INTERACTIVE USE AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND REWARD METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

• US 20140344045A1
• Filed: 08/01/2014
• Published: 11/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Shum, Albert Y.S., Schrock, Allan M.
• Granted Patent: US 10,460,337 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.31
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/12 Healthy persons not otherwise provided for, e.g. subjects of a marketing survey
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0487 Special user inputs or interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0004 characterised by the type of physiological signal transmitted
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6807 Footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• 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 2230/00 Measuring physiological parameters of the user
• 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 24/0084 Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/006 Pedometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/00 Measuring linear or angular speed; Measuring differences of linear or angular speeds G01P5/00 - G01P11/00 take precedence; direction and speed indication G01P13/045; counting mechanisms G06M
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0222 : During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0232 : Frequent usage rewards other than merchandise, cash or travel
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0233 : Method of redeeming a frequent usage reward
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0236 : Incentive or reward received by requiring registration or ID from user
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/90 : Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison

Abstract

A method, computer program product, and system for monitoring and rewarding athletic performance and use of a product worn by a person, thereby motivating use of the product and promoting customer loyalty. The present invention includes and system and method for measuring, tracking, and recording use of the product, preferably related to the athletic performance of an athlete, using a portable, remote device; transferring that data from the remote device to a common location, such as an Internet web site service; calculating, assigning, and tracking rewards based on the level of use determined from the data; and allowing the user to redeem his or her rewards or compare his or her performance level with other athletes using other remote devices.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

measuring, by a measurement device, activity information indicating performance of a physical activity by a first user;

transmitting, by the measurement device, the activity information to a reward determination location;

calculating reward information based at least in part upon the transmitted activity information;

requesting a comparison of the transmitted activity information with athletic activity information corresponding to a second user; and

communicating the comparison information.

2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the second user is a professional athlete.

3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein calculating reward information further comprises:

providing information to access a gamming environment upon determining that the activity information indicates achieving a threshold physical activity level.

4. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the activity information includes one or more selected from the group consisting of:

heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, and rate of speed.

5. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the measurement device is removably attachable to an article of clothing.

6. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the measurement device is removably attachable to an article of footwear.

7. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the measurement device is removably attachable to a piece of athletic equipment.

8. The method recited in claim 7, further comprising:

receiving input corresponding to a user identification code that distinguishes between users of the piece of athletic equipment.

9. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the measurement device comprises a plurality of sensors.

10. The method recited in claim 9, further comprising:

receiving input selecting at least one of the plurality of sensors for measuring the activity information.

11. An apparatus comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least;

measure, by a measurement device, activity information indicating performance of a physical activity by a first user;

transmit, by the measurement device, the activity information to a reward determination location;

calculate reward information based at least in part upon the transmitted activity information;

request a comparison of the transmitted activity information with athletic activity information corresponding to a second user; and

communicate the comparison information.

12. The apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein the reward information comprises information providing access to a website.

13. The apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein the reward information comprises information providing access to a gaming environment.

14. The apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein the second user is a professional athlete.

15. The apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein the measurement device is removably attachable to a piece of athletic equipment.

16. The apparatus recited in claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to:

receive input corresponding to a user identification code that distinguishes between users of the piece of athletic equipment.

17. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, are configured to cause an apparatus to at least:

measure, by a measurement device, activity information indicating performance of a physical activity by a first user;

transmit, by the measurement device, the activity information to a reward determination location;

calculate reward information based at least in part upon the transmitted activity information;

request a comparison of the transmitted activity information with athletic activity information corresponding to a second user; and

communicate the comparison information.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium recited in claim 17, wherein the measurement device comprises a plurality of sensors.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium recited in claim 18, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to receive input selecting at least one of the plurality of sensors for measuring the activity information.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium recited in claim 18, wherein the reward information comprises a discount towards the purchase of a product.