Bone Kinematics Tracking via Smartphone Imaging and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for identifying the kinematics of bones connected at a joint in clinical settings are cumbersome due to the extensive equipment required, making them unsuitable for daily practice.
Innovation Solution
A medical technology system comprising an imaging unit for capturing bone images, a data processing unit for creating patient-individualized static and dynamic model datasets, and a sensor unit for tracking movements, allowing for the determination of kinematic data in a simplified and patient-specific manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex systems with infrared cameras, reflective marker elements, force plates, and fluoroscopes are used to identify leg kinematics, then reliable kinematic data can be obtained, but the system becomes unsuitable for daily clinical practice due to the considerable amount of equipment required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary equipment from the complex gait laboratory system. Instead of using multiple infrared cameras, reflective markers, force plates, and fluoroscopes, the invention uses only a portable imaging device (smartphone or tablet with camera) to capture bone images, significantly reducing equipment requirements while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the complex measurement system through computational methods. By using 2D or 3D bone models that are computationally adapted from sample datasets and combined with sensor data, the system replicates the functionality of complex optical measurement systems without requiring the physical infrastructure of gait laboratories
2Adaptability or versatility
If patient-individualized bone models are created through computational adaptation of sample datasets, then the system becomes more adaptable to individual patients, but additional data processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by computationally adapting generic sample bone datasets to match individual patient anatomy. The system modifies parameters such as bone dimensions, shapes, and spatial relationships in the 3D models based on patient-specific 2D/3D bone images, enabling personalized kinematic analysis without requiring complex manual measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing sample bone datasets for different bone types in a database before actual patient measurement. These pre-prepared 3D models serve as templates that can be quickly adapted to individual patients, reducing the computational burden during clinical measurement to mainly image capture and parameter adjustment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the precise and efficient determination of kinematic data, facilitating improved patient care, implant selection, and reducing the complexity of equipment needed in clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit for creating at least one image of a bone arrangement comprising at least the bones
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system and method are used for determining kinematics of bones. The system includes a capturing unit for creating an image of bones in a defined orientation; a data-processing unit that provides an output data set relating to the bones based on the image; a memory unit in which at least one pattern data set is stored, the data-processing unit being programmed to adapt a respective pattern data set mathematically to the output data set and provide a static model data set relating to the bones; and a sensor unit having sensor elements that are arrangeable in a spatial relationship. The data-processing unit can provide a dynamic model data set relating to the bones based on the static model data set and information from the sensor elements. The dynamic model data set includes information about the relative position and/or mobility of the bones.