System and method for improving fitness equipment and exercise

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,396 filed Mar. 8, 2002 and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/274,306, filed Mar. 8, 2001, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and fitness activities, and more particularly to a system and method for improving fitness equipment and exercise.

[0003] A fitness craze has recently swept the United States and many other countries. From fat-free potato chips to treadmills, people around the world have become obsessed with weight loss and healthy living. Accordingly, record numbers of new fitness products/exercise equipment have emerged to meet this obsession (including stair climbers, treadmills, recumbent bicycles, ski machines, and the like).

[0004] Many pieces of exercise equipment, when used regularly, are very useful for weight loss, for improving cardiovascular stamina, and for strengthening various muscles. However, most exercise equipment suffers from a major drawback: the equipment is boring to use because of its inability to successfully encourage a user (e.g., an exerciser) to continue exercising. As a result, most purchasers of exercise equipment stop using the equipment shortly after purchasing it.

[0005] A need therefore exists for a system and a method for making both existing and new exercise equipment more enjoyable by successfully stimulating and encouraging an exerciser to continue exercising. Such a system and a method will significantly improve both existing and new exercise equipment, as well as exercise itself (e.g., by making it more enjoyable).

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (the '868 Patent) discloses, among other things, a system and method for improving fitness equipment and exercise. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In one embodiment of the '868 Patent, a monitor measures a performance level of an exerciser and outputs a performance level signal to a video game player (e.g., a hand-held video game player such as a Gameboy™ manufactured by Nintendo). The video game player monitors the performance level signal and controls the performance level of a video game character based on the signal. Additional methods and apparatus for encouraging or otherwise regulating exercise would also be desirable.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.

[0008] In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a video game having a video game character; (2) assigning an activity other than exercise or monetary payment; (3) determining if the activity was completed; and (4) if the activity was completed, improving a performance level of the video game character.

[0009] In a third aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a video game having a video game character; (2) assigning an activity; and (3) improving a performance level of the video game character in exchange for an agreement that the exerciser or another party will perform the activity at a later time. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are apparatus and computer program products for carrying out these and other aspects of the invention. Each computer program product may be carried by a medium readable by a computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disc, a hard drive, a random access memory, etc.).

[0010] Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] To further aid in the understanding of the present invention, the exercise system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 will be described herein. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exercise system 10 configured in accordance with a first embodiment of U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868. With reference to FIG. 1, the exercise system 10 comprises an exercise monitor 11 connected to a recumbent bicycle 13, and a computer 15 coupled to an output 11′ of the exercise monitor 11 via a cable 17. Any other piece of exercise equipment may be similarly employed (e.g., a stair climber, a stationary bicycle, a rowing machine, etc.).

[0014] The exercise monitor 11 is configured to measure the pedal rate of an exerciser 19 riding the recumbent bicycle 13, and to output an approximately real-time measure of pedal rate via the output 11′. Other or additional exerciser performance levels (e.g., a measure of the length, intensity or some other characteristic of the exercise activity) may be monitored and output by monitor 11 or by other monitors. The pedal rate output by the monitor 11 is monitored by the computer 15 while the computer 15 runs a video game such as a martial arts video game (represented in FIG. 1 by a martial arts character 21 on a computer screen 23 coupled to the computer 15).

[0015] The exerciser 19 is shown holding a joystick 25 for controlling the kicking, punching and other movements of the martial arts character 21 on the computer screen 23. The joystick 25 may be directed connected to the computer 15 or coupled to the computer 15 via the monitor 11 as shown in FIG. 1. The joystick/computer connection also may be wireless.

[0016] In operation, as the exerciser 19 pedals the recumbent bicycle 13, the monitor 11 measures and outputs (via the output 11′) a signal representative of the pedal rate of the exerciser 19. The pedal rate signal output by the monitor 11 is monitored by the computer 15 and is used to control the energy level (e.g., the strength and durability) of the martial arts character 21. Accordingly, the harder the exerciser 19 pedals the bicycle 13, the higher the energy level of the martial arts character 21, and the less likely the martial arts character 21 is to perish from an attack by an opponent martial arts character 27. By exercising harder, the exerciser 19 can therefore score higher or otherwise perform better at the video game.

[0017] Many different performance levels of the exerciser 19 can be monitored and used to control a video game character's performance levels (e.g., how the character behaves, reacts, etc.). Table 1 contains a representative list of exerciser performance levels that may be monitored as the exerciser 19 exercises on the recumbent bicycle 13 or on some other piece of exercise equipment, and possible video character performance levels that can be controlled for each monitored exerciser performance level. Table 1 is not intended as a limitation on monitorable performance levels and is merely exemplary.

[0018]

TABLE 1
MONITORED
EXERCISER	VIDEO GAME CHARACTER
PERFORMANCE LEVEL	PERFORMANCE LEVEL CONTROLLED
pedaling rate	speed, striking force
stepping rate	speed, striking force
rowing rate	speed, striking force
running rate	speed, striking force
pulse rate	speed, energy level, accuracy
striking force	striking force
swing velocity	swing velocity
distance traveled	game level
time exercised	game level

[0019] Accordingly, exercise equipment, such as the recumbent bicycle 13, and/or exercise is modified by placing an exercise monitor 11 (e.g., a pulse monitor, a distance meter, a rate monitor, a time monitor, a calorie meter, a strain gauge, an accelerometer and/or any other sensor for measuring the physical activity/performance level of an exerciser) on the equipment and/or the exerciser 19. The exercise monitor 11 outputs a signal representative of the performance level of the exerciser 19 (e.g., pulse rate, distance traveled, time exercised, rate of exercise, etc.) to a video game player (e.g., a computer 15) wirelessly or via a cable. The video game player may be a desk top computer, or preferably comprises a hand-held video game player such as a GameBoy™ (as described with reference to FIG. 2).

[0020] To stimulate the exerciser 19, the output from the exercise monitor 11 is used to control a parameter within a video game, such as a video game character 21's lifetime, energy level, striking force, accuracy, speed or the like. Similarly, a video game character 21 may be precluded from reaching a higher level in a game unless the exerciser 19 pedals fast enough, exercises long enough, has a high (or low) enough pulse rate or reaches some other performance level. Multiple performance level measurements of the exerciser 19 may be monitored and used to control multiple performance levels of the video game character 21 (e.g., pulse rate of the exerciser 19 dictates energy level/lifetime of the video game character 21, exercise rate controls the speed of or the striking force of the video game character 21, and duration/distance of exercise controls game level).

[0021] Examples of suitable video games include action-adventure games (e.g., military games, dungeon games, murder-mystery games, etc.), martial arts games, sports games (e.g., hiking, swimming, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc.), and other similar games. For instance, during a video baseball game, the force with which a batter strikes a baseball or the speed with which a player runs around a base may be controlled by the speed with which an exerciser pedals, climbs stairs, rows, etc. Similarly, the speed with which a football player rushes or passes, the power with which a boxer punches or a martial artist kicks, or the height to which a basketball player jumps may be similarly controlled. The “energy level” (e.g., a measure of how long a character can survive an event, attack, etc.) or lifetime of a character can be similarly controlled, or controlled by the pulse rate or other cardiovascular indicator of the exerciser. The key is to make the exerciser exercise harder or longer in order to continue the game or do better in the game. Accordingly, the exerciser is stimulated to work harder in exchange for some immediate success or gratification (e.g., doing better in the game). Preferably, game score/performance will increase with an increasing level of physical fitness (e.g., reduced pulse rate for a given exercise routine, harder workouts, etc.).

[0022] If desired, the video game player may analyze the data from the exercise monitor and compile statistics on the exerciser's performance. A database can be maintained for each new exerciser and updated after each exercise session so that progress charts and other statistics can be generated for each exerciser. If desired, other relevant data such as a exerciser's weight, body fat, and the like also may be stored and used to assess progress.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exercise system 30 configured in accordance with a second embodiment of U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868. With reference to FIG. 2, the exercise system 30 comprises an exercise monitor 31a connected to a recumbent bicycle 33, and a hand-held video game player 35 (such as a GameBoy™ marketed by Nintendo) coupled to an output 31a′ of the exercise monitor 31a via a first cable 37a.

[0024] The exercise monitor 31a is configured to measure the pedal rate of an exerciser 39 riding the recumbent bicycle 33, and to output an approximately real-time measure of pedal rate via the output 31a′. In addition to the exercise monitor 31a, an exercise monitor 31b is shown connected to the exerciser 39 and to the hand-held video game player 35 via a second cable 37b. The exercise monitor 31b is configured to measure the pulse rate of the exerciser 39. The pedal rate output by the monitor 31a and the pulse rate of the exerciser 39 output by the monitor 31b are monitored by the hand-held video game player 35 while the hand-held video game player 35 runs a video game such as a martial arts video game (represented in FIG. 2 by a martial arts character 41). The exerciser 39 is shown holding the hand-held video game player 35 and can control the kicking, punching and other movements of the martial arts character 41 via buttons 43 on the front of the hand-held video game player 35.

[0025] In operation, as the exerciser 39 pedals the recumbent bicycle 33, the monitor 31a measures and outputs a signal representative of the pedal rate of the exerciser 39, and the monitor 31b measures and outputs a signal representative of the pulse rate of the exerciser 39. The pedal rate signal output by the monitor 31a is monitored by the hand-held video game player 35 and is used to control the striking force of the martial arts character 41. The pulse rate signal output by the monitor 31b is monitored by the hand-held video game player 35 and is used to control the energy level of the martial arts character 41. Accordingly, the harder the exerciser 39 pedals the bicycle 33, the harder the martial arts character 41 can strike an opponent. However, the higher the pulse rate of the exerciser 39, the lower the energy level of the martial arts character 41, making the martial arts character 41 more susceptible to attack. By using the monitored performance levels of the exerciser 39 in this manner, to obtain higher and higher game scores, the exerciser 39 must become more and more cardiovascularly fit so that the exerciser 39 can pedal faster while maintaining a lower pulse rate. Cardiovascular fitness becomes a desirable goal of the exerciser 39 because such fitness yields immediate gratification (e.g., a higher game score).

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, numerous additional features are provided. For instance, the system of the '868 Patent (e.g., via computer program code and/or hardware stored in either the computer 15 of FIG. 1 or in the hand-held video game player 35 of FIG. 2) may be configured to (1) at least attempt to prevent an exerciser from overexercising; (2) “reward” an exerciser for exercise performed before and/or after game play on the video game player; (3) “reward” a video game player (e.g., whether the game player is an exerciser) for behavior performed before and/or after game play. Other exercise systems than those of the '868 Patent may similarly be configured in accordance with the present invention, and the principles of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software (e.g., one or more computer program products) or a combination thereof.

[0027] In first aspect of the invention, the system of the '868 Patent may be configured to attempt to prevent overexercising by monitoring a pulse rate of an exerciser and by stopping and/or suspending game play if the pulse rate is too high. Alternatively, blood pressure may be monitored. The appropriate pulse rate or blood pressure may be assessed based on age, weight, height, etc., of the exerciser. The video game player may be provided with any suitable interface for receiving information regarding pulse rate, blood pressure, the exerciser (e.g., age, weight, height, etc.) such as a keyboard interface, an infrared or other wireless interface, a serial or parallel cable interface, a USB connection interface, a mouse interface, a light pen interface, a network/Ethernet interface, an Internet interface, a dial-up connection interface, etc. Any other parameter or technique may be used to prevent/reduce overexercising such as monitoring time of exercise, number of steps climbed (e.g., for a stair climber), distance traveled (e.g., for a stationary bicycle or treadmill), or the like.

[0028] In a second aspect of the invention, an exerciser is rewarded after exercise is performed. For example, an exerciser may be provided with a “smart monitor” which monitors a performance level of exercise (e.g., pedal rate, step rate, length of exercise, pulse rate during exercise, or some other characteristic of exercise) and creates an “indicator” of the performance level. The indicator may be a code (e.g., an encrypted code) that is displayed to the exerciser, and that the exerciser may then provide to the video game player (e.g., via a keyboard, a light pen, via some other device such as a personal computer that couples to the video game player). Based on the code, the video game player “adjusts” the performance level of a video game character in a manner similar to that described in the '868 Patent. In general the video game may be affected in any way by the code (e.g., which is a measure of exercise performance level). Thus, by improving video game character performance based on the code, an exerciser is rewarded for exercise performed before video game play.

[0029] Note that the use of a code is not required. The video game player itself may monitor exercise level for use during subsequent game play. For example, Joe may take a hand-held video game player (configured in accordance with the present invention) to a local gym, and may use the video game player to monitor his exercise level while running on a treadmill. The video game player may be provided with a clamp that holds the player on a rail of the treadmill or some other location. During exercise, the video game player may display conventional exercise information such as pulse rate, distance traveled, etc. After exercise, based on the exercise performance level of Joe, the video game player may “adjust” or otherwise affect the performance level of a video game character. Numerous options may be provided. For example, Joe may start a video game (before or during exercise), and the video game player may freeze or suspend play until Joe performs some required level of exercise (e.g., runs faster, cycles for 5 minutes, achieves a certain heart/pulse rate, etc.). Once Joe achieves the required exercise performance level, game play may be reinitiated. This may occur several times during an exercise session. Alternatively, video game character performance may only be affected after Joe has completely finished exercising.

[0030] As an additional feature, information regarding performance level of exercise may be communicated to a third party such as an insurance company, a medical facility, a weight loss clinic or any other relevant party. The third party may offer additional incentives for performing exercise (e.g., reduced insurance deductibles, free physicals, etc.), and may even set the performance level requirements for an exerciser (e.g., by programming the video game player, such as via a network like the Internet, via e-mail, etc.).

[0031] In a third aspect of the invention, a person is rewarded with improved video game play for non-exercise type activities. For example, game play may be enhanced (e.g., the performance level of a video game player may be improved) if a person (1) achieves a certain grade on a test, completes an education program or studies for a predefined time period; (2) eats at a certain restaurant (e.g., McDonalds); (3) completes a survey (e.g., by logging on to a Web site and completing the survey); (4) subscribes to a service (e.g., by switching to a certain long distance carrier or by agreeing to a magazine subscription); and/or (4) performs any other predefined task.

[0032] Another possible feature includes allowing a person to restart a video game that had previously ended (e.g., because a video game character was “killed”) based on a subsequently performed task. Exemplary tasks include, exercising, achieving a certain grade, eating at a certain restaurant, completing a survey, subscribing to a magazine, etc.

[0033] The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and method which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, any number of performance levels of an exerciser may be monitored and used to control any number of performance levels of a video game character, and the various monitors described herein may communicate with the video game player wirelessly. As well, conditions within a video game may be output by the video game player and used to increase/decrease the difficulty of exercise, or otherwise affect exercise, if so desired. Further, old video games may be modified for use with the present invention, or new video games may be developed.

[0034] Additionally, while the present invention has been described with reference to a single exerciser, it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable to multiple exerciser situations. For instance, different video game characters within the same video game may be controlled by different exercisers. That is, the performance level(s) of a first exerciser may control the performance level(s) of a first video game character, while the performance level(s) of a second exerciser may control the performance level(s) of a second video game character contained within the same video game as the first video game character. In this manner, the exerciser who exercises harder will have a gaming advantage over the other exerciser. Such multi-exerciser applications may be performed locally (e.g., all exercisers in the same room) or remotely (e.g., at least one exerciser in a different location who communicates remotely, such as over the INTERNET or the WORLD WIDE WEB).

[0035] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claim.