Wireless Motion Sensors for Objective Range of Motion Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional goniometers for measuring range of motion are prone to human error and variability due to poor placement, uncontrolled movements, and difficulties in measuring joints surrounded by soft tissue, leading to inaccurate and inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system using wireless sensors to capture motion data, generate a motion profile, and objectively evaluate it by comparing with pre-defined target profiles, providing automated and objective measurements of body motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual goniometers are used to measure range of motion, then measurements can be obtained, but accuracy and consistency are poor due to human error and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical goniometers with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Wireless sensors, accelerometers, and processing systems substitute for manual goniometer placement and reading, eliminating human error in measurement acquisition and calculation while providing consistent, repeatable results across different users and sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-alignment and automatic calculation of range of motion parameters. The sensors automatically detect body segment positions and the processing system computes joint angles without requiring manual intervention for measurement calculation, ensuring consistent application of measurement protocols.
2Measurement precision
If goniometers are used for measurement, then range of motion data can be collected, but placement accuracy is poor leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual goniometer placement with wireless sensors that can be attached to body segments. The sensors automatically detect orientation and position through accelerometers and other sensors, eliminating the need for precise manual goniometer alignment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless sensors and processing systems as intermediaries between the body and measurement data. These intermediaries automatically capture motion data and compute range of motion parameters, removing the need for direct manual goniometer placement on joints.
3Reliability
If manual measurement methods are used, then measurements can be obtained, but inter-user and intra-user variability affects reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement systems with automated sensor-based systems that consistently apply measurement protocols. The automated processing eliminates variability introduced by different users performing manual measurements, providing reliable and repeatable results across multiple sessions and practitioners.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system automatically performs all measurement tasks including data collection, processing, and calculation without human intervention. This self-service capability ensures consistent application of measurement protocols while reducing the complexity of training required for operators.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards computer-based systems and methods for evaluating a user's body motion based on motion data obtained via a series of wireless sensors attached to a user's body. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. A server system receives motion data from one or more input devices. The motion data corresponds to movement of a user. The server system generates a motion profile based on at least the motion data received from the one or more input devices. The server system retrieves a pre-defined target motion profile from a database structure. The server system objectively evaluating the extracted motion profile by comparing one or more parameters of the generated motion profile with one or more parameters of the retrieved pre-defined target motion profile.