Spine tilt monitor with biofeedback

• US 20080319351A1
• Filed: 06/20/2008
• Published: 12/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Original Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Inventors: Pope, Malcolm H., Chow, Daniel Hung Kay
• Application Number:
  US12/213,492
• Publication Number:
  US 20080319351A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/594
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4561 Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature A61B5/1116 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for continually monitoring the spine of a user via device containing electromechanical transducer, processor, delay, transmitter, and a feedback component. Through the device and method of employing, the user will be able to learn and sustain a proper posture, thereby avoiding future back pain.

Claims

1. A spine monitoring device for monitoring the lumbar region and cervical region of the spine, comprising

an electromechanical transducer;

a signal processor;

a time switch;

a transmitter; and

a feedback means.

2. The spine monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said electromechanical transducer is a sensor selected from the group consisting of accelerometer, barometer, or a speedometer.

3. The spine monitoring device of claim 1, wherein said electromechanical transducer measures pressure, force, acceleration, or velocity.

4. The spine monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a communication means.

5. The spine monitoring device in claim 1, further comprising a memory storage.

6. The spine monitoring device in claim 1, wherein said delay is based on time, current flow, or energy capacitance.

7. The spine monitoring device in claim 1, wherein said feedback means is an audible device, a sensory device, or a visual device.

8. The spine monitoring device in claim 7, wherein said audible device is an alarm or buzzer.

9. The spine monitoring device in claim 7, wherein said sensory device is an electrostimulator.

10. The spine monitoring device in claim 7, wherein said visual device is a monitor.

11. The spine monitoring device in claim 1, wherein said device is mounted on a base that is body-mountable.