Keywords

1 Introduction

A sound-based game system is rather incorporated into the dull process of jogging, making jogging more fun and interesting. The game will add fun into exercise, helping the user to lose body fat and maintain good health. Because it provides auditory information rather than visual information, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by inattention. The level of intensity is determined based on the individual’s BMI (Body Mass Index), calculated using one’s height and weight, and the intensity of the exercise increases appropriately as the user proceeds through the stages, while the user’s fitness also gradually improves. Each time a target score is reached, the user can proceed upwards in the ranking system, and soon the user will find themselves in a much healthier shape. In addition, the game can be connected with an SNS to compete with friends.

2 Previous Study

Our work was motivated by Shake It Up: Exercise Intensity Recognizing System. It is smartphone-based exercise intensity recognizing system that we made for the HCI International poster session. After finishing our work, we focused on making exercise game with these materials. However, there are several similar ideas already in the market. We develop and use a surround sound based motion detecting system.

3 Design and Implementation

Our goal of the game is using surround sound system to fill like Junk foods are rushing into the user. The user must run away from the attack of junk foods coming in from all sides like a swarm of bees. The final goal of this game is to jog in order to run away from the attack of the junk foods sound. When attacked by junk food, fat point is accumulated in the body, and the fat can be removed through a given mission.

3.1 Design

We use The 8-Week Beginner’s Program by Runner’s World. It is one of the most common and effective way to keep healthy (Table 1).

Table 1. The 8-Week Beginner’s Program by Runner’s World [1]
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We have 8 enemies expended upon junk food. Each character has taken off the original snacks name. Russian character MMM is Chocolate, Japanese character Kendai Suitsu is Candy, American character Pop C is Coke, Argentinian Springle Rays is Potato Chip. And there is also ice cream, Ruskin Barbars (US), Doughnut, Mrs. Dounafire (Netherlands), Pizza, Papa Domingo Jonhnes (Italy), and hamburger, Buggie Kim (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.
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8 enemies from ER: Junk Buster

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The ER: Junk Buster is an iOS8-based application that can be used on the iPhone. We used smartphone gyroscope sensor to detect the swing of the arm same as our previous work Shake it up [2]. This algorithm is measuring man’s movement similar to the pedometer. It is a device that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person’s body. Our goal is detecting the moment of the motion and reflecting the game situation (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.
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User can play ER: Junk Buster both indoor and outdoor [3]

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3.2 Scenario

The sound of junk foods attacking from every side makes the user feel as if they are in the virtual gaming space, which in turn increases absorption in the game and makes the exercise more effective. The final score can be uploaded online to share with friends. The user can compete with friends to see who has the highest score.

The sound of junk foods comically rushing in provides entertainment, which even small children can experience. Although it is not visual, one can experience thrilling by dodging the junk foods rushing in through sound.

Because the user must jog while playing the game, without knowing, the user will soon find themselves in a much healthier shape. The user will face increasing levels of difficulty according to the 8-week jogging program. User can build themselves to dodge the incoming rush of junk foods becoming stronger every stage. The game applies a system that recognizes body motion using smartphone sensors.

4 Evaluation and Conclusion

A free trial version of Escape Runner: Junk Buster will first be made available on the Apple appstore to increase brand recognition among users. Afterwards, a paid pro-version will be released with newly added features, and the revenue generated from the pro-version will become the main source of revenue. The pro-version will not only measure walking speed and the number of steps, but it will also have features that measure ECG and EMG by coupling with Smart Band, which allows us to collect medical data. An Item Market will be added, where users can buy add-in features such as tracking oxygen consumption through sensors, which will make additional profits. As a result, users will be able to obtain various data, and by presenting a detailed explanation of the changes in the users’ body in objective measures, we will be able to provide reliability to the users. Furthermore, a millage system will be available, and when the users play the game and reach a certain level, health food discount coupons will be issued. Some examples of healthy food would be tea, salad, nuts, and fruit, which are desserts that are low in fat and high in nutrition. We will generate additional profit from commission on the sales in health food franchises. Lastly, cute characters appearing in the app will later be made into animation, or made into figures, cups, and plates through 3D printing, available for purchase.