Conveniently viewable display device and method
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
1. A portable performance monitoring device for monitoring an individual's performance during a physical activity, the portable performance monitoring device comprising:
a mount adapted to releasably secure the portable performance monitoring device to the radial side of the individual's wrist during the physical activity; and
a main body coupled to the mount, the main body comprising:
a display unit adapted to display performance information to the individual during the physical activity.
2. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 wherein the display unit is disposed on the main body such that the display unit is adapted to be at an angle to be viewed by the individual while the individual is running without the individual having to turn their wrist.
3. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the display unit is disposed on the main body such that the top of the display unit is adapted to be oriented toward the individual's fingertips.
4. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the display unit is disposed on the main body such that the top of the display unit is adapted to be oriented toward the back of the individual's wrist.
5. The performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the display unit is disposed on the main body such that the top of the display unit is adapted to be oriented at an angle between the individual's fingertips and the back of the individual's wrist.
6. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the display unit is adapted such that the orientation of the display unit with respect to the radial side of the individual's wrist can be modified by the individual.
7. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , the main body further comprising a wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver is adapted to receive information to be displayed by the display unit.
8. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , the main body further comprising a wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver is adapted to receive commands from a separate control device worn or carried by the individual.
9. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the mount is adapted to allow the individual to replace the display unit with a different display unit.
10. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the mount is adapted to allow the individual to change the orientation of the display unit.
11. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the mount comprises a wristband.
12. A portable performance monitoring device for monitoring an individual's performance during a physical activity, the portable performance monitoring device comprising:
a mount adapted to releasably secure the portable performance monitoring device to the individual's body during the physical activity; and
a main body coupled to the mount, the main body comprising:
a display unit adapted to display performance information to the individual during the physical activity.
13. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the portion of the individual's body that the mount adapted to releasably secure the portable performance monitoring device to is one of the individual's hand, wrist, arm, waist, head, and leg.
14. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the mount comprises an article of clothing.
15. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the main body is adapted to be releasably coupled to the mount.
16. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the portable performance monitoring device is adapted such that the orientation of the main body with respect to the mount can be modified by the individual.
17. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , the main body further comprising a wireless personal-area network transceiver adapted to communicate with another device that is coupled to the individual's body during the physical activity.
18. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , the main body further comprising a wireless wide-area network transceiver adapted to communicate a remotely located device during the physical activity.
19. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , the main body further comprising a processor adapted to determine the performance information to be displayed during the physical activity.
20. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the performance information comprises an indication that the individual should adjust the intensity of the physical activity.
21. The portable performance monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the performance information comprises an indication of how the individual's current physical activity intensity level compares to a predetermined range of physical activity intensity levels.
22. A method of monitoring an individual's performance during a physical activity with a portable performance monitoring device that is capable of being secured to the individual's body during the physical activity, the method comprising:
releasably securing the portable performance monitoring device to the individual's body via a mount of the portable performance monitoring device;
displaying performance information to the individual during the physical activity via a display unit of the portable performance monitoring device, wherein the display unit is coupled to the mount via a main body of the portable performance monitoring device.
23. The method of claim 22 , further comprising releasably securing the portable performance monitoring device to one of the individual's hand, wrist, arm, waist, head, and leg.
24. The method of claim 22 , further comprising releasably securing the main body to the mount.
25. The method of claim 22 , farther comprising modifying the orientation of the main body with respect to the mount.
26. The method of claim 22 , further comprising the portable performance monitoring device wirelessly communicating with another device that is coupled to the individual's body during the physical activity.
27. The method of claim 22 , further comprising the portable performance monitoring device wirelessly communicating with a remotely located device during the physical activity.
28. The method of claim 22 , wherein the performance information comprises an indication that the individual should adjust the intensity of the physical activity.
29. The method of claim 22 , wherein the performance information comprises an indication of how the individual's current physical activity intensity level compares to a predetermined range of physical activity intensity levels.