WO2017093729A1

WO2017093729A1 - A method and system for converting physical activity to a virtual currency

Info

Publication number: WO2017093729A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053763
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Craig; James King; Graeme KILKENNY
Original assignee: Powaband Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2016-11-30
Publication date: 2017-06-08

Abstract

A method, system, computer program, and electronically readable medium for receiving biometric data from a biometric module, and calculating the earned virtual currency using the biometric data are provided. A client application may further send a user purchase request including an earned benefit virtual 5 currency price to a virtual currency server and provide an earned benefit. A server may receive an earned virtual currency or an earned benefit virtual currency price, and update a virtual currency.

Description

A Method and System for Converting Physical Activity to a Virtual Currency

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the field of virtual currency. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to generating virtual currency.

Background

Modern life includes using many electronic devices on a daily basis, including computers, smart phones, game consoles, and smart devices. People increasingly find themselves engaged in online games, shopping online, and engaging in social media in their free time.

Virtual currency is a type of digital currency, or digital money, which often is issued and usually controlled by private developers over the Internet. Virtual currency exists in contrast to hard currency, or money minted by a recognized government.

Prior virtual currencies include World of Warcraft gold. World of Warcraft gold may be earned, or farmed, and spent within the World of Warcraft game.

Other prior virtual currencies include Second Life Linden dollars. Linden dollars can also be earned and exchanged via participation in activities in the Second Life community.

World of World of Warcraft gold and Linden dollars relate to a user's online activities in a specific virtual community. A desire to earn these virtual currencies incentivises user participation in a respective online community life. Further models for virtual currencies include Bitcoin. Bitcoin is created by mining coins, or solving mathematical puzzles with computer processors. A desire to earn Bitcoin, which can be spent online and increasingly in the real world as more brick-and-mortar shops accept Bitcoin for payment, incentivises users to operate processors to mine further Bitcoins.

Similarly, other prior virtual currencies may be earned via online activities, or purchased with hard currency. The use of electronics, playing of games, participation in virtual communities, and using social media has traditionally been a sedentary activity. It is increasingly a challenge to motivate users to exercise and be active. The problem is particularly a concern for children, for whom degenerative health problems such as diabetes are trending upwards.

What is needed is a new way to generate virtual currency that is based in a user's physical life, and can provide earned benefits that incentivise healthier lifestyles. Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method for transforming biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency, the method including:

receiving biometric data from a biometric module; and

calculating the earned virtual currency using the biometric data.

The biometric data may include an activity type. The biometric data may include a duration corresponding to the activity type, and calculating the earned virtual currency using the biometric data includes using the activity type, the duration, and an activity weight corresponding to the activity type.

The activity type may include a physiological activity.

The biometric data may include accelerometer data.

The biometric data may include gyroscope data. The biometric data may include a step count.

The biometric data may include heart rate monitor data.

The biometric data may include at least one of : magnetometer data, barometer data, GPS data, neuromonitor data, heart rate monitor data, blood pressure monitor data, or oximeter data.

The activity type may be determined by detecting one or more movements based on at least one of : the gyroscope data or the accelerometer data.

Calculating the earned virtual currency based on the activity type may include multiplying the duration by an activity weight corresponding to the activity type. The activity type may be determined based on a signal amplitude detected using an ADC attached to at least one of : a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

The activity type may be determined by the biometric module based on data from at least one of : a gyroscope or an accelerometer. The activity type may be determined based on an integration of signal values from a counter attached to at least one of: the gyroscope or the

accelerometer. The method may further include the step of displaying an earned virtual currency in a user interface.

The method may further include the step of displaying a total virtual currency value in a user interface.

The method may further include the step of receiving a total virtual currency value from a virtual currency server.

The method may further include the step of sending the earned virtual currency amount to a virtual currency server.

The method may further include the step of sending the biometric data to a virtual currency server. The method may further include the step of receiving the biometric data at a virtual currency server, wherein the earned virtual currency is calculated using the biometric data at the virtual currency server.

The method may further include the step of sending a command to set a biometric module earned virtual currency value at the biometric module.

The method may further include the step of providing a goal selection interface; and receiving a goal selection from a user. The method may further include the step of displaying the goal progress on the goal selection in the user interface. The method may further include the step of sending the goal progress on the goal selection to the biometric module.

The method may further include the step of providing an earned benefit based on at least part of the earned virtual currency.

The earned virtual currency may include a virtual good.

The virtual good may include a player characteristic in a game.

The earned benefit may include an advanced level in the game.

The virtual good may include a power-up in the game. The earned benefit may include providing a physical good.

The virtual good may include providing a player characteristic in a game based upon the biometric data. The biometric data may be received from the biometric module via a wireless interface.

The biometric data may be received from the biometric module via a Bluetooth interface.

The biometric data may be received at a mobile device, and the earned virtual currency may be calculated using the biometric data received at the mobile device. According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is a computer program configured to perform the method of the first aspect. According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is an electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of the above aspect. According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is a system configured to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency according to the methods of the above aspect.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is an apparatus for

transforming biometric data into an earned virtual currency, the apparatus including:

a processor configured to calculate the earned virtual currency based on biometric data including an activity type and a duration, wherein the calculation of the earned virtual currency is based on the activity type, the duration, and an activity weight corresponding to the activity type.

The apparatus may further include a biometric monitor operable to produce biometric data. According to an aspect of the disclosure there is a method for maintaining an updated virtual currency total, the method including:

receiving a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or an earned benefit virtual currency price; and

calculating the updated virtual currency total based on the virtual currency modification and a previous virtual currency total, wherein at least a part of the updated virtual currency total is determined from transforming biometric data into earned virtual currency. The method may further include the step of receiving a purchase request for an earned benefit purchase from a client device. The method may further include the step of sending an approval for the earned benefit purchase based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and the updated virtual currency total to the client device. The method may further include the step of saving a transaction in a transaction database, the transaction including the virtual currency

modification.

The method may further include the step of sending the updated virtual currency total to at least one of: the client device or the biometric device.

The method may further include the step of receiving a goal progress on a goal selection from the client device, and saving the goal progress in a goal progress database.

The method may further include the step of sending the goal progress to at least one of: a client device or a biometric device.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is further a computer program configured to perform the method of the preceding aspect.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is an electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of the preceding aspect. According to an aspect of the disclosure there is a system configured to maintain an updated virtual currency total in accordance with the preceding aspect.

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is a method for providing an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price, the method including: sending a user purchase request including an earned benefit virtual currency price to a virtual currency server; and providing the earned benefit upon receiving an approval for the user purchase request from the virtual currency server, the approval based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and an updated virtual currency total, wherein at least a part of the updated virtual currency total is determined from

transforming biometric data into earned virtual currency.

Sending the user purchase request including the earned benefit virtual currency price to the virtual currency server may be performed by using an exposed interface to the virtual currency server.

The method may further include the step of providing an earned benefit selection interface; and receiving an earned benefit selection.

The method may further include the step of receiving an updated virtual currency total from the virtual currency server.

The method may further include the step of displaying the updated virtual currency total in a virtual currency total display. The method may further include the step of sending a purchase confirmation to the virtual currency server.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is a system configured to provide an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price according to the preceding aspect.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an electronically readable medium configured to store an earned virtual currency according the preceding aspect.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is a computer program configured to perform the method of the preceding aspect. According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of the above aspect. According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is a system for transforming biometric data into an earned virtual currency including:

a biometric application including: a biometric module configured to receive biometric data including an activity type and a duration corresponding to the activity type, a calculation module configured to calculate the earned virtual currency based on the activity type, the duration, and an activity weight, the activity weight corresponding to the activity type, and a virtual currency server update module configured to send the earned virtual currency to a virtual currency server application; and

the virtual currency server application includes: an update total virtual currency module to receive a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or an earned benefit virtual currency price, and calculate the updated virtual currency total based on the virtual currency modification and a previous virtual currency total.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the system further includes:

a client system including: a user request module configured to send a user purchase request including the earned benefit virtual currency price to the virtual currency application, and

an earned benefit providing module configured to provide an earned benefit upon receiving an approval for the user purchase request from the virtual currency application, the approval based on an updated virtual currency total including the earned virtual currency. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the virtual currency server

application further includes: a receiving module configured to receive a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or the earned benefit virtual currency price, and

a virtual currency updating module configured to calculate the updated virtual currency total based on the virtual currency modification and a previous virtual currency total.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the virtual currency server

application further includes:

an approval module configured to send an approval to a client device for the earned benefit purchase based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and the updated virtual currency total to the client device.

Other aspects of the invention are described within the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a block diagram illustrating a system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a method 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a method 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 6 shows a method 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 7 shows a method 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ; Figure 8 shows a method 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 9 shows a method 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 10 shows a method 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 1 1 shows a method 1 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 12 shows a method 1200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ; Figure 13 shows a method 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 14 shows a method 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 15 shows a method 1500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ; and Figure 16 shows a system 1600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention may provide a method, system, computer program, and electronically readable medium configured to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency.

Figure 1 depicts a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. System 100 includes computing devices 106 and 108, biometric monitor 1 10, and a server 1 12, which communicate with one another through links 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, and 120 and the Internet 102.

Computing devices 106 and 108, and biometric monitor 1 10 may be operable to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency, as described in relation to Figures 5 and 6. Computing devices 106 and 108, and biometric monitor 1 10 may further be operable to provide an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price.

Each of computing devices 106 and 108, and biometric monitor 1 10 may include a device core 200, as depicted in Figure 2. Device core 200 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, a communication interface 206, and a display 208.

Processor 202 may be configured for executing computer instructions, which, when executed on the system 100, perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 5 to 16. In embodiments, processor 202 may include a single, or any multiple number of core processors, as will be understood by those of skill. Memory 204 may be configured for storing computer program instructions, which, when executed on the processor 202, may perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 5 to 16. Memory 204 may further be configurable to store biometric data, virtual currency data, or goal data, as described in relation to Figures 5 to 16 below.

In examples, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom chipset, such as a system on a chip. For example, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom Snapdragon, Tegra, Mali- 400, Cortex, Samsung Exynos, Intel Atom, Apple, or Motorola chip, or any other type of chip known to those of skill in the art.

In examples, portions of the methods described in relation to Figures 5 to 16 may be stored or executed outside of system 100. For example, a portion of the methods described in relation to Figures 5 to 16 may be stored or executed on a combination of a server and cloud storage facility via Internet 102.

Communications interface 206 may be configured to communicate with devices external to computing devices 106, 108, or biometric monitor 1 10. For example, communications interface 206 may be used to communicate via links 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, as depicted in Figure 1 . In examples, communications interface 206 may be wired or wireless interfaces. For example, communications interface 206 may include a short-range or low-powered wireless standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, zigbee, or near field communication (NFC). Communications interface 206 may further include WIFI, 3G, 4G, Ethernet, or any other communications known to those of skill in the art. In examples, device core 200 may request, send, or receive information, save information, or send or receive messages from a remote device over Internet 102. System 100 may further include a display 208. Display 208 may be operable to display one or more indicators, or a user interface in conjunction with the methods described in relation to Figures 5 to 16. In examples, either of computing devices 106 and 108 may be a computing apparatus such as a smart TV, a game console, a laptop, or desktop computer, or any other app-enabled piece of household hardware.

In examples, either of computing devices 106 and 108 may be a hand-held or mobile computing device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a wearable device.

In examples, biometric monitor 1 10 may be a wearable device. For example, biometric monitor 1 10 may be a wrist band, a chest strap, a head band, or otherwise may attach to any other part of the body via adhesive or any other manner known to those of skill. Biometric monitor 1 10 may be coupled to or incorporated into a piece of a user's clothing. Biometric monitor 1 10 may be positioned near to a user, for example on the surface of a bed while user sleeps. Biometric monitor 1 10 may also sense the activity and physiological state of a user remotely.

In embodiments, computing devices 106 or 108 may incorporate an internal biometric monitor. In further examples, however, computing devices 106 or 108 may be in communication with an external biometric device 1 10. For example, computing device 106 is in communication with biometric monitor 1 10 over link 1 18.

Figure 3 depicts a biometric monitor unit 300. In examples, biometric monitor unit 300 may be paired with a device core 200, to create a biometric monitor 1 10. In further examples, biometric monitor unit 300 may be incorporated into computing device 106 or 108 to create an internal biometric monitor within those devices. Biometric monitor unit 300 includes instruments or devices capable of acting as a human monitor, an activity monitor, or a physiological monitor. Biometric monitor unit 300 is capable of determining motion, activity type, activity qualities, or a biological state of a human being. In the example of Figure 3, biometric monitor unit 300 includes accelerometer 302, gyroscope 304, magnetometer 306, barometer 308, GPS 310, neuromonitor 312, heart rate monitor 314, blood pressure monitor 316, oximeter 318, and blood sugar monitor 320. The example is not intended to be limiting, however. In examples, biometric monitor unit 300 may include any one of the depicted devices, any further human monitoring device, or any combination thereof.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include an accelerometer 302. In examples, accelerometer 302 may be able to detect acceleration, or movement of a user in one, two, or three axes. For example, accelerometer 302 may incorporate a micro electro mechanical sensor (MEMS), or any other sensor commonly known to those of skill in the art. For example, if accelerometer 302 is incorporated into a biometric monitor 1 10 coupled to a user's arm, accelerometer 302 may be able to detect when a user raises her arm.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a gyroscope 304. Gyroscope 304 is operable to determine whether a user is rotating via detecting a Coriolis effect. In examples, rotational detection features of gyroscope 304 may be integrated into accelerometer 302, however.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a magnetometer 306. Magnetometer 306 may operate as a compass. In examples, magnetometer 306 may help determine whether a user has rotated, or changed direction. Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a barometer 308. In examples, barometer 308 may determine whether a user has ascended or descended in elevation. Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a GPS 310. GPS 310 may help determine how far a user has travelled. Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a neuromonitor 312. In examples, neuromonitor 312 may provide electroencephalography information. Neuromonitor 312 may help determine a brain wave state of a user.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a heart rate monitor 314. Heart rate monitor 314 may help determine the heart rate, or pulse rate of a user.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a blood pressure monitor 316. Blood pressure monitor 316 may help determine the diastolic and systolic pressures of a user's heart rate.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include an oximeter 318. Oximeter 318 may help determine the blood oxygen saturation of a user.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may include a blood sugar monitor 320. Blood sugar monitor 320 may help determine a glucose level of a user.

Biometric monitor unit 300 may further include any other bio-monitoring or medical device commonly known to those of skill in the art. In examples, sub-devices 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 of biometric monitor unit 300 may provide analogue outputs that may be read by an analogue to digital converter (ADC) 330. In further examples, sub- devices 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 may provide digital outputs. In examples, sub-devices 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 may be coupled to a counter 332, which may count or integrate digital data received. Figure 1 further includes a server 1 12. In examples, server 1 12 may be operable to maintain an updated virtual currency total. Server 1 12 may be further operable to initialize an API key in a client application, to approve earned benefit purchases, in addition to other functionality as described with regards to Figures 1 1 to 13 below.

Server 1 12 may be operable to execute instructions, or to retrieve and save data in a database. In examples, server 1 12 may include a single server, or multiple servers in a distributed architecture. In examples, server 1 12 may support a relational database, a NoSQL database, a distributed database, or any other database known to those of skill.

Figure 4 depicts system 400, in accordance with an embodiment. System 400 may allow the transformation of biometric data into an earned virtual currency. System 500 includes biometric application 402, virtual currency server application 404, and client application 406. Biometric application 402 is configured to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency. Virtual currency server application 404 is configured to provide an updated virtual currency total. Client application 406 is configured to provide an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price.

In examples, biometric application 402, virtual currency server application 404, and client application 406 may each operate on separate computing devices. For example, biometric application 402 may operate on computing device 106 and an external biometric monitor 1 10; virtual currency server application 404 may operate on server 1 12; and client application 406 may operate on computing device 108.

In examples, any of biometric application 402, virtual currency server application 404, and client application 406 may operate on the same a computing device. For example, biometric application 402 and client application 406 may operate on computing device 108. In further examples, the functions of any one of biometric application 402, virtual currency server application 404, and client application 406 may be distributed across additional computing devices. For example, biometric application 402 may operate on computing device 106, biometric monitor 1 10, and additional biometric monitoring devices not pictured in Figure 1 .

Figure 5 depicts an example implementation of biometric application 402, method 500. Method 500 may allow a user to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency.

Method 500 begins with step 502. Biometric module step 502 receives biometric data 504. Biometric data 504 may include any measurable data relating to human monitoring of motion, activity, or a biological state. For example, biometric data 504 may include data produced by any of the sub- devices that may be incorporated into biometric monitor unit 300, as described above. Biometric data may include, but is not limited to: accelerometer, gyroscope, pedometer, magnetometer, barometer, GPS, electroencephalography, electromyography, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, muscle tension, electrodermal, or blood sugar data. Other types of data are also possible, as will be understood by those of skill in the art.

In examples, the biometric data 504 may include raw data. For example, biometric data 504 may include raw digital data extracted from any one of sub devices 302-320 of biometric monitor unit 300. The raw data may include data processed by ADC 330 or counter 332 of device core 200. Biometric data 504 may include timestamps correlating to the raw data sample time. In examples, biometric data 504 may include physiological activity. Physiological activity includes both activities and physiological states of a user. For example, physiological activities may include: swimming, eating, sleeping, sweating, having a high heart rate, or having a low blood sugar, in addition to others.

In examples, biometric data 504 may include derivative data further determined from raw data. For example, Figure 6 depicts method 600. In method 600, it may be seen that biometric data 504 includes activity type 602 and duration 602.

In examples, activity type 602 and duration 604 may be determined from raw data received from biometric monitor unit 300, such as accelerometer 302 and gyroscope 304. For example, accelerometer 302 and/or gyroscope 304 may be used to detect movement, steps, throws, catches, jumps, and body rotations. The movement, steps, throws, catches, jumps, and body rotations detected may be used to determine an activity type.

In examples, the activity type may include an intensity.

In examples, activity type 602 may be determined based on an amplitude of a signal value received at the ADC 330 attached to gyroscope 304 or

accelerometer 302. In further examples, activity type 602 may be determined based on an integration determined from a counter coupled to the gyroscope or the accelerometer.

Table 1 provides example description for how activity type 602 value may be determined with an example wrist-mounted accelerometer and gyroscope 302, 304.

Table 1

Activity type Description

Movement is detected but no steps are being

Riding in vehicle

taken

Walking - low intensity Movement and steps are detected up to 2MPH

Walking - high intensity Movement and steps are detected up to 4MPH

Running - low intensity Movement detected and steps 5MPH to 7MPH Running - high intensity Movement detected and steps 8MPH and over

Catch & throw movement detected 10+ times a

Catch - low intensity

minute

Catch & throw movement detected 5-10 times

Catch - high intensity

a minute

Swing Rotation through 45 degrees noted

A jump of 20" of greater is detected - up to 30

Box jump - low intensity

per minute

A jump of 20" of greater is detected - more

Box jump- high intensity

than 30 per minute

Forward or backward movement of 3ft detected

Jumping- low intensity

- 20 per minute detected

Forward or backward movement of 3ft detected

Jumping- high intensity

- 20 plus per minute detected

Jump rope- low intensity Low level jumping detected - 30 + per minute

Jump rope- high intensity Low level jumping detected - 30 per minute

Sedentary means that the user is either sitting,

Sedentary

laying down, or standing with little to no motion

Sleeping Band is charging in dock.

In examples, further ways to determine activity type 602 based on raw biometric data are possible, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. In examples, the duration of activity type 602 may be determined based on when the activity passes a minimum threshold and/or a maximum threshold value. The duration may be determined via further methods, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. Although activity type 602 and duration 604 are provided as examples of biometric data 504, this is not intended to be limiting. In further examples, biometric data 504 may include other types derivative data determined from raw biometric monitor unit 300 data, such as determining a number of steps taken, a number of throws from a hand, the number of times a heart rate pass through a threshold region, the number of times that a specific muscle tensed or relaxed, and so forth. The biometric data may include raw data or derivative data from a biomonitor indicating any human physiological state or activity, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. Receiving biometric data 502 may include receiving data over a communications interface 206. In examples, the data may include: a timestamp for activity start, a timestamp for activity finish, an activity type, an intensity level, a count of user taps on the device to toggle display 208 on the biometric monitor, a step count, and the raw data output of the biometric monitor unit 300.

Method 500 further includes a calculation step 506. In calculation step 506, the earned virtual currency 508 is calculated using the biometric data 504.

Earned virtual currency 508 may be calculated by translating the biometric data 504 into any convenient currency unit.

If the biometric data 504 includes activity type 602 and duration 604, earned virtual currency 508 may be calculated by multiplying duration 604 times an activity weight 606 corresponding to activity type 602. For example, the activities described in Table 1 may be assigned the activity weights provided in Table 2 below.

Table 2

Activity Type Activity Weight

Riding in vehicle 0

Walking - low intensity 0.01

Walking - high intensity 0.015

Running - low intensity 0.02

Running - high intensity 0.025

Catch - low intensity 0.015

Catch - high intensity 0.02

Swing 0.05

Box jump - low intensity 0.015

Box jump- high intensity 0.02

Jumping- low intensity 0.015 Jumping- high intensity

0.02

Jump rope- low intensity 0.015

Jump rope- high intensity 0.02

Sedentary 0

Sleeping 0

Under the activity weights provided in Table 2, sleeping and sedentary activity each have a value of zero, and therefore do not earn virtual currency. Running at a high intensity, however, may earn the highest rate of virtual currency at 0.025 per second.

In examples, a user may earn virtual currency over a series of activity types. Table 3 provides an example of earned virtual currency 508 acquired by a user over the course of a day.

Table 3

Time Activity Earned virtual

Activity Type

(second) weight currency

Riding in vehicle 100 0 0

Walking - low intensity 100000 0.01 1000

Walking - high intensity 50000 0.015 750

Running - low intensity 10000 0.02 200

Running - high intensity 5000 0.025 125

Catch - low intensity 500 0.015 7.5

Catch - high intensity 500 0.02 10

Swing 12 0.05 0.6

Box jump - low intensity 300 0.015 4.5

Box jump- high intensity 300 0.02 6

Jumping- low intensity 300 0.015 4.5

Jumping- high intensity 300 0.02 6

Jump rope- low intensity 300 0.015 4.5

Jump rope- high intensity 300 0.02 6

Sedentary 1000000 0 0

Advantageously, by providing activity weighs, it may be possible to provide different levels of earned virtual currency based upon different activity types. By setting activity weight 606, it is therefore also possible to incentivize different physical activity for a user.

In examples, further modifications may be made to the activity weights to reward specific activity types. For example, walking during specific hours, such as after school hours, may earn double points. This may incentivise children to walk and be active after school.

For example, it may be possible to change the activity weight 506, or to modify the earned virtual currency based upon physical characteristics of a user, geographic location, time, or other criteria, present when an activity type is performed. Examples of criteria that may be used to further modify the calculation step 506 are provided in Table 4 below.

Table 4

For example, an activity weight may be altered or extra earned virtual currency provided for losing weight, for performing an activity when it is raining, or for performing an activity during an event such as a football tournament.

In examples, it may be possible to periodically update activity weight 606. For example, it may be possible to change the one or more activity weight(s) 606 from a remote server such as server 1 12. This may allow a developer to provide new incentives for a user to acquire earned virtual currency based on different activity types.

In examples, methods 500 and 600 may be executed inside virtual currency server application 404. For example, the biometric data may be received at a virtual currency server application and the earned virtual currency may be calculated using the biometric data at the virtual currency server application. Advantageously, this may allow for independent verification of the earned virtual currency generated in biometric application 402. In examples, method 500 may include further steps. For example, Figure 7 depicts method 700.

Method 700 includes step 702. In step 702, a display is provided in a user interface. For example, biometric application 402 may include a device core 200 with a display 208. Display 208 may include any type of user interface known to those of skill, for example an iPhone or android app, a windows application, or a simple number display. Biometric application 402 may display the earned virtual currency 508 in display 208. In examples, earned virtual currency 508 displayed in biometric application 402 may incorporate a total earned virtual currency over the course of a day or any unit of time. In examples, step 702 may further display a total virtual currency value 706. Total virtual currency value 706 may include a total virtual currency balance for a user, accounting for the earned virtual currency accumulated over multiple time periods and purchases of earned benefits made with the total virtual currency value 706. In examples, the total virtual currency value 706 may be maintained at virtual currency server application 404, as will be described below with reference to Figure 1 1 .

In examples, earned virtual currency 508 may be periodically added to a previous total virtual currency value to determine an updated virtual currency value. Upon determining the updated virtual currency value, the earned virtual currency value may be zeroed until the user begins a new currency earning time period, as will be described below with reference to Figure 1 1 .

In examples, the updated total virtual currency value may be determined and the earned virtual currency zeroed upon user initiation, when the earned virtual currency reaches a threshold value, at a predetermined time every day. Alternatively, the updated total virtual currency value may be determined and the earned virtual currency zeroed upon communication between biometric application 402 and virtual currency server application 404.

In examples, method 500 may further include the steps of method 800, as depicted in Figure 8. Method 800 includes step 802. In step 802, earned virtual currency 508 is sent to virtual currency server. In examples, earned virtual currency 508 may be sent to the virtual currency server application 404 to maintain total virtual currency value 706, as described above. In examples, step 802 may further include sending biometric data 504 to the virtual currency server application 404, as described above. In further examples, any data received from biometric application 402 may be sent to virtual currency server 802, as will be understood by those of skill.

In examples, biometric application 402 may comprise a computing device and an integrated or external biometric monitor 1 10, as described above. In examples, biometric application 402 and biometric monitor 1 10 may each perform step 506 using biometric data 504 and calculate a respective earned virtual currency 506. In further examples, or only one of biometric application 402 or biometric monitor 1 10 may perform step 506. If only one of biometric application 402 or biometric monitor 1 10 may perform step 506, the device performing step 506 may send earned virtual currency 506 to the other device.

In the example in which biometric application 402 operates with an external biometric monitor 1 10, biometric application 402 may further perform method 900, as depicted in Figure 9. Method 900 includes a step 902 to send a command to biometric monitor. In an example, command 904 may be a reset command. Upon receiving the reset, biometric monitor 1 10 may zero the earned virtual currency 506 value in its own internal memory 204. If biometric monitor 1 10 includes a display 208 of earned virtual currency 506, then the display may be updated to represent the zero value at that time.

In examples, command 904 may include further instructions for biometric device 1 10. For example, command 904 may include instructions to change configurations, activity weights, or displays. In examples, biometric monitor 402 may further include a goal selection interface. For example, method 500 may further include the steps of method 1000, depicted in Figure 10. Method 1000 begins with step 1002. In step 1002, a goal selection interface is provided. A goal may be selected by a user in step 1002. In examples, a user may select a goal to obtain a target total virtual currency value. In further examples, a user may select a goal to perform a predefined number of activities or activity types, such as running a predetermined number of miles or climbing a predetermined number of flights of stairs. In further examples, a user may select a goal to obtain a specific physiological state, such as a blood pressure value, a respiration rate, or a blood sugar level.

Method 1000 may continue with step 1004. In step 1004, biometric application 402 receives the goal selection 508 from the user.

Method 1000 may continue with step 1006. In step 1006, biometric application 402 may display a goal progress. For example, biometric application 402 may include a user interface where the goal progress may be displayed. A goal progress is an indicator of how close a user is to fulfilling a goal. In examples, a goal progress may be a percentage or fraction complete. In further examples the goal progress may be a measure of an activity completed, such as the number of steps completed towards a predetermined step goal. In further examples, the goal progress may indicate the amount of time in which a user obtained a physiological state such as having blood pressure below a predetermined level. These examples are not intended to be limiting, other goals and goal progress indicators are contemplated by this disclosure. Figure 1 1 depicts an example method 1 100 of virtual currency server application 404. Method 1 100 may be used to maintain an updated virtual currency total. Method 1 100 begins with step 1 102. In step 1 102, a virtual currency modification is received. Virtual currency modification 1 104 includes at least one of the earned virtual currency 508 or an earned benefit virtual currency price 1 106.

In examples, the earned virtual currency 508 may be received from a biometric application 402, as described with regards to Figure 8 above. Earned benefit virtual currency price 1 106 is the price in virtual currency for an earned benefit. An earned benefit is a good or a service that may be purchased by a user using virtual currency. In examples, the earned benefit may be provided by a retailer, online or brick-and-mortar, or by a gaming provider. An earned benefit may include a physical good, such as clothing or a toy. An earned benefit may further include a virtual good, such as a virtual good within a game.

Providing a virtual good may include providing a player characteristic in a game. For example, player characteristics may include attributes such as strength, flexibility, flying ability, x-ray vision, skill level, or any other attributes commonly known to those of skill.

Providing a virtual good may include providing an advanced level in a game. For example, the virtual good may include unlocking additional levels previously inaccessible to a player, or skipping levels of a game.

Providing a virtual good may include providing further player benefits. For example, player benefits may include, but are not limited to: additional player lives, providing fuel for a character, providing a new characteristic for a player, providing preferred status for a character, or providing an advanced skill level for a player. Providing a virtual good may further include providing a power-up in a game. A power-up may include an object in a game that, upon coming into contact with a player, provides player benefits, advanced levels, or player characteristics.

In examples, an earned benefit may include a discount on a good or a service. For example, an earned benefit may include a discount voucher to an event or a discount subscription to a music streaming service. In the example provided of Figures 4 to 15, the earned benefit is provided by client application 406. This is not intended to be limiting, however. In examples, biometric application 402 may include the ability to provide earned benefits as well, as will be understood by those of skill. Method 1 100 continues with step 1 1 12. In step 1 1 12, the virtual currency total is updated. Virtual currency modification 1 104 is combined with previous virtual currency total 1 1 10 to generate an updated virtual currency total 1 1 14. In examples, previous virtual currency total 1 1 10 may be total virtual currency value 706. In further embodiments, for example when a user has no previous transaction history, previous virtual currency total 1 1 10 may represent an initialization value, such as zero or a signup bonus amount of virtual currency.

In examples, method 1 100 may include further steps. For example, method 1 100 may include any of the steps of method 1200, as depicted in Figure 12.

Method 1200 includes step 1202. In step 1202, a purchase request is received for an earned benefit purchase from a client application. The purchase request may be initiated from a user interacting with the client application 406.

The purchase request may include the earned benefit virtual currency price 1204, or the price of an earned benefit selected by the user. The purchase request may include further information identifying the user and the client application 406, as will be understood by those of skill.

Method 1200 may continue with step 1206. In step 1206, an approval for the earned benefit purchase is sent based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and the updated virtual currency total to the client device. In examples, virtual currency server application 404 may determine whether the updated virtual currency total 1 1 14 is greater than or equal to the earned benefit virtual currency price 1204, for example. If the updated virtual currency total 1 1 14 includes sufficient funds, then virtual currency server application 404 may approve the transaction and send an approval message 1208 to client application 406.

In examples, method 1200 may continue with step 1210. In step 1210, a transaction is saved in a transaction database, the transaction including the virtual currency modification. For example, virtual currency server application 404 may record transactions that include earned virtual currency 508 gained and earned benefit virtual currency price 1 106 spent. Information identifying the user, biometric data, client application, and circumstances of the transaction may also be recorded, as will be understood by those of skill.

Transactions may be stored in transaction database 1212. In examples, database 1212 may include a relational database, a distributed database, or any other database known to those of skill

In examples, method 1 100 may include further steps. For example, method 1 100 may include any of the steps of method 1300, as depicted in Figure 13.

Method 1300 includes step 1302. In step 1302, the updated virtual currency total 1 1 14 is sent to at least one of: the client device or the biometric device. In examples, method 1 100 may include further steps. For example, method 1 100 may include any of the steps of method 1400, as depicted in Figure 14.

Method 1400 may include step 1402. In step 1402, a goal progress is received regarding a goal selection from the client device. For example, goal progress 1404 may be received from a biometric application 402 executing step 1008.

Method 1400 may continue with step 1406. In step 1406, the goal progress on the goal selection is saved in a goal progress database 1408. In

examples, the goal progress database 1408 may be any type of database known to those of skill. This may allow virtual currency server application 404 to provide centralized knowledge of goal progress to biometric devices 402 and client applications 404.

Method 1400 may continue with step 1410. In step 1410, the goal progress is sent to at least one of : a biometric device or a client device.

Figure 15 depicts an example method 1500 of client application 406. Method 1500 may be used to provide an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price.

Method 1500 may begin with step 1504. In step 1504, a user purchase request including an earned benefit virtual currency price is sent to a virtual currency server. For example, upon execution of step 1504, steps 1202 and 1206 may execute in virtual currency server 404.

Method 1500 continues with step 1506. In step 1506, the earned benefit is provided upon receiving an approval for the user purchase request from the virtual currency server. In examples, the earned benefit may be a good that will be sent to the user. In further examples, the earned benefit may be a new feature of a game provided by the client application. In further examples, the earned benefit may be provided in any way known to those of skill.

Method 1500 may include further steps. For example, method 1500 may include step 1502. In step 1502, an earned benefit selection interface is provided, and an earned benefit selection is received. The earned benefit selection interface may be displayed via display 208, for example.

Method 1500 may further include step 1508. In step 1508, a purchase confirmation is sent to the virtual currency server. For example, performing step 1508 at client application 406 may be followed by method 1 100 at virtual currency server 404.

Method 1500 may further include step 1510. In step 1510, receiving an updated virtual currency total from the virtual currency server. For example, step 1510 at client application 406 may follow step 1 1 12 at virtual currency server 404.

Method 1500 may further include step 1512. In step 1512, the updated virtual currency total is displayed in a virtual currency total display.

In examples, virtual currency server application 404 may include an exposed interface, or an application program interface (API). The exposed interface may be used to make requests, or send information to virtual currency server application 404. For example, any of steps 1202, 1406, 1504, and 1508 may initiated by calls to an exposed interface of virtual currency server application 404. The exposed interface may, for example, allow a game developer to easily incorporate the functionality of the client application 406 into an existing game.

In examples, the exposed interface of virtual currency server application 404 may be used to include functions to initialize the client application 406 to communicate with virtual currency server application 404, biometric

application 402, and further potential devices. The exposed interface may enable a user to register an account with the virtual currency server

application 404, for example. The exposed interface may further enable a client application 406 to obtain an API key operable to interact with virtual currency server application 404.

Figure 16 depicts a system 1600. System 1600 may be used to perform methods 1200 or 1500. System 1600 is similar to system 400, except that it includes third party server application 1602. Third party server application 1602 is in communication with client application 402 and virtual currency server application 404.

In examples, a portion of the functionality described above with regards to client application 406 may be included in third party server application 1602. For example, third party server application 1602 may perform step 1504 upon receiving a request from the client application 402.

In examples, virtual currency server application 404 may include an exposed interface that allows third party server application 1602 or client application 406 to send data to and make requests of virtual currency server application 404, as described above.

In examples, third party server application 1602 may also include an exposed interface. The exposed interface of third party server application 1602 may allow client application 406 to send data to and make requests of third party server application 1602.

The embodiments of the disclosure provide a new way to calculate a virtual currency earned based upon user physical activities and physiological states detected using a variety of biometric sensors. The virtual currency earned via physical activities and physiological states may be used to buy goods. Advantageously, this may help incentivise or motivate users to be active and improve their health. By engaging the user's reward response for earning virtual currency, a user's online life may be integrated with their physical life in a novel way.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1 . A method for transforming biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency, the method including:

receiving biometric data from a biometric module; and

calculating the earned virtual currency using the biometric data.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the biometric data includes an activity type.

3. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data further includes a duration corresponding to the activity type, and calculating the earned virtual currency using the biometric data includes using the activity type, the duration, and an activity weight corresponding to the activity type.

4. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the activity type includes a physiological activity.

5. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data includes accelerometer data.

6. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data includes gyroscope data.

7. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data includes a step count.

8. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data includes heart rate monitor data.

9. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the biometric data includes at least one of: magnetometer data, barometer data, GPS data, neuromonitor data, heart rate monitor data, blood pressure monitor data, or oximeter data.

10. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the activity type is determined by detecting one or more movements based on at least one of : the gyroscope data or the accelerometer data.

1 1 . A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein calculating the earned virtual currency based on the activity type includes multiplying the duration by an activity weight corresponding to the activity type.

12. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the activity type is determined based on a signal amplitude detected using an ADC attached to at least one of : the gyroscope or the accelerometer.

13. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the activity type is determined based on an integration of signal values from a counter attached to at least one of : the gyroscope or the accelerometer.

14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step of:

displaying an earned virtual currency in a user interface.

15. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step of:

displaying a total virtual currency value in a user interface.

16. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

receiving a total virtual currency value from a virtual currency server.

17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

sending the earned virtual currency amount to a virtual currency server.

18. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step of:

receiving the biometric data at a virtual currency server application ; wherein the earned virtual currency is calculated using the biometric data at the virtual currency server application.

19. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

sending a command to set a biometric module earned virtual currency value at the biometric module.

20. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

providing a goal selection interface; and receiving a goal selection from a user.

21 . A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

displaying the goal progress on the goal selection in the user interface.

22. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step:

sending the goal progress on the goal selection to the biometric module.

23. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including the step: providing an earned benefit based on at least part of the earned virtual currency.

24. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the earned virtual currency includes a virtual good.

25. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the virtual good includes a player characteristic in a game.

26. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the virtual good includes an advanced level in the game.

27. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the virtual good includes a power-up in the game.

28. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the earned benefit includes a physical good.

29. A method as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the virtual good includes a player characteristic in a game based upon the biometric data.

30. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biometric data is received from the biometric module via a wireless interface.

31 . A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless interface is a Bluetooth interface.

32. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biometric data is received at a mobile device, and the earned virtual currency is calculated using the biometric data received at the mobile device.

33. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. An electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of claim 33.

35. A system configured to transform biometric data from a biometric module into an earned virtual currency via any one of claims 1 to 32.

36. An apparatus for transforming biometric data into an earned virtual currency, the apparatus including:

37. The apparatus of claim 30, further including:

a biometric monitor operable to produce biometric data.

38. A method for maintaining an updated virtual currency total, the method including:

receiving a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency

modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or an earned benefit virtual currency price; and

calculating the updated virtual currency total based on the virtual currency modification and a previous virtual currency total, wherein at least a part of the updated virtual currency total is determined from transforming biometric data into earned virtual currency via a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of: receiving a purchase request for an earned benefit purchase from a client device.

40. The method of any of claims 38 to 39, further comprising the step of : sending an approval for the earned benefit purchase based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and the updated virtual currency total to the client device.

41 . The method of any of claims 38 to 40, further comprising the step of : saving a transaction in a transaction database, the transaction including the virtual currency modification.

42. The method of any of claims 38 to 41 , further comprising the step of : sending the updated virtual currency total to at least one of : the client device or the biometric device.

43. The method of any of claims 38 to 42, further comprising the step of : receiving a goal progress on a goal selection from the client device, and saving the goal progress in a goal progress database.

44. The method of any of claims 38 to 43, further comprising the step of : sending the goal progress to at least one of : a client device or a biometric device.

45. The method of any of claims 38 to 44, wherein the virtual currency modification is received via an exposed interface to a virtual currency server.

46. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45.

47. An electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of claim 46.

48. A system configured to maintain an updated virtual currency total via any one of claims 38 to 45.

49. A method for providing an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price, the method including :

sending a user purchase request including an earned benefit virtual currency price to a virtual currency server; and

providing the earned benefit upon receiving an approval for the user purchase request from the virtual currency server, the approval based on the earned benefit virtual currency price and an updated virtual currency total, wherein at least a part of the updated virtual currency total is determined from transforming biometric data into earned virtual currency via a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein sending the user purchase request including the earned benefit virtual currency price to the virtual currency server is performed by using an exposed interface to the virtual currency server.

51 . The method of any of claims 49 to 50, further comprising the steps of : providing an earned benefit selection interface; and

receiving an earned benefit selection.

52. The method of any of claims 49 to 51 , further comprising the step of : receiving an updated virtual currency total from the virtual currency server.

53. The method of any of claims 49 to 52, further comprising the step of : displaying the updated virtual currency total in a virtual currency total display.

54. The method of any of claims 49 to 53, further comprising the step of : sending a purchase confirmation to the virtual currency server.

55. A system configured to provide an earned benefit in exchange for a virtual currency price via any one of claims 49 to 54.

56. An electronically readable medium configured to store an earned virtual currency determined via any one of claims 49 to 54.

57. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 54.

58. An electronically readable medium configured to store the computer program of claim 57.

59. A system for transforming biometric data into an earned virtual currency including:

a biometric application including:

a biometric module configured to receive biometric data including an activity type and a duration corresponding to the activity type,

a calculation module configured to calculate the earned virtual currency based on the activity type, the duration, and an activity weight, the activity weight corresponding to the activity type, and

a virtual currency server update module configured to send the earned virtual currency to a virtual currency server application; and

the virtual currency server application including :

an update total virtual currency module to receive a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or an earned benefit virtual currency price, and calculate the updated virtual currency total based on the virtual currency modification and a previous virtual currency total.

60. The system of claim 59, the system further including:

a client system including:

a user request module configured to send a user purchase request including the earned benefit virtual currency price to the virtual currency application, and

an earned benefit providing module configured to provide an earned benefit upon receiving an approval for the user purchase request from the virtual currency application, the approval based on an updated virtual currency total including the earned virtual currency.

61 . The system of any of claims 59 to 60, wherein the virtual currency server application further includes:

a receiving module configured to receive a virtual currency modification, the virtual currency modification including at least one of the earned virtual currency or the earned benefit virtual currency price, and

62. The system of any of claims 59 to 61 , wherein the virtual currency server application further includes:

63. A method and system for calculating an earned virtual currency using biometric data as herein described with reference to the Figures.