Posture Analysis Apparatus Using Asymmetric Rotation Scores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current postural analysis methods struggle to accurately assess posture conditions, particularly in junior physiotherapists, as they fail to account for rotation of body joints, leading to incomplete assessments and limited early intervention for posture correction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect rotation of body parts around an upright center axis and calculate an asymmetric score to evaluate posture conditions, using image analysis and anatomical landmarks to provide a comprehensive assessment of posture deviations, including shifting, tilting, and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment by identifying landmark on images is used, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision is insufficient and does not account for rotation of body joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect body landmarks, calculate joint angles, and assess posture. The system processes images to automatically identify anatomical points and compute rotational movements, eliminating the need for manual landmark identification while achieving higher measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new assessment parameters including rotation angles of body joints, which were not previously measured. By expanding the parameter set to include rotational components in addition to traditional positional and angular measurements, the system achieves comprehensive posture assessment that captures the full range of motion and deviation from normal posture.
2Measurement precision
If only shifting and tilting of body joints are measured, then the assessment is simpler, but the measurement precision is incomplete as it does not account for rotation of body joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the posture assessment into separate measurement components: detection of body landmarks, calculation of joint angles, measurement of rotational movements, and assessment of posture deviation. This segmentation allows each component to be measured and analyzed independently, making the complex task of detecting joint rotation more manageable and precise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the traditional two-dimensional assessment of shifting and tilting. By incorporating angular rotation measurements around vertical and horizontal axes, the system transitions from planar movement analysis to three-dimensional posture assessment, capturing the complete movement spectrum of body joints.
3Reliability
If experienced physiotherapists perform manual assessment, then the reliability is high, but the productivity is low and cannot provide comprehensive assessment for all age groups
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service posture assessment where individuals can be evaluated without requiring experienced physiotherapists. The automated image processing system performs the assessment independently, detecting body landmarks, calculating joint angles, and identifying posture deviations, thereby eliminating the bottleneck of limited therapist availability while maintaining consistent and reliable assessment quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal assessment system that can evaluate posture across all age groups from pediatric to elderly populations. The system uses age-appropriate anatomical landmarks and posture reference values to provide standardized assessment for diverse populations, enabling comprehensive screening and monitoring for different age groups simultaneously.
4Ease of operation
If junior physiotherapists perform manual assessment, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skill-dependent manual assessment process with an automated computer vision system. The system automatically detects body landmarks, calculates joint angles, and measures posture deviations without requiring the operator's expertise. This substitution maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision and reliability, as the automated system consistently applies the same measurement criteria without human variability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for identifying a posture condition of a person, the method comprising: detecting a rotation of one or more body parts of the person around an upright center axis of the person; and calculating an asymmetric score of the one or more body parts based on the rotation of the one or more body parts of the person, the asymmetric score relating to a level of the posture condition of the person.