GB2497311A

GB2497311A - Wrist mounted computer that performs an operation on a supplied physical variable

Info

Publication number: GB2497311A
Application number: GB1120938.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Janne Kallio; Erik Lindman; Mikko Martikka; Kimmo Pernu
Original assignee: Suunto Oy
Current assignee: Suunto Oy
Priority date: 2011-12-05
Filing date: 2011-12-05
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-05
Also published as: GB201120938D0; DE102012111750A1; GB2497311B

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable computing device with a microprocessor, hardware that provides a physical variable, a memory unit carrying software that reads the physical variable and performs a mathematical operation using the physical variable. The device also has an interface that allows the user to define the mathematical operation in the memory unit. the device is wrist mounted and may be not have a display and has wireless means to transmit the result to a portable host device. The interface may also allow data transfers to update the software and import mathematical operations. Also disclosed is firmware for use in a wrist mounted computer, a computer program product and a web service.

Description

Adaptable Microcontroller-Operated Device and Related System and Software Products

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to portable personal electronic devices. In particular, the invention relates to small microcontroller-operated devices, such as wristop computers which can be used for monitoring and/or tracking sports exercises. In particulars the invention relates to improving the adaptability of wristop computers.

Background of the Invention

User experience of wristop computers can be improved by adapting their display or graphical user interfaces to the needs of an individual user. Adaptable user interface of a diving computer is known from for example from US 5845235. In addition to user interface, also the connectivity of the wristop computer has an effect on the user experience. US 2010/0130123 discloses a diving computer which can communicate with another diving computer or a computer. US-2010-0250208 disclose diving computer which is able to form a data link to receive data on available gases.

As to the information content provided to the user, the functionalities of the prior art devices are, however, relatively limited.

Summary of the Invention

it is an aim of the invention to provide a wristop computer with improved functionality with respect to information content available to the user.

It is also an aim to provide software products and a computerized system for functionalization of wristop computers.

The aims are achieved by the solutions according to the independent claims. * I

The invention is based on the idea of allowing users to define operations in relation to data provided by physical sensors or other data-producing units in or connected to a wristop computer. The operations can be run in real time in the device and their results may be communicated to the user. The operations or the results can also be shared with other users of the same or similar kind of device.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a portable computing device comprising -a microcontrollercapable of running software means, -hardware means capable of providing at least one physical variable, -memory means carrying software means adapted to read said physical variable and to perform a mathematical operation utilizing said physical variable, -interface means, wherein -said mathematical operation is user-definable through said interface means.

In other words, the interface means is adapted to allow a user of the device to define the mathematical operation in said memory unit.

According to one embodiment, the portable computing device is a wristop computer.

According to one embodiment, the portable computing device is a displayless unit comprising means for wirelessly transmitting the result of said mathematical operation utilizing said physical variable to a portable host device, such as a wristop computer or mobile phone. For example, the device may be a foot pod or satellite positioning pod adapted to operate in functional connection with the host device. The unit may comprise integral means for measuring the physical variable.

According to one embodiment, the device is based on a single-chip microcontroller (MCU), comprising integral microprocessor core, memory, and optionally also input/output (I/O) unit(s), in contrast to devices having separate microprocessor and memory (and I/O) circuits, like portable computers and mobile phones. Such devices are called single-chip microcontroller-operate(1 devices herein. In such devices, at least part of the basic software of the device (firmware) and/or user-defined mathematical operations can be stored in the integral memory unit.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises, in addition to or instead of the memory unit integral to the microcontroller, a memory unit external to the microcontroller.

At least part of the basic software of the device (firmware) and/or user-defined mathmatical operations can be stored in the external memory unit.According to one embodiment, the firmware and the mathematical operations are stored on different physical memory units. According to one example, the firmware is stored in the internal memory of the microcontroller and the mathematical operations in a memory chip external of the microcontroller.

According to one embodiment, the mathematical operation is defined in a memory portion of the memory means and the wristop computer comprises means for changing data on said memory portion for changing said mathematical operation.

According to one embodiment, the at least one physical variable comprises a variable descriptive of a position or movement of the wristop computer and the variable is provided by a sensor. The sensor may be integrally arranged in said wristop computer or arranged in an external unit which is in communication connection with the wristop computer.

According to one embodiment, the at least one physical variable comprises time, which is provided by a timing unit in said wristop computer.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a wristop computer firmware product comprising -display controlling means adapted to control wristop computer display, -operation mode controlling means functionally connected to the display controlling means for displaying opcration mode-specific information on the wristop computer display, -means for reading at least one physical parameter provided by the wristop computer, and -means for storing or accessing variable operation data defining at least pad of said operation mode-specific information of at least one operation mode, said variable operation data being stored in a wristop computer memory unit, -means for applying said variable operation data on said physical parameter for producing operation result forming at least part of said operation mode-specific information of said at least one operation mode.

According to one embodiment, the firmware product comprises software means for changing only said variable operation data in response to communication connection of the product with another software product run on a separate computing unit. The communication connection may be wireless or wired.

The firmware product may be run in a wristop computer as biefly described above.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a computer program product for functionalization of a wristop computer, the product comprising -means for displaying a graphical user interface on a computer display, -. means for providing a set of physical variaNes capable of being determined in a wristop computer and a set of mathematical operators on said graphical user interface, -means for organizing the at least one of said parameters and at least one of said operators as a mathematical formula on said graphical user interface in response to user input through said graphical user interface, -means for storing a data structure descriptive of said mathematical formula to a storage device.

preferably, said storage device is a memory unit of the wristop computer. Said storing is that case comprises wired or wireless transferring of the data structure directly to the memory unit. However, the data structure may be stored also on an intermediate device such as a personal computer memory device or an internet server memory device, from which it can be further transferred to a wristop computer using a suitable link.

According to still another aspect, the invention provides a computerized system for frmnctionalizing wristop computers, the system comprising -user account management means for maintaining a plurality of user accounts, -wristop computer operation programming means configured to allow owners of said user accounts to define mathematical operations comprising one or more mathematical operators, one or more physical variables and mutual relations of the operators and variables, -storage means for storing said user-defined mathematical operations for said user accounts, 0 -means for exporting said user-defined mathematical operations to a wristop computer of the owner of the user account or to another external storage device.

The computerized system may be run on an internet server to which the users have access through the internet from their personal computers, handheld devices and/or wristop computers, for example.

To cover the various aspects of the invention the terms "mathematical operations", "variable operation data" and "data structure descriptive of a mathematical formula" are used to describe the user-definable portions of the device, software and system covered by the invention. For convenience, these may be commonly called "rules" hereinafter. The functionality of a wristop computer to run the rules is called "rule engine".

According to one embodiment, the rules are adapted to comprise data on at least one mathematical operator, at least one physical parameter and instructions on how the mathematical operator is applied on the physical parameter in order to yield the operation result. Typically, the rules comprise information of at least two physical parameters and at least one mathematical operator applied on both of them to yield the operation result.

However, more complex operations and formulas may be involved too.

According to one embodiment, the device is adapted to receive new rules as "scripts", i.e. ordered data structures, that it uses to function in a user-defined way. The scripts may be in the form of character, number or binary data, for example. The device interprets and run the script.

According to one embodiment, the device is adapted to transmit actions made with the rules, i.e. rule results, to an external dcvice where they may be investigated or shared with S other people.

The dependent claims are directed to further advantageous embodiments.

Considerable advantages are obtained by means of the invention and its embodiments.

First of all, the invention provides a dynamic possibility to affect the operation of a wristop computer. The device becomes therefore more adaptable and can be utilized in new ways.

The functionality of the device is not fixed at the time of purchase and the user has a possibility to configure the device better for his/her needs than before. Also, the manufacturer of the device or third parties may provide new content for the device and affect the users after purchase.

Embodiments of the invention provide for further advantanges. For example, if the rules iS are kept independent of the firmware of the device, there is no need for software update as new functions are provided or new services are launched. If the device comprises a rule import functionality features and functionalities of the device can be developed outside of the device arid easily taken into use by the users. Further, if the wristop computer comprises wireless data transfer capabilities, part of the logic and functionality of the watch may be put in adaptable and transferable scripts, which are manually or automatically loaded into the device from a cloud.

Next, embodiments of the invention and advantages thereof are discussed in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. I shows a schematic picture of a wristop computer according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of internal hardware and software of a wristop computer according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows schematically various connectivity options for functionalization of wristop computers according to the invention.

S Fig. 4 shows a system according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

ThQinvention is now expiained usingfl wristopcomyUter and an ecrnni&ydeVice..MPst of the fc!tures cm however, be used in Qther portable microeontrolletz2Qiitainlli&-!4fflt5 such as sensor unit witelcssiy connectable tp a wristop&QrnDQtci.

1 0 Wristop computet Mechanical and electronic units Starting with the wristop computer, Fig. I shows a schematic picture of such a device according to one embodiment. The wristop computer I comprises housing 2 carrying a display 3 and attached to a wristband 4. The device includes user input means 5, such as buttons as in the exemplary device. The display is adapted to show programmed information 7, as will be described later in more detail. The housing 2encomPasSes an electronics assembly zone 6 comprising a plurality of the electronic units.

The electronic unit includes a microprocessor 10, a memory unit 12, timing unit 14, sensor or sensor data interface unit 16, and rule interface means 18 all functionally connected to the microprocessor 10. The timing unit 14 is adapted to provide a time signal, which may be utilized in clock, timer and/or other timing functions of the device, In addition to these units shown in Fig. 1, the device may comprise other separate units, such as a display control unit and various kinds of data transfer or communication units.

Although the memory unit is referred in singular form herein, it maybe formed of two or more physical units, as discussed above. For example the firmware and rules and/or results thereof may be stored on different physical memory units, if so desired. According to one example, the firmware is stored in an internal memory of the microcontroller and the rules and/or results in a memory chip external of the microcontroller (e.g. RAM or EEPROM chip), or vice versa.

Physical variables and rules The sensor or data interface unit 16 is configured to provide a measurable physical value, such as an acceleration value, position value, orientation value, pressure value or temperature value, to mention some examples. In one embodiment, the sensor is located in the v.Ttstop computer, whereby it may be connected with other parts of the device with suitable microcircuits. In another embodiment, the actual sensor in located in an external device and the measurable value physical value is provided to the wristop computer through a data interface unit through a preferably wireless data link. Examples of potential sensors, which may be either internal or external, include an acceleration sensor, a velocity sensor, an orientation sensor, a position sensor (e.g. satellite positioning receiver), pressure sensor, magnetic field sensor, temperature sensor and heartbeat or respiration sensor. The device may also utilize both internally and externally measured physical variables at the same time.

The physical variable may be an instant (momentary) variable (e.g. momentary speed) or a derivative variable, such an average (average speed).

Typically, the device is capable of providing two or more physical variables and its software is capable of perform a rule utilizing said two or more physical variables. One of the physical variables may be absolute or relative time obtained using the timer unit 14 and one of the physical variables may be measured internally or externally using a sensor as described above. Alternatively or in addition, two or more internally or externally measured variables may be used, It should be noted that the complexity of the rules, i.e. the number or type of mathematical operators or physical variables, is not limited in any particular way, provided that the computing power of the microprocessor is suitably selected and the rule engine is suitably programmed.

In addition to variable parameters the device may be configured to utilize one or more constant parameters defined as in a rule and pre-stored in the memory of the device.

Examples of constant parameters include age of the user, mass of the user, height of the user, activity class of the user. The constant parameters may comprise also other physiological parameters descriptive of the user or the environment. Constant parameters may also be coded-in in the rules.

It should be noted that the rules can contain also other data in addition to the mathematical formula concerned. Such data may comprise e.g. desired user alarm threshold value(s) associated with the rule, data or the type of alarm (e.g. audible, visual or vibration), or secondary mathematical formulas, such as error calculation formulas associated with the rule.

The rules may be in the form of data structures descriptive of the desired functionality in the form of a script. The scripts are runnable using script-running software, i.e. rule interpreter, such as an ESW-interpreter (debugger), in the wristop computer. The scripts may be created using a rule creation tool e.g. in a wristop computer, personal computer or web service. Importation or creation and running of the rules will be discussed in later subsections in more detail.

Defining and/or importing rules On the memory unit 12, there is a software, typically the so-called firmware, comprising microprocessor executable instructions for operating various functions of the wristop computer. Of specific interest herein is an operation mode which is adapted to run user-specified rules utilizing one or more of the physical variables provided by the sensor or data interface unit 16. In addition, the memory unit 12 comprises a memory portion for storing one or more rules.

The memory portion for storing the rules may be located for example on a RAM or EEPROM unit, external to the microcontroller.

The rule interface means 18 are provided in the wristop computer for allowing the user to change the contents of at least the memory portion 12 in which the rules are defined or which is allocated for the rules. This flrnctionality may be implemented in at least two ways described below.

According to one embodiment, the rule interface means 1 8 comprises on-device user interface means, such as buttons and display or a touch screen, arranged in the wristop computer. The software run in the wristop computer may in that case comprise a programming mode in which the user may define new rules or modify existing rules by operating said user interface means.

According to one embodiment, the rule interface means comprises data transfer means capable of importing rules, which have been defined in an external computing device, such as a personal mobile device or computer or a web server, into the memory portion for the rules.

Running rules The software of the device comprises a rule interpreter containing a command set capable of interpreting the instructions contained in the rule data structure. The interpreter may be upgradeable in the device such that the command set may be amended. The command set can thus be chosen to allow running of rules of different complexities.

According to one embodiment. the rule interpreter is built anew in an external device for each rule or rule combination a user wishes to use, and transferred to the device in addition to the rule data structure. This embodiment allows for the memory usage and computing capacity of the device to be optimized.

According to one embodiment, the rule interpreter is an independent software unit from the rules. Thus, the rules may be amended or added without updating the rule interpreter.

According to one embodiment, the interface means comprises data transfer means capable of reading and storing the whole firmware, including the rule interpreter and one or more rules, of the device from an external storage or computing device to the memory unit, for changing the user-definable rule(s). Thus, the rule(s) may form an integral part of the firmware of the device, in which case for changing a rule, the whole firmware of the device is updated. Functions of the firmware, other than the rule interpreter are described in a further subsection.

The reception of both rules and interpreter updates, if applicable, can be wireless and take place using a suitable wireless data transfer protocol and related hardware and software means.

The rules can be run in one or more operation modes of the wristop computer. Running a rule means the physical value(s) defined in the rule are read and the mathematical operation(s) defined in the rule are applied for the physical value(s) to yield a result. The result is shown on the display of the device and/or stored in the memory of the device and/or sent via a data link to another computing device. Running a rule may take place in one or more operation modes of the device. To mention one example, a rule may be run in a timer mode of the wristop computer, i.e. during an exercise which the user desires to have timed. Alternatively or in addition, there may be a specific rule-focused operation mode.

According to one embodiment, the device is configured to continuously (including periodically with intervals) run the rule and to update the result of the rule on the display of the device (visual signaling). Alternatively or in addition to that, audible signal(s) may be given depending on the result (audible signaling). In addition or instead of these, any other sensory signaling method, such as vibration, may be used to give feedback of the result to the user. This embodiment allows for flexible monitoring of the result during a sports exercise, for example, in a suitable operation mode of the device.

The rule data structures may contain data on the updating frequency andior alert signals.

Alternatively or in addition to that, they may be defined in the rule-running device.

According to one embodiment, the device in configured to run the rule as an immediate response to use input and to give the result as a visual or audible signal. This embodiment allows for small battery consumption.

According to one embodiment, the wristop computer comprises means for storing the result of the rule to its memory unit. In a further embodiment, the device comprises means for transferring the result of the mathematical operation to an external device using a wired or wireless link. According to one embodiment, not only a single result of the rule is stored and/or transferred, but also its temporal history during a period. The device may comprise an internal log for rule results and/or histories.

According to one embodiment, the memory unit comprises a memory portion for storing a user-definable alphabetical name for the user-definable mathematical operation. This allows for the user to easily distinguish between rules stored in the memory unit.

Firmware As discussed above, the wristop computer is configured to run a firmware product which is stored in its memory unit and adapted to perform the required flmctions relating to the user-definable rules. As the firmware may be stored and copied independent of the wristop computer as a software product, its technical aspects are described in more detail herein With reference to Fig. 2, the firmware -herein shown as being stored on a memory unit 12 of a wristop computer I -comprises display controlling software means 20 comprising computer executable instructions for controlling, i.e. showing visual data on a wristop computer display 21. In addition, the firmware may comprise operation mode controlling software means 22 fttnctionally connected to the display controlling software means 20 for displaying operation mode-specific information on the wristop computer display 21. There may be several sets of instructions for defining a plurality of operation modes. At least one of the sets comprises instructions for providing user-defined rule data on the display.

in addition, the product comprises parameter reading software means 24 which are adapted to read at least one physical parameter provided by sensor or data interface unit 25 of the wristop computer. The parameter may be read directly from a sensor unit, data transfer unit, timing unit or memory unit of the wristop computer. Typically, at least two different physical parameters are read and utilized, as discussed above.

In addition, the firmware product comprises software means 26 for reading rules, i.e., variable operation data defining at least part of the operation mode-specific information a user-definable operation mode, the rules being stored in a rule portion 28 of the wristop computer memory unit 12. The product may also comprise means for storing rules defined in the wristop computer or in an external computing unit. However, the rule storing function need not be part of the product itself but the rules may be also directly storable to the memory unit 28 when connected to an external computing unit through a cable, for

example.

Finally, the firmware product comprises rule applying software means 29 (rule interpreter) comprising instructions for applying a rule stored in the memory unit 12 on the actual physical parameter(s) provided during the use of the wristop computer from the sensor or data interface unit 25. The result of the rule so applied form at least part of the operation mode-specific information which may be communicated to the user in the at least one user-definable operation mode by suitable signaling means, stored to the memory of the device, and/or sent as a radio message to another computing device.

According to one embodiment, the firmware product comprises means for receiving said variable operation data from an external computing device through data transfer means arranged in the wristop computer.

According to one embodiment, the firmware product comprises means for defining said variable operation data in said wristop computer through user interface means.

The firmware or part of the firmware (e.g. the rule interpreter) may be updateable such that the usage of different sets of parameters. command sets and feedback signaling methods of the result are made available. Thus, the device can be conveniently adapted to the needs of different users or sports. ivit

With reference to Fig. 3, the funetionalization of the wristop computer with new rules -in addition or alternatively to through a potential on-device programming mode -may take place through various channels. The same channels are available for the transfer of rule results to another direction.

First, a wristop computer 30A may comprise means arranged to provide a direct wired or wireless connection with another wristop computer 30B. A Bluetooth link, for example, provides this functionality.

Second, the wristop computer 30A may comprise means for providing a wired or wireless data link with an internet server 32 Third, the wristop computer 30A may comprise means for providing a wired or wireless data link with a personal computer 34, such as a desktop or laptop computer.

Fourth, the wristop computer 30A may comprise means for providing a wired or wireless data link with a personal mobile device 36, such as a mobile phone or tablet device.

Suitable standardized data links include e.g. USB link, Bluetooth link, WLAN link and various cell phone data links.

The various external devices are provided with suitable software and hardware capabilities for allowing transfer or rules andlor rule results through the link concerned.

Computer or mobile device software According to one aspect, the rules are defined in a computer by the user and transferred to the wristop computer using a suitable data link. Therefore, a computer program product for functionalization of a wristop computer is provided.

According to one embodiment, the product comprises computer executable instructions for displaying a graphical user interface on a computer display and computer executable instructions for showing a set of physical variables capable of being determined in a wristop computer and a set of mathematical operators on said graphical user interface. The graphical user interface comprises interface elements for organizing said parameters and operators as a mathematical formula on said graphical user interface in response to user input. The mathematical formula defines the rule. The user interface may, for example, comprise a first region showing all available physical variables, a second region showing all available operators, and a third region showing the mathematical formula formed by the user. In practice, the user input may be in the form of mouse movements and clicks, touch screen or touchpad gestures and/or keyboard input.

Further, the program comprises computer executable instructions for storing a data structure descriptive of the rule (first data structure) to a storage device. The storage device may be a memory unit or hard disk unit contained in the computer the software is run in.

Alternatively or in addition to that, the storage device may be a memory unit of a wristop t5 computer or external displayless sensor unit, which is connected to the computer with a data link.

The computer program may be stored and used in an internet server, on a personal computer, or on a personal mobile device. However, it is possible to run the program directly in a wristop computer, provided that it has a suitable user interface means.

According to one embodiment, the program is adapted to create, in connection with the creation of a new rule, a new rule interpreter and]or command set and/or other piece of software (i.e. a second data structure created by the rule creation program) for the device intended to run the rule. This allows for adapting the device to utilize the information provided by or to the device in the most efficient way and to extend the capabilities of the device by software meais, when the created piece of software is transferred to the device together with the rule. For example, new sensors, user interface components or algorithms contained in the device may be taken into use by software updates bound to new rules.

According to one embodiment, applying primarily to cases where rules are defined for displayless units (such as external sensor units) in wireless connection with a host device (such as a wristop computer), the rule creation program is adapted to create a rule interpreter and/or command set andlor other piece of software for both the displayless unit and the host device. For example, a new rule run in the displaykss unit can provide new data which can be handled in the host device only by updating parts of its software (i.e. by a third data structure created by the rule creation program) suitably.

Fig. 4 illustrates the above embodiments. Computer 44 is adapted to run a rule creation software and to create the first and optionally second and/or third data structures, which can be transferred to a wristop computer 40 andlor a sensor unit 42 in functional connection with the wristop computer 40 so as to achieve the desired functional system capable of running the rule.

Intcetnste1i The present invention may be utilized as part of a computerized social media system.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises web server-based user account management means allowing for the creation and maintenance of a plurality of user accounts through an internet connection. The system also comprises web server-based graphical wristop computer operation programming means configured to allow owners of said user accounts to define mathematical operations as described above. The user-defined mathematical operations can be stored on the server and further exported or downloaded to a wristop computer of the owner of the user account or to another external storage device.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises software means for sharing the user-defined mathematical operations between user accounts.

Further, the system preferably comprises means for receiving data units comprising results of the said mathematical operations from the owners of the user accounts, as operated in their wristop computers. The transfer of the data units may take place directly from the wristop computer to the server through an internet connection or via an external internet-connected computing device, such as a personal computer or mobile device.

Example of a web service including ru/es creating and sharing properties 1. Web service members can create rules -Rules can be created by users in the web service with an easy to use tool.

-Rules can be shared in the web service community. Additional functions include liking of rules and commenting of rules.

-Rules can be created by partners of the device manufacturer or other companies. Branded rules may be highlighted for the users.

-Rules can be branded in the web service community.

2. Rules can be browsed/searched in community -Browsing of rules in the service e.g. by sports, most used, most liked, latest.

-Sharing of rules into other social media services, to showcase "I made this".

3. Transferred into the wristop computer -Any created or selected rule can be transferred from the web service into a wristop computer or other portable personal device.

The tool for creating the rules may show variables that can be used from rule enabled device. The set of rules may vary from device to device.

The tool may also show statistics from the whole community that can be used in rules.

Detailed description of features of an exemplary web service The nile creation is carried out in a graphical user interface (GUI), which allows the user to see and select given variables and operations in order to construe rules. Rule construction may be implemented as point-and-click, drag-and-drop or command line-based feature, to mention some possibilities. Any known GUI elements can be used to show the available variables and operations.

A rule using variables XXX and YYY and an operator OPERATOR may be shown as an

equation in suitable fields of the GUI:

XXX OPERATOR YYY = RESULT where RESULT is the result of the operation.

RESULT may be used as a variable in a next rule field in order to allow construction of more complex rules. Alternatively or in addition to that, the fields may allow direct construction of more complex rules.

The service may allow testing of the rule in the GUI using test values of the variables so that the user can see if the rules is working properly.

There may also be a field which allows the user to give a name for the rule or the end result or any intermediate result thereof.

When the rule is ready in the GUI, it is converted into a script or other machine-readable code, such as a number or binary code.

The rule code can then be transferred to a wristop computer comprising a suitable interpreter software for running the code.

Rule examples

Show during exercise, how many chocolate bars you have burnt: Rule: Calories /490.65 keal = Result chocolate bars Calculate the total distance while running on a 400m running track, by pushing lap button after each lap Rule: Lap count * 400m = Result m Measure the slope grade of the hill, by pushing lap button when the hill starts Rule: Lap Altitude / Lap Distance * 100 = Result % Estimate power output in Watts based on speed and grade: Rule: Lap Altitude/Lap Distance* speed mis *weight* 9.8 in/s2 = Rci4J! Watts

Claims

<claim-text>Claims I. A portable microcontroller-operated computing device comprising -a memory means, -a microcontroller capable of ruiming software means stored on said memory means, -hardware means capable of providing at least one physical variable, wherein the software means are adapted to read said physical variable using said hardware means and to perform a mathematical operation utilizing said physical variable, characterized by further comprising -interface means adapted to allow defining of said mathematical operation in said memory meansby a user of the device.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The portable device according to claim I, characterized by being a wristop computer.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The portable device according to claim I, characterized by being a displayless unit comprising means for wirelessly transmitting the result of said mathematical operation utilizing said physical variable to a portable host device, such as a wristop computer.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The portable device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the memory means comprises a memory unit integrated on a single chip with the microcontroller arid at least one of said software means and said mathematical operation is stored on said integrated memory unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The portable device according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the memory means comprises a memory unit external to the microcontroller and at least one of said software means and said mathematical operation is stored on said external memory unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The portable device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mathematical operation and information on the physical variable are contained in a variable data structure on said memory means, the data structure being writable through said interface means, and the software means comprises an interpreter for reading the data structure and for running the mathematical operation defined in the data structure in said device, and, optionally, for displaying or storing the result of the mathematical operation to the memory means.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface means is functionally coupled to said memory means for changing a part of the memory defining said mathematical operation.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface means comprises user interface means arranged in the wristop computer.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface means comprises data transfer means capable of importing a mathematical operation, which has been defined in an external computing device, such as a personal mobile device or computer or web server, into said memory means for storing the user-definable mathematical operation.</claim-text> <claim-text>1 0. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mathematical operation is part of said software means and the interface means comprises data transfer means capable of updating the whole software means from an external computing device, for storing the user-definable mathematical operation.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one physical variable comprises one or more of the following: time, velocity, position, direction, orientation, altitude, depth, barometric pressure, temperature, magnetic field, electric field, electric potential, physiological variable measured from the user, such as heartbeat frequency or respiration frequency; andlor any derivative thereof 12. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hardware means is adapted to measure said at least one physical variable.13. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hardware means is adapted to receive said at least one physical variable from an external measurement unit.14. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising means for storing the result of the mathematical operation and/or means for transferring the result of the mathematical operation to an external device.15. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising display means and means for displaying and continuously updating the result of the user-defined mathematical operation on said display means.16. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hardware means is capable of providing at least two variable parameters and said software means is capable of perform a mathematical operation utilizing said at least two variable parameters.17. The wristop computer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the memory means comprises a memory portion for storing a user-definable alphabetical name for the user-definable mathematical operation.18. Wristop computer firmware product, comprising -display controlling means adapted to control wristop computer display, -operation mode controlling means functionally connected to the display controlling means for disp'aying operation mode-specific information on the wristop computer display, -means for reading at least one physical parameter provided by the wristop computer, characterized by further comprising -means for storing or accessing variable operation data defining at least part of said operation mode-specific information of at least one operation mode, said variable operation data being stored in a memory unit of a wristop computer, -means for applying said variable operation data on said physical parameter for * producing operation result forming at least part of said operation mode-specific * information of said at least one operation mode.19. The wristop computer firmware product according to claim 18, characterized in that said variable operation data is adapted to comprise data on at least one mathematical operator, at least one physical parameter and instructions on how the mathematical operator is applied on the physical parameter in order to yield said operation result.20. The wristop computer firmware product according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by comprising means for receiving said variable operation data from an external computing device through data transfer means arranged in the wristop computer.21. The wristop computer firmware product according to any of claims 18-20, characterized by comprising means for defining said variable operation data in said wristop computer through user interface means.22. The wristop computer firmware product according to any of claims 18-21, characterized in that it is stored in a wristop computer memory unit.23. The wristop computer firmware product according to any of claims 18-21, characterized by comprising a command set for interpreting data structures comprising said variable operation data in order to be able to obtain said operation result.24. A computer program product for functionalization of a portable microcontroller-operated device, such as wristop computer, the product comprising -means for displaying a graphical user interface on a computer display, -means for providing a set of physical variables capable of being determined in theportable microcontroller-operated device and a set of mathematical operators on said graphical user interface, -means for organizing the at least one of said parameters and at least one of said operators as a mathematical formula on said graphical user interface in response to user input through said graphical user interface, -means for storing or transferring a data structure descriptive of said mathematical formula to a storage device.25. The computer program product according to claim 24, characterized by comprising means for transferring said formula to a wristop computer, or other microcontroller-operated portable device comprising a sensor capable of measuring at least physical variable of said physical variables.26. The computer program product according to claim 24 or 25, characterized by being stored on an internet server, on a personal computer, on a personal mobile device or on a wristop computer.27. The computer program product according to any of claims 24 -26, characterized by being adapted to create a second data structure containing instructions for the portable micro-controller operated device for interpreting the data structure descriptive of the mathematical formula.28. The computer proam product according to claim 27, characterized by being adapted to create the second data structure for a displayless sensor unit in functional connection with a wri stop computer and the create a third data structure for the wristop computer, the third data structure containing instructions for the wristop computer to utilize the information provided by the displayless sensor unit utilizing the second data structure.29. A computerized system for functionalizing wristop computers, comprising -user account management means for maintaining a plurality of user accounts, -wristop computer operation programming means configured to allow owners of said user accounts to define mathematical operations comprising one or more mathematical operators, one or more physical variables and mutual relations of the operators and variables, -storage means for storing said user-defined mathematical operations for said user accounts, -means for exporting said user-defined mathematical operations to a wristop computer of the owner of the user account or to another external storage device.30. The system according to claim 29, characterized by comprising means for sharing said user-defined mathematical operations between user accounts.31. The system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized by comprising means for receiving data units comprising results of the said mathematical operations from the owners of the user accounts, as operated in their wristop computers.</claim-text>