Yoga ball game controller system and method

• US 8,313,378 B1
• Filed: 07/22/2010
• Issued: 11/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Humana Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Humana Incorporated
• Inventors: Snyder, Seth, Speicher, Jasper
• Primary Examiner(s): McClellan, James S
• Application Number:
  US12/841,630
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 463/36, 463/37, 463/39
• US Class Current: 463/36
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/18 with elements, i.e. platforms, having a circulating, nutating or rotating movement, generated by oscillating movement of the user, e.g. platforms wobbling on a centrally arranged spherical supporthoop exercising apparatus A63B19/00; eccentric weights put into orbital motion by nutating movement of the user A63B21/0608; pots rotating or rocking by moving the whole body A63G23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• 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 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/62 Inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 26/003 for improving balance or equilibrium balance beams A63B4/00; apparatus for rope dancing A63B7/08; balancing drums, balancing boards or the like A63B22/16
• 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 13/214 for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• 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 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8005 Athletics

Abstract

A yoga ball controller communicates motion signals to a game console and a video game executing on the game console to progress play of a game in response to the motion signals. An individual positions himself on the yoga ball and begins to move his body. The controller detects the motion of the individual and communicates signals to the console. The game console recognizes the motion and advances the game play. Motion may be detected using various devices such as a stress ball, a motion sensing mat, and a controller attached to the yoga ball using a harness. The video game may be a well-known, entertaining video game such as one involving car racing, combat, exploration, or puzzle solving. By using a subject other than exercise, game play may be seen as more fun by participants thereby encouraging physical activity.

Claims

1. A computerized system for playing a video game comprising:

(a) a yoga ball;

(b) a handheld controller that generates signals as the yoga ball moves from a first ground position to a second ground position wherein the signals relate to the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position change;

(c) a holster on the yoga ball for holding the handheld controller; and

(d) a game console in communication with the handheld controller that executes video game software causing progression of play in a video game in response to receiving signals from the handheld controller relating to a change in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position.

2. The system of claim 1 where the handheld controller comprises an accelerometer system that measures motion in three directions.

3. The system of claim 2 further comprising:

(e) a display screen in communication with the game console.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a motion sensing mat for detecting changes in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller and game console are in communication via wireless technology.

6. A computerized system for playing a video game comprising:

(a) a yoga ball comprising a motion sensor wherein the motion sensor detects changes between the yoga ball'"'"'s current ground position and a neutral ground position and generates a signal relating to the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position change; and

(b) a game console in communication with the motion sensor wherein the game console executes video game software that receives the signals from the motion sensor and in response to receiving the signals, advances play toward an end result in a video game.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the motion sensor detects additional changes in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position and the game console advances play in response to changes in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position.

8. The system of claim 6 further comprising:

(c) a handheld controller that generates signals as the yoga ball moves from a first ground position to a second ground position, wherein the signals relate to the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position change and are communicated to the game console.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the motion sensor and game console communicate wirelessly.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the yoga ball further comprises a holster for holding the handheld controller.

11. A computerized method for playing a video game comprising:

(a) receiving at a game console from a yoga ball comprising a motion sensor a signal generated as the yoga ball moves from a neutral ground position to a new ground position in response to a user'"'"'s motion; and

(b) in response to receiving said signal at said game console, advancing progression toward a desired result in a video game executing on said game console.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said motion sensor and game console are in communication via wireless technology.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said signal generated as the yoga ball moves on the ground in response to a user'"'"'s motion comprises a signal related to motion of a limb of said user.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein said motion sensor detects movement of said user'"'"'s limb from a detectable band around said limb.

15. A computerized method for playing a video game comprising:

(a) receiving at a game console from a yoga ball in communication with a handheld controller a signal generated as said yoga ball moves from a neutral ground position to a new ground position in response to a user'"'"'s motion; and

(b) in response to receiving said signal at said game console, generating a video effect in a video game executing on said game console wherein said video effect relates to progression in play toward a desired result in said video game.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said handheld controller and game console are in communication via wireless technology.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said handheld controller comprises an accelerometer to measure movements of the user as the yoga ball moves on the ground.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said yoga comprises a harness for holding said controller.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said harness is positioned on said user.