Yoga ball game controller system and method

• US 8,460,104 B1
• Filed: 11/20/2012
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• 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:
  US13/682,383
• Time in Patent Office: 203 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 controller for the yoga ball that generates a ground position change signal as the yoga ball moves from a first ground position to a second ground position;

(c) a game console executing video game software with instructions to;

(1) receive the ground position change signal from the controller; and

(2) in response to receiving the ground position change signal, advance game play in the video game.

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

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

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is a handheld controller.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the yoga ball comprises a holster for the handheld controller.

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

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

(a) a motion sensor for a yoga ball that;

(1) detects changes between the yoga ball'"'"'s current ground position and a neutral ground position; and

(2) generates ground position change signals relating to changes between the neutral ground position and the current ground position; and

(b) a game console that executes video game software within instructions to;

(1) receive the ground position change signals from the motion sensor; and

(2) in response to receiving the ground position change signals, advances video game play toward an end result.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the game console receives additional ground position change signals and in response to receiving the additional ground position change signals, advances video game play toward the end result.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the motion sensor is housed in a motion sensing mat that detects changes in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position.

10. The system of claim 7 further comprising:

(c) a handheld controller that;

(1) generates ground position change signals as the yoga ball moves from a first ground position to a second ground position; and

(2) communicates the ground position change signals to the game console.

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

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

(a) receiving at a game console from a motion sensor for a yoga ball a ground position change 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 the ground position change signal at the game console, advancing game progression in a video game executing on the game console.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the motion sensor is housed in a motion sensing mat that detects changes in the yoga ball'"'"'s ground position.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the ground position change signal generated as the yoga ball moves from a neutral ground position to a new ground position in response to a user'"'"'s motion comprises a signal related to motion of a limb of the user.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the motion sensor detects movement of the user'"'"'s limb from a band around the limb.

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

(a) receiving at a game console from a yoga ball in communication with a controller a ground position change 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 the ground position change signal at the game console, generating a game progression video effect in a video game executing on the game console.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the controller and game console are in communication via wireless technology.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the controller comprises an accelerometer to measure movements of the user as the yoga ball moves on the ground.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the yoga ball comprises a harness for holding the controller.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the harness is positioned on the user.