CAMERA BASED INTERACTIVE EXERCISE

• US 20100190610A1
• Filed: 04/05/2010
• Published: 07/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motion Games LLC
• Original Assignee: Motion Games LLC
• Inventors: Pryor, Marie C., PRYOR, Timothy R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,538,562 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/50 for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/921 Diet management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/922 including image analysis

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for interactively and dynamically undertaking exercise are disclosed which utilize camera means to provide 2D or 3D data relating to locations or movements of exercise undertaken by a person. This data is analyzed by a computer and in a typical example an instructor'"'"'s image is displayed and both visual and audio assistance to the person is provided via a computer program either resident locally or remotely located. Applications to exercise involving treadmills, bicycles, dance, weight lifting and other exercises are disclosed.

Claims

1. An interactive exercise method comprising the steps of

providing a computer;

providing a camera connected to said computer and producing a signal;

analyzing said signal using said computer;

from said analysis, determining location or movement data relating to exercise undertaken by a person, and;

communicating exercise related information to the person while the person is exercising.

2. A method according to claim 1, including the further step providing initial information concerning the person undertaking exercise to a program in said computer.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said location or movement data concerns a plurality of points on the person exercising.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said initial information is determined automatically using said camera.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said exercise related information is communicated via imagery on a television display.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one image relating to an instructor of the person is displayed.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one image relating to the person exercising is displayed.

8. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one image displayed is a virtual digital model.

9. A method according to claim 5, wherein a 3D image is displayed.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein location or movement data concerns an object used by the person in exercising.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said object resists the effort of said person in moving it.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein said object is a portion of an exercise machine.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein said location or movement data is determined in at least 3 axes.

14. A method according to claim 1, including the further step of computing work performed in doing exercise using said location or movement data.

15. A method according to claim 1, including the further step of comparing said location or movement data with a norm.

16. A method according to claim 15, including the further step of providing a message to the person based on said comparison.

17. A method according to claim 5, where displayed information is transmitted from a remote source.

18. A method according to claim 1, wherein said exercise related information is communicated via audio means.

19. A method according to claim 1, wherein said exercise related information provides motivation to the person to perform exercise.

20. A method according to claim 2, wherein said initial information includes at least one dimension of the person.

21. A method according to claim 1, wherein the information communicated relates to potential attainment of a goal in the future.

22. A method according to claim 1m wherein the speed of communicated information is changed in response to said analysis.

23. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one image displayed relates to an acquaintance of the person exercising.

24. A method according to claim 1, wherein said determined location or movement data in reaction to said communicated information is used for diagnosis of said person.

25. Interactive exercise apparatus comprising:

a camera having an output;

a display;

a computer, to determine from the output of said camera, movement or location data related to a person undertaking exercise; and

means to control said display based on said data to dynamically provide information to the person while exercising.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, further including an exercise machine having a portion whose movement or location is determined.

27. Apparatus according to claim 25, further including a object held by the person having a portion whose movement or location is determined.