US 7,771,320 · Granted 2010-08-10
The Nike Patent That Put Sensors in Your Workout
Nike patented a system that tracks how fast you run, how far you go, and how hard you're working—then uses that data to pick music that keeps you pumped during your workout. Imagine a coach who knows exactly when you're getting tired and queues up a song to push you harder.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The patent covers a system that combines athletic performance sensors (like accelerometers or heart-rate monitors) with software that collects workout data and uses it to dynamically control what media content plays to the user. Specifically, the claims protect the combination of real-time performance measurement, data storage, and feedback loops that adjust music or workout features based on how hard the athlete is working. What's protected is not just measuring performance, but linking that measurement directly to control of entertainment and motivation elements during the activity.
Why it matters
This patent addresses a growing market in connected fitness—the idea that workouts become more engaging and effective when sensors and software work together to adapt to the athlete in real time. By filing this in 2007, Nike was early to patent the integration of biometric sensing with dynamic media control, which became a core feature of later fitness wearables and training apps. The patent essentially locked down the concept of using live performance data to curate a personalized, responsive workout experience.
Real-world use
When you use a fitness app or smartwatch that plays upbeat music automatically when your heart rate climbs, or adjusts your workout intensity based on your pace, you're interacting with the kind of system this patent describes.
Original USPTO abstract
Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 7,771,320
- Filing date
- 2007-08-31
- Grant date
- 2010-08-10
- Assignee
- Nike, Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- RILEY RAYMOND W., HOFFER KEVIN W., BERNER, JR. WILLIAM E., SCHROCK ALLAN M., NIEGOWSKI JAMES A., RAUCHHOLZ WILLIAM F.
- CPC class
- G16H20/30
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