U.S. patent application number 12/630620 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for exercise derived currency for exchange or grading.
Invention is credited to MICHAEL C. WILLIAMS.
Application Number | 20110136627 12/630620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44082587 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110136627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILLIAMS; MICHAEL C. |
June 9, 2011 |
EXERCISE DERIVED CURRENCY FOR EXCHANGE OR GRADING
Abstract
According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and
methods are provided to allow a mobile computing device to retrieve
exercise related data from a health or fitness monitoring device
during an exercise period. The mobile computing device is further
configured to use the exercise related data to determine a number
of points or an amount of currency earned during the exercise
period. These points may then be exchanged for privileges, grades
or financial rewards. In some embodiments, this exchange may be
conducted or mediated using a system embodied on a second mobile
computing device or servers on the internet.
Inventors: |
WILLIAMS; MICHAEL C.; (Santa
Barbara, CA) |
Family ID: |
44082587 |
Appl. No.: |
12/630620 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/30 20130101;
A63B 2071/0691 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2220/17
20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; G16H 20/30
20180101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101; A63B 2225/20
20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2230/062 20130101; A63B
24/0059 20130101; G06Q 10/06 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: a mobile computing device receiving heart
rate data of a user from a heart rate monitor disposed on the user
during an exercise period; the mobile computing device using the
heart rate data and a predetermined conversion formula to determine
a number of points accumulated during the exercise period; and the
mobile computing device communicating with an external computing
device to exchange at least a portion of the accumulated points for
a predetermined privilege.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined privilege
comprises a grade.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the mobile computing
device visually displaying a progress indication during the
exercise period.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the progress indication comprises
at least one of: a points earned per unit time indication; a total
points earned indication; a current heart rate indication; a heart
rate history indication; a calorie burn rate indication; and a
total calorie burned indication.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the mobile computing
device receiving a sedentary heart rate value for the user; and
wherein the conversion formula is configured such that points are
not assigned if the heart rate data indicates that a heart rate of
the user is within a predetermined range of the sedentary heart
rate.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the mobile computing
device obtaining a maximum heart rate value for the user; and the
mobile computing device determining an intensity level during the
exercise period; and wherein the number of points accumulated
during the exercise period varies according to the intensity
level.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the mobile computing
device obtaining a maximum heart rate value for the user; and the
mobile computing device determining calories burned during the
exercise period; and wherein the number of points accumulated
during the exercise period varies according to the calories
burned.
8. Computer executable program code embodied on a computer readable
medium configured to cause a mobile computing device to perform the
functions of: receiving heart rate data of a user from a heart rate
monitor disposed on the user during an exercise period; using the
heart rate data and a predetermined conversion formula to determine
a number of points accumulated during the exercise period; and
communicating with an external computing device to exchange at
least a portion of the accumulated points for a predetermined
privilege.
9. The computer executable program code of claim 8, wherein the
predetermined privilege comprises a grade.
10. The computer executable program code of claim 8, further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of visually display a progress indication during the
exercise period.
11. The computer executable program code of claim 10, wherein the
progress indication comprises at least one of: a points earned per
unit time indication; a total points earned indication; a current
heart rate indication; a heart rate history indication; a calorie
burn rate indication; and a total calorie burned indication.
12. The computer executable program code of claim 8, further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of receiving a sedentary heart rate value for the user;
and wherein the conversion formula is configured such that points
are not assigned if the heart rate data indicates that a heart rate
of the user is within a predetermined range of the sedentary heart
rate.
13. The computer executable program code of claim 12, further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of obtaining a maximum heart rate value for the user; and
the mobile computing device determining calories burned during the
exercise period; and wherein the number of points accumulated
during the exercise period varies according to the intensity
level.
14. The computer executable program code of claim 12, further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of obtaining a maximum heart rate value for the user; and
the mobile computing device determining calories burned during the
exercise period; and wherein the number of points accumulated
during the exercise period varies according to the calories
burned.
15. A system, comprising: a mobile computing device having a first
computer readable medium embodying computer executable program code
configured to perform the functions of: receiving heart rate data
of a user from a heart rate monitor disposed on the user during an
exercise period; using the heart rate data and a predetermined
conversion formula to determine a number of points accumulated
during the exercise period; and communicating with an external
computing device to exchange at least a portion of the accumulated
points for a predetermined privilege; and the external computing
device having a second computer readable medium embodying computer
executable program code configured to perform the functions of:
maintaining an account of the accumulated points; and communicating
with the mobile computing device to exchange at least a portion of
the accumulated points for a predetermined privilege.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the predetermined privilege
comprises a grade.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer executable program
code embodied on the first computer readable medium is further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of visually display a progress indication during the
exercise period.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the progress indication
comprises at least one of: a points earned per unit time
indication; a total points earned indication; a current heart rate
indication; a heart rate history indication; a calorie burn rate
indication; and a total calorie burned indication.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer executable program
code embodied on the first computer readable medium is further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of receiving a sedentary heart rate value for the user;
and wherein the conversion formula is configured such that points
are not assigned if the heart rate data indicates that a heart rate
of the user is within a predetermined range of the sedentary heart
rate.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the computer executable program
code embodied on the first computer readable medium is further
configured to cause the mobile computing device to perform the
function of obtaining a maximum heart rate value for the user; and
the mobile computing device determining calories burned during the
exercise period; and wherein the number of points accumulated
during the exercise period varies according to the calories burned.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to health and
fitness, and more particularly, some embodiments relate to
providing motivation to increase exercise activity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] There is a widespread, global "obesity epidemic" among
adults and that now includes many children who are now overweight
or obese, leading to alarming rates of childhood diabetes, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, cardiovascular disease
and many other diseases. While in some cases there are genetic
causes, the current "epidemic" is due mostly to the modern
sedentary lifestyle.
[0003] Advancements in technology have changed the way people
approach health and fitness. Over time, tools and devices have been
developed that provide useful information in attaining and
maintaining health and fitness goals. Tools and devices such as
heart rate monitors, pace monitors or pedometers, cycling
computers, glucose meters, weight scales, blood pressure cuffs,
physical training machines integrated with sensors, and other
health and fitness sensor devices are commonplace in the world of
fitness.
[0004] Unfortunately, the tools and devices described above and
their like have very challenging user interfaces with limited
ability to share data. Furthermore, the devices, originally
designed for athletic adults, are not very well suited for younger
individuals and their parents or teachers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed toward a system and method
to objectively determine the level of effort or exertion based on
relative heart rate intensity during exercise for purposes of
accruing currency units for exchanging and/or grading purposes. In
some embodiments, this system comprises a wireless bridge device
that is configured to allow a mobile computing device, such as a
smartphone or programmable media playing device, to pull data from
a health or fitness sensor. In these embodiments, software present
on the mobile computing device provides the ability for a system
user to accrue points, or currency, for burning calories at heart
rate levels above sedentary zones. The systems and methods of these
embodiments further comprise software for system supervisors that
is embodied on a website, personal computer, or mobile computing
device that is configured to allow the exchange of the earned
currency for various privileges or grades.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of
operation comprises: (i) a mobile computing device receiving heart
rate data of a user from a heart rate monitor disposed on the user
during an exercise period; (ii) the mobile computing device using
the heart rate data and a predetermined conversion formula to
determine a number of points accumulated during the exercise
period; and (iii) the mobile computing device communicating with an
external computing device to exchange at least a portion of the
accumulated points for a predetermined privilege.
[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached
hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention, in accordance with one or more
various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the
following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments
of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the
reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered
limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention.
It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these
drawings are not necessarily made to scale.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a system according to an embodiment of
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates various heart rate profiles of different
exercise periods that may be used during point allocation in some
embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screen display that may be
displayed on a mobile computing device during an exercise period
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of system operation according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing module that may be
used in implementing various features of embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be
understood that the invention can be practiced with modification
and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the
claims and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is directed toward a system and method
for objectively determining level of effort or exertion based on
heart rate intensity during exercise for purposes of accruing
currency units for exchange and/or grading purposes. In some
embodiments, this system comprises a wireless bridge device that is
configured to allow a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone
or programmable media playing device, to pull data from a health or
fitness sensor. In these embodiments, software present on the
mobile computing device provides the ability for a system user to
accrue points, or currency, for burning calories at heart rate
levels above sedentary zones. The systems and methods of these
embodiments further comprise software for system supervisors that
is embodied on a website, personal computer, or mobile computing
device that is configured to allow the exchange of the earned
currency for various privileges or grades.
[0016] In one embodiment, a system for retrieving exercise data
from a health or fitness monitoring device comprises a wireless
bridging device and a mobile computing device configured as
described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/624,609, filed Nov. 24, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. FIG. 1 illustrates such a system in
operation. In this embodiment, a user may have access to a variety
of health or fitness monitoring devices. Such health or fitness
monitoring devices might comprise any health or fitness related
computing device, sensor device, or monitoring device. For example,
such devices might comprise a blood pressure monitoring or
measuring device 74, a bicycling computer 73 coupled to various
sensors, various exercise equipment 72, a scale 71, a running
computer or related sensors 81, a GPS device 80, a heart rate
monitor 79, a fitness watch 78, or a glucose meter 70. In one
method of use, an athlete such as a runner may be equipped with a
variety of data collecting devices during an exercise period, such
as a pedometer 81, a GPS device 80, a heart rate monitor 79, and a
fitness watch 78. These devices may be configured to determine
various data generated during the exercise period, for example, the
stride count, speed, distance, route taken, calories burned, or
heart rate profile. In some instances, these devices may be
configured to temporarily store data during the exercise period and
then provide access to this data at a later point in time. For
example, a GPS device 80 may be configured to store a route taken
by a runner during a run, and then to provide that route to a
computer storage device at a later point in time. Furthermore, some
health or fitness monitoring devices may be pre-configured to
interoperate before ultimate collection. For example, a fitness
watch 78 may be configured to receive and collect data during an
exercise period from other health or fitness monitoring devices,
such as heart rate monitor 79, GPS device 80, or running sensors
81.
[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, a mobile computing device 75
is equipped with one or more communications interfaces 76 to allow
the device to communicate with the health or fitness monitoring
devices and to communicate with an external computer network. For
example, the mobile computing device may comprise a cell phone,
such as a smartphone, or a digital media player, that has a data
connection to an external network such as the Internet 82 and the
ability to load and execute computer programs via an operating
system, which is housed in a mobile form factor. As a particular
example, computing device 75 might comprise a smartphone or other
mobile computing device running an operating system and may be
configured to be programmed with an application that allows it to
control interface 76 for communications with the health or fitness
monitoring devices and to control a second interface to allow data
collected from the health or fitness monitoring devices to be
uploaded to an external data storage.
[0018] In this embodiment, interface 76 comprises a communications
module that is configured to wirelessly communicate 77 with the
health or fitness monitoring devices. In some embodiments, this
communication may take place as the data is generated, for example,
a pedometer 81 might continuously upload pace or stride data to the
mobile device 75 during the exercise period. In other embodiments,
the data may be stored by a health or fitness monitoring device for
a predetermined time or until a predetermined event occurs. For
example, a fitness watch 78 might receive and store heart rate data
from heart rate monitor 79 until the mobile device 75 transmits a
request that the fitness watch 78 uploads the data.
[0019] In these embodiments, different health or fitness monitoring
devices may be configured to communicate according to various
protocols. For example, a cycling computer 73 might be equipped
with various sensors, such as sensors used to determine speed,
cadence, or power, and might be configured to wirelessly
communicate according to a digital wireless ultra low power
communications standard, such as the ANT+ protocol. Other health or
fitness monitoring devices might be configured to communicate
according to other communications standards. For example, a GPS
device might be configured to wirelessly communicate according to
the Bluetooth protocol. Accordingly, the communications module 76
may be configured to communicate according to a plurality of
different communications protocols to provide the obtained data to
the mobile device 75.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device is
programmed with software that enables the user to accrue points
based on the user exercising at above sedentary levels. In some
embodiments, sedentary levels can be established using calibration
data. In various embodiments, some calibration data may be provided
to the software automatically using a connected device, or may be
provided to the software manually.
[0021] In one embodiment, a system user is considered by the
software to be in a sedentary activity zone when their heart rate
is within a predetermined range of their resting heart rate. For
example, the predetermined range may be expressed as a percentage
of their resting heart rate, such as within 15% of their resting
heart rate; or the predetermined range may be expressed as a range
of beats per unit time, such as 20 beats per min. The sedentary
activity zone may be determined by deducting one's age from 220 and
applying a percentage to the resulting value, such that it is
driven from HRmax rather than resting, wherein HRmax=220-age. The
most accurate way of measuring HRmax for an individual is via a
cardiac stress test. In such a test, the subject exercises while
being monitored by an EKG. During the test, the intensity of
exercise is periodically increased (if a treadmill is being used,
through increase in speed or slope of the treadmill), or until
certain changes in heart function are detected in the EKG, at which
point the subject is directed to stop. Typical durations of such a
test range from 10 to 20 minutes.
[0022] In various embodiments, the resting heart rate may be
determined using a heart rate monitor 79 that communicates with
mobile device 75 directly or through a fitness watch 78. In other
embodiments, this resting heart rate may be manually input into
mobile device 75, or may be input using other devices, such as a
heart rate monitor installed on a piece of exercise equipment.
[0023] In another embodiment, the sedentary activity zone is
determined in terms of a resting heart rate and a maximum heart
rate. For example, the sedentary zone might be determined as a
percentage between a system user's resting heart rate and their
maximum heart rate, such as within 15% of the range between the
resting heart rate and maximum heart rate. In this embodiment,
further calibration data to determine the system user's maximum
heart rate may be provided to the mobile device 75. This data might
be manually input to the software by the system user, system
supervisor, or other entity, or may be determined through a
calibration routine conducted by the mobile device. For example,
the mobile device may be configured to instruct a system user to
perform a predetermined treadmill workout, such as running at a
predetermined speed or incline for a predetermined period, to
determine the system user's maximum heart rate. In these
embodiments, the system software may be provided with predetermined
safety protocols to ensure that a system supervisor is present
during the calibration routines. For example, if the system will be
employed by school pupils or team members under the supervision of
a teacher or coach, the teacher or coach could be required to input
a security code to ensure they are present for the maximum heart
rate calibration. In other embodiments, this maximum heart rate
data may be determined heuristically from other related
information. For example, the maximum heart rate may be determined
as an estimate based on factors such as the user's age, weight,
height, sex, or resting heart rate.
[0024] The illustrated embodiment is further configured to receive
information during a user's exercise periods to allow the user to
accumulate points for later use. In some embodiments, these points
are determined according to the calories burned by the user once
the user has entered a non-sedentary exercise zone. In the
illustrated embodiment, the system may receive heart rate data from
the heart rate monitor 79 and use this data to determine if the
user is exercising at a non-sedentary intensity level. In some
instances, the calories burned by a user during an exercise period
may vary based on user specific factors, such as basal or resting
metabolic rate (RMR), age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI),
lean body mass (LBM), sex, population based tables and/or
self-assessed fitness levels. Furthermore, the calories burned by a
user during an exercise period may vary based on exercise specific
factors, such as type of exercise, intensity of exercise, or
duration of exercise. For example, running may generally burn more
calories than walking, even if a user's heart rate is as the same
level for both exercises.
[0025] In some embodiments, these factors may be taken into account
for the purpose of calorie determination. For example, the user
specific factors may be manually provided to the system, or may be
automatically determined in similar manners as described with
respect to resting heart rate. In some embodiments, the system may
accept a manual input indicating what type of exercise is being
conducted, to allow for accurate calorie measurements. For example,
the system may display a variety of icons corresponding to
difference exercises, allowing a user to input the type of exercise
being conducted. In other embodiments, information for other health
or fitness monitoring devices may be used for calorie assessment.
For example, sensors such as running sensors 81, cycling computer
connected sensors 73, or sensors coupled to exercise equipment 72,
can be used to determined exercise indicators such as cadence, to
allow the system to determine which type of exercise is occurring
and its intensity. In other embodiments, calorie burn rate may be
determined according to other methods, such as heuristics based on
heart rate in relation to other calibration or user specific
data.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the system is configured to
display a visual indication 84 of current progress during the
non-sedentary exercise period. Additionally, the system may be
configured to communicate 85 with other computing devices or
systems. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the system is
configured to wirelessly communicate 85 with the internet to
provide data to a predetermined website 83 an internet-connected
personal computer 86, or a second mobile device 87. As described
herein these locations may be used to provide the user a system for
managing their accrued points to allow the user to exchange accrued
points for various privileges, such as grades or rewards. These
locations may also be used by system supervisors to mediate or
authorize such exchanges, or to allow the system supervisors to
monitor system users' progress. For example, if the system is
employed by school children in gym class, the system may upload
accrued points to a website 83 to allow a gym teacher to view the
students' progress and assign grades based on accumulated points.
As another example, the accrued points might be used to allow the
students to exchange the points for privileges such as
participation in favored activities, or discounts on various
products, or various monetary awards.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates various heart rate profiles of different
exercise periods that may be used during point allocation in some
embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, points are awarded
to a system user based on time spent by a user exercising at a
non-sedentary intensity level. In this embodiment, different point
accumulation rates may be provided based on different intensity
levels. For example, a sedentary zone 100 might be determined
according to a predetermined intensity threshold 110. In the
illustrated embodiment, the threshold 110 comprises a predetermined
heart rate threshold. However, in other embodiments, other metrics
may be used to determine non-sedentary activity or point
accumulation rates. For example, in a stationary bicycle, a watts
measurement might be used to determine exercise intensity.
[0028] In some embodiments, points may be determined proportionally
to calories burned when the user is exercising at a non-sedentary
level. In other embodiments, points may be accumulated
proportionally to the time spent in a non-sedentary exercise level.
In further embodiments, a plurality of different accumulation rates
may be provided depending on different intensity levels. For
example, a moderate intensity zone 101 and a high intensity zone
104 might be determined according to a first heart rate threshold
111 and a second heart rate threshold 112. The points accumulated
while the user is in these zones and the thresholds used to
determine these zones may vary according to various factors. For
example, it may be preferable that system users spend extended
times in a moderate intensity zone 101 rather than shorter times in
the high intensity zones 104. Accordingly, the various thresholds
and point accumulation rates may vary in order to motivate desired
user behavior. For example, providing a relatively small increase
in point accumulation between high and moderate intensity, such as
10% points difference, may motivate users to attempt long periods
of moderate exercise versus short periods of high intensity
exercise. In this embodiment, a user having a heart rate profile
similar to profile 106 may have a higher point accumulation than a
user having profile similar to profile 105, while a user having a
profile 108 would accumulate no points.
[0029] In still further embodiments, combinations of these point
accumulation methods may be used. For example, a point accumulation
formula may provide points based on calories, where increased
calories per unit time are rewarded based on presence in different
heart rate zones. Additionally, the points awarded for various
exercise levels may vary with time during an exercise period. For
example, a user may be prompted to perform an interval style
workout by rewarding high intensity during a first interval and
rewarding moderate intensity during a second interval.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screen display that may be
employed on a mobile computing device during an exercise period
according to an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, a
mobile computing device might be configured to provide various
indications of progress during a user's exercise period. In the
illustrated embodiment, the mobile computing device 150 is
configured to visually display various progress indicators on a
screen 151 of the mobile device 150. For example, these indicators
might comprise an indication 154 of the current point earning rate;
an indication 158 of total points earned during the exercise
period; an indication of exercise intensity 159; or a current heart
rate indication 155. In various embodiments, these displays may
vary according to which users will be using the system, or
according to a user's tastes. For example, the display may be
configured to provide younger users, such as first to third
graders, with a simpler display than older users. Additionally, a
display field 152 may be provided to encourage a user to provide an
indication of time left in a predetermined exercise period, or
other desired information.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of system operation according
to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, during step
175, a mobile device 182 receives data 179 allowing software
embodied on the mobile device 182 to determine a number of points
accumulated during an exercise period. In some embodiments, the
points may be determined based on information received from health
or fitness monitoring devices, such as a heart rate monitor 176. In
the illustrated embodiment, a fitness watch 178 may serve as an
intermediary between heart rate monitor 176 and mobile device 182.
In other embodiments, the heart rate monitor 176 can communicate
directly with mobile device 182.
[0032] In some embodiments, data 179 may be obtained from the
health or fitness monitoring devices 176 in real time during an
exercise period. In these embodiments, the mobile device 182 may be
configured to determine accumulated points as the exercise period
progresses, and may also be configured to visually display progress
indicators during the exercise period. In other embodiments, the
health or fitness monitoring device may be configured to accumulate
the generated data 179 during the exercise period. For example, a
fitness watch 178 may be configured to store heart rate date from a
heart rate monitor 176 during an exercise period. In these
embodiments, the mobile device 182 may be configured to download
the accumulated data 179 from the storing health or fitness
monitoring device after the exercise period, for example as
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/624,609.
[0033] As illustrated, in step 184 the mobile device 182 uploads
information comprising accumulated points to an external point
account 186. In some embodiments, the mobile device may be
configured to store accumulated points from a plurality of exercise
periods, and to upload this data 183 at available access times or
at predetermined intervals. In other embodiments, mobile device 182
may be configured to upload the points data 183 as it is
accumulated or after each exercise period.
[0034] In step 185, a system user may perform account management
187 with a system supervisor. In some embodiments, the account 186
might be embodied on a website hosted on a web server, on a
computer, or on another mobile device under the control of a system
supervisor. In these embodiments, account management 187 may
comprise exchanging accumulated points from account 186 for various
privileges. In some embodiments, these privileges might comprise
grades, account management might comprise earning a particular
grade for a predetermined number of points, and the system
supervisor might comprise a teacher. For example, an "A" grade
might require 100 points, a "B" grade might require 90 points, and
so on. In other embodiments, the privileges might comprise monetary
rewards or various discounts. For example, a user might be able to
earn $1 per 10 points and the system supervisor could comprise a
parent. In another embodiment, a user might earn a certain discount
on various goods or services. For example, a user might earn a
reduction in a monthly health insurance bill, where the system
supervisor would comprise an insurance provider. As further
examples, a corporate wellness program could give extra days off or
reductions in employee paid portions of premiums, and Health Clubs
could give discounts for successfully working out.
[0035] As used herein, the term module might describe a given unit
of functionality that can be performed in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, a module
might be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or a
combination thereof. For example, one or more processors,
controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components,
software routines or other mechanisms might be implemented to make
up a module. In implementation, the various modules described
herein might be implemented as discrete modules or the functions
and features described can be shared in part or in total among one
or more modules. In other words, as would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art after reading this description, the
various features and functionality described herein may be
implemented in any given application and can be implemented in one
or more separate or shared modules in various combinations and
permutations. Even though various features or elements of
functionality may be individually described or claimed as separate
modules, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
these features and functionality can be shared among one or more
common software and hardware elements, and such description shall
not require or imply that separate hardware or software components
are used to implement such features or functionality.
[0036] Where components or modules of the invention are implemented
in whole or in part using software, in one embodiment, these
software elements can be implemented to operate with a computing or
processing module capable of carrying out the functionality
described with respect thereto. One such example computing module
is shown in FIG. 5. Various embodiments are described in terms of
this example-computing module 200. After reading this description,
it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how
to implement the invention using other computing modules or
architectures.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, computing module 200 may represent,
for example, computing or processing capabilities found within
desktop, laptop and notebook computers; hand-held computing devices
(PDA's, smart phones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.); mainframes,
supercomputers, workstations or servers; or any other type of
special-purpose or general-purpose computing devices as may be
desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment.
Computing module 200 might also represent computing capabilities
embedded within or otherwise available to a given device. For
example, a computing module might be found in other electronic
devices such as, for example, digital cameras, navigation systems,
cellular telephones, portable computing devices, modems, routers,
WAPs, terminals and other electronic devices that might include
some form of processing capability.
[0038] Computing module 200 might include, for example, one or more
processors, controllers, control modules, or other processing
devices, such as a processor 204. Processor 204 might be
implemented using a general-purpose or special-purpose processing
engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other
control logic. In the illustrated example, processor 204 is
connected to a bus 202, although any communication medium can be
used to facilitate interaction with other components of computing
module 200 or to communicate externally.
[0039] Computing module 200 might also include one or more memory
modules, simply referred to herein as main memory 208. For example,
preferably random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory,
might be used for storing information and instructions to be
executed by processor 204. Main memory 208 might also be used for
storing temporary variables or other intermediate information
during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 204.
Computing module 200 might likewise include a read only memory
("ROM") or other static storage device coupled to bus 202 for
storing static information and instructions for processor 204.
[0040] The computing module 200 might also include one or more
various forms of information storage mechanism 210, which might
include, for example, a media drive 212 and a storage unit
interface 220. The media drive 212 might include a drive or other
mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media 214. For
example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape
drive, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVD drive (R or RW), or other
removable or fixed media drive might be provided. Accordingly,
storage media 214 might include, for example, a hard disk, a floppy
disk, magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CD or DVD, or other
fixed or removable medium that is read by, written to or accessed
by media drive 212. As these examples illustrate, the storage media
214 can include a computer usable storage medium having stored
therein computer software or data.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism
210 might include other similar instrumentalities for allowing
computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into
computing module 200. Such instrumentalities might include, for
example, a fixed or removable storage unit 222 and an interface
220. Examples of such storage units 222 and interfaces 220 can
include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable
memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory
module) and memory slot, a PCMCIA slot and card, and other fixed or
removable storage units 222 and interfaces 220 that allow software
and data to be transferred from the storage unit 222 to computing
module 200.
[0042] Computing module 200 might also include a communications
interface 224. Communications interface 224 might be used to allow
software and data to be transferred between computing module 200
and external devices. Examples of communications interface 224
might include a modem or softmodem, a network interface (such as an
Ethernet, network interface card, WiMedia, IEEE 802.XX or other
interface), a communications port (such as for example, a USB port,
IR port, RS232 port Bluetooth.RTM. interface, or other port), or
other communications interface. Software and data transferred via
communications interface 224 might typically be carried on signals,
which can be electronic, electromagnetic (which includes optical)
or other signals capable of being exchanged by a given
communications interface 224. These signals might be provided to
communications interface 224 via a channel 228. This channel 228
might carry signals and might be implemented using a wired or
wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel might
include a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link,
a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired
or wireless communications channels.
[0043] In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and
"computer usable medium" are used to generally refer to media such
as, for example, memory 208, storage unit 220, media 214, and
channel 228. These and other various forms of computer program
media or computer usable media may be involved in carrying one or
more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device
for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, are
generally referred to as "computer program code" or a "computer
program product" (which may be grouped in the form of computer
programs or other groupings). When executed, such instructions
might enable the computing module 200 to perform features or
functions of the present invention as discussed herein.
[0044] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that can be included
in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the
illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the
desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative
architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to
one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or
physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to
implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a
multitude of different constituent module names other than those
depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions.
Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational
descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are
presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be
implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order
unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0045] Although the invention is described above in terms of
various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not
limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with
which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in
various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of
the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and
whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a
described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments.
[0046] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0047] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, can be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or
packages or across multiple locations.
[0048] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and
other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated
embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented
without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
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