U.S. patent application number 13/788670 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for fitness goal and guidance system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRECOR INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is Precor Incorporated. Invention is credited to Joao Pedro Canhenha, Shay Cody, David W. Flynt, Autumn L. Stroupe.
Application Number | 20140257537 13/788670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51488816 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140257537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stroupe; Autumn L. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
FITNESS GOAL AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM
Abstract
A fitness goal and guidance system and method display a dial to
a person exercising. The system and method further display a first
indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a
multi-session exercise metric goal, a second indicator angularly
moving about the axis during the ongoing exercise session based
upon on signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by the
person exercising, and a third indicator angularly spaced from the
first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc
corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the
ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a
cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions
preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.
Inventors: |
Stroupe; Autumn L.;
(Kirlkland, WA) ; Cody; Shay; (Redmond, WA)
; Flynt; David W.; (Lake Forest Park, WA) ;
Canhenha; Joao Pedro; (San Mateo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Precor Incorporated; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRECOR INCORPORATED
Woodinville
WA
|
Family ID: |
51488816 |
Appl. No.: |
13/788670 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2505/09 20130101;
G16H 20/30 20180101; A61B 5/1118 20130101; G01S 19/19 20130101;
A63B 2071/0658 20130101; H04M 1/72527 20130101; A61B 5/743
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/91 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A fitness goal and guidance system comprising: an electronic
input to receive signals indicating an exercise metric by a person
during an ongoing exercise session; and a controller to generate
control signals to direct a display to visibly present to the
person: a dial centered about an axis; a first indicator on the
dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise
metric goal; a second indicator angularly moving about the axis
during the ongoing o exercise session based upon on the signals;
and a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator
about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first
target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a
second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results
of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since
the starting time.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate control signals directing the display to present a fourth
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by the second
arc.
3. The system of claim 2, when the controller is configured to
generate control signals directing the display to present a fifth
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by a sum of a
third arc corresponding to a second target exercise metric value
for the ongoing exercise session and the second arc, the third arc
being different than the first arc.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is further
configured to generate control signals directing the display to
present a sixth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator
by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimated final
cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a current pace
of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first target exercise metric
value represented by the first arc is established prior to the
starting time and wherein the second target exercise metric value
represented by the third arc is determined following the exercise
sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second target exercise metric
value represented by the third arc is determined based upon a
comparison of the cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise
sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting
time and the multi-session exercise metric goal.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second target exercise metric
value represented by the third arc decreases a difference between a
current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise
metric goal and a predetermined pace for the person to attain the
multi-session exercise metric goal.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first arc is scaled based
upon a 360 degree arc equated to the multi-session exercise metric
goal.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate control signals directing the display to present the a
momentary value for the exercise metric for the ongoing exercise
session.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the momentary value is displayed
proximate a center of the dial.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate control signals directing the display to present a
percentage of the multi-session exercise metric goal that has been
momentarily attained.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the percentage is displayed
proximate a center of the dial.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
generate control signals directing the display to present a value
of a difference between a current pace of the person towards the
multi-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace for the
person to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise metric is selected
from a group of metrics consisting of time duration, calories,
distance and work.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further
configured to generate control signals directing the display to
present a fourth indicator angularly spaced from the first
indicator by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimated
final cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a
current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise
metric goal.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the second arc corresponds to a
cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions on
different types of fitness equipment units.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic input is
configured to receive signals from a fitness equipment unit during
a first exercise session and is configured to receive signals from
a space-based satellite navigation system during a second exercise
session, wherein one of the first exercise session and the second
exercise session is the ongoing exercise session.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic input is
configured to receive signals from a space-based satellite
navigation system.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a
fitness equipment unit.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a
portable electronic device.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to
transmit a reward signal upon attainment of the multi-session
exercise metric goal.
22. A method comprising: displaying to a person exercising a dial;
displaying a first indicator on the dial representing a starting
time for a multi-session exercise metric goal; display a second
indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing
exercise session based upon on signals indicating ongoing exercise
performance by the person exercising; and displaying a third
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis
by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise
metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc
corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of
exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the
starting time.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising displaying a fourth
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by the second
arc.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising displaying a fifth
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by a sum of a
third arc corresponding to a second target exercise metric value
for the ongoing exercise session and the second arc, the third arc
being different than the first arc.
25. The method of claim 24 further comprising displaying a sixth
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about
the axis corresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for
the exercise metric based upon a current pace of the person towards
the multi-session exercise metric goal.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first target exercise
metric value represented by the first arc is established prior to
the starting time and wherein the second target exercise metric
value represented by the third arc is determined following the
exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the second target exercise
metric value represented by the third arc is determined based upon
a comparison of the cumulation of exercise metric results of
exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the
starting time and the multi-session exercise metric goal.
28. An apparatus comprising: a non-transient computer-readable
medium containing computer-readable programming to direct a
processing unit to: receive signals indicating ongoing exercise
performance by a person exercising; display a dial to the person
exercising; display a first indicator on the dial representing a
starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal; display a
second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing
exercise session based upon on the signals indicating ongoing
exercise performance by the person exercising; and display a third
indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis
by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise
metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc
corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of
exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the
starting time.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Many fitness goals require repeated exercise over multiple
individual exercise sessions. Although existing fitness monitors or
displays may provide a person with feedback as to performance for
an individual exercise session, most fitness monitors or displays
do not provide a person with feedback regarding progression towards
a multi-session exercise goal. Those that do are not intuitive, are
difficult to read and are not motivational.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example fitness
goal and guidance system.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be
carried out by the system of FIG. 1.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example
implementation of the fitness goal and guidance system of FIG.
1.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be
carried out by the system of FIG. 3.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation
of the system of FIG. 3.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example display configuration of
the system of FIG. 5.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example display configuration
of the system of FIG. 5.
[0009] FIG. 8 is a front view of an example portable electronic
device with an example display configuration of the system of FIG.
5.
[0010] FIG. 9 is a front view of the portable electronic device of
FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the
system of FIG. 5.
[0011] FIG. 10 is a front view of the portable electronic device of
FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the
system of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 11 is a front view of the portable electronic device of
FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the
system of FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 12 is a front view of the portable electronic device of
FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the
system of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example fitness goal and
guidance system 20. As will be described hereafter, system 20
provides a person exercising with a dial and associated indicators
which provide a person with information indicating both the
performance of the person during the individual exercise session as
well as performance of the person towards a multi-session exercise
metric goal. This information is provided in an easily viewed,
easy-to-read, intuitive and motivational manner.
[0015] As shown by FIG. 1, system 20 comprises electronic input 22
and controller 26. Electronic input 22 comprises a device to
receive electronic signals indicating an exercise metric by a
person during an ongoing exercise session. In other words,
electronic input 22 comprises a device that receives electronic
signals indicating a person's performance with regard to one or
more individual metrics (fitness or performance measurements) while
the person is engaged in the exercise activity. For purposes of
this disclosure, the term "exercise session" means a period of
substantially uninterrupted time during which a person partakes in
a single homogenous exercise activity. Different exercise sessions
may occur on a same piece of exercise equipment or fitness
equipment unit, may occur on different pieces of fitness equipment
or fitness equipment units, or may occur in the absence of a
fitness equipment unit. Different exercise sessions may occur over
multiple days or may occur during a single day. For example, during
a single trip to a fitness facility or health club for a workout, a
person may engage in multiple "exercise sessions" on different
fitness equipment units. One exercise session might be an
uninterrupted period of time on an elliptical machine while another
exercise session might be an uninterrupted time on a treadmill. One
exercise session might be multiple sets of bench presses. Another
exercise session might be multiple sets of curls. Another exercise
session might be a five-mile run outdoors on a trail.
[0016] During such exercise sessions, electronic input 22 receives
signals indicating the person's performance with respect to one or
more exercise metrics. Example of exercise metrics include but are
not limited to, distance (mileage), duration (time, repetitions),
calories, work (force and resistance multiplied by distance and
number of repetitions) and the like. The signals received by
electronic input 22 indicating performance with regard to such
exercise metrics may be received from one or more sensors located
on a fitness equipment unit, through manual input using a keyboard,
keypad, touchpad, microphone, touchscreen and the like) or from a
space-based satellite navigation system such as a global
positioning system (GPS) source (such as when a person is running)
In one implementation, electronic input 22 is local with respect to
controller 26 and/or display 24. In another implementation,
electronic input 22 may be remote from controller 26, wherein such
signals are transmitted to controller 26 in a wired or wireless
fashion.
[0017] Controller 26 comprises one or more circuits or processing
units configured to receive signals from electronic input 22 and to
generate control signals causing a display 28 to visibly present
information to a person while the person is exercising. Display 28
comprises any device configured to provide a visible presentation
to a person while the person is exercising based upon signals
received from controller 26. In one implementation, display 28
comprises a monitor or display directly associated with a fitness
equipment unit. In another implementation, display 28 comprises a
monitor or display provided independent of any fitness equipment
unit, such as a television, a desktop monitor or a portable
electronic device. Examples of portable electronic devices include,
but are not limited to, flash memory players, computer tablets,
personal data assistants, smart phones and spaced-based satellite
navigation system or GPS display wearables such as wrist-top
computers, wristbands and the like having displays.
[0018] For purposes of this application, the term "processing unit"
shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing
unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory.
Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing
unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The
instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for
execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a
mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other
embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in
combination with software instructions to implement the functions
described. For example, controller 26 may be embodied as part of
one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited
to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor
to any particular source for the instructions executed by the
processing unit. In one implementation, controller 26 may be
directly associated with display 28, wherein controller 26 not only
directs what content is being presented on display 28 but directs
the operation of display 28 itself.
[0019] In another implementation, controller 26 may be independent
of display 28, wherein a separate controller receives the signals
from controller 26 and controls the functional operation of display
28 based upon signals from controller 26. For example, in one
implementation, controller 26 may be provided by a server remote
from display 28, wherein signals indicating the content (images and
data) to be presented on display 28 are transmitted over a wide
area network (Internet) or a local-area network in a wired or
wireless fashion to the local controller of display 28. In one
implementation, electronic input 22 and display 28 may be provided
as part of a fitness equipment unit or as part of a portable
electronic device, wherein the electronic input 22 receives signals
indicating an excise metric by the person during an ongoing
exercise session and transmits such signals to a remotely located
controller 26 (such as a controller in the cloud or at a central
computing site associate with a fitness facility). Using such
signals, controller 26 generates control signals for directing what
content should be displayed on display 28 and transmits such
control signals to the fitness equipment unit or to the portable
electronic device including electronic input 22 and display 28.
Upon receiving such control signals from controller 26, display 28
presents the information to the person while he or she is
exercising.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method 100 that may
be carried out using system 20 of FIG. 1. As indicated by step 102
and depicted on display 28 of FIG. 1, controller 26 generates
control signals causing display 28 to display or present a dial 40
to a person while he or she is exercising. The dial 40 may be
presented on a monitor associated with a fitness equipment unit
while the person is engaged in an exercise activity on the fitness
equipment unit or may be presented on a portable electronic device
viewable by the person while the person is engaged in an exercise
activity. For example, a person running may view his or her
computing wearable or may view another portable electronic device
that he or she may be carrying while running, lifting weights
(resistance training) and the like. Such a portable electronic
device may be supported by a fitness equipment unit and viewed by
the person while the person is engaged in an exercise session.
[0021] As indicated by step 104, controller 26 generates control
signals directing display 28 to display or present a start time
indicator 42 representing a starting time for a multi-session
exercise metric goal (MSEMG). The starting time is the time at
which exercise metrics for sessions are first counted towards the
multi-session excise metric goal. In the example illustrated, the
start time indicator 42 is displayed at the 12:00 clock position.
In other implementations, the start time indicator 42 may be
displayed at other clock positions on dial 40.
[0022] In one implementation, indicator 42 (schematically shown)
may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial
40. For purposes of this disclosure, an indicator is considered to
be on the dial when the indicator is positioned within or outside
of the perimeter of dial 40, but circumferentially located with
respect to the center point or axis 44 of dial 40, like numbering
on a clock face. In other implementations, indicator 42 may
comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters,
such as a graphical depiction of a race starting line or the
like.
[0023] Indicator 42 provides a person exercising with an intuitive
reference point for understanding other indicators on dial 40. In
one implementation, starting indicator 42 is located so as to
circumferentially coincide with the end time or finishing point for
the MSEMG. In other words, the MSEMG value is proportioned 360
degrees about axis 44. For example, a distance MSEMG of 10 miles
would apportion an angle of 36 degrees about axis 44 to each mile
or 3.6 degrees to each tenth of a mile. Such an apportionment
changes for each MSEMB depending upon the value of the MSEMG. In
other implementations, although possibly being less intuitive to
quickly visually determine status and advancement towards the multi
session goal), starting indicator 42 may be angularly offset from
the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG.
[0024] As indicated by step 106 and depicted on dial 40 of display
28, controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to
display or present an ongoing performance indicator 48. Indicator
48 moves about axis 44 in proportion to and based upon signals from
electronic input 22 during an ongoing exercise session. The
starting point during anyone exercise session for the position or
location of indicator 48 is the ending point for indicator 48 at
the conclusion of the immediately preceding exercise session of the
series of sessions during which the MSEMG is to be attained. For
example, if the metric being measured is distance and during a
first session the person runs or otherwise traverses 3 miles, the
starting point for indicator 48 at the beginning of the second
session would be the 3 mile location (angularly spaced about axis
44 from indicator 42 by an arc proportional to the three-mile
value). If during a second session the person runs 7 miles, the
starting point for the third session would be the 10 mile location
(angularly spaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc having
a length proportional to the 10 mile value). This information
format allows a person exercising to quickly and intuitively
ascertain his or her status with regard to an individual exercise
session target as well as with regards to the longer-term
multi-session exercise metric goal. As a result, the person
exercising may maintain his or her focus on the exercise activity
itself rather than on a display.
[0025] In one implementation, a rate at which indicator 48 moves
about axis 44 is also proportional to the rate at which the value
for an exercise metric is being increased. For example, when dial
40 is representing a distance MSEMG, the location of indicator 48
about axis 44 indicates a total distance achieved thus far, wherein
indicator 48 will move faster or slower about axis 44 depending
upon how fast the person may be running. In other implementations,
the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 on display 28 may be
adjusted at predetermined or predefined time intervals, wherein
indicator 40 is stationary between such adjustment times.
[0026] As with indicator 42, indicator 48 (schematically shown) may
be visibly presented with various graphical depictions. For
example, indicator 48 may comprise a single radially extending bar,
line or mark on dial 40. In other implementations, indicator 42 may
comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters,
such as a graphical depiction of a runner or person exercising.
[0027] In one implementation, characteristics of indicator 48 may
change depending upon exercise performance characteristics. For
example, in one implementation, indicator 48 may change color,
brightness, flashing frequency or the like depending upon whether
the signals received from electronic input 22 indicate that
progress of a person towards an individual target excise metric is
slowing down or is at a pace such that the individual session
exercise metric will not be attained. As a result, the
characteristics of indicator 48 may indicate to the person that he
or she should speed up or pick up the pace of activity during the
individual exercise session. In such an implementation, the MSEMG
may incorporate at least two metrics. For example, although the
dial may represent a distance goal, the color of the indicator 48
may indicate whether or not a person is satisfying his or her
predefined running pace objective while pursuing the distance
goal.
[0028] As indicated by step 108 and depicted on dial 40 of display
28 in FIG. 1, controller 26 generates control signals causing
display 28 to display or present an adjusted cumulative indicator
54. Indicator 54 is angularly spaced from indicator 42 (the
starting time indicator) about axis 44 by a sum of arc 58 and arc
60. Arc 58 is the angular distance about axis 44 corresponding and
proportional to the target value for the exercise metric for the
ongoing individual exercise session. For example, a 10 session
MSEMG goal of 100 miles may use an equal apportionment, wherein the
target value for each exercise session is 10 miles. In an
implementation where the full 360 degrees of dial 40 corresponds to
the 100 mile goal, the angular distance of arc 58 would be 36
degrees. In other implementations, individual sessions may have
different, unequal metric target values. For example, with respect
to the above example, initial sessions may have target values of
less than 10 miles while later sessions have target values of
greater than 10 miles, allowing the person to build up his or her
distance and endurance. In such implementations, the length of arc
58 may vary depending upon which session is ongoing.
[0029] Arc 60 corresponds and is proportional to a cumulation of
exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing
exercise session since the starting time. For example, if the
ongoing exercise session is the third exercise session of the
series of exercise sessions constituting the total number of
exercise sessions, at the end of which the MSEMG goal is to be
attained, arc 60 has an arcuate length proportional to the total
value of the metric achieved during the previous two exercise
sessions. For example, with respect to the above example, if the
person completed 3 miles during the first session and 7 miles
during a second session (a total distance of 10 miles out of the
100 mile total goal) prior to the ongoing third session, arc 60
would have an arcuate length of 36 degrees.
[0030] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fitness goal and guidance
system 120, an example implementation of system 20. System 120 is
similar to system 20 except that system 120 is specifically
illustrated as comprising electronic input 122 and controller 126
in lieu of electronic input 22 and controller 26, respectively. As
shown by FIG. 3, electronic input 122 comprises an electronic
device to receive signals from multiple distinct sources, wherein
the signals indicate an exercise metric by a person during an
ongoing exercise session. In the example illustrated, electronic
input 122 comprises one or more device to receive ongoing exercise
performance metric values, in the form of electronic signals, from
fitness equipment units 164, 166, satellite navigation system 168
and manual input 170. Fitness equipment units 164, 166 (also
referred to as exercise machines, fitness machines, and the like)
comprise distinct types of exercise machines or exercise equipment.
Examples of different types of fitness equipment units 164, 166
include, but are not limited to, elliptical machines, stepper
machines, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, adaptive motion
machines, ski simulation machines, leg press machines and resistive
or weightlifting exercise equipment.
[0031] Satellite navigation system 168 comprises a space-based
satellite system which provides locational information for use in
determining distances traversed by a person during exercise
independent of any fitness equipment unit. One example of satellite
navigation system 168 comprises a global positioning system source.
In such an implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise an
appropriate antenna for receiving signals from the satellite
navigation system 168.
[0032] Manual input 170 comprise a keyboard, touchpad, touch
screen, mouse, stylus, microphone and speech recognition software
alike by which a person may manually or personally enter data. For
example, a person engaged with a resistive weightlifting machine
may manually enter the weight being lifted or the number
repetitions being lifted (in contrast to another implementation
where such values may be sensed). In some implementations, manual
input 170 may be further connected to controller 126 for inputting
a MSEMG.
[0033] In one implementation, electronic input 122 may be provided
on a single portable electronic device having one or more ports,
antennas and the like to facilitate communication with the
different types of fitness equipment units and 164, 166, the
satellite navigation system 168 or the manual input 170. In such an
implementation, the person or user may selectively connect
electronic input 122 to the particular component 164, 166, 168, 170
being utilized during the individual exercise session. In another
implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise distinct sensors
or antennas associated with the different fitness equipment units
164, 166 as well the satellite navigation system 168 and manual
input 170, wherein such the signals from the different locations
are transmitted to controller 126.
[0034] Controller 126 is similar to controller 26 except the
controller 126 is specifically configured to carry out method 200
illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4. As indicated by step
202, controller 126 receives a MSEMG. As indicated by step 202,
controller 126 utilizes the received MSEMG and the associated
number of sessions for achieving the goal to determine initial
target metric values to be achieved during the different exercise
sessions. In one implementation, the individual target session
values may all be equal. In another implementation, the individual
initial target session values may be different, such as where the
target values ramp-up from one session to the next or peek at an
intermediate session. Step 202 is generally carried out prior to
the start of the first exercise session of the series of
sessions.
[0035] As indicated by step 204, prior to each exercise session,
controller 126 obtains any prior session exercise metric results.
During the first exercise session, there are no such results. As
indicated by step 206, controller 126 adds up the results of the
previous individual exercise sessions to determine cumulative value
of the prior metric results (CMR). As indicated by step 208,
controller 126 compares the CMR to the MSEMG. The comparison
identifies whether or not the person's performance, to date, is on
track or in line with the end objective or goal. In one
implementation, controller 126 may generate control signals causing
display 28 to present the result of the comparison (a percentage
completion value).
[0036] As indicated by step 210, controller 126 utilizes the
completed comparison to determine a session target adjustment
(STA). The session target adjustment is a metric value to be added
to (or subtracted from in the case of an overachieving pace for
fear of burnout) to one or more of the predetermined initial
session target values determined in step 202 so as to reduce or
eliminate any difference between a current or actual pace of the
person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal and a
predetermined pace (determined in step 202) for the person to
attain the multi-session exercise metric goal. In one
implementation, the comparison is step 208 may indicate that the
person is behind where he or she should be, wherein the deficiency
is made up by a single session target adjustment. In another
implementation, the deficiency may be made up by the deficiency
amount being added to and spread across several successive exercise
sessions. According to one example, system 120, during a setup
mode, may allow the person or his or her trainer to indicate (using
manual input 170) how fast any determined pace deficiencies should
be made up during one of more subsequent exercise sessions.
[0037] As indicated by step 212, controller 126 determines a
multiple section exercise metric estimate using the current pace to
date of the person. The current pace MSEM estimate is an estimate
of the value of the metric that will have been attained upon
completion of all of the sessions given the current pace which is
based upon the cumulative metric results for those sessions
completed to date.
[0038] As indicated by step 214, controller 126 further determines
the current MSEMG shortfall. The current MSEMG shortfall is an
estimate of the final multiple session exercise metric based on the
assumption that each of the subsequent initial session target
values (determined in step 202) will be attained. For example, with
regard to the above 10 session 100 mile MSEMG, if after three
sessions, the person has completed 18 miles, the current MSEMG
shortfall would be 88 miles (100-(100/10.times.3 sessions-18)).
[0039] As indicated by step 216 and as depicted on display 28 of
FIG. 3, controller 126 causes display 28 to present indicators 242,
244, 248, 254, 260, 262, 264 and 266. In the example shown in FIG.
3, each of the indicators is indicated by a radial line, hash or
mark. In other implementations, such indicators may comprise other
graphics or icons.
[0040] Indicators 242, 248 and 254 identical to indicators 42, 48
and 54 described above except that such indicators are specifically
illustrated with the aforementioned radial lines. Indicator 244
comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating the determined CMR
(pursuant to step 206). Indicator 260 comprises an indicator on
dial 40 indicating a suggested alteration of the initial session
target value for the one ongoing session (as indicated by indicator
254) based upon the determination made in step 210 of method 200.
In the example illustrated, indicator 260 is angularly spaced from
indicator 254 about axis 44 by an arc 270 having a length
corresponding to determine cumulative shortfall for the metric
after the last completed exercise session. In other words, the
session target adjustment represented by the length of arc 270 is
proportional to a metric amount or value that will completely make
up the deficiency in the ongoing exercise session. Indicator 262 on
dial 40 represents an alternative session target adjustment having
an arc length less than arc 270, wherein the determined cumulative
deficiency is made up and apportioned over multiple exercise
sessions.
[0041] Indicator 264 on dial 40 indicates the current pace MSEM
determined in step 212. Indicator 266 on dial 40 indicates the
current MSEMG shortfall as determined in step 214. In other
implementations, one of more steps 210, 212 and 214 may be omitted,
wherein their corresponding indicators would also be omitted from
dial 40.
[0042] As indicated by step 218, once the ongoing exercise session
has been completed, controller 126 adds the value for the metric
from the just completed exercise session to the prior CMR to
determine the new CMR for use when determining indicators for dial
40 during the next exercise session. The new CMR is stored.
[0043] As indicated by step 220, controller 126 determines whether
the number of sessions identified for completion of the MSEMG have
been concluded or completed. As indicated by arrow 222, if
additional sessions remain in the allotted number of exercise
sessions for completion of the MSEMG, controller 126 returns to
step 208 and the process begins anew for the next exercise session.
As indicated by step 224, if the just completed ongoing session is
the final session, the results are displayed. As indicated by step
226, if the MSEMG was achieved, controller 126 transmits a reward
signal to a reward implement 270 (shown in FIG. 3). The reward
implement comprises any means or mechanism for implementing the
reward. In one implementation, the reward signal may direct display
28 to present be a graphic ribbon, medal or token displayed to the
person on display 28. In another implementation, the reward signal
may be transmitted to an insurance company or some other
institution offering a monetary prize or other prize in return for
a person meeting exerciser fitness goals. A monetary prize may be a
discount on goods or services offered by the institution. For
example, a health insurance provider may provide a lower health
insurance premium based upon the reward signal. A fitness facility
may offer a reward upon receiving such a reward signal such as
decreased membership fees, enhanced priority for use of fitness
equipment, clothing or other articles and the like.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates fitness goal and guidance system 320, an
example implementation of system 20. System 320 comprises
electronic input 122 (describe above) and controller 326.
Controller 326 comprises an example implementation of controller
126. Controller 326 is similar to controller 126 except the
controller 326 omits the carrying out of step 212 and the display
of indicator 264. Controller 326 additionally is configured to
generate control signals directing display 28 to present a
percentage 323 of the MSEMG that has been momentarily attained
proximate a center of dial 40. Because the percentage is centrally
located on dial 40, a person may easily see the ongoing percentage
while viewing the other parameters indicated by indicators 242,
244, 248, 254 and 260. In the example illustrated, details
supporting the percentage 323 are further presented in the center
of dial 40 (exercise metric being calories, wherein at the moment,
330 cal have been burned towards the goal of burning 1750 cal).
[0045] In the example illustrated, controller 126 generates control
signals directing display 28 to present additional information
pertaining to the indicators presented on dial 40. In particular,
controller 126 generates control signals directing display 28 to
present the numerical value 327 for the initial target metric value
(serving as a base for the length of arc 58 in FIG. 1), to present
the numerical value 329 represented by indicator 260 (the length of
arc 270 added to the length of arc 58), the numerical value 331 for
the amount of the metric remaining to complete the MSEMG
(represented by the length of the arc extending from indicator 248
and indicator 242 in a clockwise direction) and the numerical value
333 for the value represented by indicator 266 on dial 40. In other
implementations, one or more of such numerical values may be
omitted or may be presented in other fashions.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates another display configuration 400 that
may be presented by display 28 in response to control signals
received from controller 326 (shown in FIG. 5). As shown by FIG. 6,
controller 326 may further direct display 28 to provide a graph
illustrating current levels of a person with regard to multiple
different metrics goals which are being pursued as part of system
320. In the example illustrated, the person has established
multi-session exercise metric goals pertaining to duration 402 (10
hours), calories 406 (10,000) and distance 408 (10 miles).
Controller 126 causes display 28 to present various bars 412, 414
and 416 indicating the person's progression towards the
multi-session goal goals.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example display configuration 500
which is presented by display 28 in response to control signals
from controller 126 upon a MSEMG being achieved. In the example
illustrated, controller 126 transmits a reward signal which results
in illustrated medal 504 being presented on display 28.
[0048] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an example implementation of system
320 on a portable electronic device 600. FIG. 8 illustrates system
320 when not receiving signals from electronic input 122 during an
ongoing exercise session. As shown by FIG. 8, in a status mode,
controller 326 generates control signals causing display 28 to
present dial 40 but without indicators 248, 254 and 260. Rather,
controller 326 directs display 28 to present status information as
of a completion of the last exercise session, highlighting with
bars 602 the portion of the MSEMG remaining for the final exercise
sessions. As shown by FIG. 8, controller 326 further indicates the
number of sessions (two days in the example presented) left to
complete the MSEMG.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates system 320 in an achievements mode in
which the achievements for a particular week are displayed. FIG. 10
illustrates display system 320 in a daily achievement display mode
wherein the cheers for individual days or individual sessions are
displayed. FIG. 11 illustrates system 320 in achievement status
mode, wherein each of multiple MSEMG is presented along with
associated status of the person towards attaining such goals.
Lastly, FIG. 12 illustrates system 320 in a profile mode.
[0050] Overall, system 320 allows a person to set multiple
multi-session exercise metric goals for multiple exercise metrics
while easily ascertaining and tracking the status of his or her
pursuit towards such goals. System 320 further provides the person
with rewards one such goals have been achieved. As a result, system
320 not only notifies the person over his or her status towards
achievement of his or her longer-term, multi-session exercise
goals, but offers both guidance (individual session target
adjustments) and motivation (encouragement and reward).
[0051] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.
For example, although different example embodiments may have been
described as including one or more features providing one or more
benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be
interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one
another in the described example embodiments or in other
alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present
disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology
are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to
the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is
manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless
specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single
particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular
elements.
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