U.S. patent application number 13/239079 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for methods for promoting fitness in connection with electrophysiology data.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOMAXIS INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Abhishek Belani, Alexander B. Grey, Edward Frank Hejtmanek.
Application Number | 20120071770 13/239079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45818348 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120071770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grey; Alexander B. ; et
al. |
March 22, 2012 |
METHODS FOR PROMOTING FITNESS IN CONNECTION WITH ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
DATA
Abstract
A task assessment protocol configured to utilize modified
operant conditioning to incentivize physical fitness through
rewards associated with units of effort including the steps of
selecting the task to be performed, breaking the task to be
performed into smaller units, associating the data with a reward
using a reward system, gathering subject data into a database for
each unit performed, and providing awards to the subject for each
unit completed wherein rewards are diversified through monetary
based rewards and social capital based rewards. Sensors can be worn
to monitor the progress of the subject participating in an
activity, competition, or challenge, and the method can provide
real time feedback of data gathered to the subject.
Inventors: |
Grey; Alexander B.;
(Campbell, CA) ; Belani; Abhishek; (Campbell,
CA) ; Hejtmanek; Edward Frank; (San Jose,
CA) |
Assignee: |
SOMAXIS INCORPORATED
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
45818348 |
Appl. No.: |
13/239079 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61385053 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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61385048 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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61514148 |
Aug 2, 2011 |
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61385038 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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61385046 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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61385049 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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61385051 |
Sep 21, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/508 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2562/164 20130101;
G16H 50/50 20180101; A61B 5/318 20210101; A61B 5/222 20130101; A61B
5/7235 20130101; A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B 5/4866 20130101; A61B
5/7246 20130101; A61B 5/389 20210101; A61B 5/486 20130101; A61B
5/01 20130101; A61B 2560/0238 20130101; A61B 5/25 20210101; G16H
50/20 20180101; A61B 5/0006 20130101; A61B 5/296 20210101; A61B
5/725 20130101; A61B 5/746 20130101; A61B 5/112 20130101; A61B
2560/0412 20130101; A61B 5/6833 20130101; G16H 20/40 20180101; A61B
5/316 20210101; A61B 2503/10 20130101; A61B 2560/0223 20130101;
G16H 20/30 20180101; G16H 20/10 20180101; A61B 5/7275 20130101;
A61B 5/6801 20130101; A61B 5/224 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/508 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/04 20060101
A61B005/04 |
Claims
1. A method of implementing a task assessment protocol, the method
comprising: selecting an exercise task to be performed; breaking
the exercise task to be performed into smaller units; associating
data of the exercise task with a reward using a reward system;
gathering subject muscle data and/or heart data into a database for
each unit performed; and providing awards to the subject for each
unit completed based on the muscle data of the subject.
2. The methods of claim 1, comprising deriving the rewards by: a
first component based on the effort of the subject; and a second
component based on the performance of the subject.
3. The method of claim 1, comprising creating access to the
database for the subject by: providing access to the database
through an internet web page; and providing access to the database
through a graphical user interface of a computing device.
4. The method of claim 1, comprising associating the rewards with
points that are useful for trading.
5. The method of claim 1, comprising associating the rewards with
points for levels of accumulated rewards.
6. The method of claim 1, comprising associating the rewards with
social capital through additional steps by: sharing the subject's
goal with a social network of members; and sharing the subject's
progress with a social network of members.
7. The method of claim 6, comprising generating additional social
capital by increased feedback from a social network by: associating
additional points related to the number of social network members
shared with; and associating additional points to a subject who has
shared with a social network and received feedback from the social
network members.
8. The method of claim 6, comprising associating the social capital
with points that are useful for trading.
9. The method of claim 6, comprising defining social capital by:
the expectative benefits derived from sharing of individual goals
and/or progress toward that goal with a group.
10. The method of claim 6, creating additional social capital by:
alerting members of the social network when progress drops below a
predetermined level; and providing members of the social network
with options for providing one or more of feedback, inquiries,
and/or incentives.
11. The method of claim 1, comprising reinforcing fitness patterns
through additional steps by: comparing at least one subject's
progress with the progress of at least one other subject; and
creating a competition between a plurality of subjects.
12. The steps of claim 11, wherein additional points are assigned
to the subject who wins the challenge.
13. The steps of claim 11, wherein the subject wagers accumulated
awards based on the outcome of the competition.
14. The task assessment protocol of claim 11, wherein the data is
associated with established performance metrics.
15. A competition assessment protocol comprising: establishing an
exercise competition between a plurality of subjects; gathering
muscle data for each of the plurality of subjects; comparing the
data for each subject with at least one other subject; and enabling
at least one subject access to the data of two or more of the
subjects as it is being compared.
16. The competition protocol of claim 15, described as Live
Non-Local Racing (LNLR).
17. The competition assessment protocol of claim 15, wherein the
data is compared on the basis of performance metrics comprising:
heart rate, beats per minute, muscle fatigue onset index (MFOI),
warm-up index (WUI), mean power frequency (MPF), sEMG amplitude,
caloric expenditure, proximity to ideal heart rate, muscle work
estimation index (MWEI), and work performed.
18. The competition assessment protocol of claim 15, wherein data
can be observed by the subject during the competition through a
graphical user interface worn or carried by the subject.
19. A method for providing incentives to a subject to encourage
progress towards a muscle activity goal, comprising: gathering data
from a sensor worn by a subject during a muscular activity
increment; determining the performance exerted by the subject;
associating completion, performance, and improvement during the
increment, of a subject with a reward system based on a subject's
predetermined long-term goal; and providing incentive to continue
progress toward the predetermined long-term goal by assigning
rewards to the subject.
20. A method of claim 19, providing incentives to subjects,
comprising: assigning rewards based on a level of a subject's
accumulated rewards; assigning rewards based on the extent which a
subject shares their goal with the members of a social network;
assigning rewards based on the extent which a subject receives
feedback and encouragement from the members of the social network;
and assigning rewards based on the extent which a subject
outperforms other members in the social network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Nos. 61/385,046, 61/385,038, 61/385,048,
61/385,049, 61/385,051, and 61/385,053 all of which were filed on
Sep. 21, 2010. In addition, this patent application claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,148, filed Aug.
2, 2011. All of the aforementioned provisional applications are
incorporated herein by specific reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, there are various methods for monitoring and
analyzing muscle condition and/or performance. Often, such muscle
monitoring and analysis involves some form of myometry, which
measures the strength of a muscle by measuring the force that the
muscle can generate. For an example of myometry, a user squeezes a
device which in turn measures and transmits force information back
to a computer, and the computer computes a force/time curve. The
measurement is usually via electronic components, and thereby can
be referred to as electromyometry. These electronic devices are
typically fully wired systems that require immediate proximity to a
computer, and which are designed to be operated by physicians or
clinicians in appropriate controlled settings.
[0003] Surface electromyometry (sEMG) is a type of myometry that
uses surface sensors to obtain information about the functionality
of one or more muscles during a muscular activity. The sEMG
assessments can be sorted into three general groups of muscle
activity: static muscle activity, dynamic muscle activity, or
combination of static and dynamic muscle activities. The different
muscle activity paradigms can be useful for different muscle
assessments.
[0004] A static muscle activity may occur with no load (i.e.
sitting) or with an isometric load (no movement of limb). Static
muscle activity evaluation can include observation of the rectified
amplitude of the sEMG data. The static muscle activity evaluation
can be useful for a specific muscle or muscle group or as a
comparison to other muscles or muscle groups. Absolute levels of
the sEMG data can be monitored through root mean square of the sEMG
amplitude (e.g., RMS sEMG amplitude), and abnormally large values
of the RMS sEMG can be identified or determined. Rhythmic
contraction patterns of the muscle or muscle groups can be
identified or determined, and may also be based on rectified
amplitude. During an isometric loading protocol, a user can exert
an amount of force while keeping the limb fixed in a single
position. Usually, the force exerted is measured as a fixed
percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC). Then, the median
frequency (MF) or mean power frequency (MPF) can be measured or
determined by observing or analyzing the frequency spectrum of the
sEMG. In this manner, the fatigue level of the muscles can be
established, and the point at which fatigue begins to occur may be
identified.
[0005] Dynamic muscle activity evaluations can ascertain
relationships between sEMG amplitude and force, which have been
shown to be "curvilinear", or non-linear at the extremes of the
force range (e.g., very little force, or a lot of force) and
essentially linear for the majority of the force/amplitude
relationship. Evaluating that relationship is useful for dynamic
muscle activity sEMG evaluation. Methods for implementing dynamic
muscle activity evaluations can include incrementally increasing
the force exerted by the muscle by way of a machine that measures
force, and measuring the sEMG amplitude of the muscle activity that
is associated with various force levels. Dynamic muscle activity
evaluations can be used in the evaluation of torque and paralysis.
There are dynamic muscle activity evaluation methods for: muscle
imbalance, trigger points, cocontractions, and fasciculations.
[0006] The current approach to promoting fitness revolves around
providing the users with information to make rational and informed
decisions. For the most part, the population at large is aware that
diet and exercise are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. The
informational approach, while enjoying some success, has largely
failed to take into account the primary roadblocks to maintaining a
health regimen consisting of a dietary regimen, exercise regimen,
or a combination of the two.
[0007] Operant conditioning is largely known in the art as a form
of psychological learning where an individual modifies the
occurrence and form of their own behavior due to the association of
the behavior with a stimulus. Attempts have been made to apply this
type of model to the field of rehabilitative medicine. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,243,998 is one example of such a system which uses a device
to track the posture of an individual with automatic feedback such
as audible alarms. However, the operant conditioning model has not
yet been successfully applied to the average consumer's physical
fitness goals where the stimulus is any given reward. It is
therefore the needed in the art, a method, a system, or a device
that uses a modified operant conditioning model to incentivize
fitness goals.
SUMMARY
[0008] In general, the present invention relates to a method and a
device for task assessment. The method is related to the assessment
of the fitness of a subject by taking measurements and associating
the measurements with progress made toward a goal predetermined by
the user. The method uses sensors and a processor for gathering
biometric data of the subject during the completion of a task
related to a larger goal. The data is uploaded to a computing
system and is entered into a database which will associate the data
with a reward system. As the goals are associated with a reward,
the subject is further incentivized to continue progressing towards
the predetermined goal. The task assessment system can be
characterized as a modified operant conditioning system.
[0009] In an additional embodiment, the task assessment system can
be used to create additional incentives by associating progress
towards a goal with social capital through a social network. In
another embodiment, the task assessment system can be used to
create additional incentives to increase performance in furtherance
of a predetermined goal by creating competitions between to
subjects, or users, of the method. In a further embodiment, the
method can be used to measure competitions between two individuals
allowing real time data feedback to the subjects, or users.
[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing and following information as well as other
features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from
the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings
depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure
and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the
disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail
through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a depiction of the method of task assessment and
encouragement method which associates the accomplishment of
individual units with rewards, and uses the rewards to encourage
and assess the accomplishment of the larger task;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a computer connected to a network
of other computers that allows the subject to provide the data
gathered to a database and shared with others.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a depiction of how a larger task can be divided
into smaller units of accomplishment and rewards can be associated
with each unit;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a depiction of a graph that shows how an alert can
be created when a subject's frequency in accomplishing smaller
units drops below a target level;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a depiction of the competition that can be
established by two or more subjects when connected to a network,
providing real time updates to each subject relating to the
progress of the subject and each other subject participating;
[0017] FIG. 6 includes a schematic representation of a computing
system that can be used in the systems and methods of the present
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 7 describes a method of reinforcing fitness patterns
and progress by creating custom challenges based on
electrophysiology data;
[0019] arranged in accordance with at least one of the embodiments
described herein, and which arrangement may be modified in
accordance with the disclosure provided herein by one of ordinary
skill in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated
herein.
[0021] The present invention relates generally to sensors which
provide biofeedback for task assessment and achievement. The
biofeedback is configured to train individuals to accomplish a
selected task using a modified operant conditioning system. The
modified operant conditioning system divides a larger task into
smaller units, and associates those units with quantifiable
rewards. Typically, the tasks relate to muscle activities, such as
exercise and athletics.
[0022] The present invention includes systems and methods for
implementing task assessment protocols. The assessment protocols
can be implemented in a manner such that a common person can use
the system to assess the individual progress toward a goal, such as
improved muscular activation and performance. The assessment
protocols can be implemented by the user to associate progress
toward a goal with rewards to encourage and incentivize the
continuing progress.
[0023] As such, embodiments of the present invention can be
implemented in order to improve a subject's ability to assess the
progress toward accomplishing a task. Often, the task will be
related to activities intended for improved muscle activation
and/or performance. Additionally, another embodiment of the present
invention provides incentives to encourage the subject to
accomplish the task. According to one embodiment of the present
invention, the subject selects a larger task to complete, such as
to increase the amount of weight that can be lifted, running speed,
or running longevity or endurance. Once a task selected, one
embodiment of the invention will divide the task into units of
effort or accomplishment for a muscle activity. According to
another embodiment of the invention, as the subject completes the
units of effort or accomplishment, in route to accomplishing the
larger task, rewards will be associated with the units completed
and given to the subject. According to a different embodiment of
the invention, competitions may be established between two or more
subjects. The competitions may be used to encourage performance and
additional rewards may be given to the winner of any particular
competition. In another embodiment, competitions may be established
between two or more participating subjects that gathers and sends
data in real time to each subject as the competition progresses. In
this embodiment, the subjects can compare performance in real time
and adjust their effort accordingly.
[0024] The present invention can include modified operant condition
systems that can provide or improve motivation to perform exercise
routines to promote fitness over just diet and exercise alone. The
modified operant conditioning systems of the present invention
establish a reward system that is associated with the
accomplishment of a subject, or user's, established goal. A given
reward could include, but is not limited to: social capital,
redeemable points, discounts on retail goods, discounts on retail
services, discounts on competition fees, discounts on association
fees, or the like. Also, the reward can include points which
contribute to a publicly viewable experience level, or points which
contribute toward publicly viewable social status ranking, which
can be applied as social capital. Although the methods and systems
are described as being applied to physical fitness, the present
invention can also be useful to any area where physical activity
and performance is measured or any muscle activity.
[0025] In the current invention, a "subject" can be user of the
invention described, and the terms "subject" and "user" are used
interchangeably. Additionally, in the descriptions of the
embodiments below, frequently the example of running is used.
However, it should be understood that these systems and processes
can be applied to continuous or noncontinuous muscle activities.
Some examples of muscle activities can include one or more of
walking, jogging, running, sprinting, hiking, cycling,
rollerblading, roller skating, skiing, cross-country skiing,
rowing, swimming, snowboarding, yoga, pilates, golf, football,
weight lifting, or the like.
Method for Modifying Fitness Patterns Using an Adaptation of the
Operant Conditioning Model with Incentives Based on
Electrophysiology Data
[0026] It has been found that obtaining or improving muscle
activation and performance or other aspects of a healthy lifestyle
and the benefits associated can be an intimidating process. An
effective fitness regimen requires continued and increasing effort
throughout a long period of time for a distant reward. This period
of time between the effort and the subsequent reward is a large
disincentive to maintain a given regimen. It is further exacerbated
when progress is very gradual, and thus more difficult to perceive.
The availability of a short-term reward can incentivize the user in
continuing progress. A short-term reward is especially important
when considering a user faces a range of distractions vying for
their attention and effort, many of which will provide more
immediate satisfaction.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the short-term
reward problem is addressed using a modified operant conditioning
model 100. FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the method. First, a
large task is chosen (block 102). The larger task can be long-term
or short term with high performance expectations. The larger task
is then broken down into a series of manageable discrete units of
effort (block 104). The discrete units of effort mark the progress
of the individual user towards the larger goal. The discrete units
are then associated with a reward (block 106). The reward can be an
amount of points associated with metrics including, but not limited
to, progress being made, the amount of work done, the amount of
calories burned, and the amount of improvement. Then the subject's
data is recorded as the subject performs each unit (block 108).
Once the rewards have been associated with each unit performed, the
rewards are provided to the subject (block 110).
[0028] In one embodiment, each unit that is successfully completed
results in an explicit reward of points, awards, or a monetary
incentive such as: cash, or cash equivalents, goods, discounts on
retail goods, services, discounts on retail services, discounts on
competition fees, discounts on association fees, redeemable
vouchers, coupons, or the like. It has been established that the
operant conditioning model with reinforcement is an effective means
of modifying behavioral patterns through associated research in
physical therapy when applied to improving muscle activation or
performance or overall fitness.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, to verify that the user has in fact
completed the discrete task, such as a single bike ride, the
electrophysiology data gathered by a processor or computing system
coupled to the data gathering sensors measured during the
completion of the task must be uploaded to a database. In FIG. 2,
data is being gathered by sEMG sensors 205, and an ergometer 207.
The data gathered by the sensors 205 and/or the ergometer 207 is
then communicated to a network, such as the Internet 209, through a
connected computer 201. The database and coupled computing system
tracks the progress of the subject based on metrics of interest to
the subject. In one embodiment, the gathered data will be
automatically transmitted to a computing system 201. A processor
would analyze the electrophysiology data and display the metrics of
interest. Each metric can be associated alone, or together with a
reward.
[0030] In one embodiment, the reward is composed of one or more
parts. The primary component is based on the effort of the subject
with each successive unit completed. Another reward component can
be proportional to the performance of the subject in the activity
performed. Another reward component can be based upon improvement
in performance compared to previously completed performances.
Another reward component can be associated with levels based on the
user's total accumulated point value. As shown in FIG. 2 the
associated internet computing system 201 and server 203 can be
configured to compute the rewards, or associated points, to be
given to the subject based on the electrophysiology data and return
this total to the database tracking the individual's progress. The
data in the database would be accessible by the subject in order to
gauge progress, review points accumulated, trade points, redeem
points, or wager points.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows for example, a subject may set a goal to burn
10,000 calories by running. The subject would then create a regimen
by which she runs for 30 minutes 3 times a week. The computing
system will associated the larger task with smaller units of
effort, and associate each smaller unit with a reward. After each
run the subject uploads the electrophysiology data for that run.
The database will associate each unit completed with an award, in
this example an amount of redeemable points. After one week of
running, the subject will have data from 3 runs uploaded to the
database. Therefore, each run the subject receives a nominal amount
of points associated with the effort of completing each unit, for
example 500 points. Also, the subject receives points based on the
number of calories burned associating points with performance.
Further, the subject receives points based on the improvement in
performance compared to previous runs. The accumulated points can
be associated with certain levels of accumulated points. For
example, at the end of the one week period assume that the subject
has accumulated 2,400 points. In one embodiment, the subject can be
awarded an incremental level for each 2000 points accumulated,
moving from a level 1 user to a level 2 user in a given scenario to
be rewarded with an additional 500 points.
[0032] The above scenario is an example only, and not should be
considered limiting. The present invention can be configured to
work with any activity requiring muscle activity where a goal has
been determined for a subject engaging in the activity. As the
subject incrementally progresses toward any goal related to muscle
activity, the system can provide incentives for continued progress.
Some examples of other muscle activities can include one or more of
walking, jogging, running, sprinting, hiking, cycling,
rollerblading, roller skating, skiing, cross-country skiing,
rowing, or others.
[0033] Method for Reinforcement of Incentives Based on
Electrophysiology Data Using a Social Network
[0034] In the previous embodiment, rewards were associated with
various monetary incentives. In addition, there exists an
opportunity for non-monetary rewards and incentives as well in
social capital. Social capital, optionally, can then be associated
with monetary incentives. Creating social capital derived from the
rewards based on electrophysiology data can increase the subject's
motivation. Social capital is a concept which refers to the value
associated with social relations. Here, social capital can be
thought of including: the expectative benefits derived from sharing
of individual goals and progress toward that goal with a group. In
one embodiment, the reward the subject receives a number of points
proportional to effort, performance, and/or total amount of points
accumulated, and this point total is then displayed on the
subject's profile page of an online social network.
[0035] In this embodiment, the points are given value by being
displayed on the user's personal page on the social network. By
sharing this information with peers, the subject is then further
incentivized to increase this score, based on the knowledge that
other people will be aware of the subject's progress. Additionally,
feedback loop is then created by giving the subject additional
points for sharing the data with a larger populations of users.
[0036] Continuing the example above, in one embodiment, the subject
would publish the subject's goal of burning 10,000 calories. The
subject would then choose to display the cumulative calories burned
metric approximated from the electrophysiology data uploaded to the
database of the social network. The subject's profile would then
display the calories burned per run by the subject, the cumulative
number of calories burned by the subject, and the cumulative number
of points earned by the subject, as well as any awards or
achievements such as increasing in rewards level or improvement in
performance.
[0037] Additionally, if the subject shared this page with 10 other
users the subject might receive 100 points for each user that views
her progress for a total of 1000 points added to the subject's
cumulative total. Once again the subject may redeem these points by
the means, not limited to but including, mentioned previously such
as: cash, or cash equivalents, discounts on retail goods, discounts
on retail services, discounts on competition fees, discounts on
association fees, or others.
Method for Modifying Fitness Patterns Using a Support System Based
on Electrophysiology Data and Social Networks
[0038] As the subject builds relationships with other users of the
social network, these relationships can help motivate the subject
to sustain a fitness regimen. This can be reinforced by an alert
that updates the other users whenever the subject's fitness
activities, as measured by electrophysiology data uploads to the
social network, begin to diminish in frequency. FIG. 4 depicts a
graph of the subject's update frequency versus time. When the
subject's frequency drops below a given threshold, an associated
user will be notified. The user will then be given options to
contact the subject. As a user becomes aware that the subject is
making less progress the user will be prompted to contact the
subject and offer encouragement and support.
[0039] Therefore, a reward system can be associated with the
previously mentioned reward associations such as effort,
performance, and improvement, but also with social networking
effort. Thus, a user can be assigned rewards or points for the
sharing a goal and associated progress based on the number of
social networks and/or the number of social network members with
whom the data is shared. Additional points can be associated with
users that receive more feedback, encouragement, inquiries, and
incentives from social capital.
[0040] Continuing the above example, if the subject entered the
third week of her fitness regimen and missed the first 2 runs of
week 3 an alert would be sent to the ten users that the subject had
shared her progress with. A portion of these users might inquire
with the subject as to why she had missed these runs and offer
support and encouragement to continue with the fitness regimen. The
subject would then respond to this encouragement by returning to
the fitness regimen as measured by a return to uploading
electrophysiology data after each run. In one embodiment, the user
will receive more points for the amount of feedback they receive.
In one embodiment, the user will receive more points for feedback
occurs before a diminished update frequency.
Method for Reinforcing Fitness Patterns by Creating Custom
Challenges Based on Electrophysiology Data
[0041] In another embodiment, the invention described can be used
to establish challenges based on the subject's performance. In
general, the challenge system described herein provides competitive
reinforcement for a subject displaying positive progress. FIG. 7
depicts a method 700 of creating a challenge in which a user will
compete for additional rewards, or points, with at least one other
user.
[0042] First, as the subject exceeds a minimum competitive
threshold for a given electrophysiology metric, or combination of
metrics, the subject becomes eligible to compete around that given
metric (block 701). A computing system will then search for other
subjects that are also eligible to compete around the given metric
or combination of metrics (block 703). The computing system will
take into account the absolute performance of the user and the
subject in the metric, or combination of metrics, based on past
uploads of electrophysiology data. If the user and the subject have
similar performances within a given range in that metric, or
combination of metrics, the social network will recommend to the
subject that she challenge the other user that has been suitably
matched and selected by the computing system (block 705). The
challenge is then issued to matched subjects (block 707), and each
subject accept or reject the challenge (block 709), and a winner is
determined based on the outcome of the challenge (block 711).
[0043] In embodiment of the present invention, assume that in the
previous example the subject has entered week four of the fitness
regimen and has burned a cumulative total of 4000 calories,
averaging between 300-500 calories burned per run. If the subject
is in turn related to a user that is also within the range of
300-500 calories burned per run, the system would identify the user
to the subject and propose a challenge. In this case the challenge
would focus on maximizing the calories burned in a 60 minutes run.
The challengers may wager a portion of their accumulated points on
the outcome of the run after the odds of either user or subject
winning have been calculated by the algorithm. Alternatively,
winning the challenge may be worth a specific number of points
based on the implementation of the algorithm and the social
network.
Live Non-Local Racing Using a Wireless Device Connected to a Social
Network Based on Electrophysiology Data
[0044] In another embodiment the invention can be used in to assess
achievement of a goal and encourage progress by enabling Live
Non-Local Racing (LNLR). LNLR is a method of using performance
metrics to allow non-local athletes to compete against each other
in a meaningful way. FIG. 5 depicts one LNLR configuration
contemplated by the current invention. Subject 1 can compete with
at least one other subject, in FIG. 5, Subject 2. Both subjects
wear sensors to gather data related to their respective
performance. Both subjects' data is communicated to a computing
device 501, 503 connected to the internet 505. Both Subject 1 and
Subject 2 are able to receive real-time data relating to their own
performance and the other subject's performance. Real-time data
streaming allows a subject to adjust accordingly to improve
performance. An increase in performance ultimately assists the
subject in obtaining the larger goal. Additionally, the subject can
be awarded points based on the results of the LNLR.
[0045] As an example, a subject in California and a subject in New
York might decide to have a 1-mile race. They each have preferred
sites with zero elevation for the one mile in question. The
computing system coordinates the start times, and the runners begin
to race. Both subjects are recording biometric data such as sEMG
and/or ECG. Both subjects are competing not only to see who can
finish first, but also who can perform better according to other
metrics such as (MFOI), warm-up index (WUI), mean power frequency
(MPF), sEMG amplitude, caloric expenditure, proximity to ideal
heart rate, muscle work estimation index (MWEI), and work
performed. All available metrics can be used to assess relative
performance of the two runners, and these metrics can stream live
between the two runners so they can try and out-perform the other
runner based on secondary information of these metrics, not just
speed and distance traveled by the runner. For example, even if
Runner A is winning, if Runner B knows that A's fatigue burn rate
is much faster than B's, they may choose not to worry as much about
the absolute position of A, and instead focus on keeping their own
pace, since A is likely to slow down due to fatigue. In one
embodiment, the user will be enabled to read the real time
competition data on a graphical user interface worn or carried by
the user. Although not disclosed here, the present invention
contemplates all different permutations of LNLR that can be
directly useful as training tools to competitive athletes. The
embodiment of LNLR of this invention precludes the necessity of
geographic proximity of the subjects engaged in the
competition.
[0046] In one embodiment, the invention described herein can be
implemented with the sensors or systems described in U.S.
Provisional Application Nos. 61/385,048 and 61/514,148 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number
S1061.10011US02, the serial number to be inserted here after the
filing thereof). Additionally, the invention described herein can
be implemented with metrics and algorithms described in U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/385,046 and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number S1061.10010US02, the serial
number to be inserted here after the filing thereof). Also, the
invention described herein can be implemented with methods of
promoting fitness described in U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/385,038 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney
Docket Number S1061.10009US02, the serial number to be inserted
here after the filing thereof). Further, the invention described
herein can be implemented with graphing methods described in U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/385,049. Also, the invention
described herein can be implemented with the multi-functional
carrying case and associated biometric sensors and transceivers
described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/385,051. The
invention described herein can be implemented with the systems
and/or methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,593,769 and 7,809,435.
The patents and patent applications recited herein are incorporated
herein by specific reference in their entirety.
[0047] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and
other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions
performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in
differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are
only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may
be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded
into additional steps and operations without detracting from the
essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0048] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present
disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0049] In one embodiment, the present methods can include aspects
performed on a computing system. As such, the computing system can
include a memory device that has the computer-executable
instructions for performing the method. The computer-executable
instructions can be part of a computer program product that
includes one or more algorithms for performing any of the methods
of any of the claims. The computer readable medium can also be a
part of a larger network such as the Internet.
[0050] In one embodiment, any of the operations, processes,
methods, or steps described herein can be implemented as
computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable
medium. The computer-readable instructions can be executed by a
processor of a wide range of computing systems from desktop
computing systems, portable computing systems, tablet computing
systems, hand-held computing systems as well as network elements,
and/or any other computing device.
[0051] There is little distinction left between hardware and
software implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware
or software is generally (but not always, in that in certain
contexts the choice between hardware and software can become
significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency
tradeoffs. There are various vehicles by which processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected
(e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an
implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle;
if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly
software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the
implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware.
[0052] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the processes via the use of block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or
operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each
function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts,
or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively,
by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any
combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the
subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application
Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other
integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in
whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated
circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more
computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more
processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination
thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code
for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of
one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the
subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as
a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies
regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to
actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing
medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable
type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a CD, a DVD,
a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type
medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium
(e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications
link, a wireless communication link, etc.).
[0053] Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common
within the art to describe devices and/or processes in the fashion
set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering practices to
integrate such described devices and/or processes into data
processing systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices
and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a data
processing system via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those
having skill in the art will recognize that a typical data
processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit
housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatile and
non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digital
signal processors, computational entities such as operating
systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications
programs, one or more interaction devices, such as a touch pad or
screen, and/or control systems including feedback loops and control
motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity;
control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or
quantities). A typical data processing system may be implemented
utilizing any suitable commercially available components, such as
those generally found in data computing/communication and/or
network computing/communication systems.
[0054] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired
functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable
and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically
interacting and/or logically interactable components.
[0055] FIG. 6 shows an example computing device 600 that is
arranged to perform any of the computing methods described herein.
In a very basic configuration 602, computing device 600 generally
includes one or more processors 604 and a system memory 606. A
memory bus 608 may be used for communicating between processor 604
and system memory 606.
[0056] Depending on the desired configuration, processor 604 may be
of any type including but not limited to a microprocessor (.mu.P),
a microcontroller (.mu.C), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any
combination thereof. Processor 604 may include one more levels of
caching, such as a level one cache 610 and a level two cache 612, a
processor core 614, and registers 616. An example processor core
614 may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point
unit (FPU), a digital signal processing core (DSP Core), or any
combination thereof. An example memory controller 618 may also be
used with processor 604, or in some implementations memory
controller 618 may be an internal part of processor 604.
[0057] Depending on the desired configuration, system memory 606
may be of any type including but not limited to volatile memory
(such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory,
etc.) or any combination thereof. System memory 606 may include an
operating system 620, one or more applications 622, and program
data 624. Application 622 may include a determination application
626 that is arranged to perform the functions as described herein
including those described with respect to methods described herein.
Program Data 624 may include determination information 628 that may
be useful for analyzing the contamination characteristics provided
by the sensor unit 240. In some embodiments, application 622 may be
arranged to operate with program data 624 on operating system 620
such that the work performed by untrusted computing nodes can be
verified as described herein. This described basic configuration
602 is illustrated in FIG. 6 by those components within the inner
dashed line.
[0058] Computing device 600 may have additional features or
functionality, and additional interfaces to facilitate
communications between basic configuration 602 and any required
devices and interfaces. For example, a bus/interface controller 630
may be used to facilitate communications between basic
configuration 602 and one or more data storage devices 632 via a
storage interface bus 634. Data storage devices 632 may be
removable storage devices 636, non-removable storage devices 638,
or a combination thereof. Examples of removable storage and
non-removable storage devices include magnetic disk devices such as
flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives (HDD), optical disk
drives such as compact disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk
(DVD) drives, solid state drives (SSD), and tape drives to name a
few. Example computer storage media may include volatile and
nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information, such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other
data.
[0059] System memory 606, removable storage devices 636 and
non-removable storage devices 638 are examples of computer storage
media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,
digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to store the
desired information and which may be accessed by computing device
600. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing
device 600.
[0060] Computing device 600 may also include an interface bus 640
for facilitating communication from various interface devices
(e.g., output devices 642, peripheral interfaces 644, and
communication devices 646) to basic configuration 602 via
bus/interface controller 630. Example output devices 642 include a
graphics processing unit 648 and an audio processing unit 650,
which may be configured to communicate to various external devices
such as a display or speakers via one or more A/V ports 652.
Example peripheral interfaces 644 include a serial interface
controller 654 or a parallel interface controller 656, which may be
configured to communicate with external devices such as input
devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch
input device, etc.) or other peripheral devices (e.g., printer,
scanner, etc.) via one or more I/O ports 658. An example
communication device 646 includes a network controller 660, which
may be arranged to facilitate communications with one or more other
computing devices 662 over a network communication link via one or
more communication ports 664.
[0061] The network communication link may be one example of a
communication media. Communication media may generally be embodied
by computer readable instructions, data structures, program
modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a
carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any
information delivery media. A "modulated data signal" may be a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of
example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired
media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and
wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave,
infrared (IR) and other wireless media. The term computer readable
media as used herein may include both storage media and
communication media.
[0062] Computing device 600 may be implemented as a portion of a
small-form factor portable (or mobile) electronic device such as a
cell phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a personal media
player device, a wireless web-watch device, a personal headset
device, an application specific device, or a hybrid device that
include any of the above functions. Computing device 600 may also
be implemented as a personal computer including both laptop
computer and non-laptop computer configurations. The computing
device 600 can also be any type of network computing device. The
computing device 600 can also be an automated system as described
herein.
[0063] The embodiments described herein may include the use of a
special purpose or general-purpose computer including various
computer hardware or software modules.
[0064] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also
include computer-readable media for carrying or having
computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way
of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can
comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer. When information is transferred or
provided over a network or another communications connection
(either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or
wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection
as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is
properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0065] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to
perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the
subject matter has been described in language specific to
structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be
understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims
is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
[0066] As used herein, the term "module" or "component" can refer
to software objects or routines that execute on the computing
system. The different components, modules, engines, and services
described herein may be implemented as objects or processes that
execute on the computing system (e.g., as separate threads). While
the system and methods described herein are preferably implemented
in software, implementations in hardware or a combination of
software and hardware are also possible and contemplated. In this
description, a "computing entity" may be any computing system as
previously defined herein, or any module or combination of
modulates running on a computing system.
[0067] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0068] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc."
is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims,
or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities
of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0069] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
[0070] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description,
all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible
subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range
can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling
the same range being broken down into at least equal halves,
thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example,
each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower
third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be
understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to,"
"at least," and the like include the number recited and refer to
ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as
discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in
the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for
example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or
3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups
having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.
[0071] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various
embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein
are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit
being indicated by the following claims. All references recited
herein are incorporated herein by specific reference in their
entirety.
* * * * *