Wearable Kinetic Sensor Using IMU Arrays for Joint Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices for measuring body kinetics are limited by inaccurate visual approximations, leading to impractical and unreliable measurements for therapeutic and athletic applications.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and infrared transceivers/receivers, connected to a microprocessor with wireless transmission capabilities, providing precise kinetic data and thermal information through a Software as a Service (SAAS) network, allowing for accurate tracking of body motion and metabolic activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual approximations are used to determine point locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual approximation methods with inertial measurement units (IMUs) that use accelerometers and gyroscopes to objectively measure body kinetics. This substitution of mechanical sensing systems eliminates the subjectivity and inaccuracy of visual estimation while providing precise, quantifiable data about body motion and joint positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IMUs as intermediary devices placed on the body to mediate between the body's motion and the measurement system. These IMUs serve as intermediaries that capture kinetic data directly from body movements, eliminating the need for direct visual observation and providing more accurate measurement of point locations and motion dynamics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple IMUs and sensors are added to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs IMUs that perform multiple functions simultaneously - accelerometers measure linear acceleration, gyroscopes measure angular velocity, and the system tracks both position and motion dynamics. This multi-functionality allows a single device to capture comprehensive kinetic data without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement type, thereby improving precision while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines accelerometers and gyroscopes into integrated IMU modules that are placed on the body. By merging these sensing functions into unified units with onboard processing, the system reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high measurement precision across multiple physical quantities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wearable devices are made more versatile for different body parts, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wearable system into modular IMU units that can be independently placed on different body parts. Each IMU is a self-contained module that can be positioned on various joints and body segments, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement needs without requiring custom manufacturing for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables versatility through software configuration and parameter adjustment rather than physical manufacturing changes. The IMUs can be programmed to measure different kinematic parameters for different body parts, and the system can adapt its measurement parameters dynamically, eliminating the need for precision manufacturing variations while maintaining adaptability across applications.
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
The device offers enhanced accuracy in measuring body kinetics, enabling improved diagnostics, performance analysis, and therapeutic interventions by providing detailed kinetic data, impact force analysis, and 3D modeling of body joints, facilitating better patient care and athletic performance tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The IMUs function as radio frequency identified (RFID) position sensors by way of at least one, and possibly multiple accelerometers, which may provide linear position, linear velocity, linear acceleration, and/or rate of change of linear acceleration in three axes
Implementation Method 2
The IMUs may further function as gyroscopic sensors, providing angular position, angular velocity, angular acceleration, and/or rate of change of angular acceleration data about three axes
Implementation Method 3
The infrared transceiver/receivers and/or optical sensors, which are attached to the Wearable Device for Measuring Body Kinetics and oriented toward the patient's body, pick up this movement and/or thermal data by way of wavelengths of light emitted or reflected in the infrared and/or near infrared spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A System for Measuring Body Kinetics includes a wearable device configured to be wrapped around a joint. A microprocessor is attached to the wearable device. One or more Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are connected to the microprocessor and arranged on the wearable device. The IMUs are arranged and configured to provide kinetic data concerning the joint to the microprocessor. A wireless transmission component is connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive kinetic data from the IMUs, and to transmit the kinetic data by way of the wireless transmission component to a central processor or other device. An algorithm resides within the microprocessor or the central processor or other device, and is configured to determine the position of each IMU from the kinetic data. The wearable device may be constructed of fabric, strap, adhesive tape, or a combination thereof.