Wearable Sensor Garment for Real-Time Form Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing an individual's form during activities, such as exercise or athletic training, are often impractical, inaccurate, and lack repeatability, relying on expensive and non-portable camera systems or dedicated apparatus like pressure mats.
Innovation Solution
A form analysis system comprising a flexible garment with a sensor array, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, that captures data on body motion and pressure distribution, transmitting signals to a hub and base station for real-time analysis and feedback, allowing for objective evaluation of anatomical alignment and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera systems or pressure mats are used for form assessment, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the body into multiple segments (feet, shins, femurs, sacrum) and places sensors at specific anatomical landmarks on each segment. This segmentation allows accurate form assessment through distributed simple sensors rather than requiring a single complex camera or pressure mat system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical camera systems and pressure mats with wearable inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) integrated into a flexible garment. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are used for form assessment, then measurement capability is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible garment serves multiple functions: it provides anatomical alignment reference through its construction, supports and positions the sensor array, and enables portability through its wearable nature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex assessment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment itself provides the structural framework and anatomical reference system needed for accurate form assessment. The sensors are integrated into the garment, which automatically positions them correctly on the body, eliminating the need for external positioning equipment or complex setup procedures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned on the garment to align with body parts, then form measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The garment incorporates sensors at specific local anatomical positions (feet, shins, femurs, sacrum) rather than distributing them uniformly. The garment construction includes specific features at these locations to accommodate sensors, providing local enhancement of measurement capability without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array and harness are pre-positioned and integrated into the garment during manufacturing at the correct anatomical locations. This preliminary positioning ensures proper sensor alignment when worn, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures or custom fitting during use.
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
Provides accurate, repeatable, and real-time data on a person's form, enabling trainers and coaches to gain meaningful insights into performance and condition, improving training effectiveness and reducing the need for expensive equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors of the sensor array can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
The sensors of the sensor array can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer
Implementation Method 3
The sensors of the sensor array can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer
Implementation Method 4
a harness coupled to the sensor array, the harness having stretchable wiring for communicating signals generated by the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring and measuring form. A form analysis system can include a flexible garment, a sensor array including two or more sensors positioned on portions of the garment such that at least two of the two or more sensors are positioned on garment such that they align with body parts of the wearer of the garment that are separated by a joint, a harness coupled to the sensor array, the harness having stretchable wiring for communicating signals generated by the sensor array, and a hub coupled to the harness and configured to receive signals from the sensor array, the hub including a transmitter to transmit received signals to a base station.