US20140257537A1

US20140257537A1 - Fitness goal and guidance system

Info

Publication number: US20140257537A1
Application number: US13/788,670
Authority: US
Inventors: Autumn L. Stroupe; Shay Cody; David W. Flynt; Joao Pedro Canhenha
Original assignee: Precor Inc
Current assignee: Precor Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-07
Filing date: 2013-03-07
Publication date: 2014-09-11

Abstract

A fitness goal and guidance system and method display a dial to a person exercising. The system and method further display a first indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal, a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing exercise session based upon on signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by the person exercising, and a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many fitness goals require repeated exercise over multiple individual exercise sessions. Although existing fitness monitors or displays may provide a person with feedback as to performance for an individual exercise session, most fitness monitors or displays do not provide a person with feedback regarding progression towards a multi-session exercise goal. Those that do are not intuitive, are difficult to read and are not motivational.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example fitness goal and guidance system.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be carried out by the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of the fitness goal and guidance system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method that may be carried out by the system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example implementation of the system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an example portable electronic device with an example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 8 illustrating another example display configuration of the system of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example fitness goal and guidance system 20. As will be described hereafter, system 20 provides a person exercising with a dial and associated indicators which provide a person with information indicating both the performance of the person during the individual exercise session as well as performance of the person towards a multi-session exercise metric goal. This information is provided in an easily viewed, easy-to-read, intuitive and motivational manner.
As shown by FIG. 1, system 20 comprises electronic input 22 and controller 26. Electronic input 22 comprises a device to receive electronic signals indicating an exercise metric by a person during an ongoing exercise session. In other words, electronic input 22 comprises a device that receives electronic signals indicating a person's performance with regard to one or more individual metrics (fitness or performance measurements) while the person is engaged in the exercise activity. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “exercise session” means a period of substantially uninterrupted time during which a person partakes in a single homogenous exercise activity. Different exercise sessions may occur on a same piece of exercise equipment or fitness equipment unit, may occur on different pieces of fitness equipment or fitness equipment units, or may occur in the absence of a fitness equipment unit. Different exercise sessions may occur over multiple days or may occur during a single day. For example, during a single trip to a fitness facility or health club for a workout, a person may engage in multiple “exercise sessions” on different fitness equipment units. One exercise session might be an uninterrupted period of time on an elliptical machine while another exercise session might be an uninterrupted time on a treadmill. One exercise session might be multiple sets of bench presses. Another exercise session might be multiple sets of curls. Another exercise session might be a five-mile run outdoors on a trail.
During such exercise sessions, electronic input 22 receives signals indicating the person's performance with respect to one or more exercise metrics. Example of exercise metrics include but are not limited to, distance (mileage), duration (time, repetitions), calories, work (force and resistance multiplied by distance and number of repetitions) and the like. The signals received by electronic input 22 indicating performance with regard to such exercise metrics may be received from one or more sensors located on a fitness equipment unit, through manual input using a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, microphone, touchscreen and the like) or from a space-based satellite navigation system such as a global positioning system (GPS) source (such as when a person is running) In one implementation, electronic input 22 is local with respect to controller 26 and/or display 24. In another implementation, electronic input 22 may be remote from controller 26, wherein such signals are transmitted to controller 26 in a wired or wireless fashion.
Controller 26 comprises one or more circuits or processing units configured to receive signals from electronic input 22 and to generate control signals causing a display 28 to visibly present information to a person while the person is exercising. Display 28 comprises any device configured to provide a visible presentation to a person while the person is exercising based upon signals received from controller 26. In one implementation, display 28 comprises a monitor or display directly associated with a fitness equipment unit. In another implementation, display 28 comprises a monitor or display provided independent of any fitness equipment unit, such as a television, a desktop monitor or a portable electronic device. Examples of portable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, flash memory players, computer tablets, personal data assistants, smart phones and spaced-based satellite navigation system or GPS display wearables such as wrist-top computers, wristbands and the like having displays.
For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 26 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit. In one implementation, controller 26 may be directly associated with display 28, wherein controller 26 not only directs what content is being presented on display 28 but directs the operation of display 28 itself.
In another implementation, controller 26 may be independent of display 28, wherein a separate controller receives the signals from controller 26 and controls the functional operation of display 28 based upon signals from controller 26. For example, in one implementation, controller 26 may be provided by a server remote from display 28, wherein signals indicating the content (images and data) to be presented on display 28 are transmitted over a wide area network (Internet) or a local-area network in a wired or wireless fashion to the local controller of display 28. In one implementation, electronic input 22 and display 28 may be provided as part of a fitness equipment unit or as part of a portable electronic device, wherein the electronic input 22 receives signals indicating an excise metric by the person during an ongoing exercise session and transmits such signals to a remotely located controller 26 (such as a controller in the cloud or at a central computing site associate with a fitness facility). Using such signals, controller 26 generates control signals for directing what content should be displayed on display 28 and transmits such control signals to the fitness equipment unit or to the portable electronic device including electronic input 22 and display 28. Upon receiving such control signals from controller 26, display 28 presents the information to the person while he or she is exercising.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method 100 that may be carried out using system 20 of FIG. 1. As indicated by step 102 and depicted on display 28 of FIG. 1, controller 26 generates control signals causing display 28 to display or present a dial 40 to a person while he or she is exercising. The dial 40 may be presented on a monitor associated with a fitness equipment unit while the person is engaged in an exercise activity on the fitness equipment unit or may be presented on a portable electronic device viewable by the person while the person is engaged in an exercise activity. For example, a person running may view his or her computing wearable or may view another portable electronic device that he or she may be carrying while running, lifting weights (resistance training) and the like. Such a portable electronic device may be supported by a fitness equipment unit and viewed by the person while the person is engaged in an exercise session.
As indicated by step 104, controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to display or present a start time indicator 42 representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal (MSEMG). The starting time is the time at which exercise metrics for sessions are first counted towards the multi-session excise metric goal. In the example illustrated, the start time indicator 42 is displayed at the 12:00 clock position. In other implementations, the start time indicator 42 may be displayed at other clock positions on dial 40.
In one implementation, indicator 42 (schematically shown) may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40. For purposes of this disclosure, an indicator is considered to be on the dial when the indicator is positioned within or outside of the perimeter of dial 40, but circumferentially located with respect to the center point or axis 44 of dial 40, like numbering on a clock face. In other implementations, indicator 42 may comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters, such as a graphical depiction of a race starting line or the like.
Indicator 42 provides a person exercising with an intuitive reference point for understanding other indicators on dial 40. In one implementation, starting indicator 42 is located so as to circumferentially coincide with the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG. In other words, the MSEMG value is proportioned 360 degrees about axis 44. For example, a distance MSEMG of 10 miles would apportion an angle of 36 degrees about axis 44 to each mile or 3.6 degrees to each tenth of a mile. Such an apportionment changes for each MSEMB depending upon the value of the MSEMG. In other implementations, although possibly being less intuitive to quickly visually determine status and advancement towards the multi session goal), starting indicator 42 may be angularly offset from the end time or finishing point for the MSEMG.
As indicated by step 106 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28, controller 26 generates control signals directing display 28 to display or present an ongoing performance indicator 48. Indicator 48 moves about axis 44 in proportion to and based upon signals from electronic input 22 during an ongoing exercise session. The starting point during anyone exercise session for the position or location of indicator 48 is the ending point for indicator 48 at the conclusion of the immediately preceding exercise session of the series of sessions during which the MSEMG is to be attained. For example, if the metric being measured is distance and during a first session the person runs or otherwise traverses 3 miles, the starting point for indicator 48 at the beginning of the second session would be the 3 mile location (angularly spaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc proportional to the three-mile value). If during a second session the person runs 7 miles, the starting point for the third session would be the 10 mile location (angularly spaced about axis 44 from indicator 42 by an arc having a length proportional to the 10 mile value). This information format allows a person exercising to quickly and intuitively ascertain his or her status with regard to an individual exercise session target as well as with regards to the longer-term multi-session exercise metric goal. As a result, the person exercising may maintain his or her focus on the exercise activity itself rather than on a display.
In one implementation, a rate at which indicator 48 moves about axis 44 is also proportional to the rate at which the value for an exercise metric is being increased. For example, when dial 40 is representing a distance MSEMG, the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 indicates a total distance achieved thus far, wherein indicator 48 will move faster or slower about axis 44 depending upon how fast the person may be running. In other implementations, the location of indicator 48 about axis 44 on display 28 may be adjusted at predetermined or predefined time intervals, wherein indicator 40 is stationary between such adjustment times.
As with indicator 42, indicator 48 (schematically shown) may be visibly presented with various graphical depictions. For example, indicator 48 may comprise a single radially extending bar, line or mark on dial 40. In other implementations, indicator 42 may comprise other graphical depictions or alphanumeric characters, such as a graphical depiction of a runner or person exercising.
In one implementation, characteristics of indicator 48 may change depending upon exercise performance characteristics. For example, in one implementation, indicator 48 may change color, brightness, flashing frequency or the like depending upon whether the signals received from electronic input 22 indicate that progress of a person towards an individual target excise metric is slowing down or is at a pace such that the individual session exercise metric will not be attained. As a result, the characteristics of indicator 48 may indicate to the person that he or she should speed up or pick up the pace of activity during the individual exercise session. In such an implementation, the MSEMG may incorporate at least two metrics. For example, although the dial may represent a distance goal, the color of the indicator 48 may indicate whether or not a person is satisfying his or her predefined running pace objective while pursuing the distance goal.
As indicated by step 108 and depicted on dial 40 of display 28 in FIG. 1, controller 26 generates control signals causing display 28 to display or present an adjusted cumulative indicator 54. Indicator 54 is angularly spaced from indicator 42 (the starting time indicator) about axis 44 by a sum of arc 58 and arc 60. Arc 58 is the angular distance about axis 44 corresponding and proportional to the target value for the exercise metric for the ongoing individual exercise session. For example, a 10 session MSEMG goal of 100 miles may use an equal apportionment, wherein the target value for each exercise session is 10 miles. In an implementation where the full 360 degrees of dial 40 corresponds to the 100 mile goal, the angular distance of arc 58 would be 36 degrees. In other implementations, individual sessions may have different, unequal metric target values. For example, with respect to the above example, initial sessions may have target values of less than 10 miles while later sessions have target values of greater than 10 miles, allowing the person to build up his or her distance and endurance. In such implementations, the length of arc 58 may vary depending upon which session is ongoing.
Arc 60 corresponds and is proportional to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time. For example, if the ongoing exercise session is the third exercise session of the series of exercise sessions constituting the total number of exercise sessions, at the end of which the MSEMG goal is to be attained, arc 60 has an arcuate length proportional to the total value of the metric achieved during the previous two exercise sessions. For example, with respect to the above example, if the person completed 3 miles during the first session and 7 miles during a second session (a total distance of 10 miles out of the 100 mile total goal) prior to the ongoing third session, arc 60 would have an arcuate length of 36 degrees.
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fitness goal and guidance system 120, an example implementation of system 20. System 120 is similar to system 20 except that system 120 is specifically illustrated as comprising electronic input 122 and controller 126 in lieu of electronic input 22 and controller 26, respectively. As shown by FIG. 3, electronic input 122 comprises an electronic device to receive signals from multiple distinct sources, wherein the signals indicate an exercise metric by a person during an ongoing exercise session. In the example illustrated, electronic input 122 comprises one or more device to receive ongoing exercise performance metric values, in the form of electronic signals, from fitness equipment units 164, 166, satellite navigation system 168 and manual input 170. Fitness equipment units 164, 166 (also referred to as exercise machines, fitness machines, and the like) comprise distinct types of exercise machines or exercise equipment. Examples of different types of fitness equipment units 164, 166 include, but are not limited to, elliptical machines, stepper machines, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, adaptive motion machines, ski simulation machines, leg press machines and resistive or weightlifting exercise equipment.
Satellite navigation system 168 comprises a space-based satellite system which provides locational information for use in determining distances traversed by a person during exercise independent of any fitness equipment unit. One example of satellite navigation system 168 comprises a global positioning system source. In such an implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise an appropriate antenna for receiving signals from the satellite navigation system 168.
Manual input 170 comprise a keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, mouse, stylus, microphone and speech recognition software alike by which a person may manually or personally enter data. For example, a person engaged with a resistive weightlifting machine may manually enter the weight being lifted or the number repetitions being lifted (in contrast to another implementation where such values may be sensed). In some implementations, manual input 170 may be further connected to controller 126 for inputting a MSEMG.
In one implementation, electronic input 122 may be provided on a single portable electronic device having one or more ports, antennas and the like to facilitate communication with the different types of fitness equipment units and 164, 166, the satellite navigation system 168 or the manual input 170. In such an implementation, the person or user may selectively connect electronic input 122 to the particular component 164, 166, 168, 170 being utilized during the individual exercise session. In another implementation, electronic input 122 may comprise distinct sensors or antennas associated with the different fitness equipment units 164, 166 as well the satellite navigation system 168 and manual input 170, wherein such the signals from the different locations are transmitted to controller 126.
Controller 126 is similar to controller 26 except the controller 126 is specifically configured to carry out method 200 illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 4. As indicated by step 202, controller 126 receives a MSEMG. As indicated by step 202, controller 126 utilizes the received MSEMG and the associated number of sessions for achieving the goal to determine initial target metric values to be achieved during the different exercise sessions. In one implementation, the individual target session values may all be equal. In another implementation, the individual initial target session values may be different, such as where the target values ramp-up from one session to the next or peek at an intermediate session. Step 202 is generally carried out prior to the start of the first exercise session of the series of sessions.
As indicated by step 204, prior to each exercise session, controller 126 obtains any prior session exercise metric results. During the first exercise session, there are no such results. As indicated by step 206, controller 126 adds up the results of the previous individual exercise sessions to determine cumulative value of the prior metric results (CMR). As indicated by step 208, controller 126 compares the CMR to the MSEMG. The comparison identifies whether or not the person's performance, to date, is on track or in line with the end objective or goal. In one implementation, controller 126 may generate control signals causing display 28 to present the result of the comparison (a percentage completion value).
As indicated by step 210, controller 126 utilizes the completed comparison to determine a session target adjustment (STA). The session target adjustment is a metric value to be added to (or subtracted from in the case of an overachieving pace for fear of burnout) to one or more of the predetermined initial session target values determined in step 202 so as to reduce or eliminate any difference between a current or actual pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace (determined in step 202) for the person to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal. In one implementation, the comparison is step 208 may indicate that the person is behind where he or she should be, wherein the deficiency is made up by a single session target adjustment. In another implementation, the deficiency may be made up by the deficiency amount being added to and spread across several successive exercise sessions. According to one example, system 120, during a setup mode, may allow the person or his or her trainer to indicate (using manual input 170) how fast any determined pace deficiencies should be made up during one of more subsequent exercise sessions.
As indicated by step 212, controller 126 determines a multiple section exercise metric estimate using the current pace to date of the person. The current pace MSEM estimate is an estimate of the value of the metric that will have been attained upon completion of all of the sessions given the current pace which is based upon the cumulative metric results for those sessions completed to date.
As indicated by step 214, controller 126 further determines the current MSEMG shortfall. The current MSEMG shortfall is an estimate of the final multiple session exercise metric based on the assumption that each of the subsequent initial session target values (determined in step 202) will be attained. For example, with regard to the above 10 session 100 mile MSEMG, if after three sessions, the person has completed 18 miles, the current MSEMG shortfall would be 88 miles (100−(100/10×3 sessions−18)).
As indicated by step 216 and as depicted on display 28 of FIG. 3, controller 126 causes display 28 to present indicators 242, 244, 248, 254, 260, 262, 264 and 266. In the example shown in FIG. 3, each of the indicators is indicated by a radial line, hash or mark. In other implementations, such indicators may comprise other graphics or icons.
Indicators 242, 248 and 254 identical to indicators 42, 48 and 54 described above except that such indicators are specifically illustrated with the aforementioned radial lines. Indicator 244 comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating the determined CMR (pursuant to step 206). Indicator 260 comprises an indicator on dial 40 indicating a suggested alteration of the initial session target value for the one ongoing session (as indicated by indicator 254) based upon the determination made in step 210 of method 200. In the example illustrated, indicator 260 is angularly spaced from indicator 254 about axis 44 by an arc 270 having a length corresponding to determine cumulative shortfall for the metric after the last completed exercise session. In other words, the session target adjustment represented by the length of arc 270 is proportional to a metric amount or value that will completely make up the deficiency in the ongoing exercise session. Indicator 262 on dial 40 represents an alternative session target adjustment having an arc length less than arc 270, wherein the determined cumulative deficiency is made up and apportioned over multiple exercise sessions.
Indicator 264 on dial 40 indicates the current pace MSEM determined in step 212. Indicator 266 on dial 40 indicates the current MSEMG shortfall as determined in step 214. In other implementations, one of more steps 210, 212 and 214 may be omitted, wherein their corresponding indicators would also be omitted from dial 40.
As indicated by step 218, once the ongoing exercise session has been completed, controller 126 adds the value for the metric from the just completed exercise session to the prior CMR to determine the new CMR for use when determining indicators for dial 40 during the next exercise session. The new CMR is stored.
As indicated by step 220, controller 126 determines whether the number of sessions identified for completion of the MSEMG have been concluded or completed. As indicated by arrow 222, if additional sessions remain in the allotted number of exercise sessions for completion of the MSEMG, controller 126 returns to step 208 and the process begins anew for the next exercise session. As indicated by step 224, if the just completed ongoing session is the final session, the results are displayed. As indicated by step 226, if the MSEMG was achieved, controller 126 transmits a reward signal to a reward implement 270 (shown in FIG. 3). The reward implement comprises any means or mechanism for implementing the reward. In one implementation, the reward signal may direct display 28 to present be a graphic ribbon, medal or token displayed to the person on display 28. In another implementation, the reward signal may be transmitted to an insurance company or some other institution offering a monetary prize or other prize in return for a person meeting exerciser fitness goals. A monetary prize may be a discount on goods or services offered by the institution. For example, a health insurance provider may provide a lower health insurance premium based upon the reward signal. A fitness facility may offer a reward upon receiving such a reward signal such as decreased membership fees, enhanced priority for use of fitness equipment, clothing or other articles and the like.
FIG. 5 illustrates fitness goal and guidance system 320, an example implementation of system 20. System 320 comprises electronic input 122 (describe above) and controller 326. Controller 326 comprises an example implementation of controller 126. Controller 326 is similar to controller 126 except the controller 326 omits the carrying out of step 212 and the display of indicator 264. Controller 326 additionally is configured to generate control signals directing display 28 to present a percentage 323 of the MSEMG that has been momentarily attained proximate a center of dial 40. Because the percentage is centrally located on dial 40, a person may easily see the ongoing percentage while viewing the other parameters indicated by indicators 242, 244, 248, 254 and 260. In the example illustrated, details supporting the percentage 323 are further presented in the center of dial 40 (exercise metric being calories, wherein at the moment, 330 cal have been burned towards the goal of burning 1750 cal).
In the example illustrated, controller 126 generates control signals directing display 28 to present additional information pertaining to the indicators presented on dial 40. In particular, controller 126 generates control signals directing display 28 to present the numerical value 327 for the initial target metric value (serving as a base for the length of arc 58 in FIG. 1), to present the numerical value 329 represented by indicator 260 (the length of arc 270 added to the length of arc 58), the numerical value 331 for the amount of the metric remaining to complete the MSEMG (represented by the length of the arc extending from indicator 248 and indicator 242 in a clockwise direction) and the numerical value 333 for the value represented by indicator 266 on dial 40. In other implementations, one or more of such numerical values may be omitted or may be presented in other fashions.
FIG. 6 illustrates another display configuration 400 that may be presented by display 28 in response to control signals received from controller 326 (shown in FIG. 5). As shown by FIG. 6, controller 326 may further direct display 28 to provide a graph illustrating current levels of a person with regard to multiple different metrics goals which are being pursued as part of system 320. In the example illustrated, the person has established multi-session exercise metric goals pertaining to duration 402 (10 hours), calories 406 (10,000) and distance 408 (10 miles). Controller 126 causes display 28 to present various bars 412, 414 and 416 indicating the person's progression towards the multi-session goal goals.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example display configuration 500 which is presented by display 28 in response to control signals from controller 126 upon a MSEMG being achieved. In the example illustrated, controller 126 transmits a reward signal which results in illustrated medal 504 being presented on display 28.
FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an example implementation of system 320 on a portable electronic device 600. FIG. 8 illustrates system 320 when not receiving signals from electronic input 122 during an ongoing exercise session. As shown by FIG. 8, in a status mode, controller 326 generates control signals causing display 28 to present dial 40 but without indicators 248, 254 and 260. Rather, controller 326 directs display 28 to present status information as of a completion of the last exercise session, highlighting with bars 602 the portion of the MSEMG remaining for the final exercise sessions. As shown by FIG. 8, controller 326 further indicates the number of sessions (two days in the example presented) left to complete the MSEMG.
FIG. 9 illustrates system 320 in an achievements mode in which the achievements for a particular week are displayed. FIG. 10 illustrates display system 320 in a daily achievement display mode wherein the cheers for individual days or individual sessions are displayed. FIG. 11 illustrates system 320 in achievement status mode, wherein each of multiple MSEMG is presented along with associated status of the person towards attaining such goals. Lastly, FIG. 12 illustrates system 320 in a profile mode.
Overall, system 320 allows a person to set multiple multi-session exercise metric goals for multiple exercise metrics while easily ascertaining and tracking the status of his or her pursuit towards such goals. System 320 further provides the person with rewards one such goals have been achieved. As a result, system 320 not only notifies the person over his or her status towards achievement of his or her longer-term, multi-session exercise goals, but offers both guidance (individual session target adjustments) and motivation (encouragement and reward).
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fitness goal and guidance system comprising:

an electronic input to receive signals indicating an exercise metric by a person during an ongoing exercise session; and

a controller to generate control signals to direct a display to visibly present to the person:

a dial centered about an axis;

a first indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal;

a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing o exercise session based upon on the signals; and

a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a fourth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by the second arc.

3. The system of claim 2, when the controller is configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a fifth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by a sum of a third arc corresponding to a second target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and the second arc, the third arc being different than the first arc.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a sixth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first target exercise metric value represented by the first arc is established prior to the starting time and wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by the third arc is determined following the exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by the third arc is determined based upon a comparison of the cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time and the multi-session exercise metric goal.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by the third arc decreases a difference between a current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace for the person to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first arc is scaled based upon a 360 degree arc equated to the multi-session exercise metric goal.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate control signals directing the display to present the a momentary value for the exercise metric for the ongoing exercise session.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the momentary value is displayed proximate a center of the dial.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a percentage of the multi-session exercise metric goal that has been momentarily attained.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the percentage is displayed proximate a center of the dial.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a value of a difference between a current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal and a predetermined pace for the person to attain the multi-session exercise metric goal.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise metric is selected from a group of metrics consisting of time duration, calories, distance and work.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to generate control signals directing the display to present a fourth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the second arc corresponds to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions on different types of fitness equipment units.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic input is configured to receive signals from a fitness equipment unit during a first exercise session and is configured to receive signals from a space-based satellite navigation system during a second exercise session, wherein one of the first exercise session and the second exercise session is the ongoing exercise session.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic input is configured to receive signals from a space-based satellite navigation system.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a fitness equipment unit.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is part of a portable electronic device.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a reward signal upon attainment of the multi-session exercise metric goal.

22. A method comprising:

displaying to a person exercising a dial;

displaying a first indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal;

display a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing exercise session based upon on signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by the person exercising; and

displaying a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising displaying a fourth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by the second arc.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising displaying a fifth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by a sum of a third arc corresponding to a second target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and the second arc, the third arc being different than the first arc.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising displaying a sixth indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator by an arc about the axis corresponding to an estimated final cumulative result for the exercise metric based upon a current pace of the person towards the multi-session exercise metric goal.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first target exercise metric value represented by the first arc is established prior to the starting time and wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by the third arc is determined following the exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the second target exercise metric value represented by the third arc is determined based upon a comparison of the cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time and the multi-session exercise metric goal.

28. An apparatus comprising:

a non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readable programming to direct a processing unit to:

receive signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by a person exercising;

display a dial to the person exercising;

display a first indicator on the dial representing a starting time for a multi-session exercise metric goal;

display a second indicator angularly moving about the axis during the ongoing exercise session based upon on the signals indicating ongoing exercise performance by the person exercising; and

display a third indicator angularly spaced from the first indicator about the axis by a sum of a first arc corresponding to a first target exercise metric value for the ongoing exercise session and a second arc corresponding to a cumulation of exercise metric results of exercise sessions preceding the ongoing exercise session since the starting time.