Exercise and communications system and associated methods

• US 9,782,084 B2
• Filed: 09/01/2014
• Issued: 10/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard J. Maertz
• Original Assignee: Richard J. Maertz
• Inventors: Maertz, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GANESAN, SUNDHARA M
• Application Number:
  US14/474,239
• Publication Number:
  US 20140371556A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,135 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1, 482 8, 482 13
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0004 characterised by the type of physiological signal transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/083 Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0836 Measuring rate of CO2 production
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6898 Portable consumer electronic devices, e.g. music players, telephones, tablet computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7246 using correlation, e.g. template matching or determination of similarity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/205 P-CO2, i.e. partial CO2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/207 : P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value
• 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 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• 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

Abstract

An exercise and communications system includes an interactive device, a remote device, and an external device, wherein the interactive device is configured to gather data relating to a user of the system and transmit the same to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to provide analyze the data and transmit a response to the interactive device, which in turn communicates the response to the user and additionally communication with an external device for retrieval of instructions, programs, and data, inter alia. An exercise and communications system facilitates communication between a plurality of users, each having an interactive device and a remote device.

Claims

1. An exercise and communications system comprising, in combination:

a remote device in communication with an interactive device and an external device;

wherein the interactive device comprises one or more sensors configured to sense one or more physiological parameters of a user, including at least end tidal carbon dioxide;

wherein the interactive device is integrated into a housing configured to be disposed within an ear of the user, said housing further comprising a sensor mounted on a tube extending from the housing and configured to locate the sensor in front of a mouth of the user when said housing is disposed within the ear of the user;

wherein the remote device comprises a memory coupled to a processor and is operable to;

receive data for at least the physiological parameter from the interactive device;

determine whether the data is within a predetermined criteria; and

initiate a response where the data is within the predetermined criteria;

wherein the response includes at least one of contacting a coach, a medical professional and an emergency response center along with creating a record for the user, wherein the interactive device further comprises a GPS device, and wherein the GPS device provides audio message alerts for training zone high and low limits.

2. The exercise and communications system of claim 1 wherein the response includes receiving a user location from the GPS device and sending the user location to at least one of a coach, a medical professional and an emergency response center along with creating a record for the user.

3. The exercise and communications system of claim 1, wherein the one or more physiological parameters include heart rate, temperature, or oxygen saturation.

4. The exercise and communications system of claim 1 wherein the interactive device further comprises a user interface.

5. The exercise and communications system of claim 4 wherein the user interface comprises an audio speaker.