Patent Publication Number: US-7716013-B2

Title: Outdoor gear performance and trip management system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/840,972, filed Aug. 30, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/889,883, filed Feb. 14, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. Technical Field 
   Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to managing performance and trips of outdoor gear. More particularly, embodiments relate to outdoor gear performance and trip management systems having a high degree of adaptability and versatility. 
   2. Discussion 
   Outdoor gear such as backpacks, tents and jackets have been long in use by hikers and campers in a wide variety of circumstances and environmental extremes. For example, it is not uncommon for a mountain climber to experience extremely high body temperatures while climbing a surface (e.g., due to physical exertion), and extremely low ambient temperatures when the mountain peak or maximum elevation is reached. The clothing and/or equipment that the mountain climber is wearing, however, may prevent the climber from cooling down in the first instance, and may fail to adequately keep the climber warm in the second instance, or both. 
   While certain developments have been made to use electronics to adjust the performance characteristics of outdoor gear, a number of difficulties remain. For example, most heating solutions, such as heated jackets, involve a heating coil and control module that are permanently fixed to the jacket as well as to each other. As a result, the individual is typically required to purchase a highly customized heating solution for each type of host product for which greater warmth is desired. Similar challenges exist with regard to ventilation solutions (e.g., ventilated backpacks), illumination solutions (e.g., lighted tents), and so on. 
   It can also be difficult to conduct centralized trip planning tasks such as itinerary development and post-trip storytelling in a manner that is integral to the gear. Accordingly, the individual is often required to bring multiple logs, devices, etc. on the trip for navigation and documentation purposes. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example of an outdoor gear performance management system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of an example of a plurality of types of host products according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of an example of a plurality of types of performance modules according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4A  is a diagram of an example of a drive module according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of an example of a drive module according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is an illustration of an example of a drive module according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is an illustration of an example of a drive module according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  are diagrams of examples of power sources according to embodiments of the inventions; 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of an example of a radio frequency (RF) identification and communication scheme according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of multiple examples of controller configurations and multiple examples of drive module configurations according to embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of multiple example of controller display outputs according to embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of multiple examples of controller vertical scrolling configurations according to embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of multiple examples of controller horizontal scrolling configurations according to embodiments of the invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart of an example of a method of operating a drive module according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an example of a method of controlling a drive module according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram of an example of a trip management system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a flow diagram of an example of a trip management process according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a flow diagram of an example of a post-trip management process according to an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram of an example of a controller according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 18  is a more detailed block diagram of an example of a controller according to an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide improved adaptability, versatility and commonality in systems that control the performance characteristics of outdoor gear host products. In one embodiment, a connection between a drive module and a performance module is detected, wherein the performance module has an associated output type. A drive profile is selected from a plurality of drive profiles based on the output type of the performance module. The performance module is then controlled based on the selected drive profile to modify a performance characteristic of a host product in which the performance module is installed. Selection of the drive profile and control of the performance module can also be based on the type of host product in which the performance module is installed. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an outdoor gear performance management system  20  is shown. In the illustrated example, a first host product  22 , which is of a first type of host product (“Type 1”), has multiple performance characteristics  24  ( 24   a ,  24   b ) associated with it. As will be described in greater detail, the host products described herein may be any type of outdoor gear, such as clothing or equipment, and the performance characteristics  24  can be any type of parameter that reflects and/or defines the performance of the host product. For example, the performance characteristics  24  may include, but are not limited to, environmental parameters such as temperature, airflow and illumination. The illustrated outdoor gear performance management system  20  also includes a second host product  26 , which is of a second type of host product (“Type 2”), with an associated performance characteristic  28 . 
   In the illustrated example, the first host product  22  has a first performance module  30  of a certain type (“Type A”) that generates a corresponding type of output (“Output A”), where the output of the first performance module  30  modifies the performance characteristic  24   a  of the host product  22 . The first performance module  30  can be controlled by a drive module  32  based on a drive profile. The drive profile may be selected by the drive module  32  based on the type of output of the first performance module  30  as well as the type of host product  22  in which the first performance module  30  is installed. The drive profile may also be selected based on user input. By enabling the drive module  32  to adapt its behavior based on the performance module to which it is connected as well as the host product in which the performance module is installed, the outdoor gear performance management system  20  provides a much higher degree of adaptability, commonality, and/or modularity than conventional solutions. 
   For example, the drive module may be alternatively connected to a second performance module  34 , of a second type (“Type B”), that has an output (“Output B”), wherein the output of the second performance module  34  impacts the performance characteristic at  24   b . Thus, the drive module  32  may be used to control different types of performance modules. For example, the first performance module  30  might be a fan whose output increases the ventilation of the host product  22  (e.g., a backpack), and the second performance module  34  might be a light that is used to illuminate the host product  22  (e.g., a visible surface of the backpack). Indeed, a typical scenario might be one in which an individual uses the drive module  32  with the first performance module  30  when hiking during the day to ventilate a back surface of a backpack in warm conditions (according to one drive profile), and use the drive module  32  with the second performance module  34  when hiking at night to illuminate the front of the backpack for visibility and safety concerns (according to another drive profile). The drive profile for the backpack ventilation usage model could, for example, provide a current/voltage signature that uses a certain range of drive currents or voltages suitable for operating a fan. Similarly, the drive profile for the safety illumination usage model could, for example, provide a current/voltage signature that causes a light emitting diode (LED) of the second performance module to flash. As will be discussed in greater detail, drive profiles may also be selected based on user input. This high degree of flexibility is facilitated by the ability of the drive module  32  to detect both the type of performance module to which it is attached as well as the type of host product in which the performance module is installed. 
   The drive module  32  may also be used in the second host product  26  along with a third performance module  36 , of the “Type C”, wherein the third performance module  36  has an output (“Output C”) that affects a performance characteristic  28  of the second host product  26 . For example, the performance module  36  could be a heating pad and/or coil that is installed in a jacket. In such a case, the drive module  32  would be able to determine both that the third performance module  36  is a heating pad and that the second host product  26  is a jacket. Accordingly, the drive module  32  may use this information to select a drive profile that provides the appropriate current/voltage signature to control the third performance module  36  as a heating pad. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an ecosystem of example host products ( 38   a - 38   d ) is shown. In particular, host products may include clothing, such as jacket  38   b  and footwear (not shown), as well as equipment, such as tent  38   a , sleeping bag  38   c  and backpack  38   d . Other types of outdoor gear, such as gloves, hats, etc. may also be used with the performance management systems described herein. Each host product  38  can be designed to be compatible with one or more performance modules, so that the performance modules may be readily installed in and removed from the host products  38 . For example, the tent  38   a  may include a pouch or sleeve to hold the LED and wiring of an illumination performance module, as well as a pouch or pocket to hold a drive module to be connected to the performance module. If the performance module is mounted externally to the tent  38   a , the tent  38   a  may also include a window adjacent to the LED of the illumination performance module to permit light from the LED to enter the tent  38   a . As another example, the back surface of the backpack  38   d  may be equipped with channels that are attached to the output of a compartment containing a fan of a ventilation performance module. The backpack  38   d  may also include a pouch or pocket to hold a drive module to be connected to the performance module. A wide variety of other attachment mechanisms may be used to couple the host products with the performance modules. 
     FIG. 3  shows a plurality of types of performance modules  40  ( 40   a - 40   d ). The performance modules  40  may be substituted for any of the performance modules  30 ,  34 ,  36  (FIG.  1 ) already discussed. In particular, performance module  40   a  is a small heating pad, performance module  40   b  is a fan, performance module  40   c  is a light, and performance module  40   d  is a large heating pad. Accordingly, the heating pad performance module  40   a  and  40   d  may be used to modulate the temperature of the host product in which they are installed, the fan performance module  40   b  may be used to modulate the air flow and/or ventilation of the host product in which it is installed and the light performance module  40   c  may be used to modulate the illumination of the host product in which it is installed. Each of the performance modules  40  can be installed in any of the host products, such as host products  38  ( FIG. 2 ), as appropriate. 
   For example, with continuing to reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the light performance module  40   c  may be installed in the tent  38   a  to illuminate the interior of the tent (e.g., as a reading light), on the back of the jacket  38   b  to illuminate the back surface of the jacket  38   b  (e.g., for safety concerns), on a sleeve of the jacket  38   b  (e.g., as a reading light), or on the front surface of the backpack  38   d  (e.g., for safety concerns). Similarly, it might be desirable to use the fan performance module  40   b  to ventilate the tent  38   a , the jacket  38   b , or the backpack  38   d . The small heating pad performance module  40   a  may be used to increase the temperature of a relatively small host product such as the lower back portion of the jacket  38   b  or a glove (not shown), and the large heating pad performance module  40   d  may be used to increase the temperature of a relatively large host product such as the sleeping bag  38   c . Other variations on the placement of the performance modules  40  within the host products  38  may be made without parting from the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. Each of the performance modules  40  may also include a wire pair (or “tether”)  42 , which provides an electrical connection to a connector  44 . Thus, each of the illustrated performance modules  40  has a common interface to the drive module, wherein the same drive module can be used to control each of the performance modules  40 . In this regard, the drive module can be considered a “body” and the performance modules  40  can be considered a plurality of interchangeable “heads”. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 4A , one embodiment of a drive module (“DM”)  46  is shown. The drive module  46  may be substituted for the drive module  32  ( FIG. 1 ) already discussed. In the illustrated example, the drive module  46  has a connector  48  that interfaces with the connector  44  of performance module  30 . In one embodiment, the connector  48  may have a pin assigned to each type of performance module (as well as a ground/reference pin), wherein mating the connector  48  of the drive module  46  with the connector  44  of the performance module  30  enables the drive module  46  to determine the type of performance module  30  to which it is attached. In another embodiment, a data bus may be provided in which the performance module  30  transmits its type as well as other information, such as a drive profile and user interface information (e.g., icons), over the data bus to the drive module  46 . Other variations of interfacing the performance module  30  with the drive module  46  can also be used. 
   The drive module  46  may have a plurality of performance module type-specific circuits  50  ( 50   a - 50   c ) as well as common circuitry  52  and a power supply  54 . The illustrated performance module type-specific circuits  50  are coupled to the appropriate output pins of the connector  48  in order to achieve the desired level of control customization. The common circuitry  52  may include a wireless unit  56  such as a radio frequency (RF) unit, and an active automatic identification system  58  such as an RF identification (RFID) reader, as well as other circuitry required to select drive profiles, identify host products, communicate with other devices via an antenna  60  and control the performance modules. The wireless unit  56  can use a wide variety of communication techniques such as infrared (IR) communication, personal area networking, and intra body communication, and can operate in accordance with any number of appropriate protocols such as Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.0), WIFI (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers/IEEE 802.11 Standards), etc. Examples of the automatic identification system  58  include, but are not limited to, barcodes, electronic article surveillance tag systems, chipless RFID and other vision based tagging systems. The wireless communications and automatic identification functionality of the drive module  46  will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the common circuitry  52  may include circuitry for sensing (e.g., body temperature, heart rate), tracking (e.g., Global Positioning System/GPS), trip data collection/reporting/analysis, and entertainment (e.g., media playing). Aspects of this additional functionality are described in greater detail below. 
   In the illustrated example, the power supply  54  includes a single battery  62 , which may be a lithium ion battery or other renewable power source such as a fuel cell. The power supply  54  is also coupled to a charging port  64 , which enables the battery  62  to be charged from an external source such as an alternating current (AC)  110  volt source, a mobile twelve volt source, a solar panel, mechanical energy harnessing and conversion system, and so on. The drive module  46  may also be operated directly from any of these external sources. In particular, the use of a solar panel to power the drive module  46  may be highly desirable, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     FIG. 4B  shows an alternative “high power” drive module (“DM”)  66  having a power supply  68  with two batteries  62 . The illustrated batteries are identical and interchangeable across drive modules. This example may be useful in the case of a large heating pad  40   d  ( FIG. 4B ), which may draw substantially more current than a small heating pad, as a performance module. The remaining functionality of the drive module  66  is similar to that of the drive module  46  ( FIG. 4A ) and drive module  32  ( FIG. 1 ), already discussed. 
     FIG. 5A  shows an example of a drive module  46  having a single battery  62  as discussed above. The illustrated drive module  46  is coupled to a rugged connector  44  of a performance module (not shown).  FIG. 5B  shows an alternative drive module  66  having two batteries  62  and a larger form factor. In drive module  66  may be used to power and control a large heating pad as already discussed. 
     FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate the interchangeability of the power sources for the drive modules. In particular,  FIG. 6A  shows a plurality of identical batteries  62 , which may be installed in either the small drive module or the large drive module depending on current and/or power needs.  FIG. 6B  illustrates a mobile 12 volt charger (i.e., a car charger), which may be used to charge the batteries  62  or power the drive module.  FIG. 6C  illustrates yet another example in which a solar panel  72  is used to charge the batteries  62  and/or power the drive module. The illustrated solar panel has a standard universal serial bus (USB) port  74  that is able to connect to a cable (not shown) having a USB connector at one end and a connector that is able to plug into the charge port  64  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) of the drive module at the other end. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a controller  76  (or “netswitch”, “key”, etc.) is shown, wherein the controller  76  may be used by an individual to remotely control drive modules and their corresponding performance modules. The illustrated example, the first host product  22  has a first drive module  78  and a second host product  26  has a second drive module  80 . Each illustrated drive module  78 ,  80  has an active automatic identification (“Auto ID”) system  58  that is able to identify host products and controllers based on their passive automatic identification (“Auto ID”) components. In particular, the first host product  22  can have a first passive auto ID component  82  that identifies the host product  22  by type. For example, the first passive auto ID component  82  might identify the host product  22  as a backpack, or a particular type of backpack. Thus, when the drive module  78  is installed in the first host product  22  (e.g., by sliding it into an associated pouch or pocket), the active auto ID system  58  of the first drive module  78  can read the first passive auto ID component  82 , which is positioned within the read range of the active auto ID system  58 , and identify the first host product  22 . Similarly, the second host product  26  includes a second passive auto ID component  84 , which can be read by the active auto ID system  58  of the second drive module  80 , to identify the second host product  26  by product type. The active/passive nature of the host identification system may be reversed such that the host products  22 ,  26  contain an active auto ID system  58  and the drive module  78  contains the passive auto ID component  82 . In one example, the active auto ID system  58  is an RFID reader and the passive auto ID components  82 ,  84  are RFID tags. 
   Each of the drive modules  78 ,  80  can also identify the presence of the controller  76  by virtue of a passive auto ID component  86  that is associated with the controller  76 . For example, the first drive module  78  could “register” the controller  76  when the controller  76  is brought within the appropriate read range of the active auto ID system  58  in the first drive module  78 . Once the first drive module  78  has identified the controller  76 , the identity of the first host product  22 , as well as the type of performance module (not shown) to which the drive module  78  is attached may be wirelessly communicated back to the controller  76  using wireless communication electronics already discussed. Similarly, the second drive module  80  may register the controller  76  and wirelessly communicate the contents of the second passive auto ID component  84  (identifying the host product) as well as an indication of the type of performance module to which the second drive module  80  is attached, back to the controller  76 . With the information from the drive modules  78 ,  80 , the controller  76  can enable the individual to select settings and/or performance characteristics for multiple host products and/or performance modules as desired. In this regard, the number of host products  22 ,  26  may be greater or less than the number shown. Similarly, the number of drive modules  78 ,  80  (and associated performance modules) within each host product and across host products may be greater than or less than the number shown. As a result, the illustrated outdoor gear performance management system is highly customizable. 
   Once the controller  76  has registered with the various drive modules  78 ,  80  in the ecosystem, the drive modules  78 ,  80  can wirelessly transmit information regarding performance module identification, drive module settings, host product identification, battery life, etc., back to the controller. The controller  76  can use this information to enable the individual to select operational settings for the performance modules. These settings may be transmitted to the drive modules  78 ,  80  as control signals. The drive modules  78 ,  80  use these control signals to select drive profiles and control the performance modules accordingly. 
   In addition to managing the performance characteristics of the host products  22 ,  26 , the drive modules  78 ,  80  may also function as sensing and/or tracking modules. In such a case, other types of information such as sensor information (e.g., body temperature, heart rate, hydration, motion, ambient temperature, compass/heading, weather forecast), and tracking information (e.g., Global Positioning System/GPS, location/local presence, speed, altitude, distance, pace, calories burned, humidity, barometer pressure, clock, stopwatch, date, alarms) may also be wirelessly exchanged between the controller  76  and the drive modules  78 ,  80 . The drive modules  78 ,  80  may additionally communicate with the controller  76  regarding data collection/reporting/analysis information such as “pre-trip” data (e.g., route guide, estimated route time, map, elevation, distance, weather forecast, gear lists, geography/topography) and “post-trip” data (e.g., trip log, route, actual route time, map, elevation, distance, experienced weather conditions, speed, heart rate, body temperature). In addition, the drive modules  78 ,  80  may also function as communication devices (e.g., enabling communication between individuals, between trip and “service”, and for safety) and as entertainment devices (e.g., media playing/recording, computing, games). 
     FIG. 8  shows a plurality of alternative configurations for the above-described controller and drive module. For example, the left-most illustration of a controller  88  has a soft control level adjust button  90 , which enables the user to make “up” or “down” selections, or “high, medium, low” selections for the performance modules. Other types of selections that might be made with the adjust button  90  are “no melt” and “auto” selection. A power button  92  enables the user to power the controller  88  on and off, and lock the controller  88 . A display  94  includes appropriate icons, text and battery life information to inform the user as to the status of the outdoor gear performance management system. A back light button  93  enables the user to activate a back light for the display  94  in poorly lit environments. A connect button  96  may be used to associate the controller  88  with any drive modules that may be in the ecosystem. Thus, pressing the connect button  96  may cause the controller  88  to signal the nearby device modules to read the RFID tag  86  ( FIG. 7 ) within the controller  88 . Function buttons  98 ,  100  can be used to assign performance modules to groups, select groups of performance modules, define modes of operation for groups, and select other mode specific options. For example, similar types of performance modules, such as heating pads, may be assigned to a group and controlled together. The same may be true for other types of modules and subsets of the same type of module. Function button  98 ,  100  may also be used to select other functions of the controller such as turning button sounds off. An LED  102  may also be provided on the controller  88  to communicate status information to the user. In the illustrated example, a mechanical clip-on attachment system  104  may be used to attach the controller  88  to garments and/or equipment. 
   The bottom-right illustration shows another configuration of a controller  120  that has a smaller display  122  that is used only to relay battery life information. The illustrated controller  120  also has a level adjust button  124 . Either of the illustrated controllers  88 ,  120  may be substituted for the controller  76  ( FIG. 7 ), already discussed. 
   The upper-right illustrations show examples of drive module user interfaces. In particular one embodiment of a drive module  106  uses a simplified battery gauge display  108 . The drive module  106  may also have a connect button  96 , which can be used to signal the drive module  106  to register a nearby controller. In addition, a group assignment button  110  and level adjust button  112  are provided. 
   Yet another example of a drive module  114  is shown in which a battery gauge button  116  enables the user to selectively check the battery status of the drive module and a smaller soft control level adjust button  118  is provided. Either of the illustrated drive modules  106 ,  114  may be substituted for the drive modules  32  ( FIG. 1 ),  46 ,  66  ( FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B ),  78 ,  80  ( FIG. 7 ), already discussed. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 9 , various screen display outputs are shown for a controller  126 . In this example, a display output  128  communicates to the user that a heating performance module is set to a low setting, a light performance module is set to a medium setting and a ventilation performance module is set to a high setting. The display output  128  also relays battery life information. Another display output  130  communicates the light setting for groups of performance modules, as well as battery life information. In yet another display output  132 , the user can determine that a heating performance module installed in a jacket is set to a low setting, a heating performance module installed in a glove is set to a medium setting and a ventilation performance module installed in a tent is set to a high setting. In other words, host product information may also be relayed via the controller display. Again, the battery life is also displayed. The illustrated controller  126  may be substituted for the controller  76  ( FIG. 7 ), already discussed. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11  demonstrate various scrolling mechanisms that can also be provided on the controller. In particular,  FIG. 10  shows a vertical scrolling arrangement for a controller  134 . In particular, a scrolling wheel  138  is provided on the controller  134 . A first display output  136  provides a first set of information to the user and a second display output  140  provides a second set of information to the user as the wheel  138  is rotated. An alternative controller  142  has a scrolling wheel  144  that is smaller in the vertical dimension, whereas a controller  146  has a scrolling wheel  148  that is smaller in the horizontal dimension. 
     FIG. 11  shows various controller configurations with horizontal scrolling wheels. In particular, a controller  150  has a scrolling wheel  152  that enables the user to access information on display output  154  as well as display output  156 . An alternative controller  158  has a horizontal scrolling wheel  160  that is smaller in the vertical dimension. And yet another example, a controller  162  has an edge-mounted scrolling wheel  164 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 12 , a method  166  of operating a drive module is shown. The method  166  may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, etc., and any combination thereof. For example, the method  166  may be stored as a set of instructions in a machine readable medium such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, etc., wherein the instructions are capable of being executed by a processor. The method  166  may also be incorporated as fixed functionality hardware in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, or a microcontroller, using techniques such as complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, transistor-transistor logic (TTL), and so on. 
   In the illustrated method, processor block  168  provides for determining whether a performance module has been connected to the drive module. As already discussed, this function may be implemented by detecting a signal presence on a particular pin of a connector between the drive module and the performance module. If such a presence is detected, the type of performance module is identified at block  170  and the determination is made at block  172  as to whether a host product has been detected. Upon detection of a host product, block  174  provides for identifying the host product (using, e.g., RFID technology) and block  176  provides for selecting a drive profile based on the performance module ID and/or the host product ID. The performance module is controlled based on the selected drive profile at block  178  and a determination is made at block  180  as to whether the ecosystem has changed. Ecosystem changes may include, but are not limited to, the performance module being disconnected from the drive module, the performance module being installed into a different host product, etc. If such a change is detected, the method  166  returns to the beginning of the routine at block  168 . 
     FIG. 13  shows an alternative method  182  of operating a drive module in which the drive module may also communicate with a controller. In particular, processing block  168  provides for determining whether a performance module has been connected to the drive module. If so, the type of performance module is identified at block  170  and a determination is made at block  172  as to whether a host product has been detected. Upon detection of a host product, block  174  provides for identifying the host product. As already discussed, this block may involve the use of RFID technology. Block  184  provides for determining whether a controller has been detected. An affirmative determination at this block could result from the individual depressing the connect button  96  ( FIGS. 8-11 ). 
   If the controller has been detected, the performance module identification and host product identification information is transmitted to the controller at block  186 . Block  188  provides for determining whether one or more control signals have been received from the controller. If so, a drive profile is selected at block  190  based on the control signals, which are in turn based on user input and the performance module and host product identification information. Block  178  provides for controlling the performance module based on the selected drive profile. If no control signal has been received from the controller, or the performance module is being controlled based on received control signals, a determination is made at block  180  as to whether the ecosystem has changed. If not, the method  182  returns to the control signal check at block  188 . If the ecosystem has changed, the method  182  returns to the determination at block  168 . 
   Certain embodiments of the present application also provide for a controller (or “netswitch”, “key”, etc.) that is able to plan for and document virtually every aspect of a trip. In one embodiment the controller includes a performance unit that generates profile data for a performance module based on pre-trip data, wherein the profile data instructs a drive module to modify a performance characteristic of a host product in which the performance module is installed. The controller may also include a trip management unit, wherein the trip management unit collects sensor data from sensors based on the pre-trip data and generates post-trip data based on the sensor data. 
     FIG. 14  shows an ecosystem  200  in which a key  202  is able to interact with one or more computing devices  204  such as personal computer (PCs), laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., to exchange pre-trip data and post-trip data. The data exchanged can be used to assist the individual with navigation, inform the individual of his or her progress during and after the trip and control the performance characteristics of the gear being carried. The interface between the key  202  and the computing device  204  may be any suitable type of interface such as a wireless, RFID, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), etc. The illustrated key  202  also communicates with various modules  207  such as performance management system modules  206  and sensing modules such as sensor  208 , GPS receiver  212  and camera  216 . 
   The sensor  208  could track and provide data related to speed, distance, altitude, temperature, heart rate, etc. For example, in the case of an altitude meter, the sensor  208  may include a wrist-mounted barometric altimeter. The sensor  208  may also function as a pedometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and so on. For example, in the case of a pedometer, the sensor  208  could be a portable electronic device worn on the belt that includes step counting circuitry, which counts each step the wearer makes. Such a pedometer may use a pendulum to sense hip movement and transfer the information to a readout display and/or other device. In the case of an accelerometer, a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer could be incorporated into the sensor  208 . The MEMS component of the accelerometer can include a suspended cantilever beam or proof mass (also known as seismic mass) with some type of deflection sensing and circuitry. Single axis, dual axis, and three axis MEMS-based accelerators may be used. If the sensor  208  includes gyroscope functionality, the gyroscope could operate based on the principle of conservation of angular momentum. The essence of the device may therefore be a spinning wheel on an axle, wherein the device, once spinning, tends to resist changes to its orientation due to the angular momentum of the wheel. In physics this phenomenon is also known as gyroscopic inertia or rigidity in space. The illustrated GPS receiver  212  provides data related to location wherein the location data is useful for navigation as well as trip documentation purposes. The camera  216  may communicate still and video data back to the key  202 . 
   The performance management system modules  206  may include a drive module  220  and a performance module  222 , which can provide for heating, lighting, ventilation, cooling, communication, entertainment, etc. with regard to a host product, as already discussed. The performance management system modules  206  may also make use of pre- and post-trip data to perform those tasks. For example, recommended gear lists is one type of pre-trip data that can be used to selected drive profiles for the performance module  222 . The illustrated modules  207  are powered from a source  210 , which may include battery, solar, fuel cell, AC, rechargeable, and/or renewable sources, as already discussed. The source  210  could also include a parasitic power generation component, which derives power from the user&#39;s own motions. The modules  207  may also communicate with the key  202  via a wide variety of interfaces such as wireless, RFID, LAN, WAN, and so on. 
   The illustrated key  202  therefore functions as a multi-functional link between the computing device  204  and the modules  207 . In this regard, the illustrated key  202  is able to control and monitor the various features and functionality of the modules  207 . For example, the key  202  could control the ventilation output of the performance module  222 , as well as the image capturing features of the camera  216 . Alternatively, the key  202  could merely accept photos from the camera  216 . The key  202  could also collect altitude data from the sensor  208  and location data from the GPS receiver  212 . Information transmitted to and received from the modules  207  may also be displayed on, monitored by and stored in the key  202 . In addition, the key  202  may function as a traditional communications device (e.g., cell phone) to provide listening and talking functionality to the user. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 15 , an example of a trip management process usage scenario  214  is shown. In this example, pre-trip data such as itinerary, anticipated geography/topography, route guide, estimated route time, expected elevation, expected distance, required maps, weather forecast and recommended gear lists is downloaded from the computing device  204  to the key  202  via an interface  218 , wherein the key  202  may act as an “adventure” personal device assistant (PDA), storing data for trip use. Host products  38  ( 38   a - 38   f ) can then be packed and taken on the trip, wherein the modules  207  ( FIG. 14 ) may be installed in the host products as appropriate. At trip stage  224 , the key  202  is used by the individual as a cell phone to communicate. 
   Upon arrival at a new destination, the key  202  may be used to interface with the GPS receiver  212  ( FIG. 14 ) to navigate during a stage  226  of the trip. At stage  228  of the trip, the key  202  may be used as a “netswitch” to control, monitor and manage performance management system modules installed in the host products  38  to achieve enhanced heat, lighting, ventilation and cooling performance for the host products  38 . Trip stage  230  demonstrates that the key  202  may also be used as part of a communication and entertainment system to provide two-way push to talk (PTT) radio, cellular and MP2 player functionality, wherein the key  202  may be embedded in one of the host products  38 . The key  202  may also be used to communicate with a camera module  216  ( FIG. 14 ) at stage  232  of the trip. The scenario  214  further illustrates that the key  202  can be used to collect data from the modules  207  at stage  234 . For example, the key  202  could collect point of interest (POI) data from the camera  216 , GPS location data from the GPS receiver and speed, distance, altitude, physiological conditions, and air temperature from the other sensors. 
     FIG. 16  illustrates a post-trip management process scenario  236  through which the various modules are powered by the source  210  and the key  202  is used to upload post-trip data to a computing device  204  via an interface  218 . In the illustrated example, stage  238  of the trip involves post-trip storytelling such as generating and displaying trip logs, experienced geographies-topographies, actual route guides, actual route times, actual elevations, actual distances, experienced weather conditions and experienced physiological conditions. The computing device  204  may also be used to interface with third-party applications to enhance storytelling. For example, stage  240  of the trip could involve the use of video “fly-thoughs” of three-dimensional maps, and POIs noted on maps through GPS coordinates, wherein double-clicking on the POIs provides details such as photographs, elevation, physiological conditions, weather conditions, etc. Additional scenarios  242  illustrate specific application examples such as embedding a sensor in a garment to measure snowboard airtime or ski speed, wherein the key displays and stores this data. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 17 , one example of the controller/key  202  is shown in greater detail. In the illustrated example, the controller  202  has a performance unit  244  and a trip management unit  246 , wherein the units  244 ,  246  enable the controller  202  to exchange information with the sensor  208 , PC  204  and drive module  220 , wherein the drive module  220  may be connected to a performance module  222  installed in a host product such as host product  38   a  and the sensor  208  may be installed in a host product such as host product  38   b . Accordingly, the performance unit  244  may generate profile data for the performance module  222  based on pre-trip data, wherein the profile data instructs the drive module  220  to modify a performance characteristic of the host product  38   a . In addition, the trip management unit  246  can collect sensor data from the sensor  208  based on the pre-trip data and generate post-trip data based on the sensor data. 
     FIG. 18  shows one example of the key/controller  202  in greater detail. In the illustrated example, the controller  202  has common circuitry  248  with a wireless component  250  and an entertainment component  252 . The wireless component  250  may support communications functionality such as cellular functionality and PTT radio functionality, and the entertainment component  252  may support media functionality such as MP3 playback. The illustrated controller  202  also includes a registration unit  254  that is capable of managing links between the controller  202  and the sensor  208  and drive module  220 . In the illustrated example, the registration unit  254  has a passive auto ID component  86 , which communicates with an active auto ID component of the drive module  220  as already discussed. The registration unit  254  may also include an active auto ID component  256 , that is able to communicate with a passive auto ID component of the sensor  208  to identify the sensor  208 . In one embodiment, the active and passive auto ID components  256 ,  258  are RFID components. The illustrated controller  202  also includes a display  260  to communicate pre-trip data, post-trip data and sensor data to the user. The illustrated controller  202  may therefore keep track of multiple sensors and/or drive modules while closely monitoring and/or controlling their operation. The results can be communicated to the individual either directly from the controller  202  via the display  260 , or indirectly via the PC  204 . 
   The terms “connected”, “coupled” and “attached” are used herein to refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question, and may apply to electrical, mechanical, RF, optical or other couplings. In addition, the term “first”, “second”, and so on are used herein only to facilitate discussion, and do not necessarily infer any type of temporal or chronological relationship. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the embodiments of this invention have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the embodiments of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specifications, and following claim.