Real-Time Comparison of Athletic Information

• US 20080200310A1
• Filed: 02/15/2008
• Published: 08/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Tagliabue, Roberto
• Granted Patent: US 8,727,947 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1124 Determining motor skills
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6807 Footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0009 Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 : Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 : Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 : Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 : Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 : Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 : for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/06 : for rowing or sculling
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 : Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/19 : Sporting applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 : Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 : External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1684 : Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 : Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 : Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724094 : Interfacing with a device worn on the user's body to provide access to telephonic functionalities, e.g. accepting a call, reading or composing a message
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/10 : including a GPS signal receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 : including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion

Abstract

An apparatus compares athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity. The apparatus has a module (503, 505, 509) that generates a first set of athletic data corresponding to athletic information corresponding to the athletic activity performed by the user. The module has a memory (511) storing a second set of athletic data. The module compares the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data and communicates content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data. The apparatus also has a module (803, 805) that determines the expected time of athletic activity and selects a set of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity, wherein the module communicates the selected set of feedback data to the user.

Claims

1. A method of comparing athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity, the method comprising:

receiving athletic information corresponding to athletic activity performed by a person;

generating a first set of athletic data corresponding to the athletic information received;

providing a second set of athletic data;

comparing the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data;

communicating content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the second set of athletic data is baseline data defined by athletic data corresponding to previous athletic activity performed by the user.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the data corresponding to previous athletic activity comprises a plurality of sets of data corresponding to the athletic activity of the user.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the second set of athletic data further comprises feedback data.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the feedback data comprises a plurality of sets of feedback data.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the content comprises one of a message to the user that the first set of athletic data is of a value below the baseline data, a message to the user that the first set of athletic data is in an acceptable range relating to the baseline data and a message to the user that the first set of athletic data is of a value over the baseline data.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the content further comprises feedback data selected from one of the plurality of sets of feedback data, the feedback data including audible content.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the content is communicated to the user while the user continues to perform an athletic activity.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is music.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is spoken words.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the content is visual.

12. The method of claim 2 wherein the content is default feedback data based on the comparison wherein the first set of data is within an acceptable range of the baseline data.

13. The method of claim 2 wherein the content is feedback data having a faster rhythm than default feedback data in response to the comparison being such that the first set of data is slower than the baseline data.

14. An apparatus for comparing athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity, the apparatus comprising:

a module that generates a first set of athletic data corresponding to athletic information corresponding to the athletic activity performed by the user, the module having a memory storing a second set of athletic data, wherein the module compares the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data and communicates content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the content is default feedback data communicated in response to the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data being within an acceptable range.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the default feedback data comprises a music play list selected by the user of preferred music.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the content is alternate feedback data communicated in response to the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data not being within an acceptable range.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the alternate feedback data comprises music having a slower rhythm than music from a default feedback data.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the alternate feedback data comprises music having a faster rhythm than music from a default feedback data.

20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the alternate feedback data comprises spoken content including words of encouragement.

21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the alternate feedback data set includes spoken content including performance instructions.

22. An apparatus for comparing athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity, the user having a sensor operably thereon, the sensor recording athletic information corresponding to athletic activity performed by the user, the apparatus comprising:

a digital music player configured to communicate with the sensor, the player having an athletic data generation module that generates a first set of athletic data corresponding to the athletic information configured to be recorded by the sensor, the player further having a memory storing a second set of athletic data, the player further having an athletic data comparison module,

wherein the comparison module compares the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data and wherein the player is configured to communicate content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data.

23. A method of providing feedback to a user performing an athletic activity, the method comprising:

providing a distance value corresponding to a distance the user plans to travel during the athletic activity;

providing a pace information associated with the user;

determining the expected time of athletic activity from the distance value and pace information;

providing a plurality of sets of feedback data having a plurality of durations;

selecting one of the sets of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity; and

communicating the selected feedback data set to the user.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the set of feedback data comprises music.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the set of feedback data is communicated automatically in response to the determination step.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the pace information is provided from a previous athletic activity session by the user.

27. An apparatus providing feedback to a user performing an athletic activity, the apparatus comprising:

a module that receives a distance value corresponding to a distance the user plans to travel during the athletic activity, the module further having a memory storing pace information associated with the user, the module having access to a plurality of sets of feedback data having a plurality of durations, wherein the module determines the expected time of athletic activity from the distance value and pace information and selects one of the sets of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity, wherein the module communicates the selected set of feedback data to the user.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data is automatically selected in response to the determination step.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the module communicates the feedback data to the user during the athletic activity.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data has a duration that meets or exceeds the expected time of athletic activity.

31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data comprises audible content.

32. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data comprises music.

33. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data comprises spoken words.

34. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the set of feedback data comprises visual content.

35. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the pace information is generated from a previous athletic activity session by the user.

36. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the pace information is an average of multiple previous athletic activity sessions by the user.

37. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the pace information is arbitrary.

38. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the module is implemented in a digital music player.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the sets of feedback data are stored at a remote location accessible by the digital music player.

40. An apparatus providing feedback to a user performing an athletic activity, the apparatus comprising:

a digital music player configured for communicating with the user, the player having a user interface and a memory storing pace information associated with the user, the player further having access to a plurality of sets of feedback data having a plurality of durations, the player further having a session time determination module and a feedback data set selection module,

wherein the user interface receives a distance value corresponding to a distance the user plans to travel during the athletic activity, wherein the session time determination module determines the expected time of athletic activity from the distance value and pace information and wherein the feedback data set selection module selects one of the sets of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity, wherein the module communicates the selected set of feedback data to the user.