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Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective

a video game and exercise technology, applied in video games, gymnastic exercise, sport apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of boring equipment use and major drawbacks of most exercise equipmen

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-05-17
DUGAN HEALTH LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In a third embodiment of the invention, a third method is provided that includes (1) determining a user goal; (2) determining a user characteristic; (3) determining a behavior set based on the user goal and the user characteristic wherein performance of the behavior set by a user having the user characteristic will result in the user achieving the user goal; (4) determining a game; and (5) configuring the game such that successful play of the game requires performance of the behavior set.
[0010] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, a fourth method is provided that includes (1) determining an exercise program; (2) determining a video game; (3) determining one or more properties of the video game to modify based on the selected exercise program; and (4) modifying the one or more properties of video game based on the selected exercise program.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Method used

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  • Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective
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  • Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective

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first embodiment

[0022] 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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (modified to include software and / or databases to implement the methods described below). 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.).

[0023] 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 o...

second embodiment

[0031]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exercise system 30 configured in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (modified to include software and / or databases to implement the methods described below). 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.

[0032] 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 ...

embodiment 300

[0057] In general terms and referring to FIG. 3, method steps of an embodiment 300 of the present invention may be summarized as follows. In Step 302, a user goal is determined. In Step 304, one or more user characteristics are determined. In Step 306, a set of activities, or more generally, behaviors, are determined based on the user goal and the user characteristics. The behaviors are determined or selected such that performance of the behaviors will result in the user achieving the user goal. In Step 308, a game is determined, and in Step 310, the game is configured so that successful play of the game requires performing the set of behaviors determined in Step 306.

[0058] In the passages that follow, each of these steps will be discussed in greater detail. Note that not all of these steps are required to perform the methods of the present invention and that additional and / or alternative steps are also discussed below. Also note that the above general steps represent features of on...

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Abstract

In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes (1) receiving input indicating an objective for a user; (2) receiving input indicating a characteristic of the user; (3) determining an exercise regimen designed to cause the user having the inputted characteristic to achieve the objective when the exercise regimen is followed; and (4) determining a video game in which successful play of the video game requires performing the exercise regimen. The video game includes a game system adapted to monitor the user and to influence game play based upon the user performing the exercise regimen. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 756,711, filed Jan. 4, 2006 and is a Continuation in Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 094,396, filed Mar. 8, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 274,306, filed Mar. 8, 2001. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and fitness activities, and more particularly to systems and methods for improving fitness equipment and exercise. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [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 (in...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B71/00
CPCA63B24/0075A63B71/0622A63B2220/34A63B2225/20A63B2230/06A63F13/00A63F2300/1012A63F2300/65A63F13/56A63F13/212
Inventor DUGAN, BRIAN M.
Owner DUGAN HEALTH LLC
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