Motion Evaluation Using Joint Load and Muscle Activity Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion evaluation systems lack objectivity in assessing physical conditions, limiting their ability to accurately grasp the physical state of an evaluation subject.
Innovation Solution
A motion evaluation device and method that includes a reference storage unit, posture estimation unit, inside-outside body information calculation unit, and evaluation unit, utilizing moving image data to estimate joint positions, calculate muscle activity, joint load, and reaction force, and generate an evaluation image based on reference information and joint positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation or palpation is used for evaluation, then the evaluation process is simple and quick, but the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective evaluation method (visual observation and palpation) with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision technology to objectively measure body posture and motion, thereby improving evaluation objectivity while managing system complexity through software-based solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the evaluation subject's body posture through image capture and processing, generating virtual representations of joint positions and body segments that can be objectively measured and analyzed without requiring direct physical contact or subjective human judgment
2Measurement precision
If only joint position data from moving images is used for evaluation, then the evaluation system remains simple, but the accuracy of physical condition assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body into multiple anatomical segments (such as upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, shin, foot) and evaluates each segment independently with specific evaluation values, allowing comprehensive assessment of overall body condition through composition of partial segment evaluations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple types of evaluation data including joint positions, segment positions, muscle activity levels, and motion dynamics into a comprehensive evaluation result that provides accurate physical condition assessment while integrating various measurement dimensions
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive body information including muscle activity and joint load is obtained, then the evaluation accuracy improves, but the calculation complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining anatomical landmarks, segment configurations, and evaluation criteria before the actual evaluation process, allowing rapid calculation of comprehensive body information during the evaluation without time-consuming computations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using standardized anatomical measurement parameters and pre-established mathematical models for muscle activity and joint load calculation, enabling efficient computation of complex physiological data from simple motion capture inputs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Provided are a motion evaluation device (11), a motion evaluation method, and a motion evaluation program for more accurately grasping a physical condition of an evaluation subject. The motion evaluation device (11) includes a reference storage unit (23), a posture estimation unit (15), an inside-outside body information calculation unit (19), an evaluation unit (25), and a display control unit (27). The reference storage unit (23) stores reference information as a reference for evaluation. The posture estimation unit (15) estimates a joint position of each of a plurality of joints of an evaluation subject on the basis of moving image data of the evaluation subject evaluated for a motion of a body. The inside-outside body information calculation unit (19) obtains, as inside-outside body information, at least one of a muscle activity, a joint load, a center of pressure, or a reaction force for the evaluation subject by using a height and weight of the evaluation subject and model data. The evaluation unit (25) evaluates the motion of the body of the evaluation subject on the basis of the reference information, a plurality of the joint positions, and the inside-outside body information. The display control unit (27) generates an image indicating an evaluation result.