additional sensors for accomplishing this task. Prior
solutions may utilize the global position system (GPS), but the GPS
requires high-energy consumption of activity monitor, which
requires the user to frequently charge or replace batteries used by
activity monitor.
[0010] Other technical advantages of certain embodiments of the
present invention include utilizing a single uni-axial
accelerometer to obtain continuous display of speed and distance
without requiring a sensor attached to the user's foot. Prior
solutions included attaching one or more sensors to the foot or
shoe of the user, such that the sensors monitor the acceleration of
the foot. The data may be single or double integrated to obtain
speed and distance information of the step. The sensors may monitor
the time the foot is on the ground compared to in the air, from
which an estimate can be made of walking or running speed. One
advantage of the present invention is that no special attachment to
the shoe is necessary to obtain continuous read-out of speed and
distance.
[0011] Other technical advantages of the present invention will be
readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following
figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific
advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may
include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] To provide a more complete understanding of the present
invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to
the following description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent
like parts, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates a
system in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates an
activity monitor apparatus used in the system in accordance with a
particular embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates an
activity monitor generating signals in response to a user's
movement;
[0016] FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating an example equation for
calculating the expected activity energy expended data in METs;
[0017] FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating step one of an example
equation for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data in METs;
[0018] FIG. 4C is a graph illustrating step two of an example
equation for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data in METs;
[0019] FIG. 4D is a graph illustrating step three of an example
equation for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data in METs;
[0020] FIG. 4E is a graph illustrating an example equation for
calculating the speed of a user based on METs expended; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method of
correction element and speed element in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates a
system in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present
invention. System 10 includes a communication network 18, a user
12, one or more computer devices 16, an activity monitor 14, one or
more servers 32, one or more databases 34, and a web portal 40.
Activity monitor 14 may include a correction element and a speed
element 56. Other architectures and components of system 10,
including various architectures and components of activity monitor
14, may be used without departing from the scope of this
disclosure.
[0023] In general, users 12 may wear an activity monitor 14 to
track one or more activity data metrics associated with an
activity. Activity data may include the calories burned, metabolic
equivalents (METS) expended, physical activity monitor (PAM) points
spent (where PAM points may be defined as activity induced energy
expenditure divided by the basal metabolic rate multiplied by 100),
minutes in light activity zone, minutes in medium activity zone,
minutes in high activity zone, current speed, distance traveled,
etcetera. Users 12 may couple activity monitor to one or more
computer devices 16, which provide users access to a web portal 40.
Activity monitor 14 may transmit data to web portal 40. Web portal
40 may utilize activity data to provide user 12 with feedback or
goals in response to the activity data.
[0024] In one particular embodiment, activity monitor 14 may use
calories as the activity data metric to calculate the raw activity
energy expenditure data (RawAEE) by user 12. In this embodiment,
the equation used by activity monitor 14 for determining the raw
calories expended by user 12 may be:
RawAEE_Cal=(c*|a|)*BMR
The variable |a| used by RawAEE_Cal is a value determined by
activity monitor 14 based on signals generated by accelerometer in
response to activity by user 12. The variable |a| may refer to the
average of the absolute value of acceleration data over a
particular time period. Determining the value of |a| is explained
in more detail below in FIG. 3. The constants, c and BMR, used by
RawAEE_Cal may be a predetermined value stored in activity monitor
14. These predetermined values associated with the constants may be
stored in activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of
activity monitor 14, by downloading new software for activity
monitor 14, or any other suitable way. The constant c may be a
predetermined value used to multiply against |a| to produce an
expected value. The constant BMR refers to the basal metabolic
rate. The BMR is the amount of energy, such as calories, that user
12 consumes at rest.
[0025] In one particular embodiment, activity monitor 14 may use
METs as the activity data metric to calculate the raw activity
energy expenditure data (RawAEE_MET) by user 12. In this
embodiment, the equation used by activity monitor 14 for
determining the raw METs expended by user 12 may be:
RawAEE_MET=(c*|a|)+1
The variable |a| used by RawAEE_MET is a value determined by
activity monitor 14 based on signals generated by accelerometer in
response to activity by user 12. The variable |a| may refer to the
average of the absolute value of acceleration data over a
particular time period. Determining the value of |a| is explained
in more detail below in FIG. 3. The constants, c and 1, used by
RawAEE_MET may be a predetermined value stored in activity monitor
14. These predetermined values associated with the constants may be
stored in activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of
activity monitor 14, by downloading new software for activity
monitor 14, or any other suitable way. The constant c may be a
predetermined value used to multiply against |a| to produce an
expected value. For example, the constant c may be a value
determined by the amplification factor of the amplifier electronics
of activity monitor 14 in addition to the type of analog to digital
converter used by activity monitor 14. The constant 1 refers to one
MET.
[0026] In one particular embodiment, activity monitor 14 may use
PAM points as the activity data metric to calculate the raw
activity energy expenditure data (RawAEE_PAM) by user 12. In this
embodiment, the equation used by activity monitor 14 for
determining the raw PAM points expended by user 12 may be:
RawAEE_PAM=c*|a|
The variable |a| used by RawAEE_PAM is a value determined by
activity monitor 14 based on signals generated by accelerometer in
response to activity by user 12. The variable |a| may refer to the
average of the absolute value of acceleration data over a
particular time period. Determining the value of |a| is explained
in more detail below in FIG. 3. The constant c used by RawAEE_PAM
may be a predetermined value stored in activity monitor 14. These
predetermined values associated with the constants may be stored in
activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of activity
monitor 14, by downloading new software for activity monitor 14, or
any other suitable way. The constant c may be a predetermined value
used to multiply against |a| to produce an expected value. In
alternative embodiments, PAM points may be defined differently such
that RawAEE_PAM may utilize a different equation for determining
the raw PAM points expended by user 12. Additionally, other
alternative embodiments may utilize other activity data metrics for
determining the raw activity data of energy expended by user
12.
[0027] It is important to mention that activity monitor 14 is
operable to determine the energy expended for one or more activity
data metrics without requiring user 12 to enter any personal
information. For example, METs and PAM points are substantially
independent of body weight. Therefore, METs and PAM points can
express activity energy expended by user 12 without knowledge of
user's personal information, such as gender, age, height, or
weight. As a result, activity monitor 14 may be operable to provide
activity data in METs and PAM points without requiring user 12 to
input any personal information. Activity monitor 14 may store the
necessary equations and data for calculating the energy expended in
activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of activity
monitor 14, by downloading new software for activity monitor 14, or
any other suitable way.
[0028] It is also important to mention that activity monitor 14 is
operable to determine the speed of user 12 without requiring user
12 to enter any personal information. User's speed may be a direct
relationship to the METs or PAM points expended by user 12.
Activity monitor 14 may store the necessary equations and data for
determining the speed of user in activity monitor 14 during the
manufacture process of activity monitor 14, by downloading new
software for activity monitor 14, or any other suitable way. The
speed element 56 calculates the speed of user 12, and this is
discussed in more detail below.
[0029] In one embodiment, activity monitor 14 may also measure the
time spent by user 12 in the light, medium, and high activity
zones. Literature or information available on web portal 40 may
instruct users 12 how much time should be spent in each activity
zone. The light activity zone may be associated with energy
expended by user 12 while fidgeting, i.e., not a sedentary state,
but also not walking at a brisk pace or activity with similar
intensity. For example, data indicating speed of less than four
kilometers per hour (km/h) but more than one km/h or activity
energy expended data representing more than two METs but less than
four METs may be associated with the light activity zone. The
medium activity zone may be associated with energy expended by user
12 during low intensity physical activity, such as walking. For
example, data indicating speed greater than four km/h and less than
eight km/h or activity energy expended data greater than three METs
and less than seven METs may be associated with the medium activity
zone. The high activity zone may be associated with energy expended
by user during high intensity physical activity, such as running.
For example, data indicating speed of greater than eight km/h or
activity energy expended data greater than seven METs may be
associated with the high activity zone. The light activity zone may
be referred to as the life activity zone, the medium activity zone
may be referred to as the health activity zone, and the high
activity zone may be referred to as the sports zone. In alternative
embodiments, the activity zones may utilize different threshold
values. In another embodiment, the activity zones may utilize
different activity data metrics, such as PAM points.
[0030] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
system 10 achieves an effective way for activity monitor 14 to
correct raw activity energy expended data when user 12 is engaged
in high intensity physical activity, such as running. System 10
also achieves an effective way for activity monitor 14 to determine
speed of user 12 based on the corrected activity energy expended
data. Activity monitor 14 comprising a single accelerometer may
produce signals proportional to energy expenditure of user 12. The
single accelerometer may produce signals associated with the up and
down (vertical) axis, such that signals are generated in response
to user's body movement in the up and down (vertical) axis.
[0031] During physical activities requiring low intensity, such as
walking, activity monitor 14 may process these signals to a raw
activity data metric, such that this activity data metric may
represent an accurate value of the actual energy expended by user
12. This raw activity energy expended data may be accurate while
user 12 is walking because the dominant direction of user's body
movement is in the up and down direction occurring along the
vertical axis. However, during physical activities requiring high
intensity, such as running, activity monitor 14 may process these
signals to a raw activity energy expended data metric, such that
this raw activity energy expended data may represent an inaccurate
value of the actual energy expended by user 12. This raw activity
energy expended data may be inaccurate because user 12 expends
additional energy with forward and backward (horizontal) movement
of user's body during high intensity activity, such as running.
[0032] The single accelerometer associated with recording movement
along the vertical axis may not be able to produce accurate signals
associated with user's body movement in the backward and forward
direction occurring along the horizontal axis. Correction element
55 may receive the raw activity energy expended data and, if
needed, convert the raw activity energy expended data to a
corrected activity energy expended data, such that the corrected
activity energy expended data represents an accurate value of the
actual energy expended by user 12. This corrected activity energy
expended data includes energy expended by user 12 in both the
horizontal axis and the vertical axis.
[0033] Speed element 56 may receive the corrected activity energy
expended data to determine the speed of user 12 during high
intensity activity. Speed element 56 may use the raw activity
energy expended data to determine speed of user 12 during low
intensity activity. As a result, activity monitor 14 comprising a
single accelerometer may be operable to display the accurate
activity energy expended data and the accurate speed of user 12
during both low and high intensity physical activity.
[0034] Communication network 18 couples and facilitates wireless or
wire line communication between computer devices 16, activity
monitors 14, and servers 32. Communication network 18 may, for
example, communicate Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay
frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data,
and other suitable information between network addresses.
Communication network 18 may also communicate data via wireless
communications, such as by Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
standard protocols, including 802.11, third-generation (3G)
protocols (such as W-CDMA or CDMA 2000, for example), Bluetooth, or
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocols, for
example. Communication network 18 may include one or more local
area networks (LANs), radio access networks (RANs), metropolitan
area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), interactive
television networks, all or a portion of the global computer
network known as the Internet, and/or any other communication
system or systems at one or more locations.
[0035] User 12 may include any individual desiring to use activity
monitor 14. User 12 may wear activity monitor 14 and couple
activity monitor 14 to one or more computer devices 16 to connect
to web portal 40. Users 12 may engage in sedentary activity, low
intensity activity, or high intensity activity while wearing
activity monitor. User 12 may wear activity monitor 14 for an
entire day or only for an event for a specified period of time. In
one particular embodiment, users 12 may include physical education
students who couple their activity monitors 14 to computer device
16 to transmit the data from activity monitor 14 to web portal 40.
Web Portal 40 allows teachers to view the physical activity data of
their students and use this information to grade the students
according to the curriculum.
[0036] Activity monitor 14 is generally operable to measure body
movement of user 12. In one embodiment, activity monitor 14 may
also store data, receive data, convert data, display data, and
transmit data for a multitude of purposes. In one embodiment,
activity monitor 14 may comprise a single accelerometer, such that
this single accelerometer may measure the user's up and down
movement occurring on the vertical axis. Activity monitor 14 may
only utilize one activity data metric or activity monitor may
utilize a plurality of activity data metrics.
[0037] For example, based on signals associated with user's body
movement, activity monitor 14 may measure one or more activity data
metrics that may include calories, distances, PAM points, METs,
speed, life zone minutes, health zone minutes, or sports zone
minutes. Memory in activity monitor 14 may include volatile or
non-volatile memory including, without limitation, magnetic media,
optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
removable media, or any other suitable local or remote memory
component. In general, the memory may store various data including
activity data metrics, equations and constant values associated
with the equations, a user's account information, a user's goals,
etcetera. For example, user's account information may include a
unique identification number associated with each user 12. Activity
monitor 14 may be operable to receive data from web portal 40,
computer device 16, machine, or any other device. Activity monitor
14 may further operable to transmit data to web portal 40 or
computer device 16. Activity monitor 14 may include a graphics card
to display streaming video and data stored in memory. Activity
monitor 14 may include a processor to convert signals from
accelerometer and utilize equations for performing calculations.
For example, activity monitor 14 may utilize equations from
correction element 55 and/or speed element 56 to determine the
actual energy expended by user and the actual speed of user 12.
Activity monitor 14 may be operable to receive software updates
from server 32. Additional details of activity monitor 14 are
listed below in FIG. 2.
[0038] Software and/or hardware may reside in activity monitor 14
in order to achieve the teachings of collecting data, converting
data, displaying data, and communicating data of the present
invention. However, due to their flexibility, activity monitor 14
may alternatively be equipped with (or include) any suitable
component, device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
processor, microprocessor, algorithm, read-only memory (ROM)
element, random access memory (RAM) element, erasable programmable
ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM),
field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable element
or object that is operable to facilitate the operations thereof.
Considerable flexibility is provided by the structure of activity
monitor 14 in the context of system 10 and, accordingly, it should
be construed as such.
[0039] Correction element 55 may represent any suitable combination
of hardware, software, and/or controlling logic operable to receive
raw activity energy expended data and process the raw activity
energy expended data to determine the corrected activity energy
expended data, such that the corrected activity energy expended
data represents the actual energy expended by user 12. As explained
above, activity monitor 14 may comprise a single uni-axial
accelerometer that calculates raw activity energy expended data
while user 12 is engaged in high intensity physical activity, such
that this raw activity energy expended data represents an
inaccurate amount of energy expended by user 12 since the backward
and forward movement occurring on the horizontal axis may not be
accurately measured by the uni-axial accelerometer measuring the up
and down movement occurring on the vertical axis. Correction
element 55 may correct the inaccurate raw activity energy expended
data, such that the corrected activity energy expended data
represents the actual energy expended by user 12 while engaged in
high intensity physical activity. As a result, correction element
55 or any suitable component of activity monitor 14 may determine
to only correct the raw activity energy expenditure data if the raw
activity energy expenditure data is greater than a predetermined
threshold value representing the value when the raw activity energy
expenditure data begins to become inaccurate as a result of the
high intensity physical activity.
[0040] In one embodiment, correction element 55 may utilize an
equation to determine the corrected activity energy expenditure
data (CorAEE). The equation utilized by correction element 55 may
be based on the expected activity energy expenditure data (ExpAEE).
The expected activity energy expenditure data for a particular
activity data metric may be determined by a formula that expresses
a relationship between the actual energy expended during low
intensity physical activity, such as walking, and the actual energy
expended during high intensity physical activity, such as running.
The equation for the expected activity energy expenditure data in
METs is illustrated below in FIG. 4A.
[0041] For example, the equation for calculating the expected
activity energy expenditure data using the MET as the physical
activity metric may be a function of low intensity physical
activity, such as walking, and a function of high intensity
physical activity, such as running, as published by the American
College of Sports Medicine (Ainsworth et al., Compendium of
physical activities: An update of activity codes and MET
intensities, Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 2000, S498-S516). This
equation for calculating the expected activity energy expenditure
data in METs may be:
ExpAEE_MET=(G*v)+1
[0042] The variable v used to calculate ExpAEE_MET is the velocity
of user 12 in terms of km/h. The constant G is 0.49 h/km for low
intensity physical activity, such as walking, that occurs while the
velocity of user 12 is less than eight km/h. The constant G is 0.95
h/km for high intensity physical activity, such as running, that
occurs while the velocity of user 12 is greater than eight km/h.
The constant G represents the gradient, such that activity energy
expended increases at a gradient of 0.95 h/km during high intensity
physical activity and a gradient of 0.49 h/km during low intensity
physical activity. The constant 1 refers to one MET. This equation
for the expected activity energy expenditure data in METs is
illustrated below in FIG. 4A.
[0043] The equation for determining the corrected activity energy
expenditure data in METs may be determined by referencing the
equation of the expected activity energy expenditure data in METs.
Correction element 55 or any suitable component of activity monitor
14 may determine to only utilize this equation to correct the raw
activity energy expenditure data if the raw activity energy
expenditure data is greater than a predetermined threshold value
representing the value when the raw activity energy expenditure
data begins to become inaccurate as a result of the high intensity
physical activity.
[0044] This equation for calculating the corrected activity energy
expenditure in METs may be:
CorAEE_MET=(RawAEE_MET-T)*B+F
[0045] The variable RawAEE_MET used in this equation is the value
determined by activity monitor 14 in a previous calculation
described above for calculating the raw METs expended by user 12.
The constants, T, B, and F, are all associated with determining the
corrected activity energy expenditure in METs. The constants, T, B,
and F, may be a predetermined value stored in activity monitor 14.
These predetermined values associated with the constants may be
stored in activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of
activity monitor, by downloading new software for activity monitor,
or any other suitable way.
[0046] The constant T may be a predetermined value representing a
threshold value associated with high intensity physical activity,
such that the threshold value is a value from the raw activity
energy expended as calculated by activity monitor 14 based on
signals from the single uni-axial accelerometer. All raw activity
energy expended data above threshold value, T, may be associated
with high intensity physical activity, such as running. For
example, the threshold value associated with high intensity
physical activity, such as running, may be all raw values greater
than seven METs. This constant T may be the threshold value used to
determine when correction element 55 should be utilized to correct
raw activity energy expended data.
[0047] The constant B may be a predetermined value representing the
gradient of the corrected activity energy expenditure data in METs.
For example, B may be the quotient of the gradient G of the
expected raw activity energy expenditure data in METs divided by
the gradient of the raw activity energy expenditure data in METs.
The constant F may be a predetermined value representing the offset
value to apply to this equation, such that the offset value results
in the corrected activity energy expenditure data in METs to
essentially map the expected activity energy expenditure data in
METs. The steps for calculating the corrected activity energy
expenditure data in METs (CorAEE_MET) are explained in more detail
below in FIGS. 4A-4D.
[0048] In one embodiment, correction element 55 may determine to
utilize the equation for determining the corrected activity energy
expenditure data for only the raw activity energy expenditure data
associated with high intensity physical activity, such as running.
For example, when the MET is used as the physical activity metric,
correction element 55 may determine to only utilize the equation
for determining the corrected activity energy expenditure data for
raw activity energy expenditure data greater than the threshold
constant T. The threshold constant T is used as the determinant
because this is the threshold value where the uni-axial
accelerometer begins to generate inaccurate raw activity energy
expended data because of high intensity physical activity. As a
result of applying the equation for determining the corrected
activity energy expenditure data, activity monitor 14 comprising a
single uni-axial accelerometer may be operable to display an
accurate activity energy expended data during both low and high
intensity physical activity.
[0049] In alternative embodiments, other physical activity metrics,
such as PAM points, may have their own equations for expected
activity energy expended data and corrected activity energy
expended data. Correction element 55 may apply the different
equations for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data similarly to the MET, such that the equation may comprise a
variable of the raw activity energy expended data, such as
RawAEE_PAM, and one or more predetermined constants associated with
the particular physical activity metric.
[0050] Speed element 56 may represent any suitable combination of
hardware, software, and/or controlling logic operable to receive
the raw activity energy expended data and/or the corrected activity
energy expended data. Speed element may use this received data in
its speed equation for determining the speed of user 12 during
physical activity. Speed equation may calculate speed of user 12 by
taking the inverse of the expected activity energy expected
equation, such that the energy expended by user 12 is directly
related to the velocity of user 12. The relationship between
expected activity energy expended data and speed of user 12 is
illustrated below in FIG. 4E.
[0051] In one embodiment, speed element 56 may determine to use the
raw activity energy expended data in the speed equation to
determine speed of user 12 during low intensity activity. In one
embodiment, speed element 56 may determine to use the corrected
activity energy expended data in the speed equation to determine
speed of user 12 during high intensity activity. For example, when
the MET is used as the physical activity metric, speed element 56
may determine to use the corrected activity energy expended data in
the speed equation if the raw activity energy expenditure data is
greater than the threshold constant T. If the raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs is less than threshold constant T, speed
element 56 may determine to use the raw activity energy expended
data in the speed equation. As a result, activity monitor 14
comprising a single uni-axial accelerometer may be operable to
display an accurate speed of user 12 during both low and high
intensity physical activity. Additionally, speed element 56 allows
activity monitor to display speed of user without requiring user to
input any personal information, such as height or weight.
[0052] For example, the equation for calculating the speed of user
12 utilizing the MET as the physical activity metric may be a
function of low intensity physical activity, such as walking, and a
function of high intensity physical activity, such as running, as
published by the American College of Sports Medicine (Ainsworth et
al., Compendium of physical activities: An update of activity codes
and MET intensities, Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 2000, S498-S516). The
equation for calculating the speed of user 12 associated with METs
expended during low intensity physical activity may be:
LowIntensitySpeed=(RawAEE_MET-1)/G
For the LowIntensitySpeed calculation, the variable RawAEE_MET is
the raw activity energy expenditure data calculated previously. The
constant G is 0.49 h/km for low intensity physical activity, such
as walking, that occurs while the velocity of user 12 is less than
eight km/h. The constant 1 refers to one MET.
[0053] The equation for calculating the speed of user 12 associated
with METs expended during high intensity physical activity may
be:
HighIntensitySpeed=(CorAEE_MET-1)/G
For the HighIntensitySpeed calculation, the variable CorAEE_MET is
the corrected activity energy expenditure data calculated
previously. The constant G is 0.95 h/km for high intensity physical
activity, such as running, that occurs while the velocity of user
12 is greater than eight km/h. The constant 1 refers to one
MET.
[0054] Computer device 16 may include appropriate input devices,
output devices, mass storage media, processors, memory, or other
components for receiving, processing, storing, and/or communicating
information with other components of system 10. As used in this
document, the term "computer" is intended to encompass a docking
station, personal computer, health station, workstation, network
computer, wireless data port, wireless telephone, personal digital
assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, game console, one or more
processors within these or other devices, or any other suitable
processing device. It will be understood that any number of
computer devices 16 may be coupled to other computer devices 16 or
communication network 18. Computer devices 16 are generally
operated by users 12 or coupled with activity monitors 14 to access
web portal 40.
[0055] In one embodiment, computer device 16 may comprise a browser
application, such as an Internet web browser, for example. Browser
application may allow user 12 of computer device 16 to navigate
through, or "browse," various Internet web sites or web pages.
Computer device 16 may also comprise one or more graphics
applications, such as a FLASH.TM. application for example, operable
to display various types of data received via communication network
18, such as graphics, video, and streaming data (such as video
and/or audio), for example.
[0056] In one embodiment, activity monitor 14 may be coupled to
computer device 16 such that user 12 can access web portal 40
without intervention from a third party (for example, a webmaster
forwarding information). Activity monitor 14 may function as a
digital key to web portal 40 so that users instantly access web
portal 40 without having to launch an Internet web browser or type
in a username or password. The user will be able to instantly
interact with web portal 40.
[0057] Server 32 is generally operable to provide an interface
between users 12 and web portal 40. One or more servers 32 may be
web application servers or simple processors operable to allow
users 12 to participate with web portal 40 via the communication
network 18 using a standard user interface language such as, for
example, the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). In some embodiments,
one or more servers 32 may be physically distributed such that each
server 32, or multiple instances of each server 32, may be located
in a different physical location geographically remote from each
other. In other embodiments, one or more servers 32 may be combined
and/or integral to each other. One or more servers 32 may be
implemented using a general-purpose personal computer (PC), a
Macintosh, a workstation, a UNIX-based computer, a server computer,
or any other suitable processing device.
[0058] In one embodiment, server 32 may be operable to configure
and/or update all activity monitors 14 of a group of users 12, such
that all activity monitors 14 used by a particular business entity
are configured and/or updated with the same functionality, such as
using the same activity data metrics. For example, business entity
may desire to have all activity data displayed with PAM points now
instead of METs as was originally installed on activity monitor.
This software update to utilize PAM points may include loading a
new equation for calculating raw PAM points based on signals from
accelerometer, and a new equation utilized by correction element
for correcting the raw PAM points to a corrected PAM points value
representing the actual energy expended by user.
[0059] In one embodiment, server 32 may be operable to provide
security and/or authentication of users 12 or other persons or
entities attempting to access web portal 40. For example, servers
32 may essentially provide a firewall for entities attempting to
access web portal 40. In addition, servers 32 may be operable to
translate one or more data protocols used by web portal 40 with one
or more protocols used by applications hosted by one or more
computer devices 16.
[0060] In one embodiment, one or more servers 32 are web
application servers operable to communicate dynamically updated
information to particular computer devices 16 via communication
network 18 including the identity of user 12. For example, one or
more servers 32 may communicate updated information on web portal
40 to particular computer devices 16 or activity monitors 14 via
communication network 18.
[0061] Server 32 may further comprise a memory that may be accessed
or otherwise utilized by one or more components of interactive
community. The memory may take the form of volatile or non-volatile
memory including, without limitation, magnetic media, optical
media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
removable media, or any other suitable local or remote memory
component. In general, the server memory may store various data
including a user's account information, a user's goals, a user's
activity data, and a population's activity data.
[0062] Databases 34 may be operable to store various data
associated with web portal 40, such as information regarding users
12, computer devices 16, and activity monitors 14. Databases 34 may
communicate with servers 32 such that servers 32 may store
information, retrieve information, and share information with each
other. Databases 34 may provide a backup in the case of outages or
other failures of various components of web portal. Other
architectures and components of servers 32 may be used without
departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0063] Web portal 40 may comprise one or more web sites. Web portal
may also comprise hardware and software that provide users of the
web with the ability to search for information on the web including
information in the web portal 40, documents, media, or other
resources coupled to the web. The web sites on web portal 40 may
include user's websites and informational websites. Web portal 40
provides a central location for users to get together with each
other.
[0064] In one embodiment, web portal 40 may require user 12 to log
in. User 12 may be required to enter a username and password to
access personal page. In one embodiment, activity monitor 14 may be
associated with a unique id number and web portal 40 may
automatically log in user 12 to web portal when user 12 connects
activity monitor 14 to computer device 16. Activity monitor 14 may
update information stored in database 34 of web portal 40, such as
updated activity energy expended data. Web portal 40 may comprise a
personal coach page for user 12 comprising personal data of user
12, such as the name, photo, address, city, country, weight,
height, age, gender, and weight goal. Logic in web portal 40 may
use personal data of user 12 to generate instructions or update
goals.
[0065] The personal goals of user 12 in terms of a desired activity
zone level and a desired weight may be calculated and displayed on
a page in web portal 40. Such calculations may be based on the
personal data of user 12, such as weight, height, age, and gender,
as well as on other personal parameters that can be changed and/or
updated on a preferences page and/or on the METs expended of the
first week and/or a numerical parameter representing the motivation
of user 12. Upon approval of user, the calculated goals are set to
be reached at the end of a specified time period, such as six
months. During this period, the personal user page may provide
information concerning the personal history of user 12 in terms of
activity, body weight, and advice comprising suggestions for
reaching the personal goals, such as walking a half an hour every
day and running five km every day.
[0066] In one embodiment, web portal 40 comprises a resource page
including links to interesting pages that may help user 12 reach
the personal goals, such as a link to a page containing recipes
which support a healthy lifestyle, a link to a service providing
direct access to an instructor or dietician, and a link containing
information on regional activities. If a goal is reached by user
12, the personal page may display a message congratulating user 12
or send an actual congratulations post card to user's address. A
special printer associated with web portal may do this
automatically.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates an
activity monitor apparatus used in the system in accordance with a
particular embodiment of the present invention. Activity monitor 14
includes an accelerometer 50, a processor 52, a memory 54, a
correction element 55, a speed element 56, a port 57, a display 58,
a mode button 60, a special event button 62, one or more input
buttons 64, a skin 70, and a clip 80. Display 58 is operable to
display an activity meter 59 and several different modes including
daily points 58A, average daily points for a week 58B, activity
zone minutes 58C, daily calories 58D, total weekly calories 58E,
daily distance traveled 58F, total weekly distance traveled 58G,
auxiliary mode 58H, special event mode 581, a clock 58J, and speed
58K.
[0068] Accelerometer 50 is a device that is used to convert an
acceleration from gravity or from motion into an electrical signal.
The input for accelerometer 50 is generally gravity or motion.
Accelerometer 50 may measure acceleration in units of "g's." One
"g" is defined as the earth's gravitational pull on an object or a
person. For example, 1 g represents the acceleration exerted by the
Earth's gravity on an object or person (for example, a cell phone
on a desk experiences 1 g of acceleration). The acceleration range
experienced by a person when walking is between 0.1-2.0 g. In one
embodiment, accelerometer 50 may be a uni-axial sensor that
measures up and down movement of user along the vertical axis.
Accelerometer 50 may determine the raw activity energy expended
data by user 12. Accelerometer 50 is explained in more detail below
in FIG. 3.
[0069] Processor 52 controls the operation and administration of
activity monitor 14 by processing information and signals.
Processor 52 includes any suitable hardware, software, or both that
operate to control and process signals. Processor 52 may be
microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable computing
devices, resources, or combination of hardware, software and/or
encoded logic. For example, processor 52 may be used to calculate
the raw activity energy expended data by utilizing data from
accelerometer 50. Processor 52 may also be used by correction
element 55 and speed element 56 to determine the corrected activity
energy ended data and the speed of user 12.
[0070] Memory 54 may be accessed or otherwise utilized by activity
monitor 14. Memory 54 may take the form of volatile or non-volatile
memory including, without limitation, magnetic media, optical
media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
removable media, or any other suitable local or remote memory
component. In general, memory 54 may store various data including
data from accelerometer, data from processor, and data from web
portal. Memory may also include equations and predetermined
constants associated with correction element 55 and speed element
56.
[0071] Port 56 may communicate information and signals to one or
more computer devices 16 and receive information and signals from
one or more computer devices 16. Port 56 may also communicate
information and signals to communication network 18 and receive
information and signals from communication network 18. Port 56 may
represent any connection, real or virtual, including any suitable
hardware and/or software that may allow activity monitor 14 to
exchange information and signals with communication network 18, one
or more computer devices 14, and/or other elements of system 10.
For example, port 56 enables activity monitor 14 to receive data
from web portal 40. Port 56 further enables activity monitor to
transmit data to web portal 40 including all updated activity data.
Port may be a serial communication port or a Universal Serial Bus
(USB) port.
[0072] Display 58 is operable to display one or more images in one
or more formats. Images viewed in display 58 may include daily
points 58A, average daily points for a week 58B, activity zone
minutes 58C, daily calories 58D, total weekly calories 58E, daily
distance traveled 58F, total weekly distance traveled 58G,
auxiliary mode 58H, special event mode 581, a clock 58J, speed 58K,
and an activity meter 59.
[0073] Daily points 58A may be viewed on display 58. Daily points
58A may represent any activity data metric associated with activity
energy expended. For example, if activity monitor utilized the MET
as the activity data metric, then METs expended for the day may be
viewed by user 12. The daily points 58A provide user 12 with a
simple and straightforward method to quantify and express the total
amount of activity that user 12 achieves over a single day. The
average daily points for a week 58B allows user 12 to track how
consistent user 12 has been active for the past seven days. Web
portal 40 or other literature may indicate the amount of daily
points 58A users 12 should strive to accumulate to achieve a
healthy lifestyle. By displaying a simple format, such as PAM
points or METs, activity monitor 14 engages user 12 to stay active
until user 12 has expended enough energy. Correction element 55
allows for activity monitor 14 to calculate and display the
accurate amount of activity energy expended data, such as PAM
points or METs, even when user 12 is engaged in high intensity
physical activity.
[0074] Activity zone minutes 58C may be viewed on display 58.
Activity zones may display life zone minutes, health zone minutes,
and sport zone minutes. The activity zones may also be called light
zone minutes, medium zone minutes, and heavy zone minutes as
described in FIG. 1 above. Life zone minutes may include very light
activity, such as slow walking but not sitting down. Health zone
minutes may include walking activity (faster than 4 km/h) or
comparable activity consistent with recommendations from the
medical community necessary for a beneficial health effect, i.e.,
such as walking thirty minutes a day most days of the week. Sport
zone minutes may include running activity or activity with similar
physical intensity. Web portal 40 or other literature may indicate
the amount of time user 12 should strive to accumulate in the
activity zones to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Displaying activity
zone minutes 58C engages user 12 to stay active until user 12 has
accumulated enough activity zone minutes 58C in each associated
activity zone.
[0075] Daily calories expended 58D may be viewed on display 58.
Correction element 55 allows for activity monitor 14 to calculate
and display the accurate amount of calories expended even when user
12 is engaged in high intensity physical activity. The total weekly
calories expended 58E may also be viewed on display 58. Web portal
40 or other literature may indicate the amount of calories user 12
should expend to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Displaying the amount
of calories expended engages user to stay active until user 12 has
expended enough calories.
[0076] Daily distance traveled 58F may be viewed on display 58.
Activity monitor 14 may allow user 12 to set the measurement of
distance including feet, miles or kilometers, etcetera. Total
weekly distance 58G traveled may also be viewed on display 58. Web
portal 40 or other literature may indicate the amount of distance
users 12 should travel to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Displaying
the amount of distance traveled engages user 12 to stay active
until user 12 has traveled far enough.
[0077] Auxiliary mode 58H may be viewed on display 58. In auxiliary
mode 58H, user 12 may manually input numbers into activity monitor
14. For example, a physician may give user 12 a regimen to take
three pills a day or eat five vegetables a day. Physician or user
12 may input this information into web portal 40. Web portal 40 may
transmit this information to activity monitor 14 such that activity
monitor 14 may display this information. Activity monitor 14 may be
operable for user 12 to manually input each time user 12 takes a
pill or eats a vegetable, such that the auxiliary mode displays the
updated information. User 12 may press a button on activity monitor
14 for every pill or vegetable. User 12 may connect activity
monitor 14 to web portal 40, such that auxiliary mode 58H
information is automatically transmitted to web portal 40.
Physician may monitor web portal 40 to make sure user 12 is in
compliance of a regimen (for example, user is taking the number of
pills per day and eating the number of vegetables per day).
Auxiliary mode 58H may enable user 12 to properly track a diet
regimen. Users 12 may not remember how many pills that they have
taken throughout the day, and auxiliary mode 58H enables users 12
to track their personal regimen. Physicians may also monitor their
patients to make sure that patients are compliant with the regimen
prescribed for them.
[0078] Special event mode 581 may be viewed on display 58. Special
event mode 581 enables user 12 to begin special event 581 and to
end special event 581. Additionally, special event mode 581 enables
machines, like a treadmill, to begin a special event and to end a
special event. For example, a treadmill may send a signal to
activity monitor 14 to begin a special event when the treadmill is
turned on and to end a special event when the treadmill is turned
off. The activity monitor 14 may track the activity data during the
special event 581 time period, such that user 12 can monitor
activity of specific events. Alternatively, user 12 may manually
press a button for special event 581 to begin at the start of a
marathon and manually press a button for special event 581 to end
when user 12 crosses the finish line. Special event mode 581 may
enable users to monitor specific activity events, which engages
users 12 to become more active.
[0079] Clock 58J may be viewed on display 58. Clock 58J may be the
time of day. Clock 58J may also be a stopwatch to monitor the
amount of time spent on an activity. Activity meter 59 may be
viewed on display 58. Activity meter 59 may comprise one or more
bars such that no bars are displayed while user 12 is stationary,
and the number of bars displayed will increase as user's current
activity level increases.
[0080] Speed 58K may be viewed on display 58. Speed may be
displayed in any suitable units, such as kilometers per hour, miles
per hour, etc. By displaying speed 58K, activity monitor 14 engages
user 12 to stay active because user 12 has real-time knowledge of
current speed. Speed element 56 allows for activity monitor 14 to
calculate and display the accurate speed of user 12 even when user
12 is engaged in high intensity physical activity.
[0081] Mode button 60 on activity monitor 14 enables user 12 to
toggle through one or more display modes for user 12 to view. For
example, user 12 may press mode button to toggle display 58 from
daily points to daily calories expended 58D to special event mode
581, etcetera. Special event button 62 on activity monitor 14
enables user 12 to begin and to end a special event. One or more
input buttons 64 on activity monitor 14 enable user 12 to input
information like incrementing the counter in auxiliary mode
58H.
[0082] Skin 70 encases the outside of activity monitor 14. Skin 70
may be removable and replaced with one or more skins 70. Skin 70
may have different features including a different color, material,
and texture. Clip 80 may attach to back of activity monitor 14.
Clip 80 enables user 12 to easily attach activity monitor 14 to an
article of clothing. For example, clip 80 associated with activity
monitor 14 comprising a single uni-axial accelerometer 50 allows
accelerometer 50 to properly measure up and down movement of user
12 along the vertical axis. Clip 80 may be removable and replaced
with one or more clips 80. Clip 80 may also have different features
including a different color, material, and texture.
[0083] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram that illustrates an
activity monitor generating signals in response to a user's
movement. For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to
provide some overview as to the way in which the following
invention operates. The following foundational information may be
viewed as a basis from which the present invention may be properly
explained.
[0084] The circuitry of activity monitor 14 may comprise a single
uni-axial accelerometer 50a, such as a uni-axial piezo-electric
accelerometer 50a, which registers up and down body movement of
user 12 along the vertical axis. Other types of accelerometer may
be employed, such as piezo-resistive accelerometers, capacitive
accelerometers, or other types of measuring methods to determine
acceleration. The aforementioned clip in FIG. 2 facilitates
attachment of activity monitor to user 12, such as attaching to the
belt of user 12, in such a way that ensures a substantially
horizontal position when user 12 is standing upright. This allows
the uni-axial accelerometer 50a to obtain accurate measurements
occurring along the vertical axis. In other embodiments, it is
possible to use multiple accelerometer sensors 50b, 50c to measure
different movements of user 12 along one or more axis.
[0085] Accelerometer 50a generates signals associated with
movements of user 12. Signals may be filtered using a band-pass
filter to make sure that the signals occur in a frequency range
typical for human motion, such as from 0.5 to 5 Hz with an
amplitude of less than 5 G. Signal may be an analogous signal, such
that a voltage fluctuates in a range from 0 mV to 10 mV.
[0086] This signal is subsequently amplified by means of
amplification circuitry 72 and converted to a digital sequence of
numbers by means of an A/D converter 78 with a sample frequency,
such as 32 Hz. A dedicated processor calculates the average of the
absolute value of the acceleration data over a specified time, such
as the last second, last minute, last day or the last week. The
average of the absolute value of the acceleration data over a
specified time is used to obtain the raw activity energy expended
data.
[0087] For example, as described above in FIG. 1, the formula for
calculating the raw activity energy expended data in METs may
be:
RawAEE_MET=(c*|a|)+1
To calculate the average value of the MET over a certain period of
time, such as a day, the signal may be processed as follows. The
signal, which fluctuates within the said range of 0 mV to 10 mV, is
amplified by an amplification factor and sampled by the A/D
converter 78, which then generates a sample value, such as an
integer in a range from 0 to 1024. Subsequently the absolute value
is calculated so that the average of the values may represent the
variable |a|. The constant c may be a predetermined number, such
that the value of c may be determined by comparing the |a| value in
METs with the expected value in METs obtained by measuring the
actual energy expended by a plurality of subjects.
[0088] In one embodiment, activity monitor 14 may utilize a
calibration factor to compensate for variations specific to the
accelerometer type used. For example, piezo-electric sensor
variations are plus or minus five percent. Therefore, a calibration
factor for piezo-electric sensors may be in a range from 0.95 to
1.05.
[0089] Processor 58 may store the RawAEE_MET in memory. Activity
monitor 14 may display RawAEE_MET or it may determine that
correction element 55 and/or speed element 56 should process the
RawAEE_MET.
[0090] FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating an example equation for
calculating the expected activity energy expended data in METs. In
one embodiment, correction element 55 may utilize an equation to
determine the corrected activity energy expenditure data (CorAEE).
The equation utilized by correction element 55 may be based on the
expected activity energy expenditure data (ExpAEE). The expected
activity energy expenditure data for a particular activity data
metric may be determined by a formula that expresses a relationship
between the actual energy expended during low intensity physical
activity, such as walking, and the actual energy expended during
high intensity physical activity, such as running.
[0091] For example, the equation for calculating the expected
activity energy expenditure data using the MET as the physical
activity metric may be a function of low intensity physical
activity, such as walking, and a function of high intensity
physical activity, such as running, as published by the American
College of Sports Medicine (Ainsworth et al., Compendium of
physical activities: An update of activity codes and MET
intensities, Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 2000, S498-S516). This
equation for calculating the expected activity energy expenditure
data in METs may be:
ExpAEE_MET=(G*v)+1
[0092] The variable v used to calculate ExpAEE_MET is the velocity
of user 12 in terms of km/h. The constant G is 0.49 h/km for low
intensity physical activity, such as walking, that occurs while the
velocity of user 12 is less than eight km/h. The constant G is 0.95
h/km for high intensity physical activity, such as running, that
occurs while the velocity of user 12 is greater than eight km/h.
The constant G represents the gradient, such that activity energy
expended increases at a gradient of 0.95 h/km during high intensity
physical activity and a gradient of 0.49 h/km during low intensity
physical activity. The constant 1 refers to one MET. This equation
for the expected activity energy expenditure data is illustrated by
the graph in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating step one of
an example equation for calculating the corrected activity energy
expended data in METs. The equation for determining the corrected
activity energy expenditure data in METs may be determined by
referencing the equation of the expected activity energy
expenditure data in METs. This equation for calculating the
corrected activity energy expenditure in METs may be:
CorAEE_MET=(RawAEE_MET-T)*B+F
The variable RawAEE_MET used in this equation is the value
determined by activity monitor 14 in a previous calculation
described above for calculating the raw METs expended by user 12.
The constants, T, B, and F, are all associated with determining the
corrected activity energy expenditure in METs. The constants, T, B,
and F, may be a predetermined value stored in activity monitor 14.
These predetermined values associated with the constants may be
stored in activity monitor 14 during the manufacture process of
activity monitor, by downloading new software for activity monitor,
or any other suitable way.
[0093] The constant T may be a predetermined value representing a
threshold value associated with high intensity physical activity,
such that the threshold value is a value from the raw activity
energy expended as calculated by activity monitor 14 based on
signals from the single uni-axial accelerometer. All raw activity
energy expended data above threshold value, T, may be associated
with high intensity physical activity, such as running. For
example, the threshold value associated with high intensity
physical activity, such as running, may be all raw values greater
than five METs. As will be explained later, this constant T may
also be used to determine when correction element 55 should be
utilized to correct raw activity energy expended data.
[0094] As illustrated in the graph of FIG. 4B, the first step of
calculating the corrected activity energy expenditure data in METs
may involve subtracting the constant T from the variable
RawAEE_MET.
[0095] FIG. 4C is a graph illustrating step two of an example
equation for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data in METs. The constant B may be a predetermined value
representing the gradient of the corrected activity energy
expenditure data in METs. For example, B may be the quotient of the
gradient G of the expected raw activity energy expenditure data in
METs divided by the gradient of the raw activity energy expenditure
data in METs. As illustrated in the graph of FIG. 4C, the second
step of calculating the corrected activity energy expenditure data
in METs may involve multiplying the factor B to the value obtained
from subtracting the constant T from the variable RawAEE MET.
[0096] FIG. 4D is a graph illustrating step three of an example
equation for calculating the corrected activity energy expended
data in METs. The constant F may be a predetermined value
representing the offset value to apply to this equation, such that
the offset value results in the corrected activity energy
expenditure data in METs to essentially map the expected activity
energy expenditure data in METs. As illustrated in the graph of
FIG. 4D, the third step of calculating the corrected activity
energy expenditure data in METs may involve adding the offset, F,
to the value obtained by multiplying the factor B to the value
obtained from subtracting the constant T from the variable RawAEE
MET.
[0097] FIG. 4E is a graph illustrating an example equation for
calculating the speed of user based on METs expended. For example,
the equation for calculating the speed of user 12 utilizing the MET
as the physical activity metric may be a function of low intensity
physical activity, such as walking, and a function of high
intensity physical activity, such as running, as published by the
American College of Sports Medicine (Ainsworth et al., Compendium
of physical activities: An update of activity codes and MET
intensities, Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 2000, S498-S516). The
equation for calculating the speed of user 12 associated with METS
expended during low intensity physical activity may be:
LowIntensitySpeed=(RawAEE_MET-1)/G
[0098] For the LowIntensitySpeed calculation, the variable
RawAEE_MET is the raw activity energy expenditure data calculated
previously. The constant G is 0.49 h/km for low intensity physical
activity, such as walking, that occurs while the velocity of user
12 is less than eight km/h. The constant 1 refers to one MET.
[0099] The equation for calculating the speed of user 12 associated
with METS expended during high intensity physical activity may
be:
HighIntensitySpeed=(CorAEE_MET-1)/G
[0100] For the HighIntensitySpeed calculation, the variable
CorAEE_MET is the corrected activity energy expenditure data
calculated previously. The constant G is 0.95 h/km for high
intensity physical activity, such as running, that occurs while the
velocity of user 12 is greater than eight km/h. The constant 1
refers to one MET.
[0101] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method of
correction element 55 and speed element 56 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] The flowchart begins at step 502, when user wears activity
monitor. Activity monitor may comprise a single uni-axial
accelerometer. Activity monitor may be preprogrammed with equations
and the associated predetermined constants of the equations for
calculating the raw activity energy expenditure data in METs, the
corrected activity energy expenditure data in METs, and the speed
of user based on METs expended by user. As a result, user may wear
a new activity monitor and view the actual energy expended by user
and the speed of user, such that user never has to input any
personal information for these calculations.
[0103] At step 504, activity monitor determines if user is engaged
in low or high intensity physical activity. The raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs can be compared to the predetermined
threshold constant, T. The predetermined threshold constant, T, may
represent the value where raw activity energy expenditure data
deviates from the expected activity energy expenditure data as a
result of high intensity physical activity. If the raw activity
energy expenditure data in METs is equal to or greater than the
predetermined threshold constant, T, then user is engaged in high
intensity physical activity and activity monitor moves to step 512
to utilize correction element. Otherwise, if the raw activity
energy expenditure data in METs is less than the predetermined
threshold constant, T, then user is engaged in low intensity
physical activity and activity monitor moves to step 506.
[0104] At step 506, activity monitor has determined user is engaged
in low intensity physical activity. When engaged in low intensity
physical activity, the single uni-axial accelerometer generates
accurate values for raw activity energy expenditure data.
Therefore, activity monitor displays the raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs to user.
[0105] At step 508, speed element determines speed of user based on
the raw activity energy expended. At step 510, activity monitor
displays speed to user.
[0106] At step 512, activity monitor has determined user is engaged
in high intensity physical activity. When engaged in high intensity
physical activity, the single uni-axial accelerometer generates
inaccurate values for raw activity energy expenditure data.
Therefore, activity monitor communicated the raw activity energy
expenditure data in METs to correction element. Correction element
utilizes a predetermined equation associated with METs to calculate
a corrected activity energy expenditure data in METs, which
represents the actual METs expended by user. At step 514, activity
monitor displays the corrected activity energy expenditure data in
METs to user.
[0107] At step 516, speed element determines speed of user based on
the corrected activity energy expended. At step 518, activity
monitor displays speed to user.
[0108] It is important to note that the stages and steps described
above illustrate only some of the possible scenarios that may be
executed by, or within, the present system. Some of these stages
and/or steps may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or these
stages and/or steps may be modified, enhanced, or changed
considerably without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, a number of these operations have been
described as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to,
one or more additional operations. However, the timing of these
operations may be altered. The preceding example flows have been
offered for purposes of teaching and discussion. Substantial
flexibility is provided by the tendered architecture in that any
suitable arrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing
mechanisms may be provided without departing from the broad scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, communications capabilities,
data processing features and elements, suitable infrastructure, and
any other appropriate software; hardware, or data storage objects
may be included within system 10 to effectuate the tasks and
operations of the elements and activities associated with executing
compatibility functions.
[0109] Although the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood
that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be
made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The illustrated network architecture of FIG. 1
has only been offered for purposes of example and teaching.
Suitable alternatives and substitutions are envisioned and
contemplated by the present invention: such alternatives and
substitutions being clearly within the broad scope of system 10.
For example, the use of the LAN could easily be replaced by a
virtual private network (VPN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), or any other
element that facilitates data propagation. Using analogous
reasoning, the computer device illustrated by FIG. 1 may be
supplanted by docking stations, health stations, gaming consoles,
or any other suitable devices that are conducive to network
communications. Furthermore, the activity monitor is not confined
to displaying only the modes shown in FIG. 2.
[0110] Although the present invention has been described with
several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations,
transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled
in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass
such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and
modifications as falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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