U.S. patent application number 12/949665 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for interactive systems and methods for reactive martial arts fitness training.
Invention is credited to Clinton L. Eldridge, JR., Anthony D. Morales, Mario C. Morales, JR..
Application Number | 20110172060 12/949665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44258958 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110172060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morales; Anthony D. ; et
al. |
July 14, 2011 |
INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REACTIVE MARTIAL ARTS FITNESS
TRAINING
Abstract
This invention relates to systems and methods for a martial arts
training station which includes an impact target having one or more
impact sensors measuring workout performance data such as a
position, direction, timing, velocity and force of impacts
generated by a user. The training station also includes a reactive
coach application which provides a workout routine for the user,
receives workout performance data, and reactively modify the
workout routine based on the received workout data. The reactive
coach application also reactively providing motivational feedback.
This motivational feedback is dynamically adjusted to the
effectiveness of the motivational feedback as measured by the
user's compliance and/or improvement of the user's performance. In
some embodiments, the training station communicates with other
training stations via a reactive coach server over a local area
network and/or a wide area network, thereby enabling the user to
compete against other users.
Inventors: |
Morales; Anthony D.;
(Brentwood, CA) ; Morales, JR.; Mario C.;
(Discovery Bay, CA) ; Eldridge, JR.; Clinton L.;
(Antioch, CA) |
Family ID: |
44258958 |
Appl. No.: |
12/949665 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61293944 |
Jan 11, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/53 20130101;
A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 2220/833
20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 69/0053 20130101; A63B 69/004
20130101; A63B 2220/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A martial arts fitness machine comprising: an impact target
having one or more sensors disposed to collect user input with
respect to hit direction, impact g-force, hit timing, and hit
location on the impact target; a base pad having one or more
pressure switches disposed to calculate velocity of a kick, foot
location, weight, user location, kick impact estimation, and kick
start/completion; a computer disposed to collect data from sensors
and pressure switches, operatively coupled to a reactive virtual
coach monitor application disposed to evaluate a user's progress,
injuries and workout/regimen recommendations; and a frame disposed
to hold the impact target.
2. The martial arts fitness machine of claim 1 wherein the fitness
machine is networked to a competing martial arts fitness machine
via a reactive coach server, and wherein a user working out on the
fitness machine is interactively competing with a competitor
working out on the competing martial arts fitness machine.
3. The martial arts fitness machine of claim 1 further comprising a
motion sensing camera configured to track movement and position of
the user.
4. The martial arts fitness machine of claim 1 wherein the computer
monitors calories burned by the user.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 61/293,944 (Attorney Docket Number 6680778) filed Jan. 11,
2010, entitled "MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BASED CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS
MACHINE", by Anthony D. Morales, which is incorporated by reference
herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to reactive systems and
methods for fitness training in many styles of martial arts
including mixed martial arts (MMA).
[0003] Computerized exercise machines such as treadmills,
stationary bicycles, and elliptical machines have been in common
use for several years and they offer users with a menu of cardio
vascular training programs which can be altered to suit individual
users. These machines are generally standalone and configured as
needed by each individual prior to a static training session.
[0004] There are also martial art machines that monitor the
performance of users and provide feedback regarding the speed and
intensity of their punches. Again, these machines are generally
standalone and configured as needed by each individual prior to a
static training session.
[0005] It is therefore apparent that an unfilled need exists for
computerized reactive fitness training platforms that provide
customizable single or multi-user dynamic martial arts training
with an optional social networking capability. These improved
networkable fitness training platforms enable users to work out
alone and/or in competition with other users in a reactive coaching
environment.
SUMMARY
[0006] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present
invention, a computerized martial arts training system and method
provides comprehensive customizable multi-user martial arts
training with a social networking capability is provided.
[0007] In one embodiment, the martial arts training station
includes an impact target with one or more impact sensors measuring
workout performance data such as position, direction, timing,
velocity and force of impacts generated by a user. The training
station also includes a reactive coach application which provides a
workout routine for the user, receives the workout performance
data, and reactively modify the workout routine based on the
received workout data.
[0008] The reactive coach application also reactively provides
motivational feedback. This motivational feedback is dynamically
adjusted to the effectiveness of the motivational feedback as
measured by the user's compliance and/or improvement of the user's
performance.
[0009] In some embodiments, the training station communicates with
other training stations via a reactive coach server over a local
area network and/or a wide area network, thereby enabling the user
to compete against other users.
[0010] Note that the various features of the present invention
described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and
other features of the present invention will be described in more
detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in
conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order that the present invention may be more clearly
ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a an isometric view of one embodiment of a
computerized interactive fitness training station suitable for a
martial artist;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of two or more fitness training
stations configured to communicate with an external reactive coach
server;
[0014] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B illustrate alternate embodiments of
impact targets for the fitness training station of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B show exemplary dome-mounted illuminators for
the impact target of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a fitness training station accessory with an
optional energy recapture capability;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a lower-cost embodiment of
the fitness training station of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a portable version of the base pad and
the impact target for another embodiment of a fitness training
station;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a
fitness training platform which provides multiple
computer-controlled mobile impact targets;
[0020] FIGS. 10, 11, 12A and 12B are flow diagrams illustrating the
start up sequence and main menu choices for the fitness training
station of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16 are flow diagrams illustrating the
"Getting Started", "How To's", "Doctor's Medical Tips" and "Warm Up
Exercises" routines in greater detail;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the "Choose A Workout"
option in greater detail;
[0023] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are flow diagrams detailing a
reactive coach application executing on the computerized coach
monitor of the fitness training station of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are flow diagrams illustrating a live
competition between multiple users training on their respective
fitness training stations;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating the social networking
functionality of the fitness training station of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIGS. 21A, 21B, 22A-22F, 23 and 24A-24C are screenshots
illustrating the "Getting Started", "How To's", "Doctor's Medical
Tips" and "Warm Up Exercises" sequences in greater detail;
[0027] FIGS. 25 and 26A-26D are screenshots detailing the various
workout options provided by the fitness training station of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 26E is a screenshot enabling the user to monitor
his/her progress during a typical workout on the fitness training
station of FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIGS. 27A and 27B are exemplary screenshots illustrating a
live competition between two or more users working out on their
respective fitness training stations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to several embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have
not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure
the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments
may be better understood with reference to the drawings and
discussions that follow.
[0031] The present invention relates to interactive systems and
methods for martial arts based cardiovascular fitness training,
with or without human instructors.
[0032] To facilitate discussion, FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of
one embodiment of a computerized interactive mixed martial arts
training station 100 for a user 190 which includes an impact target
110, a computerized training coach monitor 120 with a user
interface, a base pad 130, an audio-visual dome 140, a support
frame 150 and a motion sensing camera 160. An optional weighing
scale 135 can be installed adjacent to base pad 130.
[0033] In this embodiment, impact target 110 is an elongated
cylindrical punching bag and corresponds to the height and width of
an average person. Impact target 110 includes one or more embedded
sensors (not shown) providing feedback such as direction, duration,
location and intensity of impact forces generated by user 190 to
computerized coach monitor 120. These sensors are embedded in
strategic locations on impact target 110, and at different level to
simulate target zones on a hypothetical martial art opponent.
Sensors can include impact sensors, accelerometers, and any other
suitable direction, motion and/or force measuring devices. Further,
one or more sensors can externally couple impact target 110 to
support frame 150. Commercially available examples of suitable
sensors include the iLoad Pro sensor available from Loadstar
Sensors Inc., Fremont, Calif.
[0034] Likewise, base pad 130 also provides feedback regarding
stance of user 190 during a workout to computerized coach monitor
120. For example, base pad 130 senses when the striking right foot
of user 190 leaves pad 130 while impact target 110 senses when and
where the right foot impacts, thereby allowing coach monitor 120 to
compute the distance and speed of user 190's kick. In addition, by
sensing the transitional position and pressure between the heel and
ball of user 190's supporting left foot during the execution of the
right kick, coach monitor 120 can also provide useful feedback
regarding the use of user 190's left foot to add power to the right
kick.
[0035] In some embodiments, the surface of impact target 110 and/or
base pad 130 are illuminated from an internal source thereby
allowing coach monitor 120 to give visual cues to teach or correct
user 190 proper techniques and stances, and also to direct user 190
towards one or more strike zones on target 110. Internal
illumination of target 110 can also be used to train and improve
the reflexes of user 190.
[0036] Audiovisual dome 140 enables computerized coach monitor 120
to provide both audible and/or visual instructions and feedback to
user 190 without disrupting other users who may be using adjacent
training platforms 210, 220 . . . 280 as shown in FIG. 2. Such an
exemplary layout allows one or more human coaches to effectively
monitor users 219, 229 . . . 289 working out on training stations
210, 220 . . . 280 via their respective computerized coach monitors
215, 225 . . . 285 in real time.
[0037] Instead of or in addition to internally illuminating
specific areas of pad 130 and/or impact target 110 as discussed
above, audiovisual dome 140 can also provide an ideal support
structure for one or more illuminators 145 configured to externally
project visual image(s) onto base pad 130 for training proper foot
placement, and/or projecting video images(s) onto target 110 for
user 190 to strike. Projected video images may also be presented as
hit feedback such as color changes and may indicate on the surface
of impact target 110 impact forces and location of hits generated
by user 190 as hit achievement or failure in response to hit
instructions from a reactive coach application executing on coach
monitor 120. An optional external reactive coach ("RC") server 290
can be coupled to platforms 210, 220 . . . 280 so that a human
trainer (not shown) or an automated master coach monitoring
software application executing on reactive 290 can monitor the
progress of users 219, 229 . . . 289. RC server 290 can be located
adjacent to or remotely from platforms 210, 220 . . . 280. It is
also possible for one of more additional training platforms and/or
clusters of platforms (not shown) to be coupled to one or more
additional RC servers (not shown). Training platform(s) and RC
server(s) can be coupled to each other directly or indirectly over
one or more local area networks (LANs) and/or one or more wide area
networks (WANs).
[0038] Motion sensing camera 160 provides spatial information
regarding the user 190 to coach monitor 120. Suitable cameras
include Microsoft's Kinetic camera. In addition to motion sensing
camera 160, it is also possible to attach one or more positional
and/or motion sensors on the heads, torso, arms and/or legs of user
190 thereby generating additional spatial information. Such motion
sensing capability permits computerized coach monitor 120 to
accurately track if for example user 190 has executed an optimally
effective powerful kick, by fully utilizing the supporting leg, the
torso (core), and finally the kicking leg and feet, thereby
increasing the potential impact of such a kick.
[0039] Other exemplary impact targets for training station 100
include mixed martial arts (MMA) dummy 310 and speed bag attachment
320 are also possible as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Speed bag
sensors 322 provide impact accuracy and/or speed data of speed bag
320 to coach monitor 120. Note that dummy 310 or similar variants
may also be applicable for other grappling martial arts such as
Jujitsu, Judo and/or wrestling. Dummy 310 can also include embedded
sensors (not shown) to measure forces exerted on its torso, limbs
and neck to, for example, measure the effectiveness of the user
grappling techniques such as joint locks, chokeholds, arm bars and
takedowns.
[0040] FIGS. 4A and 4B show additional embodiments of impact
targets 410 and 420 respectively for training station 100. In one
embodiment, modified impact target 410 includes an attachment for
impact target 110 which simulates a "Wing Chun" style target with
protruding extensions 412, 414, 416, 418 popular with Chinese
martial art practitioners. This type of external attachment can be
coupled to target 110 via one or more straps 411. One or more
sensors coupled to modified impact target 410, for example, on
extensions 412, 414, 416, 418 can provide feedback to computerized
coach monitor 120 via wired and/or wireless connections.
Alternatively, it is also possible to manufacture an integrated
impact target with permanent protruding extensions.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 4B, impact target 110 of training station
100 can be replaced by a more manlike upright impact target 420
with a head 421, torso 423, arms 424, 425, legs 426, 427, and
mounted a stable support base 429. Sensors (not shown) can also be
imbedded into strategically selected locations on manlike impact
target 420 to provide feedback to computerized coach monitor
120.
[0042] In some embodiments as illustrated by FIGS. 5A and 5B, audio
visual enabled impact targets 510 and 520 include target
illuminating devices. For example, target 510 includes an AV dome
with controllable visible light pointers 512, 514, 516 which can be
directed by computerized coach monitor 120 to illuminate one or
more target areas on impact target 110. The position, intensity and
duration of the illumination can be varied in accordance to the
selected training protocol executing on computerized coach monitor
120. Pointers 512, 514, 516 can be any suitable and safe visible
light sources such as LEDs, low power lasers and combinations
thereof.
[0043] As illustrated by FIG. 5B, AV enabled target 520 includes an
AV dome with one or more video projectors 522, 524 which project
one or more images onto impact target 110 thereby enabling coach
monitor 120 to direct user 190 to strike specific impact zones
during a workout. Suitable images include imaginary manlike
opponents practicing similar or different martial arts from that of
user 190.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows yet another workout accessory which is an
enhanced jump rope 600 equipped with sensors coupled to a
microcontroller 620 and potentially an energy recapture generator
680 which may generate sufficient energy to power rope 600 for
extended periods of time. Microcontroller 620 can communicate with
computerized coach monitor 120 via a suitable link such as
Bluetooth or Wifi.
[0045] Lower cost versions of training platforms are also possible
as exemplified by platform 700 of FIG. 7. In this embodiment,
computerized coach monitor 720 can be an off-the-shelf laptop or
desktop readily available from many retail outlets. Other
off-the-shelf portable devices such as touch pads (e.g., iPads) and
tablet PCs can also be used as coach monitor 720. Coach monitor 720
is coupled via a suitable communication channel, using for example
a network 780, to a transceiver 715 relaying workout data to and
from impact target 710.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate impact target 810 installed
on an impact base 832, and configured to be coupled to a detachable
base pad 834 using suitable connectors 836. A suitable inexpensive
weighted medium, such as water or sand, can be introduced into the
perimeter of such an impact target 810 for stability.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a training
platform 900 provides multiple mobile impact targets 914 and 916
controlled by computerized coach monitor 920. Impact targets 914
and 916 can include strategically located embedded sensors (not
shown) functioning in a manner described above for impact target
110. In this example, independent vertical motion of targets 914
and 916 is made possible by geared impact target bases 912 and 917,
respectively. Impact target bases 912 and 917 are operatively
coupled to a pair of horseshoe shaped horizontal tracks 918 and
919, thereby providing independent horizontal motion. The resulting
structure of training platform 900 can be mounted a base pad 930
with embedded sensors that communicate with coach monitor 920.
[0048] Exemplary flow diagrams FIGS. 10 to 20, and exemplary
screenshots FIGS. 21A to 27B illustrate the operation of one
embodiment of training station 100, wherein reactive coach ("RC")
application is executing on computerized coach monitor 120 and
interacting with user 190 during a workout.
[0049] In FIG. 10, in steps 1010, 1020, computerized training
station 100 executes a start up sequence by booting up, executing
system diagnostics, and then launches a login menu for user 190. If
station 100 recognizes user 190, then the main menu is displayed
(step 1030). Eventually, when user 190 has completed a workout,
user 190 can elect to start another workout, or choose to logout
(step 1040).
[0050] In some embodiments, hardware and/or software serialization
enables manufacturing and distribution channels to track product
delivery and repairs, and also decreases the likelihood of product
piracy. Serialization also assists training stations to
definitively identify each other during workouts.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 11, which illustrates the startup
sequence 1010 in greater detail, reactive coach application is
launched (step 1110), and RC database service is launched and
various RC screens also uploaded into memory of coach monitor 120
(steps 1120, 1130).
[0052] FIGS. 12A-12B are flow diagrams and FIG. 21A is a screenshot
illustrating the top level "Main Menu" options presented to user
190 upon a successful login. If user 190 is a relatively new user,
then video host 2180 recommends touching "Getting Started" button
2110 and "How To's" button 2115 to select the respective "Getting
Started" related videos and "How To's" related videos (step
2010).
[0053] Upon selecting the "Getting Started" button 2110, the
screenshot of FIG. 21B is displayed (step 1310), user 190 is given
choice of view videos relating to "Equipment Needed" and "Coach
Monitor Intro", as shown in steps 1320 and 1330 of flow diagram
1217 of FIG. 13, by selecting from buttons 2145 and 2150,
respectively. User 190 can also return to the "Main Menu" screen of
FIG. 20 by selecting button 2140.
[0054] Similarly, when user 190 selects the "How To's" button 2115,
a corresponding "How To's" screen as shown in FIG. 22A is displayed
(step 1410), and a choice of "Wrap Your Hands" button 2221,
"Breathing Properly" button 2222, "Proper Stance" button 2223,
"Basic Stance" button 2223, "Basic Punches" button 1424 and "Basic
Kicks" button 2225, as shown in steps 1420, 1430, 1440 of flow
diagram 1222 of FIG. 14 and illustrated by corresponding
screenshots 22B-22F.
[0055] Choosing the "Proceed to Warm Ups" button 2229 causes the RC
application to steers user 190 into selecting a warm up exercise as
if user 190 had selected the "Warm Up Exercises" button from the
Main Menu screenshot of FIG. 21A.
[0056] Referring back to the flow diagram of FIG. 12B and the "Main
Menu" screenshot of FIG. 21A, in steps 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250,
within the "Main Menu" screen, user 190 is also presented with a
choice of "Doctor's Medical Tips", "Warm Up Exercises", "Choose A
Workout" and "Your Progress Report" (buttons 2120, 2125, 2130,
2135).
[0057] If user 190 selects "Doctor's Medical Tips" button 2120, a
"Doctor's Medical Tips" screen as shown in FIG. 23 is presented
with choices that include "Common Injuries" button 2320, "Injury
Analysis" button 2330, and "Injury Treatment" button 2340. As shown
in the flow diagram 1237 of FIG. 15, videos related to injuries,
such as prevention and treatment of common injuries are made
available for viewing by user 190. For example, in step 1510, a
doctor explains common injuries related to mixed martial arts, such
as joint sprains and hyperextensions, in step 1520, user 190 can
view videos of common martial art related injuries, and in step
1520, videos of treatment of common injuries are presented to user
190.
[0058] Returning to the "Main Menu" level (see FIGS. 12B and 21A),
user 190 can also select "Warm Up Exercises" button 2125. Within
"Warm Up Exercises", as illustrated by screenshots of FIGS. 24A-C
and flow diagram 1242 of FIG. 16, user 190 can choose from a
variety of warm up routines such as stretching only, or a
combination stretching and warm up, or rope jumping. Note that
these warm up routines described are exemplary and other suitable
warm up routines known to one skilled in the physical education
arts and/or martial arts including mixed martial arts are also
possible.
[0059] After user 190 completes one or more recommended "Warm Up
Exercises", which reduces the risk of injury, user 190 can elect to
begin a workout by selecting "Choose A Workout" button 2130 from
the "Main Menu", which causes coach monitor 120 of training station
110 to display "Choose A Workout" screen of FIG. 25. Accordingly, a
choice of workouts is offered to user 190 as illustrated by the
flow diagram 1247 of FIG. 17. Workout choices can include "Boxing"
button 2520, "Kick Boxing" button 2530, "Muay Thai Workout" 2540
and any other suitable martial arts workout "Workout X" button
2580, which can be for example a mixed martial arts workout ("MMA")
Workout (steps 1710, 1720, 1730 . . . 1770). In step 1780, user 190
can also select "Live Competition" 2590, which is described in
greater detail below.
[0060] Note that the reactive coach ("RC") application executing on
coach monitor 120 enables user 190 and/or his/her human trainer(s)
to customize both warm up routines and workout routines based on
his/her skill level (strengths and weaknesses), fitness level,
and/or any pre-existing injuries inputted by user 190 into the RC
application's user injury database. The RC application can then
avoid aggravation of pre-existing injury by disabling one or more
specific technique(s) within these warm up or workout routines,
based on reported injuries and the RC application's medical
database associating specific techniques with certain injuries.
[0061] It is also contemplated that other martial art workouts can
also be incorporated into, or in place of these exemplary arts
described above. Hence, Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Escrima,
Aikido, Ninjitsu, Wrestling, Kendo, Judo, Krav Maga, military-style
hand-to-hand combat training, and the many styles of Chinese
martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, are also within the
scope of this invention.
[0062] FIGS. 18A-C are flow diagrams illustrating in greater detail
the operation of one embodiment of the reactive coach ("RC")
application interacting with user 190 during an exemplary workout
session on training station 100. In step 1805, the RC application
begins by looking up user data to determine which workout routines
are available and displays the available choices to user 190 via
"Choose a Workout" screen as shown in FIG. 25. Upon the selection
of the specific workout routine, the respective workout screen is
displayed on coach monitor 120 (step 1810). Detailed exemplary
Boxing and Muay Thai workout screenshots are shown in FIGS.
26A-26D. User 190 is now able to choose specific moves such as
kicks and punches by following the instructor on the video screen
(step 1815). Workouts can also be modified depending on the
specific accessories selected by user 190.
[0063] Referring also to the screenshot of FIG. 26E, the RC
application tracks the performance of user 190 by monitoring the
hits on the sensor(s) of impact target 110 and recording the sensor
data associated with user 190 (step 1820). Countdown timers 2652,
2654, 2656 allow user 190 to pace himself or herself during the
warm-up, workout and cool-down phases. As shown in flow diagram of
FIG. 18B, this performance data is compared with a predetermined
target performance level thereby enabling the RC application to
determine if user 190 is performing below, at or above the target
performance level (steps 1835, 1840). By using audio and/or visual
feedback, e.g., "Behind", "On Target" and "Ahead" icons 2682, 2684,
2686, the RC application is able to prompt user 190 to maintain,
speed up or slow down the intensity of the workout (step 1845).
Based on the recorded performance, the RC application is also able
to compute and display the calories burned by user 190 on coach
monitor 120 (step 1850).
[0064] Audible feedback can be dynamically adjusted to optimally
motivate user 190 to perform at the appropriate level. For example,
if user is falling "Behind", appropriate motivational sound bites
include "You're falling behind", "Pick up the pace", "A little
faster", "Stay focused", and/or "You can do it". More detailed
sound bites may include "Breathe in through nose, out through
mouth" when for example user 190 is about ten hits behind.
[0065] Conversely, when user 190 is "On Target", appropriate
motivational sound bites include "There ya go!", Good Job!",
"Excellent", "Good pace. Keep it up", "That's it! Right there",
and/or "You're on target. Keep it up". Whenever user 190 is on
target for twenty or more seconds, appropriate sound bites may
include "You're doing great! Stay focused" and/or "Keep it up".
[0066] When user 190 is "Ahead" of the prescribed workout regimen
provided by the RC application, then appropriate sound bites
include "Slow it Down", "You're going too fast", "Don't burn out",
"Watch your pace", "Stay in sync" and/or "Easy does it . . . Stay
with me".
[0067] In addition to the intensity of the workout, FIG. 18C
illustrates the RC application tracking the accuracy of user 190,
by determining if user 190 is accurately hitting the correct
locations of impact target 110 (step 1865). Upon request at anytime
during the workout, the RC application can display recorded user
hits, accuracy and/or caloric data to user 190 (step 1870). Based
on current user workout profile, which can optionally include
biometric information such as heart rate, respiration rate and/or
environment conditions, the RC application determines and
recommends appropriate workout levels to optimize the effectiveness
and safety of the workout (step 1875). The RC application can also
highlight available workout routines based on the profile of user
190 (step 1880).
[0068] Referring back to step 1780 of flow diagram 1247 in FIG. 17,
and also the "Live Competition" button 2550 of FIG. 25, in this
embodiment, the reactive coach application also enables user 190 to
initiate a live competition with, for example, one or more other
users 219, 229 . . . 289 working out on platforms 210, 220 . . .
280 of FIG. 2. Hence by selecting "Live Competition" user 190 is
able to compete online with one or more other users working out on
similar training stations coupled to station 110 via a local or
wide area network, such as the Internet, in a manner described in
greater detail below and as shown in FIGS. 19A-19C.
[0069] Flow diagram of FIG. 19A and screenshot 27A illustrates the
RC application executing on station 110 enabling user 190 to search
for other remote users over a network to compete with (step 1905).
Next, a request is made to the selected user(s) requesting
competition (step 1910). If the remote user(s) accepts the
invitation to compete, then the PC application connects the
competing users and activates video connection(s), thereby enabling
the users to see each other during the competition on their
respective coach monitor displays (step 1920). Note that Live
Competitions can be organized informally by a group of users, or
organized more formally by human coaches or promoters in amateur or
professional settings. Communications between training stations can
occur peer to peer or via RC server.
[0070] In step 1935 of FIG. 19B, a Live Competition screenshot as
illustrated by FIG. 27B is displayed, enabling the connected
competing users and any coaches to be able to view each other in
real-time via video feeds. The connected users then select the type
of workout (step 1940).
[0071] Having selected a particular workout routine for competing,
the RC applications executing on the respective training stations,
e.g. stations 210, 220 . . . 280, synchronize with a RC Server 290,
and the live competition session begins (step 1945). During the
live competition session, the performance of users 219, 229 . . .
289, such as accuracy of hits, calories burned, are recorded on
their RC monitors executing on training stations 210, 220 . . .
280, respectively (step 1950). To facilitate ease of implementation
in different networking environments, training stations 210, 220 .
. . 280 can communicate directly with each other and/or via RC
Server 290.
[0072] As an option, the RC server 290 can also possible for users
of different skill levels to compete by permitting the introduction
of handicaps, for example, by weighting the scores of the users to
create a more level playing field. The RC server 290 can also
permit the competing users to share each other's workout data in
real time.
[0073] As shown in step 1965 of flow diagram of FIG. 19C, at the
end of each workout competition, the performance data of competing
users including user 190 is uploaded to a reactive coach server,
e.g., server 290. Next, the RC server 290 compares all the user
data to determine which user has the most accurate hits, and sends
compiled data to the competing users and determines the ranking of
the competing users of the workout competition, including the
ranking of user 190 (steps 1970, 1975). At the end of the workout
competition, the RC server 290 terminates connections of the
individual coach monitors executing on training platforms involved
in the competition (step 1980). The RC server 290 then determines
which users are eligible for posting results to social network
walls and pages.
[0074] Other competitive arrangements are also possible. For
example, in addition to being about to compete live against other
remote users, it may also be possible to compete against a
simulation of one or more well-known martial art artists programmed
into the reactive coach application, or against one of more
fictional martial artists such as avatars, action heroes and/or
villains from movies or comic strips.
[0075] Before, during and after solo workouts and/or live
competitions, user 190 can elect to display workout progress data
locally (step 2010), or share workout progress data with others in
a social networking context by logging in (step 2015), as shown in
the flow diagram FIG. 20. Sharing options include posting weight
loss, calories burned (step 2020) and posting live competition
results (step 2025).
[0076] In some embodiments, user 190 can also register to
facilitate donations to a charity based on the results of one or
more workouts. For example, user 190 may have multiple sponsors who
have pledged to donate $1 to the American Red Cross for every pound
that user 190 is able to shed during a specific period. The
reactive coach application is able to monitor user 190 as he/she is
working out and automatically send the appropriate messages to the
donor(s) and the charity to facilitate such pledged donations.
[0077] In some embodiments, instead of displaying the coach on the
display screen of coach monitor 120, a holographic image of the
coach can be projected proximate to user 190. It is also possible
to replace the physical form of impact target 110 with a
holographic image of an impact target. Further, holographic images
of live competitors can also be projected proximate to user
190.
[0078] It is also possible to incorporate shopping cart(s)
functionality into the reactive coach application. For example, a
link to an online music store such as "iTunes" can be incorporated
into the RC application user options. Similarly, an online store
for fitness equipment and accessories can also be incorporated into
the RC application.
[0079] In sum, the present invention provides a system and methods
for reactive martial arts fitness training that provide
customizable single or multi-user dynamic martial arts training
with an optional social networking capability. The advantages of
such a system include the ability to reactively train a user over
time without aggravating any pre-existing injuries that the user
may have.
[0080] While this invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations,
and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this
invention. For example, many of the functionality of the
embodiments described above can be implemented entirely in
software, entirely in hardware, or a combination of both software
and hardware. Although sub-section titles may be provided to aid in
the description of the invention, these titles are merely
illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0081] It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways
of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present
invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims be interpreted as including all such alterations,
modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
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