Physical Activity Reward System

Abstract

A physical activity reward system and method which rewards a person performing physical activity with a reward, such as use of an appliance such a TV viewing time. The system includes a physical activity monitor capable of generating activity information proportionate to the amount of exertion or work done. The system may be used to record and keep track of the reward points or information. The system may further control the supply of electricity to an appliance through an electrical control module. The electrical control module may be interposed between a source of household electrical current and an electrical appliance such as a TV set.

1 . A physical activity reward system, comprising:
 a physical activity monitor capable of generating activity information related to physical activity;   a communication device for transferring the activity information from the physical activity monitor to a computer; wherein the computer is configured to convert the activity information to reward information.   
     
     
         2 . The physical activity reward system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising:
 an electric flow control device installed between a source of electrical power and an electrical appliance, wherein the computer is configured to activate the electric flow control device based upon the reward information.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein electric flow control device is activated to allow flow of electricity from the source of electrical power to the electrical appliance. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the electric flow control device comprises an bypass that allows flow of electricity from the source of electrical power to the electrical appliance through electric control device. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the computer is configured to transmit a signal to close the bypass. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the computer is configured to transmit the signal to close the bypass at regular intervals. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the reward information comprises an amount of time that the electric flow control device is to be activated. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the computer is configured to be capable of allocating reward information to activate the electric control device. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein a point of reward information may be allocated to activate the electric control device for a period of time. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the reward information is calculated based upon a mathematical function of the activity information. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the physical activity monitor comprises at least one of a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a global positioning satellite device, a pedometer, camera, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the physical activity monitor is capable of storing activity information. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the physical activity monitor is capable of transferring the activity information to the computer. 
     
     
         15 . A method of rewarding physical activity, comprising:
 monitoring physical activity using a physical activity monitor,   generating physical activity information,   transferring the physical activity information to a computer, and   converting the physical activity information into reward information.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , comprising allocating the reward information to certain activities or rewards. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein allocating the reward information includes remotely controlling operation of an electrical supply to an appliance. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the appliance is a computer, television, or video game system. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the appliance relies upon household electrical supply to operate such that an electricity control module may be interposed between the household electrical supply and the appliance. 
     
     
         20 . A method of rewarding physical activity, comprising:
 entering reward information into a computer,   allocating at least a portion of the reward information to operating an electrical appliance, and   activating electric flow control device capable of allowing flow of electricity from the source of electrical power to the electrical appliance for a period of time.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , comprising:
 earning reward information by completing a task.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , comprising:
 entering the reward information into a processing unit.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , comprising:
 reducing the reward information based upon the length of the period of time that the electric flow control device is activated.