U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,104

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a yoga ball and a game console. The yoga ball may measure the motions of an individual using the ball to play a video game and then cause a signal to be sent to the game console. The game console is preferably in connectivity with a monitor where the monitor displays the player's progress in the video game. Game consoles that may be utilized include Xbox®, Xbox 360®, Nintendo®, Nintendo Wii®, PlayStation®, etc. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, a game player may sit atop a yoga ball100and move his or her body in order to progress through a video game200. In some exemplary embodiments, the yoga ball is able to detect movement in 360 degrees. In other words, a player sitting on top of the yoga ball may be able to progress through a game by moving his or her body in such a way that the yoga ball is caused to move, forwards, backwards, to the left and right, and every direction in between. In some embodiments, the yoga ball may measure movement in a smaller range. When a yoga ball measures motion in a smaller range, it may encourage a player to move in a specific way which is better for strengthening his or her core muscles.

In one exemplary embodiment a yoga ball comprises a motion sensor that enables the measurement of motion where the motion sensor is in communication with a game console or other device executing a video game200. In one exemplary embodiment as shown inFIG. 2, a motion sensor300is located on a portion of the yoga ball100that comes in and out of contact with the ground when the yoga ball100is being utilized by an individual playing a video game200. As shown inFIG. 2the motion sensor300may send motion data to a game console400that is executing the video game200. In this exemplary embodiment the player's progression through a game may be determined by the sensor's ground-contact position. In another exemplary embodiment, a motion sensor300may detect when it has been partially moved in or out of contact with the ground or similar surface and may utilize the motion measurement to progress a player through a game200. Some exemplary embodiments comprise a yoga ball100with a plurality of motion sensors300that come in and out of contact with the ground when the yoga ball is being utilized by an individual playing a video game. In these exemplary embodiments, a player's progression through a game200may be determined by the time period in between the one or more sensors300being placed in a ground-contact position. The sensors may also utilize measurements relating to when they have been taken out of contact with the ground or similar surface. In some exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100comprising at least one motion sensor300is utilized in conjunction with a special surface that facilitates the motion sensor's use.

In some exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100comprising a motion sensor300is utilized such that a player sitting on top of the yoga ball100is in contact with a motion sensor300. When an individual is in contact with a motion sensor300, the motion sensor300may be able to measure when the individual is no longer in contact with the motion sensor300or when the individual's position on the motion sensor300changes. When an individual's motion is detected by a yoga ball's motion sensor300the motion sensor300may cause a signal to be sent to a game console400causing a player's progression in a game200. A motion sensor300may measure the direction of a player's motion as well as the player's speed of movement.

In some exemplary embodiments a yoga ball100may comprise at least one motion sensor300which is to be selectively contacted by a player in order to progress through a video game200. In these exemplary embodiments, the player may be required to touch the sensor300with a portion of his or her body in order to obtain a desired game result. In some exemplary embodiments, the player may be required to contact the motion sensor300for a certain period of time in order to obtain a desired game result. In some exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100comprises multiple motion sensors300that are to be selectively contacted by a player in order for the player to progress through a video game200.

In one exemplary embodiment a yoga ball100is positioned upon a motion sensor300. As shown inFIG. 3, the motion sensor may be a mat310that is capable of detecting changes in the yoga ball's position, the weight distribution of a player positioned on a yoga ball100, etc. In exemplary embodiments comprising a motion sensing mat310, a player utilizing a yoga ball to play a game may position the ball on top of the mat310and then sit on top of the ball100. The player may first have to sit in a neutral position (for example, weight centered on top of the ball) so that the mat310can utilize the neutral position measurement to determine future movements throughout the course of game play. In other words, the mat310may utilize the difference between the neutral position and other measured positions of the yoga ball100to advance an individual in game play. In some embodiments, a player's movement in a single direction on top of the yoga ball100may have different effects in game play depending on the degree of the movement, speed of the movement, etc. In preferred exemplary embodiments, movement of a yoga ball100is measured in 360 degrees. In some exemplary embodiments, a mat310that detects the motion of a yoga ball100is also able to detect contact by a player positioned on top of the yoga ball. In some exemplary embodiments the player may selectively touch the mat310as well as cause motion of the yoga ball100both of which can be measured by the mat310to cause the player's progression through a video game200. In other exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100is positioned within or near a device that measures the movement of the ball. The ball may be coated (partially or fully) with a material that may be detected by the movement measuring device. In one exemplary embodiment a mat310utilizes infra red technology to determine the orientation of a yoga ball positioned on it. In another exemplary embodiment, the yoga ball comprises infra red technology to measure it's orientation in relationship to the mat310.

In some exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100is utilized in conjunction with at least one movement measuring device500that is not connected to the yoga ball100where the device500measures the motion of an individual player in order to play and progress through a game. In one example as shown inFIG. 4, a movement measuring device500can be selectively contacted by the feet of an individual player and the device measures the contact of at least one of the player's feet. In such an example, the measuring device500may detect the presence of a signaling member that has been positioned on one of the player's feet. In some exemplary embodiments, the movement measuring device500is able to detect the body heat of an individual player and utilizes the detection to recognize when the player has come into contact with at least one of its surfaces.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a yoga ball100, a game console400comprising a microprocessor and a graphics system where the game console400is in communication with a display screen700, a video game200executing on the console, and a handheld controller600comprising an accelerometer system that measures movement in three dimensions and where the controller is in communication with the game console400. The controller600may be in communication with the console via a Bluetooth® connection. The controller600may comprise infra red technology in order to determine the controller's orientation in relationship to the display screen700or some other predefined object such as the console400. In one exemplary embodiment the game console may comprise a Nintendo Wii and the controller comprise a Wii controller. The video game200executing on the game console400is preferably one whose subject is not directed towards exercising. In theFIG. 5exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a controller harness800that holds the controller in a desired position on the body of an individual player. In one exemplary embodiment, the harness800holds a handheld controller such that it is above the chest of an individual player. In another exemplary embodiment as shown inFIG. 6, comprising a harness800for a controller600, the harness800is part of or connected to the yoga ball100such that the controller600may be held in a desired relationship to the ball100. In an example embodiment, the harness allows access to the hardware interface on the controller. The harness may be fashioned to allow quick removal during use, or to replace batteries, and keep the ball cleanable and usable as a standard yoga ball. The harness may be designed to press a button on the controller to indicate to the game that the controller is in the harness.

In some exemplary embodiments the system comprises more than one handheld controller600that are utilized by an individual player positioned atop a yoga ball100playing a video game200by moving his or her body on the ball100. The term handheld controller does not imply that the controller600must always be held in the hand of an individual player but rather indicates the size of the controller600is such that it could be comfortably held by an individual player in his or her hands.

In an exemplary embodiment comprising a yoga ball100, a game console400in communication with a display700, and a handheld controller600comprising an accelerometer system that measures movement in three dimensions and where the controller600is in communication with the game console400, the game console400may receive motion data from the controller600as an individual sitting atop the yoga ball100performs physical activities with the yoga ball100. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller100is positioned on the individual utilizing the yoga ball—for example, it may be held to the individual's wrist, leg, chest, etc. or it may be held in the individual's hand. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller600is placed in a harness800that is part of or connected to a yoga ball100. When the individual moves atop the yoga ball100, the controller600may be correspondingly moved which movement may then be detected by the accelerometer system of the controller600. The controller600may further comprise infra red technology such that the controller's orientation in relationship to the display700may be determined as the controller600is moved as a result of an individual's physical activities utilizing the yoga ball100. There may be numerous moves of the controller600that are detectable by the controller. Preferably, software executing on the game console400can distinguish between various moves of the controller600such that the individual utilizing the yoga ball100is encouraged to perform certain moves to achieve a desired result in a video game200. In some exemplary embodiments software that can distinguish between moves of the controller600is part of a video game200executing on the game console400. In distinguishing a controller move, the software may receive data from the game console400relating to a recent move of the controller600and may then compare the received data to at least two stored pieces of data where each piece of data corresponds to a controller move as well as to a video game effect. A video game effect is an action performed in a video game200when an individual playing the game has performed an act recognized by the game. When the software matches the received data to a stored piece of data, it may then cause the video game effect to occur which may advance the player in the video game200. One of skill in the art would understand there are numerous ways to process sensor data signals to determine if they meet certain conditions. For example, a window of data over a specified time period may be compared to stored exemplar data windows. More advanced gesture tracking may use the data window technology. Signal thresholding may also be used to detect when a signal has entered or existed in a certain state. In one exemplary embodiment the accelerometer system of the controller600may measure motion in less than three directions.

In one exemplary embodiment as shown inFIG. 7A, the system comprises a yoga ball100, a game console400, a video game200executing on the console400, a handheld controller600comprising an accelerometer system that measures movement in three dimensions and where the controller600is in communication with the game console400, and a motion sensor300in communication with the game console400where said motion sensor300is not located in or on the controller600. In such an exemplary embodiment an individual may sit atop the yoga ball100and perform physical acts that cause the controller600to be moved and which may also be detected by the motion sensor300. The console400may receive separate signals based on the movement of the controller600as well as the motion detected by the motion sensor300. In one exemplary embodiment, each signal received causes a different video game effect. In one example, the motion sensor300may be located on the yoga ball100. In another example as shown inFIG. 7B, the motion sensor may be part of a mat310located under or near the yoga ball such that it can detect when it has been touched by an individual utilizing the yoga ball100to play the video game. In an example comprising a mat310that comprises a motion sensor, the individual may be able to cause video game effects by selectively touching the mat310with his or her hands and feet. For example, an individual may be positioned such that his or her back is on the top of the yoga ball100and his or her feet as well as hands are in contact with the mat310. The controller600may be attached to one of the individual's legs, arms, etc. The individual may be able to cause video game effects by moving his or her body on the yoga ball100such that the controller600is moved as well as by selectively moving his or her arms and legs off of the mat310.

In an exemplary embodiment comprising a yoga ball100, a game console400, a video game200executing on the console400, a handheld controller600comprising an accelerometer system that measures movement in three dimensions and where the controller600is in communication with the game console400, and a motion sensor300in communication with the game console400where said motion sensor300is not located in or on the controller600, the motion sensor300may communicate with the game console400in the same manner as the controller. The communication is preferably wireless. In some exemplary embodiments however at least the motion sensor300or the controller600stay in communication with the game console400via a wired connection. The yoga ball100may further comprise a harness800for holding the controller600.

In one exemplary embodiment the system comprises a yoga ball100, a game console400, a video game200executing on the console400, a handheld controller600that corresponds with the game console400such that its movement can be detected by the game console400, and a stress ball900in communication with the game console400. An exemplary embodiment of a stress ball is shown inFIG. 1. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the stress ball900may be utilized by an individual playing a video game with a yoga ball to operate as a trigger or gear changer. In addition to the large ball with a controller on it, a user may interact with a smaller stress ball that sends controller data to the game when squeezed or otherwise manipulated by the user.

In one exemplary embodiment, software executing on a game console400or other device executing a video game, processes information received from a motion sensor300or handheld controller600to produce a video game effect. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the software produces a desired video game effect when the information received indicates that an individual using a yoga ball100has performed a physical act designed to strengthen his or her core muscles. The software compares the accelerometer readings to a set of numeric thresholds that indicate how far the ball has tilted relative to gravity to determine the impact or magnitude of the user's action.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises more than one yoga ball100where each yoga ball may be utilized by a separate player of a video game. In an exemplary embodiment comprising more than one yoga ball100where each ball100is being utilized by a separate player, each of the players may be positioned on his or her respective yoga ball100in such a way that moving his or her body in a manner which benefits healthiness and fitness. Those moves that benefit healthiness and fitness may be measured by a motion sensor mat310located beneath the yoga balls, other motion detecting device, motion of a handheld controller600attached to the yoga balls100or the players, etc. The measurements may then be utilized to progress the players that produced the motion through the game200. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, when a system comprises more than one yoga ball100each being utilized by a separate player, the players compete against each other in the same video game by physically causing their respective yoga ball100to move.

In one exemplary embodiment comprising a yoga ball100, the yoga ball100comprises at least one motion sensor300which detects the motion of at least one limb of an individual positioned on the yoga ball100and utilizing the yoga ball to play a video game. In one exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor300is able to detect the motion of an individual's arm or leg when the individual has placed a detectable band around that limb. In one exemplary embodiment an individual playing a video game with a yoga ball places a detectable band around each of his or her limbs. In the example, the yoga ball100may comprise at least one motion sensor300that is able to detect the motion of at least one of the bands. In one exemplary embodiment, the motion of each band worn by an individual can be detected by a motion sensor300. In another example, the motion sensor300that can detect the motion of detectable bands worn by an individual utilizing a yoga ball100to play a video game is not part of the yoga ball100.

In one exemplary embodiment comprising a yoga ball100, the yoga ball100comprises multiple layers. In one embodiment comprising a yoga ball100with multiple layers, the multiple layers are not encompassing of the entire yoga ball100but rather encompass only a portion of the yoga ball100such that the multiple layers define an envelope for maintaining at least one motion sensor300and its componentry. A yoga ball100may be made from a polymeric material, such as PVC plastic, and may be inflated with air prior to being utilized by an individual to play a video game. In one exemplary embodiment where a yoga ball100is utilized in conjunction with a handheld controller600, the yoga ball100comprises a harness800for holding the controller600. In an exemplary embodiment comprising a harness800, the harness800may be made primarily out of the same material utilized in forming the yoga ball100. In another exemplary embodiment, the holster material may be made out of a material that is different from that utilized to make the yoga ball100. A holster800for a handheld controller600may be made out of a fabric, polymer, etc. In one exemplary embodiment a holster800for a handheld controller600comprises a band that holds the controller600in a desired place in relationship to the yoga ball100. A band may comprise elastic, a buckle, snaps, etc. to firmly hold the controller. In one exemplary embodiment where a yoga ball100has been placed in a position where it is touching the ground, a holster800for a handheld controller600may be positioned on a surface of the yoga ball100that will not come into contact with the ground while an individual is utilizing the yoga ball to play a video game.

In one exemplary embodiment, a yoga ball100being utilized to play a video game comprises at least one light950. The light950may be a laser. In an exemplary embodiment, such as that shown inFIG. 8, where a yoga ball100comprises at least one light950, the light may project from the yoga ball100on to another surface such as a wall. As a player utilizing the yoga ball100comprising a light950moves the yoga ball100, the light may move from a first position on the surface onto which it is being projected to a second position on the surface thereby permitting the individual to gauge his or her motion. In one exemplary embodiment, a chart placed on the projection surface indicates where a player utilizing the yoga ball100to play a video game200should attempt to project the light950of the yoga ball and hence how the yoga ball100should be moved. The light950may be utilized as an initial training tool in some exemplary embodiments.

In some exemplary embodiments a computer is utilized in conjunction with a yoga ball100to play a video game200. In these exemplary embodiments, the computer may be in connectivity with a monitor or display700for projecting a player's progress in a video game200. Some exemplary embodiments comprise a yoga ball100, a computer, a video game200executing on the computer, and a controller600that may be utilized with the computer such that the computer is capable of detecting the motion of the controller600within a certain distance range. In some exemplary embodiments, a computer may recognize the motion of a controller600because it is in communication with a device that senses the controller's motion and is capable of communicating with the computer.

In some exemplary embodiments, a yoga ball100may be utilized in conjunction with a handheld device where the handheld device operates as a game console and a monitor for displaying a video game. A handheld device may be a mobile gaming unit but it may also be a cell phone, laptop computer, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, a mobile device is held by an individual sitting on top of a yoga ball100. As the individual moves his or her body, the mobile device may detect the motion and progress the individual through a game200executing on the device. The game200executing on the device may comprise software that has been downloaded onto the mobile device. In other exemplary embodiments the game200may be run on the mobile device once a game cartridge has been inserted.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a yoga ball100, a motion sensor300connected to the yoga ball100, a signal translating device in connectivity with a game console where the translating device is adapted to receive a signal from the motion sensor300where the signal comprises information regarding the movement of the yoga ball100, translate the signal into a different signal that is recognized by the game console400, and sends the translated signal to the game console400.

As shown inFIG. 9, one exemplary embodiment comprises a yoga ball100, a game console400, a yoga ball stand970holding the yoga ball100in a desired position where the yoga ball stand970comprises a motion sensor300in communication with the game console400, and a video game200executing on the console400. In the exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor300of the yoga ball stand970may be able to sense the motion of the yoga ball100as it is utilized by an individual. In response to sensing the motion, the motion sensor300may send a message to the game console to progress the individual in the video game. In another exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a yoga ball comprising a motion sensor, a yoga ball stand970capable of holding the yoga ball100in a desired position, a video game console400in communication with the motion sensor300, and a video game200executing on the game console400.

While certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the claims. For example, various configurations of the yoga ball, sensors, and other computer components may be implemented and fall within the scope of the claimed invention. The types of games that may be used in connection with the claimed in invention are numerous. Various hardware and software features and functionality may be varied and fall within the scope of the claimed invention. One skilled in the art would recognize that such modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.