Body-Worn Motion Sensing for Real-Time Exercise Form Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise monitoring systems rely on coaches or expensive equipment, are location-specific, and lack effective feedback for improving exercise technique and compliance.
Innovation Solution
A body-worn sensor system that compares user motion with target motion information to provide feedback on exercise form, technique, and readiness for increased difficulty levels, using sensors on multiple body parts to track coordinated movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coaches or trainers are used to monitor exercise activities, then exercise technique and compliance can be improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human coaches physically monitoring exercise with an electronic sensor system. Multiple sensors worn on the body detect motion parameters and transmit data to a processing system that automatically evaluates exercise technique, substituting human mechanical observation with automated electronic detection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the coaching function through software algorithms that analyze sensor data and provide feedback equivalent to a human coach. The system copies the intelligence and decision-making capabilities of a trainer into a computational model that processes motion data and generates instructional feedback.
2Measurement precision
If specialized training equipment is used to monitor exercise, then measurement accuracy improves, but the cost and accessibility of the system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system that functions across multiple locations and exercise types without requiring specialized equipment for each setting. The sensor system can be used in gyms, homes, outdoor environments, and clinical settings, providing consistent measurement capabilities across diverse contexts and eliminating location-specific constraints.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are used to track coordinated body movements, then measurement completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor data streams into a unified analysis framework. Sensors placed on different body parts detect individual motion parameters, and the system combines these separate measurements into a comprehensive evaluation of coordinated movements, integrating multiple information sources into a cohesive assessment model.
4Productivity
If real-time feedback is provided during exercise, then exercise technique improvement accelerates, but the processing requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic feedback delivery rather than continuous intervention. The system monitors exercise movements continuously but provides feedback at specific intervals or trigger points in the exercise routine, such as after completing a set number of repetitions or when specific motion thresholds are reached, reducing processing demands while maintaining effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods monitoring an exercise program are disclosed. The systems include a plurality of body worn sensors. User motion information corresponding to motion of the body worn sensors is tracked during the performance of exercises by a user. The user motion information is compared to target motion information corresponding to performance of the exercises with good form. Feedback may be provided in real-time or afterwards based on differences between the user motion information to assist a user in tracking and improving the user's performance of the exercises.