Biofeedback system for monitoring the motion of body joint

• US 6,119,516 A
• Filed: 05/22/1998
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Advantedge Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Advantedge Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Hock, Allan G.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOORI, MAX H
• Application Number:
  US09/084,440
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 73/379.01, 73/379.08, 73/379.09, 600/547, 600/587
• US Class Current: 73/379.01
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1121 Determining geometric values, e.g. centre of rotation or angular range of movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances

Abstract

A biofeedback system for self-monitoring of selected body motions includes configurable mounting appliances, compatible twist, stretch and flexure sensors, coded means for positioning and orienting sensors at any location of the body, and a small, self contained signal processing and feedback module. Multi-level instant audible feedback is employed to provide a quick learning environment. The motion sensors include low force, high compliance, long extension sensors.

Claims

1. A biofeedback system for sensing and signalling the occurrence and range of selectable twisting and bending body motions, comprising:

a body appliance, said appliance comprising at least two separate components, each said component having at least one anchor point, each said anchor point having a unique identifier code,

at least one gravity independent mechanically compliant motion sensor for sensing relative motion between selected said anchor points, at least two ends of said sensor attachable to respective anchor points on each of a selected two said components, said sensor comprising a compliant spring member mounted in tension with a measurable electrical output signal that varies with said tension and electrical leads by which said signal is measured, and

means for monitoring said signal and generating therefrom as said feedback a limited set of tones of stepped audio frequency, each successive said tone representing an incrementally greater amount of said signal.

2. The biofeedback system of claim 1, said sensor comprising a piezoelectric element, said signal comprising a voltage signal.

3. The biofeedback system of claim 1, said sensor comprising an impedance, said signal comprising a system source of signal voltage in combination with said sensor.

4. The biofeedback system of claim 1, said body appliance comprising a collar and a waist belt, each having at least one said anchor point.

5. The biofeedback system of claim 3, said sensor comprising a half oval shaped structure and a strain gage, the ends of said half oval shaped structure being attached to in elastic base member, said strain gage being bonded to said half oval shaped structure.

6. The biofeedback system of claim 3, said sensor comprising a deformable core member contained in a pliable loop structure having opposing end tabs configured to be in tension, said impedance comprising at least one strain gage sensor bonded to said pliable loop structure.

7. The biofeedback system of claim 3, said sensor comprising a deformable core member contained in a pliable loop structure having at least two opposing sides subject to deforming under compression, said impedance comprising said core member fabricated with a distributed impedance quality proportionally affected by deformation of said core member, sail electrical leads connected to at least two opposing sides of said core member.

8. The biofeedback system of claim 4, further comprising a sensor means for detecting and resolving the relative degree of rotational motion as between selected said anchor points on said collar and said waist belt.

9. The biofeedback system of claim 4, further comprising an elongation motion static reset switch and cable sensor assembly connectable between selected said anchor points on said collar and said waist belt.

10. A biofeedback system for sensing and signalling the occurrence and range of twisting and bending body motions, comprising:

a body appliance, said appliance comprising at least a collar component and a waist belt components, each said component having multiple distributed anchor points, each said anchor point having a unique identifier code,

at least two gravity independent mechanically compliant motion sensors for sensing relative motion between selected said anchor points, two ends of each said sensor attachable to selected anchor points on each of a selected two said components, each said sensor comprising a measurable electrical signal that varies with said relative motion and electrical leads by which said signal is measured, and

means for monitoring said signals and generating therefrom as aid feedback a limited set of tones of stepped audio frequency, each successive said tone representing an incrementally greater amount of a pre-selected combination of said signals.

11. The biofeedback system of claim 10, at least one said sensor comprising a piezoelectric element, said signal comprising a voltage signal.

12. The biofeedback system of claim 10, at least one said sensor comprising an impedance, said signal comprising a system source of signal voltage in combination with said sensor.

13. The biofeedback system of claim 10, one said sensor comprising means for detecting and resolving the relative degree of rotational motion as between said selected anchor points.

14. The biofeedback system of claim 10, one said sensor comprising an elongation motion static reset switch and cable assembly connectable between said selected anchor points.