Exercising using a public communication network

• US 6,749,536 B1
• Filed: 05/03/2001
• Issued: 06/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sprint Communications Company LP (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: Sprint Communications Company LP (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Inventors: Evans, Arvid G., Cuskaden, Sandy M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman, Glenn E.
• Application Number:
  US09/848,712
• Time in Patent Office: 1,139 Days
• Field of Search: 482/1-9, 482/900-902
• US Class Current: 482/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/10 Athletes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0077 Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0076 Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• 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 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• 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: Y10S 482/90 Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison

Abstract

A communication interface is coupled to an exercise machine and the public communication network. The communication interface receives first exercise information from an exercise machine wherein the first exercise information indicates exercise performance. Some examples of exercise information are video and audio files for competitive tracking with voice and video interaction. The communication interface then generates first communication information based on the first exercise information. In one embodiment, the communication information is in Internet Protocol packets. The communication interface then transmits the first communication information over the public communication network. The communication interface then receives second communication information from the public communication network. The communication interface then generates second exercise information based on the second communication information wherein the second exercise information indicates a response to the exercise performance. The communication interface then transmits the second exercise information to the exercise machine.

Claims

1. A method of exercising using a public communication network, the method comprising:

receiving first exercise information into a communication interface from an exercise machine coupled to the communication interface wherein the first exercise information indicates exercise performance;

in the communication interface, generating first communication information based on the first exercise information;

transmitting the first communication information from the communication interface over the public communication network;

receiving second communication information into the communication interface from the public communication network;

in the communication interface, generating second exercise information based on the second communication information wherein the second exercise information indicates a response to the exercise performance; and

transmitting the second exercise information from the communication interface to the exercise machine.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first exercise information comprises audio data.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first exercise information comprises video data.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first exercise information comprises data indicating a body condition of an exerciser.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication information comprises audio data.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication information comprises video data.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first communication information comprises data indicating a body condition of an exerciser.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the public communication network comprises the Internet.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the public communication network comprises a public switched telephone network.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving the first communication information into an exercise server from the public communication network;

in the exercise server, determining the response to the exercise performance based on the first communication information;

in the exercise server, generating the second communication information based on the response to the exercise performance; and

transmitting the second communication information from the exercise server to the public communication network.