SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AUDIO AND VISUAL CUES VIA A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

• US 20110281687A1
• Filed: 07/20/2011
• Published: 11/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Pacurariu, Mihnea Calin, Gilley, Glenn Gregory, Ubillos, Randall Hayes, Dorogusker, Jesse Lee, Brody, Sarah A., Borchers, Robert Edward, Ginsburg, Donald
• Granted Patent: US 9,646,137 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• 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 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• 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 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 2230/755 used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• 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 24/0087 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: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user'"'"'s performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user'"'"'s goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.

Claims

1-11. -11. (canceled)

12. A method for a portable electronic device to interact with multiple exercise machines, the method comprising:

accepting first identification data from a first exercise machine, wherein the first identification data comprises data for identifying the first exercise machine;

accepting first sensor data from at least a first sensor integrated within the first exercise machine;

linking the first sensor data with the first identification data;

storing the first identification data and the first sensor data in memory of the portable electronic device; and

generating a first media cue based on the first sensor data.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising generating first control signals to influence operation of the first exercise machine, wherein the first control signals are generated based on the first sensor data.

14. The method of claim 12,

further comprising:

accepting second identification data from a second exercise machine;

accepting second sensor data from at least a second sensor integrated within the second exercise machine;

linking the second sensor data with the second identification data; and

storing the second identification data and the second sensor data in the memory of the portable electronic device.

15. The method of claim 12,

further comprising:

accepting third sensor data from at least a third sensor attached to a user, wherein the third sensor is a duplicative data source for the first sensor; and

identifying whether the first or third sensor data is the more accurate sensor data.

16-32. -32. (canceled)