Apparatus for gathering biomechanical parameters

• US 5,954,674 A
• Filed: 10/13/1997
• Issued: 09/21/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kinek Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Kinex Iha Corporation
• Inventors: Fuhr, Arlan W.
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US08/949,271
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 600/587, 600/594, 600/595
• US Class Current: 600/594
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1114 Tracking parts of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1121 Determining geometric values, e.g. centre of rotation or angular range of movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1127 using markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6823 Trunk, e.g., chest, back, abdomen, hip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/702 Posture restraints

Abstract

A system for obtaining biomechanical data for the cervical spine of a subject is described. The system includes a display showing a figure representative of the subject. The figure may be displayed in substantially real time relative to the subject'"'"'s movement The figure may be viewed from a selected one of a plurality of views.

Claims

1. A system for obtaining biomechanical data for the cervical spine of a subject, comprising:

data collection apparatus operable to obtain biomechanical data for said subject while said subject moves in a predetermined manner;

a memory coupleable to said data collection apparatus, said memory recording said biomechanical data substantially simultaneously with said data being obtained;

a data processor operable to access said recorded biomechanical data to generate display data; and

a display unit operable by said processor to display a figure representative of said subject and responsive to said display data such that said displayed figure moves to mimic said subject movement.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said processor operates said display unit to display said figure selectively in at least one of a plurality of views of said figure.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

said plurality of views include at least two of a right side view , a left side view, a front view, a back view and a top view.

4. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein:

said display unit is operable to display a selected one of said views of said figure movement simultaneous with said subject movement.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said displayed figure movement mimics said subject movement substantially concurrent with said subject movement.

6. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein:

said processor operates said display to display simultaneous with said figure a graphical plot of said subject movement.

7. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said processor operates said display to display simultaneous with said figure a graphical plot of said subject movement.

8. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said processor generates said figure as a skeletal figure of a cervical spine and a skull.

9. A system in accordance with claim 8, wherein:

said processor operates said display unit to display said figure selectively in at least one of a plurality of views of said figure.

10. A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein:

said plurality of views include at least two of a right side view, a left side view, a front view, a back view and a top view.

11. A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein:

said display unit is operable to display a selected one of said views of said figure movement simultaneous with said subject movement.