# US 8,235,870 B2 · Method and apparatus for integrating physical exercise and interactive multimedia > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,235,870 B2 - Document ID: US8235870B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/245,519 - Filed: 2011-09-26 - Published: 2012-01-19 - Granted: 2012-08-07 - Earliest claimed: 2008-08-15 - Assignees: Phresh, LLC - Inventors: Bobbi Hamilton - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8235870B2 ## CPC - A63B 71/0622: {Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user} - A63B 21/4037: {Exercise mats for personal use, with or without hand-grips or foot-grips, e.g. for Yoga or supine floor exercises (mats for absorbing shocks A63B6/00)} - A63B 23/0244: {with signalling or indicating means, e.g. of incorrect posture, for deep-breathing exercises} - A63B 69/0035: {on the spot} - A63B 2024/0096: {using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars} - A63B 2071/063: {Spoken or verbal instructions} - A63B 2220/52: Weight, e.g. weight distribution - A63B 2225/20: with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like - A63B 2230/62: posture - A63B 2244/22: Dancing - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A physical exercise apparatus comprises a mat/cushion device and accessories designed for fitness interactivity using an array of variations of graphics specifically placed on the mat. The locations of the graphics are provided as an aid to guide proper body positions or postures, placement and alignment in yoga and physical exercise, and for the use of creative sequencing of movement, proper technique, and body mechanics. The apparatus is a foundation and map for physical exercise programs, games, interactive play, physical therapies and methods. The apparatus contains graphics with anthropometric measurements that may be synchronized with instruction, audio and/or video displays, and/or video games containing and delivering corresponding graphics for body placement and timing. The method through instruction and gaming can be delivered auditorially and/or visually, through interactive multimedia systems, on a timed and/or touch sensitive system, as well as an array of different technologies such as the internet. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An interactive physical exercise device comprising: a mat with a top surface, wherein the mat is an actual mat or a virtual mat that is generated and depicted on a display; a plurality of graphics disposed or depicted on said top surface, said graphics specifically arranged to assist with proper body placement and alignment; an interactive system for instructing on proper use of said graphics; and/or a virtual representation of said graphics; and wherein said plurality of graphics are arranged to coincide with body symmetry and anatomy averages of anthropometric body measurements of a user. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein the anatomy averages of anthropometric body measurements of a user include but are not limited to spine length, shoulder and hip widths, hand and foot lengths and spreads, appendage lengths, or body heights. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said anthropometrically-arranged graphics provide a map and guide for proper placement of at least one of hands, elbows, forearms, knees, feet, seat bones, sacrum, belly, head, fingers and finger pads, heels of hands, toes, heel, ball of the feet, and any combination thereof for facilitating effective body positions for alignment, rehabilitation, balance, growth, or posture. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said graphics comprise recognizable symbols or characters to instruct users in proper body placement based on symbol locations. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said anthropometrically-arranged graphics are ergonomically correct so as to increase safety and prevent injury. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said graphics are arranged to support proper positioning and guidance for multiple forms of physical exercise, selected from a group consisting of yoga, martial arts forms and stances, interactive play, dance steps, reflex training, cheerleading, running, hopping, jumping, cardio programs, muscle and body sculpting, resistance techniques, creative movement games, physical therapy, breath and meditation techniques or mental focus games. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said interactive system comprises instruction through one or more of audio, video displays, games or video games comprising graphics corresponding to those on said mat, said instruction delivered by one or more of auditory, visual, or other interactive multimedia systems comprising videos, gaming systems, or the internet. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The physical exercise device of claim 7, wherein said interactive systems, in conjunction with said mat graphics, guide users through sequences of poses or movements to teach proper techniques for a variety of physical exercises. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said interactive systems comprises instructional material delivered through one or more of teaching, live means, recording, text, voice, workbooks, print, lyrics, music, video, multimedia, games, video games, graphics, animation, networks or the internet. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The physical exercise device of claim 1, wherein said mat is multi-user and may comprise: two separate mats with identical symbols; one mat with two sets of symbols; or, one mat with more than two sets of symbols. ### Claim 11 An interactive physical exercise system comprising: a mat with a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of indicia disposed on said top surface, said indicia specifically arranged to assist with proper body placement and alignment; electronic receivers disposed within said mat for detecting movement on or weight applied to said indicia and said top surface of said mat; an apparatus for interacting with said electronic receivers and providing feedback for proper use of said mat; and wherein said plurality of indicia are arranged to coincide with body symmetry and anatomy averages of anthropometric body measurements of a user. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 11, wherein said system may be used as or with peripheral gaming consoles, an MMO plug-in, a tool in interactive classes, cell phone technology, the internet, or social networks. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 11, wherein said electronic receivers and said apparatus interact to synchronize physical exercise and movement programs through interactive multimedia, music, or other entertainment. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 11, further comprising voice or personal trainer guidance to correct postures based on body measurements including but not limited to height and weight, weight distribution, heart rate, length and timing of posture held, or timing of breath. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 11, wherein said system is networked for teacher/student interaction, multiple users, or personalized generation of exercise programs or routines. ### Claim 16 An interactive physical exercise system comprising: a mat with a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of indicia disposed on said top surface, said indicia specifically arranged to assist with proper body placement and alignment, electronic receivers disposed within said mat for detecting movement on or weight applied to said indicia and said top surface of said mat; an apparatus for interacting with said electronic receivers and providing feedback for proper use of said mat; and wherein said electronic receivers further comprises sensors placed in or on said mat at said plurality of indicia, said sensors calculating a user's weight or anthropometrically evaluating a user's body. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 16, wherein said sensors provide biofeedback to a user to support one or more of proper balance, alignment, weight distribution, directional movement, or posture while performing various poses, sequences, exercise routines or other movements. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 16, wherein said sensors provide feedback on biorhythms and other body functions to assist with proper breathing, heart rate, or mental focus. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The interactive physical exercise system of claim 16, wherein said sensors provide information to enable holographic images, virtual images, or projections of the user while on the mat.