Q}V.
`
`lllllgllillllllllllllg
`
`illlllylyll
`
`a2-22-0/
`
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Box Provisional Patent Application
`Commissioner tor Pater..-
`
`Washington, District of Columbia 20231
`
`Sir:
`
`Martee2oe¢
`
`'1
`.
`«.“:.$(a- ~.;@
`
`Please file the enclosed Provisional Patent Application (PPA) papers listed below under 37 C.F.R. §1.53(b)(2).
`
`Each of the undersigned understands’
`
`A. This PPA lS not a substitute tor a Regular Patent Application (RPA), cannot be convened to an RPA, cannot get into interterence
`with an RPA oi anotherperson, cannot be amended, will not be published, cannot claim anytoreign priority, andwiil not mature
`into a~'p=ai:';;:;,
`y
`
`.
`
`if an RPA reterring to this PPA is not tiled within one year oi the tiling date oi this PPA, this PPA will be worthless and will be
`destroyed:
`Any desired ioreign Convention applications (including PCT applications) based upon this PPA mustbe filed within one year oi
`the filing date of this PPA;
`this PPA must contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such toll,
`clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly
`connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor oi carrying out his invention.
`35 U.S.C. § 112. it 1. Otherwise this PPA will be worthless.
`. Any RPA will be entitled to claim the benelitot this PPA only it such RPA names at teast one inventor of this PPA and this PPA
`discloses such inventors invention, as claimedin at teastone claim ot the RPA, in the matter provided in item D above.
`
`Tentative Applicant # i, Name:
`
`Tentative Applicant # 2, Name:
`mtg; M0 at a ‘air
`{}€._/y:-53:3 9‘
`(x ) Specification, sheets:
`70
`9
`(X3 Small Entity Declaration(s), number:
`( x ] Check or Credit Card Payment (use PTO—2038) for $ _::_4_SL____._ tor
`
`/Vial W59’-"k
`
`(
`
`)Drawing(s). sheets :
`
`(X)small entity
`
`(
`
`)large entity tiling fee
`
`( x) Return Receipt Postcard Addressed to Applicant # 1.
`
`Very respecttully.
`,
`Applicant # 1 Signature
`
`? Qfl.
`
`Applicant # 2 Signature
`
`Address (Send Correspondence Here)
`
`Address
`
`Express Mail Lallel#
`
`‘\~.. ,,4..,...c ...,..........c...._c ...,,..w....a .....M..« . s
`
`/‘.:<
`
`;Date of Deposit200
`
`Fnrm 3-5- DI-nuicinnal nae...“ n....x:....n.... .-.. ._- .
`
`_u-
`
`UA-1004.001
`
`

`
`in the UHIIBG States Patem and
`
`lrademaréz.
`
`‘flzilad Mn
`
`5‘? .“'::‘.¥Il'in:I_,I‘-
`Uommlssloner tor Paleuls
`
`l.*.'ash;ngtsn Dismal 22$ !;a!e_:mlin:+_
`
`Fee Transmlital
`
`;5
`Flrs2—Named Applscanl _ Ml 0133?’
`Tillu mi 1...-cullom "
`/1400’:-i,E.1q"
`‘fie/~5c2r;al Mtlwggfi
`75
`Total Payment Enclosed (From Calculatmn Below): SS
`
`.<:a~
`
`-Cm lm='i 2: E‘-=~‘ ?n‘tn:».'Ea:} small ennlv trllna lea tnr the anave Daren: apnlmallnn'
`
`Fee Code Fee Descri
`
`lion
`
`D"W‘°"-"'?' 9'" "..'*nr=.
`
`fiélietn Fm"
`
`Basic Utility Appn. Filing Fee
`
`Basic Design Angn Fllinq Fee
`
`Subtotal (1)
`
`Total Claims:
`
`Tol. lnden. Claims
`
`Suhlolal (2)
`
`Talal Pavment Enclosed {sum at Subtotals m and (211
`
`Very resgecllullv.
`62,2234;/?<:2&
`Signalure cl FirsH\lame:l Appllnanl
`/WI: ‘:55!
`E7/i;
`Prlnl Name nf Firsmamed Applicant
`1300 kingjwoea 1‘?/,
`K65Feé§"
`50 500399!
`
`LJ Money Order
`IX Check
`Fl Dpmlig rj-we 4-;,u._.,\g-. gnm. n'rq_qp'g,';x
`
`(fee for each clam: over 20)
`
`(fee for each indep. claim over 3‘; =
`
`UA-1004.002
`
`

`
`MODULAR PERSONAL NETWORK
`
`By
`
`Michael D. Ellis
`
`Background
`
`A number of individual portable personal devices are available today. Such
`
`personal devices provide specific functions to a person, in a number of different fields of
`
`use. For example, there are mobile phones, personal digital assistants, medical
`
`monitoring devices, personal entertainment systems, and athletic monitoring systems.
`
`These and other portable electronic devices have significantly improved the convenience
`
`of many activities.
`
`However, each of these fimctions is provided individually. None ofthese
`
`individual devices can combine with any of the other devices to provide improved
`
`fitnctions. If a user wishes to upgrade the capabilities of any ofthese devices, a new,
`
`expensive device must be purchased and the old devices discarded.
`
`What is needed is a system in which individual portable device modules can be
`
`combined in a multitude of ways to provide an infinite variety of functions. A portable
`
`system is needed in which new fiinctions can be added by simply adding or replacing a
`
`single component. A portable system is needed in which the functions can be modified
`
`simply by downloading new software or other parameters. A system is needed in which
`
`functions in different fields of use can be easily combined. And a system is needed in
`
`which the economies or scale and scope of building devices across multiple fields of use
`
`can be used to benefit users of devices in all of the fields of use.
`
`Description
`
`My invention satisfies these and other needs by providing a modular personal
`network.
`
`UA-1004.003
`
`

`
`A modular personal network is a set of individual network components that
`
`communicate using a wireless network. These components use a common
`
`communications protocol, such as the “B1ueTooth” protocol, to send messages between
`
`themselves. Using a common protocol means that the same electronic components and
`
`software can be used in all each of them, keeping the cost low.
`
`A common protocol also allows new devices to be added more easily. This
`
`invention is modular, in that new individual network components can be added at any
`
`time. This may change the function ofthe overall system. As components are added, the
`
`system’s capabilities will grow. As one component replaces another, the functions of the
`
`system change accordingly. And the system will continue to function, with reduced
`
`capabilities, as individual components are removed.
`
`My invention is also “persona
`
`This means that the network is small in size,
`
`roughly the encompassing one person’s “personal space”. Individual devices may be
`
`worn by the user, they may be carried by the user, or they may just be in close proximity.
`
`But in any case, they provide exactly the functions that the individual person wants,
`
`because the combination of devices is virtually limitless.
`
`The modular personal network may be changed at any time, and the functions of
`
`the system may change correspondingly. For example, a new component may be added,
`
`and a new function may be enabled by the system. A component may be removed, and a
`
`function of the system may be disabled. The system may automatically detect a change
`
`in the network, and correspondingly change the functions. Alternatively, a user may
`
`enter a changed configuration, for example into a base station, control unit, or personal
`
`computer.
`
`Another advantage of my invention is that it is extensible. This means that a
`
`component can be added at any later time, even though that specific component and its
`
`functions may not have been anticipated at the time the system was first put together.
`
`Each new component uses the same communications methods and protocols to send and
`
`receive data and commands. The functions ofthe system are controlled by downloaded
`
`software. This means that new software can be downloaded to support the unanticipated
`
`new COIIIPOIICIIL
`
`UA-1004.004
`
`

`
`-3.
`
`Software may be downloaded into a component in the modular personal network,
`
`such as a “control unit”. The control unit may include memory for holding software and
`
`data, and a processor. The control unit may send commands and data to some
`
`components and retrieve data from other components. By modifying the software in the
`
`control unit, the system may support previously unanticipated components.
`
`Software may be downloaded into a component of the modular personal network
`
`by a personal computer. Software on the personal computer may control what is
`
`downloaded. The software on the personal computer may allow extensions to support
`
`unanticipated functions and components. The software extension may allow the user to
`
`specify sofiware modules to download, to configure parameters for the unanticipated
`
`components, or to perform other filnctions related to additional components and
`
`functions.
`
`For example, one of the devices may be a display device. Traditionally, displays
`
`worn by a person have been in the form of a wrist display, such as a wristwatch.
`
`However, users of my invention can choose the type of display that best suits their needs.
`
`This may be a display worn on a wristband, worn in a pair of glasses, carried in the hand
`
`or pocket, mounted on a piece of exercise equipment, mounted on a bicycle or in an
`
`automobile, or any other suitable method of carrying with the user. In fact, the user may
`
`have multiple display devices, and pick the desired one at any time based on a specific
`
`activity.
`
`Traditionally, a wristwatch-type display is worn on the back of the wrist.
`
`However, this invention allows the display to be worn or carried in any manner. For
`
`example, a runner who does not wish to turn the wrist to view the display may prefer a
`
`display that is mounted on the side ofthe wrist or hand, that can be viewed while
`maintaining proper running form. It may be configured so that it can be worn on either
`
`the left or right side. It may be configured so that the top of the display is oriented
`
`toward the thumb, toward the back ofthe wrist, or at an angle between the two.
`
`Alternatively, it may be allow the user to configure the orientation of the display by
`
`choosing between one or more options.
`
`UA-1004.005
`
`

`
`-4-
`
`Wrist displays today, such as Wristwatches, typically have controls and audio
`
`outputs build in. However, my invention does not require that. In fact, my invention
`encourages each function to be placed where it is most usable. For example, the controls
`
`may be a set of switches, buttons, or other pressure-sensitive devices worn at convenient
`
`points on the body. For example, one sensor can be worn at the tip of each finger in a
`glove or partial glove. The user can then operate the system by tapping with different
`
`fingers or tapping specific sequences to enter different commands to the system.
`Alternatively, the sensors may be worn at different locations on a waistband, allowing the
`
`user to control the system by tapping different locations on the waist. The sensors may
`
`be worn on a foot, so that the system can be operated by tapping a foot. The controls
`
`may be mounted on a bicycle or piece of exercise equipment. Any other suitable types of
`controls may be used, including dials, levers, keyboards, voice inputs, and any suitable
`
`combination of multiple types of inputs.
`
`Similarly, an audio output may be provided separately from the display and other
`
`components. For example, headphones may be used. Alternatively, one or more
`speakers may be worn inside a hat or headband. In this latter embodiment, the sound
`may be conducted through the skull to the user’s ears. Such embodiments allow the
`audio feedback to be loud enough to be easily heard by the user, even in poor conditions
`
`such as being on a busy street, while keeping the sounds quiet enough to not disturb other
`
`nearby people.
`
`My invention may be controlled by a single module, a control unit. This may be a
`device that is worn on the person like the other devices in the network. The control unit
`
`may have facility to allow software to be downloaded into it. The control unit may
`interface with and control the other devices in the network over the wireless network,
`
`based on the downloaded software. This allows the fi.lI1CtlOIlS of the system to be easily
`
`modified, simply by downloading different sofiware. In addition to software or
`
`firmware, the control unit (or any other device in the network) may also allow the
`
`download of data, setup options and other configuration data, current time, or any other
`
`information.
`
`UA-1004.006
`
`

`
`One of the components in the modular personal network may be a “base station”.
`
`This base station may used to download information, such as software, data, setup
`
`options, and time, into at least one ofthe other devices, such as the control unit. The base
`station may, for example, be connected to a personal computer. The base station, in that
`
`embodiment, may provide wireless connectivity to the other devices, while the personal
`
`computer provides storage and a user interface for manipulating the information sent to
`and from the devices in the network. The base station may communicate with the
`
`personal computer over a standard connection, such as USB, serial port, Ethernet,
`
`wireless network, infrared, or over a direct connection to the personal cornputer’s bus.
`
`The personal computer may provide a user interface for controlling the devices in
`
`the network. For example, the computer may allow the user to specify what functions are
`
`to be enabled by the system, which may then determine what software to download. The
`
`user may set configuration parameters that would then be downloaded to the device(s) in
`
`the network.
`
`The base station or personal computer may also have a network connection, such
`
`as an Internet connection. This may allow another person to control functions of the
`
`system. This could include a medical professional, ifthe system is being used for
`medical purposes. It might include a coach if the system is being used for athletic
`purposes. It might include a manufacturer or distributor ofany ofthe devices in the
`
`network, who may wish to download software and parameters into the system to support
`
`the device.
`
`The base station, personal computer, and/or computer over a network connection
`
`may also be used to upload data from any of the components in the modular personal
`network, such as a control unit. This data may be stored, modified, analyzed, displayed,
`
`or otherwise used on one of those other stations.
`
`The control unit described above may be a separate device, or it may be combined
`
`with another of the individual network components, such as a display. In general, it may
`
`be more eficient to combine any two ofthe components in a network, providing multiple
`functions with a single device. Alternatively, any individual function may be provided
`
`UA-1004.007
`
`

`
`by a single unique device. The control unit, for example, may be a separate unit, worn on
`
`a waistband.
`
`The control unit preferably has memory and a processor, in addition to its
`
`communication device. This memory and processor supports downloading of
`
`information and software, as well as control of other devices in the network.
`
`The system with an audio output device and a control unit may provide an audio
`
`output function. For example, music may be stored in a digital form in memory in the
`
`control unit and sent to the audio output device. The control unit may also generate audio
`
`feedback related to other fianctions provided by the system. For example, if the system is
`
`being used for athletic monitoring, audio feedback may be used to prompt the user to
`
`work out harder or easier, to provide performance information, or to inform the user what
`
`workout zone he or she is in.
`
`The system may provide different audio outputs to signify different situations or
`
`conditions. For example, different sounds may be generated for different situations.
`
`Alternatively, different sound sequences for different conditions. As yet another
`
`embodiment, sound may be sent to diiferent speakers for different conditions. Voice may
`
`also be synthesized. Any of these techniques may be combined.
`
`The system may also provide both music and audio feedback. This is an example
`
`of one system providing multiple fiinctions. In this case, the music may be paused,
`
`muted, or the volume may be lowered while the audio feedback is provided.
`
`Another type of individual network component is a position monitor. This may
`
`be, for example, a global positioning monitor worn by the user, allowing location ofthe
`
`user to be determined as a specific position on the earth, using satellite receivers.
`
`Alternatively, it may be a simple elevation monitor, using for example, barometric
`
`pressure readings. Such a monitor can provide a user with current information about
`
`position, elevation, speed, elevation change, and other useful data.
`
`The position information collected may be displayed for the user. It may also be
`
`saved over a period of time for later use, either in the same individual network
`
`component that collected the information, or in another component with memory, such as
`
`UA-1004.008
`
`

`
`-7-
`
`a control unit. The saved data may later be displayed by one of the individual network
`
`components. Alternatively, it may be uploaded to a base station, personal computer,
`
`computer accessed over the Internet, or other station, as described previously. That
`
`station may save the data in a database, display it for a user, analyze the data, compare it
`
`with other location information such as map data, compare it with other simultaneously-
`
`collected non-location information such as heart rate or speed, compare the recently
`
`collected location data with previously collected location data, or perform other functions
`
`related to position.
`
`The user may be allowed to modify the data as it is collected or after it has been
`
`collected. For example, the user may be allowed to annotate the data. The user may be
`
`allowed to enter voice or text annotations that provide, for example, additional
`
`information about the location, the route, the user at that point in time, or any other
`
`information If desired, the system may support a certain number of predefined
`
`annotations and allow the user to quickly and easily enter any of them.
`
`The system may also collect location data from one or more sessions, and use that
`
`location data to later recommend a specific route to the user. For example, the user may
`
`be an athlete, and may desire a workout of a particular distance, intensity, or elevation
`
`profile. The system may also be used to collect information about the route of an athletic
`
`competition. The system may use the previously collected data to create a library of
`
`possible routes, and may choose between them based on information about what type of
`
`workout the user is interested in. These choices may be made in advance of the workout,
`
`for example on a personal computer, or they may be made dynamically during the
`
`workout as specific decision points are reached.
`
`The system may also collect performance data along multiple instances of
`
`following the same route or route segment. For example, speed, heart rate, and other
`
`performance parameters may be collected fi'om two or more training sessions on the same
`
`route. The data from these sessions may be uploaded to a personal computer, either at the
`
`athlete’s location or remotely at a coach’s location, and compared. Comparison charts
`
`and graphs may be presented comparing performance data from two or more sessions
`
`over the same route.
`
`UA-1004.009
`
`

`
`.3.
`
`Another possible individual network component is an accelerometer, or other
`
`device that can measure the movements of a part of the body such as an arm or leg. By
`
`measuring the frequency at which an arm or leg swings, the system can calculate
`
`cadence. For example, the cadence of a runner is the number of strides per minute,
`
`If the system is capable of measuring both the user’s cadence and speed, the stride
`
`length may also be calculated. For example, the cadence may be calculated using an
`
`accelerometer mounted on the arm and counting the number of arm swings per unit of
`
`time. The speed may be measured using a global positioning device. The stride length
`
`may be calculated by dividing the speed by the cadence. The cadence, speed, and stride
`
`length may be displayed for the user. They may also be collected over the length of a
`
`session and uploaded to a base station or computer for display, storage, and analysis.
`
`All of the individual network components within a single system may be assigned
`
`a single unique identifier, This identifier may be downloaded, for example, from a base
`
`station or personal computer to each ofthe individual components. All communications
`
`between components may be tagged with this unique identifier. This will prevent
`
`interference between the two modular personal networks used by two dilferent people.
`
`Components in each system will only listen to messages tagged with that system’s own
`
`identifier.
`
`The unique identifier can also be used to deter theft and other misuse ofany
`
`individual network component. Each component can be programmed to not accept a
`
`different unique identifier without explicit authorization from the authorized user, for
`
`example on a base station or personal computer. The components may also be
`
`configured so that the unique identifier they use cannot be extracted to program into a
`
`different component.
`
`The modular personal network may also allow collection of media data. For
`
`example, individual components may include a microphone or a video input. Individual
`
`components may also include memory or another storage device to store media. The
`
`media collected, such as audio, video, or still images, may be replayed for the user by one
`
`of the components. The media may be uploaded to a base station or personal computer.
`
`UA-1004.010
`
`

`
`-9-
`
`The modular personal network collecting media data may also collect other
`
`personal data. For example, the system may collect position data, heart rate data, athletic
`
`data such as speed, or other data. The media and personal data may be sent using the
`
`wireless network to a base station, and into a personal computer. The media data may be
`
`interpreted by a media interpretation unit or algorithm, such as a speech recognition
`
`system. The interpreted media data may be used to change the personal data collection
`
`functions.
`
`A relationship may be defined when the media and personal data are collected.
`
`For example, the media data may be associated with the personal data collected at about
`
`the same time as the media was collected. That relationship may be noted in the data,
`
`and maintained as the data is uploaded to a base station or stored in a personal computer.
`
`For example, a voice note or a picture may be tagged as associated with data collected at
`
`a specific time during an athletic workout or other session.
`
`If an athlete uses the modular personal network, the system may be used to define
`
`and control workouts. The workouts may be defined, for example, by the athlete on a
`
`personal computer, by a coach on a remote computer linked Via a network such as the
`
`Internet, or generated automatically by a coaching software application. The workout
`
`may be defined as a series of sections, wherein each section has a specific goal.
`
`The goal of a section may, for example, be maintaining a specific performance
`
`parameter at or near a specific value or in a specific range. The workout definition may
`
`be stored in memory in one individual network component, a control unit. The control
`
`unit may receive inputs from an individual network component that is a data collection
`
`device. The control unit may send control commands to another individual network
`
`component, an output device.
`
`The parameter to be controlled may be, for example, heart rate, speed, or power.
`
`Each section of the workout may have a distinct control profile for one or more of the
`
`parameters. For example, within one section a parameter may be specified at a specific
`
`constant value or between two specific Values. A profile may be specified for the
`
`parameter or parameters for the duration ofthe workout section. That profile may be
`
`linear or any other curve.
`
`UA-1004.011
`
`

`
`-10-
`
`To control one or more parameters, the system may monitor one or more inputs.
`
`These inputs may include heart rate, speed, position, cadence, or other values. The
`
`sensor may be a component in the modular personal network. The sensor may be
`
`mounted on a bicycle, piece of exercise equipment, or other device.
`
`The system may send one or more outputs to control the parameter or parameters.
`
`The output may be an audible or visual prompt to the athlete to change speed, change
`
`workout intensity, change route or otherwise change the workout. The output may be a
`
`command to a device to change a setting, such as speed or resistance. The command may
`
`be sent to a device mounted on a piece of exercise equipment.
`
`The control or one or more parameters during a workout section may be by using
`
`a servo algorithm, such as a position—integral-derivative servo algorithm. The change to
`
`the output may be based on the combination of an input value, the history of change of
`
`the input value, and the rate of change of the input value. The system may also include a
`
`set of limits on the output value to prevent it from exceeding a minimum value, a
`
`maximum value, and/or a rate of change.
`
`Software may be provided on a personal computer, used either by the athlete or a
`
`coach, to define a workout and its sections. The workout may be defined remotely by a
`
`coach and transmitted to the athlete’s personal computer over a network such as the
`
`Internet, and then downloaded into a component of the modular personal network. The
`
`user of the personal computer may be able to define, for each section, the duration of the
`
`section in time or distance or other measures, what parameter or parameters are to be
`
`controlled, the profile of the value for those parameters for the duration of the section,
`
`what output value or values may be changed to effect the change on the parameter to be
`
`controlled, any limits on the output value, or other attributes of the sections. The user
`
`may specify that one or more workout sections have no parameters to be controlled. The
`
`user may specify that the attributes of one section are to be a copy ofthe attributes of a
`
`previously defined section. The user may specify that one or more sections are to be
`
`repeated at specified number oftimes.
`
`UA-1004.012
`
`

`
`.11-
`
`After the athlete or coach defines a workout on a personal computer, the workout
`
`definition may be downloaded into a mobile system, such as the control unit of a modular
`
`personal network, for use during the workout.
`
`After a workout, the workout results may be uploaded to a base station or
`
`personal computer. The workout results may be transmitted from a personal computer at
`the athlete’s location to a personal computer at the coach’s location over a
`
`communications network such as the Internet. Workout results may include stored values
`
`for various parameters for the duration ofthe workout, such as heart rate, speed, location,
`power, etc. The results may be stored in a database. They may be compared with the
`results from previous workouts. They may be displayed, for example as charts or graphs,
`
`for the athlete or coach.
`
`Communications between an athlete’s computer and a coach’s computer may be
`
`peer-to-peer over the Internet. Alternatively, data may be stored on an intermediate
`server as it is being transferred from one to the other, allowing it to be transferred without
`
`requiring both to be connected to the Internet at the same time.
`
`The athlete’s computer or the coach’s computer may manage multiple workouts.
`The computer may have software that is used to manage the workouts. The software may
`allow one workout to be generated based on the parameters of a previous workout. This
`may include the planned parameters, as well as the actual workout results for the previous
`Workout. The software may store parameters and results related to a multitude of
`previous and planned workouts. It may manage the scheduling of workouts, for example,
`allowing a workout to be moved from one day to another. It may enforce rules when
`deciding what moves are to be allowed, Rules may include, for example, not allowing
`
`two workouts ofthe same type to be scheduled on consecutive days.
`
`The workout management software may facilitate the creation and management of
`
`a workout plan. This plan is a set ofworkouts with a specific goal or set of goals. The
`goal may be specific athletic competition, performance goal, or health goal at a specific
`time in the future. The software may also track measurements, made by the mobile
`
`system, entered by the athlete or coach, or otherwise collected, and analyze the
`measurements against each other and against the goal or goals.
`
`UA-1004.013
`
`

`
`.12-
`
`Another athletic use for this invention is to ensure that an athlete monitors the
`
`need for a consumable, such as water, sodium, and carbohydrates, and to prompt the
`
`athlete to consume more when required. The need for a consumable may be determined
`
`by monitoring a metabolic parameter such as heart rate or skin resistance and estimating
`
`the amount of the consumable lost by the athlete. The need may also be determined by
`
`measuring the time since the most recent prompt. The need may also be determined
`
`based on information stored about the athlete, such as weight and gender. The system
`
`may measure the amount of the consumable carried by the athlete. The system may
`
`provide a visual or audio reminder to the athlete, and may include a recommendation of
`
`the amount of the consumable to consume.
`
`The system may monitor one or more metabolic functions to determine if the
`
`athlete has a medical problem. For example, an athlete may suffer from dehydration,
`
`hyponatremia, or a heat injury such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. The
`
`system may monitor metabolic parameters such as heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature,
`
`skin resistance, breath rate, or blood pressure. The system may also take into account
`
`such factors as duration of the workout, intensity of workout, previously entered
`
`physiological information about the athlete, amount of water and other substances
`
`consumed, etc. When a medical problem is suspected, the athlete may be prompted,
`
`either visually or audibly, to drink, consume a sodium or caloric supplement, slow down,
`
`or stop the workout. Alternatively or in addition, an audible alert may be sounded. An
`
`alert message may be transmitted by a wireless transmitter to a remote station.
`
`One ofthe individual network components in the modular personal network may
`
`be a clock. The time may be automatically downloaded to the clock from a base station
`
`or personal computer. The clock may support fianctions such as a stopwatch, an interval
`
`timer, a multiple event timer, a split timer, etc. The clock may also support other timing
`
`functions in the system, such as measuring speed, cadence, rate of elevation change, heart
`
`rate, etc.
`
`The modular personal network may also control a stationary piece of equipment.
`
`For example, some pieces of exercise equipment include a serial port. One ofthe
`
`individual network components may include a serial port. This component may receive
`
`UA-1004.014
`
`

`
`-13-
`
`commands from a control unit to send to the exercise equipment, and may send data from
`
`the exercise equipment to the control unit. This allows the stationary exercise equipment
`
`to be incorporated into a workout controlled by the modular personal network. For
`example, the system may send change speed or incline commands to a treadmill, control
`the resistance of a stationary bicycle, and receive the speed of an exercise bicycle. The
`
`inputs may be used to measure the results of a workout, and the outputs may be
`
`controlled in concordance with a planned workout.
`
`The equipment need not be stationary. For example, the modular personal
`network may receive data from one or more sensors mounted on a bicycle. The bicycle
`may have sensors to measure wheel speed and pedal cadence. These sensors may send
`the data using a wireless transmitter. One of the individual network components may
`
`receive this data, along with any other workout data collected by the system.
`
`One or more of the individual network components may be a data collector of
`
`some type. Some types of data collectors designed for mobile use may not be completely
`reliable. For example, a heart rate monitor may not produce reliable data if constant
`
`contact is not made with the skin. In addition, any wireless communication between
`
`devices may be temporarily blocked by interference generated by electrical devices, radio
`
`transmissions, or the like.
`
`Software running in the modular personal network, or in a computer analyzing the
`
`data collected by the modular personal network, may recognize that some samples are
`invalid. For example, the data may be examined for missing samples, zero data, or data
`outside valid ranges. The data may be examined for an invalid rate of change. The data
`samples may also be examined for consistency with other simultaneously collected data.
`For example, heart beat data may be examined for missing samples. Heart rate data may
`be examine