CN101454050A - Virtual personal training device - Google Patents

Abstract

A virtual trainer exercise system, comprising: at least one exercise equipment device comprising a video user interface, an audio input, an audio output, and a data port for receiving a portable storage device; a server in communication with the exercise equipment device; a database in communication with the server, the database including one or more user profiles; software executing on the exercise equipment device for receiving user data from the portable storage device; software executing on the server for accessing a user profile corresponding to user data; and software executing on the server for generating an interactive virtual trainer based on the user profile and providing the interactive virtual trainer to the user via the user interface and the audio output.

Description

Translated fromChinese

虚拟个人训练设备virtual personal training device

技术领域technical field

本发明通常涉及健身训练，更具体地涉及一种用于向用户实时提供交互式虚拟健身教练的系统和方法。The present invention generally relates to fitness training, and more particularly to a system and method for providing interactive virtual fitness coaches to users in real time.

背景技术Background technique

随着个人健身变得更流行，人们正寻找更好更有效的练习方式。人们进一步寻求使其兴趣和动力水平保持高的练习节目。去健身房或者甚至在家中锻炼的人们实现良好的锻炼的一种最好的方式是取得个人教练的帮助。As personal fitness becomes more popular, people are looking for better and more effective ways to practice. People further seek exercise programs that keep their interest and motivation levels high. One of the best ways for people who go to the gym or even exercise at home to achieve a good workout is to enlist the help of a personal trainer.

个人教练是通常有健身训练背景、而且对单独的客户提供个人训练服务的人。这些教练指导练习者怎样适当地使用器械，设计个性化的练习日程(routine)，在锻炼过程中给予鼓励，如果有必要的话，甚至给予练习者帮助，如协助(spot)。个人教练的另一个好处是他们通常为其客户提供必要的鼓励和动力以继续锻炼和执行，而且还可以基于表现和效果来修改练习日程。然而，这些真实的个人教练可能变得非常昂贵而且不是所有时间都有空。通常，健身场所具有有限数量的职工教练，因此如果想更换教练员也很困难。A personal trainer is a person, usually with a background in fitness training, who provides personal training services to individual clients. These coaches instruct the practitioners how to use the equipment properly, design a personalized practice schedule (routine), give encouragement during the exercise, and even give the practitioners help, such as assistance (spot), if necessary. Another benefit of personal trainers is that they often provide their clients with the necessary encouragement and motivation to continue exercising and performing, but also allow for modification of the practice schedule based on performance and results. However, these real personal trainers can get very expensive and are not available all the time. Typically, fitness facilities have a limited number of trainers on staff, making it difficult to change trainers.

随着技术和因特网发展，已经出现了克服个人教练存在的问题的各种方法。现在很多有氧练习器械配备有用户可以制定适合他的/她的练习需要和期望的预定程序。此外，已经开发了比较用户当前和以前的表现、并且因此调整练习器械的系统。As technology and the Internet have developed, various approaches to overcoming the problems with personal coaching have emerged. Many aerobic exercise machines are now equipped with predetermined programs that the user can program to suit his/her exercise needs and expectations. Furthermore, systems have been developed that compare the user's current and previous performance, and adjust the exercise equipment accordingly.

还已经开发了指导用户使用器械和设计个人练习日程的方法。已经制造了视频来提供关于如何使用练习器械的细节，并且已经编写了将根据用户的能力和需要定制练习日程的计算机程序。Methods have also been developed to guide the user in using the equipment and designing a personal practice schedule. Videos have been produced to provide details on how to use the exercise equipment, and computer programs have been written that will customize the exercise schedule to the user's abilities and needs.

例如，美国专利申请公开2005/0164833公开了一种允许用户挑选虚拟个人教练和选择用户自己的练习日程的软件。虚拟教练在计算机中示范健身器械的使用，之后，用户以其自己的节奏和其自己方便的时间和地点遵循该日程。然而，虚拟教练不能在用户练习时在那鼓舞、激励和帮助他/她。For example, US Patent Application Publication 2005/0164833 discloses software that allows a user to pick a virtual personal trainer and select the user's own practice schedule. The virtual trainer demonstrates the use of the exercise machine in the computer, after which the user follows the schedule at his own pace and at his own convenient time and place. However, a virtual coach cannot be there to inspire, motivate and help the user while he/she is practicing.

对真实的个人教练的这些技术替代不具有真实的个人教练的所有方面。这些技术替代没有提供个人教练可以给予的现场(on site)鼓舞、激励、鼓励或帮助。因此，希望提供一种用于创建和实现能够在各种练习器械上使用的交互式虚拟个人教练的系统和方法。还希望提供一种用于提供虚拟教练的系统和方法，该虚拟教练根据过去的表现提供计划的练习日程和实时的激励。These technological alternatives to real personal trainers do not have all the aspects of real personal trainers. These technological alternatives do not provide the on-site inspiration, motivation, encouragement or assistance that a personal coach can give. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for creating and implementing an interactive virtual personal trainer that can be used on a variety of exercise machines. It would also be desirable to provide a system and method for providing virtual coaching that provides a planned practice schedule and real-time motivation based on past performance.

发明内容Contents of the invention

因此，本发明的目的在于提供一种用于提供练习日程以及在练习日程期间的激励和鼓舞的可定制的交互式虚拟教练。本发明的目的还在于提供一种系统和方法，其能够保留练习数据和历史，并且基于练习数据和历史提供练习日程和激励。It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a customizable interactive virtual coach for providing exercise schedules and motivation and inspiration during exercise schedules. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system and method capable of retaining exercise data and history, and providing exercise schedules and incentives based on the exercise data and history.

上述和其他目标通过一种虚拟教练练习系统实现，该虚拟教练练习系统包括：至少一个练习器械设备，其包括视频用户接口、音频输入、音频输出、和用于接收便携式存储设备的数据端口；与练习器械设备通信的服务器；与服务器通信的数据库，该数据库包含一个或多个用户简档；在练习器械设备上执行的、用于从便携式存储设备接收用户数据的软件；在服务器上执行的、用于访问与用户数据对应的用户简档的软件；以及在服务器上执行的根据用户简档产生交互式虚拟教练、并且通过用户接口和音频输出将交互式虚拟教练提供给用户的软件。The foregoing and other objects are accomplished by a virtual coaching exercise system comprising: at least one exercise machine device including a video user interface, audio input, audio output, and a data port for receiving a portable storage device; and A server in communication with the exercise device; a database in communication with the server, the database containing one or more user profiles; software executing on the exercise device for receiving user data from a portable storage device; executing on the server, software for accessing a user profile corresponding to the user data; and software executing on the server for generating an interactive virtual coach based on the user profile and providing the interactive virtual coach to the user through a user interface and audio output.

本发明还提供了一种在练习器械所在处为用户提供虚拟教练的方法，包括下述步骤：从便携式存储器设备接收用户数据，访问与用户数据对应的用户简档，产生交互式虚拟教练，在视频显示器上显示交互式虚拟教练，在练习器械上实施锻炼日程，从用户接收语音输入，并且通过交互式虚拟教练提供对语言输入的响应。The present invention also provides a method of providing a virtual trainer to a user at the location of an exercise machine, comprising the steps of: receiving user data from a portable memory device, accessing a user profile corresponding to the user data, generating an interactive virtual trainer, and An interactive virtual trainer is displayed on the video display, implements a workout schedule on the exercise machine, receives voice input from the user, and provides responses to the verbal input through the interactive virtual trainer.

本发明还提供了一种产生在训练器械所在处使用的交互式虚拟教练和锻炼集合(workout regiment)的方法，包括下述步骤：通过因特网访问服务器，创建用户名和口令，输入与用户对应的一个或多个个人数据元素以存储在用户简档中，选择用于存储在用户简档中的可定制的虚拟教练，选择指示虚拟教练的外表和行为的至少一个的教练属性，提供一个或多个锻炼参数，并根据该一个或多个锻炼参数接收锻炼日程。The invention also provides a method of generating an interactive virtual trainer and workout regimen for use at the location of a training device, comprising the steps of: accessing a server via the Internet, creating a user name and password, and entering a or a plurality of personal data elements to store in the user profile, select a customizable virtual trainer for storage in the user profile, select a trainer attribute indicative of at least one of the appearance and behavior of the virtual trainer, provide one or more exercise parameters, and receive an exercise schedule based on the one or more exercise parameters.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1是根据本发明的虚拟教练练习系统的示意图。FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a virtual coaching exercise system according to the present invention.

图2是图1所示系统的另一示意图。FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1 .

图3A和3B是可由图1和2所示的系统采用的示范视频用户接口。3A and 3B are exemplary video user interfaces employable by the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

图4是提供可由图1和2所示的系统采用的虚拟教练的方法。FIG. 4 is a method of providing virtual coaching employable by the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

图5A和5B是由图1和2所示的系统产生的示范性屏幕截图。5A and 5B are exemplary screenshots produced by the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

图6是提供可由图1和2所示的系统采用的虚拟教练的另一种方法。FIG. 6 is another method of providing virtual coaching employable by the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

具体实施方式Detailed ways

图1示出用于提供根据本发明的虚拟教练的系统。该系统包括一个或多个练习器械设备110，如跑步机、固定自行车、踏板机、楼梯练习装置(Stairmaster)、举重装置等。这些练习器械设备110可以由用户购买来在家中使用，或者用于健身中心或健身房。优选地，该系统包括在特定的场所中或贯穿多个场所的练习器械的网络。Figure 1 shows a system for providing virtual coaching according to the invention. The system includes one or moreexercise equipment devices 110, such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, treadmills, Stairmasters, weights, and the like. Theseexercise machine devices 110 may be purchased by the user for use at home, or for use in a fitness center or gym. Preferably, the system includes a network of exercise machines in a particular location or across multiple locations.

每个设备110包括从简档存储设备140接收简档数据142的数据端口、视频用户接口214、和音频输入/输出212。简档存储设备140可以是足以识别用户的任何数字存储设备，如便携式存储棒或者USB闪存驱动器或者用户简档的数据库。视频用户接口214包括用于显示根据本发明的交互式虚拟教练的LCD监视器和/或用于从用户接收手动输入的触摸屏界面。Eachdevice 110 includes a data port to receiveprofile data 142 from aprofile storage device 140 , avideo user interface 214 , and audio input/output 212 .Profile storage device 140 may be any digital storage device sufficient to identify a user, such as a portable memory stick or USB flash drive or a database of user profiles.Video user interface 214 includes an LCD monitor for displaying an interactive virtual trainer in accordance with the present invention and/or a touch screen interface for receiving manual input from a user.

音频输入/输出212包括如自然因特网语音识别(“NIVP”)的语音识别应用以便从用户接收语音数据和/或命令。音频输入/输出212包括用于与无线耳机通信的麦克风或者无线通信接收器，例如蓝牙接口。音频输入/输出212还包括用于提供虚拟教练的音频部分的一个或多个扬声器。扬声器可以包含在耳机(例如，蓝牙耳机)中。Audio input/output 212 includes a voice recognition application such as Natural Internet Voice Recognition ("NIVP") to receive voice data and/or commands from a user. Audio input/output 212 includes a microphone for communicating with a wireless headset or a wireless communication receiver, such as a Bluetooth interface. Audio input/output 212 also includes one or more speakers for providing the audio portion of the virtual coach. Speakers may be included in earphones (eg, Bluetooth earphones).

NIVP包括在服务器100和/或练习器械设备110上执行的、用于识别和解释来自用户200的语音输入的软件。根据解释的语音输入，系统或者其软件制定命令发送到练习器械设备110以调整锻炼日程和/或与虚拟教练交互。NIVP还接收语音命令以开始并停止锻炼。对于新的用户，NIVP还可接收创建新用户简档必要的信息。NIVP includes software executing onserver 100 and/orexercise machine device 110 for recognizing and interpreting speech input fromuser 200 . Based on the interpreted voice input, the system or its software formulates commands sent to theexercise machine device 110 to adjust the exercise schedule and/or interact with the virtual trainer. NIVP also receives voice commands to start and stop workouts. For new users, the NIVP can also receive the information necessary to create a new user profile.

本系统还包括一个或多个工作站140。工作站140可以是对位于练习器械设备110附近的系统或者终端(例如，信息站)能够远程访问的个人计算机。通过工作站140，用户可以提供用户输入132到服务器100以产生他/她的用户简档，并且将简档数据142下载到简档存储设备140。例如，用户能够通过工作站130选择教练并定制教练的属性。用户还能够选择他/她的锻炼日程的属性。然而，用户输入132和简档数据142还能够直接通过练习器械110(例如经由用户接口214及其音频输入212)产生并存储到服务器和/或简档存储设备140。The system also includes one ormore workstations 140 .Workstation 140 may be a personal computer with remote access to a system or terminal (eg, a kiosk) located nearexercise machine device 110 . Throughworkstation 140 , a user may provideuser input 132 to server 100 to generate his/her user profile, and downloadprofile data 142 toprofile storage device 140 . For example, a user can select a coach through theworkstation 130 and customize the coach's attributes. The user is also able to select attributes of his/her workout schedule. However,user input 132 andprofile data 142 can also be generated directly by exercise machine 110 (eg, viauser interface 214 and its audio input 212 ) and stored to server and/orprofile storage device 140 .

用户输入132和用户简档存储在可由服务器100访问的一个或多个数据库112中。数据库112还可包括用户(例如，通过与他们的虚拟教练的交互)可访问的关于健身、健康和/或特定健身器械的这样的信息的参考。服务器100还在锻炼日程之前、期间或之后(例如，通过因特网120)与练习器械设备110通信。服务器100将训练数据(如指示交互式虚拟教练的数据)和锻炼集合传输到练习器械设备110，并从那里接收锻炼结果150。结果150(例如，锻炼历史)由服务器100存储，并被系统使用来更新锻炼日程并进一步产生交互式教练。例如，交互式虚拟教练可根据他/她过去的锻炼表现为用户提供相关的激励和反馈。User input 132 and user profiles are stored in one ormore databases 112 accessible byserver 100 .Database 112 may also include references to such information about fitness, health, and/or specific exercise equipment that users may access (eg, through interactions with their virtual trainers). Theserver 100 also communicates with theexercise machine device 110 before, during, or after the exercise schedule (eg, via the Internet 120).Server 100 transmits training data (eg, data indicative of an interactive virtual trainer) and exercise sets to exercisemachine device 110 and receivesexercise results 150 therefrom. Results 150 (eg, exercise history) are stored byserver 100 and used by the system to update the exercise schedule and further generate interactive coaching. For example, an interactive virtual trainer can present a user with relevant motivation and feedback based on his/her past workouts.

在作为举重机的练习器械设备110上，设备可装配有水压技术来改变与练习相关的负载，并且当系统感测到用户200需要帮助时或者当用户告知虚拟教练他/她需要帮助时提供帮助(例如，协助)。此外，练习器械设备110还可以装配自动调整到简档数据142的力量椅(power seat)。On anexercise machine device 110 that is a weight machine, the device may be equipped with hydraulic technology to vary the load associated with the exercise and provide assistance when the system senses that theuser 200 needs help or when the user tells the virtual trainer that he/she needs help. help (eg, assist). Additionally,exercise machine device 110 may also be equipped with a power seat that automatically adjusts to profiledata 142 .

图2示出用于使用练习器械设备110的系统。练习器械设备110包括用于执行软件的处理器210、音频输入/输出设备212和用户接口214。处理器210从简档存储设备140下载简档数据142。简档数据142可包括完整的用户简档、其任何部分或者使系统能够从服务器100访问用户简档的触发。例如，处理器210可使用简档数据142来访问服务器100并检索与用户对应的教练数据和/或锻炼集合152。FIG. 2 shows a system for usingexercise machine device 110 . Theexercise machine device 110 includes aprocessor 210 for executing software, an audio input/output device 212 and auser interface 214 .Processor 210 downloads profiledata 142 fromprofile storage device 140 .Profile data 142 may include the complete user profile, any portion thereof, or a trigger enabling the system to access the user profile fromserver 100 . For example,processor 210 may useprofile data 142 to accessserver 100 and retrieve coaching data and/or workout set 152 corresponding to the user.

根据用户简档，系统产生交互式虚拟教练(例如，520)，用于在用户200的锻炼期间连续显示并与他/她进行交互。在一些实施例中，系统为用户提供虚拟教练的三维显示。虚拟教练在锻炼期间为用户提供包括音频和视频教练数据222/224的激励、鼓舞和反馈。系统还通过用户接口215和/或音频输入设备212从用户200接收输入到虚拟教练。因此，虚拟教练可向用户询问有目的性的问题(例如，确认、期望的器械设置等)，并回答问题以及对来自用户的命令做出响应。例如，虚拟教练可回答关于健身和/或特定器械的问题，并可实现如改变进展中的锻炼日程的命令。Based on the user profile, the system generates an interactive virtual trainer (eg, 520 ) for continuous display and interaction with theuser 200 during his/her workout. In some embodiments, the system provides the user with a three-dimensional display of the virtual trainer. The virtual coach provides the user with motivation, encouragement and feedback including audio andvisual coaching data 222/224 during a workout. The system also receives input fromuser 200 to the virtual trainer via user interface 215 and/oraudio input device 212 . Accordingly, the virtual trainer can ask the user purposeful questions (eg, confirmations, desired instrument settings, etc.), and answer the questions and respond to commands from the user. For example, the virtual trainer can answer questions about fitness and/or specific equipment, and can implement commands such as changing an ongoing workout schedule.

系统使用NIVP软件来解释来自用户200的问题，并做出恰当的响应。系统还通过适当的调整锻炼日程并提供必要的激励、鼓舞或/和鼓励等来对用户200的请求做出响应。虚拟教练520能够对他的名字做出反应和/或能够通过用户200的名字来指代他/她。在锻炼期间和/或完成之时，锻炼数据150或锻炼结果被传输到服务器100。锻炼数据150存储在相应的用户简档中，用于在将来的锻炼中由用户访问并(例如，由虚拟教练)使用。例如，虚拟教练可以根据用户在先前的锻炼中的表现建议增加他/她的持续时间或者重量。The system uses the NIVP software to interpret questions from theuser 200 and respond appropriately. The system also responds to the request of theuser 200 by appropriately adjusting the exercise schedule and providing necessary motivation, encouragement or/and encouragement. The virtual coach 520 can react to his name and/or can refer to theuser 200 by his/her name. During and/or upon completion of a workout,workout data 150 or workout results are transmitted toserver 100 .Workout data 150 is stored in a corresponding user profile for access by the user and use (eg, by a virtual trainer) in future workouts. For example, a virtual trainer may suggest increasing the user's duration or weight based on his/her performance in previous workouts.

图3A和3B是包括用户接口214的练习器械设备110的示例。用户接口214为用户提供虚拟教练520的视觉描绘(例如，3-D视觉描绘)和/或其他锻炼232和教练230数据。用户200能够手动将信息和/或喜好输入到用户接口214，以调整锻炼和/或控制系统的其他方面，包括虚拟教练520的外表、教练的属性、行为、强度和/或相关方面。3A and 3B are examples ofexercise machine apparatus 110 includinguser interface 214 .User interface 214 provides the user with a visual representation (eg, a 3-D visual representation) of virtual trainer 520 and/or other workout 232 and trainer 230 data.User 200 can manually enter information and/or preferences intouser interface 214 to adjust workouts and/or control other aspects of the system, including virtual trainer 520 appearance, trainer attributes, behavior, intensity, and/or related aspects.

图4描述了创建用户简档、虚拟教练和锻炼日程的方法。用户200首先例如通过系统的网站访问虚拟教练服务器(步骤401)。服务器和/或网站能够通过系统的工作站或者通过系统的练习器械的用户接口访问。网站和/或练习器械110然后可询问用户200是新用户还是老用户(步骤403)。Figure 4 depicts a method of creating a user profile, virtual trainer and workout schedule. Theuser 200 first accesses the virtual trainer server, for example through the system's website (step 401). The server and/or website can be accessed through a workstation of the system or through a user interface of an exercise machine of the system. The website and/orexercise machine 110 may then ask whether theuser 200 is a new user or an existing user (step 403).

如果用户200是新用户，则提示用户注册(步骤405)。注册可包括输入或者说出用户200的个人信息，包括但不限于姓名、地址、付款信息、年龄和/或体重。如心率和体重的一些信息可以由系统的练习器械设备110或者其他设备上包括的系统的传感器接收。一旦注册完成，就提示用户设计虚拟教练520。如果用户200不是新用户，则可以简单地提示用户登录(步骤409)。一旦登录，服务器100就能访问数据库112以检索用户存储的信息，并且如果需要，则修改用户的虚拟教练。If theuser 200 is a new user, the user is prompted to register (step 405). Registration may include entering or speaking personal information aboutuser 200, including but not limited to name, address, payment information, age and/or weight. Some information, such as heart rate and body weight, may be received by the system'sexercise machine device 110 or by sensors of the system included on other devices. Once registration is complete, the user is prompted to design a virtual coach 520 . If theuser 200 is not a new user, the user may simply be prompted to log in (step 409). Once logged in, theserver 100 can access thedatabase 112 to retrieve the user's stored information and, if necessary, modify the user's virtual trainer.

一旦用户200已经设计了虚拟教练(步骤407)或者登录(步骤409)，就提示用户提供锻炼喜好(步骤411)。提供锻炼喜好的步骤可包括选择使用什么个人训练设备110和/或决定锻炼哪部分的肌肉群。锻炼喜好还可包括喜欢的锻炼持续时间、重复和/或组合次数、锻炼强度等。用户可提供总体的锻炼喜好、详细的锻炼喜好或者完全不提供锻炼喜好。如果有锻炼喜好，则系统根据所提供的锻炼喜好生成锻炼日程并提示用户确认日程。在一些实施例中，用户可添加音乐到他/她的简档。例如，用户简档可包括在用户的锻炼期间向他/她提供的任何数量的歌曲和播放列表。最后，一旦创建了锻炼，简档数据就被下载到简档存储设备140。Once theuser 200 has designed a virtual trainer (step 407) or logged in (step 409), the user is prompted to provide exercise preferences (step 411). The step of providing exercise preferences may include selecting whatpersonal training device 110 to use and/or deciding which muscle groups to exercise. Exercise preferences may also include preferred exercise duration, number of repetitions and/or sets, exercise intensity, and the like. The user may provide general exercise preferences, detailed exercise preferences, or no exercise preferences at all. If there is an exercise preference, the system generates an exercise schedule according to the exercise preference provided and prompts the user to confirm the schedule. In some embodiments, a user can add music to his/her profile. For example, a user profile may include any number of songs and playlists provided to the user during his/her workout. Finally, the profile data is downloaded to theprofile storage device 140 once the workout is created.

本发明的用户简档可被服务器100安全的保持或者根据用户的选择全部或者部分显示在网页上。例如，系统可包括用于有健身念头的人相遇和联网的在线社区。用户能够看到其他用户的简档、健身目标和进展。用户还能够张贴照片和个人广告、通过聊天室提问和回答问题、通过博客共享经验等。The user profile of the present invention can be kept safely by theserver 100 or displayed on a web page in whole or in part according to the user's selection. For example, the system may include an online community for fitness-minded people to meet and network. Users are able to see other users' profiles, fitness goals and progress. Users can also post photos and personal advertisements, ask and answer questions through chat rooms, share experiences through blogs, and more.

图5A和5B示出由用于定制虚拟教练520的软件产生的屏幕截图。虚拟教练520能够从已创建的虚拟教练的数据库中选择，或可以由每个用户产生和/或定制。可定制虚拟教练的很多方面，包括但不限于发型和颜色504、衣服506、年龄508、肤色510、性别、行为、声音特性、体型和个头、眼睛颜色、面部特征等。此外，例如，在家庭使用版中，虚拟教练520能够被定制成裸体的和/或使用脏话。而且，虚拟教练520能够被设计成名人模样，系统的这个方面可以是收费访问的。5A and 5B show screenshots generated by the software used to customize the virtual trainer 520 . The virtual trainer 520 can be selected from a database of created virtual trainers, or can be generated and/or customized by each user. Many aspects of the virtual trainer can be customized, including but not limited to hairstyle andcolor 504,clothing 506,age 508,skin color 510, gender, behavior, voice characteristics, body shape and size, eye color, facial features, etc. Also, for example, in a home use version, the virtual trainer 520 can be customized to be nude and/or use profanity. Also, the virtual coach 520 can be designed to look like a celebrity, and this aspect of the system can be accessed for a fee.

图6描述了使用个人训练设备110的方法。在开始练习之前，用户200将简档存储设备140插入个人训练设备110(步骤601)。然后，处理器210访问与在简档存储设备上提供的信息相对应的用户简档(步骤603)。使用简档数据142，处理器210可以使用软件与服务器100通信，以上传教练数据和/或锻炼集合152。一旦处理器210得到所有的必要数据，包括但不限于教练数据和锻炼集合152，处理器210就生成交互式虚拟教练520并将其通过用户接口214和音频输入/输出212提供给用户(步骤605)。FIG. 6 depicts a method of usingpersonal training device 110 . Before starting an exercise,user 200 insertsprofile storage device 140 into personal training device 110 (step 601). Theprocessor 210 then accesses the user profile corresponding to the information provided on the profile storage device (step 603). Usingprofile data 142 ,processor 210 may communicate withserver 100 using software to upload coaching data and/orworkout collection 152 . Onceprocessor 210 has all the necessary data, including but not limited to coaching data andworkout collection 152,processor 210 generates interactive virtual coach 520 and provides it to the user viauser interface 214 and audio input/output 212 (step 605 ).

虚拟教练520继续通过用户接口214、音频设备212或者任何其他通信装置向用户200询问用户200是否已经准备好开始锻炼并确认锻炼参数。在用户200通过用户接口214、音频设备212或者任何其他通信装置确认他/她已经准备好开始锻炼之后，处理器210可实现来自用户简档的训练参数并开始锻炼(步骤609)。The virtual trainer 520 proceeds to ask theuser 200 through theuser interface 214, theaudio device 212, or any other communication means whether theuser 200 is ready to start exercising and to confirm the exercise parameters. Afteruser 200 confirms throughuser interface 214,audio device 212, or any other means of communication that he/she is ready to start exercising,processor 210 may implement the training parameters from the user profile and begin exercising (step 609).

在锻炼期间，处理器210可从个人训练设备110接收关于用户200的表现的数据，并可使用软件指令虚拟教练520给用户200提供合适的反馈(步骤611)。这种反馈可包括鼓励、鼓舞训练更加努力、鼓励改进表现、以及称赞好的表现。这种反馈通过用户接口214在视觉上传达和/或通过连接到练习设备110的音频设备212和/或扬声器在听觉上传达。During a workout,processor 210 may receive data frompersonal training device 110 regarding the performance ofuser 200, and may use software to instruct virtual trainer 520 to provide appropriate feedback to user 200 (step 611). Such feedback may include encouragement, encouragement to train harder, encouragement to improve performance, and praise for good performance. This feedback is conveyed visually throughuser interface 214 and/or aurally throughaudio device 212 and/or speakers connected to exercisedevice 110 .

在锻炼期间，处理器210通过音频设备212、用户接口214和/或任何其他通信装置持续监视用户200的命令。如果在锻炼期间和/或之前的任何时间，用户200希望修改锻炼(步骤613、615)，则处理器210做出必要的调整，包括但不限于锻炼的长度、锻炼的强度、组合和/或重复次数等。一旦对训练做出了修改，虚拟教练520就向用户确认调整(步骤617)。During the exercise,processor 210 continuously monitors commands fromuser 200 viaaudio device 212,user interface 214, and/or any other means of communication. If at any time during and/or before the workout, theuser 200 wishes to modify the workout (steps 613, 615), theprocessor 210 makes the necessary adjustments, including but not limited to the length of the workout, the intensity of the workout, the combination and/or number of repetitions etc. Once modifications are made to the workout, the virtual trainer 520 confirms the adjustment to the user (step 617).

虽然已经参照各部分、特征等的特定安排描述了本发明，但不意图穷举所有可能的安排或者特征，并且实际上，本领域技术人员将可确定许多修改和变化。Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features, etc., it is not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and in fact many modifications and changes will be ascertainable to those skilled in the art.

相关申请的交叉引用Cross References to Related Applications

本申请在35§U.S.C 119(e)下要求于2006年3月22日提交的美国临时申请No.60/784,690的优先权权益，在此通过引用并入其全部内容。This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 § U.S.C 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/784,690, filed March 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims (31)

1. virtual trainer exercise system comprises:

At least one exercise equipment devices, it comprises video user interface, audio frequency input, audio frequency output and the FPDP that is used to receive portable memory apparatus;

Server, it is communicated by letter with described exercise equipment devices;

Database, itself and described server communication, described database comprises one or more user profiles;

The software of on described exercise equipment devices, carrying out that is used for receiving user data from portable memory apparatus;

Being used to of carrying out on described server visited the software with the corresponding user profiles of user data; And

The software of on described server, carrying out, be used for training and providing to the user interactive virtual coach by user interface and audio frequency output according to user profiles generation interactive virtual.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein said virtual trainer are the human form of animation.

3. system according to claim 1, each in wherein said one or more user profiles comprises virtual trainer parameter and workout-parameters.

4. system according to claim 3, wherein workout-parameters comprises rank, speed, resistance and in the time at least one.

5. system according to claim 3 also comprises:

The software of on described exercise equipment devices, carrying out that is used for implementing workout routine according to workout-parameters.

6. system according to claim 5 also comprises:

The speech recognition software of on described server, carrying out that is used to explain the phonetic entry that receives by the audio frequency input.

7. system according to claim 6 also comprises:

The software of on described exercise equipment devices, carrying out that is used for revising workout routine according to the phonetic entry of explaining.

8. system according to claim 5, wherein video user interface is the touch-screen video user interface, and wherein said system also is included in the software of carrying out on the described exercise equipment devices, be used for importing according to the user who receives by video user interface the correction workout routine.

9. system according to claim 3 also comprises:

The software of on described server, carrying out that is used to upgrade one or more user profiles and customizing virtual coach parameter.

10. system according to claim 9, wherein, the described software that is used to upgrade provides interactive virtual coach's the clothes and the customization of dialect.

11. system according to claim 5 wherein provides the interactive virtual coach that vision and the audio feedback that provides about workout routine is provided.

12. system according to claim 11 also comprises:

The software of on described server, carrying out that is used for receiving representation of data from exercise equipment devices, the performance of this representation of data indication user workout routine,

Wherein, feedback is based on representation of data.

13. system according to claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment devices are cardiovascular exercise equipments.

14. system according to claim 1, wherein said exercise equipment devices are hydraulic pressure weight training exercises equipment, wherein said exercise equipment devices comprises and is used for determining when the user needs one or more sensor and the emergency cut-off switch of assisting.

15. system according to claim 1, wherein said audio frequency input comprises the ANTENNAUDIO input and is used to provide phonetic entry to arrive the wireless headset of ANTENNAUDIO input.

16. system according to claim 1, wherein said data-interface is a USB port.

17. system according to claim 1 also comprises:

Being used to of carrying out on described server provides the software of interactive site of at least a portion of explicit user profile.

18. system according to claim 17, wherein, interactive site comprises one or more body-building chatroom.

19. one kind is located at the exercise-equipment place is the method that the user provides virtual trainer, may further comprise the steps:

Receive user data to exercise-equipment from portable memory device;

Visit and user data corresponding user profile, this user profiles is stored away from exercising device;

At least a portion according to user profiles produces the interactive virtual coach;

Video demonstration and audio frequency output by exercise-equipment provide the interactive virtual coach; And

At least a portion according to user profiles is implemented workout routine in exercise-equipment.

20. method according to claim 19 is further comprising the steps of:

Receive phonetic entry from the user; And

The reaction that provides phonetic entry is provided by interactive virtual.

21. method according to claim 19 is further comprising the steps of:

The workout history of visit in user profiles; And

Adjust workout routine according to workout history.

22. method according to claim 19, the step of wherein implementing workout routine comprise that the prompting user agrees and input.

23. method according to claim 19 is further comprising the steps of:

Receive workout results from exercise-equipment; And

In user profiles, store workout results.

24. a generation is used for may further comprise the steps in the interactive virtual coach of place, exercise-equipment place use and the method for workout regiment:

Pass through internet accessing server;

Create the user name and password;

Import the one or more personal data elements corresponding, be used for being stored in user profiles with the user;

Select customizable virtual trainer, be used for being stored in user profiles;

Coach's attribute of the appearance of selection indication virtual trainer and at least one in the behavior;

One or more workout-parameters is provided; And

Receive workout routine according to one or more workout-parameters.

25. method according to claim 24 is further comprising the steps of:

At least a portion in the download user profile data is used for communicating by letter with exercise-equipment to portable memory apparatus.

26. method according to claim 24, wherein personal data elements comprises at least one in sex, age, body weight and the height.

27. method according to claim 24 wherein selects the step of coach's attribute to comprise selection sex, dress ornament and intensity rank.

28. method according to claim 24, wherein workout-parameters comprises exercise equipment devices, rank, intensity and in the duration at least one.

29. a virtual trainer exercise system comprises:

At least one exercise equipment devices, it comprises two or more video user interface and the FPDP that is used to receive portable memory apparatus;

Server, it is communicated by letter with described exercise equipment devices;

Database, itself and described server communication, described database comprises one or more user profiles;

That carries out on described exercise equipment devices is used for from the software of at least one reception user data of portable memory apparatus and two or more video user interface;

On described server, carry out, be used to visit the software with the corresponding user profiles of user data; And

On described server, carry out, be used for producing the interactive virtual coach and providing software of interactive virtual coach to the user by at least one of two or more user interfaces according to user profiles.

30. Virtual User interface according to claim 29 also comprises:

The software of carrying out on described exercise equipment devices and in the described server at least one, be used for producing interactive menu by at least one video user interface.

31. system according to claim 30, wherein at least one video user interface is the touch-screen video user interface, and wherein interactive menu can be by the operation of touch-screen video user interface.

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