U.S. patent application number 14/588257 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for exercise systems, methods, and apparatuses configured for evaluating muscular activity of users during physical exercise and/or providing feedback to users.
The applicant listed for this patent is EZ AS A DRINK PRODUCTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Angel Georgiev Vassilev, Ivo Kostadinov Yanev, Kostadin Dimitrov Yanev.
Application Number | 20160184634 14/588257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56163046 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160184634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yanev; Kostadin Dimitrov ;
et al. |
June 30, 2016 |
EXERCISE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES CONFIGURED FOR
EVALUATING MUSCULAR ACTIVITY OF USERS DURING PHYSICAL EXERCISE
AND/OR PROVIDING FEEDBACK TO USERS
Abstract
The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus
that facilitate exercise. The system may include one or more
convenient, fun, easy to use and low impact exercise apparatuses.
An exercise apparatus may comprise one or more physical user
interface components configured to engage one or more body parts of
the user. The user may perform exercises by exerting forces on
individual ones of the one or more user interface components. In
some implementations, gameplay may be incorporated into one or more
exercises through a game interface presented to the users. Users
may be coached during gameplay to perform one or more exercises
such that exercise and gameplay may be seamlessly integrated.
Inventors: |
Yanev; Kostadin Dimitrov;
(Alamo, CA) ; Yanev; Ivo Kostadinov; (Sofia,
BG) ; Vassilev; Angel Georgiev; (Sofia, BG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EZ AS A DRINK PRODUCTIONS, INC. |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56163046 |
Appl. No.: |
14/588257 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 21/4013
20151001; A63B 2220/54 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 23/04
20130101; A63B 21/00181 20130101; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B
23/0405 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 2024/0068 20130101;
A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2220/836 20130101; A63B 24/0062
20130101; A63B 2024/0065 20130101; A63B 2024/0071 20130101; A63B
2220/16 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2220/52 20130101;
A63B 23/129 20130101; A63B 21/1609 20151001; A63B 21/4001 20151001;
G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 2220/56 20130101;
A63B 2230/62 20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A system for evaluating muscular activity of a user during
exercise and providing feedback to the user, the system comprising:
an exercise apparatus configured to engage a user in a
substantially seated position, the exercise apparatus comprising
one or more user interface components configured to engage one or
more body parts of the user while in the substantially seated
position, wherein the user performs exercises by exerting forces on
individual ones of the one or more user interface components; one
or more sensors configured to generate output signals conveying
information related to one or more parameters of muscular activity
of the user during the exercises, wherein individual ones of the
one or more sensors are coupled to corresponding individual ones of
the one or more user interface components; and wherein the one or
more sensors are configured to be communicatively coupled with one
or more physical processors, such that the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to:
obtain output signals conveying information related to one or more
parameters of muscular activity; determine values for the one or
more parameters of muscular activity based on the output signals,
the parameters corresponding to one or more of a muscle and/or
muscle group activated by the user during performance of the given
exercise, an amount of force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle
group during the given exercise, an amount of repetitions of
activation of the muscle and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of
performance of the given exercise, or an amount of calories burned;
and effectuate presentation of exercise instruction via one or more
feedback components configured to provide feedback to the user, the
instruction relating to coaching the user on exerting forces on the
one or more user interface components.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more user interface
components include components configured and arranged to engage one
or more of a hand, a wrist, an elbow, an arm, a torso, a head, a
shoulder, a back, a hip, a thigh, a knee, a calf, an ankle, or a
foot of the user.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more user interface
components include one or more of an arm portion, a hand portion,
and a thigh portion.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise
sensors configured to measure force.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are
configured to wirelessly couple to the one or more physical
processors.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more feedback components
provide one or more of visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile
feedback, or olfactory feedback.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein a feedback component includes a
display screen.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more feedback
components are disposed at the exercise apparatus and/or a mobile
computing device.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to
provide the determined values as input to a gaming system and
wherein the exercise instruction is provided as part of gameplay in
a game executed by the gaming system.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more physical
processors comprise at least part of the gaming system.
11. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising the one or more
physical processors.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical
processor comprise part of a mobile computing device.
13. A system for evaluating muscular activity exerted by a user
during exercise and providing feedback to the user, the system
comprising: an exercise apparatus including one or more
repositionable sensor configurations, wherein a user performs
exercises using the apparatus by exerting forces on individual ones
of the repositionable sensor configurations; one or more sensors
included with the one or more repositionable sensor configurations,
the one or more sensors configured to generate output signals
conveying information related to one or more parameters of muscular
activity of the user during the exercises; one or more physical
processors communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors
and/or feedback component, the one or more physical processors
configured by computer-readable instructions to: obtain output
signals conveying information related to one or more parameters of
muscular activity; determine values for the one or more parameters
of muscular activity based on the output signals, the parameters
corresponding to one or more of a muscle and/or muscle group
activated by the user during performance of the given exercise, an
amount of force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle group during
the given exercise, an amount of repetitions of activation of the
muscle and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of performance of the
given exercise, or an amount of calories burned; and effectuate
presentation of exercise instruction via one or more feedback
components configured to provide feedback to the user, the
instruction relating to coaching the user on exerting forces on the
one or more user interface components.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the exercise apparatus
comprises a thin flexible material.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more repositionable
sensor configurations are movable relative to the exercise
apparatus.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more repositionable
sensor configurations are removably engageable to the exercise
apparatus.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensors
comprise sensors configured to measure force.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensors are
configured to wirelessly couple to the one or more physical
processors.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more feedback
components provide one or more of visual feedback, auditory
feedback, tactile feedback, or olfactory feedback.
20. The system of claim 13, wherein a feedback component includes a
display screen.
21. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more feedback
components are disposed at the exercise apparatus.
22. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to
provide the determined values as input to a gaming system and
wherein the exercise instruction is provided as part of gameplay in
a game executed by the gaming system.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the one or more physical
processors comprise at least part of the gaming system.
24. The system of claim 13, additionally comprising the one or more
physical processors.
25. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more physical
processor comprise part of a mobile computing platform.
26. The system of claim 13, wherein the exercise apparatus is
configured to cover one or more of a chair, a stool, a car seat, a
bench, a bed, or a wall.
27. A system for coaching a user performing one or more exercises,
wherein the user performs exercises by exerting forces on
individual ones of one or more user interface components coupled to
an exercise apparatus, the system comprising: one or more physical
processors configured by computer-readable instructions to:
effectuate presentation of exercise instruction via one or more
feedback components, the instruction relating to coaching a user on
exerting forces on an exercise apparatus using one or more muscles
and/or muscle groups; obtain output signals generated from one or
more sensors coupled to an exercise apparatus, the output signals
conveying information related to one or more parameters of muscular
activity of the user during the exercises; determine values for the
one or more parameters of muscular activity based on the output
signals, the parameters corresponding to one or more of a muscle
and/or muscle group activated by the user during performance of the
given exercise, an amount of force exerted by the muscle and/or
muscle group during the given exercise, an amount of repetitions of
activation of the muscle and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of
performance of the given exercise, or an amount of calories burned;
and modify the presented exercise instruction based on the
determined values, the modification corresponding to coaching the
user to continue exerting forces using a given muscle and/or muscle
group or to exert forces using a different muscle and/or muscle
group.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to
maintain an exercise history associated with the user based on the
determined parameter values, the exercise history reflecting
changes in the parameter values for the one or more parameters over
time.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to
provide the determined values as input to a gaming system and
wherein the exercise instruction is provided as part of gameplay in
a game executed by the gaming system.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions to:
execute an instance of a game, and implement the instance of the
game to facilitate user participation in the game that takes place
in a virtual space, wherein user participation in the game includes
controlling game entities within the virtual space; and provide the
determined values as control inputs for controlling the game
entities in the virtual space.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions such
that controlling the game entities includes controlling the
movement of the game entities within the virtual space, wherein the
exercise instruction is provided as part of gameplay during user
participation in the game, and wherein exercise instruction
corresponds to a target movement control of the game entities
within the virtual space.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the one or more physical
processors are configured by computer-readable instructions such
that determined values for a parameter corresponding to an amount
of force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle group during the given
exercise are provided as control inputs for controlling a movement
of the game entities.
33. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more physical
processors are disposed at the exercise apparatus.
34. The system of claim 27, wherein the one or more processors are
disposed at a mobile computing platform.
35. A method of coaching a user performing one or more exercises,
wherein the user performs exercises by exerting forces on
individual ones of one or more user interface components coupled to
an exercise apparatus, the method being implemented in a computer
system including one or more physical processors and storage media
storing machine-readable instructions, the method comprising:
effectuating presentation of exercise instruction via one or more
feedback components, the instruction relating to coaching a user on
exerting forces on an exercise apparatus using one or more muscles
and/or muscle groups; obtaining output signals generated from one
or more sensors coupled to the exercise apparatus, the output
signals conveying information related to one or more parameters of
muscular activity of the user during the exercises; determining
values for the one or more parameters of muscular activity based on
the output signals, the parameters corresponding to one or more of
a muscle and/or muscle group activated by the user during
performance of the given exercise, an amount of force exerted by
the muscle and/or muscle group during the given exercise, an amount
of repetitions of activation of the muscle and/or muscle group, an
elapsed time of performance of the given exercise, or an amount of
calories burned; and modifying the presented exercise instruction
based on the determined values, the modification corresponding to
coaching the user to continue exerting forces using a given muscle
and/or muscle group or to exert forces using a different muscle
and/or muscle group.
36. The method of claim 35, additionally comprising maintaining an
exercise history associated with the user based on the determined
parameter values, the exercise history reflecting changes in the
parameter values for the one or more parameters over time.
37. The method of claim 35, additionally comprising: providing the
determined values as input to a gaming system and wherein the
exercise instruction is provided as part of gameplay in a game
executed by the gaming system.
38. The method of claim 35, additionally comprising: executing an
instance of a game, and implementing the instance of the game to
facilitate user participation in the game that takes place in a
virtual space, wherein user participation in the game includes
controlling game entities within the virtual space; and providing
the determined values as control inputs for controlling the game
entities in the virtual space.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein controlling the game entities
includes controlling the movement of the game entities within the
virtual space, wherein the exercise instruction is provided as part
of gameplay during user participation in the game, and wherein
exercise instruction corresponds to a target movement control of
the game entities within the virtual space.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the determined values for a
parameter corresponding to an amount of force exerted by the muscle
and/or muscle group during the given exercise are provided as
control inputs for controlling a movement of the game entities.
41. The method of claim 35, wherein the one or more physical
processors are disposed at the exercise apparatus.
42. The method of claim 35, wherein the one or more processors are
disposed at a mobile computing platform.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to exercise systems, methods,
and apparatuses configured for evaluating muscular activity of
users performing one or more physical exercises and/or for
providing feedback to users during performance of one or more
physical exercises.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Individuals tend to participate in physical exercise when it
is convenient. If a user can seamlessly integrate exercise into
their daily routine, they may exercise more frequently and enjoy
the health benefits that follow.
SUMMARY
[0003] One or more aspects of the disclosure relates to a system
that facilitates exercise through the use of one or more
convenient, fun, easy to use, and low impact exercise apparatuses.
In some implementations, gameplay may be incorporated into one or
more exercises through a game interface presented to the users.
Gameplay may include controlling game entities within a game. Users
may exert forces on one or more physical components of an exercise
apparatus to provide control inputs for a corresponding game
entity. Users may be coached during gameplay to perform one or more
exercises such that exercise and gameplay may be seamlessly
integrated.
[0004] One or more aspects of the disclosure relate to a system for
evaluating muscular activity of a user during exercise and/or
providing feedback to the user. The system may include an exercise
apparatus configured to engage a user in a substantially seated
position and/or other position. For example, the exercise apparatus
may include a portion that resembles a chair. The exercise
apparatus may comprise one or more physical user interface
components configured to engage one or more body parts of the user
while in the substantially seated position and/or other position.
The user may perform exercises by exerting forces on individual
ones of the one or more user interface components. In some
implementations, the exercise apparatus may include one or more
repositionable sensor configurations. A user may perform exercise
using the apparatus by exerting forces on individual ones of the
repositionable sensor configurations.
[0005] The system may include one or more sensors configured to
generate output signals. The output signal may convey information
related to one or more parameters of muscular activity of the user
during the exercises and/or other information. The parameters may
correspond to one or more of a muscle and/or muscle group activated
by the user during performance of a given exercise, an amount of
force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle group during a given
exercise, an amount of repetitions of activation of the muscle
and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of performance of a given
exercise, an amount of energy expended (e.g., calories burned),
and/or other parameter of muscular activity. Individual ones of the
one or more sensors may be coupled to corresponding individual ones
of the one or more user interface components and/or sensor
configurations.
[0006] In some implementations, output signals of a sensor may
convey information that may be used to determine and/or express a
quantification of exertion by a user. The quantification of
exertion may include a quantification of one or more measures.
Examples of such measures may include one or more of force,
pressure, energy, power, duration, displacement, acceleration,
and/or other measure useful in quantifying exertion. Force may be
expressed in units of Newtons, pounds (force), Dyne, Ton-force,
kilogram-force, Kip, and/or other units of force. Pressure may be
expressed in units of Pascals, pounds per square inch (PSI), Bar,
Torr, atmosphere, and/or other units of pressure. Energy may be
expressed in units of calories, joules, horsepower-hour, foot-pound
force, body fat equivalent, and/or other units of energy. Body fat
equivalent ("BFE") may be an energy measure that shows the user how
much energy was expended in terms of body fat (e.g., how much body
fat was burned during a given exercise or exercise session). Power
may be expressed in units of watts, horsepower, and/or other units
of power. The quantification of exertion may provide continuous
and/or discrete values of measures related to the application of
force by a user during exercise. The values of measures may be
expressed as a function of time. By way of non-limiting example, a
sensor may generate output signals conveying an amount of force
exerted by the user at or near the sensor. To illustrate, a user
may press their hand at or near a sensor and that sensor may
generate output signals conveying information related to an amount
of force exerted by the user's hand. By way of non-limiting
example, a sensor may generate output signals conveying discrete
predetermined force levels based on an amount of force exerted by
the user meeting or exceeding the predetermined force levels. To
illustrate, a user may press their hand at or near a sensor using a
first level of force for some duration and using a second level of
force for a later duration, the first level of force being less
than the second level of force.
[0007] The one or more sensors may be configured to communicatively
couple with one or more physical processors. The one or more
processors may be disposed at an exercise apparatus, a computing
platform, a remote server, and/or other locations in the
system.
[0008] The system may include one or more feedback components. A
feedback component may include one or more components configured to
provide one or more of visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile
feedback, olfactory feedback, and/or other feedback. A feedback
component may be disposed at an exercise apparatus, a computing
platform, and/or other location.
[0009] The one or more processors may be configured to execute one
or more computer program components. The computer program
components may include computer-readable instructions stored on
storage media. The computer program components may include one or
more of a communication component, a space component, a user
component, a coach component, an interface component, and/or other
computer program components.
[0010] The communication component may be configured to facilitate
information communication between computer program components of
the processor(s), between one or more computer program components
and an entity external to the processor(s) (e.g., a feedback
component, a sensor, and/or other entity), and/or may facilitate
other information exchanges. In some implementations, the
communication component may be configured to obtain output signals
associated with the one or more sensors.
[0011] The space component may be configured to execute an instance
of a game and implement the instance of the game to facilitate user
participation in the game that takes place in a virtual space. User
participation in the game may include controlling game entities
within the virtual space.
[0012] The user component may be configured to access and/or manage
user profiles associated with the users of the system. The user
component may be configured to determine values for the one or more
parameters of muscular activity for the users based on the output
signals (e.g., obtained by the communication component). The user
component may be configured to provide the determined values as
control inputs for controlling the game entities in the virtual
space (e.g., via the space component).
[0013] The coach component may be configured to effectuate
presentation of exercise instruction to a user via one or more
feedback components. The instruction may be related to coaching a
user to perform one or more exercises. For example, the instruction
may be related to coaching a user on exerting forces on the
exercise apparatus using one or more muscles and/or muscle groups.
The coach component may be configured to modify the presented
exercise instruction based on the values of the parameters of
muscular activity determined by the user component. The
modification may include changing the instruction based on a user
successfully following instruction, repeating instruction and/or
changing one or more aspects of the instruction to encourage a user
to successfully perform an exercise, and/or other modification. For
example, the modification may correspond to coaching a user to
continue exerting forces using a given muscle and/or muscle group
or to exert forces using a different muscle and/or muscle
group.
[0014] The interface component may be configured to effectuate
presentation of an interface via a feedback component (e.g., a
display and/or screen). The interface may include views of a
virtual space and/or game executed by the space component and/or
other information.
[0015] One or more aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and
methods for coaching a user to perform one or more exercises.
Coaching a user may comprise operations including: effectuating
presentation of exercise instruction via one or more feedback
components; obtaining output signals from one or more sensors
coupled to an exercise apparatus; determining values for the one or
more parameters of muscular activity based on the output signals;
modifying the presented exercise instruction based on the
determined values; and/or other operations.
[0016] These and other features, and characteristics of the present
technology, as well as the methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and in the claims, the singular forms of "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured for evaluating
muscular activity of a user during exercise and/or providing
feedback to the user, in accordance with one or more
implementations.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates one or more processors, in accordance
with one or more implementations.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a user
interface for gaming.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a
user interface for gaming.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 8a illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary
repositionable sensor configuration used in the exercise apparatus
of FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the implementation of the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of coaching a user performing
one or more exercises, in accordance with one or more
implementations.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a method of evaluating muscular activity
of a user during exercise and/or providing feedback to the user, in
accordance with one or more implementations.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a method of using an exercise apparatus,
in accordance with one or more implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 configured for
evaluating muscular activity of a user and/or providing feedback to
the user, in accordance with one or more implementations. In some
implementations, the system 100 may facilitate exercise via a game
to encourage users to perform exercise(s).
[0031] In some implementations, system 100 may include an exercise
apparatus 102, one or more processors 110 configured to execute
computer-executable instructions 111, and/or other components. In
some implementations, the one or more processors 110 may be
disposed at the exercise apparatus 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG.
2). In some implementations, the one or more processors 110 may be
disposed at a computing platform 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 3), remote
server 126, and/or other locations in system 100. The computing
platform(s) 124 may include, for example, a cellular telephone, a
smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a
television set-top box, a smart TV, a gaming console, and/or other
computing platform.
[0032] In some implementations, the exercise apparatus 102 may
facilitate performance of physical exercises including isometric
exercise, dynamic exercise, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise,
flexibility exercise, stretching, resistance exercise, and/or other
physical exercise. A given exercise may include performing certain
body motions and/or assuming certain body poses. The exercise
apparatus 102 may comprise one or more user interface components
104, one or more sensors 106, and/or other components. The user
interface component(s) 104 may include physical components. The
user interface component(s) 104 may be removable from the exercise
apparatus 102. The user interface component(s) 104 may be moveable
and/or repositionable upon the exercise apparatus 102. The user
interface component(s) 104 may be immovably disposed upon the
exercise apparatus 102. The user interface component(s) 104 may be
configured to receive forces exerted by a user during performance
of one or more exercises.
[0033] The user interface component(s) 104 may be configured and/or
arranged to engage one or more body parts of the user and/or be
positioned/repositioned in an arrangement compatible with a user
imparting forces thereon during exercise. In some implementations,
the one or more user interface component(s) 104 may include
components configured and/or arranged to engage one or more of a
finger, a hand, a wrist, an elbow, an arm, a torso, a head, a
shoulder, a hip, a thigh, a knee, a calf, an ankle, a foot, and/or
any other body part of the user. By way of non-limiting example, a
user may impart a force onto one or more user interface components
104 by pressing, pulling, pushing, squeezing, lifting, striking,
shaking, twisting, turning, separating, and/or otherwise imparting
a force onto one or more of the user interface components 104 or
portions thereof. By way of additional non-limiting example, a user
may impart a force onto a user interface component 104 configured
to engage a hand of a user by squeezing the user interface
component 104 (e.g., the user interface component 104 may be hand
grip).
[0034] In some implementations, individual ones of one or more
sensors 106 may be coupled to corresponding ones of the one or more
user interface components 104. For example, a first sensor may be
coupled to a first user interface component. By way of non-limiting
example, one or more sensors 106 may be coupled to a user interface
component 104 configured and/or arranged to engage a hand of a
user; one or more sensors 106 may be coupled to a user interface
component 104 configured and/or arranged to engage an arm of a
user; one or more sensors 106 may be coupled to a user interface
component 104 configured to engaged a knee or thigh of a user;
and/or other sensors 106 may be coupled to other user interface
components 104. It is noted that the above example of various
arrangements of sensors 106 and/or user interface components 104 is
not to be considered limiting. Instead, it is merely provided as an
illustrative example and should not limit the manner in which one
or more sensors 106 may be coupled to one or more user interface
components 104.
[0035] In some implementations, the sensor(s) 106 may be configured
to generate output signals conveying information related to one or
more parameters of muscular activity of the user performing one or
more exercises, and/or other information. Parameters of muscular
activity may include one or more of an exercise parameter
corresponding to a given exercise performed by the user; a muscle
activation parameter corresponding to a muscle and/or muscle group
activated by a user during performance of a given exercise; a force
parameter corresponding to an amount of force exerted by a muscle
and/or muscle group during a given exercise; a repetition parameter
corresponding to an amount of repetitions of activation of a muscle
and/or muscle group by a user during a given exercise; a time
parameter corresponding to an elapsed time of performance of a
given exercise and/or an elapsed time between repetitions; an
energy parameter corresponding to an amount (e.g., average, total,
current, and/or other amount) of energy expenditure by the user
during a given exercise and/or repetition ("rep"), and/or other
parameter (see, e.g., user component 116 described herein).
[0036] The one or more sensors 106 may be configured to
communicatively couple (e.g., wired or wirelessly) with the one or
more physical processors 110. In implementations where the one or
more processors 110 may be disposed at a computing platform 124
(see, e.g., FIG. 3), the one or more sensors 106 may be configured
to communicate with the one or more processors 110 over network
122, and/or over other communication networks. In implementations
where the one or more processors 110 may be disposed at the
exercise apparatus 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), the one or
more sensors 106 may be configured to communicate with the one or
more processors 110 via communications routed locally within the
exercise apparatus 102, and/or over other communication networks.
The one or more physical processors 110 may be configured to obtain
the sensor output signals, determine values for the one or more
parameters, and/or perform other functions described herein.
[0037] The one or more sensors 106 may be configured for wired
and/or wireless communication. By way of non-limiting example, the
one or more sensors 106 may be configured for wired communication
via a port or a drive disposed at a given sensor 106. A port
disposed at the sensor(s) 106 may include a USB port, a firewire
port, and/or other port. By way of non-limiting example, the one or
more sensors 106 may be configured for wireless communication via
Bluetooth, near-field communication, infrared, Wi-Fi, and/or other
wireless communication protocol.
[0038] In some implementations, a given sensor may comprise a
sensor configured to measure one or more of force, torque, strain,
displacement, position, compression, temperature, pressure,
contact, and/or other measurement. For example, a sensor may
comprise one or more of a strain measurement sensor, a
force-sensing resistor, a force-sensitive material, a load sensor,
a pressure sensor, a load cell, a touch sensor, a position sensor,
a temperature sensor, and/or other sensor.
[0039] In some implementations, the sensor(s) 106 may comprise one
or more sensors that generate output signals used to determine
values for the parameters directly or indirectly. For example, a
first sensor may generate a first output signal(s) used to
determine, directly or indirectly, a first value of a first
parameter. In some implementations, a sensor may be configured to
generate output signals directly related to force applied at or
near the sensor, and/or other output. By way of non-limiting
example, a given force-measuring sensor may be disposed at a
location on a corresponding user interface component 104 configured
to be pushed by a hand of a user. The force measurement sensor may
generate output signals directly related to a force applied to the
user interface component 104. The output signals may directly
provide a value of a force parameter associated with the user,
and/or other parameter. By way of non-limiting example, a touch
sensor may generate sensor output related to instances of contact
with the sensor and/or user interface component 104 at or near the
sensor. Sensor output from the touch sensor may include a count of
an amount of times the sensor is "touched" or otherwise activated.
The sensor output may directly provide a value of a repetition
parameter associated with repetitive activation of a muscle and/or
muscle group. In some implementations, other sensors may be
configured to generate other output signals that are directly
related to values of other parameters corresponding to muscular
activity.
[0040] In some implementations, a sensor 106 may be configured to
generate output signals that may be indirectly related to a value
of a parameter. By way of non-limiting example, a position sensor
may be configured to generate output signals related to an amount
of displacement or deflection of a corresponding user interface
component 104. Output signals from a position sensor (e.g.,
corresponding to an amount of deflection) may be used to determine
(e.g., calculate) an amount of force imparted on the user interface
component 104 by the user. The determination may be based on an
arrangement, configuration, material properties, and/or other
attribute of the user interface component 104. By way of
non-limiting example, a user interface component 104 may be
approximated as a cantilever beam. A determination may be based on
calculating an amount of force required to deflect the approximated
cantilever beam a measured deflected distance (e.g., based on the
output signal). The sensor output may indirectly provide a value of
a force parameter, and/or other parameter. By way of non-limiting
example, one or more sensors 106 may be configured to generate
output signals related to an amount of compression of a user
interface component, torsion on a user interface component, strain
on a user interface component, and/or other measurement that may be
used to determine a parameter value indirectly.
[0041] The above description of determining values for one or more
parameters of muscular activity either directly or indirectly are
not intended to be limiting. Instead, this is provided for
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting with
respect to the sensors, configurations and/or arrangement of the
user interface components 104, and/or the manner or techniques in
which values may be determined.
[0042] In some implementations, one or more feedback components 108
may be disposed at the exercise apparatus (see, e.g., FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2), and/or other locations. In some implementations, one or
more feedback components 108 may be disposed at a computing
platform 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 3), and/or other locations. The one
or more feedback components 108 may be configured to
communicatively couple with the one or more physical processors 110
and/or with other components. The one or more processors 110 may be
configured to effectuate presentation of exercise instruction
and/or other feedback to the user via one or more feedback
components 108 and/or perform other functions. In implementations
where the one or more processors 110 may be disposed at a computing
platform 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the one or more feedback
components 108 may be configured to communicate with the one or
more processors 110 over network 122, and/or other communication
networks. In implementations where the one or more processors 110
may be disposed at the exercise apparatus 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1
and FIG. 2), the one or more feedback components 108 may be
configured to communicate with the one or more processors 110 via
communications routed locally within the exercise apparatus 102,
and/or over other communication networks.
[0043] The one or more feedback components 108 may comprise a
physical component or set of physical components configured to
provide one or more of visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile
feedback, olfactory feedback, and/or other feedback to a user. In
some implementations, a feedback component 108 may comprise one or
more of a display screen, a light source, an audio speaker, a
haptic device, a scent apparatus, a heating element, a fan and/or
blower, and/or other components. In some implementations, one or
more feedback components 108 may be coupled with one or more user
input mechanisms (e.g., a button, a mouse, a joystick, a keyboard,
and/or other input mechanism).
[0044] A feedback component 108 may include a display screen
configured to provide visual feedback. A display screen may include
a touch sensitive screen configured to receive user entry and/or
selection of information. A display screen may be configured to
effectuate display one or more of images, video, text, holograms,
and/or other visual display. In some implementations, a display may
facilitate presentation of an interface used for gaming, and/or
other application (see, e.g., FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, described in more
detail herein). In some implementations, a display may be disposed
at a user interface component 104, a computing platform 124, and/or
other locations.
[0045] A feedback component 108 may include one or more light
sources configured to provide visual feedback. A light source may
include one or more of a light emitting diode (LED), a light bulb,
a Chemo-luminescent light source, a lamp, a laser, and/or other
source of visible (or invisible) light. In some implementations, a
light source may be disposed at a user interface component 104, a
computing platform 124, and/or other locations.
[0046] A feedback component 108 may comprise one or more audio
speakers configured to provide audio feedback. A speaker may be
configured to emit a sound (e.g., a buzz, a beep, an alarm, and/or
other sound), a song, a recording, a recorded voice, a
computer-generated voice, and/or other audio. In some
implementations, a speaker may be disposed at a user interface
component 104, a computing platform 124, and/or other
locations.
[0047] A feedback component 108 may include one or more haptic
devices configured to provide tactile feedback. A haptic device may
include a vibrator and/or other haptic device. A vibrator may
include an eccentric rotating mass, and/or other components. In
some implementations, a haptic device may be disposed at a user
interface component 104, a computing platform 124, and/or other
locations.
[0048] A feedback component 108 may include one or more heating
elements configured to provide heat-based feedback. A heating
element may be configured to heat, cool, and/or other produce other
heat-based feedback. In some implementations, a heating element may
be disposed at a user interface component 104, a computing platform
124, and/or other locations.
[0049] A feedback component 108 may include one or more fans and/or
blowers configured to provide other feedback. A fan and/or blower
may be configured to blow air and/or other gas, draw in air and/or
other gas, and/or other performs other operations. In some
implementations, a fan and/or blower may be disposed at a user
interface component 104, a computing platform 124, and/or other
locations.
[0050] A feedback component 108 may include a scent apparatus
configured to generate a scent to provide olfactory feedback. A
scent apparatus may include, for example, an apparatus including a
vessel for storing a perfume or other scented substance and a
discharge/emission element coupled to the vessel configured to
discharge/emit an amount of the substance when triggered/activated.
By way of non-limiting example, a discharge element may include an
atomizing pump, a fan, a blower, and/or other components. A scent
apparatus may be considered in other ways. In some implementations,
a scent apparatus may be disposed at a user interface component
104, a computing platform 124, and/or other locations in system
100.
[0051] In some implementations, the one or more feedback components
108 may be configured to provide feedback in the form of
instructional feedback (e.g., coaching), and/or may provide other
information to a user. The feedback provided by a feedback
component 108 may be positive, neutral, and/or negative feedback,
described in more detail herein.
[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus 102. The exercise apparatus 102 may include a
first user interface component 204, a first sensor 206, a first
feedback component 208, one or more processors 110, and/or other
components. The first sensor 206 may be disposed at the first user
interface component 204. The first sensor 206 may be configured to
communicatively couple to the one or more processor 110.
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an
exercise apparatus 102 and/or computing platform 124. The exercise
apparatus 102 may include a first user interface component 204, a
first sensor 206, and/or other components and/or features. The
first sensor 206 may be disposed at the first user interface
component 204. A computing platform 124 may include a first
feedback component 208, one or more processors 110, and/or other
components. The first sensor 206 may be configured to
communicatively couple to the one or more processors 110 (e.g.,
wired or wirelessly). By way of non-limiting example, the first
sensor 206 may be configured to communicatively couple to the one
or more processors 110 through wireless communications routed
through network 122, and/or other communication networks. By way of
non-limiting example, the first sensor 206 may be configured to
communicatively couple to the one or more processors 110 through
wired communications between the first sensor 206 and computing
platform 124. In some implementations, the computer platform 124 of
FIG. 3 may be configured to communicatively couple with an
implementation of exercise apparatus 102 the same or similar to
that shown in FIG. 2.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the one or more
processors 110 may be configured to execute computer-executable
instructions 111. The computer-executable instructions 111 may
include one or more of a communication component 112, a space
component 114, a user component 116, a coach component 118, an
interface component 120, and/or other components. It is noted that
the following description may refer to implementations wherein the
processor(s) 110 may be disposed at one or more of the exercise
apparatus 102, a computing platform 124, and/or server 126 (as
shown in FIG. 4). In some implementations, the components may be
executed by different processors disposed at other locations in
system 100.
[0055] In FIG. 1, the communication component 112 may be configured
to facilitate information communication between computer program
components of the processor(s) 110, between one or more computer
program components and an entity external to the processor(s) 110
(e.g., a feedback component, a sensor, and/or other entity), and/or
may facilitate other information exchange(s). By way of
non-limiting example, information communication between two or more
computer program components executed by the processor(s) 110 may be
routed through the communications component 112, and/or other
components. By way of additional non-limiting example, information
communicated to and/or from one or more computer program components
of the processor(s) 110 and an entity external to the processor(s)
110 may be routed through the communication component 112, and/or
other components.
[0056] In some implementations, the communication component 112 may
be configured to obtain output signals associated with one or more
sensors 106 and/or may obtain other information. The communication
component 112 may be configured to obtain output signals by virtue
of one or both of wired or wireless communications established
between the processor(s) 110 (e.g., communication component 112)
and one or more sensors 106, and/or over other communication
networks. For example, the communications component 112 may be
configured to obtain output signals from the one or more sensors
106 directly (or indirectly). As an illustrative example in FIG. 4,
the communication component 112 may be configured to obtain first
output signal(s) 402.
[0057] Returning to FIG. 1, the space component 114 may be
configured to execute an instance of a virtual space and/or game
and implement the instance of the virtual space and/or game to
facilitate user participation in the virtual space and/or a game
that takes place in the virtual space. The executed instance of the
virtual space may determine the state of the virtual space. The
state may then be communicated to a feedback component 108 (e.g.,
display) for presentation to a user. The state determined and
transmitted to a given feedback component 108 may correspond to a
view of a game entity being controlled by a user via an exercise
apparatus 102 and/or computing platform 124. The state determined
and presented to a given feedback component may correspond to a
location in the virtual space (e.g., location in the game). The
view described by the state presented by the feedback component may
correspond, for example, to the location, from which the view is
taken, the location the view depicts, and/or other locations, a
zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view, and/or
parameters of the view. One or more of the view parameters may be
selectable by the user.
[0058] An instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated
space that is accessible by users via a feedback component that
presents the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated
space may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction
by one or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned
within the topography that are capable of locomotion within the
topography. In some instances, the topography may be a
one-dimensional topography. By way of non-limiting example of a
one-dimensional topography, a game mechanic may include
one-dimensional motion that is controlled based on force exerted on
exercise apparatus 102 (e.g., more force moves avatar to the left
and less force moves avatar to the right). In one exemplary
implementation, two users may control sumo wrestler avatars that
move right or left depending on forces applied by the two users to
their respective exercise apparatuses 102 so that the velocity of
movement is proportional to the difference in the magnitudes of the
forces. A similar control technique may be applied to games
involving arm wrestling, track races, and/or other games that
incorporate one-dimensional movement and/or topography. In some
instances, the topography may be a two-dimensional topography. In
some instances, the topography may be a three-dimensional
topography. The topography may include dimensions of the space,
and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are "native"
to the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a
surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a
substantial portion of the space. In some instances, the topography
may describe a volume with one or more bodies positioned therein
(e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived space with one or more
celestial bodies positioned therein). An instance executed by the
computer components may be synchronous, asynchronous, and/or
semi-synchronous.
[0059] The above description of the manner in which the state of
the virtual space is determined by space component 114 is not
intended to be limiting. The space component 114 may be configured
to express the virtual space in a more limited, or richer, manner.
For example, views determined for the virtual space representing
the state of the instance of the virtual space may be selected from
a limited set of graphics depicting an event in a given place
within the virtual space. The views may include additional content
(e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/or other content)
that describes particulars of the current state of the place,
beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view may
include a two-dimensional maze with boundaries/walls/obstacles of
which the user must navigate a game entity through to reach an end
of the maze. As other examples, a view may include one or more of a
skier on a track, sumo wrestlers on a dohyo, arm wrestlers on a
table, humans/animals/vehicles on a racing track, and/or other
views. Other expressions of individual places within the virtual
space are contemplated.
[0060] Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by
space component 114, users may control game entities, simulated
physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other
phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to
interact with the virtual space and/or each other. The game
entities may include virtual characters such as avatars. A game
entity may be controlled by a user with which it is associated. The
user-controlled element(s) may move through and interact with the
virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space,
other objects in the virtual space such as boundaries, obstacles,
starting lines, finish lines, and/or other content of a virtual
space). Controlling the game entities may include controlling the
movement and/or other aspect of the game entities within the
virtual space based on control inputs. The user-controlled elements
controlled by and/or associated with a given user may be created
and/or customized by the given user. The user may have an
"inventory" of virtual items and/or currency that the user can use
(e.g., by manipulation of a game entity or other user-controlled
element, and/or other items) within the virtual space.
[0061] The users may participate in the instance of the virtual
space by controlling one or more of the available user-controlled
game entities in the virtual space. Control may be exercised
through control inputs and/or commands input by the users through
the exercise apparatus 102, computing platform 124, and/or other
input mechanism. In some implementations, one or more values for
one or more parameters of muscular activity determined by the user
component 116 (described herein), may be provided as control inputs
for controlling game entities in the virtual space. Controlling the
game entities may include controlling the movement (e.g.,
positioning) of the game entities within the virtual space.
[0062] The users may interact with each other through
communications exchanged within the virtual space. Such
communications may include one or more of textual chat, instant
messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or other
communications. Communications may be received and entered by the
users via their respective computing platform 124 and/or exercise
apparatus 102. Communications may be routed to and from the
appropriate users through network 122 and/or through communications
which are external to the system 100 (e.g., text messaging services
associated with computing platforms 124).
[0063] In some implementations, a virtual space and/or game may be
executed by a game system 125 comprising one or more processors
(not shown) that may be separate from the exercise apparatus 102,
computing platforms 124, and/or server 126. For example, a game
system 125 may be provided by some external resource 128 and/or
other source of information in system 100. However, in some
implementations, the game system 125 may be provided as part of the
one or more processors 110.
[0064] In FIG. 1, the user component 116 may be configured to
access and/or manage one or more user profiles and/or user
information associated with users. The one or more user profiles
and/or user information may include information stored by the
exercise apparatus 102, computing platform 124, server 126, and/or
other storage locations. The user profiles may include, for
example, information identifying users (e.g., a username or handle,
a number, an identifier, and/or other identifying information),
security login information (e.g., a login code or password),
virtual space account information, subscription information,
virtual (or real) currency account information (e.g., related to
currency held in credit for a user), virtual inventory information
(e.g., virtual inventories associated with the users), relationship
information (e.g., information related to relationships between
users), virtual space usage information (e.g., a login history
indicating the frequency and/or amount of times the user logs in to
the user accounts and/or participates in a game), information
stated by users (e.g., sex, a height, weight, body type, fitness
level, body mass index, and/or other information), a computing
platform identification associated with a user, a phone number
associated with a user, one or more values for parameters of
muscular activity associated with the user, an exercise history
associated with the user, and/or other information related to
user.
[0065] In some implementations, the user component 116 may be
configured to determine one or more values for one or more
parameters of muscular activity associated with the users. The user
component 116 may be configured to determine values based on sensor
output signals (e.g., obtained from the communications component
112), and/or other information. A value of a given parameter may be
numerical (e.g., points, amount, score, rank, ratings, grades, or
any other type of numerical expression), descriptive (e.g., text
description, and/or other description expression), progressive
(e.g., high, medium, low, and/or other progressive expression),
pictorial (e.g., an image, a graphic, and/or other visual
expression), and/or any other type of expression of a value for a
parameter.
[0066] In some implementations, the user component 116 may
determine values of parameters for the users. A determination may
be based on one or more specifications. A specification may include
one or more of a function, formula, table, and/or other type of
specifications. A given function, formula, table, and/or other type
of specification may be stored in electronic storage 121, and/or
other storage location. A given function, formula, table, and/or
other type of specification may specify that for a given output
signal a given value is allocated for a given parameter. By way of
non-limiting illustration, a given function, formula, table, and/or
other type of specification may specify that for a given output
signal that is directly related to a parameter of muscular activity
(e.g., a force measurement sensor that generates output signals
conveying force amounts and/or a touch sensor that generates output
signals conveying a number of instances of contact the sensor), the
value becomes the output signal. By way of non-limiting
illustration, a given function, formula, table, or any other type
of specification may specify that for a given output signal that is
indirectly related to a parameter of muscular activity (e.g., a
position sensor that generates output signals related to
displacement used to calculate force, and/or other indirect
relationship), a formula may be applied to the output signal and
the result of the applied formula becomes the value, and/or other
specification. By way of non-limiting example, a first output
signals may become a first value for a first parameter. By way of
non-limiting example, the result of a first formula applied to a
first output signal may become a first value for a first
parameter.
[0067] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include an exercise parameter corresponding to a given
exercise performed by the user. A type of specification (e.g., a
table) may specify that for output signals conveying zero
displacement of a sensor coupled to a user interface component, and
conveying an amount of force being applied to the same user
interface component, the value of the exercise parameter may become
"isometric exercise," and/or other exercise.
[0068] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include a muscle activation parameter corresponding to
a muscle and/or muscle group activated by a user during performance
of a given exercise. A type of specification (e.g., a table) may
specify that for output signals conveying that a user is engaging a
particular user interface component 104 (by virtue of a sensor
being specifically coupled to the user interface component and
generating out signals), a value for the muscle activation
parameter becomes a description of the muscle and/or muscle group
corresponding to a body part of which the given user interface
component 104 is configured to engage. For example, a table may
store a list of muscles and/or muscle groups associated various
body parts of a user, and may correlate these muscle and/or muscle
groups with a particular user interface component configured to
engage the corresponding body part.
[0069] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include a force parameter corresponding to an amount
of force exerted by a muscle and/or muscle group during a given
exercise. A type of specification (e.g., a table) may specify that
for output signals conveying information related to an amount of
force exerted by a user (either directly or indirectly), a value
for the force parameter becomes the output signal (for output
signals directly related to force) or a result of a formula being
applied to the output signal (for output signals indirectly related
to force). In some implementations, formulas may be provided by a
provider of the system 100 and/or determined based on the
configuration of exercise apparatus and/or user interface
components, the material properties of the user interface
components, the positioning of the sensors generating the output
signals, and/or other aspect.
[0070] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include a repetition parameter corresponding to an
amount of repetitions of activation of the muscle and/or muscle
group by a user during a given exercise. A type of specification
(e.g., a table) may specify that for output signals conveying
information related to the number of repetitions performed by the
user (either directly or indirectly), a value for the repetition
parameter becomes the output signal (for output signals directly
related to repetition), a result of a formula being applied to the
output signal (for output signals indirectly related to
repetition), and/or other specification. By way of non-limiting
example, a touch sensor may generate output signals conveying a
count of instances of contact with the sensor (e.g., each instance
related to one rep). Individual counts may increase a value for the
repetition parameter by one unit. By way of non-limiting example, a
force measurement sensor may generate output signals that convey a
quantification of force as a continuous or discrete waveform
corresponding to an application of force by a user. The waveform
may convey information related to an application of force followed
by a reduction in an application of force. A transition from
application to non-application may correspond to a single rep
(e.g., associated with an activation of a muscle or muscle group
followed by a relaxation of the muscle and/or muscle group).
[0071] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include a time parameter corresponding to an elapsed
time of performance of a given exercise and/or an elapsed time
between repetitions. The user component 116 may be configured to
start a time clock responsive to user input conveying they are
beginning an exercise (or rep) and/or based on obtaining a first
output signals following a powering on of the exercise apparatus
102 and/or one or more physical processors 110. The user component
116 may be configured to stop a time clock responsive to user input
conveying that they ended an exercise and/or based on a timeout
period of an absence of output signals following reception of an
output signal. A timeout period may be one or more seconds,
minutes, and/or other time duration. The user component 116 may be
configured to determine a value for the time parameter based on
time duration between the start and end and/or between the start
and end minus the timeout period, and/or other time duration.
[0072] By way of non-limiting example, a parameter of muscular
activity may include an energy parameter corresponding to an amount
of energy expended by the user during a given exercise and/or
repetition. Energy expenditure may include calories burned, and/or
other measure of energy. A formula or table may be used to
determine an amount of energy expended (e.g., average, total,
current, and/or other amount) based on one or more of values of
other parameters of muscle activity, information about a user
(e.g., gender, age, height, weight, body type, fitness level,
and/or other information), and/or other information. For example, a
formula may be used to determine an amount of calories burned for a
person of a given height and/or weight based on an amount of force
exerted by a given muscle and/or muscle group and/or other
information.
[0073] The user component 116 may be configured to determine
exercise histories associated with the users. Exercise histories
may include historical information associated with the users and/or
other information. Historical information may be associated with
values for parameters of muscular activity of the users. Historical
information may be determined based on the values and/or changes in
the values over time. In some implementations, historical
information may correspond to one or more aspects of user
interaction with an exercise apparatus. By way of non-limiting
example, historical information may correspond to user strength,
performance, reactivity, control, overall improvement, and/or other
information. Historical information may be used to determine one or
more ways to improve, areas of improvement, and/or other
information. For example, a first exercise history associated with
a first user may convey first historical information based on
values or changes in values for a first parameter.
[0074] In some implementations, historical information determined
based on values and/or changes in values may be expressed
numerically (e.g., value, points, amount, score, rank, ratings,
grades, or any other type of numerical expression), descriptive
(e.g., text description, and/or other descriptive expression),
progressive (e.g., high, medium, low, and/or other progressive
expression), pictorial (e.g., an image, a graphic, and/or other
pictorial expression), and/or any other type of expression used to
convey historical exercise information. For example, first
historical information may be associated with user strength and/or
other aspect. The first historical information may be expressed as
a first "strength level," "moderately strong," " 1/10," an image of
a bicep of a particular girth, and/or other expressions.
[0075] In some implementations, based on values for a parameter
meeting one or more threshold values over time (e.g., over a period
of one or more exercises), the user component 116 may be configured
to update an exercise history of a user to convey the user has
reached or obtained a particular exercise state, and/or other
perform other operations. For example, if a value for the first
parameter meets a first threshold value, the user component 114 may
be configured to include second historical information in the first
exercise history. The second information may express, for example,
a second "strength level," "very strong," " 3/10," an image of a
bicep of a particular girth, and/or other expressions.
[0076] In some implementations, historical information may be
presented to a user. Historical information may be represented
graphically (e.g., a chart, graph, plot, and/or other graphical
representation), audibly, textually, and/or other representation.
For example, the changes in values for a parameter may be plotted
on a graph with respect to time.
[0077] In some implementations, based on historical information
conveying that a value of a parameter does not meet a threshold,
the user component 116 may be configured to determine which aspects
of exercise may need improvement. This may include determining that
one or more muscles and/or muscle groups need to be improved in
terms of strength, control, reactivity, and/or other aspect. For
example, based on the first historical information conveying that
the value of the first parameter does not meet a first threshold,
the user component 116 may be configured to determine that a first
muscle and/or muscle group may need improvement.
[0078] The above description of user exercise histories is not
intended to be limiting. Instead, it is provided for illustrative
purposes and should not be limiting with respect to exercise
histories, determining historical information from values,
presenting historical information to a user, and/or determining
ways for improvement based on the historical information. Exercise
histories may be determined and/or expressed in other ways.
[0079] By way of non-limiting illustration in FIG. 4, the user
component 116 may be configured to access and/or manage a first
user profile 404 for a first user. The user component 116 may be
configured determine a first parameter value 406 for a first
parameter of muscular activity associated with the first user
profile 404. The user component 116 may be configured to determine
a first exercise history 408 associated with the first user profile
404. For example, the first exercise history 408 may be determined
based on the first value 406, and/or other information.
[0080] In FIG. 1, the coach component 118 may be configured to
establish an exercise regime to be performed by a user (e.g.,
including one or more exercises to be performed), provide exercise
instructions and/or other feedback to a user based on an exercise
regime (e.g., effectuate an activation or triggering of a feedback
component 108), and/or perform more or less functions.
[0081] Establishing an exercise regime to be performed by a user
may include one or more of calibrating to a particular user,
determining one or more exercises to be performed, and/or other
operations. Calibration may include determining user information
(e.g., user gender, age, height, weight, fitness level, and/or
other information), a maximum threshold of force exertion by a user
on individual ones of the one or more user interface components
104, and/or other operations. At least some of the user information
may be determined from the user component 116.
[0082] Determining maximum threshold(s) may be accomplished by a
calibration session instructed to the user, and/or other
operations. The coach component 118 may be configured to effectuate
a calibration session via a feedback component 108 (e.g., a
display) and/or other components. A calibration session may
comprise instruction to exert a maximum amount of force onto
individual ones of the user interface components 104 using the
corresponding muscles and/or muscle groups, or combinations of user
interface components 104 by the user. A calibration session may
comprise instruction to assume a pose while exerting a force onto
individual ones of the user interface components 104 using the
corresponding muscles and/or muscle groups, or combinations of user
interface components 104 by the user. The communication component
112 may be configured to receive sensor output signals during the
calibration session. The user component 116 may be configured to
determine values for a force parameter or other parameter
associated with individual ones of the user interface components
104 based on the sensor output signals, and/or may associate the
values to a muscle and/or muscle group activated by the user
according to a corresponding user interface component 104. The user
component 116 may be configured to store these determined values as
"maximum threshold" force values associated with a corresponding
user interface component 104 and/or muscle and/or muscle group of a
user. Calibration may include other operations.
[0083] Determining one or more exercises to be performed by a user
may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In some implementations,
an exercise to be performed by a user may be determined based on
user entry and/or selection via a feedback component 108 and/or
computing platform 124 specifying a desired exercise. In some
implementations, an exercise to be performed by a user may be
determined simply by the user performing a given exercise. In some
implementations, determining one or more exercises to be performed
by a user may be based on exercise histories associated with the
users. In some implementations, determining one or more exercises
to be performed by a user may be based on a calibration session
(e.g., the maximum threshold values). For example, the coach
component 118 may be configured to store a list or table of various
exercises that may be performed to increase strength, power,
agility, control, and/or other aspect of a muscle and/or muscle
group. The coach component 118 may be configured to store a list or
table of typical or "average" or target maximum threshold forces
for an individual of a given weight, height, fitness level (e.g.,
determined based on statistical analysis of individuals, such as a
50.sup.th percentile average, 60.sup.th percentile average, and/or
other information). The coach component 118 may be configured to
compare the maximum threshold values (and/or values associated with
the exercise histories) for a given user and compare these values
to those in the list or table of target values. Based on the
comparison, the coach component 118 may be configured to determine
individual ones of the values that may be less than a corresponding
average value. The coach component 118 may be configured to
determine one or more exercises to be performed by a user in order
to bring the value(s) up to the target (e.g., over time by
performing one or more select exercises). Other ways in which
exercises may be determined for a user are also contemplated.
[0084] The coach component 118 may be configured to effectuate
presentation of exercise instruction via one or more feedback
components 108 prior to, during, and/or after an exercise.
Effectuating presentation of exercise instruction via one or more
feedback components 108 may include sending one or more activation
and/or triggering signals or messages (e.g., via communication
component 112) to a given feedback component 108.
[0085] In some implementations, instruction may be related to
coaching the user on exerting forces on the one or more user
interface components 104. The instruction may be related to
coaching the user to activate one or more muscles and/or muscle
groups. The instruction may be related to coaching the user to
exert a predefined amount of force. The instruction may be related
to coaching the user to exert a percentage of their maximum
threshold force. The instruction may be related to coaching the
user to exert a force for a predefined amount of time. The
instruction may be related to coaching the user to exert a force
for a predefined number of repetitions. The instruction may be
related to any combination of instructions as described herein.
[0086] In some implementations, instruction may include feedback
related to coaching a user during a currently preformed exercise,
providing instructions on how to perform one or more subsequent
exercises, providing feedback on a previously performed exercise,
and/or other feedback. Instructional feedback may include feedback
on how to use a select muscle and/or muscle group, how to engage
one or more user interface components 104, encouraging feedback,
corrective feedback, neutral feedback, and/or other feedback. By
way of non-limiting example, such instructional feedback may be
related to a number of reps a user should do, an amount of force
(or change in an amount of force) a user should impart during a
rep, a frequency of performance of a rep, an amount of time a user
should perform one or more exercises and/or reps, an indication to
change a select muscle and/or muscle/group being activated to a
different muscle and/or muscle group, and/or other instruction. In
some implementations, instructional feedback may be provided in
real time as the user is performing an exercise and/or rep, prior
to the user starting to perform an exercise and/or rep, after an
exercise or rep is performed, and/or at other times.
[0087] In some implementations, instructional feedback may include
instruction that a given user interface component 104 should be
engaged by a user, that a given muscle and/or muscle group should
be activated by the user with a given user interface component 104,
and/or other instruction. One or more of visual feedback, auditory
feedback, tactile feedback, olfactory feedback, and/or other
feedback may facilitate indicating to a user which user interface
component 104 to engage and/or muscle and/or muscle group to
activate. For example, a first feedback component may be activated
and/or trigger to provide first instructional feedback to a
user.
[0088] By way of non-limiting example, a given feedback component
108 (e.g., a vibrator, a heating element, a light source, a scent
apparatus, a display, a speaker, and/or other feedback component)
coupled to a given user interface component 104 configured to
engage a given body part of a user, may be activated and/or
triggered (e.g., may vibrate, heat up/cool down, emit light, emit a
scent, display an image, graphic and/or text, alert a sound, and/or
other feedback) to indicate that the corresponding user interface
component 104 should be engaged using the corresponding body part.
By way of additional non-limiting example, a feedback component 108
may be activated a certain number of times to indicate a certain
number of repetitions of muscle and/or muscle group activation
should be performed with the given user interface component 104. In
some implementations, the triggering and/or activation of a
feedback component 108 may be achieved by the one or more physical
processors 110, described herein.
[0089] In some implementations, feedback may include feedback that
responds to user activity and/or user interaction with the user
interface component 104 during a currently preformed exercise,
and/or other feedback. Feedback responding to user activity and/or
interaction may include activation of one or more feedback
components 108 based on a sensor output received from one or more
sensors 106 indicating particular action or activity by the user,
and/or other aspect of user interaction. For example, responsive to
reception of a first output signal (e.g., by the one or more
physical processors 110), a first feedback component may be
triggered/activated.
[0090] By way of non-limiting example, if a user is instructed to
engage a given user interface component 104, responsive to one or
more sensors 106 generating output signals related to the user
contacting the given user interface component 104, one or more
feedback components 108 may be activated to indicate the user has
successfully followed the instructions. By way of additional
non-limiting example, if a user is instructed to exert a given
amount of force on a given user interface component 104, responsive
to one or more sensors 106 generating output signals related to the
user contacting the given user interface component 104 and exerting
the instructed amount of force (e.g., based on the output signals
being used to determine a value for a force parameter), one or more
feedback components 108 may be activated to indicate the user has
successfully followed the instructions. In some implementations,
feedback may be provided that may indicate a user has
unsuccessfully followed instructions.
[0091] By way of non-limiting example as to the evolution of
instructional feedback being provided to a user, the coaching
component 118 may be configured to effectuate presentation of
exercise instruction via a feedback component 108. The
communication component 112 may be configured to obtain output
signals from one or more sensors coupled to one or more user
interface components 104 of an exercise apparatus 102. The user
component 116 may be configured to determine values for the one or
more parameters of muscular activity based on the output signals.
The coach component 118 may be configured to modify the presented
exercise instruction based on the determined values. For example,
if the determined values indicate that the user successfully
followed instructions for a given exercise, the instruction may be
changed to instruct the user to perform one or more other
exercises, and/or other actions and/or activities. As another
example, if the determined values indicate that the user has not
successfully followed instructions for a given exercise, the
instruction may be changed to instruct the user to perform the same
exercise again or in a different manner, perform one or more
different exercises, and/or other instruction. In some
implementations, the modification may correspond to coaching the
user to continue exerting forces using a given muscle and/or muscle
group, to exert forces using a different muscle and/or muscle
group, and/or other modification. In some implementations, the
modification may include presenting different instructional
feedback.
[0092] The above description of the manner in which feedback may be
provided to a user via a feedback component 108 is not intended to
be limiting. One or more feedback components 108 may be configured
to effectuate visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback,
olfactory feedback, and/or other feedback in a more limited, or
richer, manner. By way of non-limiting example, instructional
information displayed on a screen may be selected from a set of
graphics or text conveying to the user a particular exercise to
perform, user interface component 104 to engage, muscle and/or
muscle group to activate, and/or other information. The displayed
information may be accompanied by additional content (e.g., audio,
pre-stored video, scents, vibrations, sounds, light emissions,
and/or other content) that describes one or more aspects of
exercise and/or user performance that go beyond the graphics and/or
text. For example, a view displayed on a display screen may include
a generic textual description of a given user interface component
104 the user should engage and/or an amount of force the user
should try to impart on the given user interface component 104; a
vibrator coupled to the given user interface component 104 may
simultaneously be activated; a scent may be emitted in response to
the user engaging the appropriate given user interface component
104 (e.g., based on sensor output indicating a contact of the user
interface component 104 by the user, and/or other sensor output);
and/or more or less feedback may be provided. Other ways in which
feedback and/or combinations of feedback may be presented to a user
are contemplated.
[0093] By way of non-limiting illustration in FIG. 4, the coach
component 118 may be configured to effectuation presentation of
first instruction 410 to the first user via a first feedback
component (not shown in FIG. 4).
[0094] Returning to FIG. 1, in some implementations, interface
component 120 may be configured to effectuate presentation of an
interface via a feedback component 108 (e.g., a display/screen).
The interface component 120 may be configured to effectuate
presentation of views of a virtual space and/or game executed by
the space component 114. The interface component 120 may be
configured to effectuate presentation of an interface including one
or more of: a portion conveying a view of a game taking place in a
virtual space executed by the space component 114, the game
including a game entity controlled by a user and/or other virtual
space content; a game control element configured to receive user
entry and/or selection to control one or more aspects of gameplay;
a portion conveying information related to control inputs for
controlling a game entity in a game space; a portion conveying
information related to values for one or more parameter of muscle
activity associated with a user; and/or other portions.
[0095] By way of non-limiting illustration in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an
implementation of an interface 500 for gaming is depicted. The
interface 500 may include one or more interface elements and/or
portions. The interface elements and/or portions may comprise one
or more of: a gameplay portion 502 including a game entity 510
associated with a user, and gameplay elements such as a path 512
and obstacles 516; a control element 504 for controlling one or
more aspects of gameplay; an information display portion 506
configured to display gameplay information; an instruction portion
508 configured to display exercise instructions; and/or other
portions and/or elements. The depiction of interface 500 in FIGS. 5
and 6 is not intended to be limiting as interface 500 may include
more or less elements than is shown. For example, in some
implementations, one or more elements may be omitted from interface
500. As another example, the functionality described in connection
with two or more elements may be combined as a single element.
[0096] In some implementations, the gameplay portion 502 may
represent a graph showing magnitude of the force (e.g., y-axis)
that the user is expected to exert over time (e.g., x-axis). The
path 512 (e.g., dashed line) may be the target force curve that the
user has to follow over time. The width of the openings in the
obstacles 516 (e.g., vertical bars) may determine the tolerance
around the target curve where the performance is considered
correct. The horizontal density of the vertical bars may determine
the number of control points where performance precision is
evaluated. The farther from the opening the game entity 510 (e.g.,
star) crosses the bar, the less precision may be recorded. The
horizontal density and the opening width of the bars may be
controlled with the control element 504 (e.g., difficulty
slider)--more difficulty may be more bars and narrower openings,
which may force the user to be much closer to the target curve. The
user may be awarded different amounts of award points depending on
the difficulty level chosen and precision achieved during
execution. The information display portion 506 may be configured to
enable the user to change the overall duration of the exercise
repetition and/or to change the value of the highest point on the
curve, as percentage of the calibrated force for the specific pose.
Changing peak force may result in stretching the curve vertically.
In some implementations, the user can may change the pose, the
number of repetitions, the rest between repetitions, and/or other
aspects of the exercise. In some implementations, the game entity
510 may represent the current force value. The game entity 510 may
move with even velocity left to right as repetition time runs.
Meanwhile the game entity 510 may also move vertically with
variable velocity, depending on the changes in the exerted
force.
[0097] In some implementations, a graphical "skin" may be applied
to the interface 500. For example, the interface 500 may be
depicted such that the path 512 may be a ski track, the openings
between opposing obstacles 516 may be shown as poles, and the
obstacles 516 may be replaced with obstacles of different types
(e.g., rocks, pine trees, and/or other types). For graphical
relevance, the interface 500 may be rotated 90 degrees. The game
entity 510 may be depicted as a skier moving down. More force may
move the skier right while less force may move the skier left.
[0098] In some implementations, the user may be instructed to move
the game entity 510 through a maze comprising the path 512,
obstacles 516, and/or other elements. The path 512 may be
associated with moving the game entity 510 over the obstacles 516
and across the screen (e.g., in the current depiction, from left to
right). At the start of gameplay, the game entity 510 may
automatically begin moving horizontally across the screen. This may
be similar to a type of "side scrolling" game, and/or other game.
However, in some implementations, control inputs may be provided by
a user which may determine an amount of horizontal movement of the
game entity 510. In some implementations, the user may provide
inputs in a manner to maneuver the game entity 510 vertically in
the game to overcome the obstacles 516 and successfully move the
game entity 510 to the other end of the maze. In some
implementations, the control inputs for controlling a vertical
position of the game entity 510 may be associated with user
interaction with user interface components of an exercise
apparatus. By way of non-limiting example, by exerting a force
(e.g., squeezing) on a user interface component using a body part
(e.g., their hands) output signals from one or more sensors may be
generated. The output signals may be used to determine values for a
force parameter and/or other parameter. The values may be provided
as control inputs to move the game entity 510 vertically, and/or in
other directions. For example, a quantification of force may
correspond to an amount of movement of the game entity 510.
[0099] In some implementations, traversing an obstacle 516 may
include exerting an amount of force required to move the game
entity 510 to an appropriate position. The requisite amount may be
provided to the user via instruction 508 presented to the user. The
requisite amount may be shown in the gameplay portion 502. For
example, adjacent each obstacle 516 may include a maximum threshold
percentage amount required to appropriately position the game
entity 510 to traverse the obstacles 516.
[0100] The control element 504 may facilitate controlling one or
more aspects of gameplay. In the current figure, difficulty may
comprise at least one of the aspects of gameplay that may be
controlled. Other aspects may include a size of the maze, a type of
game (e.g., race game, and/or other game), and/or other aspects.
Other aspects are also contemplated. By way of non-limiting
example, the control element 504 may comprise a sliding indicator
which may allow a user to change a difficulty (or other aspect)
between relatively easier to relatively harder. In some
implementations, an "easy" game may be associated with less force
required to overcome obstacles 516; the game entity 510 moving
slower across the screen; and/or other game aspects. A relatively
"harder" game may require more force and/or the game entity 510 may
move faster, and/or other game aspects may be different. It is
noted that the control element 504 may be any type of element
configured to receive user entry and/or selection. For example,
control element 504 may be a drop-down menu presenting a list of
selectable options, a series of check boxes of which the user may
select as desired, and/or other control element.
[0101] Information display portion 506 may be configured to display
gameplay information and/or other information. Gameplay information
may include one or more of a current state of control inputs
provided by the user (e.g., a current percentage of maximum force
exerted by the user and/or other information), a time clock, and/or
other information.
[0102] The instruction portion 508 may be configured to display
exercise instructions as part of the gameplay experienced by a
user. The exercise instruction 508 may be related to gameplay, one
or more exercises, and/or other instruction. As such, the
presentation of exercise instruction and gaming may be seamlessly
integrated.
[0103] FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of gameplay by a user.
Gameplay may correspond to controlling the game entity 510 in the
virtual space. The movement of the game entity 510 may be
represented by a trail 518 corresponding to the real time control
inputs provided by the user over time.
[0104] In some implementations, gameplay may include multiplayer
gameplay, and/or other gameplay. For example, a game may be
executed which includes a gaming space, including a first game
entity associated with a first user and a second game entity
associated with a second user. Views of the game may be presented
to the users on a common screen (if they are proximate each other)
or on separate displays associated with the users, respectively.
The users may then "battle" by controlling the respective game
entities using control inputs derived from forces imparted on
respective exercise apparatuses associated with the users to
achieve a game objective (e.g., complete a maze, and/or other
objective).
[0105] It is noted that the above description of gameplay using
control input determined from sensor output generated during user
interaction with an exercise apparatus is not intended to be
limiting. Instead, this is provided as an illustrative example and
is not intended to limit the way in which control inputs may be
provided, a game entity may be controlled, the manner in which
gameplay may commence, and/or other aspects related to gaming using
an exercise apparatus in accordance with one or more
implementations presented herein.
[0106] FIG. 7 depicts an implementation of an exercise apparatus
700. Exercise apparatus 700 may be configured to engage a user in a
substantially seated position and/or other position (e.g.,
squatting, supine, prone, crouched, and/or other position). In some
implementations, the exercise apparatus 700 may comprise at least
part of a chair, stool, bench, tabletop, and/or other structure
configured to engage a user in a substantially seated position. In
some implementations, at least a portion of the exercise apparatus
700 may be configured and/or designed the same as or similar to
co-pending U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/513,417 filed
on Dec. 30, 2015 and entitled "Sculpted Chair Arms," which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In some
implementations, exercise apparatus 700 may include one or more
components of exercise apparatus 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).
[0107] The exercise apparatus 700 may include one or more user
interface components 708 configured to engage one or more body
parts of a user, one or more sensors 710, and/or other components.
Individual ones of the one or more sensors 710 may be coupled to
corresponding individual ones of the one or more user interface
components 708. For example, a first sensor 710 may be coupled to a
corresponding first user interface component 708. The exercise
apparatus 700 may include a feedback component 712, one or more
processors 714, a power source 716, and/or other components.
[0108] In some implementations, the power source 716 may comprise a
battery pack, an electrical cord for connection with a conventional
power outlet, a power generating apparatus, and/or other
components. A power generating apparatus may comprise, for example,
a piezoelectric power generating apparatus. In some
implementations, at least a portion of the exercise apparatus 700
may comprise piezoelectric power generating material. For example,
piezoelectric power-generating material may be incorporated into a
seat 702 of the apparatus 700 to generate power each time a user
sits and/or moves upon the seat 702.
[0109] In some implementations, the exercise apparatus 700 may
include a seat 702, a back support 704, one or more legs/supports
706, and/or other components configured to facilitate engaging a
user in a substantially seated position. The user interface
components 708 may include components configured and/or arranged to
engage one or more of a hand, a wrist, an elbow, an arm, a torso, a
head, a shoulder, a back, a hip, a thigh, a knee, a calf, an ankle,
a foot, and/or other body part of a user. For example, a first user
interface component 708 may be configured and/or arranged to engage
a first body part of a user.
[0110] By way of non-limiting example, a given user interface
component 708 may be configured and/or arranged to engage an arm of
a user; a given user interface component 708 may be configured
and/or arranged to engage a hand (and/or one or more fingers and/or
wrist) of a user; a given user interface component 708 may be
configured and/or arranged to engage the back of a user; a given
user interface component 708 may be configured and/or arranged to
engage a shoulder of a user; a given user interface component 708
may be configured and/or arranged to engage a head (and/or neck) of
a user; a given user interface component 708 may be configured
and/or arranged to engage a thigh of a user; a given user interface
component 708 may be configured and/or arranged to engage a knee of
a user; a given user interface component 708 may be configured
and/or arranged to engage a leg of a user; a given user interface
component 708 may be configured and/or arranged to engage a foot of
a user; a given user interface component 708 may be configured
and/or arranged to engage an ankle of a user; and/or one or more
other user interface components 708 may be configured to engaged
any other body of a user.
[0111] In some implementations, a user interface component 708
configured to engage a hand (and/or wrist and/or one or more
fingers) may comprise a hand grip. The grip may be coupled to a
sensor 710. The sensor 710 at the hand grip may be configured to
generate output signals conveying information related to an amount
of squeezing force exerted by a hand of a user. A user interface
component 708 configured to engage an arm of a user may comprise an
arm rest. The arm rest may be coupled to one or more sensors 710. A
sensor 710 coupled to the arm rest may comprise a sensor configured
to measure force. The sensor may be disposed at or near a portion
of the arm rest where a user's elbow may lay such that the sensor
may generate output signals related to forces exerted via an elbow
of the user. A sensor 710 coupled to the arm rest may comprise a
sensor configured to measure displacement and may be disposed at a
distal end of the arm rest. In some implementations, the back
support 704 may be a user interface component 708. The back support
704 may be coupled to one or more sensors 710. For example, one or
more sensors configured to measure force may be disposed at one or
more locations on the back support that may align with a user's
shoulders and/or shoulder blades. A user interface component 708
configured to engage a head of a user may comprise a headrest. As
shown, a head rest may be coupled to the back support 704. The head
rest may be coupled to one or more sensors 708 configured to
measure force exerted by the head or neck muscles of a user. A user
interface component 708 configured to engage a thigh/knee of a user
may include a thigh/knee portion. The thigh/knee portion may
include at least one surface configured to engage a thigh and/or
knee of a user while in a substantially seated position. The
thigh/knee portion may extend from a distal end of the arm rest,
and/or may be configured in other ways. The thigh/knee portion may
be coupled to one or more sensors 710 configured to measure force
exerted by a user via their thigh and/or knee. A user interface
component 708 configured to engage a foot of a user may include a
foot rest. The foot rest may include at least one surface
configured to engage a foot and/or ankle of a user while in a
substantially seated position. The foot rest may be coupled to one
or more sensors 710 configured to measure force exerted by a user
via their foot and/or ankle.
[0112] FIG. 8, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 9 depict an implementation of an
exercise apparatus 800. The exercise apparatus 800 may comprise a
thin, flexible material defined by a first surface 802, a second
surface 804 facing opposite the first surface 802, and a peripheral
side edge 806 communicating between the first surface 802 and
second surface 804. First surface 802 and/or second surface 804 may
be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the exercise apparatus
800 may comprise a sheet, net, web, tarp, cover, coverlet, and/or
other thin, flexible material. The exercise apparatus 800 may be
formed from fabric, cloth, plastic, leather, and/or other material.
The peripheral side edge 806 may define a thickness. In some
implementations, the thickness may be in the range of 0-2 cm. In
some implementations, the thickness may be in the range of a 0-5
mm. Although the exercise apparatus 800 is shown having a
substantially rectangular shape, this for illustrative purposes
only and should not be considered limiting. For example, in other
implementations, the shape of the exercise apparatus 800 may be
circular, oval, square, body shaped, and/or other shape.
[0113] The exercise apparatus 800 may include one or more user
interface components 808 configured to engage one or more body
parts of a user, one or more feedback components 816, one or more
processors 818, a power source 820, and/or other components. In
some implementations, exercise apparatus 800 may include one or
more components of exercise apparatus 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The
user interface components 808 may comprise repositionable sensor
configurations including one or more sensors 810. For example, a
sensor configuration may comprise a sensor bar or pad formed from
fabric, foam, and/or other material that houses one or more sensors
810. The sensors 810 may be wireless sensors, wired sensors, and/or
other sensors.
[0114] One or more user interface components 808 may be
movable/repositionable relative to the exercise apparatus 800, or
stationary. For example, a given user interface component 808 may
be repositionable based on a movable engagement of the user
interface component 808 to the exercise apparatus 800. Movable
engagement may be provided in a variety of ways. In some
implementations, movable engagement may be provided by one or more
tracks 812 used to engage a user interface component 808 in a
movable engagement. As shown in the illustration of FIG. 8a, a
movable engagement may be provided by one or more collars 814
coupled to a given user interface component 808. A collar 814 may
be coupled to the user interface component 808 by a fastener such
as sewing, rivets, adhesive, and/or other fastener. The collar 814
may be engaged over a track 812 such that the track 812
communicates through a passage of the collar 814. The configuration
of the passage may impart an amount of friction onto the track 812.
The ends 813 of the track 812 may be fastened to the exercise
apparatus 800 (e.g., the first surface 802) via a fastener such as
sewing, rivets, adhesive, and/or other fastener. The tracks 812 may
be formed from a strip of material such as fabric, plastic, and/or
other material. A given repositionable user interface component 808
may be movable along a corresponding track 812 with which it is
movably engaged. However, other techniques in which the user
interface components 808 may be repositionable and/or movable
relative to the exercise apparatus 800 are also contemplated.
[0115] In some implementations, one or more user interface
components 808 may be removably engageable to the exercise
apparatus 800 (e.g., to the first surface 802). Removable
engagement of a user interface component 808 to the exercise
apparatus 800 may be accomplished by one or more removable
fasteners connecting the user interface components 808 to the
exercise apparatus 800 (e.g., the first surface 802). A removable
fastener may comprise hook and loop fabric (e.g., hood fabric
disposed at the first surface 802 and/or loop fabric disposed at
the user interface components 808, or vis versa), snap fits, and/or
other removable fastener.
[0116] In some implementations, the exercise apparatus 800 may
comprise flexible material that facilitates covering (e.g., placing
over, draping over, and/or other type of covering) a structure with
the apparatus 800. For example the exercise apparatus 800 may be
configured to cover one or more of a floor, a chair, a stool, a car
seat, a bench, a bed, a wall (e.g., be hung on the wall, and/or
other positioning), and/or other structure. The user may be able to
perform one or more exercises while the exercise apparatus 800 may
be covering a structure.
[0117] In FIG. 1, the exercise apparatus 102, processor(s) 110,
sensor(s) 106, feedback component(s) 108, computing platform(s)
124, game system 125, server 126, and/or external resources 128 may
be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication
links. For example, such electronic communication links may be
established, at least in part, via a network 122 such as a local
area network, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), a short
range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, near-field
communication, infrared, and/or other short range network), a wired
network (e.g., ethernet, USB, firewire, and/or other wired
network), and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this
is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this
disclosure includes implementations in which exercise apparatus
102, processor(s) 110, sensor(s) 106, feedback component(s) 108,
computing platform(s) 124, game system 125, server 126, and/or
external resources 128, may be operatively linked via some other
communication media.
[0118] The external resources 128 may include sources of
information, hosts and/or providers of information outside of
system 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/or
other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the
functionality attributed herein to external resources 128 may be
provided by resources included in system 100.
[0119] The exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s) 124, game
system 125, and/or server 126 may include electronic storage 121,
one or more processors 110, and/or other components. The exercise
apparatus 102, computing platform(s) 124, game system 125, and/or
server 126 may include communication lines or ports to enable the
exchange of information with a network and/or other computing
platforms. Illustration of exercise apparatus 102, computing
platform(s) 124, game system 125, and/or server 126 in FIG. 1 is
not intended to be limiting. The exercise apparatus 102, computing
platform(s) 124, game system 125, and/or server 126 may include a
plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components
operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein
to the exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s) 124, and/or
server 126, respectively.
[0120] Electronic storage 121 may comprise electronic storage media
that electronically stores information. The electronic storage
media of electronic storage 121 may include one or both of system
storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially
non-removable) with exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s)
124, and/or server 126 and/or removable storage that is removably
connectable to exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s) 124,
and/or server 126 via, for example, a port or a drive. A port may
include a USB port, a firewire port, and/or other port. A drive may
include a disk drive and/or other drive. Electronic storage 121 may
include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g.,
optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g.,
magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical
charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state
storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other
electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage 121
may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud
storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage
resources). Electronic storage 121 may store software algorithms,
information determined by processor(s) 110, information received
from one or more of exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s)
124, and/or server 126, and/or other information that enables
exercise apparatus 102, computing platform(s) 124, and/or server
126 to function as described herein.
[0121] Processor(s) 110 is configured to provide
information-processing capabilities in exercise apparatus 102,
computing platform(s) 124, and/or server 126. As such, processor
110 may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog
processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an
analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine,
and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information.
Although processor 110 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this
is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations,
processor 110 may include one or more components. These components
may be physically located within the same device, or processor 110
may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices
operating in coordination.
[0122] The processor 110 may be configured to execute components
112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120. Processor 110 may be configured to
execute components 112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 by software;
hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or
firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing
capabilities on processor 110.
[0123] It should be appreciated that, although components 112, 114,
116, 118, and/or 120 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located
within a single component, in implementations in which processor
110 includes multiple components, one or more of components 112,
114, 116, 118, and/or 120 may be located remotely from the other
components. The description of the functionality provided by the
different components 112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 described above
is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting, as
any of components 112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 may provide more
or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more
of components 112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120 may be eliminated, and
some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of
components 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and/or other components. As
another example, processor 110 may be configured to execute one or
more additional components that may perform some or all of the
functionality attributed to one of components 112, 114, 116, 118,
and/or 120.
[0124] FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 of coaching a user
performing one or more exercises. The operations of method 1000
presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some
embodiments, method 1000 may be accomplished with one or more
additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of
the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the
operations of method 1000 are illustrated in FIG. 10 and described
below is not intended to be limiting.
[0125] In some embodiments, method 1000 may be implemented in one
or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog
processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an
analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, a
functionally limited processing device, and/or other mechanisms for
electronically processing information). The one or more processing
devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of
the operations of method 1000 in response to instructions stored
electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more
processing devices may include one or more devices configured
through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically
designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method
1000.
[0126] Referring now to method 1000 in FIG. 10, at an operation
1002, presentation of exercise instruction may be effectuated. The
instruction may relate to coaching a user on exerting forces on an
exercise apparatus using one or more muscles and/or muscle groups
in accordance with one or more exercises. In some implementations,
operation 1002 may be performed by a coach component the same as or
similar to coach component 118 (shown in FIG. 1 and described
herein).
[0127] At an operation 1004, output signals from one or more
sensors coupled to the exercise apparatus may be obtained. The
output signals may convey information related to one or more
parameters of muscular activity of the user during the exercises.
In some implementations, operation 1004 may be performed by a
communication component the same as or similar to the communication
component 112 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0128] At an operation 1006 values for the one or more parameters
of muscular activity may be determined based on the output signals.
The parameters may correspond to one or more of a muscle and/or
muscle group activated by the user during performance of the given
exercise, an amount of force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle
group during the given exercise, an amount of repetitions of
activation of the muscle and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of
performance of the given exercise, an amount of calories burned,
and/or other aspects of muscular activity. In some implementations,
operation 1006 may be performed by a user component the same as or
similar to the user component 116 (shown in FIG. 1 and described
herein).
[0129] At an operation 1008, modification of the presented exercise
instruction may be effectuated based on the determined values. The
modification may correspond to coaching the user to continue
exerting forces using a given muscle and/or muscle group or to
exert forces using a different muscle and/or muscle group. In some
implementations, operation 1008 may be performed by a coach
component the same as or similar to coach component 118 (shown in
FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0130] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 of evaluating muscular
activity of a user during exercise and/or providing feedback to the
user. The operations of method 1100 presented below are intended to
be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1100 may be
accomplished with one or more additional operations not described,
and/or without one or more of the operations discussed.
Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 1100 are
illustrated in FIG. 11 and described below is not intended to be
limiting.
[0131] In some embodiments, method 1100 may be implemented using an
exercise apparatus (see, e.g., exercise apparatus 102 of FIG. 1)
including one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital
processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to
process information, an analog circuit designed to process
information, a state machine, a functionally limited processing
device, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing
information), one or more user interface components configured to
engage one or more body parts of a user and receive forces exerted
by the user during performance of one or more exercises (see, e.g.,
user interface components 104 of FIG. 1), one or more sensors
configured to generate output signals conveying information related
to one or more parameters of muscular activity (see, e.g., sensors
106 of FIG. 1), one or more feedback components configured to
provide feedback to a user (see, e.g., feedback components 108 of
FIG. 1), and/or other components. The one or more processing
devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of
the operations of method 1100 in response to instructions stored
electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more
processing devices may include one or more devices configured
through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically
designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method
1000.
[0132] Referring now to method 1100 in FIG. 11, at an operation
1102, forces exerted by a user during performance of one or more
exercises may be received. In some implementations, operation 1002
may be facilitated by one or more user interface components the
same as or similar to one or more user interface components 104
(shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0133] At an operation 1104, output signals may be generated. The
output signals may convey information related to one or more
parameters of muscular activity of the user during the exercises.
In some implementations, operation 1104 may be facilitated by a one
or more sensors the same as or similar to one or more sensors 106
(shown in FIG. 1 and described herein). The one or more sensors may
be coupled to individual ones of the user interface components.
[0134] At an operation 1106 values for the one or more parameters
of muscular activity may be determined based on the output signals.
The parameters may correspond to one or more of a muscle and/or
muscle group activated by the user during performance of the given
exercise, an amount of force exerted by the muscle and/or muscle
group during the given exercise, an amount of repetitions of
activation of the muscle and/or muscle group, an elapsed time of
performance of the given exercise, an amount of calories burned,
and/or other muscular activity. In some implementations, operation
1106 may be performed by one or more physical processors the same
as or similar to the processors 110 (shown in FIG. 1 and described
herein).
[0135] At an operation 1108, exercise instruction may be presented
to a user. The instruction may correspond to coaching the user to
continue exerting forces using a given muscle and/or muscle group
or to exert forces using a different muscle and/or muscle group. In
some implementations, operation 1108 may be facilitated by one or
more feedback components the same as or similar to one or more
feedback component 108 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).
[0136] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 of using an exercise
apparatus, in accordance with one or more implementations. The
operations of method 1200 presented below are intended to be
illustrative. In some embodiments, method 1200 may be accomplished
with one or more additional operations not described, and/or
without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the
order in which the operations of method 1200 are illustrated in
FIG. 12 and described below is not intended to be limiting.
[0137] In some embodiments, method 1200 may be implemented by a
user using an exercise apparatus (see, e.g., exercise apparatus 102
of FIG. 1) including one or more processing devices (e.g., a
digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed
to process information, an analog circuit designed to process
information, a state machine, a functionally limited processing
device, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing
information), one or more user interface components configured to
engage one or more body parts of a user and receive forces exerted
by the user during performance of one or more exercises (see, e.g.,
user interface components 104 of FIG. 1), one or more sensors
configured to generate output signals conveying information related
to one or more parameters of muscular activity (see, e.g., sensors
106 of FIG. 1), one or more feedback components configured to
provide feedback to a user (see, e.g., feedback components 108 of
FIG. 1), and/or other components.
[0138] Referring now to method 1200 in FIG. 12, at an operation
1202, an exercise apparatus may be configured to facilitate one or
more exercises by a user. In some implementations, the exercise
apparatus may be configured engaging a user in a substantially
seated position. In some implementations, the exercise apparatus
may be configured by moving and/or repositioning one or more user
interface components that are configured to receive forces exerted
by the user. In some implementations, the exercise apparatus may be
configured by covering a structure with the exercise apparatus. A
structure that may be covered by the exercise apparatus may include
one or more of a floor, a chair, a stool, a car seat, a bench, a
bed, a wall, and/or other structure. In some implementations,
operation 1002 may be facilitated by an exercise apparatus the same
as or similar to exercise apparatus 102 (shown in FIG. 1 and
described herein), exercise apparatus 700 (shown in FIG. 7 and
described herein), and/or exercise apparatus 800 (shown in FIG. 8
and described herein).
[0139] At an operation 1204, exercise instructions may be received.
In some implementations, operation 1204 may be facilitated by one
or more feedback components the same as or similar to one or more
feedback component 108 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein), one
or more feedback components 712 (shown in FIG. 7 and described
herein), and/or one or more feedback components 816 (shown in FIG.
8 and described herein).
[0140] At an operation 1206, forces may be exerted on one or more
user interface components of the exercise apparatus. In some
implementations, operation 1206 may be facilitated by one or more
user interface components the same as or similar to one or more
user interface components 104 (shown in FIG. 1 and described
herein), one or more user interface components 708 (shown in FIG. 7
and described herein), and/or one or more user interface components
808 (shown in FIG. 8 and described herein).
[0141] Although the present technology has been described in detail
for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently
considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations,
it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose
and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed
implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover
modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be
understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the
extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be
combined with one or more features of any other implementation.
* * * * *