Mobile Postural Screening Using Virtual Frameworks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing postural screening methods are time-consuming, imprecise, and require a specific setup with a vertical backdrop and plumb line, limiting their mobility and applicability in different settings.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, hand-held communication device-based system that acquires patient images, calculates pixel-to-distance ratios, and determines postural displacement using a gyroscope, accelerometer, and level for precise alignment and scaling, allowing for postural screening without the need for a dedicated framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional framework with vertical backdrop and plumb line is used for postural screening, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the required facility setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the patient and creates a digital copy of the physical screening environment. The framework, backdrop, and plumb line are replicated virtually through software overlays on the mobile device screen, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical framework system with a software-based virtual framework. Instead of using physical plumb lines and backdrop grids, the system uses digital images, software-generated reference lines, and mobile device sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to establish vertical and horizontal references, substituting mechanical infrastructure with computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional framework system is used for postural screening, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming setup and measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the mobile device with screening protocols, reference line generation algorithms, and measurement calculation software. The system automatically captures images, generates virtual frameworks, and calculates measurements without requiring real-time manual setup, enabling quick deployment anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the screening system from fixed physical dimensions to flexible digital parameters. The mobile device can dynamically adjust image resolution, reference line positioning, and measurement scales based on the captured image quality and patient distance, maintaining precision while adapting to various screening conditions rapidly.
3Ease of operation
If manual observation and recording methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the mobile device automatically performs image capture, framework generation, measurement calculation, and result documentation. The system uses the device's built-in camera, processing power, and display to complete the entire screening workflow without requiring external equipment or complex manual procedures, maintaining simplicity while enhancing precision.
4Measurement precision
If the screening is conducted in a fixed facility with framework, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed-framework system into a dynamic mobile system. The mobile device can be positioned anywhere with adequate lighting, and the software dynamically generates the screening framework based on the captured image. The system adapts to different environments (clinics, homes, schools) while maintaining measurement precision through real-time image analysis and virtual reference line adjustment.
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
Enables quick, precise, and mobile postural screening, facilitating accurate data collection and analysis for corrective exercises, regardless of the screening location.
Implementation Method 1
The image capture device and display screen are part of a mobile, hand-held communication device having at least one positional device selected from the group consisting a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a level. The method includes activating the at least one positional device and using an output thereof to provide a reference for leveling the image capturing device.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile, hand-held communication device with a display screen and a camera is programmed to perform a postural screening method. An image of a patient is acquired on the display screen having an array of pixels. A pixel to distance ratio of the displayed image is determined. A postural displacement of the patient in the displayed image is calculated using the determined ratio. A gyroscope, accelerometer and/or a level of the device is used to level the camera before capturing the image with the camera. Reference lines are overlaid on the display screen and the image to enable alignment of the image. A reference line on the display screen is used for normalizing a known distance in the aligned image to a reference distance of a known number of pixels on the screen for determining the ratio.