Exoskeleton Communication Module for Real-Time Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exoskeleton technologies face challenges in transmitting data from a central server to an exoskeleton control system and enabling two-way communication in real-time, which limits their functionality, maintenance monitoring, and user interaction, particularly in therapeutic and heavy-use applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for establishing a two-way data link between an exoskeleton control system and a central server, allowing for the transmission of various data types, including user feedback and analytics, enabling enhanced user interaction, maintenance monitoring, and integration with peripheral devices like smartphones and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-way data link is established between exoskeleton control system and central server, then real-time communication and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary component that establishes a data link between the exoskeleton control system and central server. This module handles data transmission, reception, and processing, acting as a mediator that manages the complexity of real-time communication while maintaining system reliability. The communication module can buffer, filter, and prioritize data packets, reducing the burden on both the exoskeleton control system and central server.
2Speed
If data transmission rate is increased to improve real-time communication, then responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission where the exoskeleton control system transmits sensor data and operational status at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The system can adjust the transmission frequency based on operational state - for example, transmitting more frequently during active therapy sessions and less frequently during idle periods. This periodic approach maintains real-time communication effectiveness while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous high-rate transmission.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor data collection is implemented to improve analytics capability, then data quality is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates data processing functions between the exoskeleton control system and the central server. The control system collects comprehensive sensor data from multiple sensors (force sensors, position sensors, velocity sensors) and performs preliminary processing such as filtering, validation, and feature extraction. Only processed and relevant data is transmitted to the central server for advanced analytics. This extraction of processing tasks reduces the data burden on the exoskeleton's limited computing resources while maintaining high data quality for analytics.
4Ease of operation
If real-time feedback mechanisms are implemented to improve therapeutic effectiveness, then user interaction is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data from the exoskeleton is transmitted to the central server, which processes the data and generates therapeutic feedback. This feedback can include performance metrics, progress tracking, and real-time guidance that is communicated back to both the user through the exoskeleton interface and to therapists. The feedback loop enhances user interaction and therapeutic effectiveness by providing actionable insights while the centralized processing architecture manages the complexity of implementing comprehensive feedback across multiple sensors and actuators.
Data Source
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Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A first exoskeleton is in communication with a central server (210) or a peripheral device (705, 706). The first exoskeleton collects first data and transmits the first data to the central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706). The central server (210) or peripheral device (705, 706) generates second data using the first data and transmits the second data to the first exoskeleton or a second exoskeleton.