Wearable Placement Guidance Using Body Image Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for placing wearable devices, such as sensors and medication dispensers, are inaccurate and require physical markers, making it difficult for untrained users, especially the elderly, to correctly position them on the body.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a processor to analyze images of the body, recognize body parts, and provide guidance for accurate placement of wearable devices without relying on physical markers, integrating with mobile devices for user interface and attachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical markers are attached to the body for sensor placement guidance, then the placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical markers from the body and extracts only the essential function of providing placement reference. Instead of attaching markers to the subject's body, the system uses image processing to identify anatomical landmarks directly from images, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes images and provides placement guidance without requiring direct physical interaction with the body. The processor analyzes images to identify body parts and generates guidance information, serving as an intermediary between the subject and the sensor placement process.
2Measurement precision
If physical markers are attached to the body for sensor placement guidance, then the placement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of placement guidance from the physical marker system and implements it through software-based image processing. This eliminates the need for physical markers, adhesive applications, and manual marker placement procedures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical markers with an optical and computational system. Instead of using physical objects that require manual attachment and positioning, the system uses image capture and processing to provide placement guidance, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If medical professionals place sensors in medical environments, then the placement accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to low acuity settings worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables subjects to perform sensor placement themselves using the image processing guidance system, without requiring medical professionals. The system provides step-by-step visual guidance that allows untrained users to achieve accurate placement, thereby improving adaptability to low acuity settings while maintaining placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images and pre-processing the placement guidance information before the actual sensor placement. This allows the subject to understand the correct placement location in advance and prepares the guidance system to provide real-time feedback during placement, making the process accessible to untrained users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If untrained users attempt to place sensors themselves, then the adaptability to low acuity settings is improved, but the placement accuracy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing system continuously monitors the placement process and provides real-time guidance to the subject. The system compares the current sensor position with the target position and provides corrective guidance, allowing untrained users to achieve accurate placement through iterative adjustment based on visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the subject's body geometry and prepares customized placement guidance before the subject begins the placement process. This pre-processing ensures that the guidance is tailored to the specific subject, enabling untrained users to achieve accurate placement without requiring prior training.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a method and apparatus comprising a processor to provide guidance for placement of a wearable device. At least one image of the body of a subject is acquired from one or more cameras (502). The at least one acquired image is analysed to recognise body parts of the subject and to identify a body part of the subject at which to place the wearable device (504). Guidance to place the wearable device at the identified body part of the subject is provided (506).