HUMAN MOVEMENT MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

• US 20110201428A1
• Filed: 04/28/2011
• Published: 08/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motiva Patents, LLC
• Original Assignee: Motiva LLC
• Inventors: Gronachan, Donald, Ferguson, Kevin
• Granted Patent: US 8,159,354 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/06 Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1122 of movement trajectories
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1124 Determining motor skills
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1127 using markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4023 Evaluating sense of balance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6824 Arm or wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6828 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/12 with mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 : Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/62 : posture
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 : Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 : Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 : using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 : using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 : Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 : involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0261 : System arrangements wherein the object is to detect trespassing over a fixed physical boundary, e.g. the end of a garden
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 : Attachment of child unit to child/article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 : responsive to presence or absence of persons

Abstract

A system for use in playing a video game, the system acting to measure the position of transponders for testing and to train the user to manipulate the position of the transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback. A bidirectional communication link to a processing system supporting the video game provides functional movement assessment.

Claims

32. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device; and

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device for wirelessly receiving the signals transmitted by the transmitter, determining movement information for first hand-held communication device;

a second hand-held communication device, in wireless communication with the processing system said second hand-held communication device, comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals;

wherein the processing system is adapted to determine movement information of the second hand-held communication device and send feedback data to the user based on the movement information of the first and second hand-held communication devices;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to receive and process the feedback data and generates sensory stimuli for the user based on the received data and delivered through the output device; and

wherein the movement information of the first and second hand-held communication devices are used to control a graphical object on a display screen.

33. The video game system of claim 32, wherein the system is interactive and responds to verbal command input from the user to modulate an activity.

34. The video game system of claim 32, wherein the system is adapted to visually queue the user to move according to a desired movement trajectory to assess balance control.

35. The video game system of claim 32, wherein the system is adapted to determine range of motion of a user'"'"'s joint or body segment.

36. The video game system of claim 32, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a touch screen display for accepting input from the user.

37. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to allow the user to provide configuration data to the system through the touch screen display.

38. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to provide feedback data to the user through the touch screen display.

39. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to provide performance data to the user through the touch screen display.

40. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to allow system setup through the touch screen display.

41. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to provide a menu oriented interface to the user through the touch screen display.

42. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to allow program selection to the user through the touch screen display.

43. The video game system of claim 36, wherein the system is adapted to biophysical data to the user through the touch screen display.

44. A system according to claim 32, wherein:

the first hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to a modular extension piece.

45. A system according to claim 44, wherein the second hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to the modular extension piece.

46. A system according to claim 44, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a flexible coupling.

47. A system according to claim 44, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a snap joint.

48. A system according to claim 44, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a twist joint.

49. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device; and

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device, adapted to wirelessly receive the signals transmitted by the transmitter, to determine movement information for the first hand-held communication device;

wherein the movement information of the first hand-held communication device controls the movement of at least one object in a computer generated virtual environment;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to receive and process the received data signals and generate sensory stimuli for the user, based on the received data signals and delivered through the output device; and

wherein the processing system is adapted to determine the three-dimensional position of the first hand-held communication device and wherein the object is controlled in a virtual three-dimensional environment.

50. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device;

a second hand-held communication device, the second hand-held communication device comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals; and

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device, adapted to wirelessly receive the signals transmitted by the transmitters of the respective communication devices, to determine movement information for each of the respective communication devices, and to send data signals to the receiver to provide feedback data to the user;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to receive and process the received data signals and generate sensory stimuli for the user, based on the received data signals and delivered through the output device;

wherein the movement information of the first and second hand-held devices are used to control a graphical object on a display screen; and

wherein the system is interactive and responds to verbal command input from the user.

1. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device;

an array of receiving devices remote from the first hand-held communication device for detecting ultrasonic signals emitted by the first hand-held communication device;

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device, and in electrical communication with the array of receiving devices, adapted to wirelessly receive the signals transmitted by the transmitter, to determine movement information for the first hand-held communication device, to determine position information for the first hand-held device, and to send data signals to the first hand-held device to provide feedback data to the user;

wherein the movement information of the first hand-held communication device controls the movement of at least one object in a computer generated virtual environment; and

wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to receive and process the received data signals and generate sensory stimuli for the user based on the received data signals and delivered through the output device.

2. The video game system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second hand-held communication device adapted to electrically communicate with the first hand-held communication device, said second hand-held communication device, comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals;

wherein the processing system is adapted to determine movement information of the second hand-held communication device.

3. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a tilt sensor for sensing orientation data for the first hand-held communication device, and wherein the first hand-held communication device transmits the orientation data to the processing system.

4. The video game system of claim 3, wherein the orientation data is roll and pitch data.

5. The video game system of claim 2, wherein the feedback data sent to the receiver is derived from the movement information of the first hand-held communication device and the second hand-held communication device.

6. The video game system of claim 5, wherein the output device provides audible stimuli to the user based on the feedback data.

7. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a touch screen display for accepting input from the user.

8. The video game system of claim 7, wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to allow the user to provide configuration data to the system through the touch screen display.

9. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to provide feedback data proportional to an error signal determined by comparing the movement of the user to a reference movement trajectory.

10. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is interactive and responds to verbal command input from the user.

11. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to a modular extension piece.

12. The video game system of claim 11, wherein the modular extension piece is a rod.

13. The video game system of claim 11, wherein the modular extension piece provides force resistive feedback.

14. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to excite the output device based on the movement information for the first hand-held communication device.

15. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to excite the output device to indicate the quality of movement information for the first hand-held communication device.

16. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to proportionally excite the output device based on the movement information for the first hand-held communication device.

17. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to provide feedback data to the output device when the user has completed an activity.

18. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to modulate activity challenges based on scoring criteria.

19. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to visually queue the user to move according to a desired movement trajectory to assess balance control.

20. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to determine range of motion of a user'"'"'s joint or body segment.

21. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to queue the user to control range of motion within prescribed limits.

22. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to provide feedback data to the output device when the user deviates from a desired movement trajectory.

23. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the system is interactive and responds to verbal command input from the user to modulate an activity.

24. The video game system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second hand-held communication device in electrical communication with the first hand-held communication device, said second hand-held communication device, comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals,

wherein the processing system is adapted to determine movement information of the second hand-held communication device; and

wherein the movement information of the first hand-held communication device and the second hand-held communication device is used to derive performance measurements of functional movements.

25. The video game system of claim 24, wherein functional movements can be measured of gait, jumping, cutting, turning, or shuttling.

26. The video game system of claim 24, wherein the functional movement measured can be balance or stance.

27. The video game system of claim 2, wherein the processing system determines movement information for the first hand-held communication device and the second hand-held device and processes this information to provide feedback data to the user.

28. The video game system of claim 27, wherein the movement information for the first and second hand-held devices is processed to provide feedback data to the user based on the movement of the first hand-held communication device with respect to the second hand-held communication device.

29. The video game system of claim 2, wherein the processing system is adapted to determine position information for the first hand-held communication device and the second hand-held device and process this position information to provide feedback data to the user.

30. The video game system of claim 1, wherein the processing system is adapted to determine the three-dimensional position of the first hand-held communication device and wherein the first hand-held communication device controls a graphical object in a virtual three-dimensional environment.

31. The video game system of claim 2, wherein the processing system is adapted to determine movement and position information for the first and second hand-held communication devices and process this information to provide feedback data to the user.

51. A system according to claim 50, wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to a modular extension piece.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the modular extension piece is a rod.

53. The system of claim 51, wherein the modular extension piece provides force resistive feedback.

54. The system of claim 51, wherein the modular extension piece is a weighted extension.

55. A system according to claim 50, further comprising:

a strap connected to the first hand-held communication device for securing the first hand-held communication device to a user'"'"'s wrist.

56. A system according to claim 50, wherein:

the first hand-held communication device comprises a user input device adapted for communication with the processing system through the transmitter.

57. A system according to claim 56, wherein:

the user input device is adapted for calibrating the first communication device to establish a reference position.

58. A system according to claim 50, wherein:

the processing system is adapted to determine position information for each of the respective communication devices.

55-1. The video game system of claim 50, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a touch screen display for accepting input from the user.

56-2. The video game system of claim 55, wherein the system is adapted to allow the user to provide configuration data to the system through the touch screen display.

57-3. A system according to claim 50, further comprising:

a coupling attachment to the first hand-held communication device adapted to accept attachment to the second hand-held communication device.

58-4. A system according to claim 50, further comprising:

a coupling attachment to the first hand-held communication device adapted to accept attachment to a modular extension piece.

59. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device;

a second hand-held communication device adapted to electrically communicate with the first communication device, and adapted for being attached to, in contact with, or held by the user, the second hand-held communication device comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals;

an array of receiving devices remote from the first hand-held communication device for tracking the movement of the first hand-held communication device;

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device, adapted to wirelessly receive the signals transmitted by the transmitter of the first hand-held communication device, to determine movement information for each of the respective communication devices, and to send data signals to the receiver to provide feedback data to the user;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is adapted to receive and process the received data signals and generate sensory stimuli for the user, based on the received data signals, the sensory stimuli delivered through the output device;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of a user input device adapted for communication with the processing system through the transmitter; and

wherein the user input device is adapted for calibrating the first communication device to establish a reference position.

60. A system according to claim 59, wherein:

the processing system is adapted to determine position information for each of the respective communication devices.

61. A system according to claim 59, wherein:

wherein the output device is a speaker for providing audible stimuli to the user.

62. A system according to claim 59, wherein:

the first hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to a modular extension piece.

63. A system according to claim 62, wherein the second hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to the modular extension piece.

64. A system according to claim 62, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a flexible coupling.

65. A system according to claim 62, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a snap joint.

66. The video game system of claim 59, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a touch screen display for accepting input from the user.

67. The video game system of claim 66, wherein the system is adapted to allow the user to provide configuration data to the system through the touch screen display.

68. A system for a user to play a video game, comprising:

a first hand-held communication device comprising;

a transmitter for transmitting signals;

a receiver for receiving signals; and

an output device;

a second hand-held communication device adapted to electrically communicate with the first communication device, and adapted for being attached to, in contact with, or held by the user, the second hand-held communication device comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals; and

a processing system, remote from the first hand-held communication device, adapted to wirelessly receive the signals transmitted by the transmitter of the first hand-held communication device, and to send data signals to the receiver to provide feedback data to the user;

wherein the first hand-held communication device receives and processes the received data signals and generates sensory stimuli for the user, based on the received data signals and delivered through the output device;

wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of a user input device adapted for communication with the processing system through the transmitter; and

wherein the user input device is adapted for calibrating the first communication device.

69. A system according to claim 68, wherein:

the processing system is adapted to determine movement information for each of the respective communication devices.

70. The video game system of claim 68, wherein the first hand-held communication device is further comprised of:

a touch screen display for accepting input from the user.

71. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to allow the user to provide configuration data to the system through the touch screen display.

72. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to provide feedback data to the user through the touch screen display.

73. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to provide performance data to the user through the touch screen display.

74. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to allow system setup through the touch screen display.

75. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to provide a menu oriented interface to the user through the touch screen display.

76. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to allow program selection to the user through the touch screen display.

77. The video game system of claim 70, wherein the system is adapted to biophysical data to the user through the touch screen display.

78. A system according to claim 68, wherein:

the first hand-held communication device is adapted to attach to a modular extension piece.

79. A system according to claim 78, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a flexible coupling.

80. A system according to claim 78, wherein the first hand-held communication device is connected to the modular extension piece via a snap joint.