CN104011762A - competition system - Google Patents

Abstract

In general, the methods and exercise systems disclosed herein help ensure fairer competition in games between two or more individuals or in games between a single individual and that individual's previous performance. Competitive equalization equipment, which may be worn on any part of the body of an individual participating in a competition, may receive data related to one or more conditions that may affect the performance of the individual in the competition. This data can be sent to a processing unit which can analyze the data from the two or more competitive equalization devices and determine whether any participant in the competition has a competitive advantage or disadvantage. If a competitive advantage or disadvantage is discovered, the processing unit can determine appropriate remedial action.

Description

competition system

related application

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/580,166, filed December 23, 2011, entitled "Competitive Race System." The entire content of this provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference.

technical field

In general, the present invention relates to systems and methods for playing competitions between two or more individuals or between an individual and a previous game completed by that individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to hindering or assisting one or more of the game participants to achieve a better competitive experience.

Background technique

Whether a person is indoors on stationary exercise equipment or outdoors cycling or running, exercising can be monotonous and tedious. Some people compete as part of their exercise routine to avoid the monotony and tedium often associated with exercising alone. Whether you're competing against other people or yourself, competition can help make exercising more exciting and easier to maintain a consistent routine.

With the technology available today, someone in one part of the world can complete a race with someone in an entirely different part of the world. Technology also enables a person to record workout sessions for future competition with himself or with another person. However, such competition is often unfair.

There are many different factors that affect competition. For example, environmental factors can create unfair advantages among competitors located in different geographic regions. Physiological factors can create unfair advantages between competitors in different age groups. These and other factors must be considered, and remedial adjustments must be made to make the competition as fair as possible. Examples of various exercise competition systems are described in US Patent No. 6,921,351, US Patent No. 6,997,852, US Patent No. 7,549,947, US Patent No. 7,628,730, and US Patent No. 7,789,800.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise device includes a frame, a movable element, a fan, a sensing mechanism, a processing unit, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing.

In one or more other aspects of this disclosure, an exercise device includes a first competitive equalization device, a second competitive equalization device, and a processing unit.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first competitive equalization device has the ability to collect data related to one or more conditions that may affect the performance of the first individual in the competition The first competition condition agency.

In one or more other aspects which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the second competitive equalization device has a first 2. Competing Conditions Agency.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit receives data collected by the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit determines whether a competitive advantage or competition exists between the first individual and the second individual based on an analysis of the collected data disadvantage.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit determines an appropriate remedial measure to counteract a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage between the first individual and the second individual.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit communicates the remedial measure to at least one of the first contention equalization device and the second contention equalization device.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism collects data from the sensor.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the sensor transmits the collected data to at least one of the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism via the wireless communication link.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism collects data from a user input device.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first individual and the second individual are in geographically separate locations.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the one or more conditions that may affect the performance of the first individual or the second individual are selected from the group consisting of weather, terrain, type of exercise, and group of physiological conditions.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism further includes a transmitter and a receiver.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the processing unit receives data collected by the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism via a network connection.

In one or more other aspects which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first contention equalization device and the second contention equalization device collects data related to one or more conditions during contention .

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, at least one of the first race condition mechanism and the second race condition mechanism further includes a display.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the display is an auditory display or a visual display and provides information related to the remedial action determined by the processing unit.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the display is a visual display and provides information related to a relative position of at least one of the first individual or the second individual in the competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedy determined by the processing unit is to hinder an individual with a competitive advantage.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedial action determined by the processing unit is to assist an individual with a competitive disadvantage.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the remedial action determined by the processing unit is to hinder individuals with a competitive advantage and to help individuals with a competitive disadvantage.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method creates a fairer competition between two or more individuals.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes collecting data related to a first condition that may affect the performance of the first individual during the competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes collecting data related to a second condition that may affect the performance of the second individual during the competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes analyzing data related to the first performance-influencing condition and the second performance-influencing condition to determine whether the first performance-influencing condition or the second performance-influencing condition The second expression affects whether the condition provides a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage to the first entity or the second entity during competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes determining a remedy to counteract the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes implementing remedial measures to counteract the competitive advantage or disadvantage of the first individual or the second individual during the competition.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first performance-influencing condition and the second performance-influencing condition are selected from the group consisting of environmental conditions, physiological conditions, and conditions related to the type of exercise performed group.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, remedial measures include hindering individuals with a competitive advantage and helping individuals with a competitive disadvantage.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a method tracks an exerciser's performance during a workout session compared to performance during a previous workout session.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes tracking performance during the first exercise session, wherein tracking performance during the first exercise session includes collecting and influencing Data related to a first condition of performance during a first exercise session.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes tracking performance during a second exercise session after the first exercise session, wherein tracking performance during the second exercise session Performance includes collecting data related to a second condition affecting performance during a second exercise session.

In one or more other aspects which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method comprises during the second exercise period comparing performance during the second exercise period with performance during the first exercise period , to determine whether your performance during the second workout session was better, worse, or the same as your performance during the first workout session.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, comparing performance during the second exercise session to performance during the first exercise session includes correlating the first performance-influencing condition Compare the data for the second performance-affecting condition.

In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the method includes providing, during the second exercise session, a better understanding of performance during the second session of exercise than performance during the first session of exercise. One or more indications of better, worse, or the same.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first exercise session and the second exercise session are performed by a single exerciser.

In one or more other aspects, which may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the first exercise session and the second exercise session are performed by different exercisers.

Description of drawings

The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the method and system and are a part of this specification. The illustrated implementations are merely examples of the systems and methods and do not limit the scope of the systems and methods.

FIG. 1 illustrates, using a block diagram, an exercise system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an exercise system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving fairer competition between two or more individuals simultaneously participating in a game.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving fairer competition between two or more individuals participating in a non-simultaneous game.

Figure 5 shows an exercise system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method for achieving fairer competition between individuals participating in a non-simultaneous game and using the same competition equalization device.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The exercise system 100 includes a first competitive equalization device 102 , a second competitive equalization device 104 , a remote processing unit 105 and a network 106 . The first contention leveling device 102 and the second contention leveling device 104 may be communicatively connected to the remote processing unit 105 through the network 106 and the first contention leveling device 102 and the second contention leveling device 104 may be communicatively connected to each other.

The first competitive equalization device 102 may be fixed to the body of the individual. For example, the first competing equalization device 102 may be worn on an individual's wrist similar to a watch. The first race equalization device 102 includes a race condition mechanism 108 . According to the present invention, competition condition mechanism 108 may be any mechanism that receives data related to one or more conditions that may affect the competition and/or the ability of individuals to perform in the competition.

The race condition mechanism 108 may receive data from one or more user input controls 110 , one or more integrated sensors 112 , and/or one or more external sensing mechanisms 114 . External sensing mechanism 114 may communicate data to race condition mechanism 108 via a wired or wireless communication link. For example, external sensing mechanism 114 may transmit data to race condition mechanism 108 via a Bluetooth wireless transmitter or a Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.

A user input controller 110 may be used to input data into the race condition mechanism 108 . For example, user input controls 110 may include one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input mechanisms. Sensors 112 and 114 may be any device that senses conditions that may affect competition. For example, sensors 112 and 114 may sense one or more environmental or physiological conditions.

Environmental conditions that may affect an individual's performance in a competition may include the altitude at which the individual is exercising and/or the incline of the surface on which the individual is exercising. Environmental conditions that may affect competition may also include the type and/or temperature of the surface on which the individual is exercising. Possible surfaces may include sand, cement, grass, dirt, or other surfaces.

Environmental conditions that can affect an individual's ability to perform in a competition can also include whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors or whether the person is exercising on a machine. For example, if two individuals are participating in a cycling competition and one is cycling on an outdoor trail while the other is using an indoor stationary bike, such differences can lead to competitive effects between the individuals.

If a person is exercising outdoors, environmental conditions including weather such as wind, barometric pressure, temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (eg, smog) can affect an individual's ability to perform in competition. Additionally, if a person is exercising outdoors, environmental conditions such as traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic can affect an individual's ability to perform in competition. For example, if two individuals are participating in a running competition and one individual is running on an indoor track and the other is running on a busy street, the fact that the outdoor runner may have to stop at a red light or because of traffic can affect each individual. competition between.

The type of exercise performed by each individual can also be an environmental condition that can affect competition between two individuals. For example, if two individuals are participating in a race and one is cycling and the other is running, this is clearly a condition that will affect the competition between these individuals.

Physiological conditions can also affect an individual's ability to perform in competition. Physiological conditions that may affect an individual's ability to perform in a competition may include the individual's sex, age, weight, height, inseam length, cadence, and/or stride length. For example, age and gender differences can create a competitive gap between middle-aged women and younger men.

Other physiological conditions including body fat percentage, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, general health, current or previous illness or ailment, and other physiological limitations may also affect an individual's ability to perform in competition. For example, competition between two individuals can be influenced by the fact that one individual suffers from asthma. Physiological conditions that affect competition can also include an individual's lifestyle. For example, an individual smoking or an individual following a strict dietary regimen are factors that can affect an individual's ability to perform in competition.

Other physiological conditions that affect an individual's ability to perform in a competition may also include the individual's heart rate, body temperature, calorie burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, sweat rate, blood oxygen level, task metabolic equivalent (or "MET"), and/or or sugar burn rate. For example, competition between two individuals can be affected by the individual's blood oxygen levels.

The first competition equalization device 102 may receive, through the competition condition mechanism 108, data related to any conditions including, but not limited to, the above-identified environmental conditions and physiological conditions that may affect the competition and/or the ability of individuals performing in the competition. Race condition mechanism 108 may receive data from user input controller 110 and/or sensor 112 and sensor 114 regarding the race affecting condition. For example, the individual may use buttons to enter data into the race condition mechanism 108 pertaining to the individual's gender, age, and weight. Alternatively, sensors 112 and 114 may provide data to race condition mechanism 108 regarding conditions that may affect the race. For example, race-affected conditions may be sensed by pulse monitors, thermometers, altimeters, and/or barometers. Additionally, data may be received by race condition mechanism 108 prior to starting a workout, during a workout, or after a workout is completed.

The first contention equalization device 102 may also include a processor 116 . Processor 116 may further include memory 118 . Processor 116 may analyze and store data collected by race condition mechanism 108 and/or data collected by additional contention leveling devices. The first contention equalization device 102 also includes a display 120 . Display 120 is a visual display. For example, display 120 may be an LED display, LCD, or other type of visual display. Alternatively, display 120 may be an audible display. For example, display 120 may be a speaker.

Finally, the first contention equalization device 102 includes a transmitter 122 and a receiver 124 . The transmitter 122 can send the data collected by the race condition mechanism 108 to the second contention equalization device 104 or the remote processing unit 105 through the network 106 . Network 106 may be a wide area network like the Internet or a local area network. Transmitter 122 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular wireless transmitter. Remote processing unit 105 may, for example, have access to a website on the Internet. Receiver 124 may receive data from external sensing mechanism 114 and/or from remote processing unit 105 over network 106 . For example, receiver 124 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless receiver.

In the presently shown embodiment, the second competitive equalization device 104 is part of an exercise machine 126 . However, in other implementations, like the first competitive equalization device 102, the second competitive equalization device 104 may be separate from the exercise machine. The second contention equalization device 104 may include the same components that are part of the first contention equalization device 102 . For example, the second contention leveling device may include a race condition mechanism 128 .

The race condition mechanism 128 may receive data from one or more user input controls 130 , one or more integrated sensors 132 , and/or one or more external sensing mechanisms 134 . External sensing mechanism 134 may communicate data to race condition mechanism 128 via a wired or wireless communication link. For example, external sensing mechanism 134 may transmit data to race condition mechanism 128 via a Bluetooth wireless transmitter or a Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.

Competitive condition mechanism 128 may receive the above-identified environmental conditions or physiological conditions or other data related to conditions that may affect competition. Since the second competitive equalization device 104 is part of the exercise machine 126 , the integrated sensor 132 may be positioned on any part of the exercise machine 126 . For example, exercise machine 126 may be a treadmill and sensor 132 may include a scale or potentiometer on the pedals. Additionally, race condition mechanism 128 may receive other data, such as operational data about exercise machine 126 .

The second contention equalization device 104 may also include a processor 136 . Processor 136 may further include memory 138 . Processor 136 may analyze and store data collected by race condition mechanism 138 and/or data collected by additional contention leveling devices. The second contention equalization device 104 also includes a display 140 . Display 140 is a visual display. For example, display 140 may be an LED display, LCD, or other type of visual display. Alternatively, display 140 may be an audible display. For example, display 140 may be a speaker.

Finally, the second contention equalization device 104 includes a transmitter 142 and a receiver 144 . The transmitter 142 can send the data collected by the race condition mechanism 128 to the first contention equalization device 102 or the remote processing unit 105 through the network 106 . For example, transmitter 142 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless transmitter. Transmitter 142 may also be a wired communication link. Receiver 144 may receive data from external sensing mechanism 114 and/or from remote processing unit 105 over network 106 . For example, receiver 144 may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular wireless receiver. Receiver 144 may also be a wired receiver.

Exercise machine 126 also includes one or more actuators 146 . In accordance with the present invention, actuators selectively adjust operating parameters on exercise machine 126 . For example, actuator 146 may adjust the difficulty level of exercises performed on exercise machine 126 . In particular, actuator 146 may include a motor that selectively adjusts the rate at which movable member 148 moves. Alternatively, the actuator 146 may include a brake that selectively adjusts the resistance applied to the rotational motion of the pedals on the exercise bike or elliptical machine. Actuator 146 may include a belt motor that selectively adjusts the speed of the belt on the treadmill. The actuator 146 may also adjust the speed of the fan or other operating parameters associated with other movable members 148 on the exercise machine 126 . The actuator 146 can also adjust the incline on which to exercise.

Once data is collected by race condition mechanism 108 and race condition mechanism 128 regarding one or more conditions that may affect the race, the data may be sent by transmitter 122 and transmitter 142 to remote processing unit 105 . Remote processing unit 105 may include software to analyze the data and determine based on the data whether one individual has a competitive advantage over other individuals. If one individual is found to have an advantage, the software can further determine appropriate remedial measures so that better competition between the two individuals can be achieved.

Remote processing unit 105 may analyze any data to determine whether each individual has a competitive advantage or disadvantage and to determine appropriate remedial action. The data compared may be data on the same condition from each individual or data on different conditions from each individual. For example, remote processing unit 105 may compare body fat percentages from two individuals to determine whether there is a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage. The remote processing unit 105 may then identify an appropriate remedial action depending on the difference between the body fat percentages. Alternatively, the remote processing unit 105 may compare the fact that one individual has asthma with the fact that another individual has exercised five thousand feet. Remote processing unit 105 may use this data to determine whether a competitive advantage or disadvantage exists and determine appropriate remedial action as needed.

The remedy identified by the remote processing unit 105 may be hindering the dominant individual, or helping the disadvantaged individual, or a combination of both hindering the dominant individual and helping the disadvantaged individual. To impede one of the competing individuals, the remote processing unit 105 may require the dominant individual to wear a weight belt or other device that increases the difficulty level of the individual's exercise. Alternatively or in addition, the remote processing unit 105 may ask the dominant individual to exercise for a longer or shorter time.

The remote processing unit 105 may also ask the dominant individual to perform additional exercises. For example, if two individuals run a ten-mile race, the dominant individual may be asked to run an extra mile or do an additional exercise or set of exercises (such as ten push-ups) after each mile.

To impede the dominant individual, the remote processing unit 105 may also require the dominant individual to achieve the higher heart rate counted in the competition before the individual performed the exercise. Alternatively, individuals with lower heart rates will have to do additional exercise to complete the competition. Additionally, the remote processing unit 105 may request that the dominant individual achieve a greater metabolic equivalent of a task (MET), a higher total amount of calories burned or calorie burn rate, and/or a higher total carbohydrate burnt or rate of carbohydrate burn . Additionally, the remote processing unit 105 may require the dominant individual to maintain a specified pace.

If the dominant individual is exercising on the exercise machine, the remote processing unit 105 may send control commands to the exercise machine to adjust parameters on the exercise machine. For example, remote processing unit 105 may send control commands to the exercise machine to increase the difficulty level. Specifically, if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the inclination of the pedal base may be increased. If the exercise machine is an elliptical machine or a training bike, you can increase the rotational resistance you apply to the pedals. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the shock absorption on the treadmill pedals or the pedals on the elliptical machine or training bike.

To assist one of the competing individuals, the teleprocessing unit 105 may enable the disadvantaged individual to exercise for a shorter distance and/or time. If the disadvantaged individual is exercising on the exercise machine, the remote processing unit 105 may send control commands to the exercise machine to adjust parameters on the exercise machine. For example, remote processing unit 105 may send control commands to the exercise machine to reduce the difficulty level. Specifically, if the exercise machine is a treadmill, the inclination of the pedal base can be reduced. If the exercise machine is an elliptical machine or a training bike, the rotational resistance applied to the pedals can be reduced.

Once the remote processing unit 105 determines an appropriate remedy or measures to achieve better competition between the two individuals, the remedy or measures may be transmitted from the remote processing unit 105 to the first competition equalization device 102 and a second contention equalization device 104 . First contention equalization device 102 and second contention equalization device 104 may cause the remedial measure or remedies to be displayed by display 120 and display 140 . The remedial measure or remedial measures identified by the remote processing unit 105 may be implemented by the individual contestant itself. Alternatively, the remote processing unit 105 may send control commands to cause the remedial measures to be implemented automatically.

FIG. 2 shows an exercise system 200 that is another possible implementation of the invention. Exercise system 200 allows real-time competition between two individuals participating in a distance race. Exercise system 200 includes a first competitive equalization device 202 worn on a wrist of a first individual 204 . Exercise system 200 also includes a second competitive equalization device 206 that is part of stationary training bike 208 . The second individual 210 exercises on the stationary training bike 208 . In exercise system 200, first individual 204 and second individual 210 exercise simultaneously at geographically separated locations. Exercise system 200 also includes remote processing unit 212 and network 214 .

Before and/or during exercise by individual 204 or individual 210, first competitive equalization device 202 and second competitive equalization device 206 may collect and may affect first individual 204 and second individual 210 Data related to a race between one or more conditions. The data can be collected by sensors on the first competitive equalization device 202 and the second competitive equalization device 206 and the training bicycle 208 or by the first individual 204 and the second individual 210 through the first competitive equalization device 202 and the second competitive equalization device 202 and the second competitive equalization device. The user associated with the device 206 enters the controller input.

One obvious condition that can affect the competition between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210 is the type of exercise each individual performs. The first individual 204 runs while the second individual 210 rides a stationary bicycle. Other factors, including those identified herein above, may also affect exercise system 200 competition.

Once the first contention leveling device 202 and the second contention leveling device 206 have collected data relating to conditions that may affect the contention between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210, the data is transmitted over the network 214 to remote processing Unit 212. Network 214 may be the Internet, and remote processing unit 212 may be accessible through a website.

Once the remote processing unit 212 has received the data collected by the first contention equalization device 202 and the second contention equalization device 206, the remote processing unit 212 may analyze the data to determine whether the first individual 204 or the second individual 210 is at the first The individual 204 is at a competitive advantage (or a competitive disadvantage) in a competition (eg, a game) between the second individual 210 . In exercise system 200, given the fact that the first individual runs while the second individual rides stationary training bike 208, remote processing unit 212 will likely find that the second individual has a competitive advantage over the first individual.

In order to level the playing field between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210, the remote processing unit 212 may identify an appropriate remedial measure or remedial measures such that the first individual 204 and the second individual 210 can achieve better competition. One remedy may be to help the first individual 204 . For example, first individual 204 may be required to travel a shorter distance than second individual 210 . Alternatively or in addition, the second body 210 may be hampered. For example, the resistance level of stationary training bike 208 may be increased.

In order to implement the remedial measure or remedial measures identified by the remote processing unit 212, an audible message or a visual message may be sent to the first contention equalization device 202 and the second contention equalization device 206 to instruct the first contention equalization device 202 and the second contention equalization device 202. Two-competition equalization device 206 implements the identified remedial measure or remedial measures. Alternatively, the remote processing unit 212 may send a control command to the first contention leveling device 202 and/or the second contention leveling device 206 to cause the remediation to be automatically implemented. For example, remote processing unit 212 may send control commands to stationary training bike 208 such that the remedial action is performed without any interaction from second individual 210 .

The first competition equalization device 202 and the second competition equalization device 206 can continue to obtain and can affect the competition between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210 during the competition between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210. Condition related data. This data can be sent to the remote processing unit 212 for analysis, and additional remedial or corrective actions to those previously provided to the first contention equalization device 202 and the second contention equalization device 206 can be provided as needed. Accordingly, first competitive equalization device 202 and second competitive equalization device 206 may continue to receive real-time data regarding conditions that may affect play, send this data to remote processing unit 212 and receive updated remedies from remote processing unit 212 . This can help ensure that the competition between the first individual 204 and the second individual 210 is as fair as possible at all times when the first individual 204 is in a match with the second individual 210 .

For example, if at some point during the game, a tailwind is blowing to assist the first individual 204, the remote processing unit 212 may send remedial action to the second individual 210 to compensate for the assistance created by the tailwind. Specifically, the remote processing unit 212 may send control commands to the stationary training bike 208 to reduce the resistance level.

In other implementations, the first competition equalization device 202 may be part of an exercise machine and the second competition equalization device 206 may be worn on the body of the individual performing the exercise. Additionally, there may be more than two competitive equalization devices to receive data related to conditions that may affect the performance of individuals in the competition. For example, there may be ten or more competitive equalization devices, each receiving data related to conditions that may affect the performance of different individuals in the competition. In a competition, all individuals may be on the exercise machine, no individuals may be on the exercise machine, or some individuals may be on the exercise machine and others not.

The first competitive equalization device 202 and the second competitive equalization device 206 may also provide visual or audible cues related to the progress of the competitors in the game. For example, the first competitive equalization device 202 may include a display that lets the first individual 204 know whether he won the game and how far behind or in front of the second individual 210 he is. The second competition equalization device 206 may include a display on which the image of the first individual 204 and/or the image of the second individual 210 may be viewed.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method 300 for achieving fairer competition between two or more individuals simultaneously participating in a game. In a first step 302, data relating to a condition or conditions that may affect contention is collected by a first contention equalization device. A first contention balancing device is associated with the first individual. In a second step 304, data relating to the condition or conditions that may affect the contention is collected by the second contention equalization device. A second contention balancing device is associated with the second individual. The first competition equalization device and/or the second competition equalization device may be part of the exercise machine or worn on the body of the individual or otherwise carried by the individual. Data relating to the condition or conditions that may affect the competition may be collected by one or more sensors or entered by the individual through a user input controller associated with the competition equalization device.

Next, the data collected by the first contention equalization device and the second contention equalization device in steps 302 and 304 are sent to the processing unit. As shown in step 306, the processing unit may be remote from the first contention equalization device and the second contention equalization device. Alternatively, as shown in step 308, the processing unit may be a part of the first contention equalization device and/or the second contention equalization device. In step 310, the processing unit analyzes the data to determine whether either the first individual or the second individual has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other.

If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage in step 312, the processing unit identifies remedial measures to make the competition between the first individual and the second individual fairer. In step 314, the remedial measures identified by the processing unit are sent to either or both of the first contention equalization device or the second contention equalization device. Finally, in step 316, the remedial action sent from the processing unit is implemented. Remedial action can be implemented automatically or by an individual. Steps 302 to 316 may be performed prior to starting the game and/or during the game so that real-time adjustments to the competition between the first individual and the second individual are made before the game is completed (this is step 318).

Competition between individuals often does not occur at the same time due to itinerary conflicts and different time zones. Accordingly, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method 400 for achieving fairer competition between two or more individuals participating in a non-simultaneous game. In a first step 402, data relating to a condition or conditions that may affect contention is collected by a first contention equalization device. The data may be collected before the first exercise session, during the first exercise session, and/or after the first exercise session. The first competitive equalization device may be worn or held by the individual or may be part of the exercise machine. In a second step 404, the data collected by the first contention equalization device is sent to the processing unit. In step 406, data related to the condition or conditions that may affect competition is collected by the second competition equalization device during a second exercise period, the second exercise period being later in time than the first exercise period.

Next, in step 410, the data collected by the second competition equalization device in step 406 is sent to the processing unit. The processing unit may be remote from the first contention equalization device and the second contention equalization device, or the processing unit may be part of either the first contention equalization device and/or the second contention equalization device. In step 412, the processing unit analyzes data from both the first competitive equalization device and the second competitive equalization device to determine that either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage over the other or competitive disadvantage.

If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage in step 414, the processing unit identifies remedial measures to make the competition between the first individual and the second individual fairer. In step 416, the remedial measures identified by the processing unit are sent to the second contention equalization device. Since the first exercise period occurs earlier in time than the second exercise period, the remedial measures (impediment or assistance) identified by the processing unit may only be implemented during the second exercise period.

Finally, in step 418, the remedial action sent from the processing unit is implemented. Remedial action can be implemented automatically or by an individual. Steps 406 to 418 may be performed prior to starting the second exercise session and repeated during the second exercise session such that adjustments to remedial measures identified by the processing unit may be made and implemented prior to completion of the second exercise session ( This is step 420).

FIG. 5 shows exercise system 500 . Exercise system 500 is another possible implementation of the present invention that enables an individual to compete against previous exercise sessions performed by that individual or other individuals. Exercise system 500 includes competitive equalization equipment 502 , which is shown as part of treadmill 504 . However, like competitive equalizing device 104 and competitive equalizing device 206 , competitive equalizing device 502 may be separate from the exercise machine.

Individual 506 exercises on treadmill 504 . Competitive equalization device 502 collects data during a first workout session on treadmill 504 related to conditions that may affect competition. This data may be collected by one or more sensors or entered by the individual through user input controls associated with treadmill 504 or competitive equalization device 502 . The sensors may be an internal part of the treadmill 504, or the sensors may be external to the treadmill 504 and communicate with the treadmill 504 via a wired communication link or a wireless communication link. For example, the individual 506 wears a chest strap 510 that can sense the individual's 506 heart rate, perspiration, calorie burn rate, breathing rate, and other physiological parameters. Chest strap 510 may transmit this data to treadmill 504 via a wired or wireless communication link 512 .

Once the competition equalization device 502 collects data during the first workout session on the treadmill 504 relating to conditions that may affect the competition, the data is stored in memory. This memory may be internal or external to treadmill 504 . For example, the data may be stored on a memory device removably engaged with treadmill 504 or the data may be stored on memory within the electronics of treadmill 504 .

Competitive equalization device 502 also collects data during a second workout session on treadmill 504 (which occurs after the first workout session) regarding conditions that may affect competition. The second exercise session may be performed by the same individual or a different individual.

Unlike other embodiments of the invention in which competition is performed between two or more individuals using different competition equalization devices, the two exercise sessions in exercise system 500 are performed at different times while using the same competition equalization device. conduct. Thus, since the same competitive equalization device is used in each workout session, there is no need to transmit the data collected by the competitive equalization device to the remote processing unit. However, in exercise system 500, competition equalization device 502 may itself include processing unit 508 with software that analyzes data related to conditions that may affect competition during the first and second exercise sessions on treadmill 504 . Processing unit 508 may determine, based on the data, whether individuals competing on treadmill 504 during the first workout session or the second workout session have a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage. If a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage is found, the processing unit 508 provides the remedial action to be applied for the second workout session.

The remedial action provided by the processing unit 508 may be to hinder or assist the individual competing on the treadmill 504 during the second exercise session. The remedial action may be displayed on treadmill 504 visually or audibly. The remedial action may be performed by the individual competing on treadmill 504 during the second workout session or the remedial action may be performed automatically.

For example, if the temperature and humidity levels are higher during the second exercise period, individuals who compete on the treadmill 504 during the first exercise period may have more competition than individuals who compete on the treadmill 504 during the second exercise period. Advantage. In such a case, processing unit 508 may determine an appropriate remedial action to reduce the tilt of the pedal base on treadmill 504 during the second workout session. In another example, if an individual competing on treadmill 504 during a first exercise period has a higher body fat percentage than an individual competing on treadmill 504 during a second exercise period, then during the second exercise period Individuals who compete on treadmill 504 during the period may have a competitive advantage over individuals who compete on treadmill 504 during the first workout session. In such a case, processing unit 508 may determine an appropriate remedial action to increase the inclination of the pedal bases on treadmill 504 during the second workout session.

Competitive equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may provide visual or auditory cues related to the progress of the competition. For example, competition equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may include a display that lets individual 506 know whether he won the race and how far behind or in front of the competition he is. Competitive equalization device 502 or treadmill 504 may include a display on which images of competitors can be seen.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be implemented in a method 600 for achieving fairer competition among individuals participating in a non-simultaneous game and using the same competition equalization device. In a first step 602, data is collected by the contention equalization device regarding the condition or conditions that may affect contention. The data may be collected before the first exercise session, during the first exercise session, and/or after the first exercise session. In a second step 604, data from the first exercise session is stored in memory. In step 606, data related to the condition or conditions that may affect competition is collected by the competition equalization device during a second exercise period that is later in time than the first exercise period.

Next, the data collected by the competition equalization device in step 602 and step 606 is sent to the processing unit. The processing unit may be remote from the contention equalization device, as shown in step 608 . Alternatively, the processing unit may be part of a contention equalization device, as shown in step 610 . In step 612, the processing unit analyzes the data to determine that either the individual performing the first exercise session or the individual performing the second exercise session has a competitive advantage or disadvantage over the other.

If one of the individuals is found to have a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage in step 614, the processing unit identifies remedial measures to make the competition between the first individual and the second individual fairer. In step 616, the remedial measures identified by the processing unit are sent to the second contention equalization device. Finally, in step 618, the remedial action sent from the processing unit is implemented. Remedial action can be implemented automatically or by an individual. steps 606 to 618 may be performed prior to commencing the second exercise session and repeated during the second exercise session such that adjustments to remedial measures identified by the processing unit may be made and implemented prior to completion of the second exercise session, This is step 620 .

Industrial Applicability

In general, the methods and exercise systems disclosed herein help ensure fairer competition in games between two or more individuals or in games between a single individual and that individual's previous performance. Competitive equalization equipment, which may be worn on any part of the body of an individual participating in a competition, may receive data related to one or more conditions that may affect the performance of the individual in the competition. This data can be sent to a processing unit which can analyze the data from the two or more competitive equalization devices and determine whether any participant in the competition has a competitive advantage or disadvantage. If a competitive advantage or a competitive disadvantage is discovered, the processing unit can determine appropriate remedial action.

Competitive equalization devices may be worn on the individual's wrist, arm, ankle, leg, torso, or around the individual's neck. Competitive equalization equipment may also be part of an individual's exercise or fitness equipment used for competition. For example, the competitive equalization device may be part of or mounted on a stationary exercise machine or other device used to perform an exercise. Such exercise machines may include, but are not necessarily limited to, training bikes, nordic skiing, rowing, dancing, hiking, climbing, elliptical, and stride exercise machines. These exercise machines may include one or more movable elements, such as belts, pedals, foot and/or arm links, levers, seats, handle members, and the like. The competition equalization device may also be part of or mounted on a bicycle, skateboard, incline skates, roller skates or other equipment used for exercising.

The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to make competition fairer among any number of individuals, regardless of environmental, physiological or other conditions. Environmental conditions include, but are not limited to, the altitude at which the individual is exercising, the inclination of the surface on which the individual is exercising, the type and/or temperature of the surface on which the individual is exercising, whether the individual is exercising indoors or outdoors, and/or Whether a person is exercising on a machine, weather, wind, barometric pressure, temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, humidity, and air quality (eg, smog), traffic lights, stop signs, and general traffic.

Physiological conditions that may affect the ability of an individual to perform in a competition include, but are not limited to, the individual's sex, age, weight, height, inseam length, cadence and/or stride length, body fat percentage, blood sugar level, cholesterol level, General health, current or previous illness or ailment, lifestyle, heart rate, body temperature, calorie burn rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, sweat rate, blood oxygen level, task metabolic equivalent (or "MET") and/or Sugar burn rate.

The invention can also be used to level the playing field between two individuals exercising on different exercise machines. For example, a race between running individuals and bicycling individuals can be competed using the present invention. Individuals in the competition can be located anywhere in the world. A competition can involve any number of individuals. Competitions can be held at the same time or at different times. Real-time updates to the competition can be received by individuals in the game so that changing conditions during the game can be taken into account. Competitions may be played against previous games played by a single individual. For example, if an individual completed a five-mile race ten years ago, the individual can race against himself or herself, taking into account the individual's age and other changing conditions to make the competition fairer.

During competition with the individual himself or with other individuals, the auditory or visual display can provide information so that each individual knows his or her position in the game and their relative position to other competitors. For example, visual displays may enable individuals to see images of other individuals. A map of the game with each competitor's location may also be provided on the visual display. Alternatively, an auditory display such as a speaker may provide the individual with information about his or her position during the game and/or relative to other competitors. For example, an individual may wear earbuds that provide regular updates regarding the individual's relative position in a game. For example, the voice may state "You are in second position and thirty seconds behind the leader."

The auditory or visual display may also be used to communicate competitive remedy information to individuals in the game. For example, a synchronized bicycle race between two individuals can be initiated. If there is a tail wind for an individual during a game, the competitive equalization device may sense the condition and send data about the condition to the processing unit. The processing unit may determine that an appropriate remedial action to accommodate this change may be to extend the distance by an additional mile for individuals downwind. The remedial action may be displayed to one or both of the individuals visually or audibly. For example, the earbuds in each of the individual's ears may state "Individual A's race distance increased by one mile because the tailwind helped individual A." Similar displays can be provided visually to individuals.

Claims (21)

1. an exercise system, comprising:

The first competitive equilibrium equipment, described the first competitive equilibrium equipment has the first race condition mechanism, the data that described the first race condition collect is relevant with one or more condition of performance that can affect the first individuality in competition;

The second competitive equilibrium equipment, described the second competitive equilibrium equipment has the second race condition mechanism, the data that described the second race condition collect is relevant with one or more condition of performance that can affect the second individuality in described competition; And

Processing unit, described processing unit receives by the data of described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition collect, wherein, described processing unit is based on the analysis of described data being determined between described the first individuality and described the second individuality whether have competitive edge or competitive disadvantages, wherein, described processing unit determines that suitable remedial measures is to offset described competitive edge or the described competitive disadvantages between described the first individuality and described the second individuality, and wherein, described processing unit sends described remedial measures in described the first competitive equilibrium equipment and described the second competitive equilibrium equipment at least one.

2. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one in described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition mechanism collected described data from sensor.

3. exercise system according to claim 2, wherein, described sensor sends the data of collection in described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition mechanism at least one via wireless communication link.

4. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one in described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition mechanism collected described data from user input device.

5. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, described first is individually in geographically separated position with described the second individuality.

6. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, described one or more condition that can affect the described performance of first individual or the second individuality is selected the type of free weather, landform, exercise and the group that physiological condition forms.

7. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one in described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition mechanism also comprises transmitter and receiver.

8. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, described processing unit connects to receive the described data by described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition collect via network.

9. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, the data relevant with described one or more condition during described the first competitive equilibrium equipment is collected in described competition with at least one in described the second competitive equilibrium equipment.

10. exercise system according to claim 1, wherein, at least one in described the first race condition mechanism and described the second race condition mechanism also comprises display.

11. exercise systems according to claim 10, wherein, described display is auditory displays or visual displays and the information relevant with the described remedial measures of being determined by described processing unit is provided.

12. exercise systems according to claim 10, wherein, described display is visual displays and the information relevant with at least one relative position in first individual or described the second individuality described in described competition is provided.

13. exercise systems according to claim 1, wherein, the described remedial measures of being determined by described processing unit is to hinder the described individuality with described competitive edge.

14. exercise systems according to claim 1, wherein, the described remedial measures of being determined by described processing unit is the described individuality that helps to have described competitive disadvantages.

15. exercise systems according to claim 1, wherein, the described remedial measures of being determined by described processing unit is to hinder to have the described individuality of described competitive edge and the described individuality that help has described competitive disadvantages.

16. 1 kinds for creating between two or more individualities the more method of fair play, comprising:

Collect the data relevant with the first condition that can affect the performance of the first individuality during competing;

Collect the data relevant with the second condition that can affect the performance of the second individuality during described competition;

Analyze with described first and show the influence condition described data relevant with described the second performance influence condition, to determine whether described the first performance influence condition or described the second performance influence condition provide competitive edge or competitive disadvantages to described the first individuality or described the second individuality during described competition;

Determine that remedial measures is to offset during described competition described competitive edge or the described competitive disadvantages of described first individual or described the second individuality; And

Implement described remedial measures to offset during described competition described competitive edge or the described competitive disadvantages of described first individual or described the second individuality.

17. methods according to claim 16, wherein, the group that described the first performance influence condition selects free environmental baseline, physiological condition and the condition relevant to the type of the exercise of carrying out to form with described the second performance influence condition.

18. methods according to claim 16, wherein, described remedial measures comprises hindering to have the described individuality of described competitive edge and the described individuality that help has described competitive disadvantages.

19. 1 kinds for following the tracks of the method for the performance that person taking exercise's the performance with during previously tempering the period is compared during tempering the period, comprising:

The performance of tracking during the first exercise period, wherein, follows the tracks of in the described performance during described the first exercise period and comprises and collect the data relevant with the first condition of the described performance of impact during described the first exercise period;

After described first tempers the period, the performance of tracking during the second exercise period, wherein, follow the tracks of in the described performance during described the second exercise period and comprise and collect the data relevant with the second condition of the described performance of impact during described the second exercise period;

During described the second exercise period, described performance during described the second exercise period and the described performance during described the first exercise period are compared, comprise and will compare with described the first relevant data of performance influence condition and data relevant with described the second performance influence condition, with determine the described second described performance during tempering the period than described first the described performance during tempering the period be better, poorer or identical; And

Described second temper the period during, provide to described second the described performance during tempering the period than described first the described performance during tempering the period better, poorer or identical one or more indication.

20. methods according to claim 19, wherein, carry out described first by single person taking exercise and temper period and described the second exercise period.

21. methods according to claim 19, wherein, carry out described first by different persons taking exercise and temper period and described the second exercise period.