Sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof

• US 8,221,290 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2007
• Issued: 07/17/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adidas International Marketing BV (Adidas AG)
• Original Assignee: Adidas International Marketing BV (Adidas AG)
• Inventors: Vincent, Stephen Michael, Dibenedetto, Christian, Oleson, Mark Arthur, Gaudio, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh, Loan
• Assistant Examiner(s): GANESAN, SUNDHARA M
• Application Number:
  US11/892,037
• Publication Number:
  US 20090048070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,796 Days
• Field of Search: 482/1, 482 8- 9, 273/440, 273/440.1, 273/441, 463/1, 600/595, 434/247, 434/257, 340/573.1
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6807 Footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• 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 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/068 Input by voice recognition
• 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 22/0076 Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• 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 2220/14 : Geo-tagging, e.g. for correlating route or track location data with specific information related to that specific location
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 : Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/22 : Stride length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 : Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/44 : Angular acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/70 : Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/72 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/73 : Altitude
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/80 : Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 : Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 : Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 : Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• 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 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/52 : modulated by measured values
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 : Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/04 : heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/207 : P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/50 : temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/70 : body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0025 : Football American football A63B2243/007
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0037 : Basketball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 : Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 : Tracking a path or terminating locations
• 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 43/00 : Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 : for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0605 : Decision makers and devices using detection means facilitating arbitration
• 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: A63F 13/211 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 : using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/216 : using geographical information, e.g. location of the game device or player using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/218 : using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 : using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/46 : Computing the game score
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 : automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/79 : involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/816 : Athletics, e.g. track-and-field sports
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1012 : involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1056 : involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/205 : for detecting the geographical location of the game platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/208 : for storing personal settings or data of the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 : Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5546 : using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5553 : user representation in the game field, e.g. avatar
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5573 : player location
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/61 : Score computation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/69 : Involving elements of the real world in the game world, e.g. measurement in live races, real video
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8005 : Athletics
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/19 : Sporting applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0273 : using multipath or indirect path propagation signals in position determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 : Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports
• 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: H04B 1/385 : Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 : with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality

Abstract

A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual'"'"'s performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.

Claims

1. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a portable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a single value based on information wirelessly communicated to the portable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion monitor includes an accelerometer.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing device comprises a mobile telephone.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a device including a watch in wireless communications with the portable electronic processing device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the value is capable of affecting one of a health value, a fitness value, and a strength value for the digitally created character.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the value.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the feedback is provided to encourage the person to maximize the value.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'"'"'s performance in comparison to a performance target.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performance intensity range.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the performance intensity range is a heart rate based range.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game in real time during the athletic activity.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game after the user has completed the athletic activity.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the value is capable of affecting a player'"'"'s score in the electronic game.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing device is in wireless communication with the electronic game.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game in real time.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a docking station for receiving the portable electronic processing device, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game via the docking station.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game after the user has completed the athletic activity.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing device is disposed in a first housing and the electronic game device is disposed in a second housing.

20. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a portable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to the portable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, and

wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the value.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the feedback is provided to encourage the person to maximize the value.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'"'"'s performance in comparison to a performance target.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performance intensity range.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the performance intensity range is a heart rate based range.

26. The system of claim 20, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game in real time during the athletic activity.

27. The system of claim 20, wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game after the user has completed the athletic activity.

28. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a portable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to the portable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, and

wherein the portable electronic processing device is in wireless communication with the electronic game.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'"'"'s performance in comparison to a performance target.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performance intensity range.

32. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor;

a portable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to the portable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor; and

a docking station configured to couple to the portable electronic processing device,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, and

wherein the value is capable of being downloaded from the portable electronic processing device to the electronic game via the docking station.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'"'"'s performance in comparison to a performance target.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performance intensity range.

36. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a portable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to the portable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, and

wherein the portable electronic processing device is disposed in a first housing and the electronic game device is disposed in a second housing.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'"'"'s performance in comparison to a performance target.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performance intensity range.

40. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising:

a motion monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a portable electronic processing device adapted to wirelessly receive information from the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor,

wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted to download the information to an electronic game so that the information can affect a digitally created character of the electronic game,

wherein a single value is calculated based on information derived from both the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor so that the single value is capable of affecting a single characteristic of the digitally created character based on both types of information.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the single value is calculated by the portable electronic processing device.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein the single value is calculated by the electronic game.

43. The system of claim 40, wherein the single value is calculated by a remote server.