Force Measurement System with VR Immersion and Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional force measurement systems for balance assessment are cumbersome, inflexible, and lack accuracy due to antiquated technology, making them difficult to use for both patients and operators, and they fail to effectively employ virtual reality scenarios for immersive testing.
Innovation Solution
A force measurement system incorporating a force measurement assembly with a top surface for receiving a subject's body, force transducers to sense applied forces, a visual display device for immersive virtual reality scenarios, and data processing devices to determine measurement errors and classify subject actions, enabling flexible and interactive balance assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional force measurement systems are used, then balance assessment can be performed, but the systems are cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical force measurement systems with a force sensor integrated into a virtual reality platform. The force sensor electronically measures ground reaction forces, while the virtual reality system provides immersive visual feedback, eliminating the need for complex mechanical balance assessment equipment and making the system easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measurement system is integrated into a multi-functional virtual reality platform that combines force measurement, motion tracking, and immersive visual display capabilities. This allows the same system to perform multiple functions including balance assessment, gait analysis, and various therapeutic exercises, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional force measurement systems are used, then balance assessment can be performed, but they lack accuracy due to antiquated technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modern force sensors with improved measurement parameters and characteristics compared to conventional systems. The force sensor provides accurate measurement of ground reaction forces in multiple directions, and the virtual reality system allows dynamic adjustment of testing parameters and scenarios to suit different assessment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual reality to create immersive simulated environments that replicate real-world balance challenges. These virtual scenarios provide controlled, repeatable testing conditions that can be precisely measured by the force sensor, enhancing measurement accuracy while maintaining flexibility in testing protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional force measurement systems are used, then balance assessment can be performed, but they fail to effectively employ virtual reality scenarios for immersive testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force measurement system with a virtual reality platform, integrating the force sensor, motion tracking system, and visual display into a unified system. This combination allows the force measurement functionality to be enhanced by virtual reality scenarios while the overall system complexity is managed through integrated control and coordination among components.
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 accurate and flexible balance assessment by immersing subjects in virtual reality environments, detecting measurement errors, and classifying subject actions, enhancing the effectiveness of force and motion measurement testing.
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, at least one visual display device having an output screen, and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly and the at least one visual display device. In one or more embodiments, the one or more data processing devices are configured to determine a presence of a measurement error resulting from a portion of the load from at least one portion of the body of the subject being applied to an external object rather than the intended top surface of the force measurement assembly.