Method and apparatus for analysis of postural abnormalities

• US 5,080,109 A
• Filed: 02/15/1991
• Issued: 01/14/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph F. Arme Jr
• Original Assignee: Joseph F. Arme Jr
• Inventors: Arme, Joseph F. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US07/655,783
• Time in Patent Office: 333 Days
• Field of Search: 128/774, 128/781, 128/782, 33/511, 33/512, 33/515
• US Class Current: 600/595
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/103 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes A61B5/08 takes precedence; measuring aids for tailors A41H1/00; measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry A61C19/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1036 Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4561 Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature A61B5/1116 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick

Abstract

Method and apparatus for diagnosing posture abnormalities includes a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between the camera and the terminal so that the subject can view the terminal. A computer is employed to freeze a video image of the subject on said terminal so that an operator can obtain data regarding the relative positions of landmarks on said image using a light pen. The computer analyzes the landmark position data and generates a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject. The method and apparatus may also employ a weight scale on the subject platform for transmitting data to the computer regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject.

Claims

1. A method of body posture analysis comprising the steps of:

(a) creating a video image of that portion of the body to be analyzed utilizing a video camera and a video display terminal;

(b) causing the image to freeze in said display to present a still image of the said portion of the body;

(c) generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on said still image utilizing a light-sensitive pen and said video display; and

(d) analyzing the landmark position data and generating from that analysis a diagnosis of the postural abnormalities of said body.

2. A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, performed on a human subject and further comprising presentation of the video display for visual perception by the subject during generation of said landmark position data.

3. A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 2, further comprising generating data regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject, analyzing the weight distribution data and generating therefrom a diagnosis of posture abnormalities of the subject.

4. A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the generation of instructions to an operator for manipulation of the light pen.

5. A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a narrative presentation of the diagnosis.

6. Apparatus for analyzing the posture of a subject, said apparatus comprising a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between said camera and said display terminal, a computer connected to said camera and said display terminal, means for issuing instructions to said computer, one such instruction being to cause said display terminal to display a still image of the subject, a light-sensitive pen operated in conjunction with said display terminal and said computer for generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on the still image on said display terminal, said computer including means for analyzing said landmark position data and generating a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject.

7. The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a weight scale on said subject platform for transmitting data to said computer regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject.

8. The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means for presenting a narrative of the diagnosis generated by said computer.

9. The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 7, including means in said computer for generating a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject on the basis of data received from said weight scale.

10. The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means in said computer for generating commands for instructing an operator of the apparatus regarding the landmarks to be addressed with said light pen.