Abstract:
A system and method for enhancing fitness in an office environment includes receiving fitness goal data corresponding to a targeted fitness goal of at least one user. The user initiates a document processing request to commence processing on a networked document processing device. The user provides data identifying at least one electronic document desired for processing. Data relative to the user&#39;s location and the document processing devices is used, along with historical fitness information relative to the user and a user&#39;s fitness goal, to generate suggested document processing devices which are distanced so as to afford progress toward those goals.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates generally to monitoring and promoting physical activity. The application relates more specifically to enhancing health by monitoring and promoting physical activity in an office environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Continuing advances in technology often leave people with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Tasks that once required physical activity have been eliminated, or rendered easier by innovation. By way of example, staircases have been supplemented by escalators and elevators, and walkways have been supplemented by people moving conveyors. As a result, on average, people are becoming increasingly unfit. Average body fat content, particularly in first world countries such as the United States, is creeping upward at an alarming rate. Office workers comprise some of the most sedentary workday lifestyles. Workers may spend hours behind a desk or on a computer as they draft documents, such as briefs, spreadsheets, reports, web pages or software, spend hours on phone calls, and frequently sit during extended meetings or seminars. 
     While technological advances have lessened physical activity, other advances have provided tools with which people can monitor their activity, calculate energy spent and track activity toward target fitness or weight loss goals. Example products include wearable health monitors, such as the FITBIT products of Fitbit, Inc., GEARWATCH products of Samsung and Garmin VIVOFIT products. Such devices may include tracking systems, using technologies such as GPS, cellular or local area network. They may also include a compass, accelerometer, temperature gauge or other hardware or software systems to facilitate health or exercise monitoring. Applications running on suitably equipped smartphones may also provide the same or similar functionality. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with example embodiments of the subject application, a system and method for enhancing fitness includes receiving fitness goal data corresponding to a targeted fitness goal of at least one user. The user initiates a document processing request to commence processing on a networked document processing device. The user provides data identifying at least one electronic document desired for processing. Data relative to the user&#39;s location and the document processing devices is used, along with historical fitness information relative to the user and a user&#39;s fitness goal, to generate suggested document processing devices which are distanced so as to afford progress toward those goals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  an example embodiment of a system for promotion of worker fitness in an office environment; 
         FIG. 2  is an example embodiment of a document processing device, such as a multifunction peripheral; 
         FIG. 3  is an example embodiment of a user device; 
         FIG. 4  is an example embodiment of a system for promotion of worker fitness in an office environment 
         FIG. 5  is an example embodiment of a software module block diagram; 
         FIG. 6  is an example embodiment of data or instruction flow; and 
         FIG. 7  is an example embodiment of a flowchart. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. 
     In accordance with the subject application, increased physical activity is monitored and promoted in business environments while workers go about their normal job routines. Employers are focusing increasingly on employee health. This is not only for the betterment of individual health, but may also include financial incentives. Health insurers may provide better premiums to employees or employers where members achieve certain health or fitness objectives. 
     Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). MFPs are used in connection with example embodiments disclosed in detail below, but it is to be appreciated that any suitable document processing device can be used. 
     Given the expense in obtaining and maintain MFPs, devices are frequently shared among users via a data network. Users may send document processing jobs, such as a print request, to one or more networked devices. In a typical shared device setting, one or more workstations are connected via a network. When a user wants to print a document, an electronic copy of that document is sent to a document processing device via the network. Electronic documents may be sent from the user&#39;s workstation, from a document server, or from any digital device accessible to a common network. The user may select a particular device for document processing when several are available. In many instances, a worker will simply have a default device, such as a default printer, that is more proximate to the worker&#39;s office or workstation. That device will be used, subject to an alternative selection being made if a device is offline, out of paper or malfunctioning. Another device may be selected if the default device does not have needed capabilities, such as collating, color rendering, hole-punching or stapling. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a health monitoring and promotion system  100  for promotion of worker fitness in an office environment. In the illustrated example, network computer users suitably interact with their computers, such as workstations, notebook computers, tablets, smartphones, and the like to accomplish document processing tasks using shared network peripherals. User computer  110  is suitably in data communication with multiple document processing devices, such as MFP  122 , MFP  124  and MFP  126 . Data communication between each user computer  110  and the MFPs  122 ,  124 ,  126  is suitably accomplished via any suitable data path, such as data network comprising a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN) which may comprise the Internet, or any combination of the same. Alternative data pathways suitably include universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), cellular, or the like, alone or in combination. 
     User computer  110  suitably provides an interface to accumulate or relay fitness information from one or more users associated with wearable fitness monitors. User fitness information may be input into the user computer  110  directly by an associated user. Fitness information may include information relative to fitness activity or fitness goals of each particular user. Such information is also suitably provided by a wearable device  130  associated with the user, such as wearable fitness monitors detailed above. Data communication with a wearable device  130  is suitably wired, such as via USB, Lightning Connector, near-field communication, optical, such as infrared, Bluetooth, or the like. A wearable device  130  may include information relative to an associated user&#39;s fitness history, such as number of steps taken over given period, as well as fitness goals established by the user. It is understood that such information is suitably stored or copied into any suitable data storage, including the user&#39;s computer  110  or networked data storage. 
     In the illustration of  FIG. 1 , the user computer  110  is in data communication with the MFPs from a static, or known, relative location. In the example, user computer  110  is 10 steps from MFP  122 , 40 steps from MFP  124  and 100 steps from MFP  126 . Locations of devices such as user computers  110  or MFPs  122 ,  124 ,  126  is suitably preset by an administrator. Alternatively, position information is suitably determined by indoor location technology, such as LAN information, signal strength monitoring, or any suitably means or combination as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Location information is also suitably obtained via GPS tracking, cell sector tracking, radio signal triangulation, or the like, alone or in combination. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , fitness information provides input to allow for adjustment of document processing device selection to help accomplish such goals. By way of further example, user computer  110  communicates with wearable device  130  to secure fitness goal data (1) relative to user activity targets or goals, as well as user activity data (2) such as monitored or measured user fitness activity. When the user is in need of a document processing operation, such as printing a document, a determination is suitably made as to which devices are suitable candidates for completing the desired job. Determinations as to candidate devices are suitably made in conjunction with one or more factors including device availability, device capability, or a range of acceptable device distances from the user computer  110 . Candidate devices suitably report at (3) on availability or provide distance information relative to the user computer  110  to issue the print job. 
     The user computer  110  suitably calculates, given the user&#39;s fitness goals and progress thus far, suggestions for device selection for completing the desired document processing operation. By way of particular example, a user with high fitness goals or limited progress thus far is suitably prompted with suggestions to print at more distant devices. Such suggestions are suitably coupled with an estimation of exercise value by making a particular selection, which is suitably supplemented with the user&#39;s particular fitness goals. A user selects from a candidate device, and this selection provides information that can be used to update the user&#39;s fitness history. The user&#39;s wearable device  130  is then suitably updated accordingly. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , MFP  126  is suggested as the best candidate for printing given its distance of 100 steps from the user&#39;s wearable device  130 , and the job is routed at (4) upon approval. 
     As a further example, there may be instances where third parties, such as an administrator, benefits coordinator or health insurance provider determines a fitness goal for employees, and supplied information is used in providing one or more suggested document processing devices for document processing. Financial or other incentives may be provided to employees who achieve fitness goals. Additional controls may include a minimum distance for job retrieval to enforce a modicum of user activity or a maximum distance to prevent wasting of employee time. Also, a user or administrator may choose to bypass the system entirely, such as when a particular user has physical limitations, such as illness, pregnancy or disabilities. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an example of a digital processing system  200  suitably comprised within an MFP, such as MFP  122 ,  124  or  126 . Included are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by CPU  202 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as ROM  204 , and random access memory (RAM)  206 , via a data bus  212 . 
     Processor  202  is also in data communication with a storage interface  208  for reading or writing to a storage  216 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Processor  202  is also in data communication with a network interface  210  which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC)  214 , which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection, or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface  218 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), telephone line, or the like. NIC  214  and wireless network interface  218  suitably provide for connection to an associated network  220 . 
     Processor  202  can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like. Also in data communication with data bus  212  is a document processor interface  222  suitable for data communication with MFP functional units. Data bus  212  also suitably provides an interface to a location-based services interface  224  suitably for obtaining location information. Data communication directly with wearable devices is suitably accomplished wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth interface  226  or near-field communication interface  228 . In a configuration, the Bluetooth interface  226  or near-field communication interface  228  can be connected via network interface  210 . 
     In the illustrated example, these units include copy hardware  240 , scan hardware  242 , print hardware  244  and fax hardware  246  which together comprise MFP functional hardware  250 . It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is an example of a digital processing system  300  suitably comprised within the user device  110  of  FIG. 1 . Included are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by processor  304 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as bulk storage  308  and ROM  310 , as well as random access memory (RAM)  312 , via a data bus  314 . Storage is suitably local to the device, but can also be remote storage via a networked storage location or via cloud storage. 
     Processor  304  is also in data communication with a storage interface  314  for reading or writing to a data storage system  112 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Processor  304  is also in data communication with a network interface controller (NIC)  330 , which provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection via physical network interface  334 , or to any suitable wireless data connection via wireless network interface  338 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), telephone line, cellular or the like. A location based services module  336  is also suitably in data communication with bus  314  and stores or determines a physical location of a user device. 
     In the illustration of  FIG. 3 , also in data communication with bus  314  is a user input/output interface  340  which suitably provides a gateway to any suitable peripheral or device, such as touch screen display  344 , Bluetooth interface  350  or near-field communication interface  360 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is another example embodiment of a system  400  for promotion of worker fitness in an office environment. In the example embodiment, user computer  410  is in data communication with the MFPs from a static or known, relative location. In the example, user computer  410  is 10 steps from MFP  422 , 40 steps from MFP  424  and 100 steps from MFP  426 . Locations of devices such as user computers  410  or MFPs  422 ,  424 ,  426  is suitably preset by an administrator or determined by location technology such as that detailed above. 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , fitness information provides input to allow for adjustment of document processing device selection to help accomplish such goals such as illustrated above. By way of further example, user computer  410  communicates with wearable device  430  to secure fitness data, suitably comprising goal data relative to user activity targets or goals, as well as user activity data such as monitored or measured user fitness activity and is resident at the user device  410 . It is to be understood that health information is suitably stored in any data storage, which may include a networked server, another data device or on an MFP controller. Fitness data is advantageously communicated securely, and is alternatively communicated via a hardware path such as via a USB memory device  440 . When the user is in need of a document processing operation, such as printing a document, a determination is suitably made as to which devices are suitable candidates for completing the desired job. Determinations as to candidate devices are suitably made in conjunction with one or more factors including device availability, device capability, or a range of acceptable device distances from the user computer  410 . Candidate devices suitably report on availability or provide distance information relative to the user computer  410  to issue the print job. 
     As with  FIG. 1 , above, user computer  410  suitably calculates, given the user&#39;s fitness goals and progress thus far, suggestions for device selection for completing the desired document processing operation. A user selects from a candidate device, and this selection provides information that can be used to update the user&#39;s fitness history. The user&#39;s wearable device  430  is then suitably updated accordingly. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , illustrated is an example embodiment of software module block diagram to realize example embodiments described herein. An example flowchart suitably implemented with software modules  500  will be detailed below. Realization is suitably accomplished in hardware such as that illustrated with  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 3 . Included is a print job routing suggest module  510 , a relative MFP distance store  514 , a fitness information store  520 , a MFP communication module  530  and a wearable device communication module  540 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is an example embodiment of data or instruction flow  600  in connection with the forgoing. User  602  is suitably associated with user PC  610 . Available MFPs for job processing include MFP  622 , MFP  624  and MFP  626 . User  602  is also suitably associated with wearable device  630  and USB dongle  640 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a flowchart  700  of an example embodiment of the subject application. The process suitably commences at block  702 , and proceeds to block  704  where a user submits a document processing request, suitably via an associated user device. It will be appreciated that such a request may be initiated via any suitable device, such as to with another user&#39;s device or with an MFP. Next, a determination is made at block  710  as to whether a new goal interval associated with the submitting user has been commenced. If so, the user&#39;s historical fitness data, particularly relative to the instant interval, is suitably reset at block  712  and progress is made to block  720  wherein a fitness goal associated with the user is retrieved. In the event that no new interval is started as determine by block  710 , progress is made immediately to block  720 . 
     Next, historical fitness data associated with the user is retrieved at  724 . This value may have been reset at block  712 . Next, a comparison between a user&#39;s fitness goal data and historical fitness data is made at block  728 , and available MFPs are determined at block  730 . A user&#39;s location is communicated to the MFPs at block  734 , and the MFPs respond so as to allow for a determination of relative distance to the user at block  738 . A determination is made as whether the user&#39;s fitness goal was achieved at block  750 . If not, a suggestion for a document processing device is made at block  754 . If the user accepts the suggestion at block  758 , the document is sent to the approved device at block  760 , and the user&#39;s historical fitness data is updated at block  770 . If the user does not accept the suggestion at block  758 , the document processing job is suitably sent to the MFP closest to the user at block  774  for processing. Progress is made from either block  770  or block  774  to block  778  wherein the user is suitably notified of a location for document retrieval, and the process suitably ends at block  780 . 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.