Occupant Support Interface for Hands-Free Pelvis Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for interacting with computers and electronic devices require user skill and dexterity, often leading to physical discomfort and stress, and do not allow for hands-free control of objects using movements like those of the pelvis and thighs.
Innovation Solution
An occupant support device and system that enables hands-free control of objects by responding to movements of the pelvis and thighs in various planes, incorporating support members, sensors, a memory module, and a processor to facilitate natural motions and balance, allowing for control of computer-generated or tangible objects without the need for hand-controlled devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hand-controlled devices (mouse, trackball, remote controllers) are used to control objects, then control precision is improved, but user skill requirement increases and physical discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hand-controlled devices (mouse, trackball) with a biomechanical system that uses the user's own body movements (pelvis, thighs, head) as the control interface. Sensors detect natural physiological movements and translate them into control signals, eliminating the need for separate mechanical pointing devices and reducing the skill barrier while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own body as the control device. By leveraging natural movements of the pelvis, thighs, and head that occur during normal sitting and walking, the system eliminates the need for learned motor skills associated with traditional pointing devices. The body serves both as the operator and the control interface, making operation intuitive and immediate.
2Reliability
If hand-controlled devices are used continuously, then control functionality is maintained, but physical discomfort and stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the continuous use of hand-controlled mechanical devices with a system that detects natural body movements. This replacement eliminates the repetitive strain and physical discomfort associated with continuous mouse or trackball usage, while maintaining reliable control functionality through sensors that continuously monitor physiological movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the periodic, natural movements of the human body (breathing, pelvis rocking, head movements) as control inputs. These periodic physiological rhythms provide continuous control functionality without requiring sustained manual effort, thereby preventing physical discomfort while maintaining reliable object control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional seating is used, then stability is improved, but natural movement and balance are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed seating into a dynamic system that accommodates and detects natural body movements. The seating allows the pelvis and thighs to move freely in various planes while sensors continuously track these movements for control purposes. This dynamic approach maintains stability through active sensing and feedback while providing adaptability for natural movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the seating from fixed and stable to movable and adaptable. By allowing variations in pelvis position, thigh angle, and body orientation while using sensors to track these parameter changes, the system maintains control functionality while enabling natural movement and balance adjustments that traditional fixed seating prevents.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support system is disclosed for controlling a computer-generated representation of an object, comprising: (i) a support device comprising a plurality of support members configured to support an occupant, and a corresponding plurality of independently movably supported suspension systems such to provide at least one independent motion selected from vertical, lateral, tilt and azimuthal motions and longitudinal roll motion of the support members. The support system further comprises (ii) a plurality of sensors which are operatively coupled with the support members and configured to measure a parameter which is indicative of an input provided by the occupant, while occupying the device, in a hands-free manner and to produce a signal, wherein the input changes a state of the support device; (iii) a memory module comprising computer-executable instructions; and (iv) a processor operative to receive the produced signal and determine a state of the occupant support device based on the produced signal and the computer-executable instructions, and to provide instructions for controlling the computer-generated object representation.