Modular personal network systems and methods

• US 8,652,009 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2013
• Issued: 02/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Technikka Conexion, LLC
• Original Assignee: Adidas AG
• Inventors: Ellis, Michael, Schwartz, Caron
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US13/789,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20130226321A1
• Time in Patent Office: 348 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482900-902, 600/595, 701/201
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/008 Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0024 for multiple sensor units attached to the patient, e.g. using a body or personal area network
• 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 5/0833 Measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0025 Tracking the path or location of one or more users, e.g. players of a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• 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 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0661 arranged on the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• 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 2220/12 : Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/14 : Geo-tagging, e.g. for correlating route or track location data with specific information related to that specific location
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 : Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 : Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/22 : Stride length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 : Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• 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 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/60 : Apparatus used in water
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/685 : for electronic devices, e.g. phone, PDA, GPS device, notebook
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/04 : heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/202 : glucose
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/207 : P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 : blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/42 : rate
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/50 : temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/65 : skin conductivity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/70 : body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2244/20 : Swimming
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 : Tracking a path or terminating locations
• 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 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• 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 69/0028 : for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/16 : for cycling , i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 : Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 : Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 : Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/19 : Sporting applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/328 : Computer systems status display G06F11/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/40 : Data acquisition and logging for input to computer G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 : Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0092 : Nutrition
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/02 : with visual presentation of the material to be studied, e.g. using film strip
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 : with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/20 : for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/00 : ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 : relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 : relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 : relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 : Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0236 : Filtering by address, protocol, port number or service, e.g. IP-address or URL
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/1408 : by monitoring network traffic monitoring network traffic per se H04L43/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 : Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 : including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/024 : Guidance services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry

Abstract

We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

Claims

1. A method for recommending a route for traversal by an individual, comprising:

collecting first route data relating to traversal of a first route by the individual;

comparing the first route data with other data relating to the individual with one or more processors;

assigning a difficulty rating to the first route based on the comparison with the one or more processors; and

recommending a route for traversal by the individual based at least in part on the assigned difficulty rating.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

collecting second route data relating to the traversal of a second route by the individual; and

comparing the first route data with the second route data.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the first route is the same as at least a portion of the second route.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the recommended route is one of the first route and the second route.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising recommending a route for traversal by the individual based on a desired route distance.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising recommending a route for traversal by the individual based on a desired route elevation profile.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting the first route data comprises receiving geographical position data with a global positioning satellite receiver.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting the first route data comprises receiving performance data with a performance monitor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting the first route data comprises receiving geographical position data with a global positioning satellite receiver and receiving performance data with an performance monitor that is physically separate from the global positioning satellite receiver.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the other data relating to the individual comprises data relating to traversal of the first route by the individual.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a map of the recommended route to the individual prior to traversal of the recommended route by the individual.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a map of the recommended route to the individual during traversal of the recommended route by the individual.

13. A method for recommending a route for traversal by an individual, comprising:

storing data associated with one or more routes available to be traversed by an individual;

receiving position data relating to a position of the individual; and

processing the position data with one or more processors and recommending a route for traversal by the individual from the stored route data based on the position data.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising recommending a route for traversal by the individual based on the stored route data.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the stored route data comprises elevation profile data.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the stored route data comprises points of interest along the route.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the stored route data comprises a length of the route.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the stored route data comprises data associated with one or more routes previously traversed by the individual.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising guiding the individual through traversal of the recommended route.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the position data is received with a global positioning satellite receiver.

21. A method for defining a workout, comprising:

receiving input data relating to workout duration and workout difficulty for a workout to be completed by an individual;

receiving input data relating to a total performance goal for the workout; and

determining a plurality of sub-performance goals for a plurality of time periods during the workout with one or more processors based on the input data relating to workout duration and workout difficulty and the input data relating to the total performance goal such that the individual will meet the total performance goal if the sub-performance goals are met.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the workout duration is measured in time.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the total performance goal and the sub-performance goal are time based.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the total performance goal and the sub-performance goal are one of speed based and pace based.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the total performance goal and the sub-performance goal are heart rate based.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the workout duration is measured in distance.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the total performance goal and the sub-performance goal are distance based.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the input data is received by a computer worn or carried by the individual.

29. The method of claim 21, further comprising storing the total performance goal and the sub-performance goals on a device used by the individual during the workout.

30. The method of claim 21, further comprising receiving performance data for the individual with a performance monitor during the workout.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the performance monitor comprises an accelerometer.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the performance monitor comprises of a speed and pace monitor.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the performance monitor comprises a heart rate monitor.

34. The method of claim 21, wherein the workout includes traversal of a route by the individual and the sub-performance goals and the total performance goal are time based goals.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the performance monitor further comprises a mount coupled to a display, wherein the mount and display are configured such that the individual may manually change the orientation of the display with respect to the mount.