Interfacing portable media devices and sports equipment
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow sports or other equipment, such as gym or other cardio equipment, to write data to a media player. Examples further provide the uploading of this data to a computer and third-party website. To monitor progress, the third-party website can be used to track workout data over time. The third party-website can also collect data from other users, which is particularly useful for providing a competitive environment. This data can then be graphically displayed in various ways to provide encouragement.
1. A method of providing competitive workout data comprising, with a first item of sports equipment:
establishing a first communication link with a first media player;
receiving media from the first media player through the first communication link;
providing the media to a user;
receiving user profile data from the media player;
generating first workout data, wherein the first workout data depends at least in part on the user profile data;
writing the first workout data to the first media player;
receiving second workout data directly from a second item of sports equipment; and
displaying information based on the first workout data and the second workout data.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving control information from a user that controls the media from the first media player.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing media to the user through a headphone jack, speakers, or a display.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first item of sports equipment is a treadmill.
5. The method according to claim 1 where the second workout data is received from the second item of sports equipment prior to receiving the first workout data.
6. The method according to claim 1 where the second workout data is received from the second item of sports equipment contemporaneously with receiving the first workout data.
7. The method according to claim 1 further comprising writing the second workout data to the first media player.
8. A method of providing competitive workout data comprising, with a first portable media player:
establishing a first communication link with a first item of sports equipment;
providing media to the item of sports equipment;
providing user profile data to the item of sports equipment;
receiving first workout data from the first item of sports equipment, wherein the first workout data depends at least in part on the user profile data;
storing the first workout data;
receiving second workout data from a second portable media player; and
providing the second workout data to the first item of sports equipment.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the media comprises either or both of music and video.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the second workout data is generated substantially contemporaneously by a second item of sports equipment.
11. The method of claim 8 further comprising receiving media control data from the first item of sports equipment.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the second workout data is received from the second portable media player contemporaneously with the first workout data.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the second workout data is received from the second portable media player prior to receiving the first workout data.