Force Measurement System with Immersive Virtual Reality Balance Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balance assessment systems are cumbersome and lack flexibility, using antiquated technology that hinders accurate balance assessment and is difficult for patients and operators to use, particularly in assessing balance characteristics through fixed images that are not adaptable to different testing schemes.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement system incorporating a force measurement assembly with a top surface for receiving a subject's body, force transducers to measure applied forces, and a visual display device to create immersive virtual reality scenarios, allowing for flexible and interactive testing environments that assess balance characteristics and determine measurement errors and balance strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional balance systems use fixed images imprinted on displaceable background enclosures, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different testing schemes is poor and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical enclosures with fixed images with an electronic display system that can dynamically present various visual scenarios. The force measurement assembly is combined with a display device that can show different images and virtual environments, allowing the system to adapt to different testing schemes without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic visual scenarios that can change during testing. The display device can present moving images, changing backgrounds, and interactive visual elements that adapt to the subject's movements and testing requirements, replacing the static fixed images of conventional systems.
2Measurement precision
If conventional balance systems use antiquated technology, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single system. The force measurement assembly simultaneously performs force measurement, visual display, and interactive testing capabilities. The system can conduct various types of balance assessments using different visual scenarios, making it a multi-functional device that improves measurement precision without requiring multiple separate apparatuses.
3Ease of operation
If conventional balance systems use fixed images, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation and user-friendliness worsen for patients and operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically adapt to different testing scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration. The display device can automatically present appropriate visual scenarios based on the selected test type, and the force measurement assembly automatically processes and analyzes the data, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high adaptability.
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
The system provides a more accurate and flexible means of assessing balance by immersing subjects in virtual reality scenarios, enabling effective balance assessment and measurement error detection, while being user-friendly for both patients and operators.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the one or more data processing devices are configured to generate a first image portion comprising a primary screen image for viewing by the subject and display the first image portion using the at least one visual display device, and the one or more data processing devices are further configured to generate a second image portion comprising a virtual screen surround and display the second image portion using the at least one visual display device. The virtual screen surround of the second image portion is configured to at least partially circumscribe three sides of a torso of the subject and to substantially encompass a peripheral vision of the subject.