U.S. patent application number 15/787388 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for overlaying exercise information on a remote display.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric S. Watterson.
Application Number | 20180111034 15/787388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61971676 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180111034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watterson; Eric S. |
April 26, 2018 |
Overlaying Exercise Information on a Remote Display
Abstract
An exercise machine may include a frame, a movable element
movably connected to the frame and movable during a performance of
an exercise, a transmitter in communication with a media system,
the media system having a receiver and a display in communication
with the receiver and capable of depicting video content received
through the receiver, a processor, and a memory having programmed
instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to send data
relating to the exercise to the receiver to be depicted over the
video content during the performance of the exercise.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Eric S.; (Logan,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61971676 |
Appl. No.: |
15/787388 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62412952 |
Oct 26, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 7/73 20170101; A63B
22/0664 20130101; A63B 2230/04 20130101; H04N 2005/4456 20130101;
A63B 22/04 20130101; A63B 2220/22 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 2220/56
20130101; G06T 2210/62 20130101; A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B
2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2230/42 20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101;
H04N 21/472 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 2024/0093
20130101; A63B 2022/0652 20130101; H04N 5/44504 20130101; A63B
22/06 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; G06T 7/90 20170101; A63B
22/025 20151001; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B
2230/00 20130101; G06T 2207/10016 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00; A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02; A63B 22/06 20060101 A63B022/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine for presenting exercise information,
comprising: a frame; a movable element movably connected to the
frame and movable during a performance of an exercise; a
transmitter in communication with a media system, the media system
having a receiver and a display in communication with the receiver
and capable of depicting video content received through the
receiver; a processor; and a memory having programmed instructions
that, when executed, cause the processor to send data relating to
the exercise to the receiver to be depicted on the display over the
video content during the performance of the exercise.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the frame is without a
console.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the receiver is a
streaming device.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the receiver has a
universal serial connection that is receivable in a port of the
display.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the movable element is
a tread belt.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the movable element is
a crank pedal.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the data includes a
duration time of the exercise.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the data includes a
physiological parameter of a user during the performance of the
exercise.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the data includes a
speed of the exercise.
10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the data includes an
identification of the exercise machine.
11. An apparatus for presenting exercise information, comprising: a
display; a receiver in communication with the display; a processor;
memory in electronic communication with the processor; and
instructions stored in the memory and operable, when executed by
the processor, to cause the apparatus to: receive real time data
with the receiver from a remote exercise machine; and present at
least a portion of the real time data as an overlay over video
content being presented on the display; wherein the video content
is received from a video source independent of the exercise
machine.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: make the overlay
semi-transparent.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: perform an analysis on the video
content; and determine where to present the overlay in the display
based on the analysis.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein performing an analysis the
video content includes determining points of interest in the video
content.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein determining where to present
the overlay includes presenting the overlay in a region of the
display without points of interest.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: buffer the real time data while
determining where to present the real time data in the display.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: receive additional real time data
from a second exercise machine; and present at least some of the
additional real time data in the overlay in the video content.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: perform an analysis on the video
content; and determine how to present the overlay in the display
based on the analysis.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the instructions are further
executable by the processor to: make the overlay a color that
contrasts with a background of the video content.
20. A method for presenting exercise information, comprising:
receiving real time data from an exercise machine while presenting
video content in a display; buffering the real time data while
performing an analysis of the video content; determining a color to
present the real time data over the video content based on the
analysis; determining where to present the real time data in the
display based on the analysis; and presenting at least a portion of
the real time data as an overlay over the video content being
presented on the display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/412,952 titled "Overlying Exercise Information on a
Remote Display" and filed on Oct. 26, 2016, which application is
herein incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves
one's cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and
providing other benefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise
generally involves low intensity physical exertion over a long
duration of time. Typically, the human body can adequately supply
enough oxygen to meet the body's demands at the intensity levels
involved with aerobic exercise. Popular forms of aerobic exercise
include running, jogging, swimming, and cycling, among other
activities. In contrast, anaerobic exercise typically involves high
intensity exercises over a short duration of time. Popular forms of
anaerobic exercise include strength training and short distance
running.
[0003] Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in
a gym or their home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise
machine to have an aerobic workout indoors. One type of aerobic
exercise machine is a treadmill, which is a machine that has a
running deck attached to a support frame. The running deck can
support the weight of a person using the machine. The running deck
incorporates a conveyor belt that is driven by a motor. A user can
run or walk in place on the conveyor belt by running or walking at
the conveyor belt's speed. The speed and other operations of the
treadmill are generally controlled through a control module that is
also attached to the support frame and within a convenient reach of
the user. The control module can include a display, buttons for
increasing or decreasing a speed of the conveyor belt, controls for
adjusting a tilt angle of the running deck, or other controls.
Other popular exercise machines that allow a user to perform
aerobic exercises indoors include elliptical trainers, rowing
machines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes, to name a
few.
[0004] One type of treadmill is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2016/0059079 issued to Eric S. Watterson, et al.
This reference includes a description of an exercise machine that
sends parameters of the exercise machine to a media content source,
a third party, a display device, or another destination. These
parameters may reflect the speed at which the user is going, a
physiological condition of the user, a distance traveled by the
user, another parameter, or combinations thereof. Such information
may be used to compare the user with other users who are also using
a fitness program. For example, the user may be using the fitness
program while watching a cycling race and may have traveled a
certain distance within a predetermined amount of time. This
distance may be compared with the distances of others using the
fitness program of those depicted in the media content within the
same time frame. In other examples, the time is measured for how
long it takes for the user to achieve a certain milestone, such as
reaching a predetermined checkpoint. The times of the different
users and/or the cyclists depicted in the media content may be
depicted on the display screen. In some cases, at least one aspect
of the user is depicted in the display screen. For example, the
user's time may be compared to the top cyclist's time in the media
content by showing the cyclist's times with the user's time.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, an exercise machine may include a frame,
a movable element movably connected to the frame and movable during
a performance of an exercise, a transmitter in communication with a
media system, the media system having a receiver and a display in
communication with the receiver and capable of depicting video
content received through the receiver, a processor, and a memory
having programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to send data relating to the exercise to the receiver to
be depicted on the display over the video content during the
performance of the exercise.
[0006] The frame may be without a console.
[0007] The receiver may be a streaming device.
[0008] The receiver may have a universal serial connection that may
be receivable in a port of the display.
[0009] The movable element may be a tread belt.
[0010] The movable element may be a crank pedal.
[0011] The data may include a duration time of the exercise.
[0012] The data may include a physiological parameter of a user
during the performance of the exercise.
[0013] The data may include a speed of the exercise.
[0014] The data may include an identification of the exercise
machine.
[0015] In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a display, a
receiver in communication with the display, a processor, a memory
in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions
stored in the memory. The instructions may cause the processor to
receive real time data from an exercise machine independent of the
display and present at least a portion of the real time data as an
overlay over video content being presented on the display.
[0016] The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to
make the overlay semi-transparent.
[0017] The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to
perform an analysis on the video content. The instructions, when
executed, may cause the processor to determine where to present the
overlay in the display based on the analysis.
[0018] Performing an analysis the video content may include
determining points of interest in the video content.
[0019] Determining where to present the overlay may include
presenting the overlay in a region of the display without the
points of interest.
[0020] The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to
buffer the real time data while determining where to present the
real time data in the display.
[0021] The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to
receive additional real time data from a second exercise machine.
The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to present
at least some of the additional real time data in the overlay in
the video content.
[0022] The instructions, when executed, may cause the processor to
perform an analysis on the video content. The instructions, when
executed, may cause the processor to determine how to present the
overlay in the display based on the analysis.
[0023] Some examples may further include making the overlay a color
that contrasts with a back ground of the video content.
[0024] In one embodiment, a method may include receiving real time
data from an exercise machine while presenting video content in a
display, buffering the real time data while performing an analysis
of the video content, determining a color to present the data over
the video content based on the analysis, determining where to
present the data in the display based on the analysis, and
presenting at least a portion of the real time data as an overlay
over the video content being presented on the display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system for presenting
exercise information in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts an example of a display in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a system for presenting
exercise information in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a block diagram of an exercise
machine in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts an example of a block diagram of a media
system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a method for overlaying
exercise information on a remote display in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 7 depicts an example of a method for overlaying
exercise information on a remote display in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a method for overlaying
exercise information on a remote display in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "aligned" means
parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than
35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term
"transverse" means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or
forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes
of this disclosure, the term "length" means the longest dimension
of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term
"width" means the dimension of an object from side to side. Often,
the width of an object is transverse the object's length.
[0034] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a treadmill 100 that includes a
deck 102 and a frame 104. A front pulley is connected to a front
portion of the deck 102, and a rear pulley is connected to a rear
portion of the deck 102. A tread belt 106 surrounds the front
pulley and the second pulley. A motor (not shown) can drive either
the front pulley or the rear pulley and cause the tread belt 106 to
move along a surface of the deck 102.
[0035] In this example, the treadmill 100 include a transmitter 107
that is in communication with a media system 108. In this example,
the media system 108 includes a remote display 110. The media
system 108 also includes a receiver 112 that is in communication
with the treadmill 100. The media system 108 is capable of
depicting video content received through the receiver 112. In some
cases, the media system 108 is also capable of depicting content
from other sources, such as a broadcasted source or a portable
digital media source.
[0036] The treadmill 100 may also include a processor and memory.
The memory may include programmed instructions that, when executed,
cause the processor to send data relating to the exercise performed
with the exercise machine to the media system 108. The media system
may depict at least a portion of the data received from the
treadmill 100 in the remote display 110 of the media system
108.
[0037] In this example, the treadmill does not include a console
with a console display. Rather, the data that is conventionally
depicted in a console display is depicted in a remote display 110
of the media system 108. This data can be depicted in the remote
display 110 with content from other sources.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a remote display 200 of the
media system 202. In this example, the remote display 200 is
depicting broadcasted content of a cycling race, such as the Tour
de France. The media system 202 includes an analyzer that
determines where on the remote display 200 to depict the exercise
data from the exercise machine. In this example, the broadcasted
content includes a racer 204 in a central portion 206 of the remote
display 200. As a result, the analyzer may determine that
overlaying the exercise data on the central portion 206 of the
remote display 200 may interfere with user's enjoyment of viewing
the broadcasted content. A peripheral portion 208 of the remote
display 200 depicts an environment of the broadcasted content that
is less likely to be a focus of the user's attention. The analyzer
may determine to overlay the exercise data in the peripheral
portion 208 of the remote display so that the exercise data is
available to the user, but does not interfere with the portions of
the broadcasted data that are most likely to have the user's
focus.
[0039] In this example, the exercise data is overlayed in the
peripheral portion 208 of the display screen. A first set 210 of
exercise data includes information relating to a first exercise
machine identified with a first identifier 212 reciting T23. The
exercise information associated with exercise machine T23 includes
an exercise duration of 20 minutes and 34 seconds, a heart rate of
142 beats per minute, a speed of 3.2 miles per hour, and calorie
burn of 345 calories. A second set 214 of exercise data includes
information from a second exercise machine identified with a second
identifier 216 reciting B14. In this example, the second set of
exercise data is associated with a stationary bike also in
communication with the media system. In some environments, such as
a gym, multiple exercise machines may be in communication with the
same media system and have exercise data depicted on the same
remote display 200. In this example, the second set 214 of data
includes an exercise duration of 15 minutes and 5 seconds, a heart
rate of 130 beats per minute, a speed of 13.6 miles per hour, and a
calorie burn of 217 calories.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a stationary bike 300 in
communication with a media system 302. In this example, the
stationary bike is without a console and the exercise data that is
conventionally depicted in the bike console is depicted in the
remote display 304 of the media system 302.
[0041] In this example, the stationary bike 300 includes a seat 306
and a crank assembly 308. The crank assembly 308 includes a crank
axle 310 with a first crank arm 312 connected to a first side of
the crank axle 310, and a second crank arm (not shown) connected to
a second crank arm (not shown). A first pedal 314 is connected to
the first crank arm 312, and a second pedal (not shown) is
connected to the second arm.
[0042] A resistance mechanism is incorporated into the stationary
bike 300. The resistance mechanism resists the movement of the
crank axle 310 and therefore resists movement of the first and
second pedals.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an example of an exercise
machine 400 including a device 405 that supports overlaying
exercise information on a remote display in accordance with various
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0044] Device 405 may include components for bi-directional voice
and data communications including components for transmitting and
receiving communications, including processor 406, I/O controller
410, and memory 415. The memory 415 may also include at least one
physiological analyzer 430, an operational parameter analyzer 435,
a timer 440, machine identifier information 445, and a sending
component 450. The memory 415 may also be in communication with a
physiological sensor 432, an operational parameter sensor 437,
another type of sensor, or combinations thereof.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a media system 500 including a
device 505 in communication with an exercise machine 555 that
supports overlaying exercise information on a remote screen 560 in
accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device
505 may be an example of a media system as described above, e.g.,
with reference to FIG. 1.
[0046] Device 505 may include components for bi-directional voice
and data communications including components for transmitting and
receiving communications, including processor 515, I/O controller
520, and memory 525, communicating via a communications bus 510.
Memory 525 may also include a presenter 530, a buffering component
535, a coloring component 540, a locator 545, and an analyzer
550.
[0047] The presenter 530 may present at least a portion of the real
time data as an overlay over video content being presented in the
display, present at least some of the additional real time data in
the overlay in the video content, determine how to present the
overlay in the display based on the analysis, and/or present at
least a portion of the real time data as an overlay over the video
content being presented on the display.
[0048] The buffering component 535 may buffer the real time data
while determining where to present the data in the display and
buffer the real time data while performing an analysis of the video
content.
[0049] The coloring component 540 may make the overlay
semi-transparent, make the overlay a color that contrasts with a
back ground of the video content, and/or determine a color to
present the data over the video content based on the analysis.
[0050] The locator 545 may determine where to present the overlay
in the display based on the analysis. In some cases, determining
where to present the overlay includes presenting the overlay in a
region of the display without the points of interest where the user
is likely to focus his or her attention.
[0051] The analyzer 550 may perform an analysis on the video
content. In some cases, performing an analysis the video content
includes determining the dynamic locations of points of interest in
the video content.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for
overlaying exercise information on a remote display in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of
method 600 may be implemented by a media system or its components
as described herein. In some examples, a media system may execute a
set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to
perform the functions described below. Additionally or
alternatively, the media system may perform aspects the functions
described below using special-purpose hardware. At block 605, the
media system may receive real time data from an exercise machine.
At block 610, the media system may present at least a portion of
the real time data as an overlay over video content being presented
on the display.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 700 for
overlaying exercise information on a remote display in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of
method 700 may be implemented by a media system or its components
as described herein. At block 705, the media system may receive
real time data from an exercise machine. At block 710, the media
system may perform an analysis on the video content. At block 715,
the media system may determine where to present the overlay in the
display based on the analysis. At block 720, the media system may
buffer the real time data while determining where to present the
data in the display. At block 725, the media system may present at
least a portion of the real time data as an overlay over video
content being presented on the display. At block 730, the media
system may receive additional real time data from a second exercise
machine. At block 735, the media system may present at least some
of the additional real time data in the overlay in the video
content.
[0054] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for
overlaying exercise information on a remote display in accordance
with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of
method 800 may be implemented by a media system or its components
as described herein. In some examples, a media system may execute a
set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to
perform the functions described below. Additionally or
alternatively, the media system may perform aspects the functions
described below using special-purpose hardware. At block 805, the
media system may receive real time data from an exercise machine
while presenting video content in a display. At block 810, the
media system may buffer the real time data while performing an
analysis of the video content. At block 815, the media system may
determine a color to present the data over the video content based
on the analysis. At block 820, the media system may determine where
to present the data in the display based on the analysis. At block
825, the media system may present at least a portion of the real
time data as an overlay over the video content being presented on
the display.
General Description
[0055] In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide users
with an exercise machine and a media system that allows the user to
view exercise related data on a remote display. In some cases, the
exercise machine includes a transceiver that sends the exercise
data to a media system that is mechanically independent of the
exercise machine. In those examples where the exercise machine does
not include a display, the exercise information that is
conventionally depicted in the console display can be depicted in
the remote display. In settings like a gym, multiple exercise
machines can be in communication with the media system. In this
type of example, information from multiple exercise machines can be
presented in a single display. The remote display does not have to
be entirely dedicated to presenting information from the exercise
machines. Rather, the remote display can present content from other
sources and overlay the exercise information on the content being
presented in the display. In one example, the media system is
presenting content from a broadcasting source or a portable digital
medium and the exercise information is overlayed on a portion of
the remote display that minimally interferes with the content.
[0056] The exercise machine may include a frame, a movable element,
a transmitter, a processor, a memory, and a receiver. The frame may
support the movable element, a resistance element, other components
of the exercise machine, or combinations thereof. The frame may
include a base that supports the exercise machine on a support
surface, such as a floor. In some embodiments, the frame includes
an upright structure. The upright structure may be connected to the
base. In some instances, a console is connected to the upright
right structure. The console may or may not include a display that
depicts exercise information. In alternative embodiments, the frame
is without a console.
[0057] In those examples where the exercise machine includes a
console display, the console display may depict information about
the user, the operational parameters of the treadmill,
entertainment, other features, or combinations thereof. In those
examples with a console display, the console display may depict
redundant content to the content depicted in the remote display. In
some circumstance, the console display and the remote display may
depict duplicate images of each other, depict some overlapping
content, or depict no overlapping content.
[0058] In those examples where the exercise machine is without a
console, the exercise machine may be less expensive to manufacture,
move, set up, transport, or combinations thereof. Thus, the
manufacturing costs, maintenance costs, and transporting costs may
be reduced. The cost reduction may be passed to those with gym
memberships or the gym realize a greater profit. The media system
used in the gym can provide the display that presents to the user
their exercise information.
[0059] Any appropriate type of exercise machine may be used. A
non-exhaustive list of exercise machines that may be used according
to the principles described in the present disclosure include
treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, rowing
machines, stepper machines, pull cable machines, anaerobic lifting
machines, jumping machines, squatting machines, other types of
machines, or combinations thereof.
[0060] The exercise machines may include a movable element that
moves with the performance of the exercise. For example, a tread
belt may be a movable element that moves due to a user performing a
workout on the exercise machine. In another example, the components
of a crank assembly; such as a crank pedal, a crank arm, and a
crank axle; and/or the components of a resistance mechanism, such
as a flywheel, may move due to the performance of an exercise on
certain types of exercise machines such as stationary bicycles and
elliptical trainers.
[0061] In example where the exercise machine is a treadmill. The
treadmill may include a deck and a base frame. A front pulley may
be connected to a front portion of the deck, and a rear pulley may
be connected to a rear portion of the deck. A tread belt surrounds
the front pulley and the second pulley. A motor can drive either
the front pulley or the rear pulley and cause the tread belt to
move along a surface of the deck. The speed of the tread belt may
be adjustable based on the motor's output. In some cases, the user
can select the tread belt's speed through an input incorporated
into the treadmill.
[0062] In some examples, the treadmill includes an incline
mechanism that is integrated into the base and controls an
elevation of the front portion of the deck. The rear portion of the
deck is connected to the base at a pivot connection. As the incline
mechanism changes the elevation of the front portion of the deck,
the rear portion of the deck remains connected to the base, thus,
the front portion of the deck inclines with respect to the
base.
[0063] In some examples, the treadmill includes an upright
structure that is connected to the base. In these example, the
upright structure includes a first post and a second post. The
first post and the second post may include a console. The console
may include an input mechanism that controls an operational
parameter of the treadmill. In some cases, the console includes a
cooling mechanism (e.g. fan), speakers, microphones, sensors, other
features, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the console
includes a display.
[0064] In examples where the exercise machine is a stationary bike,
the exercise machine may include a seat and a crank assembly. The
crank assembly includes a crank axle with a first crank arm
connected to a first side of the crank axle, and a second crank arm
connected to a second crank arm. A first pedal is connected to the
first crank arm, and a second pedal is connected to the second
arm.
[0065] A resistance mechanism may be incorporated into the
stationary bike. The resistance mechanism may resists the movement
of the crank axle and therefore resist movement of the first and
second pedals. In some cases, the resistance mechanism includes a
flywheel that is resisted from rotating. The resistance to the
rotation may be generated magnetically with a magnetic unit located
proximate the flywheel. To increase the amount of resistance to the
flywheel's rotation, the magnetic unit may be moved closer to the
flywheel or the strength of the magnetic flux may be increased. To
decrease the amount of resistance to the flywheel's rotation, the
magnetic unit may be moved farther away from the flywheel or the
strength of the magnetic flux may be decreased. However, any
appropriate type of stationary bicycle may be used in accordance
with the principles described in the present disclosure. For
example, the stationary bicycle may include a magnetic resistance
mechanism, a pneumatic resistance mechanism, a hydraulic resistance
mechanism, a gear type resistance mechanism, a pair of braking
pads, a tensioning element, a fan blade, another type of resistance
mechanism, or combinations thereof.
[0066] The exercise machine may collect data about the user's
physiological condition during the performance of an exercise. In
some cases, sensors are incorporated into the exercise machine to
gather specific types of physiological information about the user.
These sensors may be located on the exercise machine where the user
comes into contact with the exercise machine. For example, an
electrical contact that is part of a heart rate monitoring system
may be incorporated into hand rails, handles, or other types of
supports incorporated into the exercise machine. The electrical
contacts may detect electrical pulses transmitted through the
user's body during the exercise, and these measurements may be used
to determine the user's heart rate.
[0067] In some cases, a camera may be incorporated into the
exercise machine or be located proximate the exercise machine. The
camera may be used to detect physiological conditions of the user.
For example, the camera may be used to determine the user's
respiration rate, the user's stride, the user's technique, other
information about the user's exercise performance, or combinations
thereof.
[0068] In some cases, pressure sensors may be incorporated into the
exercise machine to determine the forces imposed by the user. For
example, pressure sensors may be incorporated into a pedal of the
exercise machine to determine the force that the user is applying
the crank assembly. In other examples, the pressure sensor is
incorporated into a deck of the treadmill and can be used to
determine the user's weight.
[0069] In other examples, the exercise machine is in wired or
wireless communication with physiological sensors attached to the
user. For example, the user may wear a heart rate monitor, a
respiration monitor, a pulse oximetry monitor, an accelerometer, a
pedometer, an activity tracker, another type of physiological
monitor, or combinations thereof to determine physiological
information about the user. This information may be sent to the
exercise machine. Sending these types of information to the
exercise machine before sending it to the media system provides the
benefit of simplifying the process of associating the physiological
information with the appropriate exercise machine. For example, all
information sent from an exercise machine with an identifier of T23
can be associated with that exercise machine on the remote display.
In other examples, the physiological monitors attached to the user
can be associated with the exercise machine by receiving an
associated identifier.
[0070] In some cases, the raw data gathered with the exercise
machine is processed before it is sent to the media system. In
these examples, the data may be compressed, filtered, or otherwise
modified for transmission. In some cases, multiple types of inputs
are received to determine a particular type of data. The inputs may
be used to calculate the desired type of information before sending
it to the media system. In one example involving a treadmill, the
user's weight, the duration of the exercise, the speed of the
exercise, and an incline angle of the exercise deck may be used to
determine a calorie burn amount. This calorie burn amount may be
determined at the exercise machine before sending the information
to the media system. In other examples, the media system may
include processing hardware and memory with programmed instructions
to calculate the calorie count after receiving the raw data from
the exercise machine and/or wearable physiological monitors.
[0071] The exercise machine may also include sensors and/or other
mechanisms that determine the operational parameters of the
exercise machine during the performance of an exercise. For
example, a sensor may be used to determine the incline angle of the
deck on a treadmill, or a sensor may be used to determine the
amount of resistance applied to a flywheel. The raw data collected
from these sensors or processed data based on these sensors' raw
data may be sent to the media system. In other examples, an incline
mechanism is instructed to set the incline angle at a specific
angle. In this example, the incline mechanism can report the angle
at which it was instructed to orient the deck. Likewise, a
resistance mechanism may be instructed to set the resistance at a
specific resistance level, and the resistance mechanism can report
the resistance level at which it was instructed to apply to the
flywheel. These reported parameters can be sent to the media
system. In some cases, processed information based on these
reported amounts can be sent to the media system. Other types of
parameters that can be sent to the media system or other types of
processed information based on these parameters may include a speed
of a tread belt, an incline angle of a deck, a duration of an
exercise, a resistance level applied to a flywheel and/or a crank
assembly, a resistance level applied to an anaerobic lifting
machine, a mode of the exercise machine, a type of exercise
performed with the exercise machine, a stride length of the
exercise machine, a lateral tilt angle of an tread deck, another
type of operational parameter, or combinations thereof.
[0072] The exercise machine may include a transmitter. The
transmitter may be in communication with a media system. The media
system may have a receiver that receives the data from the exercise
machine's transmitter. A display of the media system may be in
communication with the receiver and is capable of depicting video
content received through the receiver. The transmitter and receiver
may use any appropriate type of communication protocol in
accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure.
Such protocols may include standard wireless protocols, protocols
used by Bluetooth.RTM. technologies, Wi-Fi protocols, Z-wave
protocols, Zigbee protocols, other types of wireless protocols, or
combinations thereof.
[0073] The memory incorporated into the exercise machine may have
programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
send data relating to the exercise to the receiver. At least some
of the data sent to the media system may be depicted over the video
content during the performance of the exercise. In some cases, the
data includes a duration time of the exercise, a physiological
parameter of a user during the performance of the exercise, a heart
rate, a respiration rate, a blood pressure, an oxygen gas exchange
rate, a calorie burn, an identification of the exercise machine, a
resistance level, a speed of the tread belt, an incline angle of
the deck, a mode of the exercise machine, another operational
parameter, another physiological condition of the user, other types
of information relating to the exercise, or combinations
thereof.
[0074] The media system may include a receiver and a remote
display. The remote display may be incorporated into television
set, a digital device, a computer, a mobile device, a plasma
television, a cable television, a satellite television, an
over-the-air television, another type of device with a display, or
combinations thereof. The media system may present content from
sources other than from the exercise machine. In one example, the
media system may depict broadcasted data and overlay at least a
portion of the data from the exercise machine over the broadcasted
data.
[0075] The media system may present at least a portion of the data
as an overlay over video content being presented on the display,
buffer the real time data while performing an analysis of the video
content, determine a color to present the data over the video
content based on the analysis, determine where to present the data
in the display based on the analysis, and present at least a
portion of the real time data as an overlay over the video content
being presented on the display.
[0076] The media system may include any appropriate type of
receiver. In some examples, the receiver is a streaming receiver, a
set-top box, an information appliance, other types of receivers, or
combinations thereof. In one example, the receiver can plug into a
port of a display. The port may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
port, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a video
graphics array (VGA) port, another type of port, or combinations
thereof. An example of a commercially available receiver that may
be compatible with the media system described herein is Chromecast
available from Google, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View,
Calif., U.S.A. Another example of a commercially available receiver
that may be compatible with the media system described herein is
Fire TV Stick available from Amazon, Inc., headquartered in
Seattle, Wash., U.S.A. Yet another example of a commercially
available receiver that may be compatible with the media system
described herein is Streaming Stick available from Roku, Inc.,
headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif., U.S.A.
[0077] The media system may include a combination of hardware and
programmed instructions for executing the functions of the media
system. In this example, the media system includes processing
resources that are in communication with memory resources.
Processing resources include at least one processor and other
resources used to process programmed instructions. The memory
resources represent generally any memory capable of storing data
such as programmed instructions or data structures used by the
media system. The programmed instructions stored in the memory
resources include an analyzer, a locator, a coloring component, a
buffering component, and a presenter.
[0078] The analyzer may perform an analysis on the video content
that is presented in the display from sources other than the
exercise machine. In some cases, performing an analysis of the
video content includes determining points of interest in the video
content. For example, the video content may include actors and
features where the viewers are likely to focus their attention.
Generally, these actors and features are located in central
portions of the display, but not always. Further, some peripheral
regions of the display may also include actors and features of the
video content that are intended to draw the user's focus. In some
cases, portions of the display's peripheral region include
environmental content that gives context to the actors and other
features of the video content, but are not intended to draw the
user's focus, such as a score banner, timer, breaking news, and the
like.
[0079] In some examples, the analyzer includes a recognition
program that can recognize the colors, shapes, and patterns that
indicate the depiction of an actor or other features that would
draw the user's attention. These shapes, patterns, and colors may
be determined based on the color values of each of the pixels of
the display. In other examples, the video content includes metadata
that indicates which areas of the display have points of interest
and which areas of the display will not have points of interest
associated with timestamps. The analyzer may read this
metadata.
[0080] The analyzer may perform its analysis in real time as the
video content is streamed to the display. In those examples where
the video content is from a portable digital medium, the video
content may be analyzed before the content is presented in the
display.
[0081] The analyzer may provide input in real time to the locator
and the coloring component about the portions of the video content
that are intended to draw the user's focus and those portions that
are not intended to draw the user's focus. Further, the analyzer
may determine the colors and patterns of those regions.
[0082] The locator may determine where to present the exercise
information in the display based on the analysis. In some cases,
determining where to present the exercise information includes
identifying regions of the display without the points of interest,
such as the actors and other features intended to draw the user's
attention. The locator may select regions in the display that are
not intended to draw the user's focus such as portions of the
display that merely depict the actor's environment.
[0083] The coloring component may determine the coloring and/or
transparency of the depicted exercise information. The coloring
component may determine the color based on the background color
and/or colors of the location selected to depict the exercise
information. In some cases, the exercise information may be
presented in a color that contrasts with the background color so
that the exercise information is easy to see. In some examples, the
colors presented in the overlay are complementary colors to the
background colors of the video content.
[0084] In some instances, the coloring component may cause the
exercise information to be depicted with some transparency so that
the viewer can see what is occurring within the location that
depicts the exercise information. In some cases, the coloring
component may cause the exercise information to be depicted with
between a zero percent transparency to 90 percent. In other
examples, the exercise information is depicted between a 25 percent
transparency to 75 percent transparency.
[0085] The buffering component may buffer the real time data from
the exercise machine while determining where to present the data in
the display. The process of analyzing the video content,
determining the location to present the exercise information, and
determining the color of the exercise information may take a some
processing time. Thus, buffering the excise information so that it
is presented in near real time verses actual real time may allow
the media system to better locate and color the exercise
information to give the user a better overall experience. In some
examples, no buffering component is used.
[0086] In some examples, the presentation of the exercise data is
delayed by the buffering component is less than 5 seconds. In other
examples, the delay is less than a second. In some cases, the delay
is less than 100 microseconds.
[0087] The presenter may present at least a portion of the real
time data as an overlay over video content being presented on the
display, present at least some of the additional real time data in
the overlay in the video content, determine how to present the
overlay in the display based on the analysis, and present at least
a portion of the real time data as an overlay over the video
content being presented on the display.
[0088] The overlay may involve any appropriate technique used to
display exercise information on the display while bypassing the
display's central processing unit and graphics card. This may allow
the media system to present the overlay without interruption, and
the overlay may be presented in a layer at the foreground to the
video content. In this example, the overlay may be presented in a
first layer and the video content is displayed in a second layer
where the first layer is in the foreground and the second layer is
in the background.
[0089] In some cases, the overlay includes an overlay window that
includes the exercise information. The overlay may be moved to
different regions of the display as the video content changes. For
example, as the video content changes between scenes, the actors or
other features in the display may change location within the
screen, which may promote a change in the overlay's location.
Further, the actors and other features in the display may move
around also prompting an overlay location change. In some examples,
the presenter modifies the video content's signals and inserts the
exercise information overlay into the picture. In this example, the
rest of the display is filled by the signals for the video content.
In some cases, a technique is implemented that writes the exercise
information to a dedicated part of video memory, rather than to the
part shared by all applications. In this way, the overlay is
controlled by the graphics hardware rather than by a central
processing unit. The presenter may also use a technique using an
overlay layer to present the exercise information.
[0090] The different functions of the media system may be
implemented with a processor and programmed instructions in memory.
In some examples, the certain aspects of the media system's
functions are executed with a customized circuit. Likewise the
different functions of the exercise machine may be implemented with
a processor and programmed instructions in memory. In some
examples, the certain aspects of the exercise machine's functions
are executed with a customized circuit.
[0091] The processors may include an intelligent hardware device,
(e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor
(DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device,
a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware
component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the
processors may be configured to operate a memory array using a
memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be
integrated into the processor. The processor may be configured to
execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to
perform various functions (e.g., function or tasks supporting
overlaying exercise information on a remote display).
[0092] An I/O controller may manage input and output signals for
the media system and/or the exercise machine. Input/output control
components may also manage peripherals not integrated into these
devices. In some cases, the input/output control component may
represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral.
In some cases, I/O controller may utilize an operating system such
as iOS.RTM., ANDROID.RTM., MS-DOS.RTM., MS-WINDOWS.RTM., OS/2.RTM.,
UNIX.RTM., LINUX.RTM., or another known operating system.
[0093] Memory may include random access memory (RAM) and read only
memory (ROM). The memory may store computer-readable,
computer-executable software including instructions that, when
executed, cause the processor to perform various functions
described herein. In some cases, the memory can contain, among
other things, a Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control
basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction
with peripheral components or devices.
[0094] It should be noted that the methods described above describe
possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may
be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations
are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods
may be combined.
[0095] Information and signals described herein may be represented
using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques.
For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals,
bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the
above description may be represented by voltages, currents,
electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields
or particles, or any combination thereof.
[0096] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in
connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or
performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA
or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor
logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof
designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a
combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a
microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration).
[0097] The functions described herein may be implemented in
hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any
combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a
processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as
one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.
Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the
disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of
software, functions described above can be implemented using
software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring,
or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions
may also be physically located at various positions, including
being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented
at different physical locations.
[0098] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available
medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory
computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be
used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of
instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a
general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose
or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly
termed a computer-readable medium. In some cases, the software is
transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber
line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as
infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of
medium. A portable medium, as used herein, include CD, laser disc,
optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray
disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs
reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are
also included within the scope of computer-readable media.
[0099] The description herein is provided to enable a person
skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various
modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may
be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of
the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples
described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
* * * * *