Abstract:
The disclosure relates to enhancing exercise through augmented reality. In particular, the disclosure describes monitoring a user&#39;s performance and generating a virtual representation of that user&#39;s performance to be displayed during a future exercise routine to motivate the user to improve performance during their next workout.

Description:
[0001]    The application claims priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 62/168,308, which was filed on May 29, 2015, the disclosure and content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    While most people appreciate the importance of physical fitness, many have difficulty finding the motivation required to maintain a regular exercise program or to continually improve their workouts during their exercise routines. In addition, some people find it particularly difficult to maintain an exercise regimen that involves continuously repetitive motions, such as running, walking and bicycling. 
         [0003]    Moreover, individuals may view exercise as work or a chore and thus, separate it from enjoyable aspects of their daily lives. Often, this separation between athletic activity and other activities reduces the amount of motivation that an individual might have toward exercising. Further, athletic activity services and systems directed toward encouraging individuals to engage in athletic activities might also be too focused on one or more particular activities while an individual&#39;s interests are ignored. This may further decrease a user&#39;s interest in participating in athletic activities or using the athletic activity services and systems. 
         [0004]    Therefore, improved systems and methods to address these and other shortcomings in the art are desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below. 
         [0006]    Aspects of this disclosure relate to motivating individuals to maintain or improve upon a threshold level of physical activity. Certain implementations may motivate individuals by informing users of their current progress against user defined and system defined goals. In one embodiment, feedback may facilitate individuals observing one or more benefits associated with physical activity. By realizing benefits associated with their activities, users may be encouraged to continue exercising or increase exercising intensity. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, a visual and audio system may motivate users to push their limits by extending workouts by a known quantifiable amount. The system may engage users by enabling them to explore new variations of their common workouts while eliminating worry or fear of the unknown by providing a trusted system to recommend safe modifications to their workout routines or exercise programs. 
         [0008]    Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user&#39;s performance during an exercise routine. In an embodiment, the monitored performance may be used to generate a virtual representation of the user&#39;s performance to be displayed during a future exercise routine to motivate the user to improve performance during their next workout. In another embodiment, a virtual shadow may illustrate a proper form (or any specific form) of the exercise to assist the user with improving performance during their workout routine. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, an electronic device capable of communicating with a user may overlay information into a user&#39;s field of vision through use of eyewear or other personal wearable items. Such received information may include audio information received from speakers or other sound producing devices. In an embodiment, the overlay may include a virtual representation of a user&#39;s prior workout performance. In an embodiment, a user may compete against their prior workout performances or against a friends or athletes prior workout performance. In yet another embodiment, multiple workout performances may be represented by different avatars or visual representations displayed in a user&#39;s field of vision as the user completes his/her current workout. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of the embodiments are discussed in greater detail throughout this disclosure, including the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate an exemplary system for providing an enhanced workout for a user in accordance with example embodiments, wherein  FIG. 1A  illustrates an example network configured to monitor and provide feedback to a user performing various athletic activities, and  FIG. 1B  illustrates an example computing device in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C  illustrate example sensory and feedback devices that may be worn by a user in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a virtual representation of a user&#39;s performance in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates example points on a user&#39;s body to monitor and provide feedback in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a device providing information to a user during a workout in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of generating and displaying avatars in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7-11  illustrate another exemplary operating environment which may be used with various aspects of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure should not be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that the example embodiments are not limited to the example headings. 
         [0020]    In an aspect of the disclosure, a user&#39;s performance is monitored and a virtual representation of that user&#39;s performance is generated to be displayed during a future exercise routine to motivate the user to improve performance during their next workout. In another embodiment, a virtual shadow may illustrate a proper form (or any specific form) of the exercise in real-time feedback to assist the user with improving performance during their workout routine. In an embodiment, an electronic device capable of communicating with a user may overlay information into a user&#39;s field of vision through use of eyewear or other personal wearable items during exercise. In an embodiment, a user may compete against their prior workout performances or against a friends or athletes prior workout performance. In yet another embodiment, multiple workout performances may be represented by different avatars or visual representations displayed in a user&#39;s field of vision as the user completes his/her current workout. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an example of a monitoring and feedback system  100  in accordance with example embodiments. Example system  100  may include one or more electronic devices, such as computer  102 . Computer  102  may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer  102  may comprise a set-top box (STB), desktop computer, digital video recorder(s) (DVR), computer server(s), and/or any other desired computing device. In certain configurations, computer  102  may comprise a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example consoles for descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to any console or device. 
         [0022]    Turning briefly to  FIG. 1B , computer  102  may include computing unit  104 , which may comprise at least one processing unit  106 . Processing unit  106  may be any type of processing device for executing software instructions, such as for example, a microprocessor device. Computer  102  may include a variety of non-transitory computer readable media, such as memory  108 . Memory  108  may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) such as RAM  110 , and/or read only memory (ROM), such as ROM  112 . Memory  108  may include any of: electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by computer  102 . 
         [0023]    The processing unit  106  and the system memory  108  may be connected, either directly or indirectly, through a bus  114  or alternate communication structure to one or more peripheral devices. For example, the processing unit  106  or the system memory  108  may be directly or indirectly connected to additional memory storage, such as a hard disk drive  116 , a removable magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive  118 , and a flash memory card, as well as to input devices  120 , and output devices  122 . The processing unit  106  and the system memory  108  also may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more input devices  120  and one or more output devices  122 . The output devices  122  may include, for example, a monitor display, television, printer, stereo, or speakers. The input devices  120  may include, for example, a keyboard, touch screen, a remote control pad, a pointing device (such as a mouse, touchpad, stylus, trackball, or joystick), a scanner, a camera or a microphone. In this regard, input devices  120  may comprise one or more sensors configured to sense, detect, and/or measure athletic movement from a user, such as user  124 , shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0024]    Looking again to  FIG. 1A , image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may be utilized in detecting and/or measuring athletic movements of user  124 . In one embodiment, data obtained image-capturing device  126  or sensor  128  may directly detect athletic movements, such that the data obtained from image-capturing device  126  or sensor  128  is directly correlated to a motion parameter. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , image data from image-capturing device  126  may detect that the distance between sensor locations  402   g  and  402   i  has decreased and therefore, image-capturing device  126  alone may be configured to detect that user&#39;s  124  right arm has moved. Yet, in other embodiments, data from image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may be utilized in combination, either with each other or with other sensors to detect and/or measure movements. Thus, certain measurements may be determined from combining data obtained from two or more devices. Image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may include or be operatively connected to one or more sensors, including but not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. Example uses of illustrative sensors  126 ,  128  are provided. Computer  102  may also use touch screens or image capturing device to determine where a user is pointing to make selections from a graphical user interface. One or more embodiments may utilize one or more wired and/or wireless technologies, alone or in combination, wherein examples of wireless technologies include Bluetooth® technologies, Bluetooth® low energy technologies, and/or ANT technologies. 
         [0025]    Still further, computer  102 , computing unit  104 , and/or any other electronic devices may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more network interfaces, such as example interface  130  (shown in  FIG. 1B ) for communicating with a network, such as network  132 . In the example of  FIG. 1B , network interface  130 , may comprise a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signals from the computing unit  104  into network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). These protocols are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail. An interface  130  may employ any suitable connection agent for connecting to a network, including, for example, a wireless transceiver, a power line adapter, a modem, or an Ethernet connection. Network  132 , however, may be any one or more information distribution network(s), of any type(s) or topography(s), alone or in combination(s), such as internet(s), intranet(s), cloud(s), LAN(s). Network  132  may be any one or more of cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. Networks are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail. Network  132  may be variously configured such as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels to connect one or more locations (e.g., schools, businesses, homes, consumer dwellings, network resources, etc.), to one or more remote servers  134 , or to other computers, such as similar or identical to computer  102 . Indeed, system  100  may include more than one instance of each component (e.g., more than one computer  102 , more than one display  136 , etc.). 
         [0026]    Regardless of whether computer  102  or other electronic device within network  132  is portable or at a fixed location, it should be appreciated that, in addition to the input, output and storage peripheral devices specifically listed above, the computing device may be connected, such as either directly, or through network  132  to a variety of other peripheral devices, including some that may perform input, output and storage functions, or some combination thereof. In certain embodiments, a single device may integrate one or more components shown in  FIG. 1A . For example, a single device may include computer  102 , image-capturing device  126 , sensor  128 , display  136  and/or additional components. In one embodiment, sensor device  138  may comprise a mobile terminal having a display  136 , image-capturing device  126 , and one or more sensors  128 . Yet, in another embodiment, image-capturing device  126 , and/or sensor  128  may be peripherals configured to be operatively connected to a media device, including for example, a gaming or media system. Thus, it goes from the foregoing that this disclosure is not limited to stationary systems and methods. Rather, certain embodiments may be carried out by a user  124  in almost any location. 
         [0027]    Computer  102  and/or other devices may comprise one or more sensors  126 ,  128  configured to detect and/or monitor at least one fitness parameter of a user  124 . Sensors  126  and/or  128  may include but not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. Network  132  and/or computer  102  may be in communication with one or more electronic devices of system  100 , including for example, display  136 , an image capturing device  126  (e.g., one or more video cameras), and sensor  128 , which may be an infrared (IR) device. In one embodiment sensor  128  may comprise an IR transceiver. For example, sensors  126 , and/or  128  may transmit waveforms into the environment, including towards the direction of user  124  and receive a “reflection” or otherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. In yet another embodiment, image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may be configured to transmit and/or receive other wireless signals, such as radar, sonar, and/or audible information. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to a multitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, sensors  126  and/or  128  may detect waveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system  100 ). For example, sensors  126  and/or  128  may detect heat being emitted from user  124  and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  may comprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology. As a non-limited example, image-capturing devices configured to perform range phenomenology are commercially available from Flir Systems, Inc. of Portland, Oreg. Although image capturing device  126  and sensor  128  and display  136  are shown in direct (wirelessly or wired) communication with computer  102 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that any may directly communicate (wirelessly or wired) with network  132 . 
         [0028]    User  124  may possess, carry, and/or wear any number of electronic devices, including sensory devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182 . In certain embodiments, one or more devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  182  may not be specially manufactured for fitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are not fitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. In one embodiment, device  138  may comprise a portable electronic device, such as a telephone or digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, brand devices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® or Microsoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. As known in the art, digital media players can serve as both an output device for a computer (e.g., outputting music from a sound file or pictures from an image file) and a storage device. In one embodiment, device  138  may be computer  102 , yet in other embodiments, computer  102  may be entirely distinct from device  138 . Regardless of whether device  138  is configured to provide certain output, it may serve as an input device for receiving sensory information. Devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and/or  182  may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, sensors may be passive, such as reflective materials that may be detected by image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128  (among others). In certain embodiments, sensors  144  may be integrated into apparel, such as athletic clothing. For instance, the user  124  may wear one or more on-body sensors  144   a - b . Sensors  144  may be incorporated into the clothing of user  124  and/or placed at any desired location of the body of user  124 . Sensors  144  may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with computer  102 , sensors  128 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142 , and/or camera  126 . Examples of interactive gaming apparel are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/286,396, filed Oct. 30, 2002, and published as U.S. Pat. Pub, No. 2004/0087366, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflect waveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device  126  and/or sensor  128 . In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user&#39;s  124  apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass or other transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms. Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class of apparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to a specific portion of the user&#39;s  124  body when properly worn. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparel in a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration. Devices  138 - 144  and  182  may communicate with each other, either directly or through a network, such as network  132 . Communication between one or more of devices  138 - 144  and  182  may communicate through computer  102 . For example, two or more of devices  138 - 144  and  182  may be peripherals operatively connected to bus  114  of computer  102 . In yet another embodiment, a first device, such as device  138  may communicate with a first computer, such as computer  102  as well as another device, such as device  142 , however, device  142  may not be configured to connect to computer  102  but may communicate with device  138 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, device  182  may include glasses or eyewear  182 . Glasses  182  may be capable of communicating with a user by overlaying visual information onto the lenses of glasses  182 . The overlaid information may be placed in a particular region of users&#39;  124  field of vision so as not to interfere or distract user  124 . In addition, glasses  182  may also be used to provide audio information to user  124 . In yet another embodiment, glasses  182  may also be used as an input device for receiving sensory information from user  124 . 
         [0030]    Some implementations of the example embodiments may alternately or additionally employ computing devices that are intended to be capable of a wide variety of functions, such as a desktop or laptop personal computer. These computing devices may have any combination of peripheral devices or additional components as desired. Also, the components shown in  FIG. 1B  may be included in the server  134 , other computers, apparatuses, etc. 
         [0031]    In certain embodiments, sensory devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182  may be formed within or otherwise associated with user&#39;s  124  clothing or accessories, including a watch, sunglasses, eyeglasses, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. Examples of shoe-mounted and wearable devices are described immediately below, however, these are merely example embodiments and this disclosure should not be limited to such. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, devices such as device  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182  may include similar hardware such as the hardware discussed above with respect to computer  102  and in particular the hardware shown in  FIG. 1B . For instance, devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182  may include a processing unit, memory, a CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by computer  102 . In addition, devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182  may also include one or more input devices and one or more output devices. The output devices may include, for example, a monitor display, television, printer, stereo, or speakers. The input devices may include, for example, a keyboard, touch screen, a remote control pad, a pointing device (such as a mouse, touchpad, stylus, trackball, or joystick), a scanner, a camera or a microphone. In this regard, input devices may comprise one or more sensors configured to sense, detect, and/or measure athletic movement from a user, such as user  124 , shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, sensory device  140  may comprise footwear which may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to: an accelerometer, location-sensing components, such as GPS, and/or a force sensor system.  FIG. 2A  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an example sensor system  202 . In certain embodiments, system  202  may include a sensor assembly  204 . Assembly  204  may comprise one or more sensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, location-determining components, and/or force sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly  204  incorporates a plurality of sensors, which may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors  206 . In yet other embodiments, other sensor(s) may be utilized. Port  208  may be positioned within a sole structure  209  of a shoe. Port  208  may optionally be provided to be in communication with an electronic module  210  (which maybe in a housing  211 ) and a plurality of leads  212  connecting the FSR sensors  206  to the port  208 . Module  210  may be contained within a well or cavity in a sole structure of a shoe. The port  208  and the module  210  include complementary interfaces  214 ,  216  for connection and communication. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor  206  shown in  FIG. 2A  may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts  218 ,  220  and a force-sensitive resistive material  222  and/or  224  disposed between the electrodes  218 ,  220  to electrically connect the electrodes  218 ,  220  together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material  222 / 224 , the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material  222 / 224  changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes  218 ,  220 . The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system  202  to detect the force applied on the sensor  216 . The force-sensitive resistive material  222 / 224  may change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material  222 / 224  may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed, similar to the quantum tunneling composites described in greater detail below. Further compression of this material may further decrease the resistance, allowing quantitative measurements, as well as binary (on/off) measurements. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “volume-based resistance,” and materials exhibiting this behavior may be referred to as “smart materials.” As another example, the material  222 / 224  may change the resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact. This can be achieved in several ways, such as by using microprojections on the surface that raise the surface resistance in an uncompressed condition, where the surface resistance decreases when the microprojections are compressed, or by using a flexible electrode that can be deformed to create increased surface-to-surface contact with another electrode. This surface resistance may be the resistance between the material  222  and the electrode  218 ,  220  and/or the surface resistance between a conducting layer (e.g. carbon/graphite) and a force-sensitive layer (e.g. a semiconductor) of a multi-layer material  222 / 224 . The greater the compression, the greater the surface-to-surface contact, resulting in lower resistance and enabling quantitative measurement. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.” It is understood that the force-sensitive resistive material  222 / 224 , as defined herein, may be or include a doped or non-doped semiconducting material. 
         [0035]    The electrodes  218 ,  220  of the FSR sensor  206  can be formed of any conductive material, including metals, carbon/graphite fibers or composites, other conductive composites, conductive polymers or polymers containing a conductive material, conductive ceramics, doped semiconductors, or any other conductive material. The leads  212  can be connected to the electrodes  218 ,  220  by any suitable method, including welding, soldering, brazing, adhesively joining, fasteners, or any other integral or non-integral joining method. Alternately, the electrode  218 ,  220  and associated lead(s)  212  may be formed of a single piece of the same material  222 / 224 . In further embodiments, material  222  is configured to have at least one electric property (e.g., conductivity, resistance, etc.) than material  224 . Examples of exemplary sensors are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/483,824, filed on Jun. 12, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , device  226  (which may be, or be a duplicative of or resemble sensory device  142  shown in  FIG. 1A ) may be configured to be worn by user  124 , such as around a wrist, arm, ankle or the like. Device  226  may monitor movements of a user, including, e.g., athletic movements or other activity of user  124 . For example, in one embodiment, device  226  may be activity monitor that measures, monitors, tracks or otherwise senses the user&#39;s activity (or inactivity) regardless of the user&#39;s proximity or interactions with computer  102 . Device  226  may detect athletic movement or other activity (or inactivity) during user&#39;s  124  interactions with computer  102  and/or operate independently of computer  102 . Device  226  may communicate directly or indirectly, wired or wirelessly, with network  132  and/or other devices, such as devices  138  and/or  140 . Athletic data obtained from device  226  may be utilized in determinations conducted by computer  102 , such as determinations relating to which exercise programs are presented to user  124 . As used herein, athletic data means data regarding or relating to a user&#39;s activity (or inactivity). In one embodiment, device  226  may wirelessly interact with a remote website such as a site dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via a mobile device, such as device  138  associated with user  124 ). In this or another embodiment, device  226  may interact with a mobile device, such as device  138 , as to an application dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter. In these or other embodiments, device  226  may interest with both a mobile device as to an application as above, such as device  138 , and a remote website, such as a site dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via the mobile device, such as device  138 ). In some embodiments, at some predetermined time(s), the user may wish to transfer data from the device  226  to another location. For example, a user may wish to upload data from a portable device with a relatively smaller memory to a larger device with a larger quantity of memory. Communication between device  226  and other devices may be done wirelessly and/or through wired mechanisms. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , device  226  may include an input mechanism, such as a button  228 , to assist in operation of the device  226 . The button  228  may be a depressible input operably connected to a controller  230  and/or any other electronic components, such as one or more elements of the type(s) discussed in relation to computer  102  shown in  FIG. 1B . Controller  230  may be embedded or otherwise part of housing  232 . Housing  232  may be formed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components and comprise one or more displays, such as display  234 . The display may be considered an illuminable portion of the device  226 . The display  234  may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members such as LED lights  234  in an exemplary embodiment. The LED lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to the controller  230 . Device  226  may include an indicator system  236 , which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display  234 . It is understood that the indicator system  236  can operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display  234  (which may have pixel member  235 ) or completely separate from the display  234 . The indicator system  236  may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members  238 , which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system  236  may provide a visual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion of lighting members  238  to represent accomplishment towards one or more goals. 
         [0038]    A fastening mechanism  240  can be unlatched wherein the device  226  can be positioned around a wrist of the user  124  and the fastening mechanism  240  can be subsequently placed in a latched position. The user can wear the device  226  at all times if desired. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism  240  may comprise an interface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction with computer  102  and/or devices  138 ,  140 , and/or recharging an internal power source. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, device  226  may comprise a sensor assembly (not shown in  FIG. 2B ). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of different sensors. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise or permit operative connection to an accelerometer (including in the form of a multi-axis accelerometer), a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. Detected movements or parameters from device&#39;s  142  sensor(s), may include (or be used to form) a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics including but not limited to speed, distance, steps taken, and energy expenditure such as calories, heart rate and sweat detection. Such parameters may also be expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the activity of the user. Examples of wrist-worn sensors that may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 13/287.064, filed on Nov. 1, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , device  290  (which may be, or be a duplicative of or resemble device  182  shown in  FIG. 1A ) may be configured to be in optical alignment with at least one of the user&#39;s eyes, such as being placed on the head of user  124 , in the form of glasses, sunglasses or protective eyewear. Device  290  may monitor movements of a user, including, e.g., athletic movements or other activity of user  124 . In another embodiment, device  290  may provide visual, tactile, and/or audio information to user  124  during a workout or training session. For example, in one embodiment, device  290  may be an activity monitor that measures, monitors, and tracks or otherwise senses the user&#39;s activity (or inactivity) regardless of the user&#39;s proximity or interactions with computer  102 . Device  290  may detect athletic movement or other activity (or inactivity) during user&#39;s  124  interactions with computer  102  and/or operate independently of computer  102 . Device  290  may communicate directly or indirectly, wired or wirelessly, with network  132  and/or other devices, such as devices  138  and/or  140 . Athletic data obtained from device  290  may be utilized in determinations conducted by computer  102 , such as determinations relating to which exercise programs are presented to user  124 . As used herein, athletic data means data regarding or relating to a user&#39;s activity (or inactivity). In one embodiment, device  290  may wirelessly interact with a remote website such as a site dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via a mobile device, such as device  138  associated with user  124 ). In this or another embodiment, device  290  may interact with a mobile device, such as device  138 , as to an application dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter. In these or other embodiments, device  290  may interest with both a mobile device as to an application as above, such as device  138 , and a remote website, such as a site dedicated to fitness or health related subject matter, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via the mobile device, such as device  138 ). In some embodiments, at some predetermined time(s), the user may wish to transfer data from the device  290  to another location. For example, a user may wish to upload data from a portable device with a relatively smaller memory to a larger device with a larger quantity of memory. Communication between device  290  and other devices may be done wirelessly and/or through wired mechanisms. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, device  290  may display on lenses  292  and  293  information useful to user  124  during a workout or training session. Such information may include a top route such as top route  294  or other geographical information related to a run or cycling session. Such routing information may also display a user&#39;s progress on the top route as the user proceeds along the route. During the workout, device  290  may include alternative routes which may alter (e.g., increase or decrease) the intensity of the overall workout session. Such alternative routes may include grade or elevation changes to make the workout more difficult and assist user  124  in obtaining their workout goals for the workout session. In addition, device  124  may suggest alternative routes which user  124  has not taken before to motivate user  124  during the running session with new scenery to be viewed during the workout. Such alternative route determinations by device  290  may be based on a user&#39;s workout preferences, fitness needs, and implicit security requirements. In an embodiment, user  124  may be delighted to have route recommendations provided that indicate which of their friends or favorite athletes have run the route, sightseeing opportunities for the new route, as well as areas of interests for user  124 . User  124  may also be provided with information through device  290  that suites their fitness needs such as improved endurance or builds strength and speed. For instance, information such as information  298  may be shown on lens  293  during a workout. Such information may include heart rate monitoring, distance, pace, and energy expenditure points or score, along with other workout statistics. In addition, information related to other devices associated with user  124  may also optionally be displayed such as song information  299  as shown in lens  293 . 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, device  290  may also provide and utilize real-time information based on construction, traffic reports, and safety events in areas (e.g. Police Actions) and provide detours or route alternatives when needed. In an embodiment, device  290  may also detect and alert user  124  to potential dangers such as a predicted impact with an oncoming car or pedestrian. In another embodiment, device  290  may at various points during a run such as at intersections display to user  124  alternative routes along with the benefits of taking the alternative route (i.e. longer/shorter distance, more energy expenditure points, elevation changes, scenic route etc.). 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , device  290  may include lenses  292  and  293  and speakers  297 . A controller  288  and associated memory  289  may be embedded or otherwise part of glasses  290 . In an embodiment, information on lenses  292  and  293  may be projected onto the lenses by a micro-projector. The micro-projector may display information or shapes into a user&#39;s field of vision. In another embodiment, lenses  292  and  293  may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members such as LED lights. The LED lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to the controller  288 . Device  290  may include an indicator system  295 , which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display. It is understood that indicator system  295  can operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display shown on lenses  292  and  293 . The indicator system  295  may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system  295  may provide a visual indication of goals, such as by illuminating to represent accomplishment towards one or more goals. In an embodiment, the indicator system  295  may inform user  124  of their progress in achieving a goal by overlaying visual channel information with energy expenditure symbols that change color from red to green as user  124  gets closer to reaching their workout goal. In an embodiment, the size of the displayed symbol may be used to communicate information to user  124  such as an elevation increases during a run. In addition, milestones may be communicated, such as distance markers. In another embodiment, indicator system  295  may also be used to designate and ideal running route for user  124  during a workout. 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, device  290  may comprise a sensor assembly (not shown in  FIG. 2C ). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of different sensors. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise or permit operative connection to an accelerometer (including in the form of a multi-axis accelerometer), a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. Detected movements or parameters from device&#39;s sensor(s), may include (or be used to form) a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics including but not limited to speed, distance, steps taken, and energy expenditure such as calories, heart rate and sweat detection. Such parameters may also be expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the activity of the user. 
         [0045]    In an embodiment, system  100  may prompt a user to perform one or more exercises, monitor user movement while performing the exercises, and provide the user with feedback based on their performance. In one embodiment, computer  102 , image-capturing device  126 , sensor  128 , and display  136  may be implemented within the confines of a user&#39;s residence, although other locations, including schools, gyms and/or businesses are contemplated. Further, as discussed above, computer  102  may be a portable device, such as a cellular telephone, therefore, one or more aspects discussed herein may be conducted in almost any location. 
         [0046]    While exercising, system  100  may use one or more techniques to monitor user movement. The method may be implemented by a computer, such as, for example, computer  102 , device  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  182 , and/or other apparatuses. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment, system  100  may process sensory data to identify user movement data. In one embodiment, sensory locations may be identified. For example, images of recorded video, such as from image-capturing device  126 , may be utilized in an identification of user movement. For example, the user may stand a certain distance, which may or may not be predefined, from the image-capturing device  126 , and computer  102  may process the images to identify the user  124  within the video, for example, using disparity mapping techniques. In an example, the image capturing device  126  may be a stereo camera having two or more lenses that are spatially offset from one another and that simultaneously capture two or more images of the user. Computer  102  may process the two or more images taken at a same time instant to generate a disparity map for determining a location of certain parts of the user&#39;s body in each image (or at least some of the images) in the video using a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates). The disparity map may indicate a difference between images taken by each of the offset lenses. 
         [0048]    In a second example, one or more sensors may be located on or proximate to the user&#39;s  124  body at various locations or wear a suit having sensors situated at various locations. Yet, in other embodiments, sensor locations may be determined from other sensory devices, such as devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and/or  182 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , sensors may be placed (or associated with, such as with image-capturing device  126 ) body movement regions, such as joints (e.g., ankles, elbows, shoulders, etc.) or at other locations of interest on the user&#39;s  124  body. Example sensory locations are denoted in  FIG. 4  by locations  402   a - 402   o . In this regard, sensors may be physical sensors located on/in a user&#39;s clothing, yet in other embodiments, sensor locations  402   a - 402   o  may be based upon identification of relationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensor location  402   a  may be determined by identifying motions of user  124  with an image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device  126 . Thus, in certain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at a specific location (such as sensor locations  402   a - 402   o ), but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as with image-capturing device  126 . In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user&#39;s body may permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whether an image-capturing device, such as camera  126 , is utilized and/or a physical sensor located on the user  124 , such as sensors within or separate from one or more of device(s)  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  are utilized, the sensors may sense a current location of a body part and/or track movement of the body part. In one embodiment, location  402   m  may be utilized in a determination of the user&#39;s center of gravity (a.k.a, center of mass). 
         [0049]    For example, relationships between location  402   a  and location(s)  402   f / 402   l  with respect to one or more of location(s)  402   m - 402   o  may be utilized to determine if a user&#39;s center of gravity has been elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if a user is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, sensor location  402   n  may be located at about the sternum of user  124 . Likewise, sensor location  402   o  may be located approximate to the naval of user  124 . In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations  402   m - 402   o  may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity for user  124 . In further embodiments, relationships between multiple several sensor locations, such as sensors  402   m - 402   o , may be utilized in determining orientation of the user  124  and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user&#39;s  124  torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may be utilized to as a center of moment location. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of location(s)  402   m - 402   o  may serve as a point for a center of moment location of user  124 . In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment of specific body parts or regions. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments, a time stamp to the data collected indicating a specific time when a body part was at a certain location. Sensor data may be received at computer  102  (or other device) via wireless or wired transmission. A computer, such as computer  102  and/or devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  182  may process the time stamps to determine the locations of the body parts using a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates) within each (or at least some) of the images in the video. Data received from image-capturing device  126  may be corrected, modified, and/or combined with data received from one or more other devices  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and  182 . 
         [0051]    In a third example, computer  102  may use infrared pattern recognition to detect user movement and locations of body parts of the user  124 . For example, the sensor  128  may include an infrared transceiver, which may be part of image-capturing device  126 , or another device, that may emit an infrared signal to illuminate the user&#39;s  124  body using infrared signals. The infrared transceiver  128  may capture a reflection of the infrared signal from the body of user  124 . Based on the reflection, computer  102  may identify a location of certain parts of the user&#39;s body using a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates) at particular instances in time. Which and how body parts are identified may be predetermined based on a type of exercise a user is requested to perform. 
         [0052]    As part of a workout routine, computer  102  may make an initial postural assessment of the user  124  as part of the initial user assessment. Computer  102  may analyze front and side images of a user  124  to determine a location of one or more of a user&#39;s shoulders, upper back, lower back, hips, knees, and ankles. On-body sensors and/or infrared techniques may also be used, either alone or in conjunction with image-capturing device  126 , to determine the locations of various body parts for the postural assessment. 
         [0053]    While performing an exercise, computer  102  may cause a display, such as display  136  or device  182 , to present a user representation with real-time feedback. While user  124  is performing movements, computer  102  may create a user representation for display by the display  136  or device  182 . The computer may create the user representation based on one or more of processing some or all images of video captured by image capturing device  126 , processing data received from the sensor  128 , and processing data received from sensors  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 , and  182 . The user representation may be, for example, video of the user, or a user avatar  302  ( FIG. 3 ) created based on image and/or sensor data, including infrared data. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, a user&#39;s past workout performance may be stored as a virtual shadow for later playback. In an embodiment, numerous virtual shadows may be stored for a user, each virtual shadow representing a prior exercise performance. In an embodiment, displaying of multiple virtual shadows may allow a user, such as user  124 , to see changes in their workout performances. 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, user avatar  302  may be generated and displayed with the appearance that a user, such as user  124 , is competing against themselves. For example, computer  102  (or any other electronic device such as device  182 ) may generate and store performance information related to a user&#39;s completed workout (i.e. virtual shadow). Later, computer  102  may prompt the user if they would like to compete in real-time against their earlier performance of the exercise. In that case, system  100  may display user avatar  302  and stored virtual shadow  304  for the competition. User avatar  302  along with virtual shadow  304  may be displayed as part of a display  508  in glasses  290  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0056]    In an embodiment, the generated user avatar  302  and virtual shadow  304  may permit a user to view workout improvements over time, including, as examples, the latest improvement or improvement over a (e.g., user-selected) time period or improvement from a beginning. 
         [0057]    In another embodiment, a user may compare a past running performance on a particular running route that has numerous elevation changes to a current and different route with minimal elevation changes. The results may assist the user in gauging the user&#39;s pace and other metrics in different run settings. In an embodiment, during a run the system may recommend route changes or modifications based on a target goal such as energy expenditure or a rate of energy expenditure. 
         [0058]    When competing against him or herself, computer  102  may display user avatar  302  as the user performs an exercise for simultaneous display along with the virtual shadow  304  (i.e. representing prior workout performance information). User avatar  302  may be displayed overtop of or directly behind the virtual shadow  304 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the display  136  or device  182  may present virtual shadow  304  offset from user avatar  302 . Computer  102  may synchronize the start times such that user avatar  302  appears to be competing against virtual shadow  304  in real-time. When an exercise is complete, computer  102  may inform the user  124  of the winner, and provide side by side statistics of the current performance relative to the virtual shadow  304   
         [0059]    Display  136  or device  182  may also present one or more performance level indicators  306  to indicate a user&#39;s performance metrics, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Performance level indicators may be displayed instead of a shadow. Yet, in other embodiments, indicators may be displayed in conjunction with a shadow. Example metrics may include speed, quickness, power, dimensions (e.g., distance stepped or dipped, height jumped, rotation of hips or shoulders), reaction time, agility, flexibility, acceleration, heart rate, temperature (e.g., overheating), blood oxygen content, or other physical or physiological metrics. A performance level indicator  306  may be depicted as, for example, a gauge, a speedometer, a bar-type indictor, percentage indicator, etc. In another embodiment, performance level indicators may also be displayed to a user in a separate portion of the display  505  as shown in  FIG. 5  on lens  293 . 
         [0060]    In another embodiment, a virtual shadow  304  may be displayed with the appearance that a user, such as user  124 , is competing against another user. In one embodiment, user  124  may be located at a first physical location and a second user may be located at a second physical location. A location may include a place or a geographical position such as a gym, dwelling, school, or even exercising outside, such as running through a city. Despite being at different physical locations, users may still compete and/or collectively engage in athletic activities. In one embodiment, each of a plurality of users may engage in a competition in substantially real-time. Yet, in other embodiments, a first user may conduct a predefined series of activities or routines and data from that first user&#39;s performance may be utilized in a later conducted competition. In one embodiment, two or more users may engage in a “side-by-side” competition. For example, computer  102  (or any other electronic device) may display a user avatar  302  while a first user  124  performs an exercise. The same computer  102  and/or another computer, such as an electronic device that is in operative communication with network  132 , may generate and/or store a second avatar representing the second user. Both of these avatars may be displayed on a single display device, such as display  136  or device  182  at the location of user  124  (and/or at the location of the second user). Thus, user  124  may see both avatars. 
         [0061]    In an embodiment, virtual shadows may be generated based upon past performances in one or more activities, such as the activity being performed in competition or upon an assessment of a person&#39;s respective capabilities (e.g., current fitness level). 
         [0062]    In other embodiments, users may compete with another user&#39;s virtual shadow. For example, a first user, such as user  124  may have had a great workout and want to challenge a second user to see how they perform or stack up against the first user&#39;s past workout. A virtual shadow representing the first user&#39;s past workout may be transmitted to permit the second user to compete against the first user&#39;s performance. In one embodiment, a user avatar  302  of the second user may be displayed on display  136 . A virtual shadow  304  may be generated based upon the workout of the first user  124 . System  100  may synchronize the start times such that the user avatar  302  appears to be competing against the virtual shadow  304 . When an exercise is complete, computer  102  may inform either user of the winner. System  100  may also provide side by side statistics of the second user&#39;s current performance relative to the virtual shadow  304  of the first user  124 . Competing with other users&#39; virtual shadow(s)  304  may be performed in a real-time environment as well as permitting virtual shadows  304  from previous athletic activities to be utilized. 
         [0063]    In an embodiment, map data or topographical map data may be used as background to show the avatar&#39;s location on the route during a workout. During the work out, indicators showing the instantaneous values of various measured time, distance, physical, and/or physiological parameters associated with the athletic performance at locations along the route traveled by the virtual athlete may be displayed. 
         [0064]    In an embodiment, a second indicator display region also may be provided to display instantaneous values of various measured time, distance, physical, and/or physiological parameters associated with the virtual athlete athletic performance at locations along the route. Of course, the data for the two athletic performances may be obtained from any source(s) without departing from the invention. 
         [0065]    In an embodiment, system  100  may monitor a first user workout as illustrated in step  602  of  FIG. 6 . In an example, computer  102  may prompt a user to perform one or more exercises during a workout session. A workout session may include a predetermined number of exercises or involve a single athletic activity (e.g., run 10 miles). 
         [0066]    In an embodiment, a first user avatar may be generated for user  124 . As explained throughout this disclosure, multiple sensors may be utilized, either in combination or alone, to monitor data. In one embodiment, computer  102  may generate a user avatar of the user based on data captured by one or more of sensors  128 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  182 , and/or camera  126   
         [0067]    In step  604 , a first virtual shadow for a first user may be generated based on the workout performance monitored in step  602 . As part of a new workout session, user  124  may compete against their previous performance or another user. For example, computer  102  may display a first user avatar and a first virtual shadow, where the first user avatar corresponds to the user&#39;s current real-time performance, and the first virtual shadow corresponds to a previous performance of the workout session. In step  606 , a device such as device  182  may simultaneously display to user  124  a first user avatar and the first virtual shadow during a current real-time workout session. 
         [0068]    In another example, a second user may complete a particular workout session where their computer monitors the second user&#39;s performance, and cause their computer to send a challenge to computer  102  challenging the first user to beat their performance. The challenge may include data of the second user performing the particular workout session. 
         [0069]    In a further example, both users may perform a workout session at the same time, where respective computers  102  may monitor each user&#39;s performance, and exchange data with the other user&#39;s computer via network  132  so that each computer can cause display of the other&#39;s user avatar in a virtual competition. 
         [0070]    In step  608 , the system  100  may analyze the first user avatar performance compared to the first virtual shadow. In step  610 , results may be generated and displayed. 
         [0071]    Providing an activity environment having one or more of the features described herein may provide a user with an immersive experience that will encourage and motivate the user to engage in athletic activities and improve his or her fitness. Users may further communicate through social communities and challenge one another to reach various levels of fitness, and to view their fitness level and activity. 
         [0072]    Aspects of the embodiments have been described in terms of illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps illustrated in the illustrative figures may be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated may be optional in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 7-10  illustrate another exemplary operating environment which may be used with various aspects of the disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure should not be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure and the example embodiments are not limited to the example headings. 
       I. Example Personal Training System 
       [0074]    A. Illustrative Networks 
         [0075]    Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may be utilized across a plurality of networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments. Further embodiments may be operable in differing discrete network environments.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a personal training system  1100  in accordance with example embodiments. Example system  1100  may include one or more interconnected networks, such as the illustrative body area network (BAN)  1102 , local area network (LAN)  1104 , and wide area network (WAN)  1106 . As shown in  FIG. 7  (and described throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN  1102 , LAN  1104 , and/or WAN  1106 ), may overlap or otherwise be inclusive of each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrative networks  1102 - 1106  are logical networks that may each comprise one or more different communication protocols and/or network architectures and yet may be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. For example, each of BAN  1102 , LAN  1104  and/or WAN  1106  may be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellular network architecture  1108  and/or WAN architecture  1110 . For example, portable electronic device  1112 , which may be considered a component of both BAN  1102  and LAN  1104 , may comprise a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signals into and from network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through one or more of architectures  1108  and/or  1110 . These protocols are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail. 
         [0076]    Network architectures  1108  and  1110  may include one or more information distribution network(s), of any type(s) or topology(s), alone or in combination(s), such as for example, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. and as such, may be variously configured such as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including but not limited to: WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near-Field Communication (NFC) and/or ANT technologies). Thus, any device within a network of  FIG. 7 , (such as portable electronic device  1112  or any other device described herein) may be considered inclusive to one or more of the different logical networks  1102 - 1106 . With the foregoing in mind, example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to WAN  1106 ) will be described. 
         [0077]    1. Example Local Area Network 
         [0078]    LAN  1104  may include one or more electronic devices, such as for example, computer device  1114 . Computer device  1114 , or any other component of system  1100 , may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer device  1114  may comprise a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server(s), a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devices for descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device. 
         [0079]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structure of computer device  1114  may vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. One example implementation of computer device  1114  is provided in  FIG. 8 , which illustrates a block diagram of computing device  1200 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of  FIG. 8  may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device  1200  may include one or more processors, such as processor  1202 - 1  and  1202 - 2  (generally referred to herein as “processors  1202 ” or “processor  1202 ”). Processors  1202  may communicate with each other or other components via an interconnection network or bus  1204 . Processor  1202  may include one or more processing cores, such as cores  1206 - 1  and  1206 - 2  (referred to herein as “cores  1206 ” or more generally as “core  1206 ”), which may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip. 
         [0080]    Cores  1206  may comprise a shared cache  1208  and/or a private cache (e.g., caches  1210 - 1  and  1210 - 2 , respectively). One or more caches  1208 / 1210  may locally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory  1212 , for faster access by components of the processor  1202 . Memory  1212  may be in communication with the processors  1202  via a chipset  1216 . Cache  1208  may be part of system memory  1212  in certain embodiments. Memory  1212  may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and include one or more of solid-state memory, optical or magnetic storage, and/or any other medium that can be used to store electronic information. Yet other embodiments may omit system memory  1212 . 
         [0081]    System  1200  may include one or more I/O devices (e.g., I/O devices  1214 - 1  through  12143 , each generally referred to as I/O device  1214 ). I/O data from one or more I/O devices  1214  may be stored at one or more caches  1208 ,  1210  and/or system memory  1212 . Each of I/O devices  1214  may be permanently or temporarily configured to be in operative communication with a component of system  1100  using any physical or wireless communication protocol. 
         [0082]    Returning to  FIG. 7 , four example I/O devices (shown as elements  1116 - 1122 ) are shown as being in communication with computer device  1114 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices  1116 - 1122  may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with another device besides computer device  1114 . For example, one or more I/O devices may be associated with or interact with a component of BAN  1102  and/or WAN  1106 . I/O devices  1116 - 1122  may include, but are not limited to athletic data acquisition units, such as for example, sensors. One or more I/O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure an athletic parameter from a user, such as user  1124 . Examples include, but are not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visible light) sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor, force sensor, compass, angular rate sensor, and/or combinations thereof among others. 
         [0083]    In further embodiments, I/O devices  1116 - 1122  may be used to provide an output (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile cue) and/or receive an input, such as a user input from athlete  1124 . Example uses for these illustrative I/O devices are provided below, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such discussions are merely descriptive of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further, reference to any data acquisition unit, I/O device, or sensor is to be interpreted disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I/O device, data acquisition unit, and/or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art (either individually or in combination). 
         [0084]    Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) may be used to provide (or be utilized in the formation of) a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics including but not limited to: motion parameters, such as speed, acceleration, distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of certain body portions or objects to others, or other motion parameters which may be expressed as angular rates, rectilinear rates or combinations thereof, physiological parameters, such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection, effort, oxygen consumed, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics which may fall within one or more categories, such as: pressure, impact forces, information regarding the athlete, such as height, weight, age, demographic information and combinations thereof. 
         [0085]    System  1100  may be configured to transmit and/or receive athletic data, including the parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics collected within system  1100  or otherwise provided to system  1100 . As one example, WAN  1106  may comprise server  1111 . Server  1111  may have one or more components of system  1200  of  FIG. 8 . In one embodiment, server  1111  comprises at least a processor and a memory, such as processor  1206  and memory  1212 . Server  1111  may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may comprise athletic data, such as raw or processed data collected within system  1100 . System  1100  may be configured to transmit data, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking website or host such a site. Server  1111  may be utilized to permit one or more users to access and/or compare athletic data. As such, server  1111  may be configured to transmit and/or receive notifications based upon athletic data or other information. 
         [0086]    Returning to LAN  1104 , computer device  1114  is shown in operative communication with a display device  1116 , an image-capturing device  1118 , sensor  1120  and exercise device  1122 , which are discussed in turn below with reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, display device  1116  may provide audio-visual cues to athlete  1124  to perform a specific athletic movement. The audio-visual cues may be provided in response to computer-executable instruction executed on computer device  1114  or any other device, including a device of BAN  1102  and/or WAN. Display device  1116  may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive a user-input. 
         [0087]    In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image-capturing device  1118  and/or other sensors, such as sensor  1120 , which may be used to detect (and/or measure) athletic parameters, either alone or in combination with other devices, or stored information. Image-capturing device  1118  and/or sensor  1120  may comprise a transceiver device. In one embodiment sensor  1128  may comprise an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM) or acoustic transceiver. For example, image-capturing device  1118 , and/or sensor  1120  may transmit waveforms into the environment, including towards the direction of athlete  1124  and receive a “reflection” or otherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to a multitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, devices  1118  and/or  1120  may detect waveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system  100 ). For example, devices  1118  and/or  1120  may detect heat being emitted from user  1124  and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device  1126  and/or sensor  1128  may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image-capturing device  1126  and/or sensor  1128  may comprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology. 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, exercise device  1122  may be any device configurable to permit or facilitate the athlete  1124  performing a physical movement, such as for example a treadmill, step machine, etc. There is no requirement that the device be stationary. In this regard, wireless technologies permit portable devices to be utilized, thus a bicycle or other mobile exercising device may be utilized in accordance with certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that equipment  1122  may be or comprise an interface for receiving an electronic device containing athletic data performed remotely from computer device  1114 . For example, a user may use a sporting device (described below in relation to BAN  1102 ) and upon returning home or the location of equipment  1122 , download athletic data into element  1122  or any other device of system  1100 . Any I/O device disclosed herein may be configured to receive activity data. 
         [0089]    2. Body Area Network 
         [0090]    BAN  1102  may include two or more devices configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data (including passive devices). Exemplary devices may include one or more data acquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including but not limited to I/O devices  1116 - 1122 . Two or more components of BAN  1102  may communicate directly, yet in other embodiments, communication may be conducted via a third device, which may be part of BAN  1102 , LAN  1104 , and/or WAN  1106 . One or more components of LAN  1104  or WAN  1106  may form part of BAN  1102 . In certain implementations, whether a device, such as portable device  1112 , is part of BAN  1102 , LAN  1104 , and/or WAN  1106 , may depend on the athlete&#39;s proximity to an access point to permit communication with mobile cellular network architecture  108  and/or WAN architecture  1110 . User activity and/or preference may also influence whether one or more components are utilized as part of BAN  1102 . Example embodiments are provided below. 
         [0091]    User  1124  may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and/or interact with) any number of devices, such as portable device  1112 , shoe-mounted device  1126 , wrist-worn device  1128  and/or a sensing location, such as sensing location  1130 , which may comprise a physical device or a location that is used to collect information. One or more devices  1112 ,  1126 ,  1128 , and/or  1130  may not be specially designed for fitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are not fitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN  1102  (or any other network) may comprise a fitness or sporting device that is specifically designed for a particular sporting use. As used herein, the term “sporting device” includes any physical object that may be used or implicated during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplary sporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sporting environment where a specific sport occurs, including the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard, portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, and combinations thereof. 
         [0092]    In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure and vice-versa, a structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or be configured to interact with a sporting device. For example, a first structure may comprise a basketball hoop and a backboard, which may be removable and replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or more sporting devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or more of the sensors discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 7-9 , that may provide information utilized, either independently or in conjunction with other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more structures. For example, a backboard may comprise a first sensor configured to measure a force and a direction of the force by a basketball upon the backboard and the hoop may comprise a second sensor to detect a force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensor configured to detect grip attributes on the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure impact with a golf ball. 
         [0093]    Looking to the illustrative portable device  1112 , it may be a multi-purpose electronic device, that for example, includes a telephone or digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, brand devices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® or Microsoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. As known in the art, digital media players can serve as an output device, input device, and/or storage device for a computer. Device  1112  may be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more devices in BAN  1102 , LAN  1104 , or WAN  1106 . In one or more embodiments, portable device  1112  may comprise one or more components of computer device  1114 . For example, portable device  1112  may be include a display  1116 , image-capturing device  1118 , and/or one or more data acquisition devices, such as any of the I/O devices  11161122  discussed above, with or without additional components, so as to comprise a mobile terminal. 
         [0094]    a. Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors 
         [0095]    In certain embodiments, I/O devices may be formed within or otherwise associated with user&#39;s  1124  clothing or accessories, including a watch, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. These devices may be configured to monitor athletic movements of a user. It is to be understood that they may detect athletic movement during user&#39;s  1124  interactions with computer device  1114  and/or operate independently of computer device  1114  (or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices in BAN  1102  may be configured to function as an all-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user&#39;s proximity or interactions with computer device  1114 . It is to be further understood that the sensory system  1302  shown in  FIG. 9  and the device assembly  1400  shown in  FIG. 10 , each of which are described in the following paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples. 
         [0096]    i. Shoe-Mounted Device 
         [0097]    In certain embodiments, device  126  shown in  FIG. 7 , may comprise footwear which may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and/or known in the art.  FIG. 9  illustrates one example embodiment of a sensor system  1302  providing one or more sensor assemblies  1304 . Assembly  1304  may comprise one or more sensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope, location-determining components, force sensors and/or or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly  1304  incorporates a plurality of sensors, which may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors  1306 ; however, other sensor(s) may be utilized. Port  1308  may be positioned within a sole structure  1309  of a shoe, and is generally configured for communication with one or more electronic devices. Port  1308  may optionally be provided to be in communication with an electronic module  1310 , and the sole structure  1309  may optionally include a housing  1311  or other structure to receive the module  1310 . The sensor system  1302  may also include a plurality of leads  1312  connecting the FSR sensors  1306  to the port  1308 , to enable communication with the module  1310  and/or another electronic device through the port  1308 . Module  1310  may be contained within a well or cavity in a sole structure of a shoe, and the housing  1311  may be positioned within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a single housing, such as module  1310  and/or housing  1311 . In at least a further embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that, when operational, are configured to provide directional information and angular rate data. The port  1308  and the module  310  include complementary interfaces  1314 ,  1316  for connection and communication. 
         [0098]    In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor  306  shown in  FIG. 9  may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts  1318 ,  1320  and a force-sensitive resistive material  1322  disposed between the electrodes  1318 ,  1320  to electrically connect the electrodes  1318 ,  1320  together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material  1322 , the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material  1322  changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes  1318 ,  1320 . The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system  1302  to detect the force applied on the sensor  1316 . The force-sensitive resistive material  1322  may change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material  1322  may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Further embodiments may utilize “volume-based resistance”, which may be implemented through “smart materials.” As another example, the material  1322  may change the resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of the force sensitive material  1322  or between the force sensitive material  1322  and one or both electrodes  1318 ,  1320 . In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.” 
         [0099]    ii. Wrist-Worn Device 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , device  1400  (which may resemble or comprise sensory device  1128  shown in  FIG. 7 ), may be configured to be worn by user  1124 , such as around a wrist, arm, ankle, neck or the like. Device  1400  may include an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button  1402  configured to be used during operation of the device  1400 . The input button  1402  may be operably connected to a controller  1404  and/or any other electronic components, such as one or more of the elements discussed in relation to computer device  1114  shown in  FIG. 7 . Controller  1404  may be embedded or otherwise part of housing  1406 . Housing  1406  may be formed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components and comprise one or more displays, such as display  1408 . The display may be considered an illuminable portion of the device  1400 . The display  1408  may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members such as LED lights  1410 . The lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to the controller  1404 . Device  1400  may include an indicator system  1412 , which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display  1408 . Indicator system  1412  can operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display  1408  (which may have pixel member  1414 ) or completely separate from the display  1408 . The indicator system  1412  may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system may provide a visual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion of lighting members of indicator system  1412  to represent accomplishment towards one or more goals. Device  1400  may be configured to display data expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the activity of the user, either through display  1408  and/or indicator system  1412 . 
         [0101]    A fastening mechanism  1416  can be disengaged wherein the device  1400  can be positioned around a wrist or portion of the user  1124  and the fastening mechanism  1416  can be subsequently placed in an engaged position. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism  1416  may comprise an interface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction with computer device  1114  and/or devices, such as devices  1120  and/or  1112 . In certain embodiments, fastening member may comprise one or more magnets. In one embodiment, fastening member may be devoid of moving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces. 
         [0102]    In certain embodiments, device  1400  may comprise a sensor assembly (not shown in  FIG. 10 ). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise or permit operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. Device  1400  and or its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors. 
         [0103]    iii. Apparel and/or Body Location Sensing 
         [0104]    Element  1130  of  FIG. 7  shows an example sensory location which may be associated with a physical apparatus, such as a sensor, data acquisition unit, or other device. Yet in other embodiments, it may be a specific location of a body portion or region that is monitored, such as via an image capturing device (e.g., image capturing device  1118 ). In certain embodiments, element  1130  may comprise a sensor, such that elements  1130   a  and  1130   b  may be sensors integrated into apparel, such as athletic clothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location of the body of user  1124 . Sensors  1130   a/b  may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN  1102 , LAN  1104 , and/or WAN  1106 . In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflect waveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device  1118  and/or sensor  1120 . In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user&#39;s  1124  apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass or other transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms. Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class of apparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to a specific portion of the user&#39;s  1124  body when properly worn. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparel in a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration. 
         [0105]      FIG. 11  shows illustrative locations for sensory input (see, e.g., sensory locations  1130   a - 1130   o ). In this regard, sensors may be physical sensors located on/in a user&#39;s clothing, yet in other embodiments, sensor locations  1130   a - 1130   o  may be based upon identification of relationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensor location  1130   a  may be determined by identifying motions of user  1124  with an image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device  1118 . Thus, in certain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at a specific location (such as one or more of sensor locations  1130   a - 1130   o ), but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as with image-capturing device  1118  or other sensor data gathered from other locations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user&#39;s body may permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whether an image-capturing device is utilized and/or a physical sensor located on the user  1124 , and/or using data from other devices, (such as sensory system  1302 ), device assembly  1400  and/or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensors may sense a current location of a body part and/or track movement of the body part. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to location  1130   m  may be utilized in a determination of the user&#39;s center of gravity (a.k.a, center of mass). For example, relationships between location  1130   a  and location(s)  1130   f / 1130   l  with respect to one or more of location(s)  1130   m - 1130   o  may be utilized to determine if a user&#39;s center of gravity has been elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if a user is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, sensor location  11306   n  may be located at about the sternum of user  1124 . Likewise, sensor location  1130   o  may be located approximate to the naval of user  1124 . In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations  1130   m - 1130   o  may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity for user  1124 . In further embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations, such as sensors  1130   m - 1130   o , may be utilized in determining orientation of the user  1124  and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user&#39;s  1124  torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may be utilized as (or approximate) a center of moment location. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of location(s)  1130   m - 1130   o  may serve as a point for a center of moment location of user  1124 . In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment of specific body parts or regions.