Adaptive Posture Identification via Dynamic Sensor Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for pressure ulcer prevention in heavily disabled individuals are inadequate as they either require uncomfortable carry-on sensors, cannot detect prolonged postures, or consume excessive system resources, failing to effectively monitor and adapt to individual user postures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for contour fitting and posture identification that receives and processes sensor data in real-time, using a sensing device and computing device to determine user postures through adaptive posture models, reducing errors and resource consumption by dynamically adjusting sampling frequencies and employing kurtosis and skewness estimates for accurate posture detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to detect patient position, then position detection is achieved, but the system cannot detect whether the patient has remained in a fixed posture for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure sensor array into multiple sensing zones that can independently detect pressure distribution patterns. By dividing the sensing area into regions, the system can analyze pressure changes in different body contact areas separately, enabling detection of both position and duration of posture through temporal analysis of segmented pressure data
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring and recording pressure distribution over time, building a historical pressure profile before posture changes occur. This continuous preliminary data collection enables the system to detect not only current position but also the duration of maintained postures by analyzing the temporal evolution of pressure patterns
2Reliability
If more sensors are used to improve posture detection accuracy, then detection reliability improves, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a minimal sufficient number of pressure sensors arranged in a specific pattern, rather than covering the entire surface with sensors. The system uses just enough sensing elements to capture critical pressure distribution information for accurate posture detection, reducing overall sensor count while maintaining detection reliability through strategic sensor placement and sophisticated data analysis algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting sampling frequency and analysis thresholds based on detected posture states. When stable postures are detected, sampling rate can be reduced to conserve resources, while maintaining high reliability during transition phases. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between detection reliability and resource consumption
3Device complexity
If threshold level is applied to sensor values for posture determination, then processing is simplified, but the system easily misjudges posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static threshold levels with dynamic, adaptive thresholds that adjust based on learned user patterns and contextual information. The system continuously refines its determination criteria based on historical data and individual user characteristics, maintaining low processing complexity while significantly improving posture determination accuracy through adaptive rather than fixed decision boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where posture determination results are fed back into the system to refine future detections. By analyzing the outcomes of posture determinations and comparing with subsequent actual posture changes, the system adjusts its algorithms and thresholds to reduce misjudgments, creating a self-improving detection system that maintains simplicity while enhancing accuracy over time
4Speed
If carry-on sensors are used for posture monitoring, then real-time detection is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a digital model or virtual representation of the user's posture and movement patterns based on sensor data, rather than requiring physical carry-on devices. The system captures and processes pressure distribution patterns to generate virtual posture models, achieving real-time detection while eliminating the need for uncomfortable wearable sensors on the user's body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for contour fitting and posture identification initially receives sensor data formed of a plurality of sensor signals. Thereafter at least one candidate posture or contour is determined from a set of at least one posture model based on the sensor data. Finally, user posture is determined from the at least one candidate posture through a decision making process. The sensor data can also be used to modify the at least one posture model for increasing identification accuracy. The sampling frequency of each sensor signal is dynamically adjusted to receive the sensor data in a nearly real-time manner.