| Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective -> Monitor Keywords |
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Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objectiveRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Having Specific Electrical Feature, Monitors Exercise ParameterSystems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070111858, Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/756,711, filed Jan. 4, 2006 and is a Continuation in Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,396, filed Mar. 8, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/274,306, filed Mar. 8, 2001. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and fitness activities, and more particularly to systems and methods for improving fitness equipment and exercise. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A fitness craze has recently swept the United States and many other countries. From fat-free potato chips to treadmills, people around the world have become obsessed with weight loss and healthy living. Accordingly, record numbers of new fitness products/exercise equipment have emerged to meet this obsession (including stair climbers, treadmills, recumbent bicycles, ski machines, and the like). [0004] Many pieces of exercise equipment, when used regularly, are very useful for weight loss, for improving cardiovascular stamina, and for strengthening various muscles. However, most exercise equipment suffers from a major drawback: the equipment is boring to use because of its inability to successfully encourage a user (e.g., an exerciser) to continue exercising. As a result, most purchasers of exercise equipment stop using the equipment shortly after purchasing it. [0005] A need therefore exists for a system and a method for making both existing and new exercise equipment more enjoyable by successfully stimulating and encouraging an exerciser to continue exercising. Such a system and a method will significantly improve both existing and new exercise equipment, as well as exercise itself (e.g., by making it more enjoyable). [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (the '868 patent) discloses, among other things, a system and method for improving fitness equipment and exercise. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In one embodiment of the '868 patent, a monitor measures a performance level of an exerciser and outputs a performance level signal to a video game player (e.g., a hand-held video game player such as a Gameboy.TM. manufactured by Nintendo). The video game player monitors the performance level signal and controls the performance level of a video game character based on the signal. Additional methods and apparatus for encouraging or otherwise regulating exercise would also be desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In a first embodiment of the invention, a first method is provided that includes (1) receiving input indicating an objective for a user; (2) receiving input indicating a characteristic of the user; (3) determining an exercise regimen designed to cause the user having the inputted characteristic to achieve the objective when the exercise regimen is followed; and (4) determining a video game in which successful play of the video game requires performing the exercise regimen. The video game includes a game system adapted to monitor the user and to influence game play based upon the user performing the exercise regimen. [0008] In a second embodiment of the invention, a second method is provided that includes (1) receiving input indicating an objective for a user; (2) determining a characteristic of the user; (3) determining an exercise regimen designed to cause the user having the determined characteristic to achieve the objective; and (4) determining a game in which successful play of the game requires performing the exercise regimen. The game includes a game system capable of (a) monitoring the user; and (b) influencing game play based upon the user performing the exercise regimen. [0009] In a third embodiment of the invention, a third method is provided that includes (1) determining a user goal; (2) determining a user characteristic; (3) determining a behavior set based on the user goal and the user characteristic wherein performance of the behavior set by a user having the user characteristic will result in the user achieving the user goal; (4) determining a game; and (5) configuring the game such that successful play of the game requires performance of the behavior set. [0010] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, a fourth method is provided that includes (1) determining an exercise program; (2) determining a video game; (3) determining one or more properties of the video game to modify based on the selected exercise program; and (4) modifying the one or more properties of video game based on the selected exercise program. [0011] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, a fifth method is provided that includes (1) providing a list of modifiable properties for a video game; (2) allowing a user of the video game to select one of the modifiable properties; (3) determining an exercise program for the user; and (4) modifying the selected modifiable property based on the exercise program for the user. [0012] In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a sixth method is provided that includes (1) monitoring an exercise level of a user of a video game; (2) determining if the monitored exercise level is consistent with an exercise program of the user; and (3) modifying a property of the video game based on the monitored exercise level and the exercise program of the user. Numerous other aspects are provided, including systems and apparatus in accordance with these and other aspects. [0013] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exercise system configured in accordance with a first embodiment of U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (modified to include software and/or databases to implement the methods described below). [0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exercise system configured in accordance with a second embodiment of U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 (modified to include software and/or databases to implement the methods described below). [0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a first exemplary method provided in accordance with the present invention. [0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a second exemplary method provided in accordance with the present invention. [0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a third exemplary method provided in accordance with the present invention. [0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a fourth exemplary method provided in accordance with the present invention. [0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a fifth exemplary method provided in accordance with the present invention. Continue reading about Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective... Full patent description for Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Systems and methods for using a video game to achieve an exercise objective patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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