METHOD FOR MONITORING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application 09/478,959 filed January 7, 2000 by Roger C. Hayward et al. with the title "Tracking, Logging, and Analysis of Athletic Distance Movement."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to athletics. The present invention relates to consumer electronics and electronic commerce.
Description of Background Art
In the early 1980's, exercise began to play an increasingly important role in the daily lives of a growing segment of our society. As our economy has prospered, many of these individuals have developed into serious athletes and have helped create a thriving environment of competitive amateur athletics. These athlete^ represent a focused and competitive segment of our society and are devoted to their performance and to monitoring and measuring their workouts. They need systems, methods, and devices to assist in performing these tasks. Even the most competitive and focused of athletes only have crude approximations of their performance. They typically use a stopwatch to measure the time of their activity and then estimate the average pace based on the estimated course length. This system and method only works well over a measured course, something that rarely occurs for most athletes. They can also use a heart monitor to track their exertion. However, these methods remain imprecise and unsatisfying.
The recreational athlete who is more concerned with health and fitness, also desires quantitative feedback about their performance.
Athletes differ in geographic location, levels of commitment to the sport, financial background, and in many other respects. However, sports retailers generally are unable to profile their customers and so miss out on opportunities to effectively target them.
The above description relates to problems and disadvantages relating to tracking, logging, and analysis of running activities. The same or similar problems and disadvantages also apply to numerous other athletic activities besides running, such as biking, skiing, and others. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above described problems and disadvantages relating to monitoring athletic performance. Various methods of monitoring athletic performance are provided by the present invention.
Each of the methods for monitoring athletic performance includes a step of receiving a series of times, biometric data4 and corresponding locations from a remote device coupled to the athlete. A first method includes: using the series of times and corresponding locations to generate a first chart of a pace of movement over a course traveled by the athlete; and transmitting the first chart to the athlete, or a designated representative. A second method includes: using the series of times and corresponding locations and biometric information to generate athletic performance estimates in order to establish a rank for the athlete among a group of athletes; and either store for or transmit to the athlete that rank. Finally, a third method includes: storing the series of times and corresponding locations on a web server; manipulating the series of times and corresponding locations to generate comparative data; and allowing for access of the comparative data from the web server.
In addition, the present invention provides a method to track movement of team players. The method includes: receiving a series of times and corresponding locations and biometric measurements from a remote device attached to the team player; storing the series of times and corresponding locations on a web server; manipulating the series of times and corresponding locations to generate movement data; and allowing for secure access of the movement data from the web server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic depiction of tracking and logging an athletic activity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2A and 2B are flow charts of a method for tracking, logging, and analyzing an athletic activity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 A is a schematic diagram of a centralized web-based system for uploading data from a tracking device by way of an Internet client computer to a server for analysis of that data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of a centralized web-based system for uploading data from a tracking device with a wireless Internet link to a server for analysis of that data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a business method for targeted marketing to athletes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for targeted marketing to athletes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of a tracking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is an illustrative athletic tracking pictorial map in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an athletic log in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a schematic depiction of tracking and logging an athletic activity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 includes a athlete 101, a tracking device 102, a start location of an athletic activity 104, a plurality of intermediate locations 106, and an end location of the activity 108. The tracking device 102 may comprise a satellite navigation (i.e., Global Positioning System , GPS) tracking device 602 as described below in relation to Fig. 6. Alternatively, the tracking device 102 may utilize analog or digital cellular telecommunications technology to determine locations, instead of satellite navigation technology. Fig. 1 is described further below in conjunction with the description of Figs.
2A and 2B. Fig. 2A and 2B are flow charts of a method for tracking, logging, and analyzing an athletic activity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The athletic activity can mean one or all of the following: 1) a short distance run or jog; 2) a long distance run or jog; 3) jumping or hurdling; 4) distance traveled on a bicycle; 5) distance traveled on roUerblades, rollerskis or roUerskates; 6) skiing or snowboarding, either for distance, speed or entertainment; 7) walking or hiking; 8) swimming, surfing, waterskiing, parasailing or windsailing; 9) combined sports events such as biathletons or triathletons; 10) team sports including soccer, football, baseball, field hockey, lacross, etc.
Fig. 2A is a flow chart of a method near a beginning of an athletic activity and during an athletic activity. In a first step 202, the tracking device 102 is coupled to the athlete 101 before the activity begins. The coupling of the device 102 to the athlete 101 comprises attaching the device 102 to the athlete 101 in such a way as to not inhibit the athlete 10 l's movement.
In a second step 204, the activity starts at the start location of the activity 104. In a third step 206, simultaneously with or immediately after the start of the activity, the tracking device 102 performs an initial store of the location and time either automatically or by a manual keypress on the device 102. In a fourth step 208, a certain amount of time elapses. The amount of time could either be predetermined or be related to other criterion such as, but not excluded to speed, distance traveled, direction or change in direction. The certain amount of time may be, for example, several seconds long. In a fifth step 210, after the amount of time elapses, the tracking device 102 performs an intermediate store of an intermediate location 106 and a corresponding intermediate time. Subsequently, the method loops back to the fourth step 208 and waits for another amount of time to elapse, after which an intermediate store is again performed in the fifth step 210. The loop including the fourth 208 and fifth 210 steps continues until interrupted as described below in relation to Fig. 2B. Fig. 2B is a flow chart of a method at an end of an athletic activity and after an athletic activity. In a sixth step 212, a determination is made as to whether or not the activity has ended. This determination may be made based on an input from the athlete 101 to the tracking device 102 indicating the end of the activity. Alternatively, this determination may be made based on a prolonged period of little or no movement by the athlete 101. If the determination is that the activity has not yet ended, then in a seventh step 214 the loop including the fourth 208 and fifth 210 steps continues uninterrupted.
On the other hand, if the determination is that the activity has ended, then in an eighth step 216 the loop including the fourth 208 and fifth 210 steps is interrupted. Subsequently, in a ninth step 218, the tracking device 102 performs a final store of the location and time. The location and time stored should correspond to the end location 108 and end time of the activity. In one embodiment, the location and time stored may be adjusted to correspond to the location and time at the beginning of the prolonged period of lack of movement.
The time period between the performance of the ninth step 218 and the tenth step 220 may be quite long. For example, the tenth step 220 may not be performed until the athlete 101 is at home and has enough free time to perform that step 220. Alternatively, the tenth step 220 may occur immediately after the ninth step 218 if the tracking device 102 has a wireless link to the Internet.
In the tenth step 220, the stored data (including data from the initial store 206, the plurality of intermediate stores 210, and the final store 218) is uploaded to a centralized athlete web server 308. This step 220 allows the athlete 101 to utilize the stored data without having to manually input any of it. This step 220 and the system for performing it are described further below in relation to Figs. 3 A and 3B.
In an eleventh step 222, the data is analyzed at the web server end. The analysis allows the athlete 101 to manipulate the data and track his/her training progress.
The analysis may be done by analysis software on the same computer as that housing the web server 308, or it may be done by analysis software on another computer coupled to the computer housing the web server 308. Finally, in a twelfth step 224, the analyzed data is downloaded from the web server 308 to a client computer or device for viewing by the athlete 101.
Fig. 3 A is a schematic diagram of a centralized web-based system for uploading data from a tracking device by way of an Internet client computer to a server for analysis of that data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes the tracking device 102, an interface 302, a client computer 304, an Internet 306, and a centralized athlete web server 308. The tracking device 102, the interface 302, and the client computer 304 may be grouped together as a client 310. As shown in Fig. 3A, the system includes a plurality of such clients 310. The interface 302 enables the tracking device 102 and the client computer 304 to communicate. Specifically, the interface 302 enables the tracking device 102 to upload data to the client computer 304. The interface 302 may comprise, for example, an infrared receiving device for a tracking device 102 equipped with an infrared transmitter.
The client computer 304 has access to the Internet 306. The centralized athlete-web server 308 also has access to the Internet 306. As is well known, the Internet 106 is a network of networks which utilizes standard protocols to enable a multitude of devices to communicate with each other. In this case, the Internet 306 enables the plurality of clients 310 to communicate and interact with the centralized athlete web server 308.
Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of a centralized web-based system for uploading data from a tracking device with a wireless Internet link to a server for analysis of that data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system in Fig. 3B is different from the system in Fig. 3 A in that the tracking devices 102 are equipped with a wireless link to the Internet 306. Such a wireless link to the Internet 306 enables the tracking device 102 to communicate with the centralized athlete web server 308 without needing the interface 302 and client computer 304.
Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a business method for targeted marketing to athletes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The business method relates to a business operating the centralized athlete web server 308.
In a first step 402, a first agreement between the business and a athlete 101 is established. The agreement would allow the business to use for marketing purposes the data uploaded by the athlete 101 to the centralized athlete-web server 308. The marketing purposes may include, for example, targeted marketing to the athlete 101 by third party businesses.
In a second step 404, the data is read by a back-end server 502. As described below in relation to Fig. 5, the back-end server 502 is coupled to the centralized athlete web server 308. The back-end server 502 comprises software which is, in a preferred embodiment, on a same computer system as the centralized athlete web server 308. In an alternate embodiment, the software of the back-end server 502 may be on a computer system which is separate from the computer system hosting the centralized athlete web server 308. In a third step 406, the back-end server 502 processes the data from the centralized athlete web server 308 to generate targeted marketing data. The targeted marketing data may include, for example, lists of email addresses of athletes in a particular locality or having other common characteristics which can include but are not limited to zip code, gender, age, weight, club, team, or area code.
In a fourth step 408, a second agreement between the business operating the centralized athlete web server 308 and a third party business is established. The agreement may allow the third party business to access and/or use marketing data from the business operating the centralized athlete web server 308. Finally, in a fifth step 410, targeted marketing data is transmitted from the business operating the centralized athlete web server 308 to the third party business in accordance with the first and second agreements.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for targeted marketing to athletes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a plurality of client computers 304, the Internet 306, a centralized athlete web server 308, a back-end server 502, and a third party computer 504. The client computers 304, the centralized athlete web server 308, the back-end server 502, and the third party computer 504 each have access to the Internet 306 and are able to thereby communicate and interact with each other. The client computers 304 enable the athletes 101 to upload data to the centralized athlete web server 308 and to download analyzed data from the centralized athlete web server 308. The back-end server 502 is coupled to the centralized athlete web server 308 and processes data from the centralized athlete web server 308 to generate targeted marketing data. Finally, the third party computer 504 enables a third party business to access and/or use targeted marketing data from the back-end server 502. Fig. 6 is a schematic drawing of a tracking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tracking device 102 includes a battery 601, an antenna 602, a low-noise amplifier 603, a LCD 604, a LCD driver 605, OEMGPS electronics 606 and 607, a flash memory module 608, a serial controller 609 and connector 610. A serial cable capable of connecting to the serial connector is also shown in Fig. 6. The preferred embodiment for the serial connection is Universal Serial Bus (USB) with alternatives being RS232 serial protocol, parallel (IEEE 1284), Bluetooth or IEEE1394. An alternate embodiment of the current invention includes a heart monitor module with interface electronics. As illustrated in Fig. 6, this embodiment of the tracking device 102 fits into two inch by three inch packaging. An alternate embodiment may have a larger form factor. The battery may comprise a "AA" form-factor battery which may power the tracking device 102 for 8 hours or more. An alternative form could include another AA battery for additional operation time or a smaller battery such as a "AAA" form-factor for compact size. The antenna is a compact form which enables the tracking device 102 to receive global positioning system (GPS) signals. The LCD (liquid crystal display) 604 is a low-power consuming and cost effective display device for displaying information from the tracking device 102 to the athlete 101. The LCD driver 605 is electronic circuitry to operate the LCD 604.
The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) electronic circuitry 606 and 607 provide GPS functionality as well as processing power and input/output (I O) capability to control the entire functionality of the tracking device 102. The processing power of the OEM board is provided by a microprocessor on the board. The preferred embodiment of the present inventions uses one or more electronic chips to provide for fast acquisition and low power tracking of GPS satellites for a 3D position plus time solution. Memory for the tracking device 102 is provided by the flash memory. In a preferred embodiment, the flash memory includes from 2 megabits of memory or more.
The heart monitor enables the tracking device 102 to read radio frequency (RF) signals from separate heart monitor devices which transmit such signals and are commercially available. Finally, the serial connector and serial cable enable the tracking device 102 to communicate with an interface 302 in order to upload data to a client computer 304.
In addition, the tracking device 102 may store position, velocity, range and range-ratedata regarding the satellites used for the GPS solution. Such data may be used to apply differential GPS corrections at a later time. Alternatively, instead of applying differential position corrections, a GPS Doppler velocity may be stored and subsequently integrated to more accurately determine a distance traveled.
The preferred embodiment of this invention is intended to be worn on the arm, wrist or waist. However, there are alternate embodiments where the tracking device (102) could be worn. The tracking device could also be incorporated into a pair of shoes to create a "shoedometer" which would provide similar functionality.
Fig. 7 is an illustrative athletic tracking pictorial map in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pictorial map shown in Fig. 7 may be transmitted to the athlete, for example, via posting to a web site which may be accessed by the athlete, or via electronic mail to the athlete, or via facsimile sent to the athlete. The pictorial map shown comprises a computer-generated street map.
Information relating to topography may also be transmitted by using a topographic map instead or in addition. Such a topographic map would include elevation information.
While the example shown in Fig. 7 relates to an athlete who is a runner. A similar pictorial map and related information may be transmitted to an athlete who is a cyclist, roller blader, and so on.
Fig. 7 includes an athlete's name (User: Dina Gil), a name for the route traveled by the athlete (Route: Stanford, CA), a date for the athletic movement being tracked (Date: 6/22/99), and start and stop times for the athletic movement being tracked (Start Time: 6: 15:03 pm, Stop Time: 6:22:58 pm). The pictorial map of Fig. 7 includes dots indicating the position of the athlete at certain time intervals, in this example, at two minute time intervals. The pictorial map also includes start and stop locations indicated by 104 and 108.
Additional related information is given in the table below the pictorial map in Fig. 7. The information for this activity includes: a total distance travelled (Distance); a total time taken (Time); an average pace (Min/Mile) indicated in minutes per mile; a total elevation change (vertical climb) indicated in feet; a difficulty rating (Difficulty); and a percentile ranking (Percentile). Further more, the information for this activity is compared with information for a personal best activity for the athlete. Finally, hyperlinks to other web pages provided are shown below the table. Such hyperlinks would be given if the pictorial map was transmitted to the athlete via posting to a web site. Units on distance, rate and time will be selectable by a user-profile setting.
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an athletic log in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The log shown in Fig. 8 may be transmitted to the athlete, for example, via posting to a web site which may be accessed by the athlete, or via electronic mail to the athlete, or via facsimile sent to the athlete.
While the example shown in Fig. 8 relates to an athlete who is a runner. A similar pictorial map and related information may be transmitted to an athlete who is a cyclist, roller blader, and so on. Fig. 8 identifies the log (Dina Gil Log) and includes a log table. The log table has rows corresponding to particular activities by the athlete. A first column identifies each activity by date. A second column indicates a total distance for each activity. A third column indicates a total time for each activity. A fourth column indicates an average pace in minutes per mile for each activity. A fifth column indicates a vertical climb in feet for each activity. The vertical climbs shown is positive, but it may also be negative if the activity is downhill. A sixth column indicates a difficulty rating for each activity. Finally, a seventh column indicates a percentile ranking for each activity.
In addition, total or overall values for the second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh columns are given. Further, hyperlinks to other web pages provided are shown below the table. Such hyperlinks would be given if the log was transmitted to the athlete via posting to a web site.
Additional log related features may be provided. For example, different logs may be provided for different sports (bicycling, skiing, etc.) for each athlete. Additionally, different logs may be provided for each member of a household or other group of people. Also, the preferred embodiment of this invention includes the functionality to group activities in such a way to compare with a preferred peer group, either by age, or gender or affiliation or a combination of these and other attributes.
Comparison information between actual course activities and training schedules may also be provided. In addition, a weather record or weather summary may be provided for each activity in the log, as well as space for personal note entries. Such personal note entries may indicate, for example, that the athlete was recovering from an illness that day.
This technology also has application to team sports. For example, it may be used to track the movement of soccer players during a soccer game. In particular, such a method may include: receiving a series of times and corresponding locations from a remote device attached to the soccer player; storing the series of times and corresponding locations on a web server; manipulating the series of times and corresponding locations to generate movement data; and allowing for secure access of the movement data from the web server. The above description relates to specific embodiments which are merely illustrative of one application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made to the specific embodiments described without departing from the true spirit of the invention. For example, the above description focuses on athletes and soccer players. However, the present invention is applicable also to other athletics, such as bikers, roller bladers, skiers, swimmers (to some extent), baseball, football, basketball, and other sports.