U.S. patent application number 14/668157 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-29 for holistic ring-based exercise system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is George Hampton. Invention is credited to Melissa Campbell, George Hampton.
Application Number | 20160279470 14/668157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56974671 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160279470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Melissa ; et
al. |
September 29, 2016 |
HOLISTIC RING-BASED EXERCISE SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A ring-based exercise system collects health metrics and senses
rotational movements of a ring moving in a rotational path to
calculate exercise results, such as calories burned, and provide
instantaneous visual and data feedback. The system monitors the
number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and number of
rotations, while simultaneously emitting both illumination and
audio feedback that correlates to the ring exercise. A ring is
twirled around a central axis, such as a torso or limbs. A motion
sensor senses the positional information of the ring during the
exercise, such as velocity, acceleration, number of rotations, and
x-y-z axis motion. A processor, wither integrated into the ring or
remotely located calculates the exercise results, i.e., calories
burned, through the health metrics and sensor signals. An
illumination and an audio signal visible on the ring correlates
with the velocity and movement of the ring.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Melissa; (Buffalo,
NY) ; Hampton; George; (Buffalo, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hampton; George |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56974671 |
Appl. No.: |
14/668157 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/75 20130101;
A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 19/00 20130101;
A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/222 20151001; A63B 23/12 20130101;
A63B 2225/74 20200801; A63B 2220/44 20130101; A63B 21/0004
20130101; A63B 23/025 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 2209/02 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
G06F 19/3481 20130101; A63B 2220/34 20130101; G09B 19/0038
20130101; A63B 23/04 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B
2071/065 20130101; G16H 20/30 20180101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B
19/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 19/00 20060101 A63B019/00 |
Claims
1. A holistic exercise system for collecting health metrics and
sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise
results, the system comprising: a ring; at least one health metric
defined by a unit for a physical disposition; at least one
gyroscope arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring,
the at least one gyroscope configured to detect positional
information of the ring; a processor operatively connected to the
at least one gyroscope, the processor configured to process the at
least one health metric and the positional information of the ring,
wherein the processor calculates an exercise result, the exercise
result based at least partially on the at least one health metric
and the positional information of the ring; and an illumination
portion configured to illuminate in correlation with the rotational
path of the ring, wherein in a change in a velocity of the
rotational path of the ring is prompted by a change in the
illumination of the ring by the illumination portion to indicate to
the user to change the velocity of the rotational path of the
ring.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a hula hoop
configured to be twirled around the torso and the limbs.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the positional information of the
ring includes at least one member selected from the group
consisting of: angular velocity, acceleration, vertical
oscillations, vibrations, and x-y-z axis motions.
7. (canceled)
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is disposed
remotely from the ring.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote processor comprises a
display device configured to display the exercise results.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a
transfer function algorithm.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result comprises
calories burned.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result is
configured to be downloadable through a software application.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result comprises
data that transmits through Bluetooth technology to a
smartphone.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion
comprises a series of evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged
on the ring.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion is
configured to illuminate a green color when the velocity of the
rotational path of the ring increases, the illumination portion
further configured to illuminate a red color when the velocity of
the rotational path of the ring decreases.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an
audio portion configured to emit an audio signal in alignment with
the velocity of the rotational path of the ring.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A holistic exercise method for collecting health metrics and
sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise
results, the method comprising: collecting at least one health
metric; rotating a ring in a rotational path around a central axis;
detecting positional information for the ring with a sensor array;
wherein said sensor array includes at least one gyroscope, at least
one magnetic compass, and at least one accelerometer; processing
the at least one health metric and the positional information of
the ring with a processor, wherein the processor calculates an
exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health
metric and the positional information of the ring; illuminating the
ring in correlation with the rotational path of the ring, wherein
an increase in velocity of the rotational path correlates with an
increase in illumination; and emitting an audio signal in
correlation with the rotational path of the ring.
20. The method of claim 19, further including a step of connecting
a plurality of exercisers having substantially similar exercise
results.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein an angular rate sensor provides
feedback to the processor.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion is
configured to illuminate a different color to indicate to the user
that the velocity of the rotational path should change; wherein the
illumination portion will flash until the user obtains the velocity
of the rotational path indicated by the different color.
23. A holistic exercise system for collecting health metrics and
sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise
results, the system comprising: a ring; at least one health metric
defined by a unit for a physical disposition; at least one
gyroscope arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring,
the at least one gyroscope configured to detect positional
information of the ring; a processor operatively connected to the
at least one gyroscope, the processor configured to process the at
least one health metric and the positional information of the ring,
wherein the processor calculates an exercise result, the exercise
result based at least partially on the at least one health metric
and the positional information of the ring.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein an illumination portion is
configured to illuminate a different color to indicate to a user
that a velocity of the rotational path should change; wherein the
illumination portion will flash until the user obtains the velocity
of the rotational path indicated by the different color.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein positional information for the
ring is detected with a sensor array; wherein said sensor array
includes the least one gyroscope, at least one magnetic compass,
and at least one accelerometer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a holistic
ring-based exercise system and method. More so, a holistic exercise
system and method collects health metrics and senses rotational
movements of a ring during a ring-based exercise to calculate
exercise results.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation,
approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be
helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present
invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0003] Typically, a hula hoop is a toy hoop that is twirled around
the waist, limbs or neck. The hula hoop rotates around the waist,
arms, or legs and remains rotating as long as sufficient angular
momentum is applied thereto. The hula hoop is used as a game to
count how many rotations it can stay on the waist. The energy
required to maintain the hula hoop on the waist generally provides
a light workout.
[0004] It is known that conventional exercising hula-hoop presents
a popular exercise and is a recreational device suitable for the
entire family, fun and easy to use with little space taken.
However, in exercising with the conventional exercising hula-hoop,
the user executes boring and monotonous shaking motion, nor can the
user get related information of the exercise. Thus, the user often
loses interest after a while. The conventional art sought to
improve this by adding to the exercising hula-hoop the capabilities
for keeping track of calories burned, duration of exercise, number
of rotations, and audio feedback, etc. found in other exercise
equipment.
[0005] Often, motion sensors, which include gyroscopes and their
components (e.g., angular rate sensors and accelerometers), are
widely used in consumer electronics products such as video cameras,
and in aerospace and automotive applications such as safety control
systems and navigational systems. Examples of automotive
applications for gyroscopes include traction control, ride
stabilization and global position systems. The motion sensors
typically measure vertical movements, horizontal movements,
vibrations, and rotational movements, and then generate a
correlating signal.
[0006] It is known that performing sufficient exercise while
recording the results of the exercise are vital for building and
retaining good health. Unfortunately this is difficult to quantify
exercise results while performing a fun and easy to use exercise
tool. Furthermore, recent health related information has shown that
not only is aerobic exercise necessary, but that strength training
also has very significant health benefits. The present invention
provides a holistic approach to exercise designed to facilitate
motivating users to exercise regularly and record the results for
analysis. These two factors must be present, and by comparing the
health metrics and a number of exercise measurements the system can
evaluate compliance with the exercise and dietary protocol.
[0007] Other proposals have involved for integrating exercise
systems into a hula hoop. The problem with these devices is that
they do not make accurate measurements, are heavy, collapsible, and
have superficial lights that do not correlate to anything and
merely illuminate for no purpose.
[0008] Thus, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to address
the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. Even though the
above cited methods for a ring-based exercise system and method
that uses a hula hoop for exercising meets some of the needs of the
market, a system and method designed for using both health metrics
and rotational movements of a hula hoop to calculate exercise data
and thus plan a holistic exercise program is still desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a ring-based exercise
system and method that collects health metrics and senses
rotational movements of a ring during an exercise performed
substantially with the ring to calculate exercise results, such as
calories burned, and provide instantaneous visual and data
feedback. In one embodiment, the system and method is configured to
monitor the number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and
number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting both
illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring
exercise. The ring incorporates various motion sensors, processors,
and visual indicators to calculate the exercise results and provide
motivation and entertainment while exercising with the ring. The
ring calculates the exercise results based on the provided health
metrics and the positional information detected from the ring
during movement in a rotational path.
[0010] The exercise result provides useful data that may indicate a
need to adjust exercises patterns, dietary needs, and appropriate
exercise partners. This creates a holistic exercise experience. In
one embodiment, the exercise results comprise number of calories
burned while exercising with the ring. The exercise results may
also include a ring exercise history that the system and method
records for future access and modeling. Based on the exercise
results, the system and method enables interaction with a community
of ring exercisers having similar exercise results.
[0011] In some embodiments, the system and method comprises a ring,
such as a hula hoop, that provides a popular exercise and
recreational device that is fun and easy to use and enables a
variety of ring-based exercises. The ring may be twirled around a
central axis, such as the waist, limbs, or neck. The gyrations and
movements necessary to rotate the ring may help to strengthen and
create flexibility in the core torso and the limbs. In one
embodiment, the ring encircles a torso during the exercise. The
ring may be rotated around the torso while the torso moves in a
repetitive oscillating pattern of movement. The ring utilizes
angular momentum and inertia to remain on the torso during this
rotation. The torso exerts energy and performs coordinated
movements while oscillating to maintain rotation of the ring. This
exerted energy and applied coordination forms the basis for the
ring exercise. In one alternative embodiment, a weight may be
attached by cable to the ring to provide additional inertia during
rotation.
[0012] In one embodiment, the ring comprises at least one motion
sensor that integrates into the inner space of the ring. The motion
sensor is arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring,
such that positional information of the ring is detected. The
positional information of the ring may include, without limitation,
angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations,
x-y-z axis motions, and orientation of the torso or limbs relative
to the ring. The motion sensor may emit a signal in response to the
positional information of the ring. The motion sensor may include,
without limitation, an angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a
gyroscope.
[0013] In some embodiments, the ring may also include a processor
that processes the signal from the motion sensor to quantify the
movements of the ring. The health metrics are also stored and
computed by the processor. In some embodiments, the processor
performs calculations on the signals and derives the subsequent
exercise results, which are partially based on the provided health
metrics, and partially based on the signals from the motion sensor.
The processor may be integrated into the ring or remotely located.
The motion sensor and the processor work together to translate the
exercise data into the amount of calories burned.
[0014] The processor may either integrate into the ring, or
remotely communicate with the ring. From a remote location, a
display device operatively connects to the processor to show the
exercise results, including the number of calories burned. In some
embodiments, the processor may calculate signals that are received
from the sensor at approximately ten to one hundred samples per
second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that processing a
greater number of samples per second enables the calculation of
more accurate exercise results.
[0015] In one embodiment, the processor utilizes a transfer
function or similar algorithm to incorporate the health metrics and
the sensor signals into a final calculation of the exercise
results. For example, the health metrics may include, age, weight,
height, and body type. The ring motion may include twenty fast
uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the processor may
calculate the exercise results, including an approximation of
calories burned. The exercise results may then be used to recommend
additional exercise regiments, diets, and connect with other ring
exercisers having similar exercise results.
[0016] In one embodiment, the ring may include an illumination
portion that illuminates in proportion to the motion of the ring. A
more vigorous rotation results in a brighter illumination or a
unique color, such as green. A slower rotation of the ring results
in a duller illumination and a color, such as yellow. In this
manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is visually
indicated. An audio portion may also be incorporated into the ring.
The audio portion emits an audio signal in alignment with the
velocity of the rotational path of the ring. In this manner, the
vigorousness of the ring exercise is audibly indicated. These
visual and audible indicators may help motivate and entertain while
exercising.
[0017] A first aspect of the present invention provides a holistic
exercise system for collecting health metrics and sensing
rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results,
comprising: [0018] a ring having an interior surface and an
opposite exterior surface defined by an inner space therebetween;
[0019] at least one health metric defined by a unit for a physical
disposition; [0020] at least one motion sensor arranged in
alignment with a rotational path of the ring, the at least one
motion sensor configured to detect positional information of the
ring; [0021] a processor operatively connected to the at least one
motion sensor, the processor configured to process the at least one
health metric and the positional information of the ring, wherein
the processor calculates an exercise result based at least
partially on the at least one health metric and the positional
information of the ring; and [0022] an illumination portion
configured to illuminate in correlation with the rotational path of
the ring, wherein an increase in velocity of the rotational path of
the ring correlates with an increase in illumination by the
illumination portion.
[0023] In a second aspect of the present invention, the ring
comprises a hula hoop configured to be twirled around a central
axis.
[0024] In another aspect, the ring has a substantially circular
shape.
[0025] In another aspect, the at least one health metric includes
at least one member selected from the group consisting of: age,
weight, height, and body type.
[0026] In another aspect, the at least one motion sensor includes
at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an
angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.
[0027] In another aspect, the positional information of the ring
includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:
angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations,
and x-y-z axis motions.
[0028] In another aspect, the processor is disposed to integrate
into the inner space of the ring.
[0029] In another aspect, the processor is disposed remotely from
the ring.
[0030] In another aspect, the processor comprises a transfer
function algorithm.
[0031] In another aspect, the remote processor comprises a display
device configured to display the exercise results.
[0032] In another aspect, the exercise results comprise number of
calories burned.
[0033] In another aspect, the exercise results are downloadable
through a software application.
[0034] In another aspect, the exercise results comprise data that
transmits through Bluetooth technology to a smartphone.
[0035] In another aspect, the illumination portion comprises a
series of evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged on the
exterior surface of the ring.
[0036] In another aspect, the illumination portion is configured to
illuminate a green color when the velocity of the rotational path
of the ring increases, the illumination portion further configured
to illuminate a red color when the velocity of the rotational path
of the ring decreases.
[0037] In another aspect, the system further comprises an audio
portion configured to emit an audio signal in alignment with the
velocity of the rotational path of the ring.
[0038] It is one objective to provide a ring-based exercise that
indicates the number of calories burned.
[0039] Another objective is to provide an entertaining exercise
with a hula hoop.
[0040] Another objective is to provide a holistic, ring-based
exercise that provides data, light, and audio feedback while
exercising and for planning future exercise regiments.
[0041] Another objective is to use the exercise results to form a
community of ring-based exercisers.
[0042] Another objective is to provide at least one motion sensor
that integrates into a hula hoop.
[0043] Yet another objective is to provide a digital display of the
exercise results.
[0044] Yet another objective is to store the exercise results for
future modeling and comparison analysis.
[0045] Yet another objective is to provide an easy to use and
inexpensive exercise tool.
[0046] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages
will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features,
and advantages be included within this description, be within the
scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the
accompanying claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The present invention and the manner in which it may be
practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0048] FIG. 1. is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary
method for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational
movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, where an
exemplary torso rotates an exemplary ring with a weight attached,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary ring having at least
one motion sensor, a processor, an illumination portion, and an
audio portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a blowup view of an exemplary ring having an
exemplary controller for regulating the illumination portion and
the audio portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary
section of a ring detailing the electrical components, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for
collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a
ring to calculate exercise results, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or
the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the
claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be
bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding
technical field, background, brief summary or the following
detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0055] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like
reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural
elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several
drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the
entire written specification of which this detailed description is
an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together
with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the
entire "written description" of this invention as required by 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, presented in
FIGS. 1-4, a ring-based exercise system 100 collects at least one
health metric (not shown) and senses rotational movements of a ring
102 that moves in a rotational path 104 to calculate exercise
results, such as calories burned, while providing instantaneous
visual and data feedback. In one embodiment, the system 100 is
configured to monitor the number of calories burned, duration of
exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting
both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring
exercise. The ring 102 may incorporate at least one motion sensor
110, a processor 116, and visual indicators to calculate the
exercise results and provide motivation and entertainment
performing the ring exercises with the ring 102. In one embodiment,
the system 100 tracks how vigorously a user is exercising and uses
the subsequent motion data to estimate the calories expended during
the use of the ring 102.
[0057] In some embodiments, the ring 102 calculates an exercise
result based on at least one health metric and the positional
information of the ring 102 during movement in a rotational path
104. The exercise result provides useful data that may indicate a
need to adjust exercises patterns, dietary needs, and appropriate
exercise partners. This creates a holistic exercise experience. In
one embodiment, the exercise results calculated by the system 100
comprise number of calories burned while exercising with the ring
102. The exercise results may also include a ring exercise history
that is recorded for future access and exercise planning. Other
possible calculated exercise results may include, without
limitation, heart rate, length of the exercise, and comparisons
with past exercises. Based on the exercise results, the system 100
can suggest interactions and exercise sessions with other
exercisers having similar exercise results; and thereby form a
community of appropriately matched ring 102 exercisers.
[0058] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises a ring 102
having an interior surface 128 and an opposite exterior surface
defined by an inner space therebetween. The ring 102 may include a
generally circular shape. However, in other embodiments, a ring 102
with a slightly elongated shape may also be used. In one
embodiment, the ring is a hula hoop. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the hula hoop provides a popular exercise and
recreational device that is fun and easy to use and enables a
variety of ring-based exercises. For example, the ring 102 may be
twirled around a central axis 106, such as a torso, waist, neck, or
limbs. The gyrations and movements necessary to rotate the ring 102
may help to strengthen and create flexibility in the core torso and
the limbs. Suitable materials for the ring 102 may include, without
limitation, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high-density
polypropylene, polypropylene tubing, polymers, wood, and
aluminum.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ring 102 encircles a torso
during the exercise. The ring 102 may be rotated around the torso
while the torso moves in a repetitive oscillating pattern of
movement. The ring 102 utilizes angular momentum and inertia to
remain encircled around the torso during this rotation. The torso
exerts energy and performs coordinated movements while oscillating
to maintain rotation of the ring 102. This exerted energy and
applied coordination forms the basis for the ring exercise. In one
alternative embodiment, a weight 108 may be attached by a cable to
the ring 102 to provide additional inertia during rotation. In one
alternative embodiment, the weight 108 is a heavy ball tethered to
the ring 102. The weight 108 of the ball increases the inertia of
the ring 102 during rotation and provides a more rigorous
ring-based exercise. However, in other embodiments, any ancillary
exercise tool may work in conjunction with the ring 102.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 2, the ring 102 comprises at least one
motion sensor 110 that integrates into the inner space of the ring
102. The motion sensor 110 is arranged in alignment with a
rotational path 104 of the ring 102, such that positional
information of the ring 102 with respect to a central axis 106,
i.e., torso, limbs, is detected. The positional information of the
ring 102 may include, without limitation, angular velocity,
acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, x-y-z axis
motions, and orientation of the central axis 106 relative to the
ring 102. The motion sensor 110 may emit a sensor signal in
response to the positional information of the ring 102. The at
least one motion sensor 110 may include, without limitation, an
angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.
[0061] In one embodiment, the motion sensor 110 may utilize
vibration gyro sensor mechanism to detect the positional
information of the ring 102. For example, the motion sensor 110 may
sense angular velocity from the Coriolis force applied to the
vibrations in the ring 102 from the vertical, horizontal, diagonal,
and rotational directions. In another embodiment, the motion sensor
110 measures proper acceleration, which is the acceleration it
experiences relative to freefall and is the acceleration felt by
objects. In this manner, the motion sensor 110 behaves as a damped
mass on a spring. When the motion sensor 110 experiences an
acceleration, the mass is displaced to the point that the spring is
able to accelerate the mass at the same rate as the casing. The
displacement is then measured to give an acceleration.
[0062] In yet another embodiment, the motion sensor 110 is
configured to measure orientation, based on the principles of
angular momentum. Here, the motion sensor 110 includes a spinning
wheel or disc in which the axle is free to assume any orientation.
Although the orientation of the spin axis changes in response to an
external torque applied by the ring 102, the amount of change and
the direction of the change is less and in a different direction
than it would be if the disk were not spinning. When mounted in a
gimbal, which minimizes external torque, the orientation of the
spin axis remains nearly fixed, regardless of the mounting
platform's motion. However, in other embodiments, the motion sensor
110 may utilize different principles to detect the positional
information of the ring 102 during movement.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the ring 102 may also include a
processor 116 that processes the signal from the motion sensor 110
to quantify the movements of the ring 102. The health metrics are
also stored and computed by the processor 116. In some embodiments,
the processor 116 performs calculations on the sensor signals and
derives the subsequent exercise results, which are partially based
on the provided health metrics, and partially based on the sensor
signals from the motion sensor 110. The processor 116 may be
integrated into the ring 102 or remotely located. The motion sensor
110 and the processor 116 work together to translate the exercise
data into the amount of calories burned, and other exercise result
data.
[0064] The processor 116 may either integrate into the ring 102, or
be remotely located, communicating wirelessly with the ring 102.
From a remote location, a display device may operatively connect to
the processor 116 to show the exercise results, including the
number of calories burned. In some embodiments, the processor 116
may calculate signals that are received from the motion sensor 110
at approximately ten to one hundred samples per second. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that processing a greater number
of samples per second enables the calculation of more accurate
exercise results.
[0065] In one embodiment, the processor 116 uses a transfer
function or similar algorithm to incorporate the at least one
health metric and the motion sensor signals into a final
calculation of the exercise results. For example, the health
metrics may include, age, weight, height, and body type. The
rotational path 104 of the ring motion may include twenty fast
uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the processor 116
may calculate the exercise results, including an approximation of
calories burned. The exercise results may then be used to recommend
additional exercise regiments, diets, and connect with other ring
exercisers having similar exercise results. The computation of this
transfer function can take place directly on the integrated
processor 116 or the motion information can be communicated to an
external processor 116 using either wired or wireless means. The
external computation processor 116 may include a display device
that displays information about the user's exercise by tracking the
calories expended. This information may be transmitted to a
smartphone or printed out for review.
[0066] As referenced in FIG. 4, the ring 102 may include an
illumination portion 108 that illuminates in proportion to the
motion of the ring 102. For example, a more vigorous ring rotation
results in a brighter illumination, or the actuation of a green
color. A slower rotation of the ring 102 results in a duller
illumination and actuation of a different color, such as yellow. In
another example, the illumination portion 108 may light up red when
the user is rotating the ring 102 slowly; and as the user rotates
more vigorously, the illumination portion 108 illuminates to a
green color. Thus, the color of the illumination portion 108 may
provide a visual means to determine the intensity of the workout.
The threshold for the transition from one color to another can be
set by the user with a controller 118 that either integrates into
the ring 102, or is remotely located. In this manner, the intensity
of the workout can be regulated directly on the ring 102. In one
embodiment, the illumination portion 108 comprises a series of
evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged on the exterior
surface of the ring 102.
[0067] In another embodiment, an audio portion 114 may be
incorporated into the inner space of the ring 102. The audio
portion 114 emits an audio signal that corresponds with the
velocity and movement of the rotational path 104 of the ring 102.
In this manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is audibly
indicated. These visual and audible indicators may help motivate
and entertain while exercising. As mentioned above, the controller
118 may be used to regulate the intensity of the illumination and
the audio signal. The controller 118 may include a plurality of
switches, buttons, and scrolls for minute adjustments. A power
source, such as a battery, may power the electrical components.
However, in other embodiments, the power source may include,
without limitation, a power cord, a solar panel, and a rechargeable
battery. At least one conductor 120 enables the electricity to
travel between the electrical components. At least one fastener
124, such as screws, bolts, or magnets may be used to hold the
interior surface 128 and the exterior surface--of the ring 102
together, such that the processor 116 and the other electrical
components are securely retained within the inner space of the ring
102.
[0068] In one alternative embodiment, a mobile application
operating on an Android phone or an iPhone collects the exercise
results from the processor 116 using a wireless protocol, such as
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This application may be operable to track
exercise history and provide an estimate of the calories burned
during the workout. The calorie information displays in real time,
and can be stored to create a workout history.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary
method 200 for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational
movements of a ring 102 to calculate exercise results. The method
200 may include a ring 102-based exercise system 100 that collects
at least one health metric and senses rotational movements of a
ring 102 moving in a rotational path 104 to calculate exercise
results, such as calories burned, and provide instantaneous visual
and data feedback. In one embodiment, the system 100 and method is
configured to monitor the number of calories burned, duration of
exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting
both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring
102 exercise. The ring 102 may incorporate motion sensors 110,
processors 116, and visual indicators to calculate the exercise
results and provide motivation and entertainment while exercising
with the ring 102.
[0070] The method 200 may include an initial Step 202 of collecting
at least one health metric. The health metric may include, without
limitation, age, weight, and height. The health metric may be
stored in the processor 116 for multiple uses. The method 200 may
further comprise a Step 204 of rotating a ring 102 in a rotational
path 104 around a central axis. The ring 102 may include a hula
hoop having an interior surface 128 and an opposite exterior
surface defined by an inner space therebetween. The ring 102 may be
rotated around the torso while the torso moves in a repetitive
oscillating pattern of movement. The ring 102 utilizes angular
momentum and inertia to remain encircled around the torso during
this rotation.
[0071] A Step 206 includes detecting positional information for the
ring 102 with at least one motion sensor 110. At least one motion
sensor 110 integrates into the inner space of the ring 102. The
motion sensor 110 is arranged in alignment with a rotational path
104 of the ring 102, such that positional information of the ring
102 with respect to a central axis 106, i.e., torso, limbs, is
detected. The positional information of the ring 102 may include,
without limitation, angular velocity, acceleration, vertical
oscillations, vibrations, x-y-z axis motions, and orientation of
the central axis 106 relative to the ring 102. The motion sensor
110 may emit a sensor signal in response to the positional
information of the ring 102.
[0072] In some embodiments, a Step 208 comprises processing the at
least one health metric and the positional information of the ring
102 with a processor 116, wherein the processor 116 calculates an
exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health
metric and the positional information of the ring 102. The
processor 116 uses a transfer function or similar algorithm to
incorporate the at least one health metric and the motion sensor
signals into a final calculation of the exercise results. For
example, the health metrics may include, age, weight, height, and
body type. The rotational path 104 of the ring motion may include
twenty fast uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the
processor 116 may calculate the exercise results, including an
approximation of calories burned.
[0073] A Step 210 includes illuminating in correlation with the
rotational path 104 of the ring 102, wherein an increase in
velocity of the rotational path 104 correlates with an increase in
illumination. The illumination portion 108 may light up red when
the user is rotating the ring 102 slowly; and as the user rotates
more vigorously, the illumination portion 108 illuminates to a
green color. Thus, the color of the illumination portion 108 may
provide a visual means to determine the intensity of the
workout.
[0074] In some embodiments, a final Step 212 comprises emitting an
audio signal in correlation with the rotational path 104 of the
ring 102. The audio portion 114 may be incorporated into the inner
space of the ring 102. The audio portion 114 emits an audio signal
that corresponds with the velocity and movement of the rotational
path 104 of the ring 102. In this manner, the vigorousness of the
ring exercise is audibly indicated.
[0075] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalence.
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