SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FITNESS AND VIDEO GAMES

• US 20120253487A1
• Filed: 03/28/2012
• Published: 10/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dugan Health, LLC
• Original Assignee: Brian M. Dugan
• Inventors: Dugan, Brian M.
• Granted Patent: US 9,533,228 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/91
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0647 Visualisation of executed movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• 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 24/0084 Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/216 using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/31 Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/816 Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/556 Player lists, e.g. online players, buddy list, black list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5573 player location
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8005 Athletics
• 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

Abstract

In some aspects, a system is provided that includes (1) a plurality of mobile devices; and (2) an application on each mobile device, the application adapted to (a) allow exercisers to form an exercise group; (b) track position or change in position of each exerciser in the exerciser group; and (c) display an avatar having a position that is controlled by a position or change in position of one or more member of the exercise group. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a plurality of mobile devices; and

an application on each mobile device, the application adapted to;

(a) allow exercisers to form an exercise group;

(b) track position or change in position of each exerciser in the exerciser group; and

(c) display an avatar having a position that is controlled by a position or change in position of one or more member of the exercise group.

2. A method for exercising using a mobile device comprising:

providing an application on a first mobile device, the application adapted to;

display an avatar on the first mobile device;

monitor exercise performed by a user of the first mobile device to obtain monitored exercise information;

communicate monitored exercise information from the first mobile device to one or more other mobile devices employed by one or more other users;

receive monitored exercise information from one or more other mobile devices employed by one or more other users;

display an avatar on the first mobile device; and

adjust a position of the avatar on the first mobile device based on monitored exercise information of the first user and monitored exercise information from one or more other mobile devices.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein monitored exercise information is exchanged between mobile devices via a remote web server.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the monitored exercise information is exchanged between mobile devices via a social network web site running on the remote web server.

5. An application for a mobile device comprising:

program code adapted to allow the mobile device to;

display a video game have one or more avatars controllable by location information of a user of the mobile device and location information of at least one user of another mobile device;

share location information for the mobile device with at least one other mobile device; and

obtain location information of at least one other mobile device.

6. The application of claim 5 further comprising program code adapted to:

allow a user of the mobile device to join an exercise group; and

communicate location information for the mobile device with mobile devices of other members of the exercise group.

7. The application of claim 5 where the program code is adapted to communicate with mobile devices of other members of the exercise group through a social network web site.

8. The application of claim 5 further comprising program code adapted to switch control of motion of the avatar on the mobile device between the user of the mobile device and a user of another mobile device.