Motion Analysis System for Objective Physical Capability Rating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current human movement analysis technologies generate vast amounts of data but lack efficient, cost-effective methods for clinicians and coaches to derive actionable, objective ratings or classifications, limiting their routine application in healthcare and sports performance improvement.

Innovation Solution

Development of protocols that utilize data mining techniques and biomechanical data analysis to provide objective, quantified ratings and classifications of physical capability, allowing for the creation of executable protocols that can be administered by modestly trained individuals, incorporating kinematic, kinetic, and other relevant data to identify key movement parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion-based measurements and data collection are implemented, then physical capability assessment capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical capability assessmentVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex motion analysis task into distinct components: data collection from multiple sensors, data processing through algorithms, and presentation of results as simplified ratings. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that translates complex biomechanical data into simplified, clinically relevant ratings. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the complex measurement devices and the end-user, making the data accessible without requiring expert interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive motion data collection is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but data processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement analysisVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining protocols, measurement parameters, and analysis algorithms before data collection begins. This preparation ensures that data processing can proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where processed results are continuously refined and validated against established criteria. This feedback loop ensures measurement precision is maintained while optimizing processing efficiency through iterative improvement rather than exhaustive analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If expert interpretation is required for motion data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomechanical analysisVSAvoidclinical application

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically interpreting and rating motion data without requiring expert intervention. The automated algorithms independently process the biomechanical information and generate meaningful assessments, freeing the system from dependence on expert operators while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If routine exploitation of motion measurement tools is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to lack of expert interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroutine assessment capabilityVSAvoidinterpretation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming raw biomechanical data into standardized ratings using defined algorithms and criteria. This parameter transformation enables routine exploitation of the system while preserving measurement precision through consistent, objective evaluation standards that eliminate variability associated with expert interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8139822B2Designation of a characteristic of a physical capability by motion analysis, systems and methods

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 SELNER ALLEN JOSEPH

AI summary

Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol is determined by data mining of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols are relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data are encompassed. Resulting protocols are capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.