Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a computer-implemented application for creating, accessing, downloading and playing synchronized audio, video and instructions related to exercise routines for use during individual exercise sessions and group exercise classes. The invention relates to a range of exercise types including stationary cycling [a.k.a. spinning], aerobics and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Instructor-led group exercise classes have been popular for decades. For example, in the 1970&#39;s and 1980&#39;s aerobic classes, in which instructors led aerobic exercises set to music, gained widespread popularity. Over time, variations of group exercise classes abounded. Today, a wide variety of exercise classes making use of various types of equipment and set to various types of music—e.g. Zumba™ (dance) and Spinning™ (group stationary bicycle classes), Pump™ (Body countering with weights), Aerobics™ (step exercises)—are available and offered for personal and group use by DVD, Internet including YouTube and exercise facilities ranging from home gyms, to public or membership based gyms, to local YMCAs. 
         [0003]    Although the type of music, physical movements and equipment used varies from class to class, most group exercise classes have in common the characteristics that they are instructor-led. Many are set to music. Some classes further incorporate music videos or other imagery to assist in motivation (e.g. videos of terrain in stationary biking classes). Thus, for example, in a Spinning class, typically, an instructor will play a playlist which either the instructor or a master distributor has compiled, e.g. a collection of popular songs with particular beat counts to set a particular pace for an exercise, over the classroom&#39;s sound system. The instructor may also choose to play a video showing popular cycling trails (e.g. the hills of Italy or routes through Napa Valley) to provide entertainment and motivation to class participants. It is also common in these classes for the instructor to call out commands (e.g. increase resistance to 70%, “position 1”, “position 2”, “freeze”) from time to time. Instructors typically encourage class participants to sing along with the music as added motivation and as a group bonding exercise. 
         [0004]    Typically, the primary emphasis of such exercise classes with music is unquestionably exercise. While the music is important, it is secondary to the exercise with little or no effort made to facilitate it. 
         [0005]    A drawback of group exercise classes is that typically the music and/or videos are broadcast to the entire class and everyone experiences the same music and same video and not all class participants may be familiar with the melody or lyrics to the songs. This may make it difficult for class participants to sing along. Notably, karaoke systems, which allow users to sing along with songs by scrolling the lyrics to songs in synchrony with the music across a screen, are widely known and popular. Heretofore, singers have typically enjoyed the karaoke experience in karaoke bars or at home; however, it would be quite enjoyable for singers to be able to enjoy karaoke during group exercise classes as well. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    System and methods for offering and facilitating synchronized singing during an individual or group exercise session are provided. More specifically, exercise routines incorporating synchronized singing during individual and group exercise classes, providing words, music and/or video integrated with individual exercise monitors and information is provided. 
         [0007]    In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method for facilitating a karaoke performance while exercising during an individual exercise session or group exercise class, comprising receiving an indication of a song to be performed during said session or exercise class; retrieving at least one computer-readable karaoke file corresponding to said song, wherein said at least one computer-readable karaoke file comprises common data elements, at least two independent karaoke data streams and exercise-related data elements; receiving from a first class participant a selection of a first data stream of said at least two independent karaoke data streams; receiving from a second class participant a selection of a second data stream of said at least two independent karaoke data streams; directing the presentation of said common data elements and said exercise-related data elements on a display common to said first and said second class participants; directing the presentation of said first karaoke data stream on a display unique to said first class participant; and directing the presentation of said second karaoke data stream on a display unique to said second class participant, wherein the presentation of said common data elements, said exercise-related data elements, said first data stream and said second data stream are synchronized. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system for providing and managing access to karaoke files for use during individual and group exercise routines, comprising a first computing device hosting a memory storing a plurality of computer-readable karaoke files adapted for use during individual and group exercise classes, wherein each of said karaoke files comprise common data elements, at least two independent data streams and exercise-related data elements; a plurality of exercise class participants, each in communication with said first computing device over a communications network, each stationary bike further hosting an application directing the selective presentation of data on a display of said bike; a second computing device in communication with said plurality of stationary bikes and said first computing device, said second computing device hosting an application directing the presentation of said common data elements and said exercise-related data elements on a display common to all class participants and the presentation of certain selected independent data streams on the displays of certain monitors of said plurality of monitors. 
         [0009]    The purpose of the invention is to facilitate singing while exercising. The invention achieves this by providing the words and music for singing purposes coupled to synchronized exercise instructions. 
         [0010]    The basic level of singing while exercising involves a single participant (or all participants in a group exercise class) singing along to the music piece. The advanced levels include an option to provide the words and music for multiple parts e.g. soprano, alto, tenor and bass to facilitate singing harmonies etc. 
         [0011]    The health and other benefits of singing while exercising are numerous and include:
       a) raising a participant&#39;s heart rate several beats above exercising only levels   b) increased enjoyment and, consequently, motivation to participate   c) having fun and creating a sense of well-being. Singing alone is liberating, and good for the body and soul   d) combining exercising and singing significantly increases the market for exercise classes at facilities. Typically gymnasiums attract hard-core “gym junkies” whose primary focus is keeping in shape and accordingly go for the exercise. For members other than “gym junkies” gyms struggle to attract and retain members. The typical turnover/dropout rate is high. By offering a different style of exercise, where having fun and enjoying music together is as important as keeping in shape, although that will “painlessly” occur in parallel, the gyms significantly increase the number of prospective members.       
 
         [0016]    Singing while exercising with a group is fun and social. Making music with others creates a bond and increases the opportunity for and encourages social interaction. Accordingly, the invention recognizes and facilitates the social opportunities. 
         [0017]    The invention recognizes and protects the composers′, musicians&#39; and music publishers&#39; intellectual property rights and ensures royalties are accounted for and paid. 
         [0018]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    In the figures, which illustrate by way of example only, embodiments of this invention: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system, including a central subscriber database that stores pre-programmed exercise routines for use in an exercise and singing (“exersing”) application, exemplary of an embodiment of the present application; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting the contents of temporary and persistent memory storage of a computer system hosting the central subscriber database in the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram depicting the contents of temporary and persistent memory storage of a computer system hosting the facility database in the system of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram depicting the contents of temporary and persistent memory storage of an individual member&#39;s computer system hosting an application exemplary of an embodiment of the present applicant, in the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary screenshot of a screen of an “exersing” application displayed on the display of the computer system of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary screenshot of a screen of the “spinging” application displayed on the display of the computer system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate an exemplary schema of the subscriber database of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary table of the facility database of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an exemplary schema of the facility database of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10A  is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the computer system of  FIG. 2  upon receiving a request for registration for the “exersing” application exemplary of an embodiment of the present application; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10B  is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the computer system of  FIG. 2  upon receiving a request to access the “exersing” application exemplary of an embodiment of the present application; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the computer system of  FIG. 3  upon initiation of the “exersing” application exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention during a Spinning class; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the computer system of  FIG. 4  upon initiation of the “exersing” application exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention during a Spinning class; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a screenshot of an exemplary graphical user interface presented on the display of the computer system of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a screenshot of an exemplary graphical user interface presented on the display of the computer system of  FIG. 10A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  depicts an example system  20 , which may provide an “exercise and sing (“exersing”) service, exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention. For illustration purposes, “exersing-spin” [“spinging”] is used as an example. In particular, the “exersing” service may be a subscription-based service allowing access to stationary bike routines (“spinging” routines) and other types of exercise and sing routines e.g. “exersing-dance”, “exersing-aerobics” which may be created and maintained by a central provider (“exersing” service provider). E.g. subscribing individual members and/or fitness facilities offering such stationary bike classes may subscribe to and download “spinging” routines from the “exersing” service provider. 
         [0036]    The “exersing” service provider, in addition to providing the “exersing” service, may itself create the “exersing” routines e.g. “spinging” routines for distribution to subscribers of the “exersing” service. In particular, and as will be further explained below, the “exersing” service provider may itself create composite files made up of multiple audio, video, music, text, graphic and animation elements which files may be packaged to form the “exersing” routines that are distributed to subscribers of the “exersing” service. Advantageously, these “exersing” routines may allow “exersing” class participants to sing along with the music during the exercise class in karaoke fashion. 
         [0037]    More particularly, central facility  29  may be a physical location, for example, an office, which houses central facility computer system  10 . Central facility computer system  10  may host subscriber database  23  which, as further detailed below, may contain subscriber user records and a selection of exercise routines available to be downloaded. Exercise facility  22  may be a physical location, for example, a fitness facility which houses an exercise facility computer system  14 . Exercise facility computer system  14  may host facility database  28 . System  20  may further include individual computing device  12 , which may conveniently be a computer system integrated with a piece of exercise equipment such as a Spinning bike. Computing device  12  may also be a smartphone or tablet capable of receiving data and displaying information such as participant heart rate, rpms and resistance levels from a stationary bike, heart rate monitor etc capable of transmitting the required data. As required, computing device  12  may be in communication with one or more biometric monitors—e.g. a pulse rate monitor, or the like—in order to receive an indication of physical exertion, calories burned, etc. by a participant. Computer systems/device  10 ,  12  and  14  may be interconnected by network  100 . Network  100  may be a wide area network, local area network or a combination thereof, and may be wired or wireless. Exercise facility computer system  14  and bike  12  may optionally be interconnected via network  102 , which may be, for example, a wireless network (e.g. one conforming to the IEEE 802.11g protocol) operated by exercise facility  22  and to which device(s)  12  may connect to while on the premises of exercise facility  22  or while within range of wireless network  102 . Conveniently, network  100  may be the Internet. Thus, for example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, facility computer  14  may connect to central facility computer system  10  via the internet to download “exersing” routine packages onto facility computer system  14 . When onsite, for example, in preparation for or during an exercise class at exercise facility  22 , individual member  24  using his or her bike/computing device  12  may connect to facility computer system  14  to download or access a given “exersing” routine package. 
         [0038]    Notably, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , individual member  24  may be a plurality of members of exercise facility  22  (e.g. members  24   a , . . . ,  24   n —collectively and individually member(s)  24 ), whose information may be stored in facility database  28 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, and as further detailed below, members  24   a , . . . ,  24   n  may be members of a group stationary bike class (e.g. Spinning class) provided by exercise facility  22 . Members  24   a , . . . ,  24   n  may (optionally) sign up for a given Spinning class via their respective computing devices  12   a , . . . ,  12   n —collectively computing devices  12 . Preferably, computing device(s) may be integrated into the Spinning (exercise) bike but may also be, for example, a tablet or smartphone which may communicate with the Spinning bike. Spinning bikes either with integrated computing systems and internet/network connectivity, or which are capable of communicating with external devices such as tablets or smartphone are known. Spinning bikes with integrated computer systems exist e.g. http://www.proform.com/fitness/en/ProForm/Exercise-Bikes/Tour-De-France-Pro. 
         [0039]    Members  24  and their computing devices  12  and bikes may be co-located at a single gym or similar location. Alternatively, one or more members  24  and computing devices  12  may be at a remote location, distant from the remaining device  12 , and interconnected by a computing network  100 , as further described below. 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , central facility computer system  10  may be a conventional computer having a processor  32 , a network interface  30 , memory  33  hosting operating system  34  (e.g. Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS) and a database application  36 . Memory  33  may also host “exersing” application  38 , an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as further explained below. Central facility computer system  10  may also host subscriber database  23 , containing records of individuals and/or fitness facilities which subscribe to the “exersing” service. Database application  36  may be a conventional relational database management system for managing subscriber database  23 , for example, Oracle™ or Microsoft SQL Server, which may conveniently include a web interface. Processor  32  may execute operating system  34 , database application  36 , “exersing” application  38  and other applications (not shown). Network interface  30  may be any conventional piece of hardware used to interface central facility computer system  10  with network  100 , for example, an Ethernet card, to allow central facility computer system  10  to communicate over network  100 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of exercise facility computer system  14 . Exercise facility computer system  14  may be a conventional computer (e.g. PC) located onsite at exercise facility  22 , which may include network interface  40  (e.g. Ethernet card), processor  42  and memory  43 . Exercise facility computer system  14  may further host facility database  28 . As will be further explained below, facility database  28  may include records of registered members of exercise facility  22  and records relating to the types, dates and times of various exercise classes being offered by exercise facility  22 . Conveniently, facility database  28  may further include records of “exersing” packages licensed from the “exersing” service provider, and in particular may be used to track the number of licensed workouts used and number of licensed workouts remaining. 
         [0042]    Similar to central facility computer system  10 , memory  43  of exercise facility computer system  14  may include operating system  44  (e.g. Windows 8, Mac OS), database application  46  and “exersing” applications e.g “spinging”, “exersing-dance”. Database application  46  may be a conventional relational database management system for managing facility database  28 . Exercise facility computer system  14  may further include display  45  on which graphical elements relating to the “exersing” application, and in particular, relating to a particular “exersing” package e.g “sping”, may be displayed. An exemplary screenshot depicting such graphical elements is provided in  FIG. 5 . Notably, “exersing” application  48  may be the client-side of “exersing” application  38  hosted on central facility computer system  10 . “Exersing” application  48  may be, for example, downloaded from central facility computer system  10  and installed on exercise facility computer system  14  upon initial registration with the “exersing” service provider. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an individual may access the “exersing” service, exemplary of an embodiment of the present application, using his or her personal computing device  12 . In the primary embodiment of the present application, computing device  12  may be integrated into a piece of exercise equipment (e.g. stationary exercise bike). Alternatively, computing device  12  may be any form of conventional computing device, including, conveniently, a portable device such as a tablet or smartphone (e.g. iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, Android) which may be used by a member  12  while onsite at exercise facility  22  to download, access and run a particular “exersing” package during e.g. a scheduled Spinning class. Additionally, if not integrated into the exercise bike, computing device  12  may be connectable to the exercise bike and may receive data transmitted from the exercise bike such as rpms and resistance levels and/or a biometric device such as a heart rate monitor. 
         [0044]    Computing device  12  may include a network interface  50  allowing device  12  to interface with (wireless) network  102  (or network  100 ) and may further include processor  52  and memory  53 . Memory  53  may host operating system  54  (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows Phone) and “exersing” application  58 . An exemplary screenshot of such elements is depicted in  FIG. 6 . Similarly, “exersing” application  58  may be the client-side of “exersing” application  38  hosted on central facility computer system  10 . “Exersing” application  58  may be, for example, downloaded from central facility computer system  10  and installed on exercise facility computer system  14  upon initial registration with the “exersing” service provider. 
         [0045]    Moreover, computing device  12  may include display  55 , which may be a touch screen display, for displaying graphics related to “exersing” application  58 , and more particularly, elements of the “exersing” package selected by the particular individual for display during a scheduled exercise class. Notably, since each individual class participant is running his or her own version of “exersing” application  58 , although all class participants are following the same “exersing” exercise package, each person may select the elements of the package (e.g. instrumentals only, sheet music for soprano part of song, etc.) that he or she wishes to see or hear. Thus, in effect, each participant may experience a customized version of the common “exersing” exercise package. 
         [0046]    Conveniently, central facility computer system  10 , exercise facility computer system  14  and personal computing device  12  may communicate with each other via the “exersing” applications  58  installed on the respective devices. In an alternate embodiment of the present application, the “exersing” service provider may sell “exersing” applications  48  and  58  on an online app store such as iTunes (e.g “Spinging app”). Users wishing to subscribe to a specific “exersing” service e.g. “spinging” may purchase the “spinging” application  58  from the online service in the conventional manner and thereby join and access the “spinging” service. 
         [0047]    More specifically, participants whether they be individual users [e.g. that exercise alone e.g. at home] or group class participants may register online with the central facility computing system  10 . Once registered, participants may purchase and download an “exersing” file/song; or purchase and download an “exersing” session including several files/songs (analogous to purchasing an album of songs). Optionally, participants could possibly register and pay for future “exersing” class or classes at a licensed “exersing” facility. Scheduled “exersing” classes at the “exersing” members “favourite” licensed “exersing “facility and/or nearby licensed “exersing” facilities may, for example, be visible using the “exersing” app. The central facility computing system  10  may further notify the licensed “exersing” facility&#39;s system each time a member registers and pays for “exersing” class or classes at the facility. The central computer system  10  may provide numerous flexible options for both distributors, facilities, instructors and individuals (whether they be participating as part of an organized group at a facility or alone) in order to provide “exersing” content. 
         [0048]    An exemplary schema of subscriber database  23  is outlined and described in  FIGS. 7A-7F . In particular,  FIG. 7A  shows an exemplary SUBSCRIBER table  70  which contains records of individual members and fitness facilities which have subscribed to the “exersing” service. SUBSCRIBER table  70  contains the following attributes: “ID”, “NAME”, “Profile Status” and “Subscriber Type”. In this exemplary SUBSCRIBER table  70 , the “ID” attribute is the primary key. The value of the “Name” attribute may be used to store the name of an individual subscriber or name of a fitness facility subscriber. The value of the “Profile Status” attribute may be either “Active” or “Inactive” and the value of the “Subscriber Type” attribute may indicate whether the subscriber is an individual or a facility. Records  70   a - 70   d  correspond to individual subscribers and records  70   f  and  70   g  correspond to facility subscribers. 
         [0049]    More specifically, record  70   a  is a record related to an individual active subscriber named “John Doe”. Record  70   c  corresponds to an inactive individual subscriber named “Don Smith”. Record  70   e  corresponds to a facility active subscriber, “GoodFun”. 
         [0050]    Thus, for example, as a facility subscriber, GoodFun may access and download “exersing” routines for use during group stationary bike exercise classes offered in its facilities. In contrast, an individual subscriber may access and download “exersing” routines onto his or her personal computing device (e.g. tablet, or internet-enabled exercise equipment) and may thereby conveniently follow the routine individually and at his or her own leisure, without the need to attend a group class. As may be appreciated, this provides increased flexibility to an individual subscriber—for example, the individual subscriber may exercise at a time and place convenient to him or her but still enjoy the benefit of following a licensed “exersing” exercise package. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7B  shows an exemplary SUBSCRIBER_LICENSES table  72  which indicates the number of licensed workouts registered by a subscriber and the number of licensed workouts remaining. For example, row  72   a  indicates that subscriber with ID 000001 (i.e. “John Doe”, as determined by joining SUBSCRIBER_LICENSES table  72  with SUBSCRIBER table  70 ) has a total of 10 licensed workouts and of these, he has registered 1 licensed workout (i.e. used up 1 licensed workout) and has 9 licensed workouts remaining. Similarly, row  72   b  indicates that GoodFun has licensed a total of 20 workouts, has used 10 of these, and has 10 remaining. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7C  is an exemplary SUBSCRIBER_SITES table  74  which stores information about the facilities where individual subscribers attend group exercise classes. For example, row  74   a  indicates that subscriber “John Doe” (as determined by joining SUBSCRIBER_SITES table  74  with SUBSCRIBER table  70 ) attends YMCA Toronto (Facility 1) and YMCA Ottawa (Facility 2). 
         [0053]      FIG. 7D  is an exemplary SUBSCRIBER_PREFERENCES table  76  which includes records indicating each user&#39;s preferred music and preferred social networking app preferences. So, for example, row  76   a  indicates that subscriber “John Doe&#39;s” preferred music is “dance” and his preferred social networking app is “Facebook”, and row  76   b  indicates that subscriber “Don Smith” prefers “80&#39;s pop” and his preferred social networking app is “Twitter”. Information about such preferences, may be used to, for example, present a user with a list of suggested packages (in the case of John Doe, packages containing dance music) and/or send John Doe updates through Facebook. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 7E and 7F  shows exemplary PACKAGE table  78  and PACKAGE_COST table  79 , respectively. More specifically, PACKAGE table  78  indicates which “exersing exercise package” (i.e. package A, B. C, D, E or F) each subscriber has subscribed to. Thus, as indicated by exemplary record  78   a , subscriber ID 000002 (i.e. “Jane Doe”) has subscribed to package C; subscriber ID 100001 (i.e. GoodFun) has subscribed to packages A, B and C (as indicated by record  78   b ); and subscriber ID 100003 (i.e. University of Toronto Mississauga) has subscribed to packages A, B, C, D and E (as indicated by record  78   c ). As may be appreciated, each package may be in the form of a computer readable file format recognized by “exersing” applications  38 ,  48  and  58 . 
         [0055]    More specifically, each package may comprise a playlist of multiple songs. For example, package A may be a 45-minute exercise routine which includes a playlist of 12 songs each with an average playtime of approximately 4 minutes. Conventionally, the playlist would simply consist of 12 songs and the songs would be played one after another during the exercise class. However, and in accordance with the present application, each package A-F may include other elements such as: sheet music corresponding to each song in the playlist; lyrics to the song; sheet music corresponding to different vocal parts of the song (e.g. soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts); instrumental part only of the song; music video related to the song; text instructions (“position 1”, “70% resistance level”, “100 rpm”, etc.); overdubbed instructions (e.g. “position 1”, “70% resistance level”, “100 rpm”, etc.); and information transmitted on the fly from the bike or external devices (e.g. heart rate, calories burned). Of course, elements other than those described may be included in an exercise package file. As will be further described below, the user may selectively turn each of the aforenoted elements “on” and “off”. Thus, for example, the user may select to have only the instrumental part of the song and text instructions play, but not music video, overdubbed instructions, or any of the other elements. 
         [0056]    The cost of each of packages A-F may be stored in exemplary PACKAGE_COST table  79  ( FIG. 7F ). In particular, table  79  may store information about the cost per use of each package and the amount of royalties to be paid on each package, to, for example owners of copyrighted materials in those packages (e.g. royalties to be paid to the artists of the songs included in each package). Thus, for example, record  79   a  indicates that exercise package A costs $10 per use (i.e. a subscriber is charged $10 per license for package A) and $5 of royalties are payable per use of package A. 
         [0057]    Central facility  29  may manage, administer and account for the acquisition of licenses of the copyrighted content (e.g. songs, music, video, etc.) and associated payment of royalties to the authorized agencies. (e.g. SOCAN in Canada). Such centralized administration and accounting may ensure compliance and minimize leakage. 
         [0058]    Of course, other schemas of subscriber database  23 , containing other types of tables, records and attributes, may be employed and would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0059]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , facility database  28  may contain information regarding members of exemplary exercise facility  22 . Exemplary MEMBERS table  80  of facility database  28  is shown in  FIG. 8 . Specifically, table  80  has six records, each corresponding to a member of exercise facility  22 : Each of these members may, in the conventional fashion, check into exercise facility  22 , e.g. by swiping their membership card through a card reader of exercise facility  22 , and computer system  14  may verify that that member is in fact a member (or an active member) of exercise facility  22  by querying MEMBERS table  80  of facility database  28 . Of course, other schemas of facility database  28 , containing other types of tables, records and attributes, may be employed and would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0060]    Exemplary CLASSES table  90  and SUBSCRIBED_PACKAGES table  92  which may be part of facility database  28  of exercise facility  22  is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . As shown, CLASSES table  90  may contain records  90   a ,  90   b  and  90   c , each corresponding to a different spinning class. For example, record  90   a  provides that “Spinging Level 1” class is scheduled to occur on May 1, 2014 at 13:00 hours (i.e. 1 pm) and taught by instructor “Lucy”. Moreover, record  90   a  indicates that “Spinging package A” will be used during the class and that members with ID&#39;s 001 (i.e. “Abigail Jones”) and 002 (i.e. “John Smith”) (see MEMBERS table  80 ) have signed up/registered for the class. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 9B , SUBSCRIBED_PACKAGES table  92  may track the number of licensed workouts used up by exercise facility  22  and number of licensed workouts remaining. Accordingly, exemplary record  92   a  indicates that exercise facility  22  has used up 25 licenses for “Spinging package A” and has 25 licenses remaining. 
         [0062]    Of course, other schemas of facility database  28 , containing other types of tables, records and attributes, may be employed and would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0063]    Operation of system  20 , exemplary of an embodiment of the present application, will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 10-12 . 
         [0064]    Flow diagrams  1000  ( FIG. 10A ) and  2000  ( FIG. 10B ) describe operation of central facility computer system  10 , more specifically, registration of an individual subscriber or facility subscriber for access to the “exersing” service of the present application. To begin, central computer system  10 , specifically, “exersing” application  38  running on central computer system  10 , may receive a request for registration from a prospective individual or facility subscriber (S 1010 ). This request may, for example, be sent from “exersing” application  58  hosted on the individual&#39;s computing device  12 , or from “exersing” application  48  hosted on exercise facility computer system  14 . “Exersing” application  38  may next request and obtain the prospective subscriber&#39;s data, for example, name, address, facility or facilities frequented, preferred music and preferred social networking app (S 1012 ). Then, “exersing” application  38  may receive an indication of the prospective subscriber&#39;s desired exercise package(s) (e.g. “exersing package A”) and desired number of licenses (e.g. 10 licenses) (S 1014 ). Based on this information, “exersing” application  38  may query subscriber database  23 , in particular, PACKAGE_COST table  79  ( FIG. 7F ) to determine the cost of the selected package(s) and return to the prospective subscriber an indication of the cost of the selected exercise package(s) (S 1016 ). For example, supposing the prospective subscriber indicates that she/he/it wishes to subscribe to 10 licenses to “exersing package E”, e.g. “spinging”, application  38  would return an indication of the total cost of $1000 (10×$100). “Exersing” application  38  may then request a credit card number to which the $1000 can be charged (not shown in  FIG. 7F ). Alternatively, other forms and methods of payment e.g. PayPal, electronic funds transfer, etc. may be accepted. Lastly, “exersing” application  38  may create new record(s) corresponding to the new member/subscriber in subscriber database  23  (S 1018 ). Thereafter, the subscriber may be considered to be properly registered in system  20  and permitted to access and/or download “exersing” packages to which he/she/it has paid for. 
         [0065]    Operation of central computer system  10  upon receipt of a request from a subscriber is illustrated in flow diagram  2000  ( FIG. 10B ). Upon receiving a request from a user for access to a given exercise package (S 2010 ) “exersing” application  38  running on central computer system  10  may query subscriber database  23  to determine whether the user is registered (S 2012 ). If the user is not registered, then “exersing” application  38  will deny access (or alternatively, present an option allowing the user to register). If the user is registered, then “exersing” application  38  may further query subscriber database  23  to determine whether that user has a non-zero number of licensed workouts remaining (S 2014 ). If so, then the user may be permitted to access or download a copy of the “exersing” package which he/she/it has licensed (S 2016 ). Following the user&#39;s access or download, subscriber database  23 , more specifically, SUBSCRIBER_LICENSES table  72  may be updated accordingly. As may be appreciated, the operations described in flow diagrams  1000  and  2000 , and in particular, the operations requiring input and output to the user, may be presented via a conventional graphical user interface (GUI) (not shown). 
         [0066]    As explained above, facility subscribers may, after obtaining and paying for licenses to particular “exersing” packages, use those packages during group exercise classes offered by the facility. Advantageously, the subscribing facility may install “exersing” application  48  e.g. “spinging” on each of its exercise bikes so that each participant in the facility&#39;s group exercise class may customize the “spinging” package to include or exclude elements as desired. 
         [0067]    Alternatively, the facility may allow the simultaneous upload/download/transmit of a temporary file of the session&#39;s “exersing” program/package to all participants thereby ensuring all participants are playing the same songs in sequence and the timing of the songs being played at any time is synchronized. 
         [0068]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram  3000  which illustrates operation of exercise facility computer system  14 , and more specifically, illustrates the use of an “exersing” exercise package during a group exercise class. To begin, “exersing” application  48  running on exercise facility computer system  14  may receive login credentials from an instructor (S 3010 ). For example, and with reference to CLASSES table  90  ( FIG. 9A ), row  90   a , on May 1, 2014 in preparation for the 1 pm “Spinging Level 1” class, instructor “Lucy” may log into “exersing” application  48  running on exercise facility computer system  14 , from, for example, a computer or device located in the exercise room which is connected to computer system  14  via, for example, wired or wireless network  102 . Instructor Lucy may next provide an indication of a date and time of the class (i.e. May 1, 2014 and 1 pm, respectively) (S 3012 ). With this information, “exersing” application  48  may query facility database  28  to determine the exercise package to be used during the class (S 3014 ) (i.e. package “A”) and further to determine that list of members signed up for the class (S 3016 ) (i.e. members with ID 001 (“Abigail Jones”) and 002 (“John Smith”)). In particular, assuming that someone authorized by exercise facility  22  (e.g. an employee of exercise facility  22 ) has previously downloaded package “A” from central facility  29 , and the package “A” file is already stored on a computer readable medium connected to or accessible by facility computer system  14 , package “A” may be selected (S 3018 ), and initiated (S 3020 ). 
         [0069]    At this point, notably, instructor Lucy may select, via a GUI of “exersing” application  48  (for example, see  FIG. 13 ) which audio/visuals and other elements related to “exersing package A” to present on the class video screen and/or sound system (S 3022 ). Simultaneously, customized parts of the routine of “exersing package A” may be streamed to and displayed on Abigail Jones&#39; and John Smith&#39;s individual devices (e.g. their stationary bike console screens) (S 3024 ). Alternatively, Abigail and John&#39;s bikes may access a copy of package “A” stored on exercise facility computer system  14  via network  100  or  102 . Significantly, the audio/visuals presented on the class video screen/sound system may be elements common to both Abigail and John (e.g. a video of climbing hills); however, the elements displayed on Abigail&#39;s individual screen may be customized to her preferences (e.g. sheet music corresponding to the soprano part of the song) and likewise for John (e.g. sheet music corresponding to the bass part of the song). 
         [0070]    In order to keep all class participants in synchrony, exercise facility computer system  14  may act as the “master” and the class participant&#39;s bikes as the “slaves”. More specifically, “exersing” application  58  may transmit timing information to exercise bikes  12  (via network  100  or  102 ) so that the participants&#39; displays may be synchronized. In this manner, for example, John&#39;s music lyrics for the bass part may scroll across his bike console screen at the same rate as Abigail&#39;s sheet music for the soprano part is scrolling across her bike console screen. As may be appreciated, this allows John and Abigail to sing their respective parts in synchrony. 
         [0071]      FIG. 5 , depicts an exemplary screenshot  60   a  of the instructor&#39;s display  45  during the “exersing” class. As shown, the instructor&#39;s monitor (for example, on the instructor&#39;s bike console or computing device), may display multiple elements comprising the playlist of songs, the segment of the exercise routine, and the songs&#39; playtimes. For example, as shown on the left-hand side of screenshot  60   a  (section  60   a ( i )), the first song in the playlist is “Michelle” and it plays during the “Warm up” part of the exercise routine, and it lasts for 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The song “Boom Boom” plays during the “Hill” part of the exercise routine, and it plays for 3 minutes 30 seconds, and so on. The right-hand side of screenshot  60   a  (section  60   a ( ii )) displays information and targets related to the current part of the exercise routine, namely, the “Mode” (i.e. “Warm up”), the “Position”, corresponding to the position on the bike that the exerciser is to assume; “Resistance” corresponding to the suggested resistance level that the exerciser should set his or her bike at; the “Target Cadence” corresponding to the suggested RPMs that the exerciser should maintain during the current mode; and “Countdown” corresponding to the time remaining in the current mode. Section  60   a ( iii ) displays information and targets related to the next part of the exercise routine. Section  60   a ( iv ) of screenshot  60   a , displays a musical score related to the music that is currently playing, as shown, the melody part of the song “Michelle”, as well as the lyrics to the song. Conveniently, the instructor, reading the music, may be able to lead the class participants in a sing along. In addition, the instructor may read off the resistance and target cadence levels displayed on his or her screen and call them out to the class participants. 
         [0072]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary screenshot  60   b  of what may be displayed on a common “exersing” class monitor/screen for all class participants to view. As can be seen, this may include a motivational video of people exercising and the music for the currently playing song, “Michelle”. 
         [0073]    Furthermore, as previously discussed, “exersing” application  48  may allow the user (e.g. the class instructor or class participant) to choose which elements he or she wishes to see presented on the common classroom screen/monitor (display  45 ) or bike console display (display  55 ) which, alternatively, may be a user&#39;s smart phone or tablet, respectively. More specifically, and as further explained below, each “exersing” exercise package may comprise multiple elements such as audio, video, music, lyrics, text, graphics and animation, which elements may be selectively turned on or off at runtime by the user, via, for example, the GUI illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Thus, for example, if the user wishes only to experience the instrumental part of a song and no vocals (i.e. lyrics), he or she may select (i.e. turn on) the instrumental option and deselect (i.e. turn off) the vocal option. Similarly, if the user wishes to have the sheet music accompanying the song scrolled across his or her screen, he may select this option. 
         [0074]    Returning to the above example, each of Abigail and John may, at the start of the class, select, via a GUI presented by “exersing” application  58  running on his or her bike ( FIG. 13 ), which elements he or she wishes to experience.  FIG. 13  is a screenshot of an exemplary screen that may be presented to John on his device e.g. stationery bike console display  55 . As may be seen, John has indicated, by selecting selection boxes  130 ,  132 ,  136 ,  138 , that he wishes to have video, sheet music, resistance level and rpms displayed on his bike console display  55 . In particular, he has indicated by selecting radio button  134  that the sheet music should correspond to the tenor part of each song. 
         [0075]      FIG. 6  illustrates what may be displayed on an individual class participant&#39;s display  55  of his or her computing device or bike monitor during an “exersing” e.g. “spinging” class. More specifically, screenshot  70   a  shows one possible view which includes the time elapsed in the exercise routine (section  70   a ( i )); resistance level, target cadence, actual cadence, heart rate and calories/Kwh (section  70   a ( ii )); and music related to the currently playing song (section  70   a ( iii )). Notably, the information displayed in section  70   a ( ii ) may be information pertaining specifically to that individual class participant and may be obtained from that individual&#39;s device e.g. bike console and/or external devices that are synced and in communication with that individual&#39;s bike (e.g. heart rate monitor strapped to that individual&#39;s chest which transmits heart rate data to the bike). 
         [0076]    Screenshot  70   b  illustrates an alternate view of a class participant&#39;s display  55 . In particular, section  70   b ( i ) displays a diagram of the exercise room and indicates the name of each “exersing” class participant riding e.g. each stationary bike rider. Upon logging in to his or her exersing computing device, each class participant may select to share their name and provide it to the facility&#39;s computer system  14 , which in turn, may collect and consolidate and send back the information to each individual&#39;s computing device. Notably, section  70   b ( ii ) of screenshot  70   b  displays music for the bass part of the song “Michelle”, because that particular individual may sing in the bass range, in contrast to, for example, the music displayed in section  70   a ( iii ) of screenshot  70   a , which is for the soprano part of the song “Michelle”, because that individual may sing in the soprano range. Advantageously, the music and lyrics may scroll across each individual&#39;s device e.g. bike console display at the same rate so that all of the class participants may sing their respective parts in synchrony. 
         [0077]    Conveniently, and as discussed previously, instead of attending a group exercise class, an individual subscriber may choose to instead experience a particular “exersing” package to which he or she has licensed on his or her own time in his or her location of choice (e.g. at home) (“single user mode”). Flow diagram  4000  ( FIG. 12 ) illustrates operation of an individual user&#39;s computing device. In this example, “exersing” application  58  on the user&#39;s computing device  12  may receive the user&#39;s credentials (S 4010 ,  FIG. 12 ) as well as an indication of the exercise package routine to be initiated (S 4012 ). “Exersing” application  58  may then access the package (either stored on computing device  12 ), or over a network if stored remotely. “Exersing” application  58  may include a GUI similar to the GUI presented by “exersing” application  48  hosted on facility computer system  14  (see  FIG. 13 ), which allows the user to pre-select, or select at runtime, which elements of the “exersing” exercise routine he or she wishes to see or hear. “Exersing” application  58  may then display a version of the exercise routine that may be customized to that particular user (S 4014 ) based upon the options selected by the user. 
         [0078]    In addition, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present application, multiple individuals running “exersing” application  58  in single user mode may form an ad hoc group and may thereby experience a group exercise session without the needing a human instructor. More specifically, “exersing” application  58  running on one of the class participant&#39;s devices may be designated as the “master” and the others as “slaves”. The “master” may send information, including timing information, to the “slaves”, and in this fashion, keep all the class participants in synchrony. 
         [0079]    Implementation of “exersing” application  38 ,  48  and  58 , and in particular, implementation of combining and superimposing streams of static text and graphics, subtitles and scrolling/dynamic text/graphics on a video or on a still background are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In particular, implementation of “exersing” application  38 ,  48  and  58  may include known and conventional technology and techniques, e.g. karaoke and video editing/display technology. For example, data structures for representing the components of a karaoke song (e.g. .kar file format) may be used. Conversely, known techniques for reading and executing a .kar file may be employed. 
         [0080]    Operation of system  20  with respect to the administration and distribution of pre-packaged exercise routines (i.e. “exersing” exercise packages) has been described above. However, significantly, system  20  may further allow users to create/compile new “exersing” routines (i.e. new exercise packages), so that new content may be supplied to subscribers of the “exersing” service. In particular, “exersing” application  38  hosted on the central facility computer system  10  (server-side application) may allow a user—for example, an employee or administrator of the “exersing” service provider—to create new exercise packages. 
         [0081]    In particular, “exersing” application  38  hosted on central facility computer system  10  (server-side application) may allow a content producer, for example, an employee of the “exersing” service provider to create new “exersing” exercise packages, including a single song, or a collection of songs (analogous to an album) synchronized to an exersing routine. Optionally, a subscriber to the “exersing” service (e.g. an individual subscriber or a facility), may also create exercise packages. The “exersing” service provider may purchase or license content, specifically, songs, music videos, karaoke tracks, etc. to be included as part of one or more exercise packages. Furthermore, the “exersing” service provider may purchase or create additional elements/content related to each song such as sheet music, lyrics associated with the songs, resistance levels, elapsed time, etc. Techniques for separating a song into streams of data including melody, lyrics, harmony, beat and tempo are known. 
         [0082]    Such content may be catalogued and stored in a content database (not shown) hosted on central facility computer system  10  for retrieval. The songs may be indexed in a conventional manner by various attributes, including type of music (e.g. instrumental or song); genre; era; beat count (e.g. 180 beats/min); vocal parts; language; artist/composer; publishing company; exercise type (warm-up, interval, hill climb, cool down); and others. Conveniently, the additional elements/content associated with each song may be included in the “exersing” exercise package. It is these additional elements/content that may be selected or deselected for presentation by individual exercisers during an exercise class, as explained previously. 
         [0083]    In operation, a content producer may create new exersing packages by creating a playlist of songs. The content producer may design an exersing package according to various factors such as exercise type; duration of exercise; intensity of the exercise; degree of difficulty; etc. With this in mind, the content producer may first search for songs by one or more of the catalogued attributes indicated above (e.g. a low beat count for a song to be played during the warm-up segment of the exercise routine), via a conventional GUI (not shown). For each song, the “exersing application  38  may present the available additional content via a GUI.  FIG. 14  is a screenshot of an exemplary GUI  150  which presents the available additional elements/content related to the song “Michelle”. In particular,  FIG. 14  indicates that the following additional elements/content related to the song “Michelle” are available: a vocal track (Michelle_vocals.midi); instrumental track (Michelle_instrumental.midi); a video (Michelle_video.mp4); sheet music for the soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts (Michelle_soprano.jpg; Michelle_alto.jpg; Michelle_tenor.jpg; Michelle_bass.jpg, respectively); and the lyrics (as a subtitle file Michelle_lyrics.srt). 
         [0084]    Via exemplary GUI  150 , the content producer may select the additional elements/content to be associated with the song “Michelle” in the “exersing” package. As shown, the content producer has chosen to include the vocal track, the video and the lyrics as indicated by selection boxes  152 ,  154 , and  156 . The content producer may add another song to the playlist by clicking button  158  or indicate he or she is done creating the playlist by clicking button  160 . Once done, “exersing” application  38  may compile the playlist, which as should now be apparent, may include songs and all additional elements/content selected by the content producer and package it into a composite file. This file may be named, e.g. “Exersing package A”, and stored by central facility computer system  10  for download/access by subscribed users. 
         [0085]    As may be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, system  20  may provide any number of additional features. For example, subscribers may choose to provide personal information (e.g. medical information) such as calories burned, maximum heart rate, medical conditions, age, etc. to central facility  22 . Such information may be stored in subscriber database  23 , for example, as additional attributes in exemplary SUBSCRIBER table  70  ( FIG. 7A ). 
         [0086]    Moreover, central facility  22  may maintain a social networking site or members area website where subscribers may leave their comments, suggestions and communicate with each other. In particular, participants may, with other members&#39; permission, be able to view who has registered for a class and/or who is attending a class in progress. A member may choose to allow other participants to view varying amount of information—e.g. friends, “exersing” classmates, information about themselves e.g. music interests, favourite music genre and artists, other interests and also invite communication e.g. “meet for coffee”, “attend concert”, “make music” from other members to varying degrees e.g. friends, “exersing” classmates. 
         [0087]    Possibly, a camera may be placed at the exercise facility  22  and images of the members  24  exercising at a particular location may be captured, provided to computer system  10 , for distribution to other individual members  24 , remote from the exercise facility  22  by way of network  100 . The camera may encode and stream moving video, thereby allowing remote members to view activities at the exercise facility  22 . 
         [0088]    As will be apparent, the purpose of the described methods and system is to facilitate singing while exercising. This may conveniently be made possible by providing words and music for singing coupled to synchronized exercise instructions. The basic level of singing while exercising involves an individual participant (or all participants in a group exercise class) singing along to the music piece. Advanced levels provide the words and music for multiple parts e.g. soprano, alto, tenor and bass to facilitate singing harmonies etc. 
         [0089]    Health and other benefits of so singing while exercising are numerous and include: raising a participant&#39;s heart rate several beats above exercising only levels; increased enjoyment and, consequently, motivation to participate. 
         [0090]    Singing while exercising with a group is fun and social. Making music with others creates a bond and increases the opportunity for and encourages social interaction. 
         [0091]    This, in turn, may increase the market and appeal for combined exercising and singing, attracting a broader range of exercise participants. In addition the flexibility of “exersing” allows it to be marketed to a wide range of age groups and market segments to attract those who traditionally do not exercise. An area of significant public concerns currently is childhood obesity. Creating “exercising” packages for schools, youth clubs etc. may provide benefits. Retired and elderly people are also potential users. 
         [0092]    Of course, the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments of carrying out the invention are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details and order of operation. The invention, rather, is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.

Technology Category: g