Force-Sensing Orthotic Electric Device Controller

• US 20090099997A1
• Filed: 10/13/2008
• Published: 04/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Vermont & State Agricultural College
• Original Assignee: University of Vermont & State Agricultural College
• Inventors: Rosen, Michael, Hubbard, Sandra L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,244,655 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 706/54
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 5/04 motor-driven A61G5/06 takes precedence; motor-operated rests A61G5/12; for vehicles with handlebars, equipped with three or more wheels B62K5/003, B62K5/023
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 1/42 non-pivoting, e.g. sliding

Abstract

Control devices and kits of components of control devices are provided. The subject invention also provides systems for designing control devices and/or kits of components of control devices. A system user can provide data about an end user to an expert system via a user interface, and the expert system can use the data and a method for selecting appropriate components to design a control device and/or kit. The control device can be a self-referenced control device and can include a controller and a wearable interface.

Claims

1. A system for designing a control device, comprising:

an expert system;

a user interface for a system user to provide data to the expert system;

a menu of elements of the control device, wherein at least one of the elements can be selected by the system user via the user interface; and

a method for selecting appropriate components for the control device to meet functional needs and/or constraints of an end user;

wherein the expert system uses the data provided by the system user and the method for selecting appropriate components to design the control device;

and wherein the control device comprises;

a controller; and

a wearable interface for communicably connecting to the controller, the wearable interface comprising a force-sensing transducer for positioning between two adjacent body segments of the end user;

wherein, when the wearable interface is communicably connected to the controller, a force applied to the force-sensing transducer by at least one of the two adjacent body segments is communicated to the controller for controlling an assistive device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable interface is an orthosis.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the expert system is a query-driven expert system, and wherein the method for selecting appropriate components for the control device comprises a decision guide comprising queries, and wherein the decision guide provides results based on input provided by the system user.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the decision guide is a software-based decision guide.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system user is a clinician.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the end user has a condition selected from the group consisting of:

Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson'"'"'s disease. Frederick'"'"'s ataxia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is a web-based interface.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the menu of elements comprises sensors, materials, and wireless transmitters.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the two adjacent body segments are located on a foot.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the assistive device is a powered wheelchair.

11. A control device designed by the system according to claim 1.

12. A system for designing a kit of components of a control device, comprising:

an expert system;

a user interface for a system user to provide data to the expert system;

a menu of elements of the kit, wherein the elements can be selected by the system user via the user interface; and

a method for selecting appropriate components for the kit to meet functional needs and/or constraints of an end user;

wherein the expert system uses the data provided by the system user and the method for selecting appropriate components to design the kit;

and wherein the kit comprises;

a controller;

a wearable interface for communicably connecting to the controller; and

a force-sensing transducer for positioning between two adjacent body segments of the end user;

wherein, when the control device is worn by the end user, a force applied to the force-sensing transducer by at least one of the two adjacent body segments is communicated to the controller for controlling an assistive device.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the expert system is a query-driven expert system, and wherein the method for selecting appropriate components for the kit comprises a decision guide comprising queries, and wherein the decision guide provides results based on input provided by the system user.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the decision guide is a software-based decision guide.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the system user is a clinician.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein the end user has a condition selected from the group consisting of:

Alzheimer'"'"'s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson'"'"'s disease, Frederick'"'"'s ataxia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein the user interface is a web-based interface.

18. The system according to claim 12, wherein the menu of elements comprises sensors, materials, components, and wireless transmitters.

19. A kit designed by the system according to claim 12.

20. A system for designing a control device, comprising:

an expert system;

a user interface for a system user to provide data to the expert system;

a menu of elements of the control device, wherein at least one of the elements can be selected by the system user via the user interface; and

a method for selecting appropriate components for the control device to meet functional needs and/or constraints of an end user;

wherein the expert system uses the data provided by the system user and the method for selecting appropriate components to design the control device;

and wherein the control device comprises;

a controller; and

a wearable interface for communicably connecting to the controller, the wearable interface comprising a force-sensing transducer for positioning between the wearable interface and a body segment of the end user;

wherein, when the wearable interface is communicably connected to the controller, a force applied to the force-sensing transducer by the body segment is communicated to the controller for controlling an assistive device.