US20160279470A1

US20160279470A1 - Holistic ring-based exercise system and method

Info

Publication number: US20160279470A1
Application number: US14/668,157
Authority: US
Inventors: Melissa Campbell; George Hampton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-25
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2016-09-29

Abstract

A ring-based exercise system collects health metrics and senses rotational movements of a ring moving in a rotational path to calculate exercise results, such as calories burned, and provide instantaneous visual and data feedback. The system monitors the number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring exercise. A ring is twirled around a central axis, such as a torso or limbs. A motion sensor senses the positional information of the ring during the exercise, such as velocity, acceleration, number of rotations, and x-y-z axis motion. A processor, wither integrated into the ring or remotely located calculates the exercise results, i.e., calories burned, through the health metrics and sensor signals. An illumination and an audio signal visible on the ring correlates with the velocity and movement of the ring.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a holistic ring-based exercise system and method. More so, a holistic exercise system and method collects health metrics and senses rotational movements of a ring during a ring-based exercise to calculate exercise results.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, a hula hoop is a toy hoop that is twirled around the waist, limbs or neck. The hula hoop rotates around the waist, arms, or legs and remains rotating as long as sufficient angular momentum is applied thereto. The hula hoop is used as a game to count how many rotations it can stay on the waist. The energy required to maintain the hula hoop on the waist generally provides a light workout.
It is known that conventional exercising hula-hoop presents a popular exercise and is a recreational device suitable for the entire family, fun and easy to use with little space taken. However, in exercising with the conventional exercising hula-hoop, the user executes boring and monotonous shaking motion, nor can the user get related information of the exercise. Thus, the user often loses interest after a while. The conventional art sought to improve this by adding to the exercising hula-hoop the capabilities for keeping track of calories burned, duration of exercise, number of rotations, and audio feedback, etc. found in other exercise equipment.
Often, motion sensors, which include gyroscopes and their components (e.g., angular rate sensors and accelerometers), are widely used in consumer electronics products such as video cameras, and in aerospace and automotive applications such as safety control systems and navigational systems. Examples of automotive applications for gyroscopes include traction control, ride stabilization and global position systems. The motion sensors typically measure vertical movements, horizontal movements, vibrations, and rotational movements, and then generate a correlating signal.
It is known that performing sufficient exercise while recording the results of the exercise are vital for building and retaining good health. Unfortunately this is difficult to quantify exercise results while performing a fun and easy to use exercise tool. Furthermore, recent health related information has shown that not only is aerobic exercise necessary, but that strength training also has very significant health benefits. The present invention provides a holistic approach to exercise designed to facilitate motivating users to exercise regularly and record the results for analysis. These two factors must be present, and by comparing the health metrics and a number of exercise measurements the system can evaluate compliance with the exercise and dietary protocol.
Other proposals have involved for integrating exercise systems into a hula hoop. The problem with these devices is that they do not make accurate measurements, are heavy, collapsible, and have superficial lights that do not correlate to anything and merely illuminate for no purpose.
Thus, an unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. Even though the above cited methods for a ring-based exercise system and method that uses a hula hoop for exercising meets some of the needs of the market, a system and method designed for using both health metrics and rotational movements of a hula hoop to calculate exercise data and thus plan a holistic exercise program is still desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a ring-based exercise system and method that collects health metrics and senses rotational movements of a ring during an exercise performed substantially with the ring to calculate exercise results, such as calories burned, and provide instantaneous visual and data feedback. In one embodiment, the system and method is configured to monitor the number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring exercise. The ring incorporates various motion sensors, processors, and visual indicators to calculate the exercise results and provide motivation and entertainment while exercising with the ring. The ring calculates the exercise results based on the provided health metrics and the positional information detected from the ring during movement in a rotational path.
The exercise result provides useful data that may indicate a need to adjust exercises patterns, dietary needs, and appropriate exercise partners. This creates a holistic exercise experience. In one embodiment, the exercise results comprise number of calories burned while exercising with the ring. The exercise results may also include a ring exercise history that the system and method records for future access and modeling. Based on the exercise results, the system and method enables interaction with a community of ring exercisers having similar exercise results.
In some embodiments, the system and method comprises a ring, such as a hula hoop, that provides a popular exercise and recreational device that is fun and easy to use and enables a variety of ring-based exercises. The ring may be twirled around a central axis, such as the waist, limbs, or neck. The gyrations and movements necessary to rotate the ring may help to strengthen and create flexibility in the core torso and the limbs. In one embodiment, the ring encircles a torso during the exercise. The ring may be rotated around the torso while the torso moves in a repetitive oscillating pattern of movement. The ring utilizes angular momentum and inertia to remain on the torso during this rotation. The torso exerts energy and performs coordinated movements while oscillating to maintain rotation of the ring. This exerted energy and applied coordination forms the basis for the ring exercise. In one alternative embodiment, a weight may be attached by cable to the ring to provide additional inertia during rotation.
In one embodiment, the ring comprises at least one motion sensor that integrates into the inner space of the ring. The motion sensor is arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring, such that positional information of the ring is detected. The positional information of the ring may include, without limitation, angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, x-y-z axis motions, and orientation of the torso or limbs relative to the ring. The motion sensor may emit a signal in response to the positional information of the ring. The motion sensor may include, without limitation, an angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.
In some embodiments, the ring may also include a processor that processes the signal from the motion sensor to quantify the movements of the ring. The health metrics are also stored and computed by the processor. In some embodiments, the processor performs calculations on the signals and derives the subsequent exercise results, which are partially based on the provided health metrics, and partially based on the signals from the motion sensor. The processor may be integrated into the ring or remotely located. The motion sensor and the processor work together to translate the exercise data into the amount of calories burned.
The processor may either integrate into the ring, or remotely communicate with the ring. From a remote location, a display device operatively connects to the processor to show the exercise results, including the number of calories burned. In some embodiments, the processor may calculate signals that are received from the sensor at approximately ten to one hundred samples per second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that processing a greater number of samples per second enables the calculation of more accurate exercise results.
In one embodiment, the processor utilizes a transfer function or similar algorithm to incorporate the health metrics and the sensor signals into a final calculation of the exercise results. For example, the health metrics may include, age, weight, height, and body type. The ring motion may include twenty fast uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the processor may calculate the exercise results, including an approximation of calories burned. The exercise results may then be used to recommend additional exercise regiments, diets, and connect with other ring exercisers having similar exercise results.
In one embodiment, the ring may include an illumination portion that illuminates in proportion to the motion of the ring. A more vigorous rotation results in a brighter illumination or a unique color, such as green. A slower rotation of the ring results in a duller illumination and a color, such as yellow. In this manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is visually indicated. An audio portion may also be incorporated into the ring. The audio portion emits an audio signal in alignment with the velocity of the rotational path of the ring. In this manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is audibly indicated. These visual and audible indicators may help motivate and entertain while exercising.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a holistic exercise system for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, comprising:

- a ring having an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface defined by an inner space therebetween;
- at least one health metric defined by a unit for a physical disposition;
- at least one motion sensor arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring, the at least one motion sensor configured to detect positional information of the ring;
- a processor operatively connected to the at least one motion sensor, the processor configured to process the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring, wherein the processor calculates an exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring; and
- an illumination portion configured to illuminate in correlation with the rotational path of the ring, wherein an increase in velocity of the rotational path of the ring correlates with an increase in illumination by the illumination portion.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the ring comprises a hula hoop configured to be twirled around a central axis.
In another aspect, the ring has a substantially circular shape.
In another aspect, the at least one health metric includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: age, weight, height, and body type.
In another aspect, the at least one motion sensor includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: an angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.
In another aspect, the positional information of the ring includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, and x-y-z axis motions.
In another aspect, the processor is disposed to integrate into the inner space of the ring.
In another aspect, the processor is disposed remotely from the ring.
In another aspect, the processor comprises a transfer function algorithm.
In another aspect, the remote processor comprises a display device configured to display the exercise results.
In another aspect, the exercise results comprise number of calories burned.
In another aspect, the exercise results are downloadable through a software application.
In another aspect, the exercise results comprise data that transmits through Bluetooth technology to a smartphone.
In another aspect, the illumination portion comprises a series of evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged on the exterior surface of the ring.
In another aspect, the illumination portion is configured to illuminate a green color when the velocity of the rotational path of the ring increases, the illumination portion further configured to illuminate a red color when the velocity of the rotational path of the ring decreases.
In another aspect, the system further comprises an audio portion configured to emit an audio signal in alignment with the velocity of the rotational path of the ring.
It is one objective to provide a ring-based exercise that indicates the number of calories burned.
Another objective is to provide an entertaining exercise with a hula hoop.
Another objective is to provide a holistic, ring-based exercise that provides data, light, and audio feedback while exercising and for planning future exercise regiments.
Another objective is to use the exercise results to form a community of ring-based exercisers.
Another objective is to provide at least one motion sensor that integrates into a hula hoop.
Yet another objective is to provide a digital display of the exercise results.
Yet another objective is to store the exercise results for future modeling and comparison analysis.
Yet another objective is to provide an easy to use and inexpensive exercise tool.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1. is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary method for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, where an exemplary torso rotates an exemplary ring with a weight attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary ring having at least one motion sensor, a processor, an illumination portion, and an audio portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a blowup view of an exemplary ring having an exemplary controller for regulating the illumination portion and the audio portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary section of a ring detailing the electrical components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112.
In one embodiment of the present invention, presented in FIGS. 1-4, a ring-based exercise system 100 collects at least one health metric (not shown) and senses rotational movements of a ring 102 that moves in a rotational path 104 to calculate exercise results, such as calories burned, while providing instantaneous visual and data feedback. In one embodiment, the system 100 is configured to monitor the number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring exercise. The ring 102 may incorporate at least one motion sensor 110, a processor 116, and visual indicators to calculate the exercise results and provide motivation and entertainment performing the ring exercises with the ring 102. In one embodiment, the system 100 tracks how vigorously a user is exercising and uses the subsequent motion data to estimate the calories expended during the use of the ring 102.
In some embodiments, the ring 102 calculates an exercise result based on at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring 102 during movement in a rotational path 104. The exercise result provides useful data that may indicate a need to adjust exercises patterns, dietary needs, and appropriate exercise partners. This creates a holistic exercise experience. In one embodiment, the exercise results calculated by the system 100 comprise number of calories burned while exercising with the ring 102. The exercise results may also include a ring exercise history that is recorded for future access and exercise planning. Other possible calculated exercise results may include, without limitation, heart rate, length of the exercise, and comparisons with past exercises. Based on the exercise results, the system 100 can suggest interactions and exercise sessions with other exercisers having similar exercise results; and thereby form a community of appropriately matched ring 102 exercisers.
In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises a ring 102 having an interior surface 128 and an opposite exterior surface defined by an inner space therebetween. The ring 102 may include a generally circular shape. However, in other embodiments, a ring 102 with a slightly elongated shape may also be used. In one embodiment, the ring is a hula hoop. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the hula hoop provides a popular exercise and recreational device that is fun and easy to use and enables a variety of ring-based exercises. For example, the ring 102 may be twirled around a central axis 106, such as a torso, waist, neck, or limbs. The gyrations and movements necessary to rotate the ring 102 may help to strengthen and create flexibility in the core torso and the limbs. Suitable materials for the ring 102 may include, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high-density polypropylene, polypropylene tubing, polymers, wood, and aluminum.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ring 102 encircles a torso during the exercise. The ring 102 may be rotated around the torso while the torso moves in a repetitive oscillating pattern of movement. The ring 102 utilizes angular momentum and inertia to remain encircled around the torso during this rotation. The torso exerts energy and performs coordinated movements while oscillating to maintain rotation of the ring 102. This exerted energy and applied coordination forms the basis for the ring exercise. In one alternative embodiment, a weight 108 may be attached by a cable to the ring 102 to provide additional inertia during rotation. In one alternative embodiment, the weight 108 is a heavy ball tethered to the ring 102. The weight 108 of the ball increases the inertia of the ring 102 during rotation and provides a more rigorous ring-based exercise. However, in other embodiments, any ancillary exercise tool may work in conjunction with the ring 102.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the ring 102 comprises at least one motion sensor 110 that integrates into the inner space of the ring 102. The motion sensor 110 is arranged in alignment with a rotational path 104 of the ring 102, such that positional information of the ring 102 with respect to a central axis 106, i.e., torso, limbs, is detected. The positional information of the ring 102 may include, without limitation, angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, x-y-z axis motions, and orientation of the central axis 106 relative to the ring 102. The motion sensor 110 may emit a sensor signal in response to the positional information of the ring 102. The at least one motion sensor 110 may include, without limitation, an angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.
In one embodiment, the motion sensor 110 may utilize vibration gyro sensor mechanism to detect the positional information of the ring 102. For example, the motion sensor 110 may sense angular velocity from the Coriolis force applied to the vibrations in the ring 102 from the vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and rotational directions. In another embodiment, the motion sensor 110 measures proper acceleration, which is the acceleration it experiences relative to freefall and is the acceleration felt by objects. In this manner, the motion sensor 110 behaves as a damped mass on a spring. When the motion sensor 110 experiences an acceleration, the mass is displaced to the point that the spring is able to accelerate the mass at the same rate as the casing. The displacement is then measured to give an acceleration.
In yet another embodiment, the motion sensor 110 is configured to measure orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. Here, the motion sensor 110 includes a spinning wheel or disc in which the axle is free to assume any orientation. Although the orientation of the spin axis changes in response to an external torque applied by the ring 102, the amount of change and the direction of the change is less and in a different direction than it would be if the disk were not spinning. When mounted in a gimbal, which minimizes external torque, the orientation of the spin axis remains nearly fixed, regardless of the mounting platform's motion. However, in other embodiments, the motion sensor 110 may utilize different principles to detect the positional information of the ring 102 during movement.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ring 102 may also include a processor 116 that processes the signal from the motion sensor 110 to quantify the movements of the ring 102. The health metrics are also stored and computed by the processor 116. In some embodiments, the processor 116 performs calculations on the sensor signals and derives the subsequent exercise results, which are partially based on the provided health metrics, and partially based on the sensor signals from the motion sensor 110. The processor 116 may be integrated into the ring 102 or remotely located. The motion sensor 110 and the processor 116 work together to translate the exercise data into the amount of calories burned, and other exercise result data.
The processor 116 may either integrate into the ring 102, or be remotely located, communicating wirelessly with the ring 102. From a remote location, a display device may operatively connect to the processor 116 to show the exercise results, including the number of calories burned. In some embodiments, the processor 116 may calculate signals that are received from the motion sensor 110 at approximately ten to one hundred samples per second. Those skilled in the art will recognize that processing a greater number of samples per second enables the calculation of more accurate exercise results.
In one embodiment, the processor 116 uses a transfer function or similar algorithm to incorporate the at least one health metric and the motion sensor signals into a final calculation of the exercise results. For example, the health metrics may include, age, weight, height, and body type. The rotational path 104 of the ring motion may include twenty fast uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the processor 116 may calculate the exercise results, including an approximation of calories burned. The exercise results may then be used to recommend additional exercise regiments, diets, and connect with other ring exercisers having similar exercise results. The computation of this transfer function can take place directly on the integrated processor 116 or the motion information can be communicated to an external processor 116 using either wired or wireless means. The external computation processor 116 may include a display device that displays information about the user's exercise by tracking the calories expended. This information may be transmitted to a smartphone or printed out for review.
As referenced in FIG. 4, the ring 102 may include an illumination portion 108 that illuminates in proportion to the motion of the ring 102. For example, a more vigorous ring rotation results in a brighter illumination, or the actuation of a green color. A slower rotation of the ring 102 results in a duller illumination and actuation of a different color, such as yellow. In another example, the illumination portion 108 may light up red when the user is rotating the ring 102 slowly; and as the user rotates more vigorously, the illumination portion 108 illuminates to a green color. Thus, the color of the illumination portion 108 may provide a visual means to determine the intensity of the workout. The threshold for the transition from one color to another can be set by the user with a controller 118 that either integrates into the ring 102, or is remotely located. In this manner, the intensity of the workout can be regulated directly on the ring 102. In one embodiment, the illumination portion 108 comprises a series of evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged on the exterior surface of the ring 102.
In another embodiment, an audio portion 114 may be incorporated into the inner space of the ring 102. The audio portion 114 emits an audio signal that corresponds with the velocity and movement of the rotational path 104 of the ring 102. In this manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is audibly indicated. These visual and audible indicators may help motivate and entertain while exercising. As mentioned above, the controller 118 may be used to regulate the intensity of the illumination and the audio signal. The controller 118 may include a plurality of switches, buttons, and scrolls for minute adjustments. A power source, such as a battery, may power the electrical components. However, in other embodiments, the power source may include, without limitation, a power cord, a solar panel, and a rechargeable battery. At least one conductor 120 enables the electricity to travel between the electrical components. At least one fastener 124, such as screws, bolts, or magnets may be used to hold the interior surface 128 and the exterior surface—of the ring 102 together, such that the processor 116 and the other electrical components are securely retained within the inner space of the ring 102.
In one alternative embodiment, a mobile application operating on an Android phone or an iPhone collects the exercise results from the processor 116 using a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This application may be operable to track exercise history and provide an estimate of the calories burned during the workout. The calorie information displays in real time, and can be stored to create a workout history.
FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 200 for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring 102 to calculate exercise results. The method 200 may include a ring 102-based exercise system 100 that collects at least one health metric and senses rotational movements of a ring 102 moving in a rotational path 104 to calculate exercise results, such as calories burned, and provide instantaneous visual and data feedback. In one embodiment, the system 100 and method is configured to monitor the number of calories burned, duration of exercise, and number of rotations, while simultaneously emitting both illumination and audio feedback that correlates to the ring 102 exercise. The ring 102 may incorporate motion sensors 110, processors 116, and visual indicators to calculate the exercise results and provide motivation and entertainment while exercising with the ring 102.
The method 200 may include an initial Step 202 of collecting at least one health metric. The health metric may include, without limitation, age, weight, and height. The health metric may be stored in the processor 116 for multiple uses. The method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of rotating a ring 102 in a rotational path 104 around a central axis. The ring 102 may include a hula hoop having an interior surface 128 and an opposite exterior surface defined by an inner space therebetween. The ring 102 may be rotated around the torso while the torso moves in a repetitive oscillating pattern of movement. The ring 102 utilizes angular momentum and inertia to remain encircled around the torso during this rotation.
A Step 206 includes detecting positional information for the ring 102 with at least one motion sensor 110. At least one motion sensor 110 integrates into the inner space of the ring 102. The motion sensor 110 is arranged in alignment with a rotational path 104 of the ring 102, such that positional information of the ring 102 with respect to a central axis 106, i.e., torso, limbs, is detected. The positional information of the ring 102 may include, without limitation, angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, x-y-z axis motions, and orientation of the central axis 106 relative to the ring 102. The motion sensor 110 may emit a sensor signal in response to the positional information of the ring 102.
In some embodiments, a Step 208 comprises processing the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring 102 with a processor 116, wherein the processor 116 calculates an exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring 102. The processor 116 uses a transfer function or similar algorithm to incorporate the at least one health metric and the motion sensor signals into a final calculation of the exercise results. For example, the health metrics may include, age, weight, height, and body type. The rotational path 104 of the ring motion may include twenty fast uniform rotations per minute. Using this data, the processor 116 may calculate the exercise results, including an approximation of calories burned.
A Step 210 includes illuminating in correlation with the rotational path 104 of the ring 102, wherein an increase in velocity of the rotational path 104 correlates with an increase in illumination. The illumination portion 108 may light up red when the user is rotating the ring 102 slowly; and as the user rotates more vigorously, the illumination portion 108 illuminates to a green color. Thus, the color of the illumination portion 108 may provide a visual means to determine the intensity of the workout.
In some embodiments, a final Step 212 comprises emitting an audio signal in correlation with the rotational path 104 of the ring 102. The audio portion 114 may be incorporated into the inner space of the ring 102. The audio portion 114 emits an audio signal that corresponds with the velocity and movement of the rotational path 104 of the ring 102. In this manner, the vigorousness of the ring exercise is audibly indicated.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

1. A holistic exercise system for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, the system comprising:

a ring;

at least one health metric defined by a unit for a physical disposition;

at least one gyroscope arranged in alignment with a rotational path of the ring, the at least one gyroscope configured to detect positional information of the ring;

a processor operatively connected to the at least one gyroscope, the processor configured to process the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring, wherein the processor calculates an exercise result, the exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring; and

an illumination portion configured to illuminate in correlation with the rotational path of the ring, wherein in a change in a velocity of the rotational path of the ring is prompted by a change in the illumination of the ring by the illumination portion to indicate to the user to change the velocity of the rotational path of the ring.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a hula hoop configured to be twirled around the torso and the limbs.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the positional information of the ring includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: angular velocity, acceleration, vertical oscillations, vibrations, and x-y-z axis motions.

7. (canceled)

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is disposed remotely from the ring.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote processor comprises a display device configured to display the exercise results.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a transfer function algorithm.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result comprises calories burned.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result is configured to be downloadable through a software application.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise result comprises data that transmits through Bluetooth technology to a smartphone.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion comprises a series of evenly spaced light emitting diodes arranged on the ring.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion is configured to illuminate a green color when the velocity of the rotational path of the ring increases, the illumination portion further configured to illuminate a red color when the velocity of the rotational path of the ring decreases.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an audio portion configured to emit an audio signal in alignment with the velocity of the rotational path of the ring.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. A holistic exercise method for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, the method comprising:

collecting at least one health metric;

rotating a ring in a rotational path around a central axis;

detecting positional information for the ring with a sensor array; wherein said sensor array includes at least one gyroscope, at least one magnetic compass, and at least one accelerometer;

processing the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring with a processor, wherein the processor calculates an exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring; illuminating the ring in correlation with the rotational path of the ring, wherein an increase in velocity of the rotational path correlates with an increase in illumination; and

emitting an audio signal in correlation with the rotational path of the ring.

20. The method of claim 19, further including a step of connecting a plurality of exercisers having substantially similar exercise results.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein an angular rate sensor provides feedback to the processor.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination portion is configured to illuminate a different color to indicate to the user that the velocity of the rotational path should change; wherein the illumination portion will flash until the user obtains the velocity of the rotational path indicated by the different color.

23. A holistic exercise system for collecting health metrics and sensing rotational movements of a ring to calculate exercise results, the system comprising:

a ring;

at least one health metric defined by a unit for a physical disposition;

a processor operatively connected to the at least one gyroscope, the processor configured to process the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring, wherein the processor calculates an exercise result, the exercise result based at least partially on the at least one health metric and the positional information of the ring.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein an illumination portion is configured to illuminate a different color to indicate to a user that a velocity of the rotational path should change; wherein the illumination portion will flash until the user obtains the velocity of the rotational path indicated by the different color.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein positional information for the ring is detected with a sensor array; wherein said sensor array includes the least one gyroscope, at least one magnetic compass, and at least one accelerometer.