Implanted Accelerometer Posture Detection Without Orientation Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining patient posture using acceleration sensors, especially in medical applications, face challenges due to inaccuracies in aligning the sensor with the body, which can be difficult or impossible without risking patient health, and often require costly and potentially harmful imaging for calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines patient posture by obtaining angular values from acceleration data and using predetermined angular ranges, allowing calibration without precise patient orientation or imaging, and enabling independent orientation and position of the sensor within the body, reducing computation and energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods using X-ray imaging are used to determine sensor orientation, then measurement precision of posture determination is improved, but loss of energy and health risk increase due to imaging procedures and associated radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based calibration system (X-ray imaging) with an acceleration-based system. The acceleration sensor measures gravitational acceleration vectors during simple patient positioning maneuvers, eliminating the need for radiation-exposing imaging procedures while still achieving accurate sensor orientation determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of the calibration process using acceleration data instead of actual imaging. By measuring acceleration vectors during standardized positioning, the system creates a computational model of sensor orientation that substitutes for the need for physical X-ray imaging, reducing harm while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment of sensor with body is attempted during implantation, then measurement precision of posture determination is improved, but device complexity and surgical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration actions after implantation rather than during the surgical implantation process itself. The sensor is implanted without requiring precise alignment, and calibration is subsequently performed through simple patient positioning maneuvers that elicit acceleration data for computing the sensor's actual orientation relative to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acceleration data as an intermediary that bridges the gap between sensor placement and posture determination. Instead of requiring direct mechanical alignment during implantation, the acceleration measurements serve as an intermediary parameter that allows the system to compute orientation and achieve accurate posture determination without complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If acceleration sensor is implanted without precise orientation knowledge, then ease of operation and patient safety are improved, but measurement precision of posture determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static calibration problem into a dynamic solution. Instead of requiring a fixed, precise sensor orientation during implantation, the system uses dynamic acceleration measurements taken during various patient positioning maneuvers to computationally determine the sensor's orientation. This dynamic approach allows simple implantation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calibration parameter from fixed spatial orientation (requiring precise mechanical alignment) to acceleration vector measurements (obtained through simple positioning). By measuring acceleration vectors during different body positions, the system computes orientation parameters that enable accurate posture determination without requiring precise initial sensor placement.
4Measurement precision
If complex calibration procedures with imaging are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration information from the complex imaging process. Instead of using time-consuming X-ray imaging to determine sensor orientation, the system extracts orientation information from acceleration measurements taken during simple patient positioning, dramatically reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
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
This approach enhances user satisfaction, reduces errors, and optimizes battery life in implantable devices by accurately determining patient posture without needing exact sensor orientation, improving health evaluation and treatment success.
Implementation Method 1
Acceleration sensors are widely used to determine the posture of a patient equipped with said acceleration sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A method (300) for determining a posture of a patient comprises obtaining at least one angular value representing acceleration data of the patient, obtaining posture data comprising at least one angular range representing at least one predetermined posture, and determining the posture of the patient (360) based at least partly on the at least one angular range and the angular value.