Modular interactive exercise and gamification system and method

Abstract

Described herein are user-friendly systems and methods that extend the functionality of interactive exercise and gamification systems that include motion trackers. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished by providing a tracker module that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the console and, once authenticated, unlocks one or more tracker, exercise or gamification features to enhance user incentive.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Patent Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 115,419, filed February 28, 2023, entitled “MODULAR INTERACTIVE EXERCISE AND GAMING SYSTEM,” which lists Alexandre Marcotte St-Miche as an inventor. Each reference mentioned in this patent document is incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND A. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to interactive training equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a user-friendly integrated training and gaming device that leverages the computing processing resources of a console to incentivize user engagement in physical activity, such as martial arts type physical exercise.

[0004] B. BACKGROUND

[0005] Interactive physical training equipment for home use is increasingly popular with fitness enthusiasts. Higher customization convenience, including gaming options provided by sensors and ancillary equipment, allows for dynamic personalized exercise. Users can engage in a wide range of physical activities that typically involve physical contact with a target having upper and lower extremities, such as a punching bag or kicking pad in boxing, martial arts, and similar activities. Several existing devices monitor user movements and provide at least some form of feedback. However, many such devices suffer from various drawbacks, including bulkiness, clumsiness, and limited functionality, such as an inability to add a sufficient number of trackers to existing systems to accommodate a relatively large user group. In addition to limited connection options in existing devices, each tracker that communicates over a Bluetooth connection must undergo a cumbersome process of individual pairing with a device such as a smartphone or tablet, further negatively impacting the user experience. This limited functionality tends to make users lose interest in physical activities and exercises relatively quickly, even if the physical activity or exercise is provided by a physical training device with gaming features.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a user-friendly exercise and gaming system and method with enhanced functionality, such as to help provide and maintain user engagement in group training routines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Reference will be made to embodiments of the application, examples of which can be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the application. Although the application is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the application to these particular embodiments. Items in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0008] Figure 1 is a general illustration of a portable interactive exercise and gamification platform in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of the console shown.

[0010] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary tracker in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary console in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for using an interactive exercise and gamification platform in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the application can be practiced without these details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present application, as described below, can be implemented in a variety of ways, e.g., a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, or a method on a tangible computer readable medium.

[0014] The components or modules shown in the figures are illustrative of the exemplary embodiments of the present application and are intended to avoid obscuring the present application. It will also be understood that throughout the discussion, components can be described as separate functional units, which can include sub-units, but those skilled in the art will recognize that various components or portions thereof can be divided into separate components, or can be integrated together, including within a single system or component. It should be noted that the functions or operations discussed herein can be implemented as components. The components can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0015] Moreover, connections between components or systems within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, data between these components can be modified, re-formatted, or otherwise changed by intermediary components. Also, additional or fewer connections can be used. It also should be noted that the terms "coupled," "connected," or "in communication with" are intended to include direct connection between components, indirect connection between components through one or more intermediary components, and wireless connection between components.

[0016] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment," "preferred embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function being described is included in at least one embodiment of the application and can be included in more than one embodiment of the application. Moreover, the appearances of the above-described phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same one or more embodiments.

[0017] The use of certain terms in the specification is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the terms "service," "function," or "resource" are not limited to a single service, function, or resource; the use of these terms can refer to a grouping of related services, functions, or resources that can be distributed or aggregated.

[0018] The terms "include," "including," "comprise," and "comprising" are to be construed open terms and any listed items are examples and not meant to be limited to the listed items. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the application or the claims. Each reference mentioned in this patent document is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0019] As described in the background, existing tracking devices that contain sensors have limited connectivity options. Due to the limited processing power, memory, etc. of these devices, these devices cannot perform complex calculations or algorithms locally and thus typically must rely on a smartphone for connectivity. It is highly desirable to reduce or eliminate the reliance of the sensors on the smartphone for connectivity.

[0020] Figure 1 is a general illustration of a portable interactive exercise and gamification platform in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the exercise and gamification platform 100 includes a console 102, trackers 106 - tracker 109, a display device 110, a tracker module 140. It should be understood that any connections between the displayed components herein can represent bidirectional communication paths. It should be understood that the console 102 can include any number of communication interfaces Figure 1The console 102 can also include any number of charging slots 104 that correspond to a number of trackers that can be received, can serve as a charging dock and gateway for the trackers 106-109, in embodiments. Similarly, the tracker module 140 can include one or more charging slots 142 designed to receive and charge one or more trackers (not shown).

[0021] In operation, a user engaged in physical activity, including exercise or gamification, can attach one or more trackers to the upper and lower extremities. For example, the tracker 106 can be attached to the wrist of the user, and the tracker 107 can be attached to the ankle of the user, such that movement (e.g., hitting and kicking a target) can be detected and monitored in the form of motion data, for example, to provide real-time feedback to improve reaction time. Another set of trackers (e.g., 108, 109) can be attached to the wrist and ankle of a second user during an exercise program, or simply to facilitate competition between participants in a competitive setting or game. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As discussed in greater detail below, in embodiments, the trackers 106-109 can be attached to equipment involving activities that can be performed without any physical contact, for example, jumping rope, weight lifting, etc.

[0022] In embodiments, the trackers 106-109 can communicate wirelessly with the console 102, primarily for exchanging data, for example, motion data. The trackers 106-109 can be implemented as any type of motion sensor or device. As an example, the trackers 106-109 can include a three-axis accelerometer that is capable of detecting three-dimensional acceleration, for example, by measuring and / or calculating data at a certain sampling rate, once activated. In motion sensor applications, the trackers 106-109 can also include a gyroscope that is capable of detecting the orientation of the tracker at any instant in time.

[0023] Each of the trackers 106-109 can transmit the results of the measurements to the console 102, for example, at predetermined time intervals. In embodiments, the communication by the trackers 106-109 can be daisy-chained at the console 102, which can independently monitor each of the trackers 106-109.

[0024] In embodiments, in addition to the console 102 being able to function as a local server to which any number of devices 110 can connect (e.g., via a Bluetooth connection in a LAN configuration), the console 102 can establish a connection with a remote server 130 to transfer, for example, raw data that has been collected by the trackers 106-109 to the server 130. As discussed in greater detail below, a server such as the server 130 can be used to process and analyze the received data to, for example, analyze and modify exercise programs to improve the user experience.

[0025] In embodiments, the console 102 can also communicate with a display device 110, which can be implemented, for example, in a smartphone or a television, through any known interface to allow a user to control certain functions of the console 102. Communication between the console 102 and the display device 110 can be established using any known communication methods and communication protocols known in the art. For example, the display device 110 can use a Bluetooth connection to automatically detect the console 102. Alternatively, the console 102 can include an HDMI port that can be connected with a mating HDMI port on a television or any other HDMI-enabled device 110. Further, it should be appreciated that the console 102 can communicate with any number of peripheral devices (not shown), such as headphones, speakers, or any other electronic devices. Further, the console 102 can communicate with the Internet or other networks, including the server 130, to, for example, download applications and / or data (e.g., audio or video data) from the server 130 that can be merged with and analyzed together with data regarding the trackers 106-109 monitored by the console 102.

[0026] In embodiments, once a user engages in various interactive sessions of a program that can be presented to the user on the display device 110 (e.g., an instructional-based (e.g., trainer-guided) exercise program or a gamified session that includes a type of physical activity for one or more participants), the console 102 can execute steps of an algorithm that can have been provided by the server 130 and communicate with the display device 110 to display instructions and other information to the user. The display device 110 can include a user interface that can receive information input by the user (e.g., height and weight data that the user can enter). The server 130 can maintain and control any number of programs and program features corresponding to sessions that can be activated on demand. In embodiments, the console 102 can receive and store any number of preprogrammed and user-selectable exercises or games that the user can directly or indirectly activate. Note that games such as reaction tests and various exercise-related games can or can not have a primary physical component.

[0027] In embodiments, the console 102 can receive motion-related data captured by the trackers 106-109 corresponding to movements performed by the user (e.g., punch or kick motions), which the trackers 106-109 can monitor and transmit to the console 102, e.g., as raw data or pre-processed motion-related data. The console 102 can process some or all of the data to determine, e.g., a count or number of punches that meet criteria related to measurable attributes (e.g., timing, speed, etc.), and derive any number of other metrics (e.g., reaction time, accuracy, force, etc.), which can be presented to the user on the display device 110 in any suitable format. For example, the console 102 can calculate and present a score to the user, e.g., at predetermined intervals or after reaching certain steps of a workout session. Scores related to performance measures, measures of competitiveness between two or more users participating in a competitive group activity, etc. can be used as motivational tools to engage users in physical activity both in the short term and over the long term.

[0028] In embodiments, the display device 110 can provide any type of personalized feedback related to a workout or game for any number of users. As an example, the display device 110 can provide visible and / or audible feedback to a user based on information provided to the console 102 by the trackers 106-109. In embodiments, the display device 110 can display animated avatars in a session for various purposes. The avatars can represent the user, an instructor providing instructions for the user to follow, or a partner or opponent. A gamified session or workout session can have any number of local (e.g., sharing the console 102) and remote participants (e.g., using different consoles and / or workout systems). Gamified embodiments of the system 100 can use avatars displayed on the display device 110 to indicate whether movements tracked, e.g., by one or more of the trackers 106-109, have been performed correctly.

[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of an example implementation of the console. For clarity, components similar to those shown in Figure 1 are labeled in the same manner. The function of these components or the description thereof is not repeated here for brevity. As depicted, the console 102 can include four charging slots (e.g., 104), a communication interface 103, and a detachable base plate 108. In embodiments, the trackers 106 can be hermetically sealed, e.g., via O-rings, in order to make the housings of the trackers 106 waterproof and to prevent accidental water damage.

[0030] In various applications, the trackers 106 can include sensors or probes (not shown), e.g., electrical contacts that in operation can be attached to a user's body or skin to collect physiological data associated with the user's body or information related to certain physical characteristics. Exemplary sensor data includes heart rate data, skin conductivity data (e.g., using galvanic skin response methods to determine sweat rate therefrom), blood pressure data, and calorie consumption data, to name a few. Physical parameters can include acceleration data representing movement of various body parts as previously mentioned. It should be appreciated that the sensors embedded in the trackers 106 can collect data continuously or at certain periodicity, randomly or at user-defined intervals.

[0031] As depicted, the exemplary console 102 can be implemented in a portable housing that is removably mounted on a detachable base plate 108. The base plate 108 can be permanently affixed to a surface (e.g., a wall), e.g., in a garage or other suitable location. Figure 2 The console 102 in the embodiment includes four tracker charging slot (e.g., slot 104) recesses that are large enough in size to receive the trackers 106 and to serve as a mechanism for removably attaching the trackers 106 to the console 102. In an embodiment, the trackers 106 can include magnetic material that allows the trackers 106 to be magnetically and / or electrically connected to the charging slots 104, e.g., to enable the trackers 106 to be charged, e.g., via a plurality of electrical contacts (e.g., charging pins). The magnetic coupling between the trackers 106 and the charging slots 104 enables the charging slots 104 to exert a mechanical force that acts on the trackers 106 and pulls the trackers 106 and the charging slots 104 together to establish a removable mechanical connection with one another. In an embodiment, the magnetic material in the trackers 106 can be implemented as a magnet made of any material that has inherent magnetic properties, e.g., a neodymium iron boron permanent magnet that can be permanently affixed to the trackers 106 and can have any geometric shape. Conversely, the magnetic material in the charging slots 104 can be implemented as a permanent magnet, a metal core, or a magnetically permeable surface layer or coating. The magnetic material, or more accurately the magnetic force generated by the magnetic circuit generated by the magnetic material, allows the charging slots 104 to magnetically couple to the trackers 106 to establish a removable mechanical connection.

[0032] In embodiments, the magnetic properties of the tracker 106 allow the tracker 106 to magnetically, and therefore mechanically, couple to certain exercise equipment containing ferromagnetic materials (e.g., iron, which can be found in dumbbells, steel swords, etc.), which makes such exercise equipment inherently suitable for direct attachment to the magnetic tracker 106. In embodiments, the tracker 106 can be attached to exercise equipment that does not have inherent non-magnetic properties, such as a jump rope, for example, by embedding the tracker 106 into a slot or cavity within the exercise equipment. Alternatively, the tracker 106 can be removably attached to the user's clothing. Certain garments, referred to as "wearables," can be specifically designed to have any number of locations at which the tracker 106 can be attached, for example, depending on the particular sport or exercise routine.

[0033] In embodiments, once the tracker charging bay 104 receives the tracker 106, the console 102 may charge the rechargeable battery located within the housing of the tracker 106, for example, by any known inductive charging method known in the art. In embodiments, charging may occur independent of the orientation of the tracker 106 within the charging bay 104. Thus, the tracker 106 may advantageously be charged in any arbitrary orientation, thereby avoiding negatively impacting the user experience as the user would otherwise have to figure out the proper orientation for each tracker 106 or go through a tedious process of troubleshooting the device in the event of misalignment.

[0034] Notice, Figure 2 The console 102 shown in is not limited to the construction details shown therein or described in the accompanying text. In embodiments, the console 102 can be made extendable and designed in a modular manner to receive one or more tracker modules 140. Each tracker module 140 can include any number of trackers, sensors, or other devices (e.g., heart rate monitors) to enhance the user experience. The console 102 can include one or more sockets and / or expansion ports that can receive the tracker modules 140 to the console 102. Each tracker module 140, which can be viewed as an auxiliary console including a charging unit and a tracker charging slot 142, can be mechanically coupled to the console 102, for example, via a magnetic interface. In addition, each tracker module 140 or accessory to the main console can include a pairing interface that is electrically coupled to the interface 103 to receive the tracker module 140 from the console 102, for example, via an I 2 C connection or any other method known in the art to receive power.

[0035] Advantageously, this modular design allows the console 102 to detect the presence of additional tracker modules (e.g., module 140) and allows any number of additional trackers to stream data to the console 102. For example, a tracker module 140 having a rechargeable tracker including a heart rate sensor can be powered by the console 102 when electrically and mechanically coupled to the console 102. Further, the tracker associated with the tracker module 140 can stream heart rate sensor data to the console 102, for example, via a Bluetooth connection.

[0036] In embodiments, a display device (not shown in Figure 2 ) can display an identifier (e.g., a serial number) to each tracker module 140 that has been added to the console 102 through a user interface to indicate the type of device connected. In embodiments, once the console 102 detects that a module / device 140 has connected to the console 102, the console 102 can generate an acoustic signal to indicate to the user that the connection has been established. The console 102 can begin receiving and reading data, for example, data advertised by the tracker 106 and including an identifier that identifies the tracker 106, before the console 102 allows the tracker 106 to stream data to the console 102.

[0037] In embodiments, once the module 140 is connected to the console 102 and has gone through a start-up procedure, the module 140 can control the I 2 C bus and communicate its presence to the console 102. The console 102 can use the identifier to unlock some content or functionality associated with the module 140 in an application. It should be appreciated that the console 102 can record any communications and each module 140 can include its own processing device.

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary tracker in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted, the tracker 106 can include a controller 314, which can include a processing element 302, an antenna 316, a memory 308, a power source 312, for example, a rechargeable battery, a wired or wireless communication interface 318, a motion sensor, for example, an accelerometer 303 and a gyroscope 306, any number and type of other trackable devices and sensor interfaces 320, a console interface 340, for example, a magnetic connection interface, and an LED 350.

[0039] In embodiments, the tracker 106 can use the communication interface 318 to communicate with the console 102, for example, via any type of wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth). Figure 3In an embodiment, the tracker 106 may communicate a set of tracker parameters using the communication interface 318 and, for example, a proprietary communication protocol to transmit raw data to the console during normal operation.

[0040] In an embodiment, after establishing communication with the console (e.g., as part of a calibration routine), the user may be prompted to perform a number of initial movements or exercises that the tracker 106 or the console may use to identify the position of each tracker 106, for example to determine whether the tracker 106 has been attached to the user's left or right wrist or ankle.

[0041] In normal operation, the tracker 106 pre-processes and stores some or all of the collected sensor data (e.g., accelerometer data and gyroscope data) before passing it to the interface 318 for communication with the console. The console can use this data to, for example, determine that the data represents a hit made by the user's left hand. In an embodiment, the data collected by the tracker 106 can be used as user feedback, for example, to assess the user's compliance with the exercise, or to provide the user with feedback related to the exercise (e.g., success rate). This feedback is also applicable to gamification features, competitions, and other activities, and enhances user engagement with the device. To further increase user engagement levels, the feedback can include information related to one or more training / gamification partners.

[0042] In embodiments, for example, in a learning or lesson mode, the tracker 106 can be used for posture tracking and form correction, e.g., reminding the user to keep their hands at a certain height relative to their head when performing a striking exercise. In embodiments, such information can also be used as a parameter for monitoring and assessing the user's physical condition, e.g., to make determinations about the user's fatigue level, adjust the exercise routine, improve the efficiency of the exercise routine, etc. In embodiments, complex tracking of the movement of various body parts and associated feedback can be implemented using one or more external devices (e.g., a smartphone camera) to achieve enhanced form correction.

[0043] In embodiments, to reduce overall power consumption, the controller 314 can include circuitry that enables the tracker 106 to switch from a data collection mode to activity involving relatively high power communication bursts during periods of relatively low activity in which the tracker 106 consumes relatively low power. Further, the controller 314 can monitor and control high power circuit components and subcomponents (e.g., the gyroscope 306) to control power consumption, for example, by facilitating activation and deactivation operations of internal and external communication of data. In embodiments, this can include causing one or more circuit components to strategically enter and exit sleep modes to advantageously reduce power consumption and extend the availability of the power source 312, thereby extending the availability of the overall system.

[0044] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary console in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In a manner similar to Figure 3 , the console 102 can include a controller 414, which can include a processing element 402 and a charging element 410. Figure 4 The console 102 in may also include an antenna 404; a power source 412, e.g., a rechargeable battery; a wired or wireless communication interface 420, e.g., one or more Ethernet ports; a tracker interface 406, e.g., a memory device 418; and a set of LEDs 416 or equivalent circuitry for communicating audible and / or visual alerts and other information, e.g., in different colors or switch sequences. It will be appreciated that the processing element 302 in Figure 3 may be implemented as a standalone processor (e.g., a microcontroller), or as a distributed processing unit. Figure 4 The processing element 402 in may be implemented as a standalone processor (e.g., a microcontroller), or as a distributed processing unit.

[0045] The memory device 418 can store a plurality of programs, which can include an exercise routine or game that the console 102 can communicate to a user interface on the display device 110 shown in Figure 1 , for example. An exemplary program can display data related to motion that can have been captured, measured, or otherwise detected by the trackers 106-109 in Figure 1 , which have been placed on the wrists or gloves of a user on the right and left sides during an exercise session. Instructions regarding an exercise routine can be displayed on the display device 110 as, for example, an instructional animation, which can involve a series of strikes by the user with alternating hands to hit a target such as a sandbag. Motion data detected by sensors such as the accelerometer in the tracker 106 can also be displayed, for example, after being evaluated by comparison to expected data and generation of a score indicating accuracy, timing, or any other metric.

[0046] In embodiments, the Bluetooth hardware can be implemented as a dedicated integrated circuit that communicates with the trackers 106-109, and can allow one or more of the trackers 106-109 to wirelessly communicate and pair with the smartphone or other device 110, for example by exchanging user, Wi-Fi, and / or device credentials, for example in a setup phase, without requiring the user to enter information for each individual tracker. In embodiments, after establishing communication with the trackers 106-109, the console 102 can define or adjust tracker parameters. It will be appreciated that the console 102 can wirelessly communicate with the trackers 106-109 over a set of dedicated channels, which the trackers 106-109 can transmit raw data to the console 102, for example in a pseudo-parallel communication method.

[0047] In embodiments, the console 102 can transmit data received from the trackers 106-109 to a remote server that can analyze the data, in any format, with or without further processing. In embodiments, the console 102 can correlate tracker data with timestamp data to, for example, identify certain exercises performed by a user wearing a set of trackers, e.g., jumping jacks, sit-ups, etc. Accordingly, the timestamp data, or data derived therefrom, can be advantageously used to label a set of tracker data. The server 130 can then use the labeled data, for example in a machine learning process, to improve overall data analysis, user activities (e.g., exercise programs and games), to ultimately enhance the user experience.

[0048] In embodiments, for example, in response to a monitored exercise indicating that a user’s performance has satisfied a predetermined condition, an activity such as a game directly related to the particular exercise can be unlocked and made available.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for using an interactive exercise and gamification platform in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the process for using an interactive exercise and gamification platform can begin at step 502, where in response to a user coupling a tracker module to a console to establish electrical communication between the tracker module and the console, the console can perform authentication of the tracker module, for example by using a unique identifier.

[0050] At step 704, in response to the console considering the authentication successful, the console can communicate the result to a display device (e.g., a smartphone or other user interface) to, for example, unlock one or more features associated with the tracker module or display device. At step 706, the console can receive user data from the tracker module. At step 708, the user data can be used to determine a metric associated with a motion (e.g., a motion in an exercise routine). At step 710, the console can then use the metric to, for example, generate a user instruction set, which can be communicated to the user interface at step 712.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will recognize that (1) some steps can be optionally performed; (2) steps can not be limited to the particular order set forth herein; (3) some steps can be performed in different orders; and (4) some steps can be performed concurrently.

[0052] In embodiments, aspects of the present patent document can relate to, include, or be implemented on one or more information processing systems / computing systems. A computing system can include any tool or aggregation of tools operable to compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, send, receive, retrieve, initiate, route, switch, store, display, communicate, display, detect, record, reproduce, process, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data. For example, a computing system can be or can include a personal computer (e.g., a laptop), a tablet computer, a phablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a smart watch, a smart bag, a server (e.g., a blade server or a rack server), a network storage device, a camera, or any other suitable device, and can vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. A computing system can include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic), ROM, and / or other types of memory. Additional components of a computing system can include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I / O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, and / or a video display. A computing system can also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between various hardware components.

[0053] Aspects of the application can utilize instructions for one or more processors or processing units encoded on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media to cause steps to be performed. It should be noted that the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media should include volatile and non-volatile memory. It should be noted that alternative implementations are possible, including hardware implementations or software / hardware implementations. The functionality of hardware implementations can be implemented using ASICs, programmable arrays, digital signal processing circuitry, etc. Thus, the term "unit" in any claim is intended to encompass both software implementations and hardware implementations. Similarly, the term "computer-readable medium" as used herein includes software and / or hardware having instructions programs embodied thereon, or combinations thereof. With these alternative implementations in mind, it will be understood that the drawings and the accompanying description provide the functional information one skilled in the art would require to write program code (i.e., software) and / or to fabricate circuits (i.e., hardware) to perform the functions required of the present application.

[0054] It should be noted that embodiments of the present application can also relate to computer products with a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium having computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The media and computer code can be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present application, or they can be of the kind known or used by those having skill in the relevant art for purposes clearly related to those disclosed herein. Examples of tangible computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media, such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD ROMs and holographic devices; magneto-optical media; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program code, such as ASICs, programmable logic devices, flash devices, and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer code include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. Embodiments of the present application can be implemented in whole or in part as machine-executable instructions that can be in program modules that are executed by a processing device. Examples of program modules include libraries, programs, routines, objects, components, and data structures. In distributed computing environments, program modules can be physically located in settings that are local, remote, or both.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will realize that no computing system or programming language is critical to the practice of the present application. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the foregoing examples and embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the scope of the disclosure. All permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and improvements that are apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that any claims that are presented are intended to be written in the broadest form possible to encompass all alternatives and equivalents known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for extending the functionality of an interactive exercise platform, the method comprising: performing authentication of the tracker module in response to the tracker module being coupled to the console and electrical communication between the tracker module and the console having been established; as well as In response to the authentication being successful, the authentication is communicated to a display device to unlock one or more features associated with at least one of the tracker module or the display device.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the console, user-related data from the tracker module; using the user-related data to determine a metric associated with the movement; generating a user instruction set using the metrics; as well as The user instruction set is transmitted to the display device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The tracker module includes a heart rate sensor.

4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The user-related data is compared with existing data to determine whether the metric satisfies a condition.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The metric is associated with at least one of acceleration information or orientation information associated with at least one user.

6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The user-related data is transmitted to a server to update one or more instructions in the user instruction set and the one or more instructions are transmitted to the console.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The console includes a collection of recesses, each recess of the collection of recesses inductively charging a tracker in response to the tracker being magnetically attached to the recess.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The console includes a ferromagnetic material.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The ferromagnetic material is at least one of a permanent magnet or a magnetically permeable surface layer to magnetically couple with the tracker.

10. A console for interactive exercise and gamification, the console comprising: a set of tracker charging slots for receiving a set of trackers; a first communication interface for communicating with the set of trackers; a socket for receiving a tracker module; as well as a second communication interface, the second communication interface being used to communicate with a display device; processor; as well as A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause steps to be performed, the steps comprising: establishing electrical communication with the tracker module in response to the tracker module being coupled to the receptacle; performing authentication of the tracker module; in response to the authentication being successful, communicating the authentication to the display device to unlock one or more features associated with at least one of the tracker module or the display device; In response to receiving the user-related data from the tracker module, determining a metric associated with the motion to generate a user instruction set; and The user instruction set is transmitted to the display device.

11. The console according to claim 10, wherein The tracker module includes a heart rate sensor.

12. The console according to claim 10, wherein The step also includes comparing the user-related data with existing data to determine whether the metric meets a condition.

13. The console according to claim 12, wherein The metric is associated with at least one of acceleration information or orientation information associated with at least one user.

14. The console according to claim 10, wherein The steps further include transmitting the user-related data to a server to update one or more instructions in the user instruction set and transmitting the one or more instructions to the console.

15. The console of claim 10, further comprising: A set of recesses, each recess in the set of recesses inductively charging the tracker in response to the tracker being magnetically attached to the recess.

16. The console of claim 15, further comprising: A ferromagnetic material is at least one of a permanent magnet or a magnetically permeable surface layer to magnetically couple with the tracker.

17. An interactive exercise and gamification system comprising: server; Display devices; a set of trackers, the set of trackers comprising a set of detectors that collect user-related data; A console, comprising: a set of tracker charging slots configured to receive a first set of trackers; a receptacle for receiving a tracker module to receive a second set of trackers; a second communication interface, the second communication interface being used to communicate with the display device; processor; and A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause steps to be performed, the steps comprising: establishing electrical communication with the tracker module in response to the tracker module being coupled to the receptacle; communicating with the display device to unlock one or more features associated with at least one of the tracker module or the display device; In response to receiving the user-related data, determining a metric associated with the movement to generate a user instruction set; and The user instruction set is transmitted to the display device.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The steps also include comparing the user-related data with existing data to determine whether the metric satisfies a condition, the metric being associated with at least one of acceleration information or orientation information associated with at least one user.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The steps further include transmitting the user-related data to a server to update one or more instructions in the user instruction set and transmitting the one or more instructions to the console.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein: The console includes a collection of recesses, each recess in the collection of recesses inductively charging the tracker in response to the tracker being magnetically attached to the recess, and a ferromagnetic material that is at least one of a permanent magnet or a magnetically permeable surface layer to magnetically couple with the tracker.

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