Abstract:
An interactive virtual training system including at least one exercise equipment device including a video user interface, an audio input, an audio output, voice recognition software for interpreting a user&#39;s spoken commands and software that monitors a user&#39;s exercise pattern for consistency, where changes in the exercise pattern trigger a query to the user asking whether assistance is necessary, and software for adjusting the workout routine if a user indicates that modification is needed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/979,213 filed on Oct. 11, 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to fitness training, and more specifically to a system and method for providing an interactive virtual fitness trainer to users in real-time. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    As personal fitness becomes more popular, people are looking for better and more effective ways to exercise. People further seek exercise programs which keep their interest and motivation levels high. One of the best ways for people who go to a gym, and even those who work out at home, to achieve a good workout is to enlist the help of personal trainers. 
         [0004]    Personal trainers are individuals who usually have a fitness training background and who provide personal training services to an individual customer. These trainers instruct the exerciser how to properly use the equipment, design personalized exercise routines, give encouragement throughout the workout and even, if necessary, give the exerciser help, such as a spot. Another benefit of personal trainers is that they often provide their customers with the needed incentive and motivation to continue to work out and perform, and may also revise the exercise routine over time based on performance and results. However, these, real personal trainers can become extremely expensive and may not be available at all times. Often gyms have a limited number of trainers on staff and therefore it is also difficult to change trainers if desired. 
         [0005]    As technology and the Internet have developed, various methods of overcoming the problem with personal trainers have arisen. Many aerobic exercise machines now come with predetermined programs that the user can tailor to fit his/her exercise needs and desires. Furthermore, systems have been developed to compare a user&#39;s current and previous performance and adjust the exercise equipment accordingly. 
         [0006]    Methods to instruct users on the use of equipment and to design personal exercise routines have also developed. Videos have been produced to provide the details on how to use exercise equipment and computer programs have been written that will custom tailor an exercise routine to a user&#39;s abilities and requirements. 
         [0007]    For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0164833 discloses software that allows users to choose a virtual personal trainer and select their own exercise routine. The virtual trainer demonstrates the use of the gym equipment on a computer and then the users follow the routine at their own pace and at a place and time of their own convenience. However, the virtual trainer is not there to encourage, motivate and assist the user while he/she is exercising. 
         [0008]    None of these technological replacements for real personal trainers have all of the aspects of a real personal trainer. None provide the on site encouragement, motivation, incentive or assistance that a personal trainer can give. It is therefore desired to provide a system and method for creating and implementing an interactive virtual personal trainer that can be used on various exercise equipment. It is also desired to provide a system and method for providing a virtual trainer which provides a planned exercise routine and real time motivation based on past performance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a customizable interactive virtual trainer for providing an exercise routine and motivation and encouragement during the exercise routine. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system and method which retains exercise data and history and provides the exercise routine and motivation based on the exercise data and history. 
         [0010]    These and other objectives are achieved by providing a virtual trainer exercise system including at least one exercise equipment device including 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 the 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 audio output. 
         [0011]    Also provided is a method of providing a user with a virtual trainer in situ on exercise equipment including 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, displaying the interactive virtual trainer on a video display, implementing a workout routine on the exercise equipment, receiving speech input from the user and providing a response to the speech input via the interactive virtual trainer. 
         [0012]    Further provided is a method of generating an interactive virtual trainer and workout regiment for use in situ on exercise equipment, including the steps of accessing a server via the Internet, creating a username and a password, entering one or more personal data elements corresponding to the user for storage in a user profile, selecting a customizable virtual trainer for storage in the user profile, selecting trainer attributes indicative of at least one of an appearance and a behavior of the virtual trainer, providing one or more workout parameters, and receiving a workout routine based on the one or more workout parameters. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a virtual trainer exercise system according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is another schematic view of the system shown in  FIG. 1   
           [0015]      FIGS. 3A  and B are exemplary video user interfaces employable by the system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a method of providing a virtual trainer employable by the system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are exemplary screenshots generated by the system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is another method of providing a virtual trainer employable by the system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary exercise equipment device employable by the virtual trainer exercise system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is another view of the exemplary exercise equipment device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a system for providing a virtual trainer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system includes one or more exercise equipment devices  110 , such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, stair climbers, weight lifting machines, etc. These exercise equipment devices  110  may be purchased by a user for in-home use or used at a fitness facility or gym. Preferably the system includes a network of exercise equipment, either in a particular facility or across a plurality of facilities. 
         [0022]    Each device  110  includes a data port for receiving profile data  142  from a profile storage device  140 , a video user interface  214 , and an audio input/output  212 . The profile storage device  140  may be any digital storage device that is sufficient to identify a user, such as a portable memory stick or a USB flash drive or a database of user profiles. The video user interface  214  includes an LCD monitor for displaying an interactive virtual trainer according to the present invention and/or a touch screen interface for receiving manual input from the user. 
         [0023]    The audio input/output  212  includes a voice recognition application such as Natural Internet Voice Recognition (“NIVP”) to receive speech data and/or commands from the user. The audio input/output  212  includes a microphone, or a wireless communication receiver, e.g., Bluetooth interface, for communicating with a wireless headset. The placement of the microphone is required to initiate voice recognition communication between the Virtual Personal Trainer and the user will vary according to the type of exercise equipment to be used but should always be at the closest point in relation to the users voice. For example, said microphone might be placed on the bar of a chest press machine. The audio input/output  212  further includes one or more speakers for providing audio portions of the virtual trainer. The speakers may be included in a headset (e.g., Bluetooth headset). 
         [0024]    The NIVP includes software executing on the server  100  and/or exercise equipment device  110  for recognizing and interpreting speech input from the user  200 . Based on the interpreted speech input, the system or software thereof formulates commands to send to the exercise equipment device  110  to adjust a workout routine and/or interact with the virtual trainer. The NIVP also receives speech commands to start and stop the workout. For new users, the NIVP may further receive information necessary to create a new user profile. 
         [0025]    The system further includes one or more workstations  130 . The workstation  130  may be a personal computer remotely accessible to the system or a terminal (e.g., kiosk) located in the vicinity of the exercise equipment device  110 . Via the workstation  130 , a user may provide user input  132  to the server  100  to generate his/her user profile, and download profile data  142  to a profile storage device  140 . For example, the user can select a trainer and customize the trainer&#39;s attributes via the workstation  130 . The user can also select attributes of his/her workout routine. However, user input  132  and profile data  142  can also be generated and stored to the server and/or profile storage device  140  directly through the exercise equipment  110 , e.g., via the user interface  214  and audio input  212  thereof. 
         [0026]    User input  132  and user profiles are stored in one or more databases  112  accessible by the server  100 . The databases  112  may further include reference to fitness, health and/or particular fitness equipment information which is accessible to the users (e.g., via interaction with their virtual trainer). The server  100  further communicates with the exercise equipment device  110  (e.g., via the internet  120 ) before, during and/or after a workout routine. The server  100  transmits trainer data, such as data indicative of an interactive virtual trainer, and workout regimens to the exercise equipment device  110  and receives workout results  150  therefrom. The results  150  (e.g., workout history) are stored by the server  100  and used by the system to update workout routines and further generate the interactive trainer. For example, the interactive virtual trainer may provide relevant motivation and feedback to the user based on his/her past workout performance. 
         [0027]    On exercise equipment devices  110  that are weight lifting machines, the devices may be equipped with hydraulic technology to change the load associated with the exercise, as well as provide assistance (e.g., a spot) when the system senses a user  200  is in need of help or when a user communicates to the virtual trainer that he/she needs assistance. Furthermore, the exercise equipment devices  110  may be equipped with power seats that automatically adjust to profile data  142 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a system for using the exercise equipment device  110 . The exercise equipment device  110  contains a processor  210  for executing software, an audio input/output device  212  and a user interface  214 . The processor  210  downloads profile data  142  from the profile storage device  140 . The profile data  142  may include a complete user profile, any portion thereof or a trigger to enable the system to access the user profile from the server  100 . For example, the processor  210  may use the profile data  142  to access the server  100  and retrieve trainer data and/or workout regimens  152  corresponding to the user. 
         [0029]    Based on the user profile, the system generates an interactive virtual trainer (e.g.,  520 ) for continuous display and interaction with the user  200  during his/her workout. In some embodiments, the system provides a three-dimensional display of the virtual trainer to the user. The virtual trainer provides motivation, encouragement and feedback including audio and video trainer data  222 / 224  to the user during the workout. The system further receives receive input from the user  200  to the virtual trainer via the user interface  214  and/or the audio input device  212 . The virtual trainer may therefore ask targeted questions of the user (e.g., confirmations, desired equipment settings, etc.) and answer questions and responds to commands from the user. For example, the virtual trainer may answer questions about fitness and/or the particular equipment, and may implement commands such as changes to the workout routine in progress. In another example, using voice recognition will trigger the assistance and motivation required to complete additional repetitions during a fitness exercise. Alternatively, the device will monitor the pattern and “smoothness” with which the user carries out a repetitive exercise. The virtual trainer will then request if the user could use assistance and how many additional repetitions should be completed. The trainer will then reduce the weight enough to complete the desired set of repetitions. 
         [0030]    The system employs the NIVP software to interpret questions from the user  200  and provide the appropriate responses. The system further responds to user&#39;s  200  requests by adjusting the workout routine if appropriate and providing necessary motivation, encouragement and/or incentives, etc. The virtual trainer  520  may be able to respond to its name and/or be able to refer to the user  200  by his/her name. During and/or upon completion of the workout, workout data  150  or workout results are transmitted to the server  100 . The workout data  150  is stored in the corresponding user profile for access by the user and use in future workouts (e.g., by the virtual trainer). For example, a virtual trainer may suggest increasing a duration or weight to a user based on his/her performance in a previous workout. 
         [0031]    The user&#39;s workout data  150  as well as additional data relating to the user&#39;s overall health and health history may be compiled. This data may be shared with health care providers and insurance providers in order to make better preventative health programs and incentives for their clients. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are examples of the exercise equipment device  110  including a user interface  214 . The user interface  214  provides the visual depiction (e.g., 3-D visual depiction) of the virtual trainer  520  to the user and/or other workout and trainer data. The user  200  can manually input information and/or preferences into the user interface  214  to adjust workouts and/or control other aspects of the system, including the appearance of the virtual trainer  520 , the trainer&#39;s attributes, demeanor, intensity and/or involvement. Alternatively, design of the various features of the virtual trainer may be carried out using the voice recognition software. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  depicts a method of creating a user profile, a virtual trainer, and a workout routine. The user  200  first accesses the virtual trainer server, e.g., via a website of the system (step  401 ). The server and/or website is accessible via a workstation of the system, or through a user interface of exercise equipment of the system. The website and/or exercise equipment  110  may then ask if the user  200  is a new or returning user (step  403 ). 
         [0034]    If the user  200  is a new user, the user is prompted to register (step  405 ). Registration may include entering or speaking the user&#39;s  200  personal information, including but not limited to name, address, payment information, age, and/or weight. Some information, such as heart rate and weight, may be received by sensors of the system included on the exercise equipment device  110  or other devices of the system. Once registration is complete, the user is prompted to design a virtual trainer  520 . If the user  200  is not a new user, the user may simply be prompted to log-in (step  409 ). Once logged-on, the server  100  may access the database  112  to retrieve the user&#39;s stored information and, if desired, modify the user&#39;s virtual trainer. 
         [0035]    Once the user  200  has designed a virtual trainer (step  407 ) or log-in (step  409 ), the user is prompted to provide workout preferences (step  411 ). The step of providing workout preferences may include selecting what personal training devices  110  to use and/or deciding what muscle group to work on. The workout preferences may also include a preferred workout duration, number of repetitions and/or sets, a workout intensity, etc. A user may provide general workout preferences, detailed workout preferences or no preferences at all. Based on the preferences provided, if any, the system generates a workout routine and prompts the user for confirmation of the routine. In some embodiments, a user may add music to his/her user profile. For example, user profiles may include any number of songs and play lists to be provided to the user during his/her workout. Finally, once the workout is created, profile data is downloaded to the profile storage device  140 . 
         [0036]    The user profiles may be securely maintained by the server  100  or, at the user&#39;s option, displayed in whole or part on a webpage. For example, the system may include an online community for fitness minded people to meet and network. Users can view other user&#39;s profiles, fitness goals and progress. Users can further post photos and personal advertisements, ask and answer questions via chat rooms, share experiences via blogs, etc. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show screenshots generated by the software used to customize a virtual trainer  520 . A virtual trainer  520  may be chosen from a database of already created virtual trainers or may be generated and/or customized by each user. Numerous aspects of the virtual trainer may be customized including but not limited to, hair style and color  504 , clothing  506 , age  508 , skin tone  510 , gender, demeanor, voice characteristics, body type and size, eye color, facial features, etc. Additionally, e.g., in the for-home use version, the virtual trainer  520  may be customizable to be nude and/or use profanity. Furthermore, the virtual trainer  520  can be designed to have a celebrity likeness, which aspect of the system may be accessible for a fee. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  depicts a method of using the personal training device  110 . Before beginning to exercise, the user  200  inserts the profile storage device  140  into the personal training device  110  (step  601 ). Then, the processor  210  accesses a user profile corresponding to information provided on the profile storage device (step  603 ). Using the profile data  142 , the processor  210  may use software to communicate with the server  100  to upload the trainer data and/or workout regimen  152 . Once the processor  210  has all the necessary data, including but not limited to the trainer data and workout regimen  152 , the processor  210  generates and provides the interactive virtual trainer  520  to the user via the user interface  214  and audio input/output  212  (step  605 ). 
         [0039]    The virtual trainer  520  proceeds to ask the user  200 , via the user interface  214 , audio device  212  or any other communications means, if the user  200  is ready to begin the workout and confirms workout parameters. After the user  200  communicates, via the user interface  214 , audio device  212  or any other communications means, that he/she is ready to begin the workout, the processor  210  may implement the workout parameters from the user profile and begins the workout (step  609 ). 
         [0040]    During the workout, the processor  210  may receive data regarding the user&#39;s  200  performance from the personal training device  110  and may use software to instruct the virtual trainer  520  to provide the appropriate feedback to the user  200  (step  611 ). Such feedback may include motivation, encouragement to work harder, incentive to improve performance, and accolades for good performance. Such feedback is communicated visually through the user interface  214  and/or audibly through the audio device  212  and/or speakers attached to the exercise equipment  110 . 
         [0041]    During the workout, the processor  210  continuously monitors the user&#39;s  200  commands, through the audio device  212 , the user interface  214  and/or any other communications means. If at any time during and/or before the workout the user  200  wishes to modify the workout (steps  613 ), the processor  210  makes the necessary adjustments, including but not limited to length of the workout, intensity of the workout, number of sets and/or repetitions, etc. The user may communicate using microphones using voice recognition. Placement of the microphones will vary depending upon the type of exercise equipment which is being used. Once the modifications to the workout are made, the virtual trainer  520  confirms the adjustments with the user (step  617 ), implements the workout parameters and begins the new workout. 
         [0042]    As an additional feature, the equipment may be able to track the user&#39;s body weight and maintain historical records over time. This data will be stored on the web based database for future access and reference. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an exemplary exercise equipment device  110  employable by the virtual trainer exercise system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The device  110  may include multiple displays or user interfaces  214   a - 214   c . Each display or monitor may have its own functions and state of the art technology providing added distraction to a fitness work out. Users may select the particular content to be displayed on each. For example, a virtual trainer may be interactively display on a first display (e.g.,  214   a ), workouts statistics and/or workout design functions on second display (e.g.,  214   b ) and multimedia (e.g., TV, cable, Internet, Email, Direct TV, DVD, etc.) on a third display (e.g.,  214   c ). 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the device  110  and/or displays thereof are operable via selectable menus on any one or all of the displays. Menus of dialogue choices provide a means of communication with the virtual trainers. These choices can be questions and/or responses to the user&#39;s answers that motivate you, teach, and direct you through your desired fitness routine. A user may therefore communicate with his/her virtual trainer via the voice recognition application described above, via questions presented on the display(s) with selectable (e.g., touch screen) answers or options, or by both means. A user may also create and/or modify a virtual trainer via a series of menus on the display(s). In some embodiments, the device  110 , displays and/or menus are also controllable using a remote or wireless controller. The virtual personal trainers can be designed, profiles created, and routines programmed with the remote control or wireless controller. 
         [0045]    Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.