Heart rate sensor for controlling entertainment devices

[0002] This application claims benefit of Ser. No. 60/165,011 filed Nov. 12, 1999.

[0003] While the benefits of exercise are well known, it is often the case that one lacks the motivation to exercise regularly and at optimal intensity. Several attempts have been made to develop devices, which entertain or motivate a person during exercise. The prior art holds various examples of exercise intensity sensing devices connected to electronic devices. However, such equipment is bulky and expensive. Furthermore, a complex apparatus, which integrates an exercise device with a video apparatus or other audio/visual components to stimulate exercise, cannot be easily adapted to the existing base of exercise equipment found in the home. Some of the existing examples use proprietary audio/visual equipment such as variable speed video players or devices, which produce television type images. Some employ heart rate target training strategies. Thus, there is a need in the art for a simple, adaptable, inexpensive and less cumbersome device, which provides the user with effective motivational feedback to encourage optimal exercise.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,069 describes an exercise device/video game, which senses the speed of a pedaled exercise device and heart rate of the user. These signals are used to alter both the difficulty (resistance) of the exercise device and the play of the video game. This apparatus is dependent upon a fixed exercise device or one whereby ergonomic speed can be sensed. The entertainment form is active (interactive gaming.)

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,164 describes a video biofeedback apparatus that produces television displays that change with users psychophysiological parameters. The display is dependent on pre-recorded video signals on a videocassette. It does not offer entertainment as a motivational element.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,095 describes a pre-recorded variable speed video display, which is affected by the ergonomic speed of an exercise device (treadmill.) It is dependent upon a variable speed video cassette player and a dedicated exercise machine. The entertainment form is passive but “canned” being limited to the prerecorded outdoor exercise scenes, which vary only in the speed of playback.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,596 describes the remote control of an electronic device with input signals generated by an exercise device fitted with a speed sensor. This is dependent on a fixed exercise device and/or ergonomic speed sensor and the entertainment device is limited to only two operational modes. It does not incorporate heart rate target training as a means of inducing optimal results.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No 5,527,239 describes an exercise device capable of responding to user heart rate and adjusting the physical resistance of the fixed exercise device. The video display is a graphic representation of heart rate.

[0009] A modified universal infrared (IR) remote controller for television and audio components which is triggered by its user's heart rate.

[0010] The objective of the invention is to provide a more powerful motivation (entertainment) for optimal exercise (target heart rate training) in a simpler, more universally adaptable and less expensive form than is found in the prior art.

[0011] The present invention specifically improves upon the prior art by incorporating heart rate target training and passive entertainment and by being independent of bulky and expensive exercise equipment. It provides a variable and continuous form of feedback in the form of entertainment volume changes.

[0012] Being able to enjoy audio/visual entertainment rewards the user. Heart rate target training goals are the basis for establishing optimal exercise.

[0013] A user simply exercises, with or without any type of exercise equipment and watches TV or listens to their stereo. A heart rate monitor combined with a wireless transmitter sends data to a nearby control unit. Within the control unit, a proprietary microprocessor commands the IR remote control to alter the volume or power settings on the entertainment device in accordance with pre-programmed parameters and individualized user settings for age and intensity level. If the user's heart rate moves below or above the recognized target range, volume is gradually altered and ultimately power interrupted until the user reacquires the target range.

[0014] There are examples in the prior art of heart rate sensing devices controlling exercise equipment or video games. The field is also crowded with examples of speed sensing exercise devices to control electronic equipment. None of the prior art incorporates the benefits of heart rate target training with the simple motivational reward of watching television or listening to music. Further, the present invention is usable with any exercise equipment or none at all, is simple, lightweight and less expensive to produce than those found in the prior art.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of controlling entertainment devices with a heart rate monitor.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention and the components from which it is comprised.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the logic used by the microprocessor.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a graphic table of target training heart rates

[0019] A chest strap type of heart rate monitor 1, such as those manufactured by Polar, is modified to transmit wireless heart rate data 3. The remaining functions are carried out by several components contained within a controller unit 2, which are interconnected by electronic circuitry. Said controller unit receives the heart rate data 4. That data is fed to a microprocessor 5 which is programmed to compare it with a desired target range at regular time intervals. Based on that comparison the microprocessor will send a command (or not) to the universal remote control 6 to send volume control and power control signals to the entertainment device 7. The control unit must be in a line of sight to the entertainment device to allow for uninterrupted remote control.

[0020] The processor 5 receives heart rate data 8 and compares it to the target rates described in FIG. 4., which are conditioned by the user inputs for age 9 and exercise intensity 10. The processor 5 sends a command 11 at periodic intervals. The command may be either volume up 12, volume down 13, power on 14, power off 15 or no action 16. Each command during the exercise period is tracked by the memory 17 which further conditions the commands sent by the processor 5.

[0021] The processor keeps track of all commands sent to the entertainment device 7 so that it may condition each new command based upon the current status of the entertainment device. The processor has no direct feedback from the entertainment device and thus begins its calculations with an understood zero baseline volume level. This corresponds to the comfortable listening volume on the entertainment device set by the user prior to commencing exercise. So, for example, if the processor calculates that there is a sum of total of one volume down 13 command and the user's heart rate is still below target at the next periodic interval, the processor will send another volume down command. If, however, the prior command was power off 15 and the user has reacquired the target, a power on 14 command would be sent.

[0022] Although the preferred embodiment described above is specific for purposes of illustration, other permutations of the combination heart rate monitor and universal remote control are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the chest strap heart rate monitor may be replaced with other types of heart rate monitoring devices, such as finger clips, ear clips, arm bands etc. The wireless features may employ various technologies or be replaced with hard-wired connectivity. And, the logic used by the microprocessor to effect the desired result of motivating heart rate target training exercise by controlling an entertainment device, may vary in possible permutations of the invention.

[0023] The varied target ranges available to the user are based upon generally accepted targets outlined in the attached graph in FIG. 4. These target ranges are further altered by the processor in response to user settings for age and exercise intensity. The user switches exercise intensity to either “fat burning” or “cardio-fitness.” For example a 40 year-old desiring optimal target training for weight loss would set the age switch to 40 and the intensity to fat burning. That person could alternatively set the intensity switch to cardio-fitness for a more strenuous workout.

[0024] Before exercising, the user would set the control unit to communicate with their chosen entertainment device. To exercise, the user would turn on a desired television or audio program and set a comfortable baseline listening volume. She would then turn on the present device and commence exercise. Within the controller unit 2 the microprocessor 5 starts a clock. After a warm-up period, the microprocessor begins, at regular intervals, to sample the user's real-time heart rate and compare it to the target. The user may comfortably enjoy his entertainment as long as his heart is beating in the desired range. The user is quickly motivated to correct his exercise intensity by the changing volume or power condition of the entertainment device.