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Activity monitor with incentive features

Activity monitor with incentive features description/claims

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Application No. 60/897,550, filed Jan. 25, 2007, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to the tracking of physical activity using methods of accelerometry and providing digital rewards as an incentive for engaging in physical activity.

The positive effects of regular physical activity are well documented, but motivation to maintain adequate levels of activity over the long term is often lacking. The use of digital rewards, such as music files, cell phone minutes, access to online games or virtual rewards or ‘collectibles’, provides an incentive for participation in physical activity that is desirable over the long term.

Tools for measuring physical activity are often designed for tracking specific movements such as running or walking. In addition there are products that act as a personal coach for the user and encourage them to perform specific tasks over distinct time periods. While these tools may be useful in motivated adults, tweens and teens do not generally engage in physically demanding activities for the purpose of exercise and health promotion but rather for the fun of the activity and to socialize with others. In order to get tweens and teens to be physically active the activity must be fun and provide social interaction. In order to keep tweens and teens active you need to provide incentives that are fun and social as well as being attractive over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that young people engage in at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day to maintain good health. Metabolic equivalents (METS) are a standard measurement of activity intensity based on the amount of oxygen the body uses during a specific activity. A moderate level of activity, 3-6 METS, can be reached by participating in everyday activities such as walking, mowing the lawn or bathing a dog.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,872 describes a pedometer for use by a child that monitors the user's walking or running steps with a vibration detector. The display state of a character shown on the device's screen changes based on the number of steps detected. Walking and running are the only motions detected, however, and no user-selected awards are provided based on the user's activity level.

US 2006/0025282 describes a child's exercise computer that compares the user's movement to a preset exercise routine. Successful performance of the exercise routine enables the child to obtain rewards such as music files or video games. Rather than detect and record all motion, however, this device monitors and rewards only activity that complies with preset exercise routines.

US 2006/0293041 describes a rewards-based system that relies on a pedometer interfacing with a cell phone.

A product that can measure a user's physical activity throughout the day and then provide incentives for engaging in activity would be a great motivator for young people. A user could earn credits for incentives while performing every day activities, such as walking, and would not have to be an athlete in order to earn rewards. In order to maintain the interest of young people the product may have a social component to it. For instance, the website supporting the product may provide users the ability to post their activity accomplishments, acknowledge the accomplishments of friends by sending them a digital graphical representation or list high earners for the day. In addition, the product may have the ability for proximity based interaction with other products. A user could engage in a friendly competition and compare their accomplishments in real time.

In some embodiments, the present invention continually tracks a user's duration and intensity of physical activity while in use, awards credits for activity reaching a specific level of activity, provides tools for the user to interact and share their activity credit status and provides a method for the redemption of activity credits for actual rewards. Another embodiment of the present invention includes all functions listed previously but also has an audio file player and the related software functions for the management of digital music files. A web based application will manage the assignment of credits and the dispensation of rewards in a manner that is engaging to the target users. The web application may also provide a method (e.g., widget) for the user to post information about their use of the present invention, including credit earned or rewards received, on a social networking site on the internet.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of monitoring a user's activity and rewarding the monitored activity. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of detecting motion of a user supported device; summing the motion; transmitting summed device motion to a reward center, possibly over the internet; and providing a reward (such as a music file) to the user based on the summed device motion without comparing the device motion to a predefined kind of motion stored within the device. In some embodiments, the music file reward may be played by the device.

Some embodiments include the step of determining whether device motion is the user's activity, wherein the device sums the device motion only if the device motion is the user's activity. In some embodiments, the device may display activity information. Some embodiments also include the step of setting a monitoring period and displaying summed device motion at the end of the monitoring period.

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• Utility Patent

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