Neuromuscular Assessment via Touch Interaction Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing neuromuscular diseases, such as Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy, rely on subjective and qualitative assessments, leading to delayed and missed diagnoses, and are limited by their time-limited nature and high clinical trial costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors on handheld or wearable devices to record and analyze touch interactions and movement parameters, providing objective data on interaction speed, accuracy, and motor function, which can be compared to predetermined parameters to assess the severity of neuromuscular diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective, qualitative assessments are used during time-limited hospital consultations, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the diagnosis accuracy is reduced and clinical trial costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments through automated touch interaction tasks and movement analysis before formal clinical evaluation. Sensors capture baseline motor function data during routine device usage, enabling earlier detection and reducing the need for extended consultation time for diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective sensor-based measurement systems. Touch sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes automatically quantify motor function parameters, eliminating reliance on clinician subjectivity and enabling precise, repeatable measurements within brief consultation periods.
2Measurement precision
If frequent assessments are conducted to improve diagnosis accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the burden on subjects and assessors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assessment system is integrated into everyday devices with multiple functions (smartphones, tablets, wearables). These devices perform both routine communication tasks and neuromuscular assessment functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated assessment equipment and reducing perceived burden on subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-assessment through automated touch interaction tasks and passive movement monitoring. Subjects complete simple on-screen tasks or wear sensors during daily activities without requiring trained assessors, allowing frequent monitoring while maintaining ease of use.
3Reliability
If objective, quantitative data collection is implemented, then the reliability of assessment improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (touch sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes) and assessment modalities (touch interactions, movement analysis) into a unified assessment platform. This integration consolidates data collection and processing workflows, managing complexity while enhancing reliability through multi-parameter measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms complex physiological measurements into simplified quantitative parameters through automated analysis algorithms. Raw sensor data are processed into standardized metrics that maintain reliability while reducing the complexity of data interpretation and clinical decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assessing neuromuscular disease in a subject, the method comprising: recording the subject performing one or more tasks on a device, wherein the one or more tasks requires the subject to interact with the device by touching the device, including recording touch interactions with the device using one or more sensors of the device; determining one or more parameters from the recorded touch interactions; comparing the determined parameters with predetermined parameters.