Augmented kinematic feedback device and method
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- a biomechanical angle sensor positioned to substantially continuously sense a biomechanical angle of a user and having an output that corresponds to the biomechanical angle; and
an electronic signal device having;
an input coupled to the output of the biomechanical angle sensor; and
an output comprising a user-discernable audible signal, which audio signal substantially continuously uniquely corresponds in real-time to a substantially instantaneous output of the biomechanical angle sensor, such that the audible signal as discerned by the user will vary as the user'"'"'s biomechanical angle varies, wherein the output of the signal device further includes an audible periodic signal.
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Abstract
The biomechanical angle of a body joint 11 of a trainee during a given physical activity is continuously monitored and a corresponding audible tracking signal (31, 32, 33, 43, 42, 44) is provided, in real time, to the trainee. This audible tracking signal augments kinematic feedback to the trainee regarding the physical activity and thereby facilitates ease or rapidity of training. In various embodiments, multiple body joints can be monitored, sensitivity of the tracking signal with respect to biomechanical angle excursions can be modified, tracking signals can be recorded for later playback, and a metronome beat can be provided in conjunction with the tracking signal.
59 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a biomechanical angle sensor positioned to substantially continuously sense a biomechanical angle of a user and having an output that corresponds to the biomechanical angle; and an electronic signal device having; an input coupled to the output of the biomechanical angle sensor; and an output comprising a user-discernable audible signal, which audio signal substantially continuously uniquely corresponds in real-time to a substantially instantaneous output of the biomechanical angle sensor, such that the audible signal as discerned by the user will vary as the user'"'"'s biomechanical angle varies, wherein the output of the signal device further includes an audible periodic signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An apparatus for training body movements of a trainee in a highly individualized manner, the apparatus comprising:
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a piece of fabric material configured to be worn at a body joint of the trainee; a flex sensor carried in the fabric material so that with the fabric material worn at the body joint, the flex sensor will extend across the joint and will flex as the joint flexes; output signals generated by the flex sensor that correspond to different degrees of flexure of the joint; and circuitry in electrical communication with the sensor for receiving the output signals therefrom with the circuitry configured to generate audible tones that only vary based on the output signal received but not based on variation of the output signal from a preselected reference value that corresponds to a predetermined model or standard of performance of the trainee so as to generate recognizable tonal signatures each associated with distinct movements of the joint for providing the trainee enhanced sensory perception of their joint movements. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of motion training, the method comprising:
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sensing degrees of flexure of a predetermined body joint that flexes during a predetermined activity of a trainee; generating signals that are based on the degrees of joint flexure by the trainee without reference to a preselected reference value that corresponds to a predetermined joint angle of the trainee; generating audible tones based on the signals to create a recognizable tonal signature associated with flexing of the joint during the predetermined activity; and providing the audible tones in real-time to the trainee as the joint is being flexed to allow the trainee to attempt to replicate tonal signatures the trainee has identified as being associated with desired results from the predetermined activity. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of training an individual with respect to a physical activity that involves at least one body joint, comprising:
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while engaged in the physical activity; continuously monitoring a biomechanical angle that corresponds to the at least one body joint; providing a substantially contemporaneous audio signal to the individual, which audio signal has at least one user-discernable parameter that changes as a continuous function of changes to the biomechanical angle such that the audio signal tracks the biomechanical angle and thereby augments kinematic proprioceptive feedback to the individual regarding the physical activity without an indication from a change in the signals as to whether a particular body joint angle based on a predetermined model or standard of performance is desirable. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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17. A method of training an individual with respect to a physical activity that involves at least one body joint, comprising:
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while engaged in the physical activity; continuously monitoring a biomechanical angle that corresponds to the at least one body joint; providing a substantially contemporaneous audio signal to the individual, which audio signal has at least one user-discernable parameter that changes as a continuous function of changes to the biomechanical angle such that the audio signal tracks the biomechanical angle and thereby augments kinematic feedback to the individual regarding the physical activity; and providing a metronome audio signal to the individual contemporaneous with the audio signal.
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Specification