Parkinson tremor monitor and monitoring method

Abstract

This invention discloses a Parkinson's tremor monitoring device and method. The monitoring device is installed on chopsticks and includes a shell, a monitoring module, and a clamping assembly. The shell extends vertically. The monitoring module includes a shell, a monitoring unit, and an elastic adjustment ring. The shell is installed inside the outer shell, and the monitoring unit is located inside the shell, including an inertial measurement unit and a first microcontroller that are electrically connected. The elastic adjustment ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the shell. The clamping assembly includes two clamps symmetrically located on the left and right sides of the elastic adjustment ring. Each clamp includes two semi-circular retaining rings. The first ends of the two semi-circular retaining rings are hinged together and connected to the elastic adjustment ring. The second end of each semi-circular retaining ring has a protruding elastic connecting ear. The distance between the two elastic connecting ears is adjustable, so that the size of the clamps can be adjusted. In this way, the monitoring behavior is invisible and routine, and the collected data is raw data that truly reflects the pathological characteristics, realizing continuous and objective monitoring of tremors. It is adaptable to chopsticks of different sizes and shapes, has a wide range of applications, and is highly practical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of Parkinson's tremor monitoring technology, specifically to a Parkinson's tremor monitoring instrument and monitoring method. Background Technology

[0002] Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and other neurological disorders have a high incidence rate among the elderly. One of their main clinical manifestations is limb tremor, especially noticeable when performing fine motor skills (such as eating and writing). Statistics show that over 75% of Parkinson's disease patients experience tremor symptoms. The frequency, amplitude, and timing of tremors are important clinical parameters for doctors to assess disease progression and adjust medication regimens.

[0003] Currently, clinical assessment of tremor primarily relies on two methods: First, short-term observation and subjective scale assessment during outpatient visits, such as the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS) or the MDS-UPDRS scale. However, these methods have limitations: scale results are influenced by the observer's subjective judgment and are difficult to capture symptom fluctuations in daily life. Second, monitoring is performed using wearable sensors, typically based on inertial measurement units (IMUs) such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Studies have shown that sensor-based quantitative assessments provide more accurate measurements than clinical scales and are sensitive to changes after treatment interventions. However, existing wearable devices have the following shortcomings: as additional "medical devices," patient compliance is a concern, with patients often forgetting to wear them or being unwilling to use them in public; and traditional wearable sensors often face problems such as inconvenience in wearing, restriction of movement, and potential interference with the measured motion.

[0004] In addition, there is an existing type of spoon that senses and records tremors. It uses a tremor sensor, a control circuit board, and a motor to compensate for tremors. The core of this technology lies in using motor compensation to assist eating. The data it collects is "compensated data" after motor intervention, rather than the patient's original tremor data. For clinical diagnosis, the core value of motion sensors lies in accurately measuring tremor frequency and precisely quantifying changes in amplitude over time; therefore, maintaining the "purity" of the data is crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to propose a Parkinson's tremor monitoring device and monitoring method, which aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this invention proposes a Parkinson's tremor monitoring device, which is installed on chopsticks to monitor the tremor characteristics of a user, comprising: The outer casing is designed to extend through the vertical direction. A monitoring module includes a housing, a monitoring unit, and an elastic adjustment ring. The housing is installed inside the outer shell, and the monitoring unit is disposed inside the housing, including an inertial measurement unit and a first microcontroller. The inertial measurement unit is used to monitor the three-dimensional motion data of the user's hand. The first microcontroller is electrically connected to the inertial measurement unit to receive, process, and analyze the three-dimensional motion data. The elastic adjustment ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the housing. The clamping assembly includes two clamps, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the elastic adjustment ring in the left-right direction. The clamps are used to insert a chopstick. Each clamp includes two semi-circular retaining rings, the first ends of which are hinged together and connected to the elastic adjustment ring. The second end of each semi-circular retaining ring has an elastic connecting ear protruding from the side away from the elastic adjustment ring. The distance between the two elastic connecting ears is adjustable so that the size of the clamp is adjustable.

[0007] Optionally, the outer shell is made of an elastic material; Each of the aforementioned elastic connecting lugs has a fastening hole extending through it in the front-to-back direction; A fastening post is inserted into one of the two fastening holes, and an elastic sleeve is inserted into the other of the two fastening holes. The opening of the elastic sleeve faces the fastening post. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fastening post gradually increases from the end near the elastic sleeve to the end away from the elastic sleeve. The fastening post is inserted into the elastic sleeve and can be moved relative to the elastic sleeve in the front-back direction under force to adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears.

[0008] Optionally, the outer casing has a first operating protrusion protruding outward from the first sidewall of the outer casing near the fastening post in the front-rear direction, and the first operating protrusion is connected to the fastening post. The outer casing has a second operating protrusion protruding outward from the second side wall of the elastic sleeve in the front-back direction, and the second operating protrusion is connected to the elastic sleeve.

[0009] Optionally, one of the two resilient connecting ears is provided with an iron plate, and the other is provided with an electromagnet; The Parkinson's tremor monitor also includes a control unit, which comprises: A second microcontroller, electrically connected to the electromagnet, controls the energizing state of the electromagnet and the magnitude of its supply current, so that the electromagnet magnetically attracts the iron sheet and adjusts the distance between the two elastic connecting lugs; and, A control switch is located on the outer wall of the housing and connected to the second microcontroller to control the on / off state of the second microcontroller.

[0010] Optionally, each of the clamps is provided with strain gauges on its two inner sidewalls in the front-rear direction. When the strain gauge is spaced apart from the chopstick, the detection value of the strain gauge is 0. When the strain gauge is in contact with the chopstick, the detection value of the strain gauge is greater than 0. The second microcontroller is electrically connected to the strain gauge to control the working state of the strain gauge and to control the magnitude of the power supply current of the electromagnet based on the monitored value of the strain gauge.

[0011] Optionally, the inertial measurement unit includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope, wherein the three-axis accelerometer is used to monitor acceleration information and the three-axis gyroscope is used to monitor angular velocity information.

[0012] Optionally, the Parkinson's tremor monitor also includes a stabilization component, which includes two limiting protrusions. The two limiting protrusions are detachably installed on both sides of the housing in the left-right direction. Each limiting protrusion is set at an angle to the housing to form a limiting slot for accommodating the user's thumb or index finger.

[0013] Optionally, the anti-shake component further includes a counterweight that is detachably mounted on the housing.

[0014] Optionally, the rear sidewall of the housing is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring Parkinson's tremor, applicable to Parkinson's tremor monitoring devices, the method comprising the following steps: Step S100: Insert two chopsticks into the outer shell in the vertical direction, and insert them one by one into the clamps located on the left and right sides of the shell. Adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears on the clamps until the size of each clamp is adjusted to fix the chopsticks inside. Step S200: Hold the two chopsticks and activate the monitoring unit to monitor the three-dimensional motion data of the hand; Step S300: The three-dimensional motion data is acquired, processed, and analyzed by the first microcontroller to obtain the vibration monitoring and analysis results.

[0016] In the technical solution of this invention, when the Parkinson's tremor detector is in use, two chopsticks are inserted one-to-one into the two clamps. The size of the clamps is adjusted by adjusting the spacing of the elastic connecting ears on each clamp to fix the chopsticks. When the user holds the chopsticks to eat, the inertial measurement unit monitors the three-dimensional motion data of the user's hand, and the first microcontroller analyzes the three-dimensional motion data to obtain the tremor monitoring analysis result. In this way, the monitoring function is embedded in the chopsticks used for three meals a day, making the monitoring behavior "invisible" and "daily," without requiring the user to wear additional equipment, greatly improving the compliance of long-term monitoring, and eliminating the need for traditional wearable sensors. The device avoids problems such as inconvenience in wearing, restriction of movement, and potential interference with the measured movement. Furthermore, the collected three-dimensional motion data is raw data without any compensation, accurately reflecting the user's pathological characteristics and enabling continuous and objective monitoring of tremors. The data's precision and accuracy exceed those of clinical rating scales, providing higher reference value for clinical diagnosis, disease assessment, and medication adjustment, supporting medical professionals in tracking disease progression and optimizing treatment plans. Additionally, the Parkinson's tremor monitor provided by this invention, through the adjustable size of the clamp, can adapt to chopsticks of different sizes and shapes, rather than being limited to specific chopsticks. This eliminates the need for users to carry special chopsticks, making it widely applicable and highly practical. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the Parkinson's tremor monitoring device provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of part of the structure; Figure 3 A top view of a partial structure of another embodiment of the Parkinson's tremor monitoring device provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the Parkinson's tremor monitoring device provided by the present invention installed on chopsticks; Figure 5 The flowchart shows the Parkinson's tremor monitoring method provided by the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Parkinson's Tremor Monitor 1. Outer shell, 2. Housing, 3. Elastic adjustment ring, 4. Clamp, 5. Elastic connecting ear, 6. Fastening post, 7. Elastic sleeve, 8. First operating protrusion, 9. Second operating protrusion, 10. Iron sheet, 11. Electromagnet, 12. Strain gauge, 13. Limiting protrusion, 14. Indicator light. 200. Chopsticks.

[0020] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0024] Currently, clinical assessment of tremor primarily relies on two methods: First, short-term observation and subjective scale assessment during outpatient visits, such as the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS) or the MDS-UPDRS scale. However, these methods have limitations: scale results are influenced by the observer's subjective judgment and are difficult to capture symptom fluctuations in daily life. Second, monitoring is performed using wearable sensors, typically based on inertial measurement units (IMUs) such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Studies have shown that sensor-based quantitative assessments provide more accurate measurements than clinical scales and are sensitive to changes after treatment interventions. However, existing wearable devices have the following shortcomings: as additional "medical devices," patient compliance is a concern, with patients often forgetting to wear them or being unwilling to use them in public; and traditional wearable sensors often face problems such as inconvenience in wearing, restriction of movement, and potential interference with the measured motion.

[0025] In addition, there is an existing type of spoon that senses and records tremors. It uses a tremor sensor, a control circuit board, and a motor to compensate for tremors. The core of this technology lies in using motor compensation to assist eating. The data it collects is "compensated data" after motor intervention, rather than the patient's original tremor data. For clinical diagnosis, the core value of motion sensors lies in accurately measuring tremor frequency and precisely quantifying changes in amplitude over time; therefore, maintaining the "purity" of the data is crucial.

[0026] In view of this, the present invention provides a Parkinson's tremor monitor 100, which is installed on chopsticks 200 to monitor the tremor characteristics of a user. Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Parkinson's tremor monitoring device 100 provided by the present invention.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 4The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device 100 includes a housing 1, a monitoring module, and a clamping assembly. The housing 1 extends vertically. The monitoring module includes a housing 2, a monitoring unit, and an elastic adjustment ring 3. The housing 2 is installed inside the housing 1. The monitoring unit is located inside the housing 2 and includes an inertial measurement unit and a first microcontroller. The inertial measurement unit monitors the three-dimensional motion data of the user's hand. The first microcontroller is electrically connected to the inertial measurement unit to receive, process, and analyze the three-dimensional motion data. The elastic adjustment ring 3... The joint ring 3 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the housing 2; the clamping assembly includes two clamps 4, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the elastic adjustment ring 3 in the left-right direction. The clamps 4 are used for inserting a chopstick 200 and include two semi-circular clamps. The first ends of the two semi-circular clamps are hinged together and connected to the elastic adjustment ring 3. The second end of each semi-circular clamp is provided with an elastic connecting ear 5 protruding away from the elastic adjustment ring 3. The distance between the two elastic connecting ears 5 is adjustable so that the size of the clamp 4 is adjustable.

[0028] In the technical solution of this invention, when the Parkinson's tremor detector is in use, two chopsticks 200 are inserted one-to-one into two clamps 4. The size of the clamps 4 is adjusted by adjusting the spacing of the elastic connecting ears 5 on each clamp 4 to fix the chopsticks 200. When the user holds the chopsticks 200 to eat, the inertial measurement unit monitors the three-dimensional motion data of the user's hand, and the first microcontroller analyzes the three-dimensional motion data to obtain the tremor monitoring analysis result. In this way, the monitoring function is embedded in the chopsticks 200 used for three meals a day, making the monitoring behavior "invisible" and "daily". There is no need for the user to wear additional equipment, which greatly improves the compliance of long-term monitoring and eliminates the need for traditional wearable devices. The sensor suffers from problems such as inconvenience in wearing, restriction of movement, and potential interference with the measured motion. Meanwhile, the acquired three-dimensional motion data is raw data without any compensation, accurately reflecting the user's pathological characteristics and enabling continuous and objective monitoring of tremors. Furthermore, the data's precision and accuracy exceed those of clinical rating scales, providing higher reference value for clinical diagnosis, disease assessment, and medication adjustment, supporting medical professionals in tracking disease progression and optimizing treatment plans. Additionally, the Parkinson's tremor monitor 100 provided by this invention is adjustable in size via the clamp 4, allowing it to adapt to chopsticks 200 of different sizes and shapes, rather than being limited to specific chopsticks 200. This eliminates the need for users to carry dedicated chopsticks 200, making it widely applicable and highly practical.

[0029] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic adjustment ring 3 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this way, when the user is eating, the elastic adjustment ring 3 is compressed or extended by the force of the two chopsticks 200 moving closer or further apart, thereby avoiding interference with the user's eating.

[0030] It should also be noted that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic connecting ear 5 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0031] Specifically, the monitoring unit is connected to the control terminal, which allows users to control the working status of the monitoring unit and view the data analysis results, while also enabling remote control.

[0032] Furthermore, when a significant anomaly is detected, the control terminal can issue a reminder to the user. Additionally, the housing 1 is equipped with an indicator light 14, and the first microcontroller is electrically connected to the indicator light 14. The microcontroller controls the display color of the indicator light 14 based on data analysis results to remind the user whether the monitoring results are normal. More specifically, when the indicator light 14 displays green, the monitoring results are normal; when the indicator light 14 displays red, the monitoring results are abnormal.

[0033] For more details, please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, a clearance hole is provided through the front wall of the outer shell 1, the outer shell 2 is installed inside the outer shell 1 corresponding to the clearance hole, and the indicator light 14 is installed on the front side wall of the outer shell 2 corresponding to the clearance hole.

[0034] Specifically, the control terminal is a mobile app, a cloud server, etc.

[0035] Specifically, in this invention, the starting or stopping of the monitoring unit can be controlled by a mechanical switch or by an analog switch, both of which are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Furthermore, the monitoring module also includes a power supply unit and a storage unit. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the monitoring unit to power the various electronic devices, and the storage unit is electrically connected to the first microcontroller to store three-dimensional motion data. More specifically, the power supply module is a rechargeable battery.

[0037] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first microcontroller is a low-power microcontroller such as ESP32.

[0038] Specifically, in this invention, the spacing between the two elastic connecting ears 5 on each clamp 4 can be adjusted manually or by automatic control.

[0039] Specifically, the outer shell 1 is made of an elastic material.

[0040] For further details, please refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the elastic connecting ears 5 has a fastening hole extending through it in the front-back direction; a fastening post 6 is inserted into one of the two fastening holes, and an elastic sleeve 7 is inserted into the other of the two fastening holes. The opening of the elastic sleeve 7 is positioned facing the fastening post 6. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fastening post 6 gradually increases from the end near the elastic sleeve 7 to the end away from the elastic sleeve 7. The fastening post 6 is inserted into the elastic sleeve 7 and can be moved relative to the elastic sleeve 7 in the front-back direction under force to adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears 5.

[0041] Thus, the user can gradually insert or release the elastic sleeve 7 by applying the fastening post 6, causing the two elastic connecting ears 5 to move closer or further apart, thereby adjusting the distance between the two elastic connecting ears 5 and thus adjusting the size of the clamp 4.

[0042] It should be noted that the outer shell 1 is made of elastic materials such as rubber. Thus, when the user applies force to the front and back walls of the outer shell 1, the front and back walls of the outer shell 1 move closer or further apart, thereby causing the fastening post 6 and the elastic sleeve 7 to move closer or further apart.

[0043] It should also be noted that the elastic sleeve 7 is made of elastic materials such as rubber.

[0044] It should also be noted that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the elastic sleeve 7 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the fastening post 6 near the elastic sleeve 7, so that the fastening post 6 is stably inserted into the elastic sleeve 7.

[0045] For further details, please refer to Figure 1 The outer casing 1 has a first operating protrusion 8 protruding outward from the first side wall near the fastening post 6 in the front-back direction, and the first operating protrusion 8 is connected to the fastening post 6; the outer casing 1 has a second operating protrusion 9 protruding outward from the second side wall near the elastic sleeve 7 in the front-back direction, and the second operating protrusion 9 is connected to the elastic sleeve 7.

[0046] In this way, the user can operate the fastening post 6 and the elastic sleeve 7 by actuating the first operating protrusion 8 and the second operating protrusion 9, which facilitates user operation.

[0047] Of course, please see Figure 3In another embodiment of the present invention, one of the two elastic connecting ears 5 is provided with an iron plate 10, and the other is provided with an electromagnet 11; the Parkinson's tremor monitor 100 further includes a control unit, the control unit including a second microcontroller and a control switch, the second microcontroller being electrically connected to the electromagnet 11 to control the energizing state of the electromagnet 11 and the magnitude of the power supply current of the electromagnet 11, so that the electromagnet 11 and the iron plate 10 are magnetically attracted and the distance between the two elastic connecting ears 5 is adjusted; the control switch is located on the outer wall of the housing 1 and is connected to the second microcontroller to control the switching state of the second microcontroller.

[0048] Thus, the user can start or stop the second microcontroller by operating the control switch. When the second microcontroller is in the start state, it controls the electromagnet 11 to be energized and controls the power supply current to gradually increase, so that the magnetic attraction force of the electromagnet 11 also gradually increases. As a result, the electromagnet 11 and the iron plate 10 are magnetically attracted to each other and the distance between them gradually decreases until the clamp 4 clamps and fixes the chopsticks 200. When the second microcontroller is in the stop state, the electromagnet 11 is not energized and has no magnetic attraction force, so it cannot be magnetically attracted to the iron plate 10. This is suitable for installing or removing the chopsticks 200.

[0049] Furthermore, each of the clamps 4 is provided with strain gauges 12 on its two inner sidewalls in the front-rear direction. When the strain gauge 12 is spaced apart from the chopstick 200, the detection value of the strain gauge 12 is 0. When the strain gauge 12 is in contact with the chopstick 200, the detection value of the strain gauge 12 is greater than 0. The second microcontroller is electrically connected to the strain gauge 12 to control the working state of the strain gauge 12 and to control the magnitude of the power supply current of the electromagnet 11 according to the detection value of the strain gauge 12.

[0050] Thus, the monitoring value of the strain gauge 12 can determine whether the chopsticks 200 are clamped and fixed by the clamp 4. That is, when the monitoring value of the strain gauge 12 is 0, the clamp 4 is not clamping and fixing the chopsticks 200, and when the monitoring value of the strain gauge 12 is greater than 0, the chopsticks 200 are clamped and fixed by the clamp 4. At this time, the second microcontroller does not need to increase the power supply current, but only needs to keep the power supply current constant to avoid the chopsticks 200 being damaged by excessive force. After the user finishes eating, the second microcontroller is turned off by operating the control switch, disconnecting the power supply current, so that the electromagnet 11 loses its magnetism and can no longer magnetically attract the iron plate 10, and the two elastic connecting ears 5 reset, making it convenient for the operator to remove the chopsticks 200.

[0051] Furthermore, the electromagnet 11 is a suction cup type electromagnet 11.

[0052] Specifically, in this invention, one or two control units can be provided. More specifically, when two control units are provided, the two control units are electrically connected one-to-one with the strain gauges 12 provided on the two clamps 4, and are also connected one-to-one with the two electromagnets 11, thereby controlling the working state of their respective strain gauges 12 and monitoring the monitoring values ​​of their respective strain gauges 12, and thus controlling the working state of their respective electromagnets 11.

[0053] Specifically, the control switch can be a push-button switch, a rotary switch, or a toggle switch, etc.

[0054] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second microcontroller is a low-power microcontroller such as ESP32.

[0055] Specifically, the inertial measurement unit includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope. The three-axis accelerometer is used to monitor acceleration information, and the three-axis gyroscope is used to monitor angular velocity information. The three-axis accelerometer and three-axis gyroscope can be used to obtain flutter characteristic parameters such as flutter frequency, amplitude, flutter stability index (TSI), and half-width power (HWP).

[0056] More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the triaxial accelerometer and the triaxial gyroscope are an MPU6050 accelerometer / gyroscope combination.

[0057] The Parkinson's tremor monitor 100 provided by this invention does not have a motor, but only a sensor, a recording circuit and a strain gauge 12 consume power, which can support continuous monitoring for several days to several weeks and reduce the frequency of charging.

[0058] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The Parkinson's tremor monitor 100 also includes a stabilization component, which includes two limiting protrusions 13. The two limiting protrusions 13 are detachably installed on both sides of the outer shell 1 in the left-right direction. Each limiting protrusion 13 is set at an angle to the outer shell 1 to form a limiting slot for accommodating the user's thumb or index finger.

[0059] Thus, the two limiting slots can limit the user's fingers, reduce the degree of tremor, and make it easier for the user to eat.

[0060] More specifically, the detachable connection method between the limiting protrusion 13 and the outer shell 1 is not limited; it can be a snap-fit ​​connection or a threaded connection, etc.

[0061] Of course, the limiting protrusion 13 and the outer shell 1 can also be pivotally connected by a torsion spring. When the user needs to use the limiting protrusion 13 to assist in eating, the limiting protrusion 13 can be rotated to a preset angle to form the limiting slot with the outer shell 1. When the user performs objective tremor monitoring, the limiting protrusion 13 is in close contact with the outer shell 1.

[0062] Specifically, to meet the user's needs, an extension arm is slidably connected to the left and right side walls of the outer shell 1, and a limiting protrusion 13 is connected to each extension arm.

[0063] Thus, when the limiting protrusion 13 is not needed, the extension arm is stored inside the housing 1; when the limiting protrusion 13 is needed, the extension arm is driven to extend out from the housing 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the connection method between the limiting protrusion 13 and the extension arm is not limited; it can be a pivot connection or a detachable connection, such as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0065] It should be noted that the limiting protrusion 13 and the extension arm are both made of elastic materials such as rubber, and are suitable for use by chopsticks 200 of different sizes and users with different finger sizes.

[0066] Specifically, the anti-shake component also includes a counterweight, which is detachably mounted on the housing 1.

[0067] Thus, by increasing the weight through the counterweight, the user's tremor is reduced, making it easier for the user to eat.

[0068] It should be noted that the counterweight and the outer shell 1 can be connected by snap-fit ​​or by thread, etc.

[0069] More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the counterweight is detachably mounted on the rear wall of the outer casing 1.

[0070] The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device 100 provided by this invention has both objective tremor monitoring and anti-shake functions. It should be noted that the two functions can be selected separately; that is, the user chooses according to specific needs. If objective tremor monitoring is required, the anti-shake component is removed; if anti-shake is required, the anti-shake component is installed.

[0071] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring Parkinson's tremor, applicable to the Parkinson's tremor monitoring device described above.

[0072] Please see Figure 5 The Parkinson's tremor monitoring method includes the following steps: Step S100: Insert two chopsticks into the outer shell along the vertical direction, and insert them one by one into the clamps located on the left and right sides of the shell. Adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears on the clamps until the size of each clamp is adjusted to fix the chopsticks inside.

[0073] In this step, the method of adjusting the distance between the two elastic connecting ears on the clamp, i.e. the method of fixing the chopsticks, depends on the specific structure of the Parkinson's tremor monitor. There are two methods: one is to manually adjust by setting a fastening post and an elastic sleeve, and the other is to automatically adjust by setting an electromagnet.

[0074] Specifically, when using a manual method, the two chopsticks can be fixed sequentially, that is, one chopstick is inserted and fixed first, and then the other chopstick is inserted and fixed. Alternatively, they can be fixed simultaneously, that is, both chopsticks are inserted into the clamps first, and then fixed with the fastening post. When using an automated method, the two chopsticks are inserted into the clamps first, and then the control switch is operated to control the electromagnet to attract the iron plate, thus completing the synchronous fixing of the two chopsticks.

[0075] Step S200: Hold the two chopsticks and start the monitoring unit to monitor the three-dimensional motion data of the hand.

[0076] In this step, acceleration information is monitored by setting a three-axis accelerometer, and angular velocity information is monitored by setting a three-axis gyroscope.

[0077] Step S300: The three-dimensional motion data is acquired, processed, and analyzed by the first microcontroller to obtain the vibration monitoring and analysis results.

[0078] In this step, the results of the tremor monitoring and analysis include tremor characteristics such as tremor frequency, amplitude, tremor stability index (TSI), and half-width power (HWP).

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Parkinson's tremor monitoring device, used to be installed on chopsticks to monitor the tremor characteristics of a user, characterized in that, The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device includes: The outer casing is designed to extend through the vertical direction. A monitoring module includes a housing, a monitoring unit, and an elastic adjustment ring. The housing is installed inside the outer shell, and the monitoring unit is disposed inside the housing, including an inertial measurement unit and a first microcontroller. The inertial measurement unit is used to monitor the three-dimensional motion data of the user's hand. The first microcontroller is electrically connected to the inertial measurement unit to receive, process, and analyze the three-dimensional motion data. The elastic adjustment ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the housing. The clamping assembly includes two clamps, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the elastic adjustment ring in the left-right direction. The clamps are used to insert a chopstick. Each clamp includes two semi-circular retaining rings, the first ends of which are hinged together and connected to the elastic adjustment ring. The second end of each semi-circular retaining ring has an elastic connecting ear protruding from the side away from the elastic adjustment ring. The distance between the two elastic connecting ears is adjustable so that the size of the clamp is adjustable.

2. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is made of an elastic material; Each of the aforementioned elastic connecting lugs has a fastening hole extending through it in the front-to-back direction; A fastening post is inserted into one of the two fastening holes, and an elastic sleeve is inserted into the other of the two fastening holes. The opening of the elastic sleeve faces the fastening post. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fastening post gradually increases from the end near the elastic sleeve to the end away from the elastic sleeve. The fastening post is inserted into the elastic sleeve and can be moved relative to the elastic sleeve in the front-back direction under force to adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears.

3. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer casing has a first operating protrusion protruding outward from the first side wall near the fastening post in the front-back direction, and the first operating protrusion is connected to the fastening post. The outer casing has a second operating protrusion protruding outward from the second side wall of the elastic sleeve in the front-back direction, and the second operating protrusion is connected to the elastic sleeve.

4. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One of the two elastic connecting ears is provided with an iron plate, and the other is provided with an electromagnet; The Parkinson's tremor monitor also includes a control unit, which comprises: A second microcontroller, electrically connected to the electromagnet, controls the energizing state of the electromagnet and the magnitude of its supply current, so that the electromagnet magnetically attracts the iron sheet and adjusts the distance between the two elastic connecting lugs; and, A control switch is located on the outer wall of the housing and connected to the second microcontroller to control the on / off state of the second microcontroller.

5. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the clamps is provided with a strain gauge on its two inner sidewalls in the front-rear direction. When the strain gauge is spaced apart from the chopstick, the strain gauge's detection value is 0. When the strain gauge is in contact with the chopstick, the strain gauge's detection value is greater than 0. The second microcontroller is electrically connected to the strain gauge to control the working state of the strain gauge and to control the magnitude of the power supply current of the electromagnet based on the monitored value of the strain gauge.

6. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inertial measurement unit includes a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope. The three-axis accelerometer is used to monitor acceleration information, and the three-axis gyroscope is used to monitor angular velocity information.

7. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Parkinson's tremor monitor also includes a stabilization component, which includes two limiting protrusions. The two limiting protrusions are detachably installed on both sides of the housing in the left-right direction. Each limiting protrusion is set at an angle to the housing to form a limiting slot for accommodating the user's thumb or index finger.

8. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The anti-shake component also includes a counterweight, which is detachably mounted on the housing.

9. The Parkinson's tremor monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rear sidewall of the outer casing is provided with anti-slip texture.

10. A method for monitoring Parkinson's tremor, applicable to any one of the Parkinson's tremor monitoring instruments described in any of the weight pressures 1-9, characterized in that, The Parkinson's tremor monitoring method includes the following steps: Step S100: Insert two chopsticks into the outer shell in the vertical direction, and insert them one by one into the clamps located on the left and right sides of the shell. Adjust the distance between the two elastic connecting ears on the clamps until the size of each clamp is adjusted to fix the chopsticks inside. Step S200: Hold the two chopsticks and activate the monitoring unit to monitor the three-dimensional motion data of the hand; Step S300: The three-dimensional motion data is acquired, processed, and analyzed by the first microcontroller to obtain the vibration monitoring and analysis results.

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