Surround Display Motion Assessment System for Cervical Range of Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing cervical range of motion (CROM) are limited by low specificity and sensitivity, inability to simulate real-life scenarios, and lack of adaptability to individual capabilities, making it challenging to accurately diagnose and treat neck pain and other motion impairments.
Innovation Solution
A motion assessment system comprising a surround-display and a motion tracker, with a processor that adjusts the display based on the subject's movements, allowing for voluntary and spontaneous motion analysis in real-life scenarios, and optionally includes wireless connectivity, tactile outputs, and adaptive scaling for personalized assessment and training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CROM assessment methods (goniometers, inclinometers) are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to low specificity and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools (goniometers, inclinometers) with an optical motion tracking system that uses markers and cameras to detect and measure cervical motion. This substitution enables three-dimensional motion tracking with higher precision while maintaining ease of use through automated digital measurement and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional measurement (traditional goniometers) to three-dimensional motion tracking using multiple cameras and spatial markers. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive assessment of cervical motion in all planes simultaneously, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional CROM assessment is performed with oral commands, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability is questionable as elicited movements do not replicate typical functional movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs multiple predetermined functional motion patterns (e.g., reaching, turning head while driving simulation) that automatically guide the subject through realistic movements. These pre-planned sequences ensure reliable functional assessment without requiring complex real-time instructions or manual setup for each test scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through a display showing the subject's motion trajectory and target positions. This feedback mechanism guides subjects through functional movements naturally, improving reliability by ensuring proper motion execution while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual cues rather than complex verbal instructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive scaling is implemented to personalize assessment, then adaptability to individual capabilities improves, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts target positions, motion ranges, and assessment parameters based on real-time detection of the subject's capabilities. The software automatically scales the assessment difficulty and target locations according to the subject's performance, providing personalized adaptation without requiring manual reconfiguration or complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes assessment parameters (target distance, motion amplitude, time limits) based on detected subject performance. This automatic parameter adjustment enables adaptability to individual capabilities while keeping the device complexity manageable through software-based control rather than multiple physical configurations.
4Reliability
If surround display is used to stimulate natural functional movements, then the reliability of functional assessment improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surround display system serves multiple functions: it stimulates functional movements, provides visual feedback, tracks motion through integrated sensors, and guides assessment sequences. This multi-functionality improves reliability by creating an integrated functional assessment environment while managing complexity through a unified system architecture rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of motion assessment for use in medical analysis and treatment of motion impairments. The system is configured to stimulate, monitor and analyze voluntary movements of a subject. A surround-display is used to stimulate movement of the subject, a motion tracker monitors the movements of the subject, and a processor receives data from the motion tracker and may be configured to control the surround-display.