US20150082167A1

US20150082167A1 - Intelligent device mode shifting based on activity

Info

Publication number: US20150082167A1
Application number: US14/037,228
Authority: US
Inventors: Sabrina Tai-Chen Yeh; Jenny Therese Fredriksson
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 2013-09-17
Filing date: 2013-09-25
Publication date: 2015-03-19
Also published as: US20150081209A1; US20150081066A1; CN105393637A; EP3020253A1; KR20150032170A; CN104460980B; JP2015059935A; US9142141B2; JP2015058363A; JP2015058364A; CA2917927A1; CN108428473B; CN108428473A; KR20150032182A; EP3020253A4; WO2015041970A1; CN104460982A; JP2015061318A; KR20150032183A; KR20150032184A

Abstract

A consumer electronics (CE) device has at least first and second user interface (UI) output modes respectively correlated to first and second user activities. The UI output mode is automatically established based on a sensor indicating a user activity correlated to the UI output mode.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/878,835, filed Sep. 17, 2013.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to digital ecosystems that are configured for use when engaging in physical activity and/or fitness exercises.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Society is becoming increasingly health-conscious. A wide variety of exercise and workouts are now offered to encourage people to stay fit through exercise. As understood herein, while stationary exercise equipment often comes equipped with data displays for the information of the exerciser, the information is not tailored to the individual and is frequently repetitive and monotonous. As further understood herein, people enjoy listening to music as workout aids but the music typically is whatever is broadcast within a gymnasium or provided on a recording device the user may wear, again being potentially monotonous and unchanging in pattern and beat in a way that is uncoupled from the actual exercise being engaged in.
Thus, while present principles recognize that consumer electronics (CE) devices may be used while engaged in physical activity to enhance the activity, most audio and/or visual aids are static in terms of not being tied to the actual exercise. Specifically, as understood herein people typically are interested in different measures during different kinds of activities but this requires shifting devices or modes between activities, which is a nuisance. For instance, instantaneous heart rate, pace, distance, and time might be interesting during an exercise session, but for ambient activity measurements, people may just be interested in general movement. To get the information that they typically desire, the individual usually must explicitly input to the system that the individual desires to switch modes, but switching between different dedicated devices is cumbersome. Indeed, different devices altogether may be required for different activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Present principles recognize that portable aids can be provided to improve exercise performance, provide inspiration, enable the sharing of exercise performance for social reasons, help fulfill a person's exercise goals, analyze and track exercise results, and provide virtual coaching to exercise participants in an easy, intuitive manner.
Accordingly, multiple sources of information are linked to an individual, to provide accurate, intelligent mode shifting of a device that reads physical activity. Based on intelligent mode shifting, the system automatically can adjust the feedback provided to the individual, such as a visual user interface or audio voice feedback, to be most relevant to the specific activity. Additionally, based on the mode shifting, the user's CE device can activate and inactivate various sensors to optimize device battery life.
Among the information that can be used to automatically shift modes of a CE device are point-of-interest information, such as a location such as a gym, pool, specialized sports field like tennis court, basketball court, soccer/hockey field, running track, outdoor trail, etc. A person's calendar information also may be used as well as learned behavior patterns (so even, for instance, if someone doesn't enter a run into their calendar, the intelligent system learns that behavior pattern). Multiple linked devices can be associated with the same person. Thus, for example, if a person is wearing a watch and also carrying a mobile phone, and both devices can provide complementary information. Based on this information indicating what the user is doing, the system can switch audio coaching based on the sensed activity, modify a user interface to show different measurements that are relevant to the indicated activity, and turn on/off various sensors to optimize device battery life.
It may now be appreciated that by automating the process of switching between activity-based modes and automatically adjusting the information that is presented to the individual (both the visual user interface, and any audible interface like voice coaching), the user experience is simplified. Furthermore, for accurate activity monitoring, multiple devices can be synchronized to coordinate with each other. For instance, a heart rate monitor in a headphone can be synchronized with a wrist-worn computerized bangle or watch to present heart rate information from the monitor on the bangle or watch. In this way, even if a person has different devices, the activity information can be aggregated into one single account on a cloud service and the aggregation of the information should help to provide a clearer picture than information from a single device or source.
A device is configured for automatically shifting user interface modes based on information indicating user activity and includes at least one computer readable storage medium bearing instructions executable by a processor and at least one processor configured for accessing the computer readable storage medium to execute the instructions to configure the processor. The processor is configured for receiving a first signal, which indicates a first activity of a user of the device, from an activity sensor. In response to receiving the first signal, the processor establishes a first user interface output on an audio and/or visual display of the device. The processor then receives a second signal, which indicates a second activity of a user of the device, from an activity sensor. In response to receiving the second signal, the processor establishes a second user interface output on the audio and/or visual display of the device.
The activity sensor of the device that can provide the first signal may also provide the second signal. Alternatively, a second activity sensor may provide the second signal. The activity sensor that can provide the first signal may be a location sensor, a motion sensor, a biometric sensor, a near field communication (NFC) element, or an electronically stored calendar containing learned behavior patterns of the user. Furthermore, the activity sensor that can provide the first signal may be contained in a first device and the audio and/or visual display is supported on a second device separate from and configured for wireless communication with the first device. The processor can execute instructions that configure the processor to deactivate an activity sensor in response to the first signal and activating an activity sensor in response to the second signal.
The first activity can be an exercise activity and the first user interface output may include a first audio output pertaining to the exercise activity. The first activity, as sensed by an activity sensor, e.g. a motion detector, can be a running exercise and the first user interface output may include an audio report of at least one of: time elapsed in running, distance covered in running, elevation of running, pace of running. The first activity may be a different activity, e.g. swimming, and the first user interface output can include at least one of an audio report of laps swum, music correlated to swimming. The second activity can be a sedentary activity and the second user interface output may include a second audio output pertaining to the sedentary activity.
In another aspect, a consumer electronics (CE) device includes an audio and/or video display and a processor configured for controlling the display to establish on the display at least first and second user interface (UI) output modes respectively correlated to first and second user activities. It also includes a computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor and bearing instructions which when executed by the processor configure the processor. The instructions configure the processor for automatically establishing the first UI output mode responsive to determining a user of the CE device is engaged in the first user activity. The processor is also configured for automatically establishing the second UI output mode responsive to determining a user of the CE device is engaged in the second user activity.
In another aspect, a method includes reception of a first signal, which indicates a first activity of a user of the device, from an activity sensor. A first user interface output on an audio and/or visual display of the device is established in response to reception of the first signal. The method further includes reception of a second signal from an activity sensor, indicating a second activity of a user of the device. A second user interface output on the audio and/or visual display of the device is established in response to reception of the second signal.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an example in accordance with present principles;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of example overall logic;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a first example of specific logic according to present principles;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a second example of specific logic according to present principles;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a third example of specific logic according to present principles;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a fourth example of specific logic according to present principles;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a fifth example of specific logic according to present principles;

FIG. 8 is a representation of a first example user interface (UI) output mode based on a first activity, in this case, swimming;

FIG. 9 is a representation of an example user interface (UI) output mode based on a different activity, in this case, running; and

FIG. 10 is a representation of a third example user interface (UI) output mode based on a sedentary activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This disclosure relates generally to consumer electronics (CE) device based user information. A system herein may include server and client components, connected over a network such that data may be exchanged between the client and server components. The client components may include one or more computing devices including portable televisions (e.g. smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portable computers such as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devices including smart phones and additional examples discussed below. These client devices may operate with a variety of operating environments. For example, some of the client computers may employ, as examples, operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operating system, or operating systems produced by Apple Computer or Google. These operating environments may be used to execute one or more browsing programs, such as a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla or other browser program that can access web applications hosted by the Internet servers discussed below.
Servers may include one or more processors executing instructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit data over a network such as the Internet. Or, a client and server can be connected over a local intranet or a virtual private network.
Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients and servers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients can include firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, and other network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or more servers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing a secure community such as an online social website to network members.
As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps for processing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed step undertaken by components of the system.
A processor may be any conventional general purpose single- or multi-chip processor that can execute logic by means of various lines such as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers and shift registers.
Software modules described by way of the flow charts and user interfaces herein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Without limiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particular module can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combined together in a single module and/or made available in a shareable library.
Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in terms of their functionality.
Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described below can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor can be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination of computing devices.
The functions and methods described below, when implemented in software, can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited to C# or C++, and can be stored on or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage such as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc. A connection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connections can include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optics and coaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DSL) and twisted pair wires. Such connections may include wireless communication connections including infrared and radio.
Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.
“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B, C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.
Before describing FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the CE devices and software described herein are understood to be usable in the context of a digital ecosystem. Thus, as understood herein, a computer ecosystem, or digital ecosystem, may be an adaptive and distributed socio-technical system that is characterized by its sustainability, self-organization, and scalability. Inspired by environmental ecosystems, which consist of biotic and abiotic components that interact through nutrient cycles and energy flows, complete computer ecosystems consist of hardware, software, and services that in some cases may be provided by one company, such as Sony Electronics. The goal of each computer ecosystem is to provide consumers with everything that may be desired, at least in part services and/or software that may be exchanged via the Internet. Moreover, interconnectedness and sharing among elements of an ecosystem, such as applications within a computing cloud, provides consumers with increased capability to organize and access data and presents itself as the future characteristic of efficient integrative ecosystems.
Two general types of computer ecosystems exist: vertical and horizontal computer ecosystems. In the vertical approach, virtually all aspects of the ecosystem are associated with the same company (e.g. produced by the same manufacturer), and are specifically designed to seamlessly interact with one another. Horizontal ecosystems, one the other hand, integrate aspects such as hardware and software that are created by differing entities into one unified ecosystem. The horizontal approach allows for greater variety of input from consumers and manufactures, increasing the capacity for novel innovations and adaptations to changing demands. But regardless, it is to be understood that some digital ecosystems, including those referenced herein, may embody characteristics of both the horizontal and vertical ecosystems described above.
Accordingly, it is to be further understood that these ecosystems may be used while engaged in physical activity to e.g. provide inspiration, goal fulfillment and/or achievement, automated coaching/training, health and exercise analysis, convenient access to data, group sharing (e.g. of fitness data), and increased accuracy of health monitoring, all while doing so in a stylish and entertaining manner. Further still, the devices disclosed herein are understood to be capable of making diagnostic determinations based on data from various sensors (such as those described below in reference to FIG. 1) for use while exercising, for exercise monitoring (e.g. in real time), and/or for sharing of data with friends (e.g. using a social networking service) even when not all people have the same types and combinations of sensors on their respective CE devices.
Thus, it is to be understood that the CE devices described herein may allow for easy and simplified user interaction with the device so as to not be unduly bothersome or encumbering e.g. before, during, and after an exercise.
Now specifically referring to FIG. 1, an example system 10 is shown, which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above and described further below to enhance fitness experiences in accordance with present principles. The first of the example devices included in the system 10 is an example consumer electronics (CE) device 12 that may be waterproof (e.g., for use while swimming). The CE device 12 may be, e.g., a computerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wearable computerized device such as e.g. computerized Internet-enabled watch, a computerized Internet-enabled bracelet, other computerized Internet-enabled fitness devices, a computerized Internet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled head phones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as an implantable skin device, etc., and even e.g. a computerized Internet-enabled television (TV). Regardless, it is to be understood that the CE device 12 is configured to undertake present principles (e.g. communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles, execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functions and/or operations described herein).
Accordingly, to undertake such principles the CE device 12 can include some or all of the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the CE device 12 can include one or more touch-enabled displays 14, one or more speakers 16 for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additional input device 18 such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone for e.g. entering audible commands to the CE device 12 to control the CE device 12. The example CE device 12 may also include one or more network interfaces 20 for communication over at least one network 22 such as the Internet, an WAN, an LAN, etc. under control of one or more processors 24. It is to be understood that the processor 24 controls the CE device 12 to undertake present principles, including the other elements of the CE device 12 described herein such as e.g. controlling the display 14 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, note the network interface 20 may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver, WiFi transceiver, etc.
In addition to the foregoing, the CE device 12 may also include one or more input ports 26 such as, e.g., a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wired connection) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the CE device 12 for presentation of audio from the CE device 12 to a user through the headphones. The CE device 12 may further include one or more tangible computer readable storage medium 28 such as disk-based or solid state storage, it being understood that the computer readable storage medium 28 may not be a carrier wave. Also in some embodiments, the CE device 12 can include a position or location receiver such as but not limited to a GPS receiver and/or altimeter 30 that is configured to e.g. receive geographic position information from at least one satellite and provide the information to the processor 24 and/or determine an altitude at which the CE device 12 is disposed in conjunction with the processor 24. However, it is to be understood that that another suitable position receiver other than a GPS receiver and/or altimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g. determine the location of the CE device 12 in e.g. all three dimensions.
Continuing the description of the CE device 12, in some embodiments the CE device 12 may include one or more scameras 32 that may be, e.g., a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, and/or a camera integrated into the CE device 12 and controllable by the processor 24 to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles (e.g. to share aspects of a physical activity such as hiking with social networking friends). Also included on the CE device 12 may be a Bluetooth transceiver 34 and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element 36 for communication with other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.
Further still, the CE device 12 may include one or more motion sensors 37 (e.g., an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, magnetic sensor, infrared (IR) motion sensors such as passive IR sensors, an optical sensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesture command), etc.) providing input to the processor 24. The CE device 12 may include still other sensors such as e.g. one or more climate sensors 38 (e.g. barometers, humidity sensors, wind sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) and/or one or more biometric sensors 40 (e.g. heart rate sensors and/or heart monitors, calorie counters, blood pressure sensors, perspiration sensors, odor and/or scent detectors, fingerprint sensors, facial recognition sensors, iris and/or retina detectors, DNA sensors, oxygen sensors (e.g. blood oxygen sensors and/or VO2 max sensors), glucose and/or blood sugar sensors, sleep sensors (e.g. a sleep tracker), pedometers and/or speed sensors, body temperature sensors, nutrient and metabolic rate sensors, voice sensors, lung input/output and other cardiovascular sensors, etc.) also providing input to the processor 24. In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that in some embodiments the CE device 12 may also include a kinetic energy harvester 42 to e.g. charge a battery (not shown) powering the CE device 12.
Still referring to FIG. 1, in addition to the CE device 12, the system 10 may include one or more other CE device types such as, but not limited to, a computerized Internet-enabled bracelet 44, computerized Internet-enabled headphones and/or ear buds 46, computerized Internet-enabled clothing 48, a computerized Internet-enabled exercise machine 50 (e.g. a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical machine, etc.), etc. Also shown is a computerized Internet-enabled gymnasium entry kiosk 52 permitting authorized entry to a gymnasium housing the exercise machine 50. It is to be understood that other CE devices included in the system 10 including those described in this paragraph may respectively include some or all of the various components described above in reference to the CE device 12 such but not limited to e.g. the biometric sensors and motion sensors described above, as well as the position receivers, cameras, input devices, and speakers also described above.
Thus, for instance, the headphones/ear buds 46 may include a heart rate sensor configured to sense a person's heart rate when a person is wearing the head phones, the clothing 48 may include sensors such as perspiration sensors, climate sensors, and heart sensors for measuring the intensity of a person's workout, and the exercise machine 50 may include a camera mounted on a portion thereof for gathering facial images of a user so that the machine 50 may thereby determine whether a particular facial expression is indicative of a user struggling to keep the pace set by the exercise machine 50 and/or an NFC element to e.g. pair the machine 50 with the CE device 12 and hence access a database of preset workout routines, and the kiosk 52 may include an NFC element permitting entry to a person authenticated as being authorized for entry based on input received from a complimentary NFC element (such as e.g. the NFC element 36 on the device 12). Also note that all of the devices described in reference to FIG. 1, including a server 54 to be described shortly, may communicate with each other over the network 22 using a respective network interface included thereon, and may each also include a computer readable storage medium that may not be a carrier wave for storing logic and/or software code in accordance with present principles.
Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server 54, it includes at least one processor 56, at least one tangible computer readable storage medium 58 that may not be a carrier wave such as disk-based or solid state storage, and at least one network interface 60 that, under control of the processor 56, allows for communication with the other CE devices of FIG. 1 over the network 22, and indeed may facilitate communication therebetween in accordance with present principles. Note that the network interface 60 may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, WiFi transceiver, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver.
Accordingly, in some embodiments the server 54 may be an Internet server, may facilitate fitness coordination and/or data exchange between CE device devices in accordance with present principles, and may include and perform “cloud” functions such that the CE devices of the system 10 may access a “cloud” environment via the server 54 in example embodiments to e.g. stream music to listen to while exercising and/or pair two or more devices (e.g. to “throw” music from one device to another).
Turning now to FIG. 2, an example flowchart of logic to be executed by a CE device such as the CE device 12 in accordance with present principles is shown. The processor 24 receives a signal from an activity sensor, e.g. heart rate sensor or other biometric sensor 40, at block 70 and establishes a first UI output in response to the signal at block 72. The UI output may be established for presentation on display 14 or sent to another component of system 10 for presentation on another display. The processor 24 receives a second activity signal from an activity sensor at block 74 that may or may not be the same activity sensor that generated the first signal (block 70). A second UI is established in response to the second signal at block 76. The processor 24 may activate or deactivate any sensor(s) based on activity signal(s) at block 77.
Moving in reference to FIGS. 3 through 7, five examples of specific logic according to present principles are shown. Beginning at FIG. 3, block 78, the processor 24 receives a location signal from an activity sensor. For example, a GPS transceiver can establish the location of the user of the CE device during an activity. The processor 24 may correlate the location information to a place at block 80 using, e.g. map data downloaded via the Internet or otherwise stored on the CE device. A UI corresponding to the specific location as established by the GPS location sensor and map data is established by the processor 24 at block 82. In the example using GPS, information obtained may be correlated to a specific running track, gymnasium, etc. and the UI established may correspond to that specific location and may include elements such as a satellite image of the location, options to obtain distance covered, time elapsed, etc.
The logic in FIG. 4 includes the processor 24 receiving a signal from a motion sensor 37 at block 84. The motion sensor 37 represents the activity sensor in this example and may be a velocity or acceleration sensor or a position sensor from which the time rate of change of position (velocity) is derived by a processor. The processor determines whether the signal received crosses a threshold at decision diamond 86 and, if threshold has been crossed, the processor can change the UI mode for the new motion threshold at block 90. If the threshold is not crossed, the processor may not change the UI mode and continues to receive signals with the current threshold UI at block 88.
In the example using a velocity, a velocity greater than the threshold, e.g. 4 mph, indicates running, and is so correlated to the UI output mode, and under 4 mph indicates sedentary and is so correlated to UI output mode, with 4 mph being but an example threshold. Similar logic may be applied to the acceleration sensor, where the acceleration threshold may be 0.5 mph, and an acceleration greater than 0.5 mph indicates running faster, and is so correlated to UI output mode, and acceleration less than 0.5 mph indicates running at about the same speed or slower, and is so correlated to UI output mode, with 0.5 mph being but an example threshold.
Moving in reference to FIG. 5, logic of another specific example begins with the reception of biometric signals from a biometric sensor 40 by the processor 24 at block 92. The processor 24 correlates the biometric information to a specific activity, e.g. walking, running, resting, etc. at block 94 and then establishes a UI output for the correlated activity at block 96.
The biometric sensor 40 in this example represents the activity sensor and may be a heart rate sensor that detects the user's heart rate and sends that information signal to the processor 24, which then correlates the heart rate to an activity and establishes an UI. For instance, the processor 24 may determine that a heart rate of 65 bpm may indicate resting, 85 bpm may indicate walking, and 110 bpm may indicate running. These heart rate numbers are for the purpose of example only and the user may wish to preprogram the device to establish numbers correlating to different levels of activity that are specific to that particular user. The processor 24 can establish the appropriate UI based on its determination of which activity is being performed and may incorporate into the UI information presented to the user, e.g. a graph, based on changes in heart rate over time.
Similar logic may apply to a perspiration sensor that takes the place of the biometric sensor. Graded levels of perspiration may indicate different levels of activity to the processor 24, which may incorporate factors such as humidity and temperature. Different UI output modes may be established based on the processor 24 determination of the level of activity that is based on the amount of perspiration.
Now referring to FIG. 6, the processor 24 can establish a pairing between a near field communication (NFC) element with a facility sensor at block 98. The NFC element in this example represents the activity sensor and its pairing with the facility sensor may enable the processor 24 to correlate the pairing to a specific location, e.g. a gym, pool, etc. at block 100. The processor 24 may then establish a UI output for the correlated location at block 102.
For example, the CE device 12 may include a NFC element that can recognize signals established with another sensor stationed at a pool and be paired with that pool facility sensor. The processor 24 can correlate the pairing to the pool's location and establish a UI geared toward swimming and provide information such as number of laps swum, distance swum, etc.
FIG. 7 illustrates logic of the establishment of a UI output based on signals from activity sensors that established repeatedly in a time-wise manner. The processor 24 may store signals from activity sensors, such as the NFC element paired with the pool from FIG. 6 above, along with information regarding the date, day of the week, and/or time the signals were established at block 104. Once the same signal has been stored at the same date, day, and/or time greater than N number of instances, e.g. 5 times, at block 106, the processor 24 may correlate subsequent signals to a specific activity and establish a UI output for each subsequent date, day, and/or time that matches the stored dates, days, and/or times at block 108. Continuing with the example of the NFC element paired with the pool sensor, paired signals established every Monday at 7:00 am for five Mondays may form a “memory” that the processor 24 may use to correlate signals received any Monday around 7:00 am to the same swimming activity and establish a consistent and inclusive UI output.
FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate example UI output modes based on various activities. Beginning with FIG. 8, the CE device 12 may be a watch 110 with a wristband 112 and a display 14. The speaker 16 may provide an audible lap counter or music/news reports for entertainment under the direction of the processor 24 in response to signals from an activity sensor indicating swimming.
The watch 110 in FIG. 9 includes an activity sensor that can signal the processor 24 to indicate an activity, here, running. The activity sensor could be a location sensor, e.g. GPS locator, that could signal the processor 24 location information correlating to a track and thus to running. Alternatively, the activity sensor could be a motion sensor that may signal the processor 24 information that correlates to running. In any case, indication that a running activity is occurring, the processor 24 within the watch 110 may wirelessly transmit audio signals to headphones 114 that can include speakers 16 which may play audio reports of distance ran, running pace, directions, elevation, etc. into the user's ears. Note that the activity sensor is on the watch 110, which communicates wirelessly with the headphones 114 that output an audio mode keyed to the particular activity. It is understood that the watch display 14 could also output a video mode keyed to the same activity, in which case both CE devices (the watch 110 and headphones 114) are synchronized with the activity.
Moving in reference to FIG. 10, the watch 110 may output video mode on display 14 that correlates to that activity being performed. For example, if the activity sensor indicates running activity, the processor 24 may establish a video UI output mode to display the number of calories being burned per hour on the display 14. The example audio information provided through the headphones 114 in FIG. 9 may also be presented on the display 14 of the watch 110 in a video UI output mode as shown here in FIG. 10.
While the UI output modes in FIGS. 8 through 10 show audio output modes, they could also be video or a combination or audio and video.
While the particular Intelligent Device Mode Shifting Based on Activity is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device configured for automatically shifting user interface modes based on information indicating user activity, comprising:

at least one computer readable storage medium bearing instructions executable by a processor;

at least one processor configured for accessing the computer readable storage medium to execute the instructions to configure the processor for:

receiving a first signal from an activity sensor, the first signal indicating a first activity of a user of the device;

in response to receiving the first signal, establishing a first user interface output on an audio and/or visual display of the device;

receiving a second signal from an activity sensor, the second signal indicating a second activity of a user of the device;

in response to receiving the second signal, establishing a second user interface output on the audio and/or visual display of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is the same activity sensor providing the second signal.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is not the same activity sensor providing the second signal.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor when executing the instructions is configured for deactivating an activity sensor in response to the first signal and activating an activity sensor in response to the second signal.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is a location sensor.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is a motion sensor.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is a biometric sensor.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is a near field communication (NFC) element.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is contained in a first device and the audio and/or visual display is supported on a second device separate from and configured for wireless communication with the first device.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the activity sensor providing the first signal is an electronically stored calendar containing learned behavior patterns of the user.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first activity is an exercise activity and the first user interface output includes a first audio output pertaining to the exercise activity.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the second activity is a sedentary activity and the second user interface output includes a second audio output pertaining to the sedentary activity.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first activity is running and the first user interface output includes an audio report of at least one of: time elapsed in running, distance covered in running, elevation of running, pace of running.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the first activity is swimming and the first user interface output includes at least one of an audio report of laps swum, music correlated to swimming.

15. A consumer electronics (CE) device comprising:

an audio and/or video display;

a processor configured for controlling the display to establish on the display at least first and second user interface (UI) output modes respectively correlated to first and second user activities; and

a computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor and bearing instructions which when executed by the processor configure the processor for:

automatically establishing the first UI output mode responsive to determining a user of the CE device is engaged in the first user activity, and automatically establishing the second UI output mode responsive to determining a user of the CE device is engaged in the second user activity.

16. The CE device of claim 15, comprising a location sensor configured for providing a first signal to the processor, the processor when executing the instructions being configured for correlating the first signal to the first user activity.

17. The CE device of claim 15, comprising a motion sensor configured for providing a first signal to the processor, the processor when executing the instructions being configured for correlating the first signal to the first user activity.

18. The CE device of claim 15, comprising a biometric sensor configured for providing a first signal to the processor, the processor when executing the instructions being configured for correlating the first signal to the first user activity.

19. The CE device of claim 15, comprising a near field communication (NFC) element configured for providing a first signal to the processor, the processor when executing the instructions being configured for correlating the first signal to the first user activity.

20. Method comprising: