Video Analysis System for Trunk Kinematics Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for physical stress, particularly in occupational settings, face challenges such as the need for manual observations, cumbersome wearable instruments, and complex algorithms, making it difficult to accurately assess trunk angles and kinematics, which are crucial for identifying injury risks like lower back disorders.
Innovation Solution
A video analysis system that uses pixel information to determine trunk angles and kinematics of subjects performing tasks without requiring complex sensors or algorithms, by identifying hand locations and calculating trunk angles using equations based on dimensions and hand positions, allowing for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observations and recordings are used to monitor physical stress, then observer training and detailed manual measurements can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observation and recording systems with an automated video analysis system that uses computer vision algorithms to extract movement parameters. The controller automatically processes video data to determine trunk angles and kinematics, eliminating the need for manual measurements and observations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model of the subject's movement by analyzing video frames. Instead of manual tracking, the system generates virtual representations of trunk position and orientation from video data, allowing automated calculation of movement parameters without physical intervention.
2Measurement precision
If complex linkage algorithms and three-dimensional tracking are used, then accurate trunk angle and kinematics data can be obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for trunk angle calculation from video data. Instead of implementing full three-dimensional tracking systems, the controller selectively processes video frames to identify key positional data points required for trunk kinematics analysis, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical linkage algorithms with computer vision-based image processing. The controller uses pixel coordinate analysis and mathematical transformations to determine trunk angles directly from video frames, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking hardware and algorithms.
3Reliability
If sensors and complex recording devices are placed on the subject, then continuous monitoring data can be collected, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wearable sensors and recording devices with a remote video analysis system. The controller captures and processes video data of the subject's movements without requiring any physical attachment to the subject, eliminating equipment burden while maintaining continuous monitoring capability and data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces video recording as an intermediary between the subject and the analysis system. Instead of direct sensor contact, the video camera serves as a non-intrusive mediator that captures movement data, which is then processed by the controller to extract trunk kinematics information.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring or tracking system may include an input port and a controller in communication with the input port. The input port may receive data from a data recorder. The data recorder is optionally part of the monitoring system and in some cases includes at least part of the controller. The controller may be configured to receive data via the input port and determine values for one or more dimensions of subject performing a task based on the data and determine a location of a hand of the subject performing the task based on the data. Further, the controller may be configured to determine one or both of trunk angle and trunk kinematics based on the received data. The controller may output via the output port assessment information.