Wireless device, program products and methods of using a wireless device to deliver services

A user interface is presented through which a training plan is established. The training plan includes a plurality of workouts each describing a human physical activity. The training plan is stored within data storage for selection by any of a plurality of users. In response to a user among said plurality of users selecting said training plan, data describing at least one workout in said training plan is electronically transmitted to a client device associated with the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to wireless communication and, in particular, to the use of a wireless device to deliver services.

2. Description of the Related Art

As Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has matured, location-aware electronics have been integrated into a number of different mobile platforms, such as automobiles, mobile telephones, two-way radios, and hand-held GPS receivers, in order to provide location information. Location awareness supports the provision of various location-based services.

Portable and/or wireless electronic devices have also been developed or adapted for use in various commercial, personal or leisure activities to assist people in performing the activity and/or to enhance the enjoyment and/or efficiency of the activity. Such electronic devices may or may not be GPS-enabled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A user interface is presented through which a training plan is established. The training plan includes a plurality of workouts each describing a human physical activity. The training plan is stored within data storage for selection by any of a plurality of users. In response to a user among said plurality of users selecting said training plan, data describing at least one workout in said training plan is electronically transmitted to a client device associated with the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the figures, and in particular with reference toFIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of an environment in which the methods, systems, and program products of the present invention may advantageously be practiced. In particular,FIG. 1illustrates an environment10in which a location-aware portable fitness device12is utilized by an athlete14while engaged in a fitness activity, such as running, cycling, hiking, climbing, skiing, etc.

As shown, environment10includes a constellation of earth-orbiting global positioning system (GPS) satellites20. As is known in the art, GPS satellites20continuously emit GPS signals22, which enable GPS-equipped devices, such as portable fitness device12, to continuously determine their position, velocity, bearing and elevation as long as a sufficient number of GPS satellites20can be acquired.

Environment10further includes a wireless wide-area network (WAN) communication system including a plurality of geographically distributed communication towers30and base station systems (BSS)32(only one of each is illustrated for simplicity). Communication tower30includes one or more antennae34supporting long range two-way radio frequency communication wireless devices, such as portable fitness device12. The radio frequency communication between antennae34and portable fitness device12may utilize radio frequency signals36conforming to any known or future developed wireless protocol, for example, CDMA, GSM, EDGE, 3G, IEEE 802.x (e.g., IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX)), etc. The information transmitted over-the-air by BSS32and cellular communication tower30to portable fitness device12may be further transmitted to or received from one or more additional circuit-switched or packet-switched communication networks, including, for example, the Internet40.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, Internet40is a worldwide collection of servers, routers, switches and transmission lines that employ the Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate data. For example, Internet40may be employed to communicate data between any of server computer system42, client computer system44, and portable fitness device12. For example, as described further below, Internet40may be utilized to communicate to portable fitness device12route information from a route database52stored within data storage50associated with server computer system42. Similarly, portable fitness device12may transmit route and performance information to server computer system42for storage in training journal database54via Internet40, BSS32, and communication tower30. In addition, a user stationed at a remote client computer system44, for example, athlete14, a remote trainer or other user, may access real-time or historical performance information regarding the training of athlete14via server computer system42and Internet40.

Referring now toFIG. 2A, there is illustrated a high-level block diagram of an exemplary implementation of portable training device12in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, portable training device12includes a central processing unit (CPU)60that controls the operation of portable fitness device12in accordance with client software154described further below with respect toFIG. 2B. As shown, CPU60is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a variety of different components within portable fitness device12. For example, portable fitness device12includes an internal memory device62for storing the client software, as well as various route, performance and environmental information regarding a training activity of athlete14. The storage provided by internal memory device62may be further augmented by a removable storage medium inserted within removable memory slot64and/or dedicated audio storage66for storing audio data. The audio data may include, for example, music tracks encoded in MP3 format, synthesized human speech tracks, voice annotations by athlete14recorded via an internal or external microphone68, as well as other audio data.

In addition to microphone68, portable fitness device12may include a number of other input/output (I/O) devices. For example, portable fitness device12may include one or more manually manipulable input buttons80that permit athlete14to start and stop recording of GPS data, annotate a route while athlete14is traversing the route, and/or to enter desired settings of portable fitness device12. Portable fitness device12may also include a speaker82and display84through which portable fitness device12may present real-time performance information (e.g., elapsed distance, elapsed time, pace, distance to go, heart rate, etc.), turn-by-turn directions, real-time remote training recommendations, maps, and other information in audio and/or visual format.

Portable fitness device12is equipped with a power supply90that powers CPU60and the other components of portable fitness device12. Power supply90includes a battery and may further have an associated power port92through which the battery may be charged from an AC power source. Alternatively, the battery within power supply90may be charged utilizing a wireless inductive charging device, as is known in the art.

Portable fitness device12further includes a GPS receiver100and associated GPS antenna102that receive GPS signals22from GPS satellites20. GPS receiver100processes GPS signals22to present to CPU60time-stamped waypoints, which include at least a time, a latitude, and a longitude. If at least four GPS satellites20have been acquired, the time-stamped waypoints presented to CPU60by GPS receiver100preferably further include an elevation. As discussed further below, the time and position information supplied by GPS receiver100is utilized by client software154running on CPU60to build a record of a route traversed by athlete14and to determine performance information (e.g., elapsed distance, elapsed time, pace, distance to go, heart rate, etc.) regarding the athlete's traversal of the route.

Portable training device12supports two-way wireless WAN communication with communication tower30with WAN transceiver104and its associated antenna106. As known to those skilled in the art, WAN transceiver104includes a receiver for receiving radio frequency signals36and a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency signals36. As discussed in greater detail below, radio frequency signals36may include route information transmitted to portable fitness device12, route and performance information transmitted from portable fitness device12, settings for portable fitness device12, and one or two-way voice communication (e.g., a voice conversation between athlete14and a remote trainer stationed at remote client computer44). The data sent and received by WAN transceiver104may alternatively be communicated via an optional data port108, which may employ short range wired or wireless communication (e.g., RS-232 or infrared).

In order to support communication with other electronics within close range, portable fitness device12may be further equipped with one or more local wireless interface(s)110and associated antennae112. For example, local wireless interface(s) may include interfaces for 802.11x, Bluetooth, 900 mHz communication or the like. Utilizing such technologies, portable fitness device12may communicate with or sense data from a heart rate monitor120, headphones122, shoes124, and a watch126worn by athlete14during a fitness activity. In this manner, portable fitness device12may gather information regarding athlete14, such as his/her heart rate and body temperature, and if the athlete's shoes124are equipped with an RFID tag, the shoes124worn during the fitness activity. Portable fitness device12may similarly present to the user performance, directional and training information via watch126and headphones122.

Of course, in alternative embodiments, portable fitness device12may sense or communicate with particular devices utilizing wired or wireless interfaces. For example, microphone68may alternatively be incorporated within wireless headphones122, and heart rate monitor120may alternatively be coupled to CPU60via a wired interface. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the block diagram provided inFIG. 2A, that any number of internal or external devices and sensors, such as temperature and barometric pressure sensor130, may be coupled to CPU60via either wired or wireless interfaces. In this manner, client software running on CPU60may associate with the time and position information provided by GPS receiver100various data of interest regarding athlete14, his/her environment and the route being traversed. The data may be stored locally by portable fitness device12, for example, within internal memory device62, or transmitted over-the-air by WAN transceiver104, possibly in real time.

It will further be appreciated that portable fitness device12may be implemented as a special purpose device or may alternatively be realized on a conventional portable device platform, such as a mobile telephone, MP3 player, digital camera, PDA, etc.

With reference now toFIG. 2B, there is illustrated a layer diagram of an exemplary software configuration of portable fitness device12in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the software configuration of portable fitness device12includes at a lowest level an operating system (OS)150that provides a collection of services, such as thread scheduling, memory management, interrupts, etc., that may be accessed by higher-level software. Running on top of operating system150is a runtime environment152, such as one of the JAVA or BREW runtime environments. Finally, the software configuration of portable fitness device12includes a portable fitness device client154running on top of runtime environment152. Portable fitness device client154may be downloaded to portable fitness device12over-the-air, for example, via the wireless WAN and WAN transceiver104.

As illustrated, portable fitness device client154comprises a number of individual modules, each performing a function of portable fitness device12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrated modules are illustrative rather than exhaustive, and that portable fitness device client154may include additional or alternative modules to support or extend the functionality of portable fitness device12.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the modules within portable fitness device client154preferably include a number of reader modules160-166. GPS reader160receives from GPS receiver100time-stamped waypoints including at least time, latitude and longitude information, and, depending upon implementation and the number of GPS satellites20from which GPS signals22were received, elevation and error information. Utilizing the time-stamped waypoints received from GPS receiver100, GPS reader160calculates performance and route information for athlete14. For example, GPS reader160may determine the start and stop times at which a route was begun and ended, an elapsed time, an elapsed distance, distance remaining in the route, elevation change, average elevation, current pace, average pace, bearing, etc.

The remainder of readers160-166, for example, heart rate reader162and annotation reader164, similarly obtain input data and associate the input data with a corresponding time-stamped waypoint obtained by GPS reader160. Readers162-166may also perform additional calculations to determine instantaneous, differential or cumulative quantitative characterizations of the route, the performance of athlete14or of his/her environment. Thus, for example, heart rate reader162may obtain an instantaneous heart rate reading from heart rate monitor120, associate that heart rate reading with the time-stamped waypoint obtained by GPS reader160, and calculate an average heart rate. Similarly, annotation reader164may store a route annotation entered by athlete14via input buttons80or microphone18with a time-stamped waypoint obtained by GPS reader160.

The data gathered and calculated by readers160-166are then parsed and formatted by formatter170into a predetermined data format that associates the performance and route data with a timestamp and geographical location. The particular data format employed by data formatter170is implementation-dependent, but is preferably compact to conserve the capacity of internal memory device62and the bandwidth of the communication link between portable training device12and the wireless WAN. Storage capacity and wireless communication bandwidth may further be conserved by applying a data compressor172to the formatted data produced by data formatter170.

After data obtained and calculated by readers160-166have been formatted by data formatter170and optionally compressed by data compressor172, the data are either stored within internal memory device62(or audio storage66or a removal memory loaded in removable memory slot64) or are transmitted over-the-air via WAN transceiver104. Upload manager174and route and performance recorder176determine whether or not to upload and/or store data locally based upon one or more criteria, for example, whether WAN transceiver104can acquire a connection to the wireless WAN, the available storage within internal memory device62, an indication of whether or not a remote user is tracking the training of athlete14in real-time, and/or other criteria. If, based upon these and/or other criteria, upload manager174decides to upload the formatted and compressed data, upload manager174outputs the data via WAN transceiver104and antenna106to client computer system44and/or server computer system42utilizing radio frequency signals36. Data transmitted to client computer system44is typically graphically presented within a display device, and data transmitted to server computer system42is typically stored within training journal database54.

As noted above, portable training device12may alternatively receive data over-the-air from the wireless WAN. In a preferred embodiment, the data received over-the-air from the wireless WAN may include route information transmitted by server computer system42from route database52, settings of portable fitness device12transmitted by server computer system42or client computer system44, and training recommendations transmitted from server computer system42or client computer system44. Route information, which may be identified as such, for example, by an XML header, is received, processed and stored by route storage manager182. The route information may be, for example, turn-by-turn directions keyed to particular geographical areas defined by a latitude and longitude range duple. By storing route information in this format, when GPS reader160obtains a time-stamped waypoint falling within a particular geographic area defined by a latitude and longitude range duple, audio presentation module192can present an audible instruction to athlete14via speaker82and/or headphones122to direct athlete14how to traverse a desired route.

Settings data, which may be identified as such, for example, by an XML header, is initially received, processed, and output by data decompressor180is then subsequently processed by settings manager184. For example, settings manager184may utilize settings data to update storage locations within internal memory device62governing particular aspects of the operation of portable training device12. In addition, based upon the received settings, settings manager184may notify upload manager174or route and performance recorder176to initiate upload or storage of route and performance information.

Training recommendations received, processed and output by data decompressor180are subsequently processed by training input manager186. These training recommendations preferably take the form of either voice data communicated by a human trainer utilizing, for example, a voice-over-IP (VoIP) connection to portable training device12, or a predetermined data command representing an audio message. In the former case, training input manager186exports the audio data directly to audio presentation module192, which, in turn, directly presents the audio data to athlete14via headphones122and/or speaker82. If, however, the training recommendation takes the form of a data command representing an audio message, training input manager186locates an audio track within audio storage66or internal memory device62corresponding to the data command and presents the audio track to audio presentation module192for subsequent presentation to athlete14. In this manner, a remote human trainer (who may be stationed at client computer system44) or an automated training plan service may provide training recommendations directly to athlete14in substantially real-time. And, if portable training device12is equipped with a microphone68, athlete14may similarly communicate audibly with the remote trainer (e.g., via VoIP) through the execution of annotation reader164data formatter170, data compressor172and upload manager174.

Audio presentation module192is also preferably equipped to present, in audio format, turn-by-turn directions correcting the course of an athlete14to return to a route if a turn is missed, as well as turn-by-turn directions providing the most direct return path to the starting point. Such turn-by-turn directions are preferably computed by server computer system42based upon real time location information received over-the-air from portable fitness device12and then transmitted to portable fitness device12, again utilizing over-the-air communication via the wireless WAN. Audio presentation module192may also be utilized to decode and present audio entertainment tracks, such as the MP3 files stored within audio storage66.

As further depicted inFIG. 2B, portable fitness device client154includes a visual presentation module190that manages the presentation of route, performance and environmental information to athlete14via optional display84and/or the display of watch126. It should be noted, however, that it is presently preferred to present data of all types to athlete14during the course of a fitness activity in audio format so that the concentration and attention of athlete14is not diverted from training efforts.

Finally, route publication manager194of portable fitness device client154supports the sharing of routes between multiple portable fitness devices12, for example, utilizing the local wireless interface110, WAN transceiver104, or data port108. In this manner, an athlete14can directly share selected routes (e.g., as identified utilizing input buttons80) to other athletes having compatible portable fitness devices12.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is depicted a layer diagram of an exemplary software configuration of server computer system42ofFIG. 1that, in accordance with the present invention, provides an automated web-based route generation, route journaling, route visualization and other services. The services may be offered to a plurality of athletes14or other users forming a user community, may be restricted to users that have been issued login IDs and passwords for accessing server42, and may further be offered in exchange for a subscription fee.

As shown, at the lowest layer the software configuration of server computer system42includes an operating system (OS)210, which is preferably one of the commercially available operating systems, such as Windows, UNIX, LINUX, AIX, etc. OS210has an associated application programming interface (API)212though which middleware and application programs may access the services of OS210.

Running on top of OS210is a hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) server214, which, as is well known in the art, communicates data over Internet40utilizing HTTP. In particular, HTTP server214supports data communication with portable fitness device12and one or more remote client computers44utilizing HTTP. Communication with server computer system42may alternatively or additionally be conducted utilizing a sockets layer interface or other lower layer protocol running over IP.

In addition to HTTP server214, the application software of server computer system42includes a number of different modules supporting the client-side functionality provided by portable fitness device client154. In the depicted embodiment, these modules include a route generation and publication module220, a data recorder module226, and a visualization module230. Those skilled in the art will again appreciate that alternative or additional modules may be implemented within server computer system42in order to provide or extend the described or additional functionality.

Route generation and publication module220generates routes to be traversed by athletes14during fitness activities, stores the routes within route database52(FIG. 1) for subsequent access, and downloads the routes to portable fitness devices12. In a preferred embodiment, route generation and publication module220includes a route wizard222, which, as described below with respect toFIG. 4A-4F, guides a user through a step-by-step process for generating routes having desired parameters and attributes. As shown inFIG. 3, route generation and publication module220preferably accesses a local or remote map database224that stores street and/or trail information in association with at least latitude and longitude information, and preferably elevation information. Thus, given at least one terminal point (e.g., a starting point), route generation and publication module220is able to construct one or more routes having a desired length, elevation profile, and other parameters and attributes. Routes generated by route generation and publication module220are stored for subsequent access within route database52.

Once a particular route is scheduled by an athlete14as discussed further below, route generation and publication module220transforms the route into a sequence of turn-by-turn instructions and publishes the route to a portable fitness device12via HTTP server214and the wireless WAN. Because route generation and publication module220can obtain elevation information along a desired route directly from map database224, route generation and publication module220is also able to advantageously supply, in conjunction with a route, elevation information for the route. In this manner, the elevation information supplied by route generation and publication module220can assist or replace the elevation information provided by GPS receiver100. Thus, if less than four GPS satellites20are acquired, or if GPS receiver100is not designed to process elevation information, portable fitness device12can still determine elevation-dependent route and performance data regarding a route traversed by athlete14.

Data recorder module226receives route and performance information from portable training device12via the wireless WAN and/or local wireless interface110and/or dataport108and utilizes such data to build a virtual training journal for athlete14within training journal database54. As noted previously, depending upon the operation of the upload manager174and route and performance recorder176within portable fitness device client154, data recorder module226can build a journal entry describing the traversal of a particular route in substantially real time (i.e., during traversal of the route). Data recorder module226also preferably supports an interface through which a route recorded by data recorder module226can be exported to route database52for subsequent viewing, selection and scheduling within a user's training journal.

The exemplary software configuration of server computer system42finally includes visualization module230. Visualization module230supports one or more interfaces through which users of remote client computer systems44can view and/or annotate the data recorded within training journal database54by data recorder module226. In the depicted embodiment, visualization module230includes training journal interface232, which, as described in detail below, permits an athlete14to view and/or annotate a journal entry describing a route traversed during a fitness activity after completion of the route traversal. In a preferred embodiment, visualization module230further includes a real-time interface234through which a user at a remote client computer system44may view, in substantially real time, data logged within training journal database54for one or more athletes. Thus, for example, a spectator having access to Internet40can view the real-time standings of multiple competitors in a fitness activity, such as a marathon, cycling race, or other competitive event. Similarly, a remotely located trainer having access to Internet40via a client computer44can view the progress of one or more athletes14engaged in one or more training activities in substantially real time.

Visualization module230also preferably includes support for the export of selected journal entries between accounts of different users of the back-end service provided by server computer system42. For example, visualization module230preferably permits a user to transmit a journal entry representing a traversal of a route via email. In addition, visualization module230may permit a user to create a “buddy” account that may be accessed and even annotated by guest users. In this manner, if the services provided by server computer system42are provided for a subscription fee, marketing of the service is enhanced by the ability of non-subscribers or subscriber having reduced-cost subscriptions to view journal entries created by exercise partners.

Referring now toFIGS. 4A-4F, there are illustrated a sequence of graphical user interface (GUI) windows presented by route wizard222to a user of client computer system44by HTTP server214. As noted above, route wizard222provides a graphical and intuitive interface through which a remote user can automatically build, search for, and/or schedule routes to be traversed during a fitness activity.

In order to access route wizard222, a user stationed at a remote client computer system44first logs into server computer system42via Internet40and HTTP server214. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the login process typically includes the entry by the remote user of a login ID and password or other authentication information to server computer system42, which then authenticates the identity of the user by reference to the user database or the like.

Following the preliminary authentication process, an exemplary embodiment of route wizard222first presents a graphical user interface (GUI) window250to the user. Within GUI window250, the user is prompted to select one of three options252,254and256, which are each associated with a respective one of radio buttons258a-258c. Thus, the user is permitted to build a new route (option252), search for an existing route within route database52(option254), and access one or more routes within a pre-packaged training plan (option256). After the user has indicated a preference among options252-256by selecting one of radio buttons258a-cutilizing cursor262or a keyboard, the user selects Next button260to proceed to the next step.

If the user selected option256indicating that the user desires to select a pre-packaged training plan, route wizard222may subsequently present the user with one or more additional windows in which a training plan meeting the user's needs and desires is designed. Route wizard222then automatically populates the training journal of the user with a schedule of fitness activities that conform to the distance, time, goal event (e.g., marathon) and/or other parameters of the training plan. Thereafter, the user may be permitted to build or search for routes within route database52as described below with respect toFIGS. 4B-4Fin order to fulfill the requirements of the scheduled fitness activities.

Assuming that the user selects option252of GUI window250in order to build a new route, route wizard222next presents to the user the GUI window270shown inFIG. 4B. As shown inFIG. 4B, window270includes a number of GUI components prompting the user to enter parameters for the new route to be built and, optionally, desired attributes of the route.

Specifically, the user is first prompted in section272to designate a starting point of the route (which in this embodiment is also the ending point) by entering a street address or ZIP code or by selecting a route within route database52having the desired starting point. Next, the user is prompted in section274to enter a desired overall length of the route, specified either by distance or by time. If time is utilized to specify the length of the route, a desired or historical average pace is preferably entered so that a route distance can be computed. In addition to the route parameters collected in sections272and274, GUI window270may also prompt the user to enter optional route attributes. In the illustrated embodiment, the optional route attributes include a maximum distance that the route may extend from the starting point, a desired elevation profile of the route, a desired pattern of the route, a desired safety characterization of the route, a desired flow of the route, and whether or not the route may be a pre-existing route stored within route database52.

Once the user has entered all required parameter and any optional route attributes within GUI window270, the user selects Next button280utilizing cursor262. In response, route generation and publication module220builds one or more routes conforming as closely as possible to the route parameters and route attributes entered through GUI window270. The presentation of such routes by route wizard222is described below with respect toFIG. 4E.

Referring now toFIG. 4C, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a GUI window300presented by route wizard222to a user of client computer system44is response to selection of option254in GUI window250ofFIG. 4A. That is, in response to a user input indicating that the user desires to search for a pre-existing route within route database52, route wizard222prompts the user through GUI window300to enter parameters and attributes of routes of interest to the user.

In the depicted embodiment, GUI window300includes two modalities by which the user may specify parameters for the route. In particular, in section302, the user is permitted to specify a location of the route by ZIP code or city name. Alternatively, as represented by button304, the user may specify a geographic location of the route or routes to be located by the search through a map interface. For example, if the user selects button304utilizing cursor262, route wizard222may present window320ofFIG. 4D, which is described below.

Still referring toFIG. 4C, in section306of GUI window300, the user is permitted to input into route wizard222desired attributes of the route to be located through the search of route database52. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the route attributes include a range of route distance, an elevation profile, a route pattern, a route safety profile, a route flow, and amenities adjacent to the route. After the user has successfully entered a route location and any desired route attributes, the user may select Next button308utilizing cursor262to invoke a search of route database52by route generation and publication module220to locate one or more routes, if any, characterized by the desired route location and any route attributes. Assuming route generation and publication module220locates one or more routes of interest within route database52, route wizard222presents the routes to the user through an interface such as that depicted inFIG. 4E, which is described below.

Referring now toFIG. 4D, there is illustrated an exemplary GUI window320in which route wizard222presents a navigable geographical map populated with graphical indications of locations for which preexisting routes are stored within the route database52. In the depicted embodiment, GUI window320includes a graphical representation322of a geographical area, for example, a political, cultural, or regional boundary. Within geographical representation322, route wizard22presents a number of indicia324a-hidentifying geographic locations of one or more pre-existing routes for which route database52stores route data.

In response to the user flying over one of indicia324utilizing cursor262, route wizard222displays in a separate window or frame330route maps332-336of the routes in the geographic location corresponding to the selected indicia324. Graphical representations332-336may be advantageously presented overlaying a street or topographical map within window330. If the user visually identifies one or more routes of interest at a particular geographical location through visual inspection of indicia324and/or the route maps332-336displayed within windows330, the user may select that geographical location by clicking on the associated indicia324. In this manner, GUI window320and its associated functionality provide the user with a graphical and intuitive way of viewing and selecting route locations of interest.

With reference now toFIG. 4E, there is illustrated an exemplary GUI window350presented by route wizard22in order to permit a user to select from among one or more pre-existing routes that were located within route database52or that were built by route generation and publication module220in response to the input gathered by route wizard222within GUI window270. As shown, in the depicted embodiment proposed routes that may be selected by the user are presented to the user in the form of route summaries352a-c. Although such route summaries352may take any of a number of formats, in one preferred embodiment, each route summary352includes at least a route thumbnail354and a route distance356. The route summary352may further include an elevation profile358, which in the depicted embodiment is illustrated in graphical form, a route rating360, and one or more audio or textual reviews or links thereto362.

The user has a number of different navigation options from GUI window350. First, by clicking on any of route thumbnails354, the user is next presented with a graphical component through which the user may select or view detailed information regarding the selected route, as described further below with respect toFIG. 4F. Alternatively, the user may utilize cursor262to select Next button370in order to view one or more additional route summaries352of additional routes satisfying the user's route parameters and/or route attributes. In addition, by selecting Back button372utilizing cursor262, the user is presented with one or more of the previously described GUI windows in order to permit the user to modify the route location or other route parameters or attributes.

With reference now toFIG. 4F, there is illustrated an GUI window380presented by route wizard222to provide a detailed view of a proposed route and an interface through which the user can upload route data to portable training device12and schedule traversal of the route. In the illustrative embodiment, window380includes a detailed route map382indicating the geographical path of the route. Route map382includes terminal points384a,384band a route path386. Route map382may optionally further include one or more annotations388associated with a route, which may be stored in route database52or accessed from map database224. For example, inFIG. 4F, route diagram382contains an annotation388indicating a geographical location of a potable water source.

By clicking on route path386utilizing cursor262, the user invokes display by route wizard222of a marker390a, which may then be selectively slid to any desired location along route path386utilizing cursor262. Route wizard222preferably displays marker location information392in association with marker390ato indicate the geographic location of marker390(e.g., the distance between marker390aand terminal384aalong route path386). In addition, route wizard322preferably displays a corresponding second marker390bin association with elevation profile384. In this manner, by manipulating either of markers390aor390butilizing cursor262, the user can visualize the location of particular elevation features or annotations388.

As further shown inFIG. 4F, window380further includes a rating of the route, which in this case includes between one and four “stars” and an indication of a number of reviews. In addition, window380may optionally include a number of written reviews, for example, displayed within text box402. The user may navigate to a next review of the route by selecting link404.

GUI window380ofFIG. 4Ffinally includes an interface through which the user may invoke the upload of route information pertaining to the route currently being viewed to portable training device12. In the depicted embodiment, the user can invoke upload of the route information to portable training device12by scheduling the route utilizing calendar interface406. For example, in order to upload route information pertaining to the illustrated route to portable training device12, the user may select a desired date such as Jan. 16, 2004, by clicking on that date within calendar interface406utilizing cursor262. In response to this input, route generation and publication module220enters the route to the athlete's training journal in training journal database54as a prospective event and uploads route information to portable training device12via Internet40and the wireless WAN. Importantly, in order to conserve data storage capacity within portable training device12, the upload by route generation and publication module220is preferably deferred until a selectable time interval of the scheduled date. In this manner, route information is provided to portable training device12automatically and as needed.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A-C, there are illustrated a series of GUI windows presented by training journal interface232of visualization module230of server computer system42to permit a user to view, annotate and share training journal entries created utilizing data received over-the-air from portable fitness device12. In order to access training journal interface232, a user stationed at a remote client computer system44first logs into server computer system42via Internet40and HTTP server214. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the login process typically includes the entry by the remote user of a login ID and password or other authentication information to server computer system42, which then authenticates the identity of the user by reference to the user database or the like.

Following the preliminary authentication process, training journal interface232of visualization module230presents GUI window420to the remote user via HTTP server214and Internet40. As illustrated, GUI window420includes a calendar interface424through which the user can select a past, current or future calendar month of interest utilizing cursor262. An associated list box422presents for selection dates within the selected calendar month having journal entries within training journal database54for the specified login ID. Thus, by navigating utilizing cursor262, the user can select for viewing journal entries detailing past or real-time routes previously traversed or currently being traversed by an athlete14, or prospective routes scheduled for the athlete14.

Assuming that the user selects a past journal entry within training journal database54from list box422, training journal interface232presents GUI window440ofFIG. 5B, again utilizing HTTP serve214. As shown, the journal entry presented by training journal interface232within GUI window440provides detailed information regarding a route previously traversed by athlete14, the athlete's performance, environmental conditions, as well as the athlete's personal comments and annotations.

In particular, the training journal entry presented within GUI window440includes a route map442having terminal points444a-band a route path446showing the geographical path traversed by the route. As discussed above, route map442may advantageously be presented as an overlay of a trail or street map retrieved from map database224.

The overall performance of athlete14, in traversing the route depicted in route map442, is preferably summarized in a performance summary section476. As indicated, performance summary section476may indicate the route distance, total elapsed time, average pace, average heart rate of athlete14, as well as other route and performance information. Weather conditions at the time and geographical location at which athlete14traversed the route may optionally be presented in a weather condition section478. For example, weather condition section478may specify the temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, and precipitation. The weather condition information presented within weather condition section478may advantageously be accessed by visualization module230from any of the multiple publicly accessible weather databases available via Internet40.

The user may interact with route map442in a number of ways. For example, the user may annotate route map442by dragging any of icons460a-fto a selected location along route path446utilizing cursor262. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the user is dragging an annotation454representing a potable water source onto route map442. The user may alternatively drag callout box icon462onto route map442in order to enter a textual annotation.

In addition, in response to clicking on route path446utilizing cursor262, training journal interface232displays one or more markers450a,452aalong route path446, preferably in association with one or more items of route or performance information (e.g., a distance) for the geographical location identified by the marker450a,452a. By adding markers450a,452ain this manner, the user can graphically and intuitively ascertain the geographical location of features of interest and performance and route information at selected locations along route path446. Training journal interface232may alternatively or additionally present route and performance information for a selected geographical location in response to the user causing cursor262to “fly over” the corresponding location on route path446.

In association with route map442, training journal interface232preferably presents other performance information, route information, and/or environmental information in graphical format. For example, in the depicted embodiment, training journal interface232presents an elevation profile472a, a heart rate profile472b, and a pace profile472cin association with route map442. When the user adds markers450a,452ato route path446, training journal interface232automatically presents corresponding markers450b-dand452b-dat corresponding locations along graphical profiles472a-c. As discussed above, all of markers450and all of markers452are synchronized so that movement of any of markers450moves all of markers450and movement of any of markers452moves all of markers452. In this manner, the user is able to graphically and intuitively define an interval over which performance, route and/or environmental information may be viewed. For example, in the depicted embodiment, interval information is depicted in interval section474, which informs the user of the interval distance, time taken by the athlete to traverse the route interval, average pace over the route interval and average heart rate over the route interval.

Of course, the particular types of route, performance and environmental information shown inFIG. 5Bare not exhaustive and other types of route, performance, and environmental information may be captured in association with the traversal of a route. If additional route, performance or environmental information is captured in association with the route, that information is preferably presented in a profile472, within interval section474, and/or within overall performance section476in like manner. For example, GUI window440may present information regarding what pair of shoes24the athlete was wearing during the fitness activity, together with a lifetime mileage total for that specific pair of shoes24.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user may alternatively or additionally view route, performance and environmental information regarding a previously traversed route in an overlay view in which a graphical representation of the route, performance and/or environmental information is depicted along route path446. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, in response to user selection of overlay view button480utilizing cursor262, training journal interface232presents route map500ofFIG. 5Cin place of route map442ofFIG. 5B.

Like route map442, route map500includes terminal points502aand502bdefining the starting and ending points of a route path504. In contrast to route map442, however, route path504of route map500comprises a plurality of bands504a-c, each of which represents a respective route, performance or environmental parameter quantified at the waypoints recorded along the route. The value of the respective route, performance or environmental parameter is preferably charted along route path504utilizing gray scale or color shade variation to represent the instantaneous quantity of the route, performance or environmental parameter at each point along the route. Thus, inFIG. 5C, the different hatching applied to each of bands504a-504crepresents a different color and a varying spacing between the hatches represents the display of the colors at varying levels of intensity along the route path, depending upon the value of the parameters at each point along the path. The value associated with each shade of color or each level of gray scale is generally graphically represented in an accompanying legend506. Training journal interface232preferably further presents instantaneous route and performance data at any point along the route path in response to a flyover of cursor262or in response to the user adding markers508,510to the route path, as described above. For example, in association with the display of marker508, training journal interface232displays information regarding the traversed distance, relative elevation, heart rate and pace associated with a distance 1.4 miles from the beginning of the route.

Returning toFIG. 5B, in addition to supporting user annotation of route maps442and500, GUI window440preferably permits the user to enter additional information regarding environmental and route conditions and personal thoughts. For example, GUI window440includes a route condition section482that permits the user to record the surface and traffic conditions observed along the route, as well as a text box484in which the user may enter personal reflections about the training activity.

Finally, GUI window440preferably includes a GUI component that permits the user to review and/or rate the route. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, GUI window440contains a second text box492in which the user can compose a review of the route and a ratings section494in which the user can award the route between one and four “stars”. After the route has been reviewed and/or rated, the user can select Publish button496, which causes training journal interface232to store the review and rating within route database52in association with the route. In this manner, the review and rating are available for access by other users through route wizard222, as described above.

Training journal interface232preferably permits a user to view prospective routes that have been scheduled utilizing a similar interface to that illustrated inFIG. 5B. In particular, in response to a user selecting a journal entry for a future date within list box422ofFIG. 5A, training journal interface232presents a journal entry containing a route map442of the prospective training activity as shown inFIG. 5B. Of course, the journal entry will not contain any performance information (e.g., time, pace, heart rate, etc.) because the athlete14has not yet traversed the route.

Training journal interface232also preferably permits a user to view routes currently being traversed in substantially real time through an interface similar to that depicted inFIG. 5B. In this case, training journal interface232presents a journal entry containing a route map442and a marker450ashowing the athlete's current location with respect to route path446. In addition, training journal interface232may present a summary section476summarizing the athlete's performance to the current position, a weather condition section478, an interval section474, and one or more graphical profiles472. In this manner, a remote trainer or spectator stationed at a client computer system44may track an athlete's performance information, route information and environmental information in substantially real time.

If a user stationed at a client computer system44desires to view a substantially real time view of the activities of multiple athletes traversing a common route, the user preferably logs into real-time interface234through HTTP server214. Assuming the user has the appropriate subscription and/or permissions, real-time interface234builds from the training journals of multiple athletes a web page containing a single route map on which multiple markers, each representing a respective athlete, are presented. The web page may further present separate performance and route information for each athlete. In this manner, a remote trainer or spectator stationed at a client computer system44may track performance information, route information and environmental information in substantially real time for multiple athletes traversing the same or substantially the same route.

With reference now toFIG. 6A, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of an, exemplary method of authoring a training plan in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the process begins at block600and then proceeds to block602, which depicts a user stationed at a client computer44describing a fitness training plan for an activity, for example, through a browser interface served over Internet40by authoring tool242of training plan module240(FIG. 3) via web server214. The training plan includes one or more workouts and preferably includes at least a relative scheduling of the workouts. The training plan may further include specific routes and specific performance metrics, such as a target distance, target duration, target repetitions, target pace, target heart rate, target intervals or other performance goals for one or more of the workouts. The user may further associate metadata such as keywords (e.g., author name, plan length, fitness event, etc.) with the training plan so that it may be more easily located utilizing a conventional search tool. As described further below, the user may further enter information indicating a preferred adaptive behavior of the training planning in response to actually observed athletic performance of an athlete using the training plan.

After the training plan has been described, the user invokes storage of the training plan by authoring tool242within a training plan database56in data storage50ofFIG. 1. In response, authoring tool242generates an XML-formatted document specifying the training plan, and as indicated at block604, stores the training plan within training plan database56. The metadata contained in the XML-formatted training plan enables users to browse the contents of training plan database56utilizing a conventional search tool, such as the keyword search tool of a web browser. As further shown at block606, the author of the training plan is preferably permitted by authoring tool242to subsequently access and modify training plans created by that author that reside within training plan database56. Following block606, the process ends at block608.

Referring now toFIG. 6B, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of installing a training plan into a user's training journal in accordance with the present invention. The process begins at block620and then proceeds to block622, which illustrates a user stationed at a client computer system44selecting a training plan from training plan database56of server computer system42, for example, through a browser GUI served over Internet40by calendaring tool244of training plan module240via HTTP server214. The selection may be aided by a conventional browser search tool, menus, pick lists, calendars or other conventional user interface components. As described above, the presentation of the interface components utilized to select the training plan may be invoked by selection of option256within GUI window250ofFIG. 4A. In response to user selection of the training plan, calendaring tool244installs the selected training plan within the user's personal training journal residing within training journal database54. As noted, at block624, installation of the training plan within the user's personal journal may optionally require payment of a fee (e.g., authorization to charge a credit card number) and/or user agreement to abide by the terms of a copyright license in the training plan (e.g., as signified by selection of an “I Agree” button within the GUI displayed at client computer system44).

When calendaring tool244of training plan module240installs the training plan within the user's training journal, calendaring tool244preferably presents a calendar view similar to GUI window420ofFIG. 5Aor other GUI component(s) to enable user input of preferred scheduling and other preferences for the training plan. The user preferences may include, for example, desired starting and/or ending dates for the plan, preferred workout and/or rest days, the date of a race or other event to which the training plan pertains, audible alerts the user desires to received during a workout, etc. In response to the user scheduling input(s) and any other preferences, calendaring tool244automatically populates the calendar in the user's training journal with the workouts within the selected training plan based upon the user's inputs and/or the relative scheduling of the workouts in the training plan. After the training plan has been installed within the user's training journal, the user is preferably permitted to further modify or customize the training plan, as depicted at block628. In addition, training plan module240may automatically customize a training plan in an athlete's personal training journal in response to the athlete's activities recorded in the personal training journal if the adaptive behavior is specified by the training plan. For example, training plan module240may automatically remove prospective workouts from the training plan in response to the athlete14exceeding a weekly mileage target in order to prevent pre-event injury or may automatically add additional workouts (e.g., to the end of the training plan) if the personal training journal of athlete14indicates a failure to meet mileage goals. Alternatively or additionally, training plan module240may automatically decrease a target pace for one or more prospective workouts if the athlete14has had a lower than target pace over one or more previous workouts. Those skilled in the art that any number of other modifications to distance, pace and scheduling may similarly be automatically implemented in response to actual measured athletic performance. Following block628, the process terminates at block630.

With reference now toFIG. 6C, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of automatically downloading one or more workouts within a training plan to a portable fitness device12in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the process begins at block640and then proceeds to block642, which depicts a download manager246of training plan module240monitoring a user's personal training journal to determine if any workout of a training plan installed within the user's training journal falls within a next download time interval (e.g., within the upcoming week). If not, download manager246continues to monitor the user's training journal.

However, if download manager246determines at block642that at least one workout of a training plan falls within the next download time interval, download manager246attempts to establish communication with the user's portable fitness device12via Internet40and the wireless WAN, as depicted at block644. If download manager236determines at block644that communication cannot be established, for example, because portable fitness device12is turned off or is out of range of the wireless WAN, download manager246waits a predetermined interval, as shown at block645. The process then returns to block642, which has been described.

Returning to block644, if download manager246determines that the portable fitness device12is available to receive a download, the process proceeds to block646. Block646depicts download manager246automatically downloading the workouts within the next download time interval to the portable fitness device12using an XML schema. As noted in block646, the workout(s) preferably include at least one performance metric that may form the basis of a substantially real time alert during the associated workout. Following block646, the process ends at block648. Thus, workouts may be downloaded to portable fitness device12on an as-needed basis rather than all at once, which reduces utilization of storage in portable fitness device12. Of course, in other embodiments, the download interval can be longer than the training plan, and all workouts within the training plan can be downloaded at once.

Referring now toFIG. 6D, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method by which a portable fitness device12presents comparative performance information in substantially real time in accordance with the present invention. The process begins at block650in response to an athlete14initiating a monitored activity, for example, by selecting a route or planned workout from the internal memory device62of portable training device12and entering a “Start” command utilizing one of input buttons80of portable fitness device12. The process then trifurcates and proceeds in parallel to each of block652,660and680.

Block652depicts data formatter170receiving and formatting input data regarding the athlete's activity from readers160-166as described above. After optional compression by data compressor172, the input data received and formatted by data formatter170are recorded by route and performance recorder176within internal memory device62(or audio storage66or a removal memory loaded in removable memory slot64), as depicted at block654. The formatting and recording steps shown at blocks652and654are performed for the duration of the fitness activity.

Referring now to blocks660-674, the operations of training input manager186described above may be extended to present notifications and alerts to the athlete14in substantially real time during the activity. As shown at block660, training input manager186determines from the activity-related data recorded by route and performance recorder176whether or an update interval (e.g., an interval time and/or interval distance) has elapsed. The time and/or distance update interval(s) are preferably determined by the settings established by settings manager184. If a time or distance update interval has not elapsed, the process iterates at block660until a time or distance update interval has elapsed. The process then proceeds to block662, which illustrates training input manager186determining whether notifications are currently enabled by reference to the settings established by settings manager184. These notifications provide feedback to athlete14of his performance (e.g., distance traveled, pace, split time, heart rate, etc.) in substantially real time without reference to performance goals.

If notifications are not currently enabled, the process passes to block666, which is described below. If, however, notifications are currently enabled, training input manager186computes one or more notifications to be presented to athlete14(e.g., distance traveled, pace, split time, heart rate, etc.). Next, training input manager186determines at block666whether or not the current activity is a planned workout within a training plan downloaded to portable training device12. This determination can be made based upon user selection of a planned workout at block650or by dynamic matching of the route data recorded by route and performance recorder176and route information associated with a workout route downloaded to portable fitness device12. If the current activity is not a planned workout, the process passes to block674, which is described below. If the current activity is a planned workout, the process proceeds to block668.

Block668depicts training input manager186comparing at least one metric of the athlete's current performance to a corresponding performance goal provided to portable fitness device12as part of the planned workout. Training input manager186next determines at block670whether or not any alerts should be presented to athlete14based upon the performance comparison performed at block186. These alerts may include, for example, the following:Speed/pace too slow or too fastTotal distance reachedHeart rate too slow or too fastDistance or elevation gain milestone reachedSplit time too fast or too slow.
The alerts determined at block670, if any, are then recorded in association with the reader data in internal memory device62at block672so that the guidance provided to athlete14may be subsequently reviewed. Following a negative determination at block670or following block672, training input manager186presents a performance update to athlete14in audible format that includes at least one notification or alert. That is, training input manager186locates an audio track within audio storage66or internal memory device62corresponding to a notification (e.g., “Pace is 8:30”) or an alert (e.g., “Pace under target by 10 seconds”) and presents the audio track to audio presentation module192for subsequent audible presentation to athlete14. Of course, such updates may additionally be presented visually to athlete14by visual presentation module190. Thereafter, the process returns to block660, which has been described.

Referring now to blocks680-682, the operation of upload manager174is illustrated. As described above, upload manager174and route and performance recorder176determine at block680whether or not to upload activity-related data based upon one or more criteria, for example, whether WAN transceiver104can acquire a connection to the wireless WAN, the available storage within internal memory device62, an indication of whether or not a remote user is tracking the training of athlete14in real-time, and/or other criteria. If, based upon these and/or other criteria, upload manager174decides not to upload activity-related data, the process returns to block680. If, however, upload manager174decides to upload the formatted and compressed activity-related data, upload manager174outputs the activity-related data, including any alerts, via WAN transceiver104and antenna106to client computer system44and/or server computer system42utilizing radio frequency signals36. Thereafter, the process returns to block680.

With reference now toFIG. 7A, there is illustrated a Cartesian graph illustrating the over-reporting of distance traveled by “raw” or unprocessed GPS waypoints when GPS receiver100is traveling at low velocity (e.g., less than 30 miles per hour and, more particularly, less than 15 miles per hour). As GPS receiver100is transported by athlete14, GPS receiver100receives GPS signals22from GPS satellites20, where each GPS signal22contains a timestamp. From these GPS signals22, GPS reader160computes time-stamped waypoints A through O, which are plotted on an arbitrary Cartesian graph. As indicated by the varying spacing between the time-stamped waypoints and the irregular path of route700, time-stamped waypoints are subject to at least two types of error, namely, timing error and positional error.

As can be seen, positional readings are based on a timestamp that may or may nor reflect the actual elapsed time between GPS readings. This timing error may be induced by a low performance processor driving GPS receiver100that does not have sufficient cycles to dedicate to GPS processing. Alternatively or additionally, timing error may be inserted by the use of assisted GPS (A-GPS), which requires round trip communication over the wireless WAN to validate a GPS reading, or by local filtering performed by GPS receiver100and/or GPS reader160.

Additional positional error may also be caused by the inherent positional error of commercial (as opposed to military) GPS signals, which is typically between 3-5 meters. Consequently, when the sampling rate of the GPS signal causes more than one sample to be taken during time interval required to traverse the positional error distance, a zigzag route will be reported even if a relatively straight path is followed. As indicated by “flattened” GPS reading702, the cumulative distance between adjacent pairs of time-stamped waypoints A through O is thus greater than the true distance traversed704by a delta distance706. This distance error will also negatively impact any average or instantaneous velocity computations that depend on a correct reporting of distance traversed.

Referring now toFIG. 7B, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of GPS filtering in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated method can be performed in hardware (e.g., by GPS receiver100) and/or in software (e.g., by GPS reader160).

The process begins at block710and then proceeds to blocks712-714, which illustrates receiving and queuing in a pipeline a new GPS reading including at least a time stamp and a latitude/longitude duple, and optionally, a positional accuracy/uncertainty. After some time interval, a subsequent GPS reading is received and queued, as shown at block714. Although the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, it will hereafter be assumed that the pipeline holds a maximum of 3 GPS readings, identified in order of receipt as A, B and C. Next, at block720, a determination is made whether or not the length of the route segment between the two GPS readings most recently entered into the queue (i.e., B and C) is less than a first threshold, which in one embodiment is based upon (e.g., equal to) the (possibly variable) positional accuracy associated with the readings. If so, the process passes to block722, which illustrates discarding the most recent GPS reading (C) from the pipeline. Thereafter, the process returns to block714, which has been described.

Returning to block720, in response to a determination that the distance traversed between the two most recent GPS readings (B and C) is not less than the threshold, the process bifurcates and proceeds to each of blocks714and724. Block724illustrates calculating the velocity of GPS receiver100over the route segments AB, BC and AC based upon the length of the route segments and the time intervals between the GPS readings. Next, the process passes to block726, which depicts determining whether or not a GPS reading in the pipeline is errant and should therefore be discarded.

In one embodiment, the middle GPS reading (B) is determined to be errant if:
(velocityAB)/velocityAC)>Threshold2, or
(velocityBC)/(velocityAC)>Threshold2,
where “velocity XY” refers to a velocity over route segment between points X and Y and “Threshold2” is a second threshold. In one embodiment, a second threshold ranging between 2 and 5, and preferably, about 3 is employed.

In response to a determination at block726that a GPS reading in the pipeline is errant, the errant GPS reading is discarded from the pipeline, as shown at block722. Thereafter, the process returns to block714. If, on the other hand, a determination is made at block726that a GPS reading in the pipeline is not errant, the process proceeds to block730. Block730depicts the application of a smoothing algorithm to the GPS readings in the pipeline. In one embodiment, a curve fitting formula, such as least-squares curve fitting, is employed. A less computationally intensive alternative that may be employed is an equally weighted averaging algorithm such as:
(latB′, lonB′)=((latA+latB+latC)/3, (lonA+lonB+lonC)/3)
where latX, lonX is the latitude, longitude duple for GPS reading X and (latB′, lonB′) is a replacement latitude, longitude duple for GPS reading B.

If an uncertainty or error “u” is available for each of GPS readings A, B and C (e.g., the uncertainties are supplied by GPS receiver100or derived based upon a heuristic that may account for the number of GPS satellites20available), a weighted averaging algorithm with possibly different weights for each GPS reading can alternatively be applied to “smooth” GPS reading B as follows:
U=(1/uA)+(1/uB)+(1/uC)
w1=(1/uA)/U
w2=(1/uB)/U
w3=(1/uC)/U
(latB′, lonB′)=(w1*latA+w2*latB+w2*latC, w1*lonA+w2*lonB+w3*lonC)

Yet another alternative is a partially weighted smoothing algorithm that applies a percentage of emphasis given to the uncertainties “u”:
P=percentage emphasis of uncertainties;
U=(1/uA)+(1/uB)+(1/uC)
w1=[(1/uA)/U]*P+(1−P)/3
w2=[(1/uB)/U]*P+(1−P)/3
w3=[(1/uC)/U]*P+(1−P)/3
(latB′, lonB′)=(w1*latA+w2*latB+w2*latC, w1*lonA+w2*lonB+w3*lonC)
Experimentally, a value of P=0.5 has been found to be effective in smoothing GPS readings.

Following block730, the oldest GPS reading (C) is output from the pipeline at block732and recorded as route data. A determination is then made at block734whether or not more “raw” GPS readings will be received for the current route (e.g., whether a “Stop” input has been received in response to manipulation of an input button80). If not, the process returns to block714, which has been described. If, however, no more “raw” GPS readings will be received for the current route, the process passes to block736, which illustrates outputting and recording as route data any remaining GPS readings in the pipeline. Thereafter, the process ends at block740.

The smoothed GPS data output from the pipeline is preferably what is recorded by route and performance recorder176within internal memory device62. The process depicted inFIG. 7Bcan alternatively be implemented by software on a remote data processing system (e.g., server computer system42or client computer system44) to correct the GPS data by post-processing or in real time. If the GPS data is corrected in real-time by the remote data processing system (e.g., server computer system42), the corrected GPS data can be transmitted back to the source portable fitness device12or other GPS-enabled device for presentation or analysis.

With reference now toFIG. 8, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of automatically presenting comparative split information to an athlete in substantially real-time in accordance with the present invention. The process can be implemented, for example, as an extension to training input manager186ofFIG. 2B.

The process begins at block800in response to an athlete14initiating a monitored activity, for example, by entering a “Start” command utilizing one of input buttons80of portable fitness device12. The process then proceeds to block802, which illustrates a determination of whether or not athlete14is traversing a route previously traversed by athlete14. In a preferred embodiment, the determination depicted at block802can be made in response to user input (e.g., the user selecting a route or planned workout from the internal memory device62of portable training device12) or can be made dynamically by route matching.

In response to a determination at block802that the route being traversed is known to be a route that was previously traversed (e.g., because of user input), the process proceeds to block830, which illustrates training input manager186requesting and receiving a download from server computer system42of split information for the current route stored within the athlete's personal training journal within training journal database54. The split information, which preferably provides a split for each equal sized route segment (e.g., quarter mile, half kilometer, etc.), may indicate a most recent, average and/or personal record split time for the athlete14. Based upon the split information, training input manager186generates and presents a performance update to athlete14in audible format, as described above with respect to block674ofFIG. 6D(block832). That is, training input manager186locates an audio track within audio storage66or internal memory device62corresponding to the alert (e.g., “Mile 1 under PR by 6 seconds”) and presents the audio track to audio presentation module192for subsequent audible presentation to athlete14. Of course, such alerts may additionally be presented to athlete14by visual presentation module190.

The process next passes to block834, which depicts training input manager186determining whether or not the route has been completed, for example, by determining whether athlete14has indicated “Stop” utilizing one of input buttons80and/or by determining whether a known terminal waypoint of the route has been reached. If training input manager186determines at block834that athlete14has completed the route, training input manager186optionally uploads the split information for each segment of the route to the athlete's personal training journal within training journal database54on server computer system42. (Data recorder module226of server computer system42could recompute the split information to reduce data transmission over the wireless WAN.) Thereafter, the process ends at block840.

Referring again to block802, in response to training input manager186determining that athlete14is traversing an unknown route, the process proceeds to block804. Block804illustrates training input manager186uploading the GPS reading at a first or next split distance (e.g., 0 miles, ¼ mile, etc.) to a route matching module248running on server computer system42. In response to receipt of the GPS reading, route matching module248compares the location specified by the GPS reading with previously traversed routes recorded within the athlete's personal training journal within training journal database54on server computer system42(block806). If no location match with a previously traversed route is found within a given range (e.g., ±10 meters), the process passes to block810, which illustrates route matching module248determining whether or not a possible match still may exist (e.g., whether a previously traversed route is found within 2000 meters of the GPS reading received from portable fitness device12).

If route matching module248determines at block810that a match may still be possible, the process returns to block804, with route matching module248optionally signaling training input manager186that no match has been found but that a match is still possible. If, on the other hand, route matching module248determines that no match is possible (e.g., no previously traversed route was found within 2000 meters of the GPS reading received from portable fitness device12), the process ends at block840, with route matching module248optionally signaling training input manager186that no match has been found or is still possible.

Returning to block808, in response to route matching module248determining that a matching previously traversed route resides in the athlete's personal training journal, route matching module248downloads split information for the route to training input manager186, as illustrated at block820. Training input manager186then utilizes the downloaded split information to generate and presents a performance update to athlete14in audible and/or visual format in substantially real time, as described above with respect to block832ofFIG. 6D(block822). Training input manager186thereafter monitors the GPS data recorded by route and performance recorder176as shown at block824to determine whether athlete14remains on the matched route downloaded from server computer system42. If training input manager186determines that athlete14is remaining on the matched route downloaded from server computer system42, training input manager186continues to present comparative split information, as depicted at block822.

If, however, training input manager186determines that athlete14has left the matched route, training input manager186further determines at block826whether athlete14has finished the route, for example, by determining whether athlete14has indicated “Stop” utilizing one of input buttons80and/or by determining whether a known terminal waypoint of the matched route has been reached. If training input manager186determines at block826that athlete14has not finished the matched route, training input manager186attempts to match a new route, as indicated by the process returning to block804. If, however, training input manager186determines at block826that athlete14has finished the matched route, the process passes to blocks836and840, which have been described.

Referring now toFIG. 9, there is depicted a block diagram of an exemplary playlist management architecture in accordance with the present invention. For clarity,FIG. 9illustrates only those portions of server computer system42and portable fitness device12helpful in gaining an understanding of the invention. As depicted, the playlist architecture includes a server playlist management component900, a track library902containing songs and/or other audio tracks, and a track preferences database904residing at or accessible to server computer system42. The playlist architecture optionally includes an auxiliary track library906containing additional songs and/or other tracks that may be accessed to augment the contents of track library902. Auxiliary track library906may reside on a client computer system44or at a commercial music distribution service licensed to distribute tracks. In order to comply with copyright laws, access to each track in track library902may be restricted by server playlist management component900to only those users having a license to the track (e.g., as evidenced the user uploading the track directly from auxiliary track library906through selection of a hyperlink provided in a web page served by server playlist management component900and HTTP server214).

Server playlist management component900is coupled for communication by a communication network910(e.g., Internet40and the wireless WAN) to a client playlist management component920residing on portable fitness device12. Client playlist management component920receives a set of substantially real-time inputs922, which may be provided, for example, by external sources (e.g., server computer system42or other web servers) coupled to communication network910and/or by readers160-166. Inputs922may include, for example, weather conditions, athletic performance (e.g., pace, heart rate, distance, etc.), surface type (e.g., paved or unpaved), adjacent scenery, and/or grade (e.g., uphill, flat or downhill). Client playlist management component920is further coupled to audio storage66.

As described in greater detail below, the playlist architecture enables the creation of custom and/or dynamic playlists that will enhance a user's activity (e.g., workout). For example, tracks may be played during the activity to motivate, relax or reward an athlete or establish a desired pace for selected segments of a route.

With reference now toFIG. 10A, there is depicted an exemplary method of pre-processing an audio track to determine a corresponding activity pace in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the process begins at block1000in response to designation of an audio track to be processed, for example, by a user invoking the uploading of a track to track library902. The process then proceeds to block1002, which depicts server playlist management component900applying an audio filter901to the track to determine a tempo for the track, for example, in beats per minute. Server playlist management component900then determines at block1004a corresponding pace for at least one athletic activity (e.g., running, hiking, cycling, etc.) based upon the track tempo and an estimated distance traversed per repeated motion (e.g., stride, pedal revolution, etc.) matching the tempo. Server playlist management component900next stores the audio track (or at least an identifier thereof) in track library902in association with one or more associated paces. Thereafter, the process ends at block1008.

Referring now toFIG. 10B, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of constructing a user playlist in accordance with the present invention. The process begins at block1010, for example, in response to a user logged into server computer system42and viewing a route in his training journal via a GUI presented by training journal interface232invoking a playlist wizard903within server playlist management component900. The process then proceeds to block1012, which depicts the playlist wizard903of server playlist management component900calling training journal interface232to present a GUI containing a selected view (e.g., an elevation view) of the route. The visual presentation of the route is preferably demarked into a plurality of route segments based upon, for example, substantial changes in route grade, predetermined distances, landmarks adjacent the route, user input, etc. The user may be permitted to change the location on the route of the demarcation between segments, for example, by manipulating the location of a line representing a segment interface utilizing a graphical pointer.

Next, at block1014, playlist wizard903obtains a pace for each of the route segments comprising the route. For example, playlist wizard903may utilize a user-entered pace or a user's historical average pace (for the specific route or overall) as the base pace for the route and, from the base pace, calculate a pace for each route segment based upon the average grade of each route segment. Alternatively, playlist wizard903may use one or more paces associated with the route by a workout in a training plan. The pace for each route segment may desirably be graphically indicated on the elevation view of the route with a respective attribute (e.g., color or pattern) and/or numeric label (e.g., presented in a flyover popup label presented when a graphical pointer is positioned over a route segment).

As depicted at blocks1016-1018, playlist wizard903permits the user to build a playlist for the route by associating one or more tracks from track library902and/or auxiliary track library906, for example, by dragging one or more tracks presented within a picklist to specific locations on the graphical presentation of the route. In addition, playlist wizard903may automatically (e.g., in response to user selection of an “Autofill” button with a graphical pointer) associate one or more tracks to portions of route segments not currently having associated tracks by matching (within a range) the pace of each track from track library902as determined at block1004with the pace of a route segment as obtained at block1014. This automatic playlist construction may further be informed by user preferences, which may be entered as described below with reference toFIG. 10D.

The process proceeds from block1018to block1020, which illustrates storing the playlist within the user's personal journal in training journal database54such that the beginning of each track is associated with a particular location on the route. As indicated at block1030, the playlist is optionally published to the community along with the route, for example, in response to a user selecting “Publish” button496ofFIG. 5B.

As depicted at blocks1032and1034, when the route is subsequently downloaded to a portable fitness device12, for example, in response to a input invoking the download or in response to download manager246automatically pushing the route to the portable fitness device12, the playlist is downloaded in association with the route. In this manner, the tracks within the playlist may be played at appropriate points along the route, as described below with reference toFIG. 10C.

With reference now toFIG. 10C, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of a location-based method of presenting audio tracks as a route is traversed in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated process may be performed, for example, by audio presentation module192of portable fitness device client154.

As illustrated, the process begins at block1040and then proceeds to block1042, which depicts audio presentation module192receiving a new GPS reading from GPS reader160or route and performance recorder176. At blocks1044and1046, audio presentation module192then determines by reference to route information within internal memory device62whether the current GPS reading is within a predetermined range of a point on the route and, if so, whether a track within a playlist is associated with the point on the route. If either of the determinations depicted at blocks1044and1046is negative, the process returns to block1042, which has been described. If, on the other hand, both of the determinations at blocks1044and1046are affirmative, audio presentation module192further determines at block1048whether or not it is already playing the track associated with the matching point on the route. If so, the process returns to block1042, which has been described. If, on the other hand, the track is not already being played, audio presentation module192plays the track, as illustrated at block1050.

As depicted at block1052, if the route is complete, as indicated, for example, by a user input received by the portable fitness device12via input buttons80, the process ends at block1054. If the route is not complete, the process returns to block1042, which has been described.

Referring now toFIG. 10D, there is depicted a block diagram of an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI)1060through which user audio preferences may be entered in accordance with the present invention. GUI1060may be presented within a browser interface on client computer44by user preferences package905of server playlist management component900, for example, in response to a user establishing an account with server computer system42or in response to a user logging into server computer system42and entering an indication of a desire to enter playlist preferences.

As shown, GUI1060includes a track library window in which a list of tracks is presented. Entries in the track list may include information such as a track name, track length, genre and corresponding pace (e.g., determined as depicted inFIG. 10A). Of course, entries in the track list may include additional information, such as an artist and/or album name, track price, etc. In response to a user input associated with a track in the track list, for example, a user right-clicking on an entry with graphical pointer1066and then making a selection of a “Playlist Preferences” entry from a drop down list, user preferences package905causes a playlist preferences window1064to be presented within GUI1060.

Playlist preferences window1064presents a number of GUI components that gather information regarding when the user would want to hear a particular track. In the depicted embodiment, playlist preferences window1064includes radio buttons1068that the user can select with graphical pointer1066to indicate what grade (e.g., uphill, flat, or downhill), activity phase (e.g., warm-up or cool down), tempo influence (e.g., slow down, maintain, or accelerate), or weather (e.g., hot, cold, wet, or windy) the user wants to associate with the selected track. In addition, playlist preference window1064includes a text box1070and associated “Browse” button1072that a user may employ to enter a name of a scenic location or type of scenery with which the user desires to associated the selected track.

In addition to track specific preferences, user preferences package905preferably further collects the user's general track preferences, such as preferred genres of music, preferred activity phases for which presentation of tracks is enabled or disabled, etc., via one or more unillustrated graphical user interfaces. Using one or more of the track-specific and/or general preferences, the playlist architecture of the present invention can dynamically create and present a playlist to a user in association with an activity.

With reference now toFIG. 10E, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of dynamic playlist management in accordance with the present invention. The depicted process can be performed remotely by client playlist management component920of portable fitness device12, by server playlist management component900on server computer system42utilizing communication with portable fitness device12over communication network910, or a combination of the two. The depicted method of dynamic playlist management can be performed in response to a user input or automatically as a default mode of operation in the absence of user designation of a particular playlist or user designation of a route with an associated user-constructed playlist.

As illustrated, the process begins at block1074and then proceeds to block1075, which illustrates playlist management component900or920receiving a set of substantially real-time inputs922from external sources (e.g., server computer system42or other web servers) coupled to communication network910and/or by readers160-166within portable fitness device12. As described above, the set of inputs922can include, for example, weather conditions, athletic performance (e.g., pace, heart rate, distance, etc.), surface type (e.g., paved or unpaved), adjacent scenery, and/or route grade (e.g., uphill, flat or downhill). In response to receipt of inputs922, playlist management component900or920determines at blocks1076,1082,1083, and1084whether inputs922indicate a particular activity phase (e.g., warm-up or cool down), a particular grade (e.g., uphill or downhill), proximity to a particular scenic input, or an environmental (e.g., weather) condition. If not, the process proceeds through page connector A to block1085, which is described below. If, on the other hand, inputs922indicate a particular activity phase, a particular grade, or a particular environmental or scenic input, the process proceeds to blocks1077-1078.

Blocks1077-1078depict playlist management component900or920determining whether the detected input has an associated track based upon the athlete's playlist preferences (e.g., playlist preferences entered utilizing GUI1060ofFIG. 10D) and, if so, whether the general preferences have enabled or disabled playing the track for the particular input. If an associated track is identified and its playing is enabled, the process passes to block1079, which illustrates a determination of whether or not the associated track is already playing. If so, the process returns to block1075, which has been described. If not, the process proceeds to block1080, which illustrates a determination regarding whether or not the track has recently been played, for example, in a user-selectable or predetermined non-repeating interval (e.g., 5 minutes). If so, the process returns to block1077, representing a determination of whether or not an alternative track is associated with the triggering input. If a determination is made at block1080that the associated track determined at block1077has not recently been played, the process passes to block1081.

Block1081illustrates playlist management component900or920accessing or causing the associated track to accessed, for example, from audio storage66, track library902or auxiliary track library906. Presentation of the associated track by audio presentation module192is then invoked, as depicted at block1089. Thereafter, the process returns to block1075, which has been described.

Returning to block1085, a determination is made by reference to the pace and/or location or other inputs received at block1075whether the activity has been completed. If so, the process depicted inFIG. 10Eends at block1087. If, however, a determination is made at block1085that the activity has not been completed, the process proceeds to block1088, which depicts playlist management component900or920selecting a track from audio storage66or track library902corresponding to the current pace of athlete14. Playlist management component900or920then invokes presentation of the selected track, as shown at block1089. Thereafter, the process returns to block1075, which has been described.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the methods ofFIG. 10A-10Ehave been described with particular reference to use by an athlete14, it will be appreciated that the playlist management methodologies disclosed herein may be applied more generally to provide audio presentation services based upon a user's environment and/or location. Thus, for example, the services may be advantageously utilized by tourists, persons commuting in cars, buses, trains, etc.

Referring now toFIG. 11A, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of publishing a challenge route to a user community in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the process begins at block1100, for example, with a user such as an athlete14logging into server computer system42from a client computer44and invoking the display by training journal interface232of a particular route in his personal training journal within training journal database54that has been traversed by the athlete14. One exemplary GUI for viewing a traversed route is described above in detail with reference toFIGS. 5A-5B.

The process then proceeds from block1100to block1102, which depicts the user designating the particular route as a “challenge” route, for example, through interaction with a GUI displayed as a result of the selection of “Publish” button496ofFIG. 5Butilizing graphical pointer262. In response to designation of the particular route as a challenge route, route generation and publication module220computes a point value for the challenge route, for example, based upon the total distance and cumulative elevation gain of the uphill portions of the route (block1104). Route generation and publication module220then publishes the route in route database52for selection and download to the portable fitness devices12of other members of the service community. Thereafter, the process ends at block1108.

With reference now toFIG. 11B, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of staging the device-assisted traversal of a challenge route in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the process begins at block1110and then proceeds to block1112, which illustrates training input manager186of portable fitness device12determining if a user, such as athlete14, has entered an input (e.g., using input buttons80) signifying the selection of a challenge route previously downloaded to internal memory device62of portable fitness device12. (The meta-data associated with the route in internal memory device62preferably indicates whether a downloaded route is a challenge route.) If not, other processing is performed, as depicted at block1113.

In response to a determination by training input manager186that a challenge route has been selected for traversal, training input manager186further determines at block1114whether directions to the starting point should be presented. For example, training input manager186may determine if athlete14has entered an addition input requesting such directions or has simply not canceled the presentation of such directions. If a determination is made at block1114that no directions are needed or desired, the process proceeds to block1118, which is described below. If, however, a determination is made at block1114that directions to the starting point of the route are needed or desired, training input manager186calls audio presentation module192and/or visual presentation manager190at block1116to present turn-by-turn audible direction and/or a map to guide athlete14to the starting point of the challenge route. This functionality is particularly helpful if the challenge route is off-road.

The process proceeds from block1116to block1118, which illustrates training input manager186determining by reference to the GPS readings provided by GPS reader160whether or not athlete14has transported portable fitness device12to the starting point of the challenge route (e.g., within a positional error range (5 meters) of the starting location). If not, the process returns to block1114, which has been described. If, however, training input manager186determines at block1118that athlete14has transported portable fitness device12to the starting point of the challenge route, the process passes to block1120.

Block1120depicts training input manager186calling audio presentation module192to present an audible start message to the user from audio storage66. For example, the start message may state, “Forward motion will start timing the challenge route.” Following presentation of the start message, training input manager186monitors GPS readings provided by GPS reader160at block1122for forward motion of portable fitness device12along the challenge route. When forward motion is detected, the process proceeds to block1124, which depicts training input manager186calling audio presentation module192and/or visual presentation manager190to present real-time turn-by-turn audible direction and/or a map to guide athlete14along challenge route in response to GPS readings provided by GPS reader160. Training input manager186may also present comparative performance or split information as the challenge route is traversed, for example, indicating comparative overall performance or splits with respect to a previous best time for traversing the challenge route (e.g., “You are 10 seconds off of best time”). Presentation of directional assistance continues until training input manager186determines an end point of the challenge route. Thereafter, the process ends at block1128.

Referring now toFIG. 11C, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method of presenting the results of a traversal of a challenge route in accordance with the present invention. The process begins at block1130and the proceeds to block1131, which illustrates data recorder module226running on server computer system42receiving data recorded for a route traversed by a portable fitness device12from upload manager174running on the portable fitness device12and recording the data in an athlete's personal training journal within training journal database54. Upload manager174preferably transmits the data in conjunction with a parameter indicating whether or not the route for the data were collected is a challenge route, permitting data recorder module226to determine whether the data is for a challenge route, as shown at block1132. If the data is not for a challenge route, the process ends at block1140. If, however, data recorder module226determines at block1132that the data is for a challenge route, the process proceeds to blocks1136-1138.

Block1136depicts data recorder module226computing feedback regarding the traversal of the challenge route. For example, based upon the route data and other results for the same route contained in training journal database54, data recorder module226may compute an absolute ranking of the total time for the route traversal (e.g., an overall and age-bracketed ranking) and a normalized ranking for the route traversal. The normalized ranking may compensate for factors such as wind speed and direction, athlete age, how long the athlete has been training, and/or temperature to correctly “handicap” diverse environment conditions and athletic abilities. As shown at block1138, data recorder module226then downloads to portable fitness device12feedback information regarding the traversal of the challenge route. For example, data recorder module226may transmit the absolute and normalized rankings, as well as points earned by the athlete14for the traversal of the challenge route and a cumulative point total for all challenge routes traversed by the athlete14. The feedback data transmitted by data recorder module226to portable fitness device12are received by training input manager186and then presented by visual presentation module190and/or audio presentation module192. The process depicted inFIG. 11Cthen terminates at block1140.

With reference now toFIG. 12A, there is illustrated a high level block diagram of a system architecture that provides nutritional guidance to a user in accordance with the present invention. For clarity,FIG. 12Aillustrates only those portions of server computer system42and portable fitness device12helpful in gaining an understanding of the invention.

As depicted, the nutritional guidance architecture includes a server computer system42and a portable fitness device12. Server computer system42includes a server nutritional assistant1200and a meal plan database1202containing personal meal plans for subscribers. The personal meal plans may specify, for example, a caloric intake goal and/or other nutritional information (e.g., grams of fats, carbohydrates and sugars, food categories, food “point” value, etc.) on a per-meal or daily basis. Residing at or accessible to server computer system42is a restaurant database904, which contains information regarding geographic locations of restaurants, hours of operation, and menu items available at the restaurants. With respect to menu items, restaurant database904preferably indicates an estimated calorie amount and optionally additional nutritional information (e.g., grams of fats, sugars, and total carbohydrates). The nutritional guidance architecture optionally further includes an auxiliary restaurant database1206(which may reside on a web server or represent a web portal such as Yahoo!) containing duplicate or additional information that may be accessed to locate restaurants, obtain information (e.g., calories or nutritional information) regarding menu items, and/or populate restaurant database1204.

Server nutritional assistant1200is coupled for communication by a communication network1210(e.g., Internet40and the wireless WAN) to a client nutritional assistant1220residing on portable fitness device12. Client nutritional assistant1220receives inputs from server nutritional assistant1200and presents the inputs via calls to visual presentation module190and/or audio presentation module192.

As described in greater detail below, the nutritional guidance architecture enables a user (e.g., athlete14) of portable fitness device12to determine menu items conforming to a meal plan that are in proximity to the user's geographic location. The menu items may be selected for presentation to the user based upon the caloric expenditure associated with activities recorded in the user's personal training journal within training journal database54.

Referring now toFIG. 12B, there is depicted a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method by which a client device, such as portable fitness device12, queries a service for nutritional guidance in accordance with the present invention. The process begins at block1230and thereafter proceeds to block1232, which depicts client nutritional assistant1220monitoring the user inputs (e.g., manipulations of inputs buttons80) of portable fitness device12for an input signifying a dining decision query. In response to detection of a user input signifying a dining decision query, the process next passes to block1234, which illustrates client nutritional assistant1220sending a dining decision query to server, such as nutritional assistant1200running on server computer system42, via communication network1210. The dining decision query contains the geographic location of portable fitness device12(e.g., as indicated by a recent GPS reading obtained from GPS reader160) may optionally further contain or be interpreted as containing a parameter indicating one or more proximities (e.g., 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles) to the current geographic location.

As shown at block1236, client nutritional assistant1220then iterates until a response to the dining decision query is received from server nutritional assistant1200via communication network1210, for example, in the form of an XML document. In response to receipt of the response, client nutritional assistant1220presents the response to the user at block1238by making appropriate calls to visual presentation module190and/or audio presentation module192. In one embodiment, the XML response document includes a picklist containing one or more entries that each identifies a restaurant name, a distance (e.g., in miles or kilometers) to the restaurant from the current geographic location of portable fitness device12, and a number of menu choices available at that restaurant that comply with the user's meal plan. User selection of an entry of the picklist may invoke further display of a map to the restaurant from the current geographic location of portable fitness device12and/or images of the available menu items.

Client nutritional assistant1220then determines at block1240if a user input has been received (e.g., via input buttons80) indicating that the user desires to receive additional results from more distant restaurants. If not, the process ends at block1242. If so, client nutritional assistant1220increases the proximity parameter at block1244and issues another dining decision query with the increased proximity parameter, as shown at block1234. Thereafter, the process continues as has been described.

With reference now toFIG. 12C, there is illustrated a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method by which a server device responds to a query for nutritional guidance in accordance with the present invention. The depicted process begins at block1250and thereafter proceeds to block1252, which illustrates server nutritional assistant1200waiting until a dining decision query is received from a client device, such as portable fitness device12or client computer system44. In response to receipt of the dining decision query, server nutritional assistant1200accesses restaurant database1204and/or auxiliary restaurant database1206at block1254to identify one or more restaurants within at least one zone of proximity to the client device (e.g., portable fitness device12).

As shown at block1256, for at least one restaurant, and preferably for each restaurant identified at block1254that is within the proximity zone, server nutritional assistant1200then determines by reference to restaurant database1204and/or auxiliary restaurant database1206which menu items at the restaurant, if any, can be eaten by the user, given the time of day (i.e., an indication of whether the meal is a breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack) and the nutritional information (e.g., caloric intake goal, grams of fats, sugars and carbohydrates, food “point” values, etc.) specified in the user's meal plan stored within meal plan database1202. Server nutritional assistant1200may further take into consideration caloric expenditure estimated from recent activity (e.g., same or previous day) recorded for the user within training journal database54. In this manner, caloric expenditure can be compensated for or “rewarded” by the inclusion of higher calorie menu item selections. Server nutritional assistant1200then downloads its response to the dining decision query to the client device (e.g., portable fitness client12) via communication network1210, as shown at block1258. Thereafter, the process terminates at block1260.

While the invention has been particularly shown as described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the present invention has been described with respect to an exemplary software configuration in which software performing certain functions of the present invention resides on a server computer system of a service provider (e.g., of a subscription service), those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in alternative embodiments, such software may alternatively reside on a client computer system, such as client computer system44, and/or on portable fitness device12.

Furthermore, while the present invention has been described with reference to tracking and visualizing the performance and/or route of an athlete, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may also be applied to tracking and visualizing the location and movement of other persons, such as children or criminals under electronic supervision, or objects.

Moreover, although aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to a data processing system executing program code that directs the functions of the present invention, it should be understood that present invention may alternatively be implemented as a program product for use with a data processing system. Program code defining the functions of the present invention can be delivered to a data processing system via a variety of signal-bearing media, which include, without limitation, non-rewritable storage media (e.g., CD-ROM), rewritable storage media (e.g., a floppy diskette or hard disk drive), and communication media, such as digital and analog networks. It should be understood, therefore, that such signal-bearing media, when carrying or encoding computer readable instructions that direct the functions of the present invention, represent alternative embodiments of the present invention.