Physiological data acquisition for integration in a user's avatar via a mobile communication device

Abstract

A system and method is implemented with use of a mobile communication device and at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter associated with a user's physiology. One or more parameters associated with the user's physiology are sensed, the sensed one or more parameters defining physiological data associated with the user. The physiological data is analyzed relative to training regimen data, the training regimen data comprising one or both of range limits and durations associated with an exercise regimen. The physiological data is transferred to the mobile communication device, and the mobile communication device provides the physiological data in a form suitable for integration into an avatar representative of the user.

1 . A method implemented with use of a mobile communication device and at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter associated with a user's physiology, comprising: 
 sensing one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology, the sensed one or more parameters defining physiological data associated with the user;    analyzing the physiological data relative to training regimen data, the training regimen data comprising one or both of range limits and durations associated with an exercise regimen;    transferring the physiological data to the mobile communication device; and    providing, by the mobile communication device, the physiological data in a form suitable for integration into an avatar representative of the user.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the training regimen data comprises one or both of range limits and durations associated with each of a plurality of periods defining the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the training regimen data comprises one or both of heart rate range limits and durations associated with the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the one or both of heart rate range limits and durations are user programmable.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising generating a user perceivable indication of non-compliance with one or both of range limits and durations associated with the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology are sensed at or proximate a user's wrist.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology are sensed at or proximate a user's waist.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving, by the mobile communication device, the training regimen data from a network server.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving, by the at least one sensor via the mobile communication device, a command signal transmitted by a network server and instructing the at least one sensor to initiate sensing of the one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sensing of the one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology is performed on a continuous basis.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sensing of the one or more parameters associated with the user's physiology is performed on an as-needed or as-desired basis.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising accessing data associated with the avatar via the mobile communication device.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising generating a graphical representation of the avatar at mobile communication device.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving data associated with a diet of the user, and incorporating the diet data as data associated with the avatar.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fitness data comprises recommendations for establishing a training regimen suited to facilitate achievement of desired fitness goals of the user.  
     
     
         16 . A mobile system, comprising: 
 a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device configured to receive fitness data comprising training regimen data, the training regimen data comprising one or both of range limits and durations associated with an exercise regimen;    a sensor apparatus adapted to contact a user and acquire physiological data when in contact with the user; and    transfer circuitry configured to communicatively couple the sensor apparatus and the mobile communication device, the sensor apparatus configured to receive the fitness data from the mobile communication device via the transfer circuitry and analyze the acquired physiologic data relative to the training regimen data, the transfer circuitry further configured to transfer the acquired physiological data from the sensor apparatus to the mobile communication device, and the mobile communication device configured to provide the physiological data in a form suitable for integration into an avatar representative of the user.    
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the training regimen data comprises one or both of range limits and durations associated with each of a plurality of periods defining the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a heart rate sensor, and the training regimen data comprises one or both of heart rate range limits and durations associated with the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the one or both of heart rate range limits and durations are user programmable.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus comprises an output device, the output device configured to generate a user perceivable indication of non-compliance with one or both of range limits and durations associated with the exercise regimen.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a wristband, belt, or other harness that facilitates wearability of the sensor apparatus.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the training regimen data is transmitted by a network server and received by the mobile communication device.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus is configure to receive, via the mobile communication device, a command signal transmitted by a network server, the sensor apparatus further configured to initiate acquisition of the physiological data in response to the command signal.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus is configured to acquire the physiological data continuously during system use.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor apparatus is configured to acquire the physiological data on an as-needed or as-desired basis.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to facilitate user access to data associated with the avatar.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured generate a graphical representation of the avatar.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to receive data associated with a diet of the user, the mobile communication device configured to transmit the diet data in a form suitable for integration into the avatar.  
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the fitness data comprises recommendations for establishing a training regimen suited to facilitate achievement of desired fitness goals of the user.  
     
     
         30 . A system implemented with use of a mobile communication device, comprising: 
 means for sensing one or more parameters associated with a user's physiology, the sensed one or more parameters defining physiological data associated with the user;    means for analyzing the physiological data relative to training regimen data, the training regimen data comprising one or both of range limits and durations associated with an exercise regimen;    means for transferring the physiological data to the mobile communication device; and    the mobile communication device comprising means for providing the physiological data in a form suitable for integration into an avatar representative of the user.    
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising means for integrating the physiological data into the avatar at a location remote from the mobile communication device.  
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising means for displaying a representation of the avatar.