Physiological Feedback System Using Optical Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring physiological parameters and providing feedback in virtual or augmented reality environments, particularly for neurological rehabilitation, face challenges such as inaccurate synchronization of brain activity and movement signals, limited portability, high costs, and complexity, which hinder effective treatment and diagnosis, especially in early stages of stroke recovery.
Innovation Solution
A physiological parameter measurement and motion tracking system that integrates brain activity sensors, position/motion sensors, and stimulation devices within a unified, portable, and cost-effective framework, ensuring accurate real-time synchronization and immersion through a centralized clock system and a headset design that includes EEG, EMG, and camera-based tracking, along with haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical actuation systems are used to track body part movement, then movement tracking capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation and tracking systems with optical motion capture technology using cameras and markers. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical actuators, force sensors, and complex mechanical linkages while achieving accurate movement tracking through optical field-based measurement, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical actuation systems are used to support patient movement, then patient fatigue is reduced, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical support systems with a combination of motion capture technology and virtual reality feedback. The system tracks patient movement optically and provides real-time visual feedback through avatar representation, enabling patients to self-regulate their effort without mechanical assistance, thereby reducing fatigue while avoiding complex mechanical actuation systems.
3Measurement precision
If conventional systems track actual movements, then movement data is obtained, but they are not adapted for early stroke recovery where movement is impaired or limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback through virtual reality, displaying the patient's movement (or lack thereof) as an avatar performing the prescribed movement. This feedback mechanism allows patients in early recovery stages to see their intended movement executed virtually, providing motivational and instructional feedback even when actual movement is minimal or impaired, thereby adapting the system to early stroke recovery needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or avatar representation of the patient's body that performs the prescribed movement pattern regardless of the patient's actual movement capability. This virtual copy serves as a reference model that patients can observe and attempt to match, enabling therapy in early recovery stages where actual movement is limited but neural pathways are being retrained.
4Measurement precision
If VR based systems use separate monitor screens, then brain monitoring and motion tracking are enabled, but patient immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single headset device that combines VR display capabilities with motion tracking sensors and brain monitoring equipment. This multi-functional integration allows the system to provide immersive VR experience while simultaneously capturing brain activity data and motion information, eliminating the need for separate monitor screens and enhancing patient immersion.
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
This system provides precise, real-time feedback and accurate synchronization of brain activity and movement signals, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes by improving motor skill training and neurological recovery, while being portable and cost-effective for home or clinical use.
Implementation Method 1
sensors configured to measure cortical activity of the user, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors
Implementation Method 2
sensors configured to measure cortical activity of the user, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, electromyogram (EMG) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological parameter measurement and motion tracking system comprising a control system (12), a sensing system (13), and a stimulation system (17). The sensing system comprises one or more physiological sensors including at least brain electrical activity sensors (22). The stimulation system (17) comprises one or more stimulation devices including at least a visual stimulation system (32). The control system comprises an acquisition module (53) configured to receive sensor signals from the sensing system, and a control module (51) configured to process the signals from the acquisition module and control the generation of stimulation signals to one or more devices of the stimulation system, wherein the control system further comprises a clock module (106) and wherein the control system is configured to receive content code signals (39) from the stimulation system and to time stamp the content code signals and the sensor signals with a clock signal from the clock module.