FITNESS ACTIVITY RELATED MESSAGING

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/099,325, filed Apr. 14, 2016, titled “USER MESSAGING BASED ON CHANGES IN TRACKED ACTIVITY METRICS,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/445,033, filed Jul. 28, 2014, titled “FITNESS ACTIVITY RELATED MESSAGING,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/271,412, filed on May 6, 2014, titled “NOTIFICATIONS ON A USER DEVICE BASED ON ACTIVITY DETECTED BY AN ACTIVITY MONITORING DEVICE.” The disclosures of these applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/445,034, filed Jul. 28, 2014, entitled “Notifications Regarding Interesting or Unusual Activity Detected from an Activity Monitoring Device,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for fitness activity related messaging.

[0004] In recent years, the need for health and fitness has grown tremendously. The growth has occurred due to a better understanding of the benefits of good fitness to overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, although today's modern culture has brought about many new technologies, such as the Internet, connected devices and computers, people have become less active. Additionally, many office jobs require people to sit in front of computer screens for long periods of time, which further reduces a person's activity levels. Furthermore, much of today's entertainment options involve viewing multimedia content, computer social networking, and other types of computer involved interfacing. Although such computer activity can be very productive as well as entertaining, such activity tends to reduce a person's overall physical activity.

[0005] To provide users concerned with health and fitness a way of measuring or accounting for their activity or lack thereof, fitness activity trackers have recently grown in popularity. Fitness activity trackers are used to measure activity, such as walking, motion, running, sleeping, being inactive, bicycling, exercising on an elliptical trainer, and the like. Typically, the data collected by such devices can be transferred and viewed on a computing device.

[0006] It is in this context that embodiments of the invention arise.

[0007] Embodiments described in the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus, computer readable media, and methods for fitness activity related messaging.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for generating a message to a friend of a user is provided, comprising: processing activity data of a first user measured by an activity monitoring device to update a value of an activity metric for the first user; identifying a change in an inequality relationship between the value of the activity metric for the first user and a value of the activity metric for a second user; in response to identifying the change in the inequality relationship, prompting the first user to generate a message to the second user.

[0009] In one embodiment, the change in the inequality relationship is defined by the value of the activity metric for the first user changing, from being less than the value of the activity metric for the second user, to being greater than the value of the activity metric for the second user.

[0010] In one embodiment, the change in the inequality relationship is defined by the value of the activity metric for the first user changing, from being greater than the value of the activity metric for the second user, to being less than the value of the activity metric for the second user.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inequality relationship between the value of the activity metric for the first user and the value of the activity metric for the second user defines a relative ranking of the first user and the second user on a competitive leaderboard for the activity metric.

[0012] In one embodiment, the change in the inequality relationship defines a change in the relative ranking of the first user and the second user on the competitive leaderboard for the activity metric.

[0013] In one embodiment, prompting the user to generate a message includes identifying the change in the relative ranking of the first user and the second user.

[0014] In one embodiment, prompting the first user to generate a message to the second user includes triggering a notification to the first user, the notification providing access to an interface configured to receive input from the first user to define content of the message to the second user.

[0015] In one embodiment, the notification is a push notification to a mobile device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the interface provides at least one option to send a predefined message to the second user.

[0017] In one embodiment, the activity metric is defined by one or more of the following: step count, elevation climbed, distance traveled, active amount of time.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method for providing a competitive leaderboard is provided, comprising: receiving a request to display a messaging thread, the messaging thread defined by one or more messages between members of the messaging thread; in response to the request, presenting the messaging thread; for each of the members, retrieving a value of an activity metric; determining a ranked order for the members based on each member's respective value of the activity metric; presenting a leaderboard in conjunction with the messaging thread, the leaderboard defined to display each member's value of the activity metric according to the ranked order; wherein the method is executed by at least one processor.

[0019] In one embodiment, the value for the activity metric for a given member is processed from activity data captured by an activity monitoring device associated with the given member.

[0020] In one embodiment, receiving the request to display the messaging thread is defined by access activity associated with an inbox defined for a member of the messaging thread.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: determining whether each of the members of the messaging thread are linked to each other on a social network, and if so, then performing the operation of presenting the leaderboard, and if not, then not performing the operation of presenting the leaderboard.

[0022] In one embodiment, the activity metric is selected from a quantity of steps taken, a quantity of floors climbed, or a quantity of calories burned.

[0023] In another embodiment, a method for generating a competitive group is provided, comprising: determining a number of messages in a message thread; when the number of messages in the message thread reaches a predefined threshold, providing an option to a first member of the message thread to generate a competitive group for members of the message thread; in response to activation of the option by the first member, sending invitations to remaining members of the message thread to join the competitive group; receiving responses to the sent invitations; generating the competitive group, the competitive group defined to include the first member and, each of the remaining members of the message thread that provides a positive response to the invitation; wherein membership in the competitive group provides access to a value of an activity metric for each of the members of the competitive group.

[0024] In one embodiment, the value for the activity metric for a member of the competitive group is processed from activity data captured by an activity monitoring device associated with the member.

[0025] In one embodiment, activation of the option includes identifying the activity metric for which membership in the competitive group provides access.

[0026] In one embodiment, the activity metric is selected from a quantity of steps taken, a quantity of floors climbed, or a quantity of calories burned.

[0027] In another embodiment, a method for forming a competitive group is provided, comprising: determining a quantity of messaging from a first user to one or more second users; when the quantity of messaging exceeds a predefined threshold, then providing an option to the first user to create a competitive group inclusive of the first user and the one or more second users; wherein membership in the competitive group provides access to values of an activity metric for each of the members of the competitive group.

[0028] In one embodiment, the quantity of messaging is defined by a number of messages sent from the first user to the one or more second users.

[0029] In one embodiment, the quantity of messaging is defined by a frequency of messages sent from the first user to the one or more second users.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: in response to activation of the option to create the competitive group, sending invitations to each of the one or more second users to join the competitive group; receiving responses to the invitations; generating the competitive group based on the responses to the invitations.

[0031] In one embodiment, membership in the competitive group provides access to a group leaderboard, the group leaderboard configured to present a ranked order of the members of the group according to the values of the activity metric for each of the members of the competitive group. In another embodiment, a method is provided, comprising: receiving activity data associated with a first user account, the activity data associated with the first user account being determined from motion data detected by an activity tracking device associated with the first user account; receiving activity data associated with a second user account, the activity data associated with the second user account being determined from motion data detected by an activity tracking device associated with the second user account; processing the activity data associated with the first user account to determine a cumulative activity level for the first user account; processing the activity data associated with the second user account to determine a cumulative activity level for the second user account; comparing the cumulative activity levels for the first and second user accounts; in response to detecting a passing event, defined by the cumulative activity level of the first or second user account surpassing that of the other, then generating and sending a message to the first user account and/or the second user account, the message identifying the passing event.

[0032] In one embodiment, generating the message includes selecting a message template for the passing event, and populating the message template with customized data based on the activity metrics of the first and/or second user account.

[0033] In one embodiment, selecting the message template is based on a magnitude of a difference between the cumulative activity levels of the first and second user accounts.

[0034] In one embodiment, selecting the message template is based on whether the message is to be sent to the first user account or the second user account.

[0035] In one embodiment, the activity metrics include one or more of steps taken, stairs climbed, floors climbed, distance traveled, active minutes, heart rate, and/or sleep data.

[0036] In one embodiment, sending the message to the first or second user account effects display of the message on one or more of the activity tracking device or a mobile device that is associated to the first or second user account, respectively.

[0037] In one embodiment, sending the message is defined by one or more of a push notification, a private message, or an e-mail.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method further includes: generating and sending a message identifying the passing event to a third user account, the third user account being identified as a member of a social graph of the first or second user account.

[0039] Other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of embodiments described in the present disclosure.

[0064] Embodiments described in the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus, computer readable media, and methods for fitness activity related messaging.

[0065] It should be noted that there are many inventions described and illustrated herein. The present inventions are neither limited to any single aspect nor embodiment thereof, nor to any combinations and/or permutations of such aspects and/or embodiments. Moreover, each of the aspects of the present inventions, and/or embodiments thereof, may be employed alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the present inventions and/or embodiments thereof. For the sake of brevity, many of those permutations and combinations will not be discussed separately herein.

[0066] Further, in the course of describing and illustrating the present inventions, various circuitry, architectures, structures, components, functions and/or elements, as well as combinations and/or permutations thereof, are set forth. It should be understood that circuitry, architectures, structures, components, functions and/or elements other than those specifically described and illustrated, are contemplated and are within the scope of the present inventions, as well as combinations and/or permutations thereof.

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an activity tracking device 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The activity tracking device 100 is contained in a housing, which may be worn or held by a user. The housing may be in the form of a wristband, a clip on device, a wearable device, or may be held by the user either in the user's hand or in a pocket or attached to the user's body. The activity tracking device 100 includes device components 102, which may be in the form of logic, storage, and glue logic, one or more processors, microelectronics, and interfacing circuitry. In one example, the components 102 will include a processor 106, memory 108, a wireless transceiver 110, a user interface 114, biometric sensors 116, and environmental sensors 118.

[0068] The environmental sensors 118 may be in the form of motion detecting sensors. In some embodiments, a motion sensor can be one or more of an accelerometer, or a gyroscope, or a rotary encoder, or a calorie measurement sensor, or a heat measurement sensor, or a moisture measurement sensor, or a displacement sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, or a pedometer, or an altimeter, or a linear motion sensor, or an angular motion sensor, or a multi-axis motion sensor, or a combination thereof. The biometric sensors 116 can be defined to measure physiological characteristics of the user that is using the activity tracking device 100. The user interface 114 provides a way for communicating with the activity tracking device 100, in response to user interaction 104. The user interaction 104 can be in the form of physical contact (e.g., without limitation, tapping, sliding, rubbing, multiple taps, gestures, etc.).

[0069] In some embodiments, the user interface 114 is configured to receive user interaction 104 by way of proximity sensors, button presses, touch sensitive screen inputs, graphical user interface inputs, voice inputs, sound inputs, etc. The activity tracking device 100 can communicate with a client and/or server 112 using the wireless transceiver 110. The wireless transceiver 110 will allow the activity tracking device 100 to communicate using a wireless connection, which is enabled by wireless communication logic. The wireless communication logic can be in the form of a circuit having radio communication capabilities. The radio communication capabilities can be in the form of a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a low-energy Bluetooth connection, or any other form of wireless tethering or near field communication. In still other embodiments, the activity tracking device 100 can communicate with other computing devices using a wired connection (not shown). As mentioned, the environmental sensors 118 can detect motion of the activity tracking device 100.

[0070] The motion can be activity of the user, such as walking, running, stair climbing, etc. The motion can also be in the form of physical contact received on any surface of the activity tracking device 110, so long as the environmental sensors 118 can detect such motion from the physical contact. Such physical contact may be in the form of a tap or multiple taps by a finger upon the housing of the activity tracking device 100.

[0071] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of activity tracking device 100 of FIG. 1A, showing some additional example components utilized for tracking activity and motion of the device, and associated interfaces to display screen 122. In one embodiment, examples of a display screen 122 can include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, light emitting diode (LED) screens, organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens, plasma display screens, etc.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1B, the activity tracking device 100 includes logic 158. Logic 158 may include activity tracking logic 140, motion-activated messaging logic 142, display interface logic 144, alarm management logic 146, wireless communication logic 148, processor 106, and sensors 156. Additionally, storage (e.g. memory) 108, and a battery 154 can be integrated within the activity tracking device 100. The activity tracking logic 140 can include logic that is configured to process motion data produced by sensors 156, so as to quantify the motion and produce identifiable metrics associated with the motion.

[0073] Some motions will produce and quantify various types of metrics, such as step count, stairs climbed, distance traveled, very active minutes, calories burned, etc. The physical contact logic 142 can include logic that calculates or determines when particular physical contact can qualify as an input. To qualify as an input, the physical contact detected by sensors 156 should have a particular pattern that is identifiable as input. For example, the input may be predefined to be a double tap input, and the physical contact logic 142 can analyze the motion to determine if a double tap indeed occurred in response to analyzing the sensor data produced by sensors 156.

[0074] The display interface logic 144 is configured to interface with the processor and the motion-activated messaging logic to determine when specific messages will be displayed on the display screen 122 of the activity tracking device 100. The display interface logic 144 can act to turn on the screen, display metric information, display characters or alphanumeric information, display graphical user interface graphics, or combinations thereof. Alarm management logic 146 can function to provide a user interface and settings for managing and receiving input from a user to set an alarm. The alarm management logic can interface with a timekeeping module (e.g., clock, calendar, time zone, etc.), and can trigger the activation of an alarm. The alarm can be in the form of an audible alarm or a non-audible alarm.

[0075] A non-audible alarm can provide such alarm by way of a vibration. The vibration can be produced by a motor integrated in the activity tracking device 100. The vibration can be defined to include various vibration patterns, intensities, and custom set patterns. The vibration produced by the motor or motors of the activity tracking device 100 can be managed by the alarm management logic 146 in conjunction with processing by the processor 106. The wireless communication logic 148 is configured for communication of the activity tracking device with another computing device by way of a wireless signal. The wireless signal can be in the form of a radio signal. As noted above, the radio signal can be in the form of a Wi-Fi signal, a Bluetooth signal, a low energy Bluetooth signal, or combinations thereof. The wireless communication logic can interface with the processor 106, storage 108 and battery 154 of device 100, for transferring activity data, which may be in the form of motion data or processed motion data, stored in the storage 108 to the computing device.

[0076] In one embodiment, processor 106 functions in conjunction with the various logic components 140, 142, 144, 146, and 148. The processor 106 can, in one embodiment, provide the functionality of any one or all of the logic components. In other embodiments, multiple chips can be used to separate the processing performed by any one of the logic components and the processor 106. Sensors 156 can communicate via a bus with the processor 106 and/or the logic components. The storage 108 is also in communication with the bus for providing storage of the motion data processed or tracked by the activity tracking device 100. Battery 154 is provided for providing power to the activity tracking device 100.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of activity tracking device 100 in communication with a remote device 200. Remote device 200 is a computing device that is capable of communicating wirelessly with activity tracking device 100 and with the Internet 160. Remote device 200 can support installation and execution of applications. Such applications can include an activity tracking application 202. Activity tracking application 202 can be downloaded from a server. The server can be a specialized server or a server that provides applications to devices, such as an application store. Once the activity tracking application 202 is installed in the remote device 200, the remote device 200 can communicate or be set to communicate with activity tracking device 100 (Device A). The remote device 200 can be a smartphone, a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or any other computing device capable of wirelessly interfacing with Device A and the Internet.

[0078] In one embodiment, remote device 200 communicates with activity tracking device 100 over a Bluetooth connection. In one embodiment, the Bluetooth connection is a low energy Bluetooth connection (e.g., Bluetooth LE, BLE, or Bluetooth Smart). Low energy Bluetooth is configured for providing low power consumption relative to standard Bluetooth circuitry. Low energy Bluetooth uses, in one embodiment, a 2.4 GHz radio frequency, which allows for dual mode devices to share a single radio antenna. In one embodiment, low energy Bluetooth connections can function at distances up to 50 meters, with over the air data rates ranging between 1-3 megabits (Mb) per second. In one embodiment, a proximity distance for communication can be defined by the particular wireless link, and is not tied to any specific standard. It should be understood that the proximity distance limitation will change in accordance with changes to existing standards and in view of future standards and/or circuitry and capabilities.

[0079] Remote device 200 can also communicate with the Internet 160 using an Internet connection. The Internet connection of the remote device 200 can include cellular connections, wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, and combinations thereof (such as connections to switches between different types of connection links). The remote device, as mentioned above, can be a smartphone or tablet computer, or any other type of computing device having access to the Internet and with capabilities for communicating with the activity tracking device 100.

[0080] A server 220 is also provided, which is interfaced with the Internet 160. The server 220 can include a number of applications that service the activity tracking device 100, and the associated users of the activity tracking device 100 by way of user accounts. For example, the server 220 can include an activity management application 224. The activity management application 224 can include logic for providing access to various devices 100, which are associated with user accounts managed by server 220. Server 220 can include storage 226 that includes various user profiles associated with the various user accounts. The user account 228a for user A and the user account 228n for user N are shown to include various information.

[0081] The information can include, without limitation, data associated with motion-activated messaging 230, user data, etc. The motion-activated messaging data 230 includes information regarding a user's preferences, settings, and configurations which are settable by the user or set by default at the server 220 when accessing a respective user account. The storage 226 will include any number of user profiles, depending on the number of registered users having user accounts for their respective activity tracking devices. It should also be noted that a single user account can have various or multiple devices associated therewith, and the multiple devices can be individually customized, managed and accessed by a user. In one embodiment, the server 220 provides access to a user to view the user data 232 associated with activity tracking device. The data viewable by the user includes the tracked motion data, which is processed to identify a plurality of metrics associated with the motion data. The metrics are shown in various graphical user interfaces of a website enabled by the server 220. The website can include various pages with graphical user interfaces for rendering and displaying the various metrics for view by the user associated with the user account. In one embodiment, the website can also include interfaces that allow for data entry and configuration by the user.

[0082] The monitoring device of the present inventions may use one, some or all of the following sensors to acquire physiological data, including the physiological data outlined in the table below. All combinations and permutations of physiological sensors and/or physiological data are intended to fall within the scope of the present inventions. The monitoring device of the present inventions may include but is not limited to the types one, some or all of sensors specified below to acquire the corresponding physiological data; indeed, other type(s) of sensors may be employed to acquire the corresponding physiological data, which are intended to fall within the scope of the present inventions. Additionally, the device may derive the physiological data from the corresponding sensor output data, but is not limited to the number or types of physiological data that it could derive from said sensor.

Physiological Sensors	Physiological data acquired
Optical Reflectometer	Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability
Potential embodiments:	SpO2 (Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen)
Light emitter and receiver	Respiration
Multi or single LED and	Stress
photo diode arrangement	Blood pressure
Wavelength tuned for specific	Arterial Stiffness
physiological signals	Blood glucose levels
Synchronous detection/	Blood volume
amplitude modulation	Heart rate recovery
	Cardiac health
Motion Detector	Activity level detection
Potential embodiments:	Sitting/standing detection
Inertial, Gyro or	Fall detection
Accelerometer GPS
Skin Temp	Stress
EMG	Muscle tension
EKG	Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Heart
Potential Embodiments:	Rate Recovery
1 lead	Stress
2 lead	Cardiac health
Magnetometer	Activity level based on rotation
Laser Doppler
Power Meter
Ultra Sound	Blood flow
Audio	Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Heart
	Rate Recovery
	Laugh detection
	Respiration
	Respiration type-snoring, breathing,
	breathing problems
	User's voice
Strain gauge	Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability
Potential embodiment:	Stress
In a wrist band
Wet sensor	Stress
Potential embodiment:	Swimming detection
galvanic skin response	Shower detection

[0083] Additional examples of types of data which may be acquired by, or processed from data acquired by, a monitoring device in accordance with embodiments of the invention, are further described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/221,234, filed Mar. 20, 2014, entitled “Portable Monitoring Devices for Processing Applications and Processing Analysis of Physiological Conditions of a User Associated With the Portable Monitoring Device,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates an interface configured to display activity metrics/data based on activity data recorded by an activity tracking device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated interface is provided by way of example only, without limitation, for purposes of illustrating possible elements of an interface which may be utilized by a user to understand their personal activity metrics as well as those of friends. Broadly speaking, the illustrated interface is organized into various information modules or panels which are configured to display various types of information.

[0085] A recent activity module 300 is configured to graphically display various metrics from recently detected activity of the user, such as the number of calories burned over time, a number of steps taken over time, or a number of floors climbed over time. In the illustrated embodiment, the module 300 is configured to display a number of calories burned during the course of the present day. A steps module 302 is configured to display a total number of steps taken over a given time period (e.g. last hour, current day, current week, etc.) or towards a particular goal or milestone. In one embodiment, the display of the step count is graphically portrayed, e.g. by a circular meter.

[0086] A friends module 304 is configured to display a listing of friends of the user on a social network. The friends are members of a social graph of the user that is defined by the social network. In the illustrated embodiment, the listing of friends includes names (or user names) of the friends of the user along with their profile pictures, and also includes a value of an activity metric for each of the friends. In the illustrated embodiment, each friend listed also includes a step count for that friend. In one embodiment, the friends are listed according to the activity metric, e.g. in descending order from highest to lowest total step count. In this manner, the friends module 304 provides a ranked ordering of the friends of the user, and may also show where the user ranks amongst his/her friends with respect to the particular activity metric. As discussed in further detail below, the user may initiate messaging to a friend, e.g. by clicking on or otherwise selecting the friend's entry in the friends module 304.

[0087] A calories module 306 is configured to display a number of calories burned by the user over a given period of time, e.g. during the current day. In one embodiment, a graphical representation of the number of calories burned may be provided, such as a meter or graph.

[0088] A distance module 308 is configured to display a distance traveled by the user over a given time period, e.g. during the current day. The distance traveled can also be graphically represented by a meter or graph.

[0089] An active minutes module 310 is configured to display a number of minutes for which the user has been engaged in increased levels of activity, during a given time period, e.g. during the current day. The number of active minutes can be graphically represented by a meter or graph.

[0090] A sleep module 314 is configured to display an amount of time that the user has spent sleeping, e.g. during a recent time period such as the previous 24-hour period, or the most recent period of sleep. In one embodiment, the amount of sleep can be graphically represented by an identified portion of a clock.

[0091] A food plan module 316 is configured to display information related to the user's diet or food plan. In one embodiment, the food plan module 316 is configured to display a number of calories remaining for consumption by the user during that day before exceeding a target number of calories. In one embodiment, the number of calories remaining can be represented graphically by a meter.

[0092] A weight module 318 is configured to information related to the weight of the user, such as the current weight of the user or an amount of weight remaining to lose in order to reach a target weight. In one embodiment, the weight information can be graphically represented by a meter or graph.

[0093] FIG. 4 illustrates a listing of members from a social graph of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The social graph is defined on a social network of users, each of whom has an account on the social network. Each user's account is configured to track activity data and metrics associated with that user, including that which is based on data recorded by an activity tracking device associated with the user. In this manner, the social network differs from other types of social networks in that activity data and metrics of various users can be made available to members of the social graph of a user, and even to members of the social network in general if the user so chooses based on user settings.

[0094] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the listing of each member of the social graph of the user additionally includes a value for an activity metric that is associated with that particular member. In the illustrated embodiment, a seven-day total step count is provided. Furthermore each of the listed members of the social graph is ranked according to their seven-day total step count, and the members of the social graph are listed in order according to their determined ranking. In this manner, the listing of members from the social graph of the user also functions as a leaderboard, displaying a ranked ordering of users based on values for an activity metric for each of the users.

[0095] Though in the illustrated embodiment, a seven-day step total is utilized, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, any activity metric can be displayed and/or utilized for purposes of determining a ranking of members of the social graph of the user, wherein the ranking is applied to determine the order of a listing of members of the social graph of the user. In some embodiments, the ranking may be determined by a combination of activity metrics, or with reference to individualized goals.

[0096] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the listing for the user “Johnny” is defined to include a profile picture 400, and Johnny's seven-day step total (ref 402, 115,068 steps). The listing/leaderboard of members of the social graph of the user additionally serves as a launch point for generating a message to another user. Broadly speaking, each user is associated with an account that is defined to be capable of sending and receiving messages to other users. In the illustrated embodiment, when the current user selects the listing for the user Johnny (e.g. by hovering a mouse pointer over, clicking on, or otherwise indicating selection of, Johnny's listing entry), then several options for messaging are presented to the user.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, an icon 404 may be selected to initiate generation of a normal message to the user Johnny. An icon 406 may be selected to initiate generation of a taunting message to the user Johnny. And an icon 408 can be selected to initiate generation of a cheering message to the user Johnny Selection of any of the foregoing icons may trigger display of a text entry field for the user to enter text to define the message. In one embodiment, sending of a normal message requires entry of text, whereas sending of a taunting message or a cheering message does not require entry of text.

[0098] FIG. 5A illustrates an interface for selected a type of message to send to a user on a social network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the interface shown can be configured to display on a mobile device, whereas in other embodiments, the interface can be configured display on any device capable of supporting the functionality described herein for selecting a type of message.

[0099] In one embodiment, the interface may have been reached by navigating from a listing of friends of the current user on the social network, e.g. by selecting a particular friend from the listing in order to view additional details about the selected friend. In the illustrated embodiment, details about a friend of the current user named “Emily” are displayed, including the number of steps taken by Emily per day as well as the date Emily joined the social network. A button 500 is provided for navigating back to the listing of friends. A button 502 is provided for initiating a procedure for generating a message to Emily, which as shown, has resulted in the display of a message type selection interface 503 for determining a type of message to generate to the user Emily.

[0100] A button 504 is provided for generating a cheering message. When selected the button 504 is selected, the cheering message can be sent without any further input from the current user, or a text entry interface can be presented to allow the current user to define text to be included in the cheering message.

[0101] A button 506 is provided for generating a taunting message. When the button 506 is selected, the taunting message can be sent without any further input from the current user, or a text entry interface can be presented to allow the current user to define text to be included in the taunting message.

[0102] A button 508 is provided for generating a generic message. In response to triggering the button 508, a text entry interface is provided for allowing the current user to enter text to define the generic message.

[0103] A button 510 is provided for canceling the message type selection operation, such that no message will be generated or sent, and the message type selection interface 503 is removed from display.

[0104] FIG. 5B illustrates a confirmation of a sent message to another user of a social network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The illustrated embodiment shows the result of sending a taunting message to the user Emily, based on selection of the button 506 of FIG. 5A. Following selection of the button 506, the taunting message may have been sent without further user input, or sent following an opportunity for the sending user to enter text (with a subsequent action to cause the taunting message to be sent, such as pressing a “send” button). As shown with continued reference to FIG. 5B, a confirmation dialogue 520 indicates that the sending user has taunted the user Emily.

[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates an interface for viewing contents of an inbox of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The user's inbox includes various messages from other users, as well as system-generated notifications which inform the user about various aspects of the user's fitness related activity. In the illustrated embodiment, an inbox of a user “Ryan” is shown. The inbox is displayed in response to selection of an option 600, which triggers display of the messages in the user Ryan's inbox.

[0106] As shown, various messages/notifications are displayed in a scrollable list. A message 602 is from a user “Nicki” (ref 608). The message 602 includes a profile picture 604 of the user Nicki. A taunting icon 606 indicates that the message 602 is a taunting message. The message 602 is further defined by text content 610, which was previously entered by the user Nicki. At ref. 612, a time is associated with the message 602, indicating when the message was sent/received. In the illustrated embodiment, the message 602 was sent/received 29 seconds ago.

[0107] A message 614 is defined from a user “Dave” (ref. 622). A profile picture 616 of the user Dave is shown, and a generic message icon 618 indicates that the message 614 is a regular or generic message (as opposed to a cheering or taunting message). The message 614 is defined by text content 622 provided by the user Dave. And a time indication 624 shows that the message 614 was sent/received approximately one minute ago.

[0108] A connection request 626 indicates that the user Dave wishes to be friends with the user Ryan on the social network (ref. 630). The request 626 includes a social icon 628, and a time indication 632 showing the request was sent/received approximately two hours ago. Upon selection or opening of the request 626, options can be provided to the user Ryan to accept or ignore the request. Acceptance of the request will cause the users Dave and Ryan to be connected on the social network, such as each user becomes a member of the other's social graph.

[0109] A message 634 is defined from a user “Cameron” (ref 640). A profile picture 636 of the user Cameron is displayed. A cheering icon 638 indicates that the message 634 is a cheering message. The message 634 is defined by text content 642 which was entered by the user Cameron. Furthermore, a time indication 644 is shown, indicating that the message was sent/received on a prior Sunday.

[0110] In addition to messages which are defined and sent by specific users, system-generated notifications can be displayed in the listing of messages. For example, a passing notification 646 can be shown, indicating that the user Ryan has been passed by another user with respect to an activity metric. In other words, another user has attained a value for the activity metric that is superior to that of the user Ryan (value may be greater or less than that of the user Ryan depending upon the particular activity metric being compared). In the illustrated embodiment, the passing notification 646 includes an icon 648 indicating the type of activity metric is a step count. The text portion 650 of the notification 646 indicates that the user Cameron and two other users have passed the user Ryan in terms of their step counts (i.e. have achieved a higher step count than the user Ryan). A time indication 652 indicates that this occurred on a prior Saturday.

[0111] In one embodiment, passing or being passed with respect to a given activity metric may trigger an opportunity for the user to send a message to another user who has been passed, or who passed, the instant user. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 6, the notification 646 can provide access to an option to send a message to the any of the user Cameron or the two other users who have passed the user Ryan. In one embodiment, such an option is presented upon selection or interaction with the notification 646. In another embodiment, such an option is presented automatically upon viewing of the notification. In other embodiments, such an option can be presented automatically only upon the first viewing of the notification, only upon a first predefined number of viewings of the notification, or until the instant user utilizes the option to send a message.

[0112] Another system-generated notification 654 indicates that the user Ryan has lost five pounds, and congratulates the user on the progress towards a weight goal (ref. 650). A profile icon 658 is configured to indicate the loss of five pounds, and an icon 658 is configured to display a trophy.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the messages and notifications are listed in reverse chronological order from top to bottom, so that the most recent messages or notifications are featured near the top of the listing. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the messages/notifications can be listed in any order so as to prioritize any given feature which may be associated with the messages/notifications. For example, in one embodiment, the messages may be organized according to the sending user's name, so that messages from a given user are grouped together. In another embodiment, the messages can be organized to feature those messages which are unread. In another embodiment, the messages can be organized based on predefined groups. For example, if the user is a member of a competitive group for a given fitness activity, then messages from other members of the competitive group may be collated for display. It should be appreciated that these and other methods of organizing and prioritizing a listing of messages can be combined in various configurations.

[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates a system for sending and receiving messages between users of a social network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An activity monitoring device 700 is configured to track activity of a user, as has been discussed above. An activity data storage 704 is configured to store activity data which have been detected or processed by the activity monitoring device 700. Synchronization logic 702 is configured to transmit such activity data to a user device 706, which may occur with varying frequency. The user device 706 includes synchronization logic 708 which is configured to manage receipt of the aforementioned activity data from the activity monitoring device 700, as well as manage transmission of such activity data (and data processed by the user device from such activity data) to a remote server 718 (via a network 716), the remote server 718 having synchronization logic 720 for handling receipt of such data and storing it to an activity data storage 726.

[0115] The user device 706 includes an application 710 which in various embodiments can be a dedicated application or a browser application. The application 710 is configured to provide access to the user's activity data, the social network, and provide for messaging functionality. The application 710 may retrieve (e.g. from the social data 728, via the social management logic 718) or store locally a friends list 712, which identifies friends of the user on the social network. Additionally, a messaging user interface 714 is provided for allowing the user to view messages as well as define and send messages to other users.

[0116] As alluded to above, the server 718 provides access to a social network that is defined by various social data stored to a social data storage 728. The social data includes information defining connections or other relationships between social network users, and thereby defines the social graphs of social network users. Social management logic 722 handles requests relating to the social data. For example, the application 710 may retrieve and display a news feed of current activity/posts from members of the social graph of the user. The application 710 may retrieve the news feed information by requesting it from the social management logic 722 of the remote server 718. In response to a given request, the social management logic 722 may query the social data storage 728 to both identify members of the user's social graph and retrieve posts/notifications/etc. which are related to or posted by the members of the user's social graph. In one embodiment, the social management logic 722 may also query the activity data storage 726 to retrieve activity data/metrics of members of the user's social graph. The retrieved data is returned to the application 710 for display in the social news feed at the user device 706.

[0117] It will be appreciated that the messaging user interface 714 of the application 710 may be triggered or activated from various contexts within the application 710. In one embodiment, the application 710 may be configured to allow the user to browse and view information about users in the friends list 712 (e.g. user name, date of joining the social network, activity metrics/data, etc.). When viewing information about a given friend, options may be provided to allow the user to send a message to the friend. Selection of such options may activate the messaging user interface 714 to permit the user to define and send a message to the friend. In another embodiment, the application 710 may enable viewing of a leaderboard for a given activity metric, wherein from the leaderboard, the user may access the messaging user interface 714 to send messages to the users/friends listed on the leaderboard (e.g. by selecting a given user on the leaderboard). In another embodiment, the messaging user interface 714 may be accessed from a view of a group to which the user belongs, enabling the user to send a message to another member of the group. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the messaging user interface 714 can be triggered or activated to permit the user to send a message to another user from any number of contexts wherein other users are identified via the application 710.

[0118] The remote server includes messaging logic 724 which is configured to handle messaging related requests and activities. For example, when a request is received to retrieve messages from the user's inbox, the messaging logic 724 retrieves the relevant messages from the message data storage 730, and returns them to the application 710 for display via the messaging UI 714. Furthermore, the messaging logic 730 receives data from the application 710 to define a new message to be sent to another user. The messaging logic 730 stores the new message based on the received data to the message data storage 730. The messaging logic 730 may also be configured to notify users when a new message has been received (e.g. send an alert/notification to the user's device).

[0119] With continued reference to FIG. 7, a second user device 732 is shown, including an application 734 (e.g. a browser or dedicated application) configured to provide a messaging UI 736. The messaging UI 736 provides the same functionality as that described with reference to the messaging UI 714. It will be appreciated that the user may access the messaging functionality described herein from any device which may access the network 716 and communicate with the server 718, and which can be configured to display the messaging UI. By way of example, in one embodiment, the user device 706 may be a mobile device such as a smart phone, whereas the user device 732 is another computing device such as a personal computer or laptop. The user may access their messages, as well as generate and send messages to other users from either device.

[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for sending a message to user of a social network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At method operation 800, a user is authenticated or logged in to the social network. At method operation 802, one or more friends of the user (i.e. members of the user's social graph) are identified and presented in a listing/directory of friends. Additionally, activity metrics/data for each of the friends can be presented. At method operation 804, an interaction with one of the entries in the directory of friends is detected. At method operation 806, in response to the detected interaction, messaging options are presented for enabling the user to select a type of message to send to the friend with whose entry the user interacted. At method operation 808, a selection of one of the messaging options is received. At method operation 810, a text input interface is presented. At method operation 812, user-generated text is received via the text input interface. At method operation 814, the message data defined by the selected messaging option and the user-generated text is transmitted to a remote server to define a new message sent to the selected friend.

[0121] FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates sending a message from a first user to a second user, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a user 900 operates an activity monitoring device 902 in conjunction with a user device 904. Activity data recorded by the activity monitoring device 902 can be stored to a cloud-based user activity data storage 912. Another user 906 (“John”) operates an activity monitoring device 908 in conjunction with a user device 910. The activity data recorded by the activity monitoring device 908 is also stored to the user activity data storage 912. The users 900 and 906 are members of each other's social graphs, as defined in a social data storage 914.

[0122] From the user device 904, the user 900 accesses a friends list 916 which includes names of users who are members of the user's 900 social graph, including the user 906 (“John”), as well as an activity metric (e.g. a step count) associated with each user. In the illustrated embodiment, selection of the entry for the user “John” provides access to various options (ref 918) for selecting a type of message to generate to the user “John.” The options may include an option to generate a regular message, a cheering message, or a taunting message. Selection of one of the options may then provide access to a text entry field 920 to allow the user 900 to enter text to define the message. In some embodiments, separate fields are provided to enter text for a subject and a body of the message. The indicated selection of the type of message and the text input provided by the user 900 define message data 922. It should be appreciated that the message data 922 may include additional information such as the identity of the sending user (user 900), the identity of the receiving user (user 906), a time stamp, etc. The message is sent to the user 906 by storing it in association with the user's 906 inbox/account. The user 906 may view the message by accessing his/her inbox via the user device 910.

[0123] FIG. 10A conceptually illustrates generation of a leaderboard via a messaging procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An inbox view 1000 shows messages in an inbox for a user Pete. A new message button 1002 is selected to access a message creation interface 1004 for creating a new message. The message creation interface 1004 includes a recipient field 1006 wherein recipients of the new message may be entered (e.g. utilizing an identifier such as a user name, address, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the sending user (Pete) has designated the users “Bob,” “John,” “Jane,” and “Ann” to receive the new message. A subject field 1008 is provided for the sending user (Pete) to enter a subject for the message; and a body field 1010 is provided for the entry of text to define the body of the message.

[0124] Additionally, a leaderboard option (ref. 1012) is provided whereby the sending user may opt to generate a leaderboard for an activity metric that will be associated with the message (and any thread of messages generated based on the new message). Selection of the leaderboard option provides access to a leaderboard definition interface 1014 that is configured to allow the sending user to define specifics for the leaderboard. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sending user may select what activity metric the leaderboard will track (ref. 1016), such as steps, floors climbed, distance traveled, active minutes, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the sending user has selected the leaderboard to track a number of steps. It will be appreciated that more than one activity metric can be designated for tracking on the leaderboard. The sending user may also determine a duration for which the leaderboard will be active, such as until a specific date, for a predefined duration, or indefinitely. In the illustrated embodiment, the sending user has defined the leaderboard to be active for a duration of five days.

[0125] The message creation interface 1004 further includes a button 1020 to send the new message, and a button 1022 to cancel the new message. After the message is sent, the message will appear in the inbox view 1024 of the user Bob who is a recipient of the message. By selecting the message preview 1026, an entire view of the message (ref 1028) is accessed. The message 1028 includes an option (ref. 1030) to join the leaderboard. In the illustrated embodiment, buttons for indicating yes or no are provided (ref 1030) whereby the user Bob may indicate whether he wishes to join the leaderboard.

[0126] It will be appreciated that those users who respond positively to the request to join the leaderboard will be members of a competitive group that has been formed based on the message sent by the user Pete. The leaderboard can be displayed in conjunction with viewing of a message that is a part of the message thread (that is defined by the first message sent by the user Pete and any subsequent replies, or replies to replies). Those users that respond positively to the request to join the leaderboard will have their activity metric for which the leaderboard is defined (e.g. step count) tracked on the leaderboard and made available to other members of the competitive group, and they will likewise be able to see other members' activity metrics on the leaderboard.

[0127] FIG. 10B illustrates a view of a message thread and accompanying leaderboard, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10A. Shown at left is a message thread defined by the original message sent by the user Pete (ref 1040) and several replies, including messages 1042, 1044, and 1046. The associated leaderboard 1048 is shown at right, and includes the names of the users that have responded positively to the request to join the leaderboard, and displays the users in a ranked order from highest step count to lowest.

[0128] FIG. 10C conceptually illustrates creation of a competitive group based on an amount of messaging between users, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A messaging system can be configured to determine a quantity or amount of messaging from a given user to other users, and when the quantity exceeds a predefined threshold, present an option for the given user to define a competitive group to include the given user and the other users. In the illustrated embodiment, the message creation interface 1004 is shown, similar to that shown and described with reference to FIG. 10A. A recipient field 1006, a subject field 1008, a body field 1010, a send button 1020, a cancel button 1022, and a save draft button 1060 are provided.

[0129] In response to detecting that the sending user has entered the names of users in the recipient field 1006 whom the sending user messages frequently (or whom the sending user has messaged many times), then an option to form a group including the recipients is displayed (ref. 1062). Upon activation of the option, invitations are sent to the other users to join the group (ref. 1064). Based on received responses to the invitations (ref. 1066), the group is generated (ref 1068).

[0130] It should be appreciated that a user's messaging history may be analyzed in various ways to determine when to provide the option to form a group. For example, in one embodiment, when a user has messaged the same plurality of users a given number of times that exceeds a predefined threshold, then the option may be provided upon the next instance where the user creates a message designating the plurality of users as recipients. In one embodiment, the option to form a group is presented when a user has messaged the same users with a frequency or rate that exceeds a predefined threshold frequency or rate.

[0131] Additionally, the group that is formed may be a competitive group for which membership provides access to values of an activity metric for each of the members of the group. A leaderboard may be accessed by the members of the competitive group, and may display a ranked ordering of the members of the group based on their respective activity metric values.

[0132] FIG. 11 illustrates a system for providing leaderboard functionality in conjunction with messaging, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An activity monitoring device 1100 interfaces with a user device 1102. The user device 1102 is configured to execute an application 1104 including a synchronization module 1106 for syncing data from the activity monitoring device 1100 to a cloud-based user activity data storage 1124. A messaging UI 1108 provides for the viewing of messages from an inbox of the user, as well as generation of new messages that are sent to other users. A leaderboard module 1110 is provided for enabling the user to define parameters for a leaderboard that is to be associated with a given message to be sent, and also provides for retrieval and viewing of a leaderboard that is associated with a given message thread.

[0133] The messaging server 1112 defines an API 1114 for accessing data such as message data defined in a message data storage 1122, and user activity data defined in the user activity data 1124. Message creation logic 1116 is provided for managing the generation of new messages. Message retrieval logic 1118 is provided for responding to requests to retrieve messages for a given user. Leaderboard logic 1120 is configured to generate a leaderboard that is to be associated with a given message thread. For example, the leaderboard logic 1120 can be configured to generate a leaderboard based on responses to requests to join a given leaderboard which have been sent to one or more users, as previously described.

[0134] The server 1112 may further define a messaging analyzer 1126 which is configured to analyze a user's messaging history to determine the quantity of messaging occurring between a given user and other users. The quantity of messaging can be defined by a number of messages sent, a frequency of messaging, or other metrics which quantify the messaging between the given user and other users.

[0135] Group logic 1128 is provided for handling group generation and management, including providing an option to generate a group when a given user's messaging to specific users exceeds a predefined threshold. The group logic 1128 may send invitations to join a group, and generate the group based on the received responses to the invitations.

[0136] In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for identifying interesting, unusual, or otherwise significant activity by a user of an activity tracking device, and delivering messages that are related to the identified activity. Broadly speaking, a user's activity metrics/data can be analyzed to identify characteristic activity levels or patterns, and deviations from the characteristic activity levels or patterns can be identified. In response to the identification of such deviations, messages can be generated and sent to the user.

[0137] FIG. 12A conceptually illustrates determination of characteristic activity levels for a given time period, and the application thereof to identify unusual activity, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each of the graphs 1200, 1204, and 1208 illustrates an activity metric versus time for a given user. In the graph 1200, the activity metric over time is represented by the curve 1202; in the graph 1204, the activity metric over time is represented by the curve 1206; and in the graph 1208, the activity metric over time is represented by the curve 1210. As shown, time periods P.sub.1, P.sub.2, and P.sub.3 are identified in the graphs 1200, 1204, and 1208, respectively.

[0138] The time periods P.sub.1, P.sub.2, and P.sub.3 are analogous, similar, or recurrent time periods that have a same or similar time frame. That is, the time periods have a common temporal characteristic. By way of example, without limitation, each of the time periods may be the same or similar in any of the following respects: time of day (e.g. mornings, afternoons, evenings, etc.), timespan as defined by start time of day and end time of day (e.g. 6 am to 9 am), duration (e.g. hours, days, weeks, months, years), day(s) of the week (e.g. Mondays, weekdays, weekends, etc.), day(s) of the month (e.g. 1.sup.st day of the month), week(s) of the month, month(s) of the year, etc.

[0139] It will be appreciated that in addition to time periods P.sub.1, P.sub.2, and P.sub.3, there may be additional time periods having the same or similar time frame. The activity metric values for each of these time periods can be processed to determine a characteristic activity level for the recurrent time period, which is indicated by the curve 1214 shown at graph 1212. The characteristic activity level defines characteristic, expected, predicted, normal or otherwise typical activity metric values or levels for the time period. In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristic activity level for the generic period of time P.sub.0 is represented by the curve 1214, and more specifically, has been determined to have a value 26. It should be appreciated that the units supplied with reference to the activity metric are arbitrary and provided for purposes of illustration.

[0140] In one embodiment, the characteristic activity level is defined by an average or mean of the activity metric values of the periods of time. In some embodiments, this can be conceptualized as the sum of the areas under the curves 1202, 1206, 1210, etc. during the respective periods of time P1, P2, P3, etc. and divided by the number of the time periods considered and the duration of a given generic time period. In other embodiments, the characteristic activity level is defined by a median or mode of the activity metric values of the periods of time. In other embodiments, any known method for determining characteristic activity levels may be applied that defines characteristic, expected or typical activity metric value(s) for the time period.

[0141] In some implementations, the characteristic activity metric level is defined by a singular overall value for the time period (as in the illustrated embodiment). However, in other implementations, characteristic activity metric levels can be defined with greater granularity ranging from the entirety of the time period (resulting in the aforementioned singular overall value) to any temporal subdivision of the period of time, to being continuously defined. In some implementations, a minimum temporal subdivision for the period of time may be defined based on a minimum time duration for which an activity metric value can be determined. In some embodiments, the characteristic activity levels can be determined by averaging or characterizing the activity metric curves together to define an average or characteristic curve.

[0142] With continued reference to FIG. 12A, at a graph 1216, an activity metric curve 1218 during a recent similar period of time P.sub.n is shown. The user's activity as defined by the curve 1218 is compared against the characteristic activity level to identify unusual activity. In some embodiments, when the activity metric value exceeds the characteristic activity level by a threshold amount, then unusual activity is identified, and a message that includes descriptive information about such an event can be generated and sent to a user's account. In the illustrated embodiment, a threshold value of 10 units above the characteristic activity level value of 26 is shown. That is, when the activity metric values exceed 36 units, then an unusual activity is detected, and a message can be generated and sent. In the illustrated embodiment, the activity metric exceeds 36 units, and so a message identifying this event can be generated and sent to the user.

[0143] FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate activity levels for a user on two different days, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 12A, a curve 1222 defines activity metric value versus time for a first day. In FIG. 12B, a curve 1226 defines activity metric value versus time for a later second day. The activity metric levels for each of the first day and the second day can be analyzed and compared with each other.

[0144] It will be appreciated that the first day and the second day can be any two days for which activity data of the user are recorded (e.g. two days in succession, two of the same day of the week (e.g. two Saturdays), etc.). The activity metrics of the two days can be compared to identify interesting differences or changes from the first day to the second day. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, on the second day, as shown at reference 1230, the user's activity level in the morning is greatly increased as compared to that of the first day. Furthermore, the total activity amount for the second day is greater than that of the first day (conceptualized as the area 1228 under the curve 1226 for the second day versus the area 1224 under the curve 1222 for the first day.

[0145] FIG. 12D illustrates a graph showing characteristic activity levels for a week, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A curve 1232 indicates characteristic activity levels for a user over time, for a given activity metric. As can be seen, the activity levels generally follow a pattern of periods of activity during each day, separated by periods of minimal activity, when the user is asleep. During sleep, there is a minimal activity level indicated in the graph by the baseline 1234.

[0146] Deviations from the characteristic activity levels on a given day can be detected. For example, as indicated at reference 1236, the user may exhibit a level of activity on a Monday that is substantially greater than the characteristic activity level for that time. Upon detection of such activity, a message identifying and/or describing the deviation from normal activity levels can be sent to the user. As another example shown in the illustrated graph, the user's activity level on a Thursday may typically include elevated activity levels on Thursday nights (e.g. user plays basketball on Thursday nights). However, on a given Thursday, the elevated activity level may be even greater than normal, as indicated at reference 1238. In response to detection of this occurrence, a message can be generated and sent to the user, identifying and describing the activity.

[0147] The threshold for detection of unusual activity can be context dependent. For example, the threshold for detection of unusual activity for the time period at reference 1236, when activity levels are normally not especially elevated, can be greater than the threshold for detection for the time period at reference 1238, when it is expected that activity levels will already be elevated, and hence even higher elevated activity levels may be considered significant at a lower threshold relative to the already elevated activity levels.

[0148] Messages which are generated in response to detection of interesting or unusual activity can be customized to include relevant activity metrics/data that is descriptive of the activity (e.g. “You improved on yesterday's stepcount by 1000 steps,” “You're only 500 steps from beating last week's total”, etc.). Generated messages which are descriptive of the unusual activity are sent to a user account associated with the user. Throughout the present disclosure, messages are described as being sent to users for ease of description, though it will be understood that this includes sending the messages to user accounts that are associated with the users. Messages can be sent via any of a variety of messaging technologies including, but not limited to, private messages, e-mail, push notifications, etc. Additionally, messages may be sent to additional users who are members of the primary user's social graph.

[0149] It will be appreciated that detection of interesting or unusual activity may be determined according to any of various methods and techniques. Broadly speaking, activity data for first and second periods of time, which have a similar time frame, can be analyzed to determine characteristic activity levels for the periods of time. These may be compared to determine deviations between the two periods of time, and so identify interesting or unusual activity by a user. For example, in one embodiment, a historic mean level of activity is determined, and deviations from the historic mean can be detected. In other embodiments, other statistical measures of characteristic activity levels can be determined (e.g. median, mode, etc.) and deviations therefrom can be detected to identify interesting or unusual activity. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, such deviations are detected for current and/or recent time periods which are subsequent to the time period from which the historic mean is calculated, so as to provide feedback to the user regarding their current/recent activity. A deviation can be defined in various ways, such as a difference exceeding a predefined amount, a predefined threshold, a predefined fractional amount (e.g. difference exceeding a specified percentage difference), a predefined number of standard deviations, etc. In still other embodiments, any known method for identifying a statistically significant difference can be applied to activity data of a user to identify unusual activity.

[0150] In accordance with additional embodiments, group events can be defined in which two or more users participate based on their activity data. Examples of group events include challenges or races, in which users compete against one another to achieve a highest or otherwise best activity amount or other activity related outcome, missions in which users each have individual goals that are pursued together in the context of the group, and group goals where users collectively pursue a goal.

[0151] FIG. 13A is a flow diagram conceptually illustrating messaging generated for a group event, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a user A invites user B and user C to the group event, and user C in turn invites user D and user E to the group event. Upon joining the group event activity data 1300 for the users is analyzed and tracked for purposes of the group event, as indicated at reference 1302. Based on the analysis and tracking, the users can be ranked 1304, and significant events can be detected 1306. Based on the ranking and significant events, messages can be generated 1308, and propagated as notifications 1312 to some or all of the users, as well as to a message feed 1310 defined for the group event.

[0152] FIG. 13B illustrates a graph of activity metric versus time for a group event, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Each of the curves 1314, 1316, 1318, and 1320 indicates activity metric values/levels for users A, B, C, and D, respectively. During the course of the group event, each of the users is ranked based on their activity metric values/levels. Interesting activity occurring during the group event that indicates a changes in relationship between two or more of the users can be identified, and in response, messages can be generated and sent to user accounts that are associated with the users. For example, at reference 1322, the activity level for user A is about to surpass that of user B. Upon detection of such an event, a message can be generated indicating as such (e.g. “User A is gaining on User B and about to pass!”). Furthermore, the message may be customized based on the intended recipient. For example, the message to user A may be “Keep it up! You're about to pass User B!” Whereas, the message to user B may be “Watch out! User A is on your heels and gaining fast!”

[0153] When a passing event is detected in which the activity value/level of one user surpasses that of another, messages can also be generated and sent. With continued reference to FIG. 13B, at reference 1324, the activity level for user A passes that of user B. Upon detection of the passing event, a message can be generated identifying and/or describing the passing event. Again, the message can be customized based on the recipient. For example, since the passing event affects the first place ranking in the group event, this may something of interest to all participants, and therefore messages may be generated and sent to all the participants. Again, the messages may be customized based on the recipient. For example, the message to user A may be, “Congrats! You just passed user B to take first place!” Whereas the message to user B may be, “Uhoh! User A just stole first place from you!” And the messages sent to the remaining participants may be, “User A takes the lead!”

[0154] At reference 1326, the activity levels for users C and D are close to each other (differ by less than a predefined amount) for a length of time, and this may be identified as an interesting event. This will be interesting for user C and D, but may be of less interest to the remaining participants, as users C and D are not in the top rankings. Therefore, messages are generated and sent to users C and D that identify and describe this occurrence, but messages are not sent to the other participants. By way of example, the message to user C may be, “You and User D are running neck and neck!” whereas the message to user D may be, “You and User C are running neck and neck!”

[0155] At reference 1328, the activity level of user C surpasses that of user D by a large amount (greater than a threshold amount). Therefore, upon detection of this passing event, messages can be generated and sent to users C and D. For example, the message to user C may be, “You rocketed past User D into third place!” whereas the message to user D may be, “User D rocketed past you into third place!”

[0156] It will be appreciated that there may be any number of unusual or interesting events or changes in relationship between activity levels of users, and that such may be detected, and in response, messages can be generated and sent to some or all participating users. Messages can be customized to include activity metric data that is related to or descriptive of the significant event. Several examples are described herein for purposes of illustration, without limitation.

[0157] For example, when someone takes first place with a significant lead (e.g. a user “Joe” takes lead from a user “Sally”), messages to third parties may be “Joe rocketed past Sally into first place,” “Joe zoomed into first,” etc. When the recipient is the actor (e.g. “Joe”) the message may be “You rocketed past Sally into first place,” “You zoomed into 1.sup.st,” etc. When the recipient is the subject (e.g. “Sally”), the message may be “Joe rocketed past you into first place,” etc. In the table below, several examples of message templates are provided for the situation when someone takes first place with a significant lead (e.g. activity metric/level exceeds the second place person by at least a threshold amount). The message templates are tailored to the recipient depending upon whether the recipient is a third party (i.e. not involved in gaining or losing first place), an actor (i.e. person who takes first place), or the subject (i.e. person who previously held first place but now lost it). The message templates can include fillable fields for insertion of the appropriate names and relevant activity metric data (indicated in braces in the table below). By way of example, the relevant activity metric data may be a total cumulative amount of the activity metric for the first place person (according to which the ranking is determined), an amount of the activity metric acquired by the person to take first place, an amount by which the first place person is in the lead, etc.

Third Parties	Recipient is the Actor	Recipient is the Subject
{Joe} rocketed past {Sally} into	You rocketed past {Sally} into	{Joe} rocketed past you into
first place	first place	first place
{Joe} snatched the title from	You snatched the title from	{Joe} snatched your title
{Sally}	{Sally}
{Joe} took the crown from	You took the crown from	{Joe} took your crown
{Sally}	{Sally}
{Abby} knocked {Brad} out of	You knocked {Brad} out of 1st	{Abby} knocked you out of 1st
1st place	place	place
{Abby} zoomed into 1st	You zoomed into 1st
{Abby} flew past {Brad} into 1st	You flew past {Brad} into 1st	{Abby} flew past you into 1st
place	place	place
{ABBY} IS IN FRONT!!!	YOU'RE IN FRONT!!!
With {23,000} steps, {Joe} just	With {23,000} steps, you just
took a whale of a lead	took a whale of a lead
Watch out Tony Danza, looks	Watch out Tony Danza, looks
like {Joe} is the boss	like you're the boss
{Joe} trounced the competition	You trounced the competition
{Joe} gunned it into 1st place	You gunned it into 1st place
{Joe} stole the lead	You stole the lead
{Joe} shot straight past the pack	You shot straight past the pack
into 1st place	into 1st place
{Joe} took the lead . . . and boom	You took the lead . . . and boom
goes the dynamite	goes the dynamite
Some serious steppage has	Some serious steppage has
occurred. {Joe}'s snagged the	occurred. You've snagged the
lead	lead

[0158] For example, when someone (e.g. user “Joe”) takes first place with a modest lead, messages to third parties may be “Joe squeaked into 1.sup.st,” etc. When the recipient is the actor, the message may be “You squeaked into 1.sup.st,” etc. When the recipient is the subject, the message may be “Joe claimed your lead,” etc. In the table below, several examples of message templates are provided for the situation when someone takes first place with a modest lead (e.g. activity metric/level exceeds the second place person by less than a threshold amount). The message templates are tailored to the recipient depending upon whether the recipient is a third party (i.e. not involved in gaining or losing first place), an actor (i.e. person who takes first place), or the subject (i.e. person who previously held first place but now lost it). The message templates can include fillable fields for insertion of the appropriate names and relevant activity metric data (indicated in braces in the table below). By way of example, the relevant activity metric data may be a total cumulative amount of the activity metric for the first place person (according to which the ranking is determined), an amount of the activity metric acquired by the person to take first place, an amount by which the first place person is in the lead, etc.

Third Parties	Recipient is the Actor	Recipient is the Subject
{Abby} cruised into first place	You cruised into first place
{Brad} squeaked into 1st	You squeaked into 1st
{Joe} claimed the lead from	You claimed the lead from	{Joe} claimed your lead
{Sally}	{Sally}
{Brad} just demoted {Abby} to	You just demoted {Abby} to 2nd	{Brad} just demoted you to
2nd place	place	2nd place
{Abby} took 1st place	You took 1st place
{Abby} took the lead	You took the lead
{Brad} was in the lead . . . but not		You were in the lead . . . but not
anymore		anymore
{Abby} is out in front	You're out in front
{Abby}'s the new leader	You're the new leader
{Abby} is the new frontrunner	You are the new frontrunner
{Brad} is the new leader with	You are the new leader with
{23,000 steps}	{23,000 steps}
Leadership change: {Brad}'s in	Leadership change: you're in
front!	front!
Look out: {Abby}'s up top	Look out: you're up top

[0159] For example, when someone takes Nth place with a significant lead (e.g. user “Brad” overtakes user “Abby” by 3000 steps), messages to third parties could be “Brad's in front of Abby by 3000 steps,” etc. When the recipient is the actor (e.g. Brad), the message could be, “You're in front of Abby by 3000 steps,” etc. When the recipient is the subject, the message could be “Brad's in front of you by 3000 steps,” etc. In the table below, several examples of message templates are provided for the situation when someone takes Nth place with a significant lead (e.g. activity metric/level exceeds the next (N+1) place person by at least a threshold amount). The message templates are tailored to the recipient depending upon whether the recipient is a third party (i.e. not involved in gaining or losing Nth place), an actor (i.e. person who takes Nth place), or the subject (i.e. person who previously held Nth place but now lost it). The message templates can include fillable fields for insertion of the appropriate names and relevant activity metric data (indicated in braces in the table below). By way of example, the relevant activity metric data may be a total cumulative amount of the activity metric for the Nth place person (according to which the ranking is determined), an amount of the activity metric acquired by the person to take Nth place, an amount by which the Nth place person is ahead of the next (N+1) place person, etc.

Third Parties	Recipient is the Actor	Recipient is the Subject
{Brad}'s in front of {Abby} by	You're in front of {Abby} by	{Brad}'s in front of you by
{3,000} steps	{3,000} steps	{3,000} steps
{Brad} just took a {3,000} step	You just took a {3,000} step lead	{Brad} just took a {3,000} step
lead over {Abby}	over {Abby}	lead over you
{Brad}'s eating {Abby}'s dust	{Brad}'s eating your dust	You're eating {Abby}'s dust
{Joe} leapfrogged {Sally}	You leapfrogged {Sally}	{Joe} leapfrogged you
{Abby} rushed past {Brad}	You rushed past {Brad}	{Abby} rushed past you
{Joe} took a crushing lead over	You took a crushing lead over	{Joe} took a crushing lead over
{Sally}	{Sally}	you
{Brad} flew past {Abby}	You flew past {Abby}	{Brad} flew past you
{Brad} overtook {Abby} by	You overtook {Abby} by {3,000}	{Brad} overtook you by {3,000}
{3,000} steps	steps	steps
{Abby}'s crushing {Brad} right	You're crushing {Brad} right	{Abby}'s crushing you right
now:	now:	now:
{3,000} steps ahead	{3,000} steps ahead	{3,000} steps ahead
{Abby} powered past {Brad} by	You powered past {Brad} by	{Abby} powered past you by
{3,000} steps	{3,000} steps	{3,000} steps
{Brad} zoomed past {Abby}	You zoomed past {Abby}	{Brad} zoomed past you
{Abby} left {Brad} in the dust	You left {Brad} in the dust	{Abby} left you in the dust
{Brad}'s leading {Abby} by	You're leading {Abby} by	{Brad}'s leading you by {3,000}
{3,000}	{3,000}	steps now
steps now	steps now
{Joe} just rocked {Sally}'s world	You just rocked {Sally}'s world	{Joe} just rocked your world
{Joe} crushed {Sally}'s step total	You crushed {Sally}'s step total	{Joe} crushed your step total
{Joe} just dominated {Sally}'s	You just dominated {Sally}'s	{Joe} just dominated your lead
lead	lead
{Joe} delivered a blow to {Sally}	You delivered a blow to {Sally}	{Joe} delivered you a blow
{Joe} beat {Sally}'s total	You beat {Sally}'s total	{Joe} beat your total
{Joe} swept {Sally}'s total	You swept {Sally}'s total	{Joe} swept your total
{Joe} just showed {Sally} what's	You just showed {Sally} what's	{Joe} just showed you what's up
up	up
{2,000} more steps shows {Joe}	{2,000} more steps shows you're	{2,000} more steps shows {Joe}
is playing hardball with {Sally}	playing hardball with {Sally}	is playing hardball with you

[0160] In the table below, several examples of message templates are provided for the situation when someone takes Nth place with a modest lead (e.g. activity metric/level exceeds the next (N+1) place person by less than a threshold amount). The message templates are tailored to the recipient depending upon whether the recipient is a third party (i.e. not involved in gaining or losing Nth place), an actor (i.e. person who takes Nth place), or the subject (i.e. person who previously held Nth place but now lost it). The message templates can include fillable fields for insertion of the appropriate names and relevant activity metric data (indicated in braces in the table below). By way of example, the relevant activity metric data may be a total cumulative amount of the activity metric for the Nth place person (according to which the ranking is determined), an amount of the activity metric acquired by the person to take Nth place, an amount by which the Nth place person is ahead of the next (N+1) place person, etc.

Third Parties	Recipient is the Actor	Recipient is the Subject
Bad news for {Brad}. {Abby}	Bad news for {Brad}. You just	Bad news. {Abby} just pulled
just pulled ahead	pulled ahead	ahead of you
{Joe} surpassed {Sally}	You surpassed {Sally}	{Joe} surpassed you
{Joe} outstepped {Sally}	You outstepped {Sally}	{Joe} outstepped you
{Joe} overtook {Sally}	You overtook {Sally}	{Joe} overtook you
{Joe} bumped {Sally}	You bumped {Sally}	{Joe} bumped you
Move over {Sally}, {Joe}'s	Move over {Sally},	Move over {yourName}, {Joe}'s
making a play	{yourName}'s making a play	making a play
{Brad}'s moving up in the	You're moving up in the world
world
{Abby} passed {Brad}	You passed {Brad}	{Abby} passed you
{Abby} tiptoed past {Brad}	You tiptoed past {Brad}	{Abby} tiptoed past you
{Joe} snuck past {Sally}	You snuck past {Sally}	{Joe} snuck past you
{Joe} slid past {Sally}'s step	You slid past {Sally}'s step count	{Joe} slid past your step count
count
{Joe} stepped up to the bar that	You stepped up to the bar that	{Joe} stepped up to the bar that
{Sally}'s been setting	{Sally}'s been setting	you've been setting

[0161] In the table below, several examples of message templates are provided for the situation when two users have very close activity metrics (e.g. activity metric/level of Nth place person and next (N+1) place person is less than a threshold amount). The message templates are tailored to the recipient depending upon whether the recipient is a third party (i.e. not involved in gaining or losing Nth place) or an actor (i.e. person who holds Nth place or the next (N+1) place. The message templates can include fillable fields for insertion of the appropriate names and activity metric data (indicated in braces in the table below).

Third Parties	Recipient is an Actor
{Joe} and {Sally} are on each other's heels	You and {Sally} are on each other's heels
{Brad} and {Abby} are neck-and-neck	You and {Abby} are neck-and-neck
{Abby} and {Brad} are in close competition	You and {Brad} are in close competition
{Brad} and {Abby} are elbow to elbow	You and {Abby} are elbow to elbow
{Abby} and {Brad} are in tight formation	You and {Brad} are in tight formation
{Brad} and {Abby} are only a few steps apart	You and {Abby} are only a few steps apart
{Abby} and {Brad} are all tied up	You and {Brad} are all tied up
{Brad} and {Abby} are too close for comfort	You and {Abby} are too close for comfort
Between {Joe} and {Sally} it's too close to call	Between you and {Sally} it's too close to call
{Joe} and {Sally} are in serious competition	You and {Sally} are in serious competition
{Joe} and {Sally} are in a deadlock	You and {Sally} are in a deadlock
It's an even match between {Joe} and {Sally}	It's an even match between you and {Sally}
The race is ON between {Joe} and {Sally}	The race is ON between you and {Sally}
It's gonna be a close call between {Joe} and	It's gonna be a close call between you and {Sally}
{Sally}
{Joe} and {Sally} are lookin' Even Steven	You and {Sally} are lookin' Even Steven

[0162] For example, when the activity level of an individual user is approaching that of another user, then a private notification may be provided to the individual user (e.g. “You're only 500 steps behind Abby”), but not to other users. Examples of message templates for such a scenario are listed in the table below.

Get ready to pass {Brad}
You're only {500} steps behind {Abby}
Time for a walk! Only {500} steps before you overtake {Brad}
Ready to rock? Get {500} more steps to pass {Abby}!
You're only {500} steps behind Joe! Start practicing your victory dance

[0163] In a related example, a user that is about to be passed may receive a private notification (e.g. “Brad is only 500 steps behind you”). Examples of message templates for such a scenario are listed in the table below.

	{Abby}'s on your tail
	{Brad}'s coming to get you
	{Abby}'s only {500} steps behind you
	{Brad}'s catching up to you
	{Abby}'s sneaking up on you

[0164] In another example, a private notification may be sent in response to detection of a user being close to taking first place (or any other place) (e.g. “You're 500 steps from taking the lead today”). Examples of message templates for such a scenario are listed in the table below.

{500} more steps and you'll be blazing a trail to the winner's circle
You're making it rain! Storm your way to 1st place by taking {500} more
steps
You're {500} steps from taking the lead today
Crush {500} steps to capture 1st place
{500} steps to take the lead! The ball's in your court
Tired of second place? Take {500} more for the lead!
{500} more steps to jockey for first!

[0165] Further, personal achievements may be detected in the context of the group event, and related messages can be generated and sent. Examples of personal achievements include: someone making a significant change in activity level (but no change in position), someone reaching 100% of their goal today/yesterday, someone improving day over day, someone having a multi-day goal streak, etc.

[0166] In the table below, examples of message templates are provided for the scenario where someone made a significant change in their activity metric (e.g. acquiring an amount greater than a threshold amount), but no change in position.

Third Party	Recipient is the Actor
Woot! {Sally} locked in {1,500} steps	Woot! You locked in {1,500} steps
Chalk up {1,500} more for {Abby}	You chalked up {1,500} more
{Brad} added another {1,500} steps	You added another {1,500} steps
{Abby}'s on the move! + {1,500} steps	You're on the move! + {1,500} steps
{Brad} added {1,500} steps for a total of {4,567}	You added {1,500} steps for a total of {4,567}
{Brad}'s stepping up with {1,500} more on the	You're stepping up with {1,500} more on the
board	board
Whoa! {Joe} came out of left field with {1,500}	Whoa! You came out of left field with {1,500}
more steps	more steps
{Joe} logged a whopping {1,500} steps	You logged a whopping {1,500} steps
{1,500} steps? {Joe} just threw it down!	{1,500} steps? You just threw it down!
Jolly good work to {Sally} for those {1,500} steps	Jolly good work for those {1,500} steps
Sweet mother of pearl! {Sally} added {1,500}	Sweet mother of pearl! You added {1,500} more
more steps!	steps!
{1,500} steps, {Joe}'s off and running!	{1,500} steps, you're off and running!

[0167] In the table below, examples of message templates are provided for the scenario where someone reached 100% of their goal today.

Third Party	Recipient is the Actor
{Joe} crushed it! That step goal didn't even see it	You crushed it! That step goal didn't even see it
coming	coming
{Joe} did it! Step goal met	You did it! Step goal met
{Brad}'s on point. {10,000} steps for the day	You're on point. {10,000} steps for the day
{Abby} just hit {10,000} steps. Goal complete!	You just hit {10,000} steps. Goal complete!
Game, Step, Match! {Joe} beat today's step goal!	Game, Step, Match! You beat today's step goal!
Cue the fireworks, {Joe}'s rocking the step goal	Cue the fireworks, you're rocking the step goal
{10,000} steps for {Brad} today. KABOOM!	{10,000} steps for you today. KABOOM!
{Abby}'s step goal is toast	That step goal of yours is toast
Goal complete. Three cheers for {Joe}!	Your goal is complete. Three cheers!
That step goal was no match for {Joe}!	That step goal was no match for you!

[0168] In the table below, examples of message templates are provided for the scenario where someone reached 100% of their goal yesterday.

Third Party	You're the Actor
{Joe} crushed it yesterday! That step goal didn't	You crushed it yesterday! That step goal didn't
even see it coming	even see it coming
{Brad}'s was on point yesterday. {10,000} steps	You were on point yesterday. {10,000} steps for
for the day	the day
{Abby} hit {10,000} steps yesterday. Goal	You hit {10,000} steps yesterday. Goal complete!
complete!
{10,000} steps for {Brad} yesterday. WAHOO!	{10,000} steps for you yesterday. WAHOO!
That step goal yesterday was no match for {Joe}!	That step goal yesterday was no match for you!

[0169] In the table below, examples of message templates are provided for the scenario where somebody improved day over day.

Third Party	You're the Actor
{subject} really stepped up yesterday! {value} %	You really stepped up yesterday! {value} % more
more steps than the day before	steps than the day before
A {value} % improvement from $subject$	You made a {value} % improvement yesterday!
yesterday!
Props to {subject} for the {value} % boost yesterday	Props for the {value} % boost yesterday
{subject} pumped up the steps by {value} %	You pumped up the steps by {value} % yesterday
yesterday
{subject}'s step count went up {value} % day-over-	Your step count went up {value} % day-over-day
day

[0170] In the table below, examples of message templates are provided for the scenario where somebody has a multi-day goal streak.

Third Party	You're the Actor
{subject} hit {goal} steps for {value} days in a row!	You hit {goal} steps for {value} days in a
	row!
{value} days in a row getting {goal} steps. Well done,	{value} days in a row getting {goal} steps.
{subject}	Well done!
That's a {value} day streak for {subject}	That's a {value} day streak for you
How many days in a row can {subject} get {goal}	How many days in a row can you get {goal}
steps?	steps?
{value}	{value}
Can {subject} make it a {value + 1} goal streak today?	Can you make it a {value + 1} goal streak
	today?

[0171] Though various examples of message templates have been provided herein, it should be appreciated that such are provided by way of example, and not by way of limitation.

[0172] It will be appreciated that for a given detected event, notifications may be sent to (a) an individual user, (b) to selected ones (some) of the users, or (c) to all of the participating users, depending upon various factors such as the characteristics of or type of event that is detected, the identities of the users that are involved in or affected by the event, the current activity state of a given user, a calendar of a user, a location of a user, time of day, etc.

[0173] For example, in some implementations, all participating users receive notifications about changes in the first place ranking; whereas notifications about other rank changes (not affecting first place) are sent to only those users who are involved in the rank change (e.g. the users whose rankings have changed). In this manner, notifications are limited so that users do not receive too many notifications. It should be appreciated that though rank changes have generally been described with reference to two users (one user passing another), there may be situations where rank changes affect more than two users (e.g. a user passes two or more users).

[0174] In some implementations, when a passing event is detected which affects a ranking that is equal to or above a threshold ranking (e.g. change in first three places), then notification messages are sent to all the participating users in the group event. Whereas if a passing event is detected which affects a ranking below the threshold ranking (e.g. fourth place and below), then notification messages are not sent to all the participating users, but are sent to the users whose rankings have been affected.

[0175] FIG. 13C illustrates an interface for displaying data pertaining to a group event, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a one week challenge/race to determine who can achieve the highest stepcount is shown. A time remaining field 1330 is provided to display the amount of time remaining before the challenge is complete. A leaderboard 1332 lists the participating users and their associated stepcounts in a ranked order from highest to lowest. A messaging feed 1334 displays messages which have been generated for the group event. Messages may be generated automatically by the system upon detection of interesting activity as described herein. It will be appreciated that the messages appearing in the feed may be customized based on the user that is currently viewing the feed, so as to be contextually relevant to the current user, as described elsewhere herein. Furthermore, though examples of messages relating to significant activity between two users have been described, the messages can relate to any of the types of interesting/unusual activity described elsewhere herein.

[0176] Messages may also be posted by users to the messaging feed. Indeed, the messaging stemming from the automated detection of interesting activity occurring during the group event may encourage the participant users to interact more and post additional messages to the group messaging feed.

[0177] As has been noted, messages may be sent to one, some or all of the participant users. A message may appear in the messaging feed 1334, though a given user may or may not have received a notification containing the message. For example, in the implementation described above wherein notifications regarding changes in rank other than first place are sent only to those users involved, appropriate messages for the change in rank may appear in the message feed provided to other users, notwithstanding that they did not receive a notification. In this manner, the other users have access to the complete messaging activity history when accessing the message feed, but receive notifications selectively so as not to be overwhelmed with excessive notifications.

[0178] Additionally, users may cheer, taunt, and otherwise respond to specific messages.

[0179] FIG. 13D illustrates a system for providing notifications to a user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An activity tracking device 1342 is associated with a user 1340. Activity data processing logic 1346 processes data from the activity tracking device 1342 for storage to an activity data storage 1348. Analysis logic 1352 is configured to analyze activity data for the user 1340, to identify interesting or unusual activity. The analysis logic 1352 may employ various analysis templates 1354 to identify the interesting or unusual activity. In response to detection of the unusual activity, messaging logic 1356 is invoked to generate a message for sending to the user. The messaging logic 1356 may be configured to select an appropriate message template from message templates 1358, based on the specific nature of the unusual activity, and populate the selected message template with customized text, including relevant activity metric data that is descriptive of the unusual activity.

[0180] The generated message can be sent via a notification server 1360, to a user device 1344 that is associated to the user 1340. Upon receipt, the message is surfaced as a notification on the user device 1344.

[0181] In another implementation, the message may be sent to and surfaced on the activity tracking device 1342.

[0182] For a group event, there may be additional users, with additionally associated activity tracking devices and user devices. Group management logic 1350 is configured to manage the formation and maintenance of a group event. Group management logic 1350 may invoke analysis logic 1352 to identify interesting activity occurring during the group event, and messaging logic 1356 to generate messages which are descriptive of the interesting activity.

[0183] In other implementations, notifications and/or messages may be processed and sent to users based other measurable or quantifiable data. For instance, instead of just using activity metrics to determine differences, changes, or relationships among one or more users, other types of data can include a user's weight (e.g., weight loss, weight gain, weight goals, weight loss competitions, weight loss challenges, etc.), a user's food intake (e.g., number of calories consumed, calorie intake per day or period of time, types of foods eaten, meals logged, meals cooked, meals shared, recipes shared, food data shared, etc.), sleep data (e.g., hours slept, number of times moved during a period of time, number of wakeups, activity during sleep periods, restful sleep periods, challenges regarding sleep metrics, etc.). It should be appreciated that these are just some examples of data that can be shared, used or consumed to enable smart notifications or messages to users or to groups of users.

[0184] Such data may be detected by, obtained or derived from sources other than the aforementioned activity tracking device, such as by user entry and/or from other types of devices. For example, in implementations wherein users' weights are tracked, weight information may be obtained through user entry (e.g. via an app on a user's mobile device, via a web interface, any other computing device), or from a scale that communicates weight information (e.g. the ARIA™ WIFI SMART SCALE sold by Fitbit Inc.). Notifications may also be surfaced on the scale. In some embodiments, notifications are displayed on the scale at the time that a user activates or otherwise uses the scale.

[0185] FIG. 14 illustrates an example where various types of activities of users 1400A-1400I can be captured by activity tracking devices 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the various types of activities can generate different types of data that can be captured by the activity tracking device 100. The data, which can be represented as motion data (or processed motion data) can be transferred 1420 to a network 160 for processing and saving by a server, as described above. In one embodiment, the activity tracking device 100 can communicate to a device using a wireless connection, and the device is capable of communicating and synchronizing the captured data with an application running on the server. In one embodiment, an application running on a local device, such as a smart phone or tablet or smart watch can capture or receive data from the activity tracking device 100 and represent the tracked motion data in a number of metrics.

[0186] In one embodiment, the device collects one or more types of physiological and/or environmental data from embedded sensors and/or external devices and communicates or relays such metric information to other devices, including devices capable of serving as Internet-accessible data sources, thus permitting the collected data to be viewed, for example, using a web browser or network-based application. For example, while the user is wearing an activity tracking device, the device may calculate and store the user's step count using one or more sensors. The device then transmits data representative of the user's step count to an account on a web service, computer, mobile phone, or health station where the data may be stored, processed, and visualized by the user. Indeed, the device may measure or calculate a plurality of other physiological metrics in addition to, or in place of, the user's step count.

[0187] Some physiological metrics include, but are not limited to, energy expenditure (for example, calorie burn), floors climbed and/or descended, heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate recovery, location and/or heading (for example, through GPS), elevation, ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled, swimming lap count, bicycle distance and/or speed, blood pressure, blood glucose, skin conduction, skin and/or body temperature, electromyography, electroencephalography, weight, body fat, caloric intake, nutritional intake from food, medication intake, sleep periods (i.e., clock time), sleep phases, sleep quality and/or duration, pH levels, hydration levels, and respiration rate. The device may also measure or calculate metrics related to the environment around the user such as barometric pressure, weather conditions (for example, temperature, humidity, pollen count, air quality, rain/snow conditions, wind speed), light exposure (for example, ambient light, UV light exposure, time and/or duration spent in darkness), noise exposure, radiation exposure, and magnetic field.

[0188] Still further, other metrics can include, without limitation, calories burned by a user, weight gained by a user, weight lost by a user, stairs ascended, e.g., climbed, etc., by a user, stairs descended by a user, steps taken by a user during walking or running, a number of rotations of a bicycle pedal rotated by a user, sedentary activity data, driving a vehicle, a number of golf swings taken by a user, a number of forehands of a sport played by a user, a number of backhands of a sport played by a user, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, sedentary activity data is referred to herein as inactive activity data or as passive activity data. In some embodiments, when a user is not sedentary and is not sleeping, the user is active. In some embodiments, a user may stand on a monitoring device that determines a physiological parameter of the user. For example, a user stands on a scale that measures a weight, a body fat percentage, a biomass index, or a combination thereof, of the user.

[0189] Furthermore, the device or the system collating the data streams may calculate metrics derived from this data. For example, the device or system may calculate the user's stress and/or relaxation levels through a combination of heart rate variability, skin conduction, noise pollution, and sleep quality. In another example, the device or system may determine the efficacy of a medical intervention (for example, medication) through the combination of medication intake, sleep and/or activity data. In yet another example, the device or system may determine the efficacy of an allergy medication through the combination of pollen data, medication intake, sleep and/or activity data. These examples are provided for illustration only and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

[0190] This information can be associated to the users account, which can be managed by an activity management application on the server. The activity management application can provide access to the users account and data saved thereon. The activity manager application running on the server can be in the form of a web application. The web application can provide access to a number of websites screens and pages that illustrate information regarding the metrics in various formats. This information can be viewed by the user, and synchronized with a computing device of the user, such as a smart phone.

[0191] In one embodiment, the data captured by the activity tracking device 100 is received by the computing device, and the data is synchronized with the activity measured application on the server. In this example, data viewable on the computing device (e.g. smart phone) using an activity tracking application (app) can be synchronized with the data present on the server, and associated with the user's account. In this way, information entered into the activity tracking application on the computing device can be synchronized with application illustrated in the various screens of the activity management application provided by the server on the website.

[0192] The user can therefore access the data associated with the user account using any device having access to the Internet. Data received by the network 176 can then be synchronized with the user's various devices, and analytics on the server can provide data analysis to provide recommendations for additional activity, and or improvements in physical health. The process therefore continues where data is captured, analyzed, synchronized, and recommendations are produced. In some embodiments, the captured data can be itemized and partitioned based on the type of activity being performed, and such information can be provided to the user on the website via graphical user interfaces, or by way of the application executed on the users smart phone (by way of graphical user interfaces).

[0193] In an embodiment, the sensor or sensors of a device 100 can determine or capture data to determine an amount of movement of the monitoring device over a period of time. The sensors can include, for example, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, or combinations thereof. Broadly speaking, these sensors are inertial sensors, which capture some movement data, in response to the device 100 being moved. The amount of movement (e.g., motion sensed) may occur when the user is performing an activity of climbing stairs over the time period, walking, running, etc. The monitoring device may be worn on a wrist, carried by a user, worn on clothing (using a clip, or placed in a pocket), attached to a leg or foot, attached to the user's chest, waist, or integrated in an article of clothing such as a shirt, hat, pants, blouse, glasses, and the like. These examples are not limiting to all the possible ways the sensors of the device can be associated with a user or thing being monitored.

[0194] In other embodiments, a biological sensor can determine any number of physiological characteristics of a user. As another example, the biological sensor may determine heart rate, a hydration level, body fat, bone density, fingerprint data, sweat rate, and/or a bioimpedance of the user. Examples of the biological sensors include, without limitation, a biometric sensor, a physiological parameter sensor, a pedometer, or a combination thereof.

[0195] In some embodiments, data associated with the user's activity can be monitored by the applications on the server and the users device, and activity associated with the user's friends, acquaintances, or social network peers can also be shared, based on the user's authorization. This provides for the ability for friends to compete regarding their fitness, achieve goals, receive badges for achieving goals, get reminders for achieving such goals, rewards or discounts for achieving certain goals, etc.

[0196] As noted, an activity tracking device 100 can communicate with a computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or computer device having wireless communication access and/or access to the Internet). The computing device, in turn, can communicate over a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet to provide data synchronization. The network may be a wide area network, a local area network, or a combination thereof. The network may be coupled to one or more servers, one or more virtual machines, or a combination thereof. A server, a virtual machine, a controller of a monitoring device, or a controller of a computing device is sometimes referred to herein as a computing resource. Examples of a controller include a processor and a memory device.

[0197] In one embodiment, the processor may be a general purpose processor. In another embodiment, the processor can be a customized processor configured to run specific algorithms or operations. Such processors can include digital signal processors (DSPs), which are designed to execute or interact with specific chips, signals, wires, and perform certain algorithms, processes, state diagrams, feedback, detection, execution, or the like. In some embodiments, a processor can include or be interfaced with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a central processing unit (CPU), or a combination thereof, etc.

[0198] In some embodiments, one or more chips, modules, devices, or logic can be defined to execute instructions or logic, which collectively can be viewed or characterized to be a processor. Therefore, it should be understood that a processor does not necessarily have to be one single chip or module, but can be defined from a collection of electronic or connecting components, logic, firmware, code, and combinations thereof.

[0199] Examples of a memory device include a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). A memory device may be a Flash memory, a redundant array of disks (RAID), a hard disk, or a combination thereof.

[0200] Embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced with various computer system configurations including hand-held devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like. Several embodiments described in the present disclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wire-based or wireless network.

[0201] With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood that a number of embodiments described in the present disclosure can employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Any of the operations described herein that form part of various embodiments described in the present disclosure are useful machine operations. Several embodiments described in the present disclosure also relate to a device or an apparatus for performing these operations. The apparatus can be specially constructed for a purpose, or the apparatus can be a computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various machines can be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.

[0202] Various embodiments described in the present disclosure can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium include hard drives, network attached storage (NAS), ROM, RAM, compact disc-ROMs (CD-ROMs), CD-recordables (CD-Rs), CD-rewritables (RWs), magnetic tapes and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can include computer-readable tangible medium distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

[0203] Although the method operations were described in a specific order, it should be understood that other housekeeping operations may be performed in between operations, or operations may be performed in an order other than that shown, or operations may be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times, or may be distributed in a system which allows the occurrence of the processing operations at various intervals associated with the processing.

[0204] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the various embodiments described in the present disclosure are not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.