U.S. patent application number 12/508306 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-20 for physical activity reward system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Life 4 Kids, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael Heppert.
Application Number | 20100125028 12/508306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42172495 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100125028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heppert; Michael |
May 20, 2010 |
Physical Activity Reward System
Abstract
A physical activity reward system and method which rewards a
person performing physical activity with a reward, such as use of
an appliance such a TV viewing time. The system includes a physical
activity monitor capable of generating activity information
proportionate to the amount of exertion or work done. The system
may be used to record and keep track of the reward points or
information. The system may further control the supply of
electricity to an appliance through an electrical control module.
The electrical control module may be interposed between a source of
household electrical current and an electrical appliance such as a
TV set.
Inventors: |
Heppert; Michael; (Richmond,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP;5200 BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
600 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., SUITE 5200
ATLANTA
GA
30308-2216
US
|
Assignee: |
Life 4 Kids, LLC
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
42172495 |
Appl. No.: |
12/508306 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61115219 |
Nov 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/12 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 24/0059
20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B
2230/75 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A physical activity reward system, comprising: a physical
activity monitor capable of generating activity information related
to physical activity; a communication device for transferring the
activity information from the physical activity monitor to a
computer; wherein the computer is configured to convert the
activity information to reward information.
2. The physical activity reward system of claim 1, wherein the
communication device is a wireless communication device.
3. The system of claim 1, comprising: an electric flow control
device installed between a source of electrical power and an
electrical appliance, wherein the computer is configured to
activate the electric flow control device based upon the reward
information.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein electric flow control device is
activated to allow flow of electricity from the source of
electrical power to the electrical appliance.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the electric flow control device
comprises an bypass that allows flow of electricity from the source
of electrical power to the electrical appliance through electric
control device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the computer is configured to
transmit a signal to close the bypass.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the computer is configured to
transmit the signal to close the bypass at regular intervals.
8. The system of claim 3, wherein the reward information comprises
an amount of time that the electric flow control device is to be
activated.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer is configured to be
capable of allocating reward information to activate the electric
control device.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein a point of reward information
may be allocated to activate the electric control device for a
period of time.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the reward information is
calculated based upon a mathematical function of the activity
information.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the physical activity monitor
comprises at least one of a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a
global positioning satellite device, a pedometer, camera, or
combinations thereof.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the physical activity monitor
is capable of storing activity information.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the physical activity monitor
is capable of transferring the activity information to the
computer.
15. A method of rewarding physical activity, comprising: monitoring
physical activity using a physical activity monitor, generating
physical activity information, transferring the physical activity
information to a computer, and converting the physical activity
information into reward information.
16. The method of claim 15, comprising allocating the reward
information to certain activities or rewards.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein allocating the reward
information includes remotely controlling operation of an
electrical supply to an appliance.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the appliance is a computer,
television, or video game system.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the appliance relies upon
household electrical supply to operate such that an electricity
control module may be interposed between the household electrical
supply and the appliance.
20. A method of rewarding physical activity, comprising: entering
reward information into a computer, allocating at least a portion
of the reward information to operating an electrical appliance, and
activating electric flow control device capable of allowing flow of
electricity from the source of electrical power to the electrical
appliance for a period of time.
21. The method of claim 20, comprising: earning reward information
by completing a task.
22. The method of claim 21, comprising: entering the reward
information into a processing unit.
23. The method of claim 22, comprising: reducing the reward
information based upon the length of the period of time that the
electric flow control device is activated.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/115,219 filed on Nov. 17, 2008 which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a physical
activity reward system and methods of rewarding physical activity.
A physical activity reward system may be used to motivate
individuals to engage in physical activity. Embodiments of a
physical activity reward system comprise components that are
capable of measuring the amount of physical activity that a person
engages in and convert that measure of physical activity into
reward information or points ("reward points"). The reward points
may be allocated, used, or "cashed in" for a desired reward or
allow them to participate in a desired activity such as a trip to
an amusement park, a new bicycle, another gift, time playing
computer games or watching television, or any other desired
activity or reward.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a developing obesity and fitness problem among
adults and children. Our food products comprise more sugars and
fats and our time and effort is spent with more sedentary
activities and away from more physical activities. Children's time
is occupied with many hours at school and with homework, watching
television, using the computer, as well as other sedentary
activities. Physical activity is not a priority in daily life.
Though sporting activities are popular, people spend more time
watching sports than participating in them.
[0004] As such, there is a need for a physical activity reward
system that provides a means for rewarding physical activity with
other desired activities such as more sedentary activities.
[0005] There is a further need for a physical activity reward
system that provides a means for encouraging and developing a
lifestyle more balanced between physical activities and more
sedentary entertainment activities.
[0006] There is still a further need for a method of rewarding
physical activity that is capable of measuring an amount of
physical activity performed by a person, transferring the activity
information to a computer, converting that activity to reward
points, and providing a means for controlling and/or allocating the
reward information. There is a need for a physical activity reward
system that is capable of transferring activity information to the
computer conveniently and/or securely. There is an even further
need that for a physical activity rewards system that allows for
accumulation of rewards and allocation of reward points.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the invention relate to a physical activity
reward system comprising a physical activity monitor capable of
storing or transmitting physical activity information related to
physical activity and a communication device for transferring the
activity information from the physical activity monitor to a
computer or other processing device wherein the computer or other
processing device is configured to convert the activity information
to reward information or points. The reward information may be
proportional to the amount of physical activity that is performed
and measured by the physical activity monitor. Thus, the system
provides a means to accumulate, organize, keep track of, and
allocate reward points earned from participation in physical
activity. The system may further comprise an electric flow control
device installed between a source of electrical power and an
electrical appliance. In such an embodiment, the computer or other
processing device may be configured to activate the electric flow
control device to allow use of the appliance based upon the reward
information.
[0008] Embodiments of the invention also include a method of
rewarding physical activity, comprising electronically monitoring
physical activity and generating physical activity information. The
method may also include transferring at least a portion of the
physical activity information to a computer or internet website and
converting the physical activity information into reward points.
The reward points may be allocated to an amount of time to be spent
watching television, playing video games, using a computer, or
other desired activities. The reward information may also be
allocated to certain other activities or rewards or accumulated for
use at a later time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Reference to the following drawings along with the
specification provides an understanding of the nature and
embodiments of the invention reference, where:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a physical activity reward
system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of the method
of rewarding physical activity; and
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a further embodiment of the physical activity
reward system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
rewarding physical activity and/or other activities. Embodiments of
the method of rewarding physical activity comprise monitoring
physical activity, generating physical activity information,
transferring the physical activity information to a computer, the
internet, and/or another processor, and converting the physical
activity information into reward points. The methods may further
comprise allocating the reward points to certain activities or
rewards. The rewards may include, but are not limited to, monetary
rewards, a trip to a sporting or musical event, shopping trip, or a
day at an amusement park, or any other desired article or activity,
for example. The allocating of the reward information may include
remotely controlling operation of an electrical supply to an
appliance. For example, the appliance may be any appliance that may
be desired to be used such as, but not limited to, a computer,
television, or video game system. Preferably, the appliance relies
upon household electrical supply to operate such that an
electricity control module may be interposed between the household
electrical supply and the appliance. As such, the computer may
determine whether a particular person has accumulated sufficient
reward points to use the appliance. If sufficient reward points are
available, the computer may be requested to allow electricity to
flow through the control module to the desired appliance. The
computer may be configured to deduct reward points from the user's
account to activate the electric flow control device. The amount of
deducted points may be proportional to the amounts of time the
electric flow device is activated. The method or system may also
include appliances that are designed specifically for use with the
physical activity reward system. For example, the computer of the
system or method may be integrated into a video game system,
incorporated into a television, or a computer with computer games
that automatically check to determine whether sufficient reward
points are available to play the game, for example.
[0014] The method or system may use any type of physical activity
monitor capable of estimating the amount of physical activity
performed. The amount of physical activity may be measured by the
length of time the physical activity has been performed, the
distance traveled during the exercise session, an estimate of
virtual distance traveled on exercise equipment such as a rowing
machine or stationary bicycle, a measurement of acceleration such
as in wristwatch activity computers, an estimate of calories
burned, the average speed maintained during the physical activity,
the heart rate achieved and maintained during the physical
activity, the length of time the heart rate is above a certain
heart rate or within a specified heart rate range, other computer
monitored physical activity such as, but not limited to, use of
NINTENDO Wii Fit.RTM. software, any other means of measuring
physical activity, or a combination of any of these methods. The
physical activity monitor may be, for example, a heart rate
monitor, a global positioning satellite ("GPS") device, a pedometer
showing the number of steps taken, an exercise monitor such as
POLAR.TM. F55, activity computer or monitor such as POLAR.TM. AW200
or POLAR.TM. FA20, a bicycle computer, a motion sensor, a computer
or processing unit configured with cameras to monitor movement and
calculate physical activity based upon interpretation of the camera
images, or an electronic or mechanical device attached to the
exercise equipment. For example, in an embodiment of the physical
activity reward system, the amount of exercise may be estimated or
monitored by use of a heart monitor. An embodiment of the physical
activity reward system 100 is shown in FIG. 1, a person performing
physical activity such as running, jogging, walking, playing a
sport, may wear or hold a heart rate monitor 110, for example, that
measures and records physical activity information related to the
heart rate of the user. In this embodiment, the physical activity
information may include, but not limited to, actual heart rate, the
time the wearer is above a minimum heart rate and/or the time the
wearer is within a specified heart rate range. The heart rate
monitor 100 may transfer the activity information to a computer 120
either directly or wirelessly. Wireless transmission may be
sonically, infrared transmission, with radio frequency
transmission, a Bluetooth connection, WiFi connection, or other
known wireless transmission means. The heart rate monitor 110 may
be any number of commercially available heart rate monitors from
companies such as Polar.TM., Garmin.TM., Polar F6.TM. Heart Rate
Monitor or Polar RS800 G3 that includes GPS capabilities. The
computer 120 may then convert the activity information to reward
information and allocate the reward information to allow the
electricity control module 130 to allow electricity from the
household circuit 140 to power an appliance such as television
150.
[0015] The computer or other processing unit may control the
electricity control module through a transmitter connected to the
computer, such as a USB cable or wirelessly through a Bluetooth or
Wifi interface, for example. Additionally, there may be an
additional communication module that acts as a communication link
between the computer and the electricity control module. In this
way the communication module may provide additional versatility as
a means of communication. For example, the computer may control the
communication module through any of the above described means and
the communication module may transmit a signal to the electricity
control modules wirelessly, through a direct wired connection, or
through the household electrical supply wiring or a combination of
these means, for example.
[0016] The computer or other processing unit may be any processing
unit capable of receiving and storing information. Thus, any
processing unit may be used to communicate with the physical
activity monitor and receive the physical activity information, the
processing unit may be integral to the physical activity monitor,
may be a hand held unit such as a BLACKBERRY.TM. iPhone.TM.,
iPod.TM. or a personal computer. In certain embodiments, the
physical activity monitor is itself capable of calculating and
storing the physical activity information and also converting the
physical activity information into reward information or reward
points. In either embodiment wherein the physical activity monitor
or another processing unit does the conversion, the conversion of
physical activity information to reward information may be
performed by any desired algorithm or other method. For example, in
a simple case, one minute of physical activity, such as one minute
of activity resulting in the heart rate of the user within a target
heart rate range or one minute playing soccer, may be converted
into one minute of reward activity. In other embodiments, the
physical activity information may be converted to reward
information by use of a multiplier such as one and a half times the
time spent in physical activity equals the time of reward activity
earned, or two times, three times, four times, or other multiples.
Other methods may be used alone or in combination with rewarding
physical activity such as additional reward points for reaching a
milestone such as additional reward points may be given for
achieving the target heart rate for more than thirty minutes in one
day, for achieving the target heart rate for 20 minutes every day
of a week, or for running more than two miles, for example. These
examples are given to provide an understanding of the invention,
but not limit the scope of the invention.
[0017] The computer or other processing unit may also be used to
allocate and control use of the reward points. In one embodiment,
the computer may be capable of communicating to a device that
controls the flow of electricity to at least one appliance. In this
embodiment, the physical activity reward system may be used to
reward physical activity by allowing use of televisions, computers,
video game consoles, or charging portable devices such as lap tops,
music players, or portable game consoles. The computer may
communicate either directly or wirelessly with the device or by
both means. One example of a method of communicating may be through
existing household electrical wiring such as the commercially
available system Pro Model CM15A.TM. from ACTIVEHOME.TM.. In
another embodiment, the reward information may be transmitted over
the internet to a separate location or wirelessly to operate the
control module.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the physical activity reward system
includes features that prevent bypassing the system to receive
rewards that were not earned through physical activity or allocated
to a reward in the computer system. For example, the electric flow
control modules may comprise features that prevent the appliance
from being unplugged from the electricity control module such as
locks, hardwiring, or seals that must be broken or other indicators
of tampering; the computer or communication module may comprise
indicators that record if either or both of such components is
powered off; the computer may be configured to record in a log file
when any component is turned off and the length of time the unit
was without power; or the electricity control modules may be
programmed to close the circuit if any component of the physical
activity reward system is off and remain closed until that
component is powered on. In another embodiment, the computer or
communication module may be configured to repeatedly send signals
to the electric flow control module to open the circuit if no
reward information or reward points have been allocated for its
use. Such repeated signaling at regular intervals may be used with
electricity control modules that allow local bypassing of the
control circuit, for example. Therefore, the local bypass feature
may not be used to supply power to the appliance.
[0019] In one embodiment, the physical activity reward system
comprises a physical activity monitor that is capable of generating
activity information, a computer capable of converting the activity
information into reward points, and an electricity flow control
module capable of communicating with the computer. The electric
flow control module may be installed between a source of electrical
power and an appliance such that the appliance may not be operated
unless the computer communicates to the electric flow control
module that sufficient physical activity has been performed to
allow the control module to open the flow of electricity to the
appliance if the reward information indicates that it is allowable.
In certain embodiments, the reward information is accumulated by
performing physical activity being monitored by the physical
activity monitor. The monitor accumulates activity information
based upon the intensity and time period of the physical activity.
This activity information may then be communicated to the computer
and, optionally, stored on a storage device such as a hard drive or
in other memory. The activity information may then be converted to
reward points according to an algorithm or other methods. The
computer may be configured to store the reward points and allow
allocation of the reward information to various rewards. The reward
information or reward points may be allocated to use of a
particular appliance. In such an embodiment the computer may be
configured to allocate use of the reward information or reward
points to opening the electrical circuit to supply the appliance
with electricity. A certain amount of reward information or reward
points are then subtracted from the total in relation to the amount
of time that the appliance is in use, such as one minute of use of
the appliance results in loss of one reward point. Additional
allocation algorithms may be used, such as one reward point may
equal to one minute of use of a video game console but one reward
point may be used for two minutes of television viewing, for
example. The allocation of reward points is flexible.
[0020] Embodiments of the invention also include a method of
rewarding physical activity. An embodiment of the method of
rewarding physical activity 200 comprises monitoring physical
activity of a person, generating activity information based on at
least one of an intensity of the physical activity and a length of
the physical activity 210, communicating the activity information
to a computer 220, and converting the activity information to
reward points 230. The method may also comprise allocating the
reward points 240.
[0021] Electrical control module 130 may employ the principle of a
solenoid-type on/off switch or electronic control module that
maintains a switch in a closed state, thereby connecting TV set 150
or other appliance to household electrical current such as 110 volt
A.C. supplied from wall receptacle 130. When the reward information
on computer 120 indicates that the allotted reward information or
reward points are consumed, the solenoid-type switch or control
module will open, thereby disconnecting electrical current from the
wall receptacle 140 to the appliance.
[0022] Preferably, electrical control module 130 is secured to the
electrical input to the TV set in a manner preventing bypass by an
unauthorized electrical conductor communicating directly to the TV
set from another source of household electrical current. Thus
embodiments of the physical activity reward system and method allow
an exercising person to accumulate or bank reward information or
reward points obtained by physical activity, and such "points" may
be spent at any time and on any electrical appliance compatible
with this system, regardless of location within the house or within
another, similarly equipped house.
[0023] The computer or processing unit may be configured to allow
inputting other reward points to be added to a user's account.
Additional reward points may be allocated to a user's account based
upon performing a desired activity, achieving a desired result such
as graduating or certain grades in school, for example. The reward
points may be allocated to any reward in the same manner as reward
points earned through the physical activity monitor. In fact, the
physical activity reward system may be used without a physical
activity monitor. An administrator may input reward points into a
user's account based upon physical activity performed or to reward
other behaviors or achievements. In an embodiment, other reward
points may be allocated to allow control of the electric control
module.
EXAMPLES
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the physical activity reward
system and method. In this embodiment, the physical activity
monitor 300 is an accelerometer type activity monitor such as the
POLAR.TM. FA20 Activity Computer wristwatch. The POLAR.TM. FA20
Activity Computer may be worn at all times or may be worn only when
the user wishes to measure their activity. A POLAR FA20 Activity
Computer measures effective active movement and displays the active
movement graphically. The measured active movement may be combined
with personal data concerning the user such as, but not limited to,
age, gender, height and weight. The POLAR FA20 performs
calculations that convert this data into activity information. The
activity information may include, for example, active time,
calories burned during active times, active steps, distance, as
well as other activity information.
[0025] The activity monitor may store activity information or may
communicate the activity information directly to the computer as
the activity information as it is being generated. The activity
information may be wirelessly communicated to the computer or
communicated across a wired connection. Embodiments of the physical
activity reward system that has a communication device that is able
to communicate with the computer during the physical activity. If
the communication is performed wirelessly, the physical activity
monitor must be in range of the communication device. If the
communication device is wired directly into the computer or other
means of communication, such as through the internet, the physical
activity must be performed within the length of the cable. The
activity information may be communicated to software on a personal
computer or a computer attached to the internet.
[0026] In another embodiment, the physical activity monitor may
both communicate with the computer in real time and also store the
activity information in its own memory. Such memory may be any
memory storage system including but not limited to random access
memory, magnetic or optical drives, or flash memory, for example.
In this way, the physical activity monitor may be used within the
communication range of the computer or outside the communication
range.
[0027] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the activity information is
stored in the POLAR.TM. Activity Computer 300. The physical
activity monitor 300 may be used to store multiple days of physical
activity information, if desired. The physical activity information
may then be transferred from the physical activity monitor 300
through a communication device 310 to the computer 320. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the communication device is a POLAR.TM.
FlowLink communication device. The FlowLink or other communication
device may be internal or external to the computer. The
communication device may be connected to the computer through any
connection including, but not limited to, a USB connection, a
microphone or other audio input connection, a Blue Tooth
communication device, a wireless network connection, a WiFi
connection, or an ultrasonic communication device, for example.
[0028] In a further embodiment of the physical activity reward
system, the physical activity monitor and the communication device
and the computer are all housed within the same unit. In this
embodiment, the physical activity information is converted to the
reward information in this combination unit. The combination unit
may then display the reward information or communicate the reward
information to another device for storage or allocation.
[0029] After the activity information is communicated to the
computer, the activity information may be converted to reward
information as described previously. In the embodiment of FIG. 3,
the computer 320 is connected to an electric control flow device.
The electric control flow device in the embodiment of FIG. 3
comprises a transmitter 330 connected to the computer 320 by a
cable 350 and an appliance module 360. Both the transmitter 330 and
the appliance module 360 are plugged into electrical outlets 362.
The transmitter 330 communicates with the appliance module 360 by
transmitting signals through the household electrical circuitry.
The transmitter 330 may communicate with multiple appliance modules
360 by setting codes on each appliance modules 360 by using the
code setting dials 361 on the appliance module 360.
[0030] In some residential or commercial buildings, the household
electrical circuitry may include two or more independent circuits.
The transmitter 330 may only communicate with the appliance module
360 if they are both installed on the same circuit. In a further
embodiment with two or more independent circuits, the electric
control flow device may further comprise a transceiver 331
installed on the different circuit than the transmitter 330. The
transmitter 330 may also communicate through the household
circuitry and also wirelessly. The transmitter 330 may communicate
wirelessly to allow communication with appliance modules on the
independent circuit. The wireless communication allows the signal
to "jump" form one circuit to another and allow control of an
appliance connected to the independent circuit.
[0031] Television 370 comprises a cord 371 plugged into appliance
module 360. Appliance module 360 is plugged into outlet 362 to
electrically connect the television 370 to the household electric
supply. The computer 320 may send signals to the electric control
flow device to open or close the circuit in the appliance module
360 to allow electricity to flow to the television 370 or other
appliance. To enable the computer 320 to send signals to the
electric control device, the user must earn activity information by
performing some physical activity that is monitored by the physical
activity monitor 300. A computer or other processor is configured
to keep a record of the reward information and keep a total of the
reward information earned. The activity information is converted to
reward information and allocated to a specific appliance module 360
to close the circuit and allow electricity to flow to the
television 370 or other desired appliance. The user that wishes to
allocate reward information must have sufficient points in their
account to operate the appliance module 360 for the desired period
of time. By using an embodiment of the physical activity reward
system, the user is rewarded with ability to operate an appliance
by performing physical activity.
[0032] Reward information may be earned by performing physical
activity or may be earned and added to an account by other means.
An administrator of an account, such as a parent, physical trainer
or other guardian, may reward a user of the physical activity
reward system by adding reward points as a bonus directly into an
account. The bonus reward information may be added to the account
for earning high grades, completing chores, baby sitting, or for
any other reason acceptable to the administrator.
[0033] While particular examples of the present invention have been
shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications
may be made therein without departing from the invention in its
broadest aspects. The aim of the appended claims, therefore, is to
cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *