Joint-Worn IMU Sensor Layout for Accurate Body Kinetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensors for measuring body kinetics rely on visual approximations, leading to inaccurate and impractical measurements, limiting their use in various situations.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and near-infrared, infrared, and/or far-infrared transceivers, which provide precise kinetic and thermal data through a microprocessor and wireless transmission, allowing for accurate body motion analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual approximations are used to determine body point locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual approximation methods with inertial measurement units (IMUs) that use accelerometers and gyroscopes to objectively measure body kinetics. This substitution of mechanical sensing systems eliminates the subjectivity and inaccuracy of visual estimation while providing precise, quantifiable data about body motion and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IMUs as intermediary devices placed on the body to mediate between the body's motion and the measurement system. These sensors act as intermediaries that capture kinetic data directly from body movements, providing an accurate intermediate representation that can be processed to determine precise body point locations without relying on visual approximation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wearable sensors are designed for specific body locations, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wearable sensor system with universal applicability across multiple body locations. The IMUs can be placed on various body parts (knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, etc.) and the system is configured to measure kinetics at each location. This multi-functional design allows the same sensor technology to serve multiple measurement purposes while maintaining precision through proper placement and calibration at each specific location.
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 device offers versatile and accurate measurement of body kinetics, enabling improved research in human movement, performance analysis, and diagnosis of joint issues, with applications in healthcare and athletic training.
Implementation Method 1
The IMUs function as radio frequency identified (RFID) position sensors by way of at least one, and possibly multiple accelerometers, which may provide linear position, linear velocity, linear acceleration, and/or rate of change of linear acceleration in three axes
Implementation Method 2
The IMUs may further function as gyroscopic sensors, providing angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, and/or rate of change of angular acceleration data about three axes
Implementation Method 3
The IMUs may further be provided with one or more near-infrared, infrared, and/or far-infrared transceiver/receiver, which may be used alone or with another optical sensor to detect movement and/or heat representing blood flow or metabolic activity at or under the skin surface
Data Source
AI summary
A System for Measuring Body Kinetics includes a wearable device configured to be wrapped around a joint. A microprocessor is attached to the wearable device. One or more Inertial Measurement. Units (IMUs) are connected to the microprocessor and arranged on the wearable device. The IMUs are arranged and configured to provide kinetic data concerning the joint to the microprocessor. A wireless transmission component is connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive kinetic data from the IMUs, and to transmit the kinetic data by way of the wireless transmission component to a central processor or other device. An algorithm resides within the microprocessor or the central processor or other device, and is configured to determine the position of each IMU from the kinetic data. The wearable device may be constructed of fabric, strap, adhesive tape, or a combination thereof.