Method for providing mental activity for an exerciser

• US 7,678,023 B1
• Filed: 05/20/2002
• Issued: 03/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael J Shea
• Original Assignee: Michael J Shea
• Inventors: Shea, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman; Glenn
• Application Number:
  US10/150,013
• Time in Patent Office: 2,857 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482900-902, 434/247, 601/23, 601/34
• US Class Current: 482/9
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0078 Exercise efforts programmed as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• 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 22/04 with movable multiple steps , i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048
• 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 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/01 User's weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/065 within a certain range
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• 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 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0697 : Reservation devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/00 : Electrically-operated educational appliances working with questions and answers G09B7/00; simulators G09B9/00; advertising or displaying in general G09F
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry

Abstract

A mental activity for an exerciser exercising on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication link is provided by contacting a computer connected to the communication link and providing a display of mental activity data such as sports scores, stock prices or a weather report received from the contacted computer on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

Claims

1. A method for providing a mental activity for an exerciser exercising on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

displaying stock prices received from the contacted computer on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises; and

contacting a second computer, different than the first computer, connected to the communication network using the communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises a wired communication network.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication network comprises a wireless communication network.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one other exercise apparatus is connected to the communication network.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

additionally displaying exercise-related content while the exerciser exercises.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the exercise-related content comprises one or more of exercise time, exercise level and number of calories burned.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

additionally displaying exercise level versus time while the exerciser exercises.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

communicating exercise-related data to the second computer.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the exercise-related data comprises the number of times the exercise apparatus has been used.

10. A computer-readable storage medium for an exercise apparatus having embodied therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 1.

11. A computer-readable storage medium for an exercise apparatus having embodied therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 8.

12. A method for use with an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while an exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

displaying non-exercise-related mental activity content received from the first computer on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises to thereby provide a mental activity for the exerciser;

contacting a second, different computer connected to the communication network; and

communicating exercise-related information to the second computer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the exercise-related information communicated to the second computer comprises the number of times the exercise apparatus has been used.

14. A computer-readable storage medium for an exercise apparatus having embodied therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 12.

15. A method for displaying non-exercise-related mental activity content to an exerciser while the exerciser exercises on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer over the communication network in accordance with contact data for the first computer and using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

receiving at the exercise apparatus non-exercise-related mental activity content transmitted over the communication network from the contacted computer;

displaying the received mental activity content on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises; and

contacting a second computer, different than the first computer, connected to the communication network in accordance with contact data for the second computer and using the communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the communication network is connected to at least one other exercise apparatus.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the mental activity content is displayed on a first portion of the display device and the method further comprises:

displaying exercise-related content on a second portion of the display device while the exerciser exercises.

18. The method according claim 15, wherein the display of mental activity content changes in response to an input from the exerciser.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the display of mental activity content changes periodically.

20. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

receiving exercise apparatus control data from the contacted computer; and

using the exercise apparatus control data to control the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

21. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 15.

22. A method for displaying non-exercise-related mental activity data to an exerciser while the exerciser exercises on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

receiving at the exercise apparatus non-exercise-related mental activity content transmitted from the contacted first computer connected to the communication network;

storing the received mental activity content;

displaying the stored mental activity content on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises; and

contacting a second computer, different than the first computer, connected to the communication network using the communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the mental activity content is displayed on a first portion of the display device and the method further comprises:

displaying exercise-related content on a second portion of the display device while the exerciser exercises.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the display of mental activity content changes in response to an input from the exerciser.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the display of mental activity content changes periodically.

26. The method according to claim 22, wherein the mental activity content is received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor controlled device to which the mental activity data is transmitted by the first computer.

27. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

receiving exercise apparatus control data from the first computer; and

using the exercise apparatus control data to control the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the mental activity content and the exercise apparatus control data are received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor-controlled device to which the mental activity content and the exercise apparatus control data are transmitted by the first computer.

29. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 22.

30. A method for an exercise apparatus comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

receiving at the exercise apparatus non-exercise-related mental activity content transmitted from the contacted first computer;

displaying the mental activity content received from the computer on a display device of the exercise apparatus while an exerciser exercises; and

transmitting data from the exercise apparatus to a second computer different than the first computer.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the data transmitted to the second computer comprises exercise apparatus use data.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the data transmitted to the second computer comprises exercise program selection data.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the mental activity content is displayed on a first portion of the display device and the method further comprises:

displaying exercise-related content on a second portion of the display device while the exerciser exercises.

34. The method according to claim 30, further comprising:

receiving exercise apparatus control data from the first computer; and

using the exercise apparatus control data to control the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

35. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 30.

36. A method for displaying non-exercise-related mental activity content to exercisers at a health club facility while the exercisers exercise on exercise apparatuses connected to a communication network, the method comprising:

receiving data respectively addressed to each of the exercise apparatuses by at least one remotely-located computer contacted by the exercise apparatuses in response to respective exerciser inputs thereto, the data including non-exercise-related mental activity content; and

displaying the received mental activity content on display devices of the exercise apparatuses while the exercisers exercise; and

contacting, by one or more of the exercise apparatuses, a computer different than the at least one remotely-located computer.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the mental activity content is displayed on a first portion of each display device and the method further comprises:

displaying exercise-related content on a second portion of each display device while the exercisers exercise.

38. A method for providing a display to an exerciser exercising on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

receiving at the exercise apparatus non-exercise-related display content transmitted over the communication network from the contacted computer;

displaying the received display content on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises; and

contacting a second computer, different than the first computer, connected to the communication network using the communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus.

39. The method according to claim 38, further comprising transmitting exercise apparatus use data to the second computer.

40. The method according to claim 38, further comprising transmitting exercise program selection data to the second computer.

41. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 38.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein the display content is received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor-controlled device to which the display content is transmitted by the first computer.

43. The method according to claim 38, further comprising:

receiving exercise apparatus control data from the first computer; and

using the exercise apparatus control data to control the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the display content and the exercise apparatus control data are received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor-controlled device to which the display content and the exercise apparatus control data are transmitted by the first computer.

45. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 38.

46. A method for providing a display to an exerciser exercising on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication network and comprising processing circuitry for controlling a parameter associated with a movable element of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises, the method comprising:

receiving an exerciser-supplied input to the exercise apparatus;

in response to the input, contacting a remotely-located first computer connected to the communication network using communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus;

receiving at the exercise apparatus non-exercise-related display content transmitted over the communication network from the contacted first computer;

displaying the received display content on a first portion of a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises;

displaying exercise-related display content on a second portion of the display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises; and

contacting a second computer, different than the first computer, connected to the communication network using the communication circuitry of the exercise apparatus.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the display of non-exercise-related display content changes in response to an input from the exerciser.

48. The method according to claim 46, wherein the display of non-exercise-related display content changes periodically.

49. A storage medium for an exercise apparatus storing therein computer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 46.

50. The method according to claim 46, wherein the non-exercise-related display content is received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor-controlled device to which the non-exercise-related display content is transmitted by the first computer.

51. The method according to claim 46, further comprising:

receiving exercise apparatus control data from the first computer; and

using the exercise apparatus control data to control the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein the non-exercise-related display content and the exercise apparatus control data are received at the exercise apparatus from an intermediate processor-controlled device to which the non-exercise-related display content and the exercise apparatus control data are transmitted by the first computer.

53. The method according to claim 46, wherein the non-exercise-related display content comprises one or more of sports scores, stock prices and a weather report.