6,013,007
`[11] Patent Number:
`[19]
`United States Patent
`
`Root et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jan. 11, 2000
`
`U8006013007A
`
`[54] ATHLETE’S GPS-BASED PERFORMANCE
`MONITOR
`
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Sughrue, Mion, Zinn, Macpeak
`& Seas, PLLC
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Gary Miller Root, San Francisco;
`Egilfik van HOOI‘II, M111 Valley, bOth Of
`I
`’
`[73] Assignee: Liquid Spark, LLC San Francisco
`Calif.
`’
`
`’
`
`_
`[21] Appl. No” 09/048’214
`22
`Filed:
`Mar. 26 1998
`[
`]
`,
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... G01B 21/00
`[51]
`[52] U.S. C].
`.............................. 482/8; 482/900; 482/902;
`701/213
`[58] Field of Search ............................ 482/1—9, 900—902;
`701/213—216; 342/357
`
`[56]
`
`References CitEd
`
`5,148,002
`$592,401
`57577929
`5,825,327
`
`Us' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`9/1992 Kuo et a1.
`............................... 219/211
`1/1997 Krammcr
`702/153
`
`5/1998 W‘mg et al‘
`381/300
`‘
`10/1998 Krasner ................................... 342/357
`
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A Global Positioning System (GPS) based personal athletic
`performance monitor for providing an athlete with real-time
`athletic performance feedback data such as elapsed exercise
`time, distance covered, average pace, elevation difference,
`distance to go and/or advice for reaching pre-set targets. The
`monitor is integrated with an AM/FM/TV personal radio,
`and the athletic performance feedback is provided through a
`set of audio head hones usin an audio module. The monitor
`p
`g
`can be connected to an external personal computer Via a
`serial or infrared port for further data storage and long term
`[rend analysis, or [O a remote computer via modem, where
`historical performance data is collected and logically com-
`piled from participating athletes worldwide. Results are then
`transferred to an Internet web site which displays compari-
`son data representing the relative performances of two or
`more athletes, provides customized individual
`training
`advice and virtual competitions, and an opportunity for
`advertisers to reach highly well defined potential customers.
`Geographically and demographically targeted advertising
`messages are also downloaded to the performance monitor
`while connected to the remote computer.
`
`Primary Examiner—Glenn E. Richman
`
`38 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`”44%)
`
`205—20~Lj\?§%>
`
`
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 1
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 1
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`

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`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 11
`
`6,013,007
`
`to audio headphones
`
`GPS receiver anienna
`
`108
`
`124
`
`
`
`119
`
`105
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 2
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 2
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2000
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`Sheet 2 0f 11
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`6,013,007
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 3
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 3
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 11
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`6,013,007
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`202
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 4
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 4
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 11
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`6,013,007
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`40A
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`122
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`202
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`123
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`120
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 5
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 5
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 11
`
`6,013,007
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`301
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`109
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan.11,2000
`
`Sheet6 0f11
`
`6,013,007
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`
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`Fig. 7
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 7
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 7
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 11
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`6,013,007
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 8
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 8
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 11
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`6,013,007
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 9
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 9
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`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 10
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 10
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 10 0f 11
`
`6,013,007
`
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK INFORMATION CYCLES
`
`Fade Down Music
`
`‘? Minutes to go (it time target selected)
`
`Elapsed Distance: ? Miles:
`'2 Miles to go (It distance target selected)
`
`Elapsed Time: ? Hours and '2 Minutes;
`
`Elevation Change: '? Feet since last cycle. 7 Feet since session start
`(Full Information Cycles Only)
`
`Current Speed: 7 Miles per Hour
`
`Average Speed: ? Miles per Hour
`
`Average Pace: ’? Minutes per Mile
`
`Current Pace: ? Minutes per Mile
`
`? Calories Burned
`
`(Full Information Cyctes Only)
`
`Heart Rate: 7 Beats per Minute
`(Only Applies if Optional Heart Rate Sensor is Attached)
`
`Recommendation to Reach Goal:
`
`To Reach Target. lncrease(Decrease) Speed to ? Miles per Hour
`(Full lniormation Cycles Only)
`
`W arning Messages (if any)
`
`Athletic Perlorm ance Rating:
`? of 100
`
`(Full Information Cycles Only)
`
`Fade Up Music
`
`Fig. 11
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 11
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2000
`
`Sheet 11 0f 11
`
`6,013,007
`
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DATA STORED FOR PC AND INTERNET USAGE
`
`Exercise G eographic Start Location
`
`(Latitude/Longitude)
`
`Exercise Geographic End Location
`(LaliludefLongitude)
`
`Exercise Session Date and Start Time
`(Referenced to GMT)
`
`Exercise Type
`(Running. Cycling, Hiking, etc.)
`
`Total Exercise Time
`(Total Elapsed Time Minus Pauses)
`
`Maxim um Speed
`
`Total Calories Burned
`
`Total Elapsed Distance
`
`
`Highest Relative Elevation
`
`Total C u m ulative Elevation
`
`Key Course W aypoints
`(Latitudes and Lon gitud es)
`
`Average Heart Ftate
`(It Optional Heart Plate Sensor Available)
`
`Maximum Heart Rate
`(It Optional Heart Rate Sensor Available)
`
`Athletic Performance Rating
`Scale 0” to 100
`Based on User Profile and Perlormance
`
`Fig. 12
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 12
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 12
`
`

`

`6,013,007
`
`1
`ATHLETE’S GPS-BASED PERFORMANCE
`MONITOR
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to the application of Global Posi—
`tioning System (GPS) technology for the personal perfor-
`mance monitoring of outdoor athletes, such as runners,
`bicyclists, hikers, walkers, skaters, skiers, and so forth, and
`providing the athlete with real-time performance feedback
`and optional long-term trend analysis.
`
`2. Background Art
`
`Running, bicycling, and other outdoor sports are becom—
`ing increasingly popular as more information about their
`health benefits becomes available. In order to improve over
`time, it is important to be able to accurately measure one’s
`performance and progress. Using runners by way of
`example, this can presently only be done indoors on tread-
`mills. Treadmills provide the runner with continuous read-
`outs of time, distance, speed, pace,
`inclination, calories
`burned, and so forth. Outdoors,
`the runner is limited to
`wristwatches with built-in stop watches, heart rate monitors,
`or pedometers.
`
`The development of the Global Positioning System (GPS)
`by the United States Department of Defense has greatly
`enhanced one’s ability to navigate. Currently, a constellation
`of high altitude GPS satellites are in orbit and available to
`provide continuous worldwide position fixes in all types of
`weather conditions, With the use of GPS receivers, the radio
`wave signals can be received and used to calculate the
`current latitude and longitude position coordinates at the
`receiving location. This system is currently achieving rec-
`ognition as the superior position locator system for provid-
`ing accurate worldwide fixes. GPS technology is becoming
`widely available. New applications, such as dashboard
`mounted GPS in automobiles are being introduced. Hand
`held GPS devices are presently on the market for boating,
`fishing, and hunting. These devices are generally limited to
`navigation uses only. A visual display is used to show
`current geographic location, destinations, and navigation
`instructions for travelling to a selected location. These units
`are not, however, designed for use by an outdoor athlete.
`They do not
`include real-time athletic performance
`algorithms, audible presentation of information, a means for
`storing historical exercise session data, or a means for
`entertaining the athlete. The housings are bulky and typi-
`cally incorporate built-in GPS antennas, preventing one’s
`ability to conveniently carry the devices while exercising
`without blocking some or all of the satellite signals. The
`exclusively visual means of conveying information
`employed by current devices requires frequent visual
`interaction, compromising the safety and concentration of
`the user, making them incompatible with exercise activities.
`
`Thus, there exists a need for a portable GPS unit that is
`small and light enough to be carried or worn by an outdoor
`athlete which incorporates real-time athletic performance
`algorithms for continuously monitoring the athlete’s
`progress and reporting his/her progress periodically during
`the exercise session. Real-time audio reports would assist
`and motivate the athlete to improve his/her performance
`without any visual distractions. An integrated radio can
`provide the athlete with entertainment.
`
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Objects of the present invention are:
`(1) To provide a device which is portable, rugged, weather
`resistant, and self-contained;
`(2) To provide a device which continuously and accu-
`rately determines the position of an outdoor athlete any-
`where in the world;
`(3) To provide a device which continuously and consis—
`tently provides accurate, real-time performance feedback
`such as elapsed time, elapsed distance, current and average
`speeds and paces, current climbing rate, and so forth,
`independent of its outdoor location in the world;
`(4) To provide a device which can make real-time rec-
`ommendations to the athlete on how his/her pre-set perfor-
`mance targets can be achieved;
`(5) To provide a device which can optionally continuously
`monitor the athlete’s Vital signs such as heart rate and body
`temperature and can issue warnings based on these mea-
`surements as compared to built in limits;
`(6) To provide a device which communicates with the
`athlete through audio signals, thus reducing visual distrac-
`tions and allowing for safely obtaining performance feed-
`back along poorly illuminated tracks and trails, improving
`the safety of the athlete;
`(7) To provide a device which usefully combines the
`audio presentation of real-time performance information
`with music for entertaining the athlete during his/her exer-
`cise session;
`(8) To provide a device which can store performance data
`and communicate this data with a personal computer for
`further storage and long term analysis;
`(9) To provide a device which can guide the athlete along
`a predetermined, unmarked course based on a set of down-
`loaded geographic waypoints;
`(:10) To provide a device which includes an internal
`modem for transmitting exercise results to an Internet web-
`site where such data is also collected from other participat-
`ing athletes;
`(11) To provide a system by which advertisers can present
`geographically and demographically targeted messages to a
`highly well defined group of potential customers;
`(12) To provide a device which stimulates and motivates
`the athlete during an exercise session, resulting in a docu-
`mented improvement of athletic performance and health
`over time;
`(13) To provide a device which eliminates user assump-
`tions or estimates required by presently available rudimen-
`tary devices, such as pedometers; and
`('14) To provide a device which provides performance
`data, which is accurate, thorough, and consistent enough to
`be useful for scientific and medical research on the long term
`effects of exercise on health.
`
`The above objects and others are accomplished by pro-
`viding a portable feedback system providing regular updates
`on an athlete’s performance, comprising:
`a global positioning system GPS receiver for obtaining a
`series of time-stamped waypoints;
`means for computing athletic performance feedback data
`from the series of time-stamped waypoints obtained by
`said GPS receiver; and
`means for presenting the athletic performance feedback
`data to an athlete.
`
`Also provided is a system for comparing an athlete’s
`performance with the performance of other athletes, said
`system comprising:
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 13
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 13
`
`

`

`6,013,007
`
`3
`a global positioning system GPS receiver for obtaining a
`series of time-stamped waypoints;
`means for computing athletic performance feedback data
`from the series of time-stamped waypoints obtained by
`said GPS receiver;
`means for presenting the athletic performance feedback
`data to an athlete; and
`a modem for transmitting the athletic performance feed—
`back data to a remote computer for comparison with
`athletic performance feedback data of other athletes.
`The monitor can also be used as a health monitoring and
`analysis tool.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`
`The invention is best understood with reference to the
`
`attached drawings, in which:
`FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and side views, respectively,
`of a GPS-based personal performance monitor and feedback
`device according to an embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 1C shows a GPS receiver antenna plug and an audio
`headphone plug for connection to the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device.
`FIG. 2 shows a runner wearing the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device on her waist
`band, together with a set of audio headphones and a baseball
`cap outfitted with an internal GPS receiver antenna;
`FIG. 3 shows a runner wearing the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device on her upper arm,
`together with a set of audio headphones having a GPS
`receiver antenna mounted on top;
`FIG. 4 is a side view of the baseball cap outfitted with the
`internal GPS receiver antenna;
`FIG. 5 is a front View of the set of audio headphones
`having the GPS receiver antenna mounted on top;
`FIG. 6 is a schematic of the electronic components of the
`GPS-based personal performance and feedback device of the
`embodiment;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a personal computer
`connected to the GPS-based personal performance monitor
`and feedback device, displaying a software program for
`performing long-term historical exercise session data
`storage, athletic performance trend analysis, and remote
`configuration of the device;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device connected to a
`remote computer via an internal modem and a standard
`telephone line for transferring data;
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a personal computer
`connected to the Internet, displaying an Internet web page
`for comparing an athlete’s performance to that of other
`participating athletes;
`FIG. 10 is a diagram of the menu items used to configure
`the GPS-based personal performance monitor and feedback
`device;
`FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the limited and full performance
`feedback information cycles of the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device; and
`FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting the data stored for personal
`computer and Internet usage.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`Preferred embodiments of the invention are described
`
`below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`
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`4
`Apreferred embodiment of the present invention is shown
`in FIG. 1A (front view) and FIG. 1B (side View), and FIG.
`1C (antenna and audio headphone plugs).
`The GPS-based personal performance monitor and feed-
`back device 101 includes input buttons 115 to set
`the
`athlete’s personal data and preferences, as well as for
`inputting the feedback options and targets. Device options,
`GPS initialization status, GPS signal strength, button lock
`status, pause condition status, menu items, radio band and
`frequency selection, battery life indicators, performance
`feedback data, course navigational direction indicators, and
`latest geographic position are optionally shown on the
`display 112. A GPS receiver antenna 301 (described below)
`is plugged into connector 109 using a plug 122, and a set of
`audio headphones 202 (described below) is plugged into
`connector 108 using a plug 120 (see FIG. 1C). Button 102
`turns the personal performance monitor and feedback device
`101 on and commences the initialization process, which
`consists of acquiring the minimum number of required
`satellite signals needed to determine the device’s initial
`geographic position. An LED status indicator 111 provides
`an intuitive visual indicator of device initialization. The
`
`LED 111 glows red while the GPS-based personal perfor-
`mance monitor and feedback device is initializing. The LED
`111 glows green once the device has automatically initial—
`ized and is ready to begin monitoring an exercise session.
`A lock/light button 110 disengages certain input buttons,
`locking the programmed settings, thus preventing accidental
`changes of these settings. A pause/position button 104
`temporarily pauses collection of performance data or, if held
`for a longer period of time (such as 2 seconds) temporarily
`replaces the radio band and frequency indicator on display
`112 with the latitude and longitude of last updated geo-
`graphical position. The “Now!” button 105 initiates
`immediate, updated feedback cycle of the latest measures of
`athletic performance.
`In addition to audio performance
`feedback, measures of athletic performance are simulta-
`neously scrolled on the display 112 during each feedback
`cycle.
`With band selection button 107, a selection between AM,
`FM, and TV radio bands can be made. While the preferred
`embodiment of the GPS-based personal performance moni-
`tor and feedback device includes an AM/FM/TV radio, it
`should be appreciated that other audio entertainment sys-
`tems or combinations of audio systems may be combined
`with the device, such as an audio cassette tape or audio
`compact disk player.
`The volume thumb wheel 106 controls the volume of the
`
`output to the set of audio headphones 202. Atmospheric
`pressure is measured by a barometric pressure sensor 610
`(see FIG. 6) such as those found in current altitude sensing
`devices for hiking, bicycling, mountaineering, and skydiv-
`ing. A serial-type connector 118 or an infrared-type port 124
`allows for connecting the GPS—based personal performance
`monitor and feedback device 101 to a personal computer
`701 (see FIG. 7) for uploading of historical performance
`statistics and downloading of geographic waypoints and user
`device preferences.
`Alternatively, an RJ-11-type telephone port 113 allows for
`connecting the personal performance monitor and feedback
`device 101 via a telephone line to a remote computer 801
`(see FIG. 8) for uploading of performance statistics and
`downloading of advertising messages. A button 114 auto-
`matically connects a modem 613 (see FIG. 6) to the remote
`computer 801 for data exchange. A connector 116 allows for
`connection of an external power source.
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 14
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 14
`
`

`

`6,013,007
`
`5
`The unit 101 can be hooked to an athlete’s belt or
`
`waistband 203 with a clip 119 (FIG. 1B) as shown in FIG.
`2, strapped around the upper arm with a strap 302 as shown
`in FIG. 3, or simply held by the athlete.
`A set of audio headphones 202 (FIG. 2) is worn as usual,
`along with a baseball cap 201 (FIG. 4). The baseball cap 201
`is outfitted with an internal GPS receiver antenna 301.
`
`Alternatively, depending on the athlete’s preference, a set
`of headphones 202 (FIGS. 3 and 5) with the external GPS
`receiver antenna 301 mounted on top can be worn.
`As shown in FIG. 4, an antenna holder (such as a padded
`pocket) 402 can be sewn into the top of the baseball cap 201.
`Aquick closure 403, such as a VELCRO fastener, locks the
`GPS receiver antenna 301 in place. The antenna wire 123
`(electrical lead to the GPS receiver antenna 301 see FIG. 1C)
`is guided to the back of the cap and anchored near the bottom
`edge, such as by using a VELCRO fastener 404.
`A clip 401 is used to hook the wire 123 to the athlete’s
`shirt collar, thus redirecting the weight of the wire 123 from
`the baseball cap 201 to the athlete’s shirt.
`As shown in FIG. 5, the GPS receiver antenna 301 can be
`fixed on top of the headband of the set of audio headphones
`202. The GPS antenna wire 123 (electrical lead to the GPS
`receiver antenna 301) is bundled with the headphone wire
`121 (electrical lead to the AM/FM/TV radio see FIG. 1C,
`such as by using a VELCRO fastener 501. Aclip 401 is used
`to hook the wires 123 and 121 to the athlete’s shirt collar,
`thus redirecting the weight of the wires 123 and 121 from the
`audio headphones 202 to the athlete’s shirt.
`The athlete’s head generally provides a stable, unob-
`structed platform for the GPS receiver antenna 301, with
`clear 360 degree exposure to the satellites 204 overhead.
`Other locations on the user may also provide a suitably
`stable, unobstructed platform for the GPS receiver antenna
`301.
`
`FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the internal circuitry
`of an embodiment of the GPS based performance monitor
`101 of the present invention. Inside the housing 601 (shown
`schematically by a broken line) is a central processor unit
`602 (CPU). This CPU controls the operation of the device.
`Connected to the CPU 602 is a GPS receiver module 604
`such as those manufactured by SiRF Technology, Trimble
`Navigation Limited, and others, an AM/FM/TV radio mod-
`ule 607, an audio module 606, memory 608, input controls
`603, a barometric pressure sensor 610, a display 605, a heart
`rate sensor 611 (optional), a body temperature sensor 612
`(optional), a modem 613, a serial-type port 118, an infrared-
`type port 124, and an external personal computer 701
`(optional). The GPS module 604 is connected to a GPS
`receiver antenna 301. The audio module 606, which can be
`an amplifier connected to a voice/speech synthesizer, a
`micro controller generating audio output using a series of
`stored compressed digital audio files, or some combination
`of these, is connected to the audio headphones 202 via the
`CPU 602. The AM/FM/TV radio module 607 is connected
`to a radio antenna 614 (usually built into the antenna wire
`lead 121 or the audio headphones 202), and also to the audio
`headphones 202 via the CPU 602. The device is energized
`by either an internal power source 609 (such as disposable
`or rechargeable battery or batteries, e.g., one or more AA or
`AAA batteries) during exercise sessions or an external
`power source (such as an AC/DC transformer 704, con-
`nected to the device Via an electrical lead plugged into
`connector 116) during uploading and downloading activi—
`ties.
`
`FIG. 7 is a perspective View of a personal computer 701
`connected to the GPS-based personal performance monitor
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`and feedback device 101 Via a serial-type port 118. They
`may also be connected Via the infrared-type port 124. By
`way of example,
`the computer’s monitor screen 705 is
`shown displaying a customized software program used for
`athletic performance trend analysis. In addition, this soft-
`ware may be used to facilitate long-term storage of the
`athlete’s personal historical exercise session data and remote
`configuration of the device. The GPS-based personal per-
`formance monitor and feedback device is either powered by
`its own internal power source 609 or by an external AC/DC
`transformer 704 plugged into connector 116, as shown.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device 101 connected to
`a remote computer 801 and modem bank 802 Via its internal
`modem 613 and a standard telephone line plugged into
`connector 113. A number of historical exercise session
`
`performance data sets (as described below and shown in
`FIG. 12) can be uploaded to the remote computer 801. The
`remote computer 801 is connected to the Internet 803. The
`uploaded data sets are collected, stored, and compiled for
`presentation on an Internet web site, which compares per-
`formances of participating athletes in a variety of ways.
`Geographically and demographically targeted advertising
`messages are downloaded to the device 101 from the remote
`computer 801. The GPS—based personal performance moni—
`tor and feedback device 101 is either powered by its own
`internal power source 609 or by an external AC/DC trans-
`former 704 plugged into connector 116, as shown.
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a personal computer 701
`connected to the Internet 803. By way of example,
`the
`computer 701 is connected Via a modem 902 and a standard
`telephone line. Alternative means of connecting the PC 701
`to the Internet 803, such as cable modems, ISDN lines, T1
`lines, and so forth, may be used. By way of example, the
`PC’s monitor screen 901 is shown displaying an Internet
`World Wide Web browser window displaying an Internet
`web page for comparing an athlete’s performance to other
`participating athletes from around the United States of
`America. The lower left-hand corner of this computer screen
`displays an advertising banner 903 specifically designed for
`and aimed at participating athletes.
`FIG. 10 shows device configuration menus of the pre-
`ferred embodiment. The main menus are designated as
`“exercise session type”, “pre-set course”, “performance
`targets”, “information cycles”, “user data”, and “system
`set—up”. Some of the main menus have sub—menus, which
`are self-explanatory from the drawing figure. A user can
`customize his/her exercise session as desired.
`
`FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing feedback information
`cycles of the preferred embodiment. When the music from
`the AM/FM/TV radio is muted, the menu starts at the top in
`FIG. 11 and the device scrolls through the different infor-
`mation outputs until the last one (warning messages, if any),
`and then the music volume is gradually returned to the
`previous listening level. The operator has full control over
`the information outputs, and can add or remove different
`information outputs as desired.
`FIG. 12 shows the type of data/information that are stored
`for PC and Internet usage, which are self-explanatory from
`the drawing figure.
`The operation of the device is described below.
`Before exercising,
`the athlete turns on the GPS-based
`personal performance monitor and feedback device 101
`(FIGS. 1A and 1B) and sets his/her preferences using the
`menu control buttons 115 and display 112. Preference
`options include, by way of example, performance targets
`
`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 15
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`NIKE, Exhibit 1012, Page 15
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`6,013,007
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`(e.g., total distance, exercise session time, and/or average
`speed or pace), frequency of feedback information cycles
`(e.g., continuous, time-related, distance-related, or none),
`type of feedback information (e.g., full or summarized), and
`personal data (e.g., gender, birth date, and body weight).
`Certain preference options may only need to be set once
`(such as gender and birth date) or occasionally (such as
`weight or other variable parameters), while other preference
`options may be adjusted each time the GPS-based personal
`performance monitor and feedback device is used.
`Alternatively, all device settings and user preferences may
`be set and/or adjusted using a personal computer and an
`optional software program.
`Manufacturer set options may include different display
`and voice languages, voice gender, and so forth.
`After plugging in the set of audio headphones 202 and the
`GPS receiver antenna 301, the athlete can set his/her favorite
`radio station(s) and volume and begins his/her stretching and
`warm-up routine. Once the GPS receiver module 604 con-
`firms by means of the display 112 (FIG. 1A), the LED status
`indicator 111, and an audible signal that a reliable, gco-
`graphical position fix is acquired, signaling that the device
`is properly initialized and ready to go, the athlete can press
`the start button 103 (FIG. 1A) and commence his/her
`exercise session. Upon initialization, the device also sets the
`current atmospheric pressure sensor reading as the reference
`point from which elevation changes are derived based on
`changes in atmospheric pressure during the exercise session.
`According to well known operations, the GPS receiver
`604 receives GPS radio wave signals 205 which are emitted
`from existing GPS satellites 204 and received Via the GPS
`receiving antenna 301. Currently, a constellation of high
`altitude GPS satellites 204 are in orbit and available to
`
`provide continuous worldwide position fixes in all types of
`weather conditions. The GPS receiver 604 has a built-in
`processing unit and memory for processing the GPS radio
`wave signals 205 to determine the latitude and longitude
`coordinates of the GPS antenna’s current position, as well as
`determine its current speed and direction of travel.
`During the exercise session, the GPS receiver module 604
`continuously determines the athlete’s geographical position
`and stores it in the memory 608 along with other information
`such as the date and time that each position was acquired.
`From these positions and times, performance data such as
`elapsed distance, current and average speeds and paces,
`calories burned, miles remaining, and time remaining are
`calculated. Based on this data, recommendations to increase
`or decrease level of effort
`to meet pre—set performance
`targets are then determined.
`A relative athletic performance rating can also be derived.
`A smart algorithm can be used to filter out the erroneous
`position points resulting from signal interference or from
`induced errors through the US. government’s Selective
`Availability (SA) program, which intentionally limits the
`absolute accuracy of civilian GPS receivers.
`At pre-set intervals, the information is provided to the
`athlete through the set of audio headphones 202 by means of
`the audio module 606, during which time the volume of the
`radio music is temporarily reduced. In addition, by pressing
`the “Now!” button 105 (FIG. 1B), the pre-set feedback cycle
`preference is temporarily overridden, the athlete is imme-
`diately provided with a current update of his/her
`performance, and the pre-set feedback cycle preference is
`resumed. All feedback data is optionally also scrolled across
`the display 112 while it is being announced via the audio
`hcadphoncs 202.
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`If the user has downloaded a pre-determined course from
`his/her PC or an Internet web site, course changes and
`directional indicators are announced and displayed through-
`out the exercise session on an as needed basis.
`
`A smart algorithm based on measured parameters such as
`speed, pace, exercise type, heart rate, and so forth can be
`optionally used to automatically determine if the athlete has
`temporarily suspended exercising and temporarily pauses
`monitoring until exercise is resumed. In addition, monitor-
`ing can be manually temporarily suspended by pressing the
`pause/position button 104 and resumed by pressing the start
`button 103. A pause condition status indicator is shown on
`the display 112 during paused operation.
`Since the athlete can input pre-set performance targets,
`any deviation between these targets and the actual measured
`performance can be determined and conveyed to the athlete.
`Based on this deviation, the personal performance monitor
`can also provide the athlete with recommendations for
`corrections during each feedback cycle. This advice will
`assist in keeping the athlete on track and, over time, will
`improve his/her performance.
`Other than the “Now!” button 105, the start button 103
`and the pause/position button 104, all buttons are made
`non—operational by pressing the lock/light button 110 for a
`predetermined period of time, such as 2 seconds. A lock
`indicator appears in the display 112. In this locked condition,
`no settings can be accidentally changed. The unit is also
`unlocked with the lock/light button 110. Normal pressing of
`the lock/light button 110 (i.e., for a period of time less than
`th