Balance assessment system and associated method

Abstract

A modular balance device having a platform that supports a user, a connection component coupled to the underside of the platform with a stem portion that includes one or more keyway grooves, and a set of interchangeable base portions that can be removably attached to the stem. Each base portion has a curved contacting surface that rests on the ground and an internal key that engages the stem's keyway groove to secure the base in place. The base portions differ from one another in the radius of curvature of their contacting surfaces, allowing the balance difficulty of the device to be adjusted by swapping bases.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 761,776, filed on Feb. 21, 2025, entitled, Balance Device and Associated System and Method, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Balance devices, such as wobble boards, are commonly used for balance training, balance assessment, rehabilitation, and athletic conditioning. Conventional wobble boards typically include a flat, rigid platform mounted on a rounded or semi-spherical base, allowing the user to perform balance exercises by shifting their weight and maintaining stability. Wobble boards are widely employed in physical therapy settings, sports training programs, and general fitness routines to enhance proprioception, core strength, and coordination. The conventional wobble boards typically employ a fixed, non-adjustable design having a fixed base portion.

[0003] Conventional wobble boards, while beneficial, exhibit several limitations. First, most wobble boards provide a fixed level of difficulty, restricting their usability across different skill levels. Users with varying degrees of experience and ability may find some boards either too easy or too challenging, limiting their effectiveness as a progressive training tool. Additionally, many wobble boards lack adjustable or customizable features, preventing users from tailoring their training to specific rehabilitation needs or athletic goals.

[0004] Conventional wobble boards also maintain a constant base curvature in contact with the ground, providing a uniform level of difficulty and stability for balance exercises. This simplicity makes them widely accessible but limits adaptability.

[0005] Another drawback of existing wobble boards is their limited range of motion. Most designs offer only omnidirectional tilting, without the ability to modify the tilt angle or resistance. This restricts the variety of exercises that can be performed and may not adequately simulate real-world balance challenges encountered in sports or daily activities.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In light of the foregoing drawbacks, there is a need in the art for an improved wobble board that offers adjustable difficulty levels, enhanced durability, greater exercise variety, and improved safety features. The present invention seeks to address one or more of these shortcomings by introducing a novel design that enhances functionality, adaptability, and user experience.

[0007] Conventional wobble boards also focus solely on physical balance without integration with cognitive assessment or feedback. Research increasingly supports the link between balance and cognitive function, but these products lack any mechanism to link the two, which could enhance training, especially in rehabilitation and eldercare settings. Further, gamification has shown significant promise in making rehabilitation and fitness activities more engaging.

[0008] According to one practice, the balance assessment system of the present invention includes a balance device, such as a wobble board, that is configured to improve balance training, balance assessment, rehabilitation, and athletic conditioning. Conventional wobble boards generally include a planar platform supported on a fixed, rounded base that provides a single, non-adjustable curvature. As a result, conventional devices typically provide a single difficulty level, limited exercise variety, and reduced adaptability across different user populations, including beginners, older adults, athletes, and individuals undergoing staged rehabilitation. Further, conventional wobble boards generally lack integrated sensing, feedback, and cognitive engagement features, despite the recognized importance of coupling physical balance training with cognitive assessment and user motivation.

[0009] The balance device of the present invention has a platform having an underside that includes a connection component that is coupled thereto. The connection component is configured to selectively receive and retain a plurality of interchangeable base portions. The base portions may be swapped by a user to modify a difficulty level of the balance device by varying at least one of curvature, radius, circumference, contact geometry, and / or permitted degrees of freedom of movement. In some embodiments, a first base portion may be configured to provide a relatively low difficulty level, such as by permitting predominantly single-axis movement and / or having a larger radius (e.g., about 8 inches), thereby making the device suitable for seniors, novice users, or early-stage rehabilitation. In further embodiments, additional different base portions can be attached to the platform to provide progressively higher difficulty levels by employing decreasing radii (e.g., from about 8 inches down to about 2.5 inches) and / or permitting multi-axis (e.g., two-axis) movement, thereby enabling more challenging training and simulation of real-world balance conditions.

[0010] In another aspect, the balance device can include one or more sensors, such as a gyroscope and / or inertial measurement unit, operably coupled to the platform and configured to measure orientation and movement of the platform in real time, including angular displacement about one or more axes (e.g., X-axis and Y-axis angles). The sensor can generate sensor data that can be transmitted, such as wirelessly, to a computing device that executes software configured to register users, store user profiles, track performance over time, and provide real-time feedback via an interactive user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface displays a balance target having concentric target zones corresponding to desired platform orientations, and a scoring technique awards points based on the user's ability to maintain the platform within one or more target zones over a defined session interval or period of time (e.g., a 30-second session with score updates at defined time increments, such as once per second). The user interface may further display session timing, battery status, connectivity status, and other system information.

[0011] In still another aspect, the balance assessment system can be configured to integrate cognitive assessment and gamification features with physical balance training, thereby enhancing user engagement, motivation, and training outcomes. By quantifying balance metrics and proprioceptive accuracy and by enabling adjustable physical difficulty via interchangeable bases, the disclosed device and system provide a versatile tool for injury prevention, rehabilitation progression, athletic conditioning, cognitive enhancement, and mental wellness. The disclosed configuration thereby addresses limitations of conventional wobble boards by combining adjustable mechanical challenge, enhanced durability through modular base construction, and sensor-driven, gamified feedback for a comprehensive balance training and assessment platform.

[0012] The present application is directed to a balance device comprising a platform having a top surface configured to support a user and a bottom surface, a connection component affixed to the bottom surface of the platform having a stem portion having an outer surface with at least one keyway groove formed therein, and a plurality of interchangeable base portions, where each base portion removably and replaceably couplable to the stem portion. The base portion includes a main body having a side wall and a contacting surface configured to contact a support surface. The contacting surface has a selected radius of curvature and an inner chamber formed within the main body having an inner surface with at least one key extending inwardly therefrom. The key can be configured to engage with the keyway groove to secure the base portion to the connection component. The radii of curvature of the contacting surfaces of the plurality of base portions are different from one another to provide adjustable balance difficulty levels.

[0013] The keyway groove has an L-shaped profile having a first groove portion extending in a first axial direction and a second groove portion extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The key is configured to be inserted through the first groove portion and translated into the second groove portion to secure the base portion to the connection component in an engaged state. The second groove portion is configured to resist reverse movement of the key to provide axial retention of the base portion on the connection component. The plurality of interchangeable base portions optionally includes at least five base portions having radii of curvature progressively decreasing from a first base portion to a fifth base portion. For example, first base portion has a radius of curvature of about 8 inches and the fifth base portion has a radius of curvature of about 2.5 inches. Still further, at least one base portion of the plurality of base portions has a contacting surface configured with a cylindrical curvature to permit predominantly single-axis rocking motion of the platform. Yet further, at least one base portion of the plurality of base portions has a contacting surface configured with a spherical or domed curvature to permit multi-axis rocking motion of the platform.

[0014] The connection component can include a flange component configured to be mounted to the underside of the platform. The flange component can include a plurality of fastener receiving openings formed therein. The stem portion forms a central chamber configured to house sensor electronics. The sensor electronics can include a gyroscope. Each base portion can include a pair of opposed keys extending inwardly from the inner surface of the inner chamber.

[0015] According to another practice, the present invention can be directed to a modular balance training device comprising a circular platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, a connection component mounted to the bottom surface of the platform and a set of at least five interchangeable base portions. The connection component can include a flange component secured to the bottom surface, a stem portion extending outwardly from the flange component along a longitudinal axis, and at least one L-shaped keyway groove formed in the stem portion. Each base portion of the set of interchangeable base portions can be selectively attachable to and detachable from the stem portion and can include a main body having a contacting surface with a radius of curvature selected to provide a distinct balance difficulty level, and at least one key configured to engage the at least one L-shaped keyway groove through axial insertion followed by rotational translation to secure the base portion to the stem portion.

[0016] The set of base portions can include a first base portion having a radius of curvature between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, a second base portion having a radius of curvature between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, a third base portion having a radius of curvature between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, a fourth base portion having a radius of curvature between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and a fifth base portion having a radius of curvature between about 2 inches and about inches. Further, at least one base portion in the set of base portions can optionally have a cylindrical curvature profile configured to restrict platform movement to a single axis. Further, optionally, at least four base portions in the set of base portions have spherical or domed curvature profiles configured to permit two-axis platform movement. The stem portion includes a central chamber configured to receive sensor electronics for measuring platform orientation.

[0017] The present invention can also be directed to a balance device comprising a rigid platform having an upper surface and a lower surface where the upper surface is configured to support a standing user; a hub mounted to the lower surface of the platform having a cylindrical stem extending downwardly from the platform and having at least one groove formed in an external surface thereof; and multiple removable base members. Each of the base members includes a hollow interior forming a cavity with an opening sized to receive the cylindrical stem, at least one projection extending into the cavity and configured to engage with the at least one groove in the stem to retain the base member on the stem, and a curved bottom surface having a radius of curvature. The multiple removable base members include base members having at least three different radii of curvature ranging from about 2.5 inches to about 8 inches to provide progressive balance training difficulty levels. The groove includes an L-shaped keyway having an insertion segment and a retention segment oriented transverse to the insertion segment. Further, the base member can optionally include a cylindrical bottom surface curvature permitting single axis rocking motion and at least one base member has a spherical bottom surface curvature permitting multi-axis rocking motion. The hub can include a sensor chamber configured to house an inertial measurement unit for detecting platform tilt. Each base member can include a pair of opposed projections extending radially inward from an inner wall of the cavity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements through the different views. The drawings illustrate principals of the invention and, although not to scale, show relative dimensions.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the balance assessment system of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of a balance device of the balance assessment system of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the balance device of FIG. 2A along lines 2B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a connection component of the balance device of FIG. 2A according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the connection component of FIG. 3A according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of a first base component (e.g., a senior level base component) of the balance device of FIG. 2A according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the first base component (e.g., a senior level base component) of FIG. 4 according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of a second base component of the balance device according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the second base component of FIG. 5A along lines 5B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a third base component of the balance device according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the third base component of FIG. 6A along lines 6B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of a fourth base component of the balance device according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the fourth base component of FIG. 7A along lines 7B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of a fifth base component of the balance device according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the fifth base component of FIG. 8A along lines 8B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a sixth base component of the balance device according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the sixth base component of FIG. 9A along lines 9B according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the balance device of the balance assessment system of the present invention showing an example angular position of the device.

[0037] FIG. 11 is an example user interface generated by the electronic device of the balance assessment system according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the graphical element of the user interface of FIG. 11 according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic device according to the teachings of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The present invention is directed to a balance assessment system that includes a balance device, such as a wobble board, that has different interchangeable base portions that can be coupled to a platform. The different interchangeable base portions can have different radius of curvatures and circumferences so as to vary or adjust the difficulty level of the wobble board. The different base portions allow users to customize the board's difficulty level, thereby enhancing progression and making the wobble board suitable for a wider range of abilities, from beginners to advanced users. Additionally, this enhanced flexibility allows for targeted rehabilitation exercises, where different levels of stability can be matched to specific rehabilitation recovery stages.

[0041] Moreover, unlike conventional wobble boards, the balance device of the present invention can be configured to measure proprioceptive accuracy and selected balance metrics, thereby enabling the linking or correlation between cognitive function and physical movement. The present invention also gamifies the user experience, making balance training more interactive and engaging, thus motivating users to track their improvement over time. This combined approach of adjustable bases and integrated software positions provides a balance device that can function as an advanced tool for injury prevention, cognitive enhancement, and mental wellness.

[0042] The balance assessment system of the present invention can be configured to assess and enhance both cognitive and physical aspects of balance. Through gamification, users can engage in interactive balance exercises, making training more enjoyable and personalized. Additionally, adjustable circumference and height settings of the base portions enable users to progressively improve balance with varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for a wider range of users. Consequently, the balance device of the present invention introduces a more holistic, dynamic, and user-focused balance training experience, responding to an unmet need in the current market.

[0043] The balance device of the present invention forms a tool that not only enhances balance but also plays a role in reducing injuries, managing anxiety, and improving cognitive function. By quantifying proprioception, the body's ability to sense its position and movements in space, the balance assessment system allows for measurable insight into balance training, allowing users to track and improve their coordination and stability in real time. This approach is particularly valuable for preventing falls and injuries, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults or those recovering from injury. Additionally, the interactive, gamified experience is designed to reduce anxiety and stress by focusing attention, building confidence, and making balance training enjoyable. By combining physical and cognitive elements, the balance device offers a powerful and holistic approach to rehabilitation, fitness, and personal development.

[0044] The terms orientation and position may be occasionally used interchangeably herein, and are intended to refer to the orientation or tilt of the platform unless otherwise noted or obvious of the context. The position may also refer to actual movement of the balance device along the support surface. As used herein, the term “orientation” is intended to mean or refer to the angular state or position, attitude, or rotational alignment of the platform relative to one or more reference axes. The orientation may include pitch, roll, yaw, angular displacement, angular velocity, angular acceleration, or any other rotational or tilt related parameter describing how the platform is tilted or rotated in space.

[0045] As used herein, the term “position” may broadly mean or refer to the spatial state of the platform and may include angular position, translational position, relative displacement, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments described herein, “position” may refer to angular position of the platform about one or more axes rather than absolute linear translation in Cartesian space. Unless expressly limited, the term “position” is not restricted solely to linear X-Y-Z coordinates. In embodiments utilizing inertial sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), or similar motion-sensing devices, the measured sensor data may represent orientation, angular position, or derived spatial parameters. Accordingly, references to sensing “orientation” or “position” of the platform shall be understood to encompass angular measurements and derived motion states unless expressly limited to translational movement.

[0046] The balance assessment system of the present invention is shown for example in FIG. 1. The illustrated balance assessment system 10 can include a balance device 20 that can be communicatively coupled to an electronic or computing device 14 having a display element 16. The balance device 20 can be communicatively coupled to the electronic device 14 by way of a wireless connection (as shown) or by way of a wired connection, or combinations thereof, and may be selected based on desired range, latency, power consumption, interoperability, and operating environment. In certain embodiments, the wireless connection 12 may comprise a short-range radio communication protocol, including for example Bluetooth® (e.g., Bluetooth Classic and / or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax), Wi-Fi Direct, near-field communication (NFC), Zigbee®, Z-Wave®, ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared (IR), or other suitable wireless personal area network (WPAN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols. In further embodiments, the wireless connection may include a cellular or wide-area connection, such as LTE, 4G, 5G, or other mobile network standards, such as where the balance device 20 includes an onboard radio module or communicates through an intermediate gateway device. In some embodiments, the balance device 20 may communicate directly with the electronic device 14, while in other embodiments the balance device 20 may communicate indirectly through a network, router, access point, cloud service, or other intermediary computing device. The wireless connection 12 may support encrypted data transfer, authenticated pairing, periodic data streaming, event-based transmission, and / or real-time bidirectional communication for feedback and control.

[0047] In certain other embodiments, the balance device 20 can communicate with the electronic device 14 through a wired connection, which can include a direct electrical connection between the balance device 20 and the electronic device 14. By way of example, the wired connection can include a universal serial bus (USB) connection, such as USB-A, USB-C, micro-USB, or other USB variants, and may support power delivery and / or data transfer. In further embodiments, the wired connection may include a serial communication interface, including but not limited to UART, RS-232, RS-485, SPI, I2C, or similar interfaces, such as for connection to an embedded computing device or diagnostic equipment. In still further embodiments, the wired connection may include an Ethernet connection (e.g., IEEE 802.3), which may be implemented via a direct Ethernet port, an adapter, or a docking interface. In some embodiments, the wired connection may also include a docking station, pogo-pin interface, magnetic connector, or other contact-based coupling configured to provide robust electrical contact for charging, firmware updates, data synchronization, factory calibration, and / or high-reliability operation in clinical environments. In some embodiments, the balance device 20 and / or the electronic device 14 may be configured to automatically detect the presence of a wired connection and switch between wired and wireless communication modes based on availability, user selection, or system requirements.

[0048] The balance device 20 can be configured such that a user 18 can stand on the balance device 20 and attempt to balance themselves. The balance device 20 can be configured to include a sensing or detecting element (e.g., sensor), such as a gyroscope, that can provide spatial data, such as orientation and spatial velocity, that can be communicated with the electronic device 14.

[0049] As used herein, the term “electronic device” as used herein can refer to any computing device, processor-based device, or other apparatus capable of receiving, processing, storing, and / or transmitting data in connection with the balance assessment system. By way of non-limiting example, the electronic device may include a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch), a dedicated handheld controller, a gaming console, a smart television, a kiosk, or other general-purpose or special-purpose computing device. In some embodiments, the electronic device can include one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor, CPU, GPU, microcontroller, or system-on-chip (SoC)), memory (e.g., RAM), and non-transitory storage (e.g., flash memory, solid-state storage, or other persistent storage) configured to execute software instructions for performing the functions described herein. The electronic device may further include one or more input / output components, including a display 16, touchscreen, buttons, speakers, microphone, camera, and / or haptic feedback components, and may include one or more communication interfaces configured for wired and / or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, cellular, USB, or other communication protocols). In certain embodiments, the electronic device may execute an application or software module configured to receive sensor data from the balance device, generate feedback and scoring outputs, present a user interface, store user profile information, and communicate with external networks, servers, or cloud-based systems.

[0050] The balance device 20 of the balance assessment system 10 is shown for example in FIGS. 2A-3B and 10. The illustrated balance device 20 can include a platform 30 that is sized and configured to allow a user 18 to stand thereon. The platform has a top side or surface 32A and an opposed bottom side or surface 32B (e.g., underside). The platform 30 can have any selected size and shape, and preferably has a circular shape. The bottom side 32B of the platform 30 has a stem portion or connection component 40 coupled thereto. The illustrated connection component 40 can be affixed to the bottom side 32B of the platform 30. The connection component 40 is configured to couple a base portion 60 to the platform 30.

[0051] The illustrated connection component 40 can have a main body having a flange component 42 that is sized and configured to be mounted to the bottom side 32B of the platform 30. The flange component 42 can have a plurality of fastener receiving openings 44 formed therein for mounting fasteners (not shown). The fasteners secure the flange component 42 to the platform 30. The connection component 40 can also include a central stem or hub portion 46 that protrudes and extends outwardly from the flange component 42 along an axis. The stem portion 46 is sized and configured to be coupled to the base portion 60. The stem portion 46 can include one or more grooves 48 formed therein enabling the removeable and replaceable coupling together of the base portion 60 to the connection component 40. According to one embodiment, the groove 48 can be configured as a keyway groove that is sized and configured to receive a corresponding protrusion, lug, detent or key formed in the base portion 60. The keyway groove 48 can have a linear profile or shape or a non-linear profile or shape, such as an L-shaped groove, comprising a first groove portion 50 (e.g., insertion portion or segment) extending in a first axial direction and a second groove portion 52 (e.g., a retention portion or segment) extending in a second different direction transverse to the first direction. In use, the protrusion on the base portion 60 may be inserted through the first groove portion 50 in an axial insertion direction and subsequently translated and / or rotated into the second transverse groove portion 52 to secure the base portion 60 to the connection component 40 in an engaged state. The second groove portion 52 may define a retention or locking segment that is configured to resist reverse movement and thereby provide at least one of axial retention, anti-rotation, and repeatable alignment between the coupled base component 60 and the connection component 40. In further embodiments, the L-shaped keyway groove 48 may optionally include one or more detents, shoulders, or terminal end walls configured to define a seated position for the protrusion and to provide tactile feedback and / or a positive lock when the protrusion reaches the seated position. The groove 48 can be formed completely through the thickness of the stem portion 46 or can be formed only partly in the stem portion (as shown) so as not to extend all the way therethrough.

[0052] The stem portion 46 can be configured to form a central chamber 54 that is sized and configured to mount any suitable sensors and / or electronics 58 configured to sense, detect, or determine a tilt, angular orientation, angular or rotational position, and / or motion state of the platform 30 during use. For example, the sensor electronics 58 may include one or more inertial, motion and / or orientation sensors configured to generate sensor data indicative of, for example, orientation of the platform, such as pitch (e.g., movement along a Y-axis), roll (e.g., movement along an X-axis), yaw (e.g., rotational movement), or any combination thereof. As such, the sensor electronics 58 can generate sensor data and the electronic device 14 can be configured to determine based thereon an X-axis angle and a Y-axis angle. The sensor electronics 58 can also determine angular or rotational orientation or movement, angular velocity, linear acceleration, vibration, and / or dynamic movement patterns. In certain embodiments, the sensor electronics 58 can include a gyroscope configured to detect angular motion or velocity and / or changes in angular position of the platform. The purpose of the gyroscope is to provide the orientation of the platform 30 in real-time while the user is standing thereon. The orientation of the platform 30 can be determined by the X-axis angle and the Y-axis angle data as measured by the gyroscope. The gyroscope can generate output signals indicative of angular velocity about one or more axes (e.g., roll, pitch, and yaw axes) based on detected rotational movement of an internal vibrating mass. The gyroscope output may be sampled at a defined sample rate and processed to determine real-time platform orientation and / or changes in platform orientation over time. In some embodiments, the gyroscope data may be integrated and / or fused with additional sensor data (e.g., accelerometer data) to calculate one or more orientation or tilt angles, such as an X-axis angle and a Y-axis angle, corresponding to the direction and magnitude of board tilt relative to a neutral or stable (e.g., horizontal) position. In certain embodiments, the sensor data generated by the gyroscope includes, for example, instantaneous angular velocity values, calculated angular displacement values, tilt angles, rate-of-change values, peak tilt values, oscillation frequency, stability metrics, and / or time-series orientation data. Such sensor data may be transmitted to the electronic device 14 for processing in real time and / or stored for later analysis. In some embodiments, the electronic device 14 can be configured to use the received sensor data to compute balance assessment outputs, including scoring, detection of out-of-bounds tilt events, time-in-zone metrics, directional bias (e.g., favoring left / right or forward / backward), response latency, tremor or micro-correction measurements, and overall proprioceptive accuracy. In further embodiments, the gyroscope data may be transmitted as raw sensor readings, filtered sensor readings, or processed orientation values, and may be transmitted at periodic intervals, continuously as a data stream, and / or in response to detected events. The gyroscope can communicate the sensor data with the electronic device 14 via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth connectivity). The gyroscope can transmit the X-axis angle and Y-axis angle data to the electronic device 14 in real-time at any selected sample rate, such as for example at about 10-samples per second. A suitable gyroscope can include, for example, a Witmotion gyroscope.

[0053] The illustrated balance device 20 can also include a plurality (e.g., set) of base portions 60 that can be selectively and interchangeably coupled to the connection component 40. Each of the base portions 60 can have a selected curvature or radius of curvature that is different than the curvature or radius of curvature of the other base portions 60 in the set that are selected to provide a different balance difficulty level relative to the other base portions 60. As used herein, the term “curvature” of a base portion 60 may be characterized, measured, and / or specified in one or more ways, including by a radius of curvature (R) of a rounded contact surface of the base portion 60, a diameter corresponding to the radius of curvature, a profile geometry of the base portion in a cross-sectional plane, and / or a contact patch size and shape formed between the base portion and a support or contacting surface during use. In certain embodiments, the curvature can be measured as the radius of a circular arc that best fits or is defined by a convex underside surface of the base portion 60, such as measured in a plane that extends through a centerline of the base portion 60. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature may be determined by geometric measurement of the base profile using a template, radius gauge, coordinate measurement machine (CMM), optical scanning, laser scanning, or other metrology technique, and may be specified as a nominal radius (e.g., about 8 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, or about 2.5 inches), with acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

[0054] As used herein, the term “radius of curvature” as used herein can refer to a geometric parameter that characterizes the curvature of a surface and may be defined as the radius of an imaginary circle that corresponds to, matches, or best fits a curved portion of the surface at a given location. In embodiments in which a contacting surface of a base portion 60 is formed as an arc of a circle, the radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of that circle. Generally, a larger radius of curvature corresponds to a flatter or less sharply curved surface, while a smaller radius of curvature corresponds to a tighter or more sharply curved surface. In the context of the balance device 20 of the present invention, the base portions 60 having relatively larger radii of curvature may provide increased stability and reduced sensitivity to user weight shifts, thereby providing a lower difficulty level, whereas base portions having relatively smaller radii of curvature may provide increased responsiveness and instability, thereby providing a higher difficulty level.

[0055] In further embodiments, the curvature may be defined with respect to one or more orthogonal axes. For example, the base portion 60 can define a first radius of curvature in a first direction (e.g., a fore-aft or pitch direction) and a second radius of curvature in a second direction (e.g., a left-right or roll direction), such that the base portion 60 exhibits a substantially spherical curvature, an ellipsoidal curvature, or a cylindrical curvature depending on the intended motion characteristics. In certain embodiments, the base portion 60 having a substantially cylindrical curvature may permit predominant single-axis rocking motion, while a base portion having substantially spherical or multi-axis curvature may permit rocking motion in two or more axes. In still further embodiments, curvature may be specified as a function of height-to-radius relationship, arc length, subtended angle, or maximum tilt angle achievable prior to edge contact, thereby enabling the base portions 60 in the set to be classified into discrete or predefined difficulty levels. Accordingly, the set of base portions 60 may provide a progression of difficulty by decreasing or increasing the radius of curvature and / or modifying the curvature profile to increase responsiveness, instability, and required proprioceptive control.

[0056] The base portions 60 can have a selected curvature associated therewith and can be easily attached and decoupled from the connection component 40. According to one embodiment, the balance device 20 can have up to five or more different base portions 60 that can be coupled to the connection component 40. The base portions 60 can have different radiuses of curvature so as to adjust the difficulty level of the balance device 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first base portion 60A (e.g., senior level base portion) can have the smallest radius of curvature and can be designed for older or senior users. The illustrated base portion has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66, such as the contacting surface 66A. The contacting surface is configured to contact a support surface, such as the ground. The illustrated contacting surface 66A can be configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66A can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a single direction (e.g., an X-direction or a Y-direction). According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66A can be configured to define a substantially cylindrical curvature, such that the base portion 60A presents a convex, arcuate profile in a first cross-sectional direction and a substantially linear or constant-radius profile in a second cross-sectional direction transverse to the first direction. More specifically, the contacting surface 66A may be formed as a cylindrical rocker surface (e.g., analogous to a “rocker” or “rolling pin” profile) having a longitudinal axis, such that the balance device preferentially rocks in one direction while resisting, limiting, or substantially preventing rocking in a direction parallel to the first direction. This configuration causes the device to behave as a single-degree-of-freedom rocker, which may be advantageous for beginner users, seniors, and people undergoing early-stage rehabilitation. In this base portion embodiment, the curvature of the contacting surface 66A can have a selected radius of curvature of between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, and preferably about 8 inches. The base portion 60A is configured as an easy or Senior Level base portion for people that are seniors or that have mobility issues.

[0057] The set of base portions 60 can also include a second base portion 60B, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Like reference numerals indicate like parts. The base portion 60B has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66B. The illustrated contacting surface 66B can be shaped and configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66B can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a two-axis direction (e.g., an X-direction and a Y-direction). As such, the contacting surface 66B has a radius of curvature of between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, and preferably about 8 inches, and allows movement along two axes (e.g., x-axis and y-axis directions). In such embodiments, the contacting surface 66B may define a substantially spherical curvature, a domed curvature, or other multi-directional convex profile, such that the base portion 60B presents an arcuate profile in at least two orthogonal cross-sectional directions. For example, the contacting surface 66B can be formed as a segment of a sphere, an ellipsoid, or a compound radius surface, such that the platform can tilt and roll in both a first axis (e.g., fore-aft) and a second axis (e.g., left-right), and may further rotate about a vertical axis depending on friction and contact geometry. This multi-axis curvature increases the degrees of freedom of motion and provides increased instability and difficulty relative to a single-axis configuration, thereby enabling more advanced balance training and assessment. The contacting surface 66B of this type forms a Level 1 base portion that is relatively easy from a balance difficulty perspective.

[0058] The main body 62 of the base portion 60B also forms an inner chamber 68 having an inner surface 70. The inner surface has a pair of opposed inwardly extending keys or detents 72 formed thereon. The keys 72 are sized and configured for engaging with the keyway groove 48 formed in the outer surface of the stem portion 46 of the connection component 40. The keys 72 help the base portion connect to the connection component 40 and to be retained thereon. The keys 72 and keyway grooves 48 also enable the base portions 60 to be easily swapped or replaced with another base portion.

[0059] The set of base portions 60 can also include a third base portion 60C, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Like reference numerals indicate like parts. The base portion 60C has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66C. The illustrated contacting surface 66C can be shaped and configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66C can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a two-axis direction (e.g., an X-direction and a Y-direction). As such, the contacting surface 66C has a radius of curvature of between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, and preferably about 5 inches, and allows movement along two axes (e.g., x-axis and y-axis directions). The contacting surface 66C of this type forms a Level 2 base portion that is relatively easy and basic from a balancing difficulty perspective.

[0060] The main body 62 of the base portion 60C also forms an inner chamber 76 having an inner surface 78. The inner surface 78 has a pair of opposed inwardly extending keys or detents 80 formed thereon. The keys 80 are sized and configured for engaging with the key groove 48 formed in the outer surface of the stem portion 46 of the connection component 40. The keys 80 help the base portion 60C connect to the connection component 40 and to be retained thereon. The keys 80 and the key grooves 48 also enable the base portions 60 to be easily swapped or replaced with another base portion.

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the set of base portions 60 can also include a fourth base portion 60D. Like reference numerals indicate like parts. The base portion 60D has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66D. The illustrated contacting surface 66D can be shaped and configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66D can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a two-axis direction (e.g., an X-direction and a Y-direction). As such, the contacting surface 66D has a radius of curvature of between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, and preferably about 4 inches, and allows movement along two axes (e.g., x-axis and y-axis directions). The contacting surface 66D of this type forms a Level 3 base portion that is moderate from a balancing difficulty perspective.

[0062] The main body 62 of the base portion 60D also forms an inner chamber 84 having an inner surface 86. The inner surface 86 has a pair of opposed inwardly extending keys or detents 88 formed thereon. The keys 88 are sized and configured for engaging with the key groove 48 formed in the outer surface of the stem portion 46 of the connection component 40. The keys 88 help the base portion 60D connect to the connection component 40 and to be retained thereon. The keys 88 and the key grooves 48 also enable the base portions 60 to be easily swapped or replaced with another base portion.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the set of base portions 60 can also include a fifth base portion 60E. Like reference numerals indicate like parts. The base portion 60E has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66E. The illustrated contacting surface 66E can be shaped and configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66E can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a two-axis direction (e.g., an X-direction and a Y-direction). As such, the contacting surface 66E has a radius of curvature of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and preferably about 3 inches, and allows movement along two axes (e.g., x-axis and y-axis directions). The contacting surface 66E of this type forms a Level 4 base portion that is hard from a balancing difficulty perspective.

[0064] The main body 62 of the base portion 60E also forms an inner chamber 94 having an inner surface 96. The inner surface 96 has a pair of opposed inwardly extending keys or detents 98 formed thereon. The keys 98 are sized and configured for engaging with the key groove 48 formed in the outer surface of the stem portion 46 of the connection component 40. The keys 98 help the base portion 60E connect to the connection component 40 and to be retained thereon. The keys 98 and the key grooves 48 also enable the base portions 60 to be easily swapped or replaced with another base portion.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the set of base portions 60 can also include a sixth base portion 60F. Like reference numerals indicate like parts. The base portion 60F has a main body 62 that has a side wall 64 and a contacting surface 66F. The illustrated contacting surface 66F can be shaped and configured to provide a selected balance difficulty level. According to one embodiment, the contacting surface 66F can be configured to allow the balance device 20 to move back and forth in a two-axis direction (e.g., an X-direction and a Y-direction). As such, the contacting surface 66F has a radius of curvature of between about 2 inches and about 3 inches, and preferably about 2.5 inches, and allows movement along two axes (e.g., x-axis and y-axis directions). The contacting surface 66F of this type forms a Level 5 base portion that is difficult (e.g., hardest) from a balancing difficulty perspective.

[0066] The main body 62 of the base portion 60F also forms an inner chamber 104 having an inner surface 106. The inner surface 106 has a pair of opposed inwardly extending keys or detents 108 formed thereon. The keys 108 are sized and configured for engaging with the key groove 48 formed in the outer surface of the stem portion 46 of the connection component 40. The keys 108 help the base portion 60F connect to the connection component 40 and to be retained thereon. The keys 108 and the key grooves 48 also enable the base portions 60 to be easily swapped or replaced with another base portion.

[0067] In operation, the user can select the base portion 60 from among the set of base portions that represents the appropriate balance difficulty level. Once selected, the user aligns the keys of the base portion 60 with the keyway grooves 48, and specifically with the axial portion 50 of the groove 48, and inserts the keys therein. The user can then subsequently rotate the base portion so as to insert the keys into the lateral portion 52 of the groove 48 to secure the base portion 60 to the connection component 40 in an engaged state. The second groove portion 52 can define a retention segment that is configured to resist disengagement of the base portion from the connection component 40. The sensor electronics 58 can then sense or detect the orientation and / or position of the platform 30 of the balance device 20 in real time when the user is standing thereon. The orientation of the platform 30 is determined by the X-axis angle data and the Y-axis angle data as measured by the sensor electronics 58, such as by a gyroscope. The sensor electronics 58 then generates sensor data that is conveyed to the electronic device 14. The electronic device 14 can include a suitable processor and application software for processing the sensor data.

[0068] The details of the electronic device 14 are shown for example in FIG. 13. The illustrated electronic device 14 can include the display element 16, a memory element 152 for storing application software and any sensor data, including historical sensor data, and a processor 150 for processing the sensor data and the application software. Alternatively, the display element 16 can be a separate device. The electronic device 14 can also include a user interface generator 154 for generating one or more user interfaces. An example of one of the user interfaces is shown for example in FIG. 11. The illustrated user interface 120 can include a frame or window 122 that includes a header portion 124 and a persistent frame element 126 disposed along the right side of the window 122. The header element 124 can display balance scoring information as well as time information related to or indicative of the amount of time the user successfully balances on the platform 30. The frame element 126 can display information associated with the balance device, such as the specific base portion 60.

[0069] The window 122 can also include a central frame 128 that has a graphical element 130, which can be a target, which can include a series of concentric rings 132. The series of rings 132 can include rings 132A, 132B and 132C that form a series of zones (e.g., Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4). According to one embodiment, the target 130 can include three concentric circles, such as an inner circle, an outer circle, and an intermediate or middle circle. The zones can be formed between the rings 132 and external to the rings 132, as shown. The graphical element 130 can also include an orientation or position indicator 134 that indicates an angular position or orientation of the platform 30 in real time. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the graphical element 130 can include any selected number of rings 132.

[0070] In some embodiments, the electronic device 14 can be configured to include an indicator position determination unit 156 that is configured to receive and process sensor data generated by the sensor electronics 58 of the balance device 20, and to determine a position of the orientation indicator 134 relative to the graphical element 130 for display on the user interface 120. The sensor electronics 58 can generate multi-axis sensor data at any selected sampling rate, such as about 10 samples per second, and may transmit the sensor data to the electronic device 14 via a wired or wireless communication link. The indicator position determination unit 156 can be configured to process and to interpret the received sensor data as representative of a current orientation of the platform 30, such as in the form of angular position and / or tilt angle data about two orthogonal axes (e.g., X-axis angle data and Y-axis angle data corresponding to roll and pitch). The indicator position determination unit 156 can be configured to map the multi-axis angle data to a two-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to the graphical element 130, such that the position indicator 134 moves on the user interface in a direction and magnitude corresponding to the direction and magnitude of tilt of the platform 30. For example, when the platform 30 tilts to a right side, the X-axis angle changes and the indicator position determination unit 156 causes the orientation indicator 134 to move toward a right side of the graphical element 130, as illustrated in FIG. 12, and when the platform 30 tilts forward or rearward, the Y-axis angle changes and the orientation indicator 134 moves correspondingly along a vertical direction of the graphical element 130.

[0071] The indicator position determination unit 156 can be configured to apply one or more predefined scaling parameters to convert the received tilt angle data into a corresponding displacement of the orientation indicator 134 on the user interface 130. For example, the scaling parameter may include an indicator sensitivity value defining a number of pixels of indicator movement per unit or degree of angular tilt, such as a preset sensitivity between about 10 pixels and about 40 pixels per degree of tilt, and preferably about 25 pixels per degree of tilt. Accordingly, for each incremental change in tilt angle in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction, the indicator position determination unit 156 computes a corresponding horizontal and / or vertical displacement for the orientation indicator 134 relative to a center of the graphical element 130. The electronic device 14 refreshes the displayed location of the orientation indicator 134 in real time based on the sampling frequency of the sensor 58 and the output position data generated by the indicator position determination unit 156, thereby providing real-time visual feedback of platform orientation. In use, when the user stands on the platform 30 and maintains a substantially balanced orientation, the orientation indicator 134 remains near the center of the graphical element 130, such as within the first circle 132A defining a first zone (e.g., zone Z1), as illustrated in FIG. 11. As the user becomes more unstable or unbalanced and the platform 30 tilts farther from a neutral orientation or position, the computed indicator position correspondingly moves outward from the center, such as outside of the first circle 132A and into one or more outer zones defined by the additional circles 132B, 132C, thereby visually representing increased instability and / or deviation from the target orientation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the electronic device 14 can further include a scoring unit 158 configured to determine and generate a balance or target score based on one or more balance-related factors or parameters derived from the sensor data and / or the location of the orientation indicator 134 relative to the graphical element 130. In certain embodiments, the scoring unit 158 generates the balance score based on a dwell time (also referred to as resident time) of the orientation indicator 134 within one or more predefined regions or zones of the graphical element 130, such as zones Z1-Z4 defined by concentric circles 132A-132C. For example, the scoring unit 158 may evaluate the zone in which the orientation indicator 134 is located for each quantum of elapsed time, such as at one-second intervals, and may assign a corresponding point value for that time interval. For example, when the orientation indicator 134 is located within Zone 1 (e.g., within the innermost circle 132A), the scoring unit 158 may increase the score by a first predefined number of points per second, such as about 3 points. When the orientation indicator 134 is located within Zone 2 (e.g., Z2), the scoring unit 158 may increase the score by a second predefined number of points per second, such as about 2 points. When the orientation indicator 134 is located within Zone 3 (e.g., Z3), the scoring unit 158 may increase the score by a third predefined number of points per second, such as about 1 point. When the orientation indicator 134 is located within Zone 4 (e.g., Z4), the scoring unit 158 may assign no points for that time interval. Accordingly, the scoring unit 158 assigns points when the orientation indicator 134 is located within Zones Z1, Z2, or Z3, and the balance score reflects the user's ability to maintain the platform 30 near a desired neutral orientation over a defined balance session.

[0073] In further embodiments, the electronic device 14 can include a timer 160 configured to define a balance session duration and to coordinate scoring updates. The timer 160 can begin when a user selects a “START” soft button 162 presented on the user interface 120 and when the sensor electronics 58 are in communication with the electronic device 14. The timer 160 may stop when a predefined session duration is reached (e.g., about 30 seconds) and / or when the user selects a “STOP” soft button (not shown). During the balance session, the scoring unit 158 can update the score at defined intervals, such as once per second, and the user interface 120 may display the current score in a score field 168 and a current timer status in a timer field 170. In some embodiments, the maximum score is any selected value, such as about 100 points, and may correspond to a user maintaining the platform orientation indicator within Zone 1 for substantially the entire session duration (e.g., 30 seconds), thereby indicating optimal balance control. In still further embodiments, the user interface 120 includes a base portion listing 164 that enables a user to select which removable base portion 60 is being used with the balance device 20, and the user interface 120 may include a visual selection indicator, such as a color indicator 166, that identifies the selected base portion (e.g., Base 1). When the user selects a different base portion, the selection indicator may move adjacent to the newly selected base portion, thereby associating the session score with the corresponding difficulty level provided by the selected base portion. The user interface ca also include a battery life field 172 and a connection status field 174 in the user interface 120.

[0074] In some embodiments, the balance assessment system 10 described herein is configured to improve neurological health, balance function, proprioceptive stimulation, postural alignment, and related cognitive and mental wellness outcomes through structured movement-based training. In particular, the present system recognizes that human balance and postural control are driven by continuous mechanoreceptive and proprioceptive signaling generated throughout the musculoskeletal system, including the spinal column, and that such signaling contributes to central nervous system regulation, cognitive performance, and emotional state. Modern lifestyle factors, including prolonged sitting, forward head posture, extended device usage, and suboptimal sleep positioning, may reduce natural postural variability and diminish proprioceptive input, particularly in the cervical region. Reduced proprioceptive input may correspond with balance dysfunction, postural distortion, and diminished neurological performance. The disclosed system addresses these conditions by providing an objective, sensor-based mechanism for measuring balance and proprioception and by enabling structured retraining using progressive difficulty.

[0075] In further embodiments, the disclosed system overcomes limitations of conventional balance evaluation methods, which have historically relied on subjective observation and simplified assessments that are not readily quantifiable, reproducible, or sensitive to early-stage neurological deterioration. In contrast, the present system provides a computerized balance assessment that generates objective, repeatable performance metrics based on sensor data, timed sessions, and algorithmic scoring. The system may establish a baseline balance score and may track changes over time, thereby enabling clinicians and users to quantify performance and monitor progression. In certain embodiments, the system is further configured to prescribe and / or recommend training protocols based on detected performance characteristics, including at-home protocols that employ interchangeable base portions having different curvatures and difficulty levels. By progressively modifying the instability and degrees of freedom of the balance device, the system can deliver controlled proprioceptive stimulation intended to retrain balance function and improve neuromuscular coordination.

[0076] In still further embodiments, the disclosed system enables measurable, reproducible improvements by closing the loop between assessment, intervention, and verification. For example, the system may quantify and track improvements in balance control, stability, postural symmetry, directional bias, and other proprioceptive performance metrics, and may correlate such metrics with training difficulty level and user progress over time. Accordingly, the disclosed balance device and related electronic scoring and feedback system provide a structured neurological training tool that extends beyond conventional fitness-based balance training by combining objective quantification, progressive physical challenge, and data-driven feedback to support long-term neurological integrity, cognitive resilience, and user confidence.

[0077] Still further, the interactive balance device described herein is directed to an improved balance board that builds upon conventional balance boards traditionally used for improving balance, coordination, proprioception, and core strength. Conventional wobble boards, however, typically employ a fixed base geometry, including a fixed base circumference, which inherently limits the adaptability of the device and restricts the range of difficulty that can be provided to different users. Although certain known devices may provide limited adjustability, such as by modifying a height of a support structure, such designs generally do not permit modification of the circumference of the base itself as in the current embodiment. The illustrated balance device 20 provides for variability in base circumference and related contact geometry that directly influences balance difficulty, motion responsiveness, and user engagement.

[0078] As such, the balance device 20 includes a plurality of interchangeable base portions 60, wherein each base portion 60 is configured with a different circumference relative to the other base portions 60. The base portions 60 may be selectively exchanged or swapped to modify stability characteristics and thereby adjust the difficulty level of the balance device 20. This configuration enables progressive training and allows the balance device 20 to be effectively used by a broad range of individuals, including beginner users, advanced users, athletes, and individuals undergoing rehabilitation. In some embodiments, the ability to select between base portions having different circumferences enables targeted rehabilitation and staged recovery protocols by matching stability conditions to specific recovery stages and user capabilities.

[0079] In further embodiments, the balance device is integrated with sensing electronics and the system employs an electronic device 14 having software that is configured to measure proprioceptive accuracy and balance-related metrics, thereby linking physical balance performance with cognitive and neurological function. The software may generate objective balance outputs, provide real-time feedback, and track performance over time. In still further embodiments, the software includes gamification features, such as the target and orientation indicator 134, that are configured to provide an interactive training experience, such as by generating scores, target-based challenges, progress indicators, and other engagement features that motivate users to continue training and to monitor improvement. Accordingly, the balance device 20 provides an improved and comprehensive balance training and assessment system that differs from static or height-adjustable board designs by enabling selectable base circumferences in combination with computerized sensing, cognitive integration, and gamified feedback.

[0080] The balance assessment system 10 of the present invention also provides for a modular balance training system having a user-support platform and a removable base assembly selected from a plurality or set of base portions 60. Each base portion 60 has a different geometric profile configured to alter the stability characteristics of the platform. The balance assessment system 10 further includes at least one motion sensor 58 coupled to the platform 30 and configured to measure one or more of orientation, movement, or balance-related parameters. The electronic device 14 is communicatively coupled to the motion sensor 58 and configured to receive sensor data and provide real-time feedback to the user, such as through a suitable user interface (e.g., user interface 120). Progressive balance training is enabled through selective physical interchange of the base portions 60 in combination with software-based performance feedback.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the plurality of base portions 60 differ in geometric parameters including, but not limited to, curvature radius, contact surface area, axis of permitted movement, and combinations thereof. These geometric variations produce distinct levels of stability (or instability) and corresponding difficulty levels that may be matched to user capability, age, rehabilitation stage, athletic training objective, neuromuscular conditioning requirements, and the like. In further embodiments, at least one base portion can be included that restricts movement substantially along a single axis, thereby emphasizing controlled pitch or roll engagement, while at least one alternative base portion permits movement along multiple axes, thereby enabling multi-directional instability and graduated proprioceptive and neuromuscular challenge.

[0082] The motion sensor 58 can include one or more of a gyroscope, accelerometer, inertial measurement unit (IMU), magnetometer, or combinations thereof. The sensor 58 is configured to produce measurable outputs including orientation, tilt angle, angular velocity, acceleration, or derived stability metrics suitable for quantifying balance performance. The sensor data generated by the sensor 58 may be transmitted to the electronic device 14 through wireless communication protocols 12 including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other suitable wireless standards. In some embodiments, the sensor data is sampled at a rate sufficient to support real-time feedback, independent of specific hardware sampling frequencies, thereby preventing design-around attempts based on sampling modifications. Further, the electronic device 14 can be configured to display a user interface 120 having a graphical element 130 (e.g., a target) having an orientation indicator 134 that functions as a real time visual indicator that provides real-time visual feedback of the orientation or balance state of the platform 30. The graphical element 130 can include one or more defined target regions, zones, or stability thresholds, wherein time spent within each region corresponds to a performance score, metric, or evaluation parameter. Movement of the orientation indicator 134 may be scaled, amplified, or otherwise transformed relative to physical platform movement to adjust cognitive and motor challenge, thereby allowing sensitivity customization independent of base geometry.

[0083] In additional embodiments, balance movement of the platform 30 may control one or more interactive game elements, challenges, or task-based objectives, thereby providing gamified balance interaction. Difficulty may be adjusted through physical base selection, software parameters, or a combination thereof. Training may occur in defined sessions characterized by predetermined duration, scoring criteria, completion objectives, or performance thresholds.

[0084] Further, user-specific data including age, physical characteristics, training level, limb dominance, or historical performance metrics may be stored in the memory of the electronic device 14 in association with balance performance data. Balance metrics may be recorded across multiple sessions to assess progress, trends, consistency, or improvement over time. Data may be stored locally, remotely, or within cloud-based storage environments to enable analysis, reporting, or longitudinal tracking.

[0085] The present invention also provides a method of training balance comprising selecting a base from a plurality of bases having differing stability characteristics; measuring orientation of the balance platform during user interaction, providing real-time feedback based on measured orientation, and adjusting difficulty through physical base replacement, modification of software parameters, or both. In certain embodiments, the visual feedback requires the user to maintain or direct balance toward a target region, thereby engaging cognitive focus concurrently with physical balance control. Training protocols may progress over time based on measured performance, session history, predefined training sequences, or adaptive wellness algorithms.

[0086] In additional embodiments, balance exercises can be configured to promote postural awareness, coordination, and nervous system engagement associated with relaxation, attentional focus, or improved readiness for rest. Certain balance sessions may be designed for use prior to rest periods to encourage relaxation, reduced stress perception, or enhanced sleep quality, without constituting a medical treatment claim. In some embodiments, training intensity, duration, or protocol selection may be adapted based on time-of-day usage, thereby supporting circadian-aware balance engagement.

[0087] The computing device may include one or more of a desktop computer, mobile device, tablet, television, embedded display, or other digital interface. The system may operate as a standalone balance trainer or may be integrated within a broader wellness, fitness, cognitive training, or performance monitoring ecosystem. Collectively, these embodiments provide layered protection of physical hardware configurations, software logic, methods of use, progressive training protocols, and wellness-aligned implementations, thereby reducing opportunities for design-around modifications including alteration of sensor types, base geometries, computing platforms, or application domains.

[0088] It is to be understood that although the present invention has been described above in terms of particular embodiments, the foregoing embodiments are provided as being illustrative only and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments, including but not limited to those described herein, are also within the scope of the claims and current invention. For example, the foregoing elements, units, modules, tools, models, and components described herein may be further divided into additional components or sub-components or units or joined together to form fewer components for performing the same functions.

[0089] Any of the functions disclosed herein may be implemented using means for performing those functions. Such means include, but are not limited to, any of the components or units disclosed herein, as well as known electronic and computing devices and associated components.

[0090] The techniques described herein may be implemented, for example, in hardware, one or more computer programs tangibly stored on one or more computer-readable media, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof. The techniques described herein may be implemented in one or more computer programs executing on (or executable by) a programmable computer or electronic device having any combination of any number of the following: a processor, a storage medium readable and / or writable by the processor (including, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), memory, an input device, an output device, and a display. Program code may be applied to input entered using the input device to perform the functions described and to generate output using the output device. The units and subsystems of the balance assessment system 10 can be implemented by suitable electronic devices.

[0091] The term computing device or electronic device, as noted above can include any device, such as a computer, smart phone, server and the like, that includes a processor and a computer-readable memory or storage capable of storing computer-readable instructions, and in which the processor is capable of executing the computer-readable instructions in the memory. The terms electronic device, computer, computer device and system and computing device or system refer herein to a system containing one or more computing or electronic devices that are configured to implement one of more units, modules, or components of the balance assessment system 10 of the present invention.

[0092] Embodiments of the present invention include features which are only possible and / or feasible to implement with the use of one or more computers or servers, processors, and / or other elements of a computer or server system. Such features are either impossible or impractical to implement mentally and / or manually. For example, embodiments of the present invention may operate on digital electronic processes which can only be created, stored, modified, processed, and transmitted by computing devices and other electronic devices having suitable processors and memory elements. Such embodiments, therefore, address problems which are inherently computer-related and solve such problems using computer technology in ways which cannot be solved manually or mentally by humans.

[0093] Any claims herein which by implication or affirmatively require an electronic device such as a computer or server, a processor, a memory, storage, or similar computer-related elements, are intended to require such elements, and should not be interpreted as if such elements are not present in or required by such claims. Such claims are not intended, and should not be interpreted, to cover methods and / or systems which lack the recited computer-related elements. For example, any method claims herein which recite that the claimed method is performed or implemented by a computer, a processor, a memory, and / or similar computer-related element, is intended to, and should only be interpreted to, encompass methods which are performed by the an electronic device or computer-related element(s). Such a method claim should not be interpreted, for example, to encompass a method that is performed mentally or by hand (e.g., using pencil and paper). Similarly, any product or computer readable medium claim herein which recites that the claimed product includes a computer, a processor, a memory, and / or similar computer-related element, is intended to, and should only be interpreted to, encompass products which include the computer-related element(s). Such a product claim should not be interpreted, for example, to encompass a product that does not include computer-related element(s).

[0094] Embodiments of the present invention solve one or more problems that are inherently rooted in computer technology. For example, embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of how to effectively verify and evaluate machine learning models and generative AI systems. There is no analog to this problem in the non-computer environment, nor is there an analog to the solutions disclosed herein in the non-computer environment.

[0095] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention represent improvements to computer and communication technology itself. For example, the system 10 of the present can optionally employ a specially programmed or special purpose computer in an improved computer system, which may, for example, be implemented within a single computing device.

[0096] Each computer program within the scope of the claims below may be implemented in any programming language, such as assembly language, machine language, a high-level procedural programming language, or an object-oriented programming language. The programming language may, for example, be a compiled or interpreted programming language.

[0097] Each such computer program may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage or memory device for execution by a computer processor. Method steps of the invention may be performed by one or more computer processors executing a program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium to perform functions of the invention by operating on input and generating output. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, the processor receives (reads) instructions and data from a memory (such as a read-only memory and / or a random access memory) and writes (stores) instructions and data to the memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include, for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). A computer can generally also receive (read) programs and data from, and write (store) programs and data to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as an internal disk (not shown) or a removable disk. These elements can also be found in a conventional desktop or workstation computer as well as other computers suitable for executing computer programs implementing the methods described herein, which may be used in conjunction with any digital print engine or marking engine, display monitor, or other raster output device capable of producing color or gray scale pixels on paper, film, display screen, or other output medium.

[0098] Any data disclosed herein may be implemented, for example, in one or more data structures tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Embodiments of the invention may store such data in such data structure(s) and read such data from such data structure(s).

[0099] It should be appreciated that various concepts, systems and methods described above can be implemented in any number of ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation or system configuration. Examples of specific implementations and applications are discussed herein are primarily for illustrative purposes and for providing or describing the operating environment of the system of the present invention. The system 10 and / or elements or units thereof can employ one or more electronic or computing devices, such as one or more servers, clients, computers, laptops, smartphones and the like, that are networked together, or which are arranged so as to effectively communicate with each other. The network can be any type or form of network. The devices can be on the same network or on different networks. In some embodiments, the network system may include multiple, logically grouped servers. In one of these embodiments, the logical group of servers may be referred to as a server farm or a machine farm. In another of these embodiments, the servers may be geographically dispersed. The electronic devices can communicate through wired connections or through wireless connections. The clients can also be generally referred to as local machines, clients, client nodes, client machines, client computers, client devices, endpoints, or endpoint nodes. The servers can also be referred to herein as servers, server nodes, or remote machines. In some embodiments, a client has the capacity to function as both a client or client node seeking access to resources provided by a server or server node and as a server providing access to hosted resources for other clients. The clients can be any suitable electronic or computing device, including for example, a computer, a server, a smartphone, a smart electronic pad, a portable computer, and the like. The balance assessment system 10 or any associated units or components of the system can employ one or more of the illustrated computing devices and can form a computing system. Further, the server may be a file server, application server, web server, proxy server, appliance, network appliance, gateway, gateway server, virtualization server, deployment server, SSL VPN server, or firewall, or any other suitable electronic or computing device, such as the electronic device. In one embodiment, the server may be referred to as a remote machine or a node. In another embodiment, a plurality of nodes may be in the path between any two communicating servers or clients.

[0100] It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description. Since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0101] It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A balance device, comprising:a platform having a top surface configured to support a user and a bottom surface;a connection component affixed to the bottom surface of the platform, the connection component including a stem portion having an outer surface with at least one keyway groove formed therein; anda plurality of interchangeable base portions, each base portion removably and replaceably couplable to the stem portion and including:a main body having a side wall and a contacting surface configured to contact a support surface, the contacting surface having a selected radius of curvature; andan inner chamber formed within the main body having an inner surface with at least one key extending inwardly therefrom, the at least one key being configured to engage with the at least one keyway groove to secure the base portion to the connection component;wherein the radii of curvature of the contacting surfaces of the plurality of base portions are different from one another to provide adjustable balance difficulty levels.

2. The balance device of claim 1, wherein the keyway groove has an L-shaped profile comprising a first groove portion extending in a first axial direction and a second groove portion extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

3. The balance device of claim 2, wherein the at least one key is configured to be inserted through the first groove portion and translated into the second groove portion to secure the base portion to the connection component in an engaged state, and wherein the second groove portion is configured to resist reverse movement of the at least one key to provide axial retention of the base portion on the connection component.

4. The balance device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of interchangeable base portions includes at least five base portions having radii of curvature progressively decreasing from a first base portion to a fifth base portion.

5. The balance device of claim 4, wherein the first base portion has a radius of curvature of about 8 inches and the fifth base portion has a radius of curvature of about 2.5 inches.

6. The balance device of claim 5, wherein at least one base portion of the plurality of base portions has a contacting surface configured with a cylindrical curvature to permit predominantly single-axis rocking motion of the platform.

7. The balance device of claim 5, wherein at least one base portion of the plurality of base portions has a contacting surface configured with a spherical or domed curvature to permit multi-axis rocking motion of the platform.

8. The balance device of claim 5, wherein the connection component includes a flange component configured to be mounted to the underside of the platform, the flange component having a plurality of fastener receiving openings formed therein.

9. The balance device of claim 8, wherein the stem portion forms a central chamber configured to house sensor electronics.

10. The balance device of claim 1, wherein each base portion includes a pair of opposed keys extending inwardly from the inner surface of the inner chamber.

11. A modular balance training device, comprising:a circular platform having a top surface and a bottom surface;a connection component mounted to the bottom surface of the platform and including:a flange component secured to the bottom surface;a stem portion extending outwardly from the flange component along a longitudinal axis; andat least one L-shaped keyway groove formed in the stem portion;a set of at least five interchangeable base portions, each base portion selectively attachable to and detachable from the stem portion, wherein each base portion includes:a main body having a contacting surface with a radius of curvature selected to provide a distinct balance difficulty level; andat least one key configured to engage the at least one L-shaped keyway groove through axial insertion followed by rotational translation to secure the base portion to the stem portion.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the set of base portions includes a first base portion having a radius of curvature between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, a second base portion having a radius of curvature between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, a third base portion having a radius of curvature between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, a fourth base portion having a radius of curvature between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, and a fifth base portion having a radius of curvature between about 2 inches and about inches.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one base portion in the set of base portions has a cylindrical curvature profile configured to restrict platform movement to a single axis.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein at least four base portions in the set of base portions have spherical or domed curvature profiles configured to permit two-axis platform movement.

15. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the stem portion includes a central chamber configured to receive sensor electronics for measuring platform orientation.

16. A balance device, comprising:a rigid platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface configured to support a standing user;a hub mounted to the lower surface of the platform, the hub including a cylindrical stem extending downwardly from the platform and having at least one groove formed in an external surface thereof; andmultiple removable base members, each base member having:a hollow interior forming a cavity with an opening sized to receive the cylindrical stem;at least one projection extending into the cavity and configured to engage with the at least one groove in the stem to retain the base member on the stem; anda curved bottom surface having a radius of curvature;wherein the multiple removable base members include base members having at least three different radii of curvature ranging from about 2.5 inches to about 8 inches to provide progressive balance training difficulty levels.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one groove comprises an L-shaped keyway having an insertion segment and a retention segment oriented transverse to the insertion segment.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein at least one base member has a cylindrical bottom surface curvature permitting single-axis rocking motion, and at least one base member has a spherical bottom surface curvature permitting multi-axis rocking motion.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the hub includes a sensor chamber configured to house an inertial measurement unit for detecting platform tilt.

20. The device of claim 16, wherein each base member includes a pair of opposed projections extending radially inward from an inner wall of the cavity.

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