Wearable Spinal Alignment Estimation From Head Position and Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining spinal alignment during VDT use focus only on the head-and-neck, leading to inaccurate posture estimation, and existing devices for dynamic spinal alignment assessment are either expensive or involve radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a measuring terminal worn on the body, such as eyeglasses, to measure head position and angle, combined with a processor to estimate spinal alignment using regression analysis based on viewing distance and head slope, allowing dynamic and accurate estimation of spinal alignment without large-scale devices or radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If posture determination is based only on head-and-neck information (slope angle and distance), then the measurement can be simplified and focused, but the accuracy of posture estimation deteriorates because it does not account for spinal alignment throughout the entire spine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spine into multiple regions (cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, pelvis) and obtains measurement markers at each segment. This allows the system to capture spinal alignment characteristics at different levels while maintaining a wearable, non-intrusive measurement approach. The segmentation enables comprehensive posture assessment without requiring complex full-body scanning equipment.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional motion analysis or X-ray imaging is used to obtain spinal alignment information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and harmful factors (radiation, cost) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markers and image processing to create a digital copy of the spine's geometric configuration. By capturing images of markers placed at specific spinal locations and processing these images to calculate spatial relationships, the system creates a virtual model of spinal alignment without requiring physical X-ray imaging. This copying approach eliminates radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive X-ray imaging system with an optical measurement system using cameras and image processing. Instead of using radiation-based X-rays to visualize the spine, the system uses visible light cameras to capture marker positions and computationally determines spinal alignment. This substitution eliminates radiation hazards while achieving comparable or superior measurement precision through digital image analysis.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used to obtain spinal alignment data, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to dynamically obtain posture over time deteriorates due to the static nature of X-ray imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement system that can capture spinal alignment at multiple time points. The wearable device with optical markers and image processing capability allows continuous or repeated measurement of spinal geometry as the user moves and changes posture throughout the day. This dynamic approach enables the system to track posture changes over time, providing longitudinal data on spinal alignment during various activities and conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal alignment estimating apparatus 1 includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to obtain a position of a head of a user measured in relation to a viewing target, and an angle of the head of the user, and estimate a spinal alignment of the user based on the position and the angle.