U.S. patent application number 13/097209 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-03 for sensor based exercise control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to RENNSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE. Invention is credited to Rachel Paige Arnott, William Joseph Devan, Joseph Thomas Kersch, Kwame Kutten, Eric H. Ledet, Kevin M. Morenski, Craig Allen Nelson, Christine G. Skrzypiec, Eric Craig Wyler.
Application Number | 20110269601 13/097209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44858680 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110269601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; Craig Allen ; et
al. |
November 3, 2011 |
SENSOR BASED EXERCISE CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method for exercising core muscles, particularly
the lumbar intrinsic musculature, including the multifidi. A system
is disclosed that includes: a first sensor for detecting upper body
exertions of a user engaged in an exercise; a second sensor for
detecting lower torso exertions for the user engaged in the
exercise; a third sensor for detecting lower extremity exertions
for the user engaged in the exercise; a control system for
processing sensor data from the first, second and third sensor,
said control system including: a user interface system for
communicating information with the user; a data collection system
for collecting sensor data; an analysis system for analyzing the
sensor data and determining if the user is performing the exercise
in a technically correct manner; and a feedback system for alerting
the user when the exercise is not being performed in the
technically correct manner.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Craig Allen;
(Scotia, NY) ; Ledet; Eric H.; (Guilderland,
NY) ; Devan; William Joseph; (Goffstown, NH) ;
Skrzypiec; Christine G.; (Staten Island, NY) ;
Kersch; Joseph Thomas; (Wilmington, DE) ; Arnott;
Rachel Paige; (Kings Park, NY) ; Wyler; Eric
Craig; (Cambridge, MA) ; Morenski; Kevin M.;
(Bedford, NH) ; Kutten; Kwame; (Montgomery
Village, MD) |
Assignee: |
RENNSSELAER POLYTECHNIC
INSTITUTE
Troy
NY
|
Family ID: |
44858680 |
Appl. No.: |
13/097209 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61329609 |
Apr 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/126 20130101;
A63F 2300/1012 20130101; G01S 5/02 20130101; A63B 2071/0627
20130101; A63F 2300/1056 20130101; G06F 3/011 20130101; A63B
2220/40 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63F 2300/1068 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63F 13/214 20140902; A63F 13/28 20140902;
A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 23/0222
20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A63B 2220/16 20130101; G01S 19/18
20130101; A47C 9/002 20130101; A47C 7/021 20130101; A63B 2024/0012
20130101; A63B 23/0238 20130101; A63B 2220/10 20130101; A63F 13/218
20140902; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 2225/15 20130101; A63F
2300/308 20130101; A63B 2220/836 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2225/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A system for exercising core muscles, comprising: a first sensor
for detecting an upper body exertion of a user engaged in an
exercise; a second sensor for detecting a lower torso exertion of
the user engaged in the exercise; and a control system for
processing sensor data from the first and second sensor, said
control system including: a user interface system for communicating
information with the user; a data collection system for collecting
sensor data; an analysis system for analyzing the sensor data and
determining if the user is performing the exercise in a technically
correct manner; and a feedback system for alerting the user in
response to the exercise not being performed in the technically
correct manner.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third sensor for
detecting a lower extremity exertion of the user engaged in the
exercise, wherein the control system processes sensor data from the
third sensor.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the lower extremity exertion
includes at least one of a movement and an exerted pressure from at
least one of a foot, a leg, and a thigh.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper body exertion includes
at least one of a movement and an exerted pressure from at least
one of a torso and a shoulder.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower torso exertion includes
at least one of a pelvic movement and an exerted pressure.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second sensors are
integrated into a seat or a cushion adapted to be placed on a
seat.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second sensor comprises a
sensor board and a passive cushion adapted for placement onto the
sensor board.
8. A method for exercising core muscles, comprising: providing a
user interface system for communicating information with a user
engaged in an exercise; collecting data from a first sensor adapted
to detect an upper body exertion of the user engaged in the
exercise; collecting data from a second sensor adapted to detect a
lower torso exertion of the user engaged in the exercise; analyzing
the data from the first and second sensor to determine whether the
user is performing the exercise in a technically correct manner;
and alerting the user in response to the exercise not being
performed in the technically correct manner.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: collecting data from
a third sensor adapted to detect a lower extremity exertion of the
user engaged in the exercise; analyzing the data from the third
sensor to determine whether the user is performing the exercise in
the technically correct manner.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lower extremity exertion
includes at least one of a movement and an exerted pressure from at
least one of a foot, a leg and a thigh.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the upper body exertion includes
at least one of a movement and an exerted pressure from at least
one of a torso and a shoulder.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the lower torso exertion
includes at least one of a movement and an exerted pressure.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the user interface includes at
least one of an audio, video and tactile interface.
14. A program product stored on a tangible computer readable
medium, which when executed by a computer system, facilitates
exercising of core muscles, comprising: program code for providing
a user interface system for communicating information with a user
engaged in an exercise; program code for collecting data from a
first sensor adapted to detect an upper body exertion of the user
engaged in the exercise; program code for collecting data from a
second sensor adapted to detect a lower torso exertion of the user
engaged in the exercise; program code for analyzing the data from
the first and second sensor to determine whether the user is
performing the exercise in a technically correct manner; and
program code for providing feedback to the user regarding the
exercise not being performed in the technically correct manner.
15. The program product of claim 14, further comprising: program
code for collecting data from a third sensor adapted to detect a
lower extremity exertion of the user engaged in the exercise; and
program code for analyzing the data from the third sensor.
16. The program product of claim 15, wherein the lower extremity
exertion includes at least one of a movement and an exerted
pressure from at least one of a foot, a leg and a thigh.
17. The program product of claim 14, wherein the upper body
exertion includes at least one of a movement and an exerted
pressure from at least one of a torso and a shoulder.
18. The program product of claim 14, wherein the lower torso
exertion includes at least one of a movement and an exerted
pressure.
19. The program product of claim 14, wherein the user interface
includes at least one of an audio, video and tactile interface.
20. A sensor system, comprising: a sensor board adapted to detect
exertions at different areas on a surface of the sensor board and
communicate the exertions to an analysis system; and a passive
cushion adapted to be removably placed on the sensor board to
provide a seat for a user; wherein lower torso movements by the
user seated on the passive cushion result in detected exertions by
the sensor board that are indicative of the user performing an
exercise in a prescribed manner.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for
facilitating proper exercise techniques and more particularly to a
sensor based feedback system and method for facilitating pelvic and
spine exercise techniques to strengthen core muscles, namely the
lumbar intrinsic musculature and abdominal muscles.
[0002] Lower back pain is a chronic medical problem in today's
society, and the yearly cost can reach as high as $600 billion per
year. The economic impact of lower back pain can be subdivided into
direct and indirect costs; indirect costs primarily relate to
employment and household productivity, while the direct costs
involve physician services, medical devices, medications, hospital
services, and diagnostic testing. An estimated 8 out of 10
Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back
pain lasting longer than two weeks occurs in 16% of the population
between the ages of 24 and 75, as reported by The National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey II. The ramifications of this pain
contribute to 149 million lost workdays in the United States
annually, with an estimated cost of $1,230 per male worker and $773
per female worker. The net effect of these lost workdays translates
to a loss of approximately $28 billion per year in the United
States, and .English Pound.1.6 billion in the United Kingdom.
[0003] Presently, many solutions exist to purportedly reduce lower
back pain, including both established medical therapies and
alternative therapeutic treatments. Standard medical treatments for
acute low back pain include analgesic and anti-inflammatory
treatments, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, heat and cold therapy,
and various back exercises and stretches to relieve the stress on
the lower back. Chronic lower back pain is more heavily contended,
with a wide range of available solutions.
[0004] Physical therapy and chiropractic approaches utilize a broad
range of exercises to strengthen portions of the lower back and
additionally to increase flexibility. The currently espoused belief
is that these exercises would decrease the deleterious effects of
lower back pain. In all of the aforementioned approaches, the
muscles strengthened and stretched are user-specific and dependent
upon the nature of the injury, including cause, symptoms, and pain
location. Surgery can only be applied to specific situations and is
generally reserved for the most severe cases, such as
osteomyelitis, spinal fractures, nerve compressions, stenosis,
severe disc degeneration, and disc herniations. In addition to
general approaches, specific devices have been developed to
facilitate lower back exercises.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention provides a system, method and program
product for facilitating exercise techniques to strengthen core
muscles, namely intrinsic muscles of the spine including the lumbar
multifidi. A sensor based exercise system and method is disclosed
to, among other things: (a) provide sufferers of low back pain with
a simple, enjoyable, video game-like interface that provides them
with real-time in-home guidance on the proper techniques for
exercises that strengthen core muscles and ultimately reduce low
back pain; and (b) provide a system to workers in occupations
involving prolonged sitting that prompts and guides them when to
take short breaks from working and perform core muscle
strengthening exercises and do them properly. The system will
reduce employee low back pain, employer liability and lost work
time.
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is a system for exercising core muscles, comprising: a first sensor
for detecting an upper body exertion of a user engaged in an
exercise; a second sensor for detecting a lower torso exertion of
the user engaged in the exercise; and a control system for
processing sensor data from the first and second sensor, said
control system including: a user interface system for communicating
information with the user; a data collection system for collecting
sensor data; an analysis system for analyzing the sensor data and
determining if the user is performing the exercise in a technically
correct manner; and a feedback system for alerting the user in
response to the exercise not being performed in the technically
correct manner.
[0007] According to a second embodiment of the present invention,
there is a method for exercising core muscles, comprising:
providing a user interface system for communicating information
with a user engaged in an exercise; collecting data from a first
sensor adapted to detect an upper body exertion of the user engaged
in the exercise; collecting data from a second sensor adapted to
detect a lower torso exertion of the user engaged in the exercise;
analyzing the data from the first and second sensor to determine
whether the user is performing the exercise in a technically
correct manner; and alerting the user in response to the exercise
not being performed in the technically correct manner.
[0008] According to a third embodiment of the present invention,
program product stored on a tangible computer readable medium,
which when executed by a computer system, facilitates exercising of
core muscles, comprising: program code for providing a user
interface system for communicating information with a user engaged
in an exercise; program code for collecting data from a first
sensor adapted to detect an upper body exertion of the user engaged
in the exercise; program code for collecting data from a second
sensor adapted to detect a lower torso exertion of the user engaged
in the exercise; program code for analyzing the data from the first
and second sensor to determine whether the user is performing the
exercise in a technically correct manner; and program code for
providing feedback to the user regarding the exercise not being
performed in the technically correct manner.
[0009] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,
there is a sensor system, comprising: a sensor board adapted to
detect exertions at different areas on a surface of the sensor
board and communicate the exertions to an analysis system; and a
passive cushion adapted to be removably placed on the sensor board
to provide a seat for a user; wherein lower torso movements by the
user seated on the passive cushion result in detected exertions by
the sensor board that are indicative of the user performing an
exercise in a prescribed manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features of this invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description of the
various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a sensor based exercise system in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts a sensor that the users sits on in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B depicts a lower extremity sensor in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a feedback interface in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a feedback interface in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram showing a method of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a sensor that the user sits on in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] The drawings are merely schematic representations, not
intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The
drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the
invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the
scope of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbering
represents like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0019] The present invention provides a sensor based feedback
system and method for addressing lower back pain by isolating and
strengthening core musculature, including "intrinsic" muscles in
the lower back, such as the lumbar multifidi. The invention is
based on the theory that lower back pain is often the result of
dysfunctional lumbar multifidi, which in turn causes the user to
compensate by using other "extrinsic" muscle groups. That is,
dysfunction of the intrinsic musculature, which normally stabilizes
the lumbar spine, forces the prime movers or locomotive muscles to
become reflexively hypertonic to compensate. The most commonly
noted compensatory musculature in lumbo-pelvic derangement includes
the hamstring, piriformis, erector spinae, psoas, and quadratus
lumborum. Damage or misuse of the multifidi leads to compensation
by the muscles previously mentioned, and may cause abnormal motion
(or alignment) of the spine. Abnormal motion or alignment of the
spine has been shown to be a cause of chronic lower back pain.
Lumbar exercises have been shown to be effective for treating
chronic low back pain. Note that for the purposes of this
disclosure, the term core muscles may refer to, e.g., spinal,
abdominal, and pelvic muscles.
[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there are
three primary exercises (referred to herein as core, pelvic or
lumbar multifidi exercises) that are used to strengthen the core
and alleviate lower back pain.
[0021] I. The anterior/posterior pelvic tilt involves front-to-back
movement of the lumbar spine and pelvis.
[0022] II. The side-to-side pelvic tilt is similar, but uses a
lateral sway.
[0023] III. The "pelvic circles" exercise describes a clockwise and
counterclockwise circular movement of the pelvis.
[0024] For those with compromised intrinsic muscles, these core
exercises initially can be difficult to perform properly and often
there is compensation by other muscles, reducing the effectiveness
of the exercises. Compensation by incorrect muscles is verified by
cues such as raising the shoulders unilaterally or bilaterally,
flexion or extension of the torso, and/or movement of the lower
extremities, e.g., lifting the heels or pushing down with the feet
while seated on an unstable surface or seat (such as a large ball
or cushion).
[0025] The present invention utilizes a sensor based feedback
system to assist users, e.g., with visual and audio clues, to
properly perform above noted core exercises. Without such feedback,
users would typically have a hard time isolating the correct
muscles to move. With time however, the final result is the
correction of the poor motor patterns and amelioration of the lower
back pain with the user having the ability to discern proper
lumbo-pelvic movements from improper movement. Ultimately, the user
is empowered to erase or decrease fear avoidance behavior and
regain confidence in their lower back movements.
Illustrative Embodiments
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an
illustrative sensor-based core exercise system 11 for providing
sensor based feedback and guidance to a user 40 performing any one
of the three core exercises noted above. This embodiment utilizes
three systems of sensors 34, 36, and 38, to collect data from the
user 40 that is analyzed by computer system 10 to ensure that the
exercises are being done correctly. For the purposes of this
disclosure, the term sensor or sensor system refers to any device
or mechanism that can detect an exertion from a user. An exertion
may include any type of movement, pressure change, or applied force
from a body part of the user 40. Note that FIG. 1 describes an
embodiment with three sensor systems 34, 36, and 38 for collecting
readings from three areas, upper body, lower torso, and lower
extremity. However, it is understood that the invention may be
implemented less than three sensor systems, i.e., an embodiment
with just one or two sensor systems may be utilized.
[0027] Each of the three core exercises are performed with the user
seated, in this case on a chair 42. While seated, the user must
typically remain in a relatively upright and neutral position. From
the position, the user 40 is instructed by computer system 10 to
perform: anterior/posterior pelvic tilts, involves front-to-back
movements of the lumbar spine and pelvis; side-to-side pelvic
tilts, using a lateral sway; and/or "pelvic circles" using a
circular movement of the pelvis. As noted, pelvic tilt exercises
initially can be difficult to perform properly and often there is
compensation by other muscles, reducing the effectiveness of the
exercises.
[0028] By analyzing data from the three sensors 34, 36, 38, a
determination is made whether the user is performing the exercise
in a technically correct manner. In this embodiment, sensor 34 is
affixed to the user's upper body, e.g., torso or shoulders and
measures or detects upper body exertions, e.g., forward-back,
side-to-side, and up-down motions; sensor 36 comprises a seat that
the user 40 sits on and detects the user's lower torso (e.g.,
pelvic, spine, abdomen, etc.) exertions relative to a central
neutral position; and sensor 38 comprises a foot rest and detects a
lower extremity exertion, e.g., foot pressure, force or motion.
Sensors 39a, 39b, 39c depict alternative sensor
locations/embodiments for measuring lower extremity exertion.
Sensor 39a is shown attached to the user's thigh, sensor 39b is
shown attached to the user's shin, and sensor 39c is shown on top
of the user's foot. As is evident, the particular location for
detecting lower extremity exertion can vary, and any location that
is suitable for detecting exertion may be utilized.
[0029] During the performance of the core exercises, there should
be little or no upper body motion (as monitored by sensor 34), and
no lower extremity exertion (as monitored by sensor 38). The lower
torso region of the user, as monitored by sensor 36, should exhibit
a specific range of motion depending on the exercise. For instance,
while performing anterior/posterior pelvic tilts, there should be
an exertion (i.e., pressure, force or motion) change detected in
the forward/rear directions, but none in the side-to-side
directions.
[0030] In this example, a video interface device 32 is provided to
interface with, guide and provide feedback to the user performing
the exercises. Although not shown, other devices could similarly be
utilized to interface with the user, e.g., keyboard, remote control
device, TV, audio, holography, smart phone, tablet, GPS, etc. As
the user performs the exercises, sensor data from the three sensors
is transmitted via a data interface 30 into computer system 10.
Data may be transmitted in any manner (wired, wireless, Bluetooth,
etc.). Computer system 10 collects and analyzes the sensor data and
determines if the user 40 is performing a core exercise correctly.
If the user 40 is utilizing incorrect technique, feedback is
provided to the user 40 to change/correct the technique.
[0031] Computer system 10 includes a core exercise control system
18, which may for example be implemented as a computer program
product stored in memory 16 and executable by processor 12. Core
exercise control system 18 generally includes: (1) a user interface
system 20 that generally provides a suite of interface modes for
user 40 including, e.g., a sign-in mode, a set-up mode, a
calibration mode, a user training mode, an exercise mode, etc.; (2)
a data collection system 22 for collecting sensor data streamed in
from data interface 30; (3) an analysis system 24 for analyzing the
sensor data; and (4) a feedback system 26 for providing information
back to the user 40 regarding the performance of the exercise by
the user. Computer system 10 may also include a database 28 that
may for instance include user specific data (e.g., past exercise
regimens, calibration data, interface settings, etc.) and may store
data for multiple users.
[0032] As noted, in order to assess whether the user's technique is
correct, the three sensors 34, 36, 38 are adapted to collect data
about (1) upper body exertion, (2) lower torso exertion, and (3)
lower extremity exertion. Sensors 34, 36, 38 may be implemented
using any type of sensing devices, and various examples are
discussed herein.
[0033] In one illustrative embodiment, upper body sensor 34 is
implemented with an accelerometer device (such as a Wii remote)
strapped to the user's torso. The accelerometer detects roll and
pitch of the shoulders and torso to ensure the shoulders are
properly positioned. It is understood however, that any device for
detecting upper body movement could be utilized.
[0034] Lower torso sensor 36 generally comprises a seat that senses
exertion, e.g., pressure force or motion, over different points on
the surface of the seat. In one embodiment, the distribution of
pressure among the sensors monitors the user's center of gravity
and movement of the pelvis while the user performs the core
exercises. When the exercises are being performed properly, the
pressure distribution should follow a consistent pattern. An
aberrant change in exertion indicates that the user is improperly
compensating during the exercises.
[0035] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and B,
lower torso sensor 36 comprises a cushioned disc 53 with a
plurality of air bladders 55, each having a sensor for monitoring
its internal air pressure (or force or motion). When the user
moves, air pressure (or force or motion) changes are detected and
converted to electrical signals. Note that the bladders 55 could be
filled with any type of fluid, (i.e., liquid or gas).
[0036] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an alternative embodiment of a Lower
torso sensor system 60. Lower torso sensor system 60 includes a
sensor board 62 and a passive cushion 64 that rests on top of the
sensor board 62. Sensor board 62 generally comprises a rigid
platform that can sense exertions at different points on a surface
68. An example of such a device is a Wii Fit Board.RTM.. Also
included is a mechanism 68 that communicates sensor readings e.g.,
via Bluetooth, infrared, etc., to an analysis system, e.g., a Wii
console. Passive cushion 64 generally comprises a pliable (e.g.,
rubber, plastic, etc.) material that can be placed onto the surface
68 of the sensor board 62. The lower torso sensor system 60 as
shown in FIG. 7B can be placed on, e.g., on a chair, with the user
seated on the passive cushion 64. As the user performs pelvic
exercises, the sensor board 62 detects exertions at different
points on the sensor board 62 and communicates that data for
analysis.
[0037] As noted the lower extremity sensor 38 monitors exertions of
the lower extremity, e.g., lifting or pressing of the feet, thighs
or legs during performance of the exercises. An illustrative unit
such as that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be comprised of contact
sensors 57 for each foot that detect when exertions under the feet
is reduced below or exceeds a preset threshold. As noted, detecting
exertions may include detecting force, pressure or motion. There
should be little or no movement of the feet when the exercises are
performed properly. A detection of lower extremity movement
indicates that the user is improperly compensating during the
exercises. In an alternative embodiment, a accelerometer, such as a
Wii controller, could be affixed to the user's leg, such as that
shown by reference numbers 39a-c in FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative interface for providing
feedback to the user. A bar 50 is utilized to depict the position
of the upper body and a grid 52 is utilized to show a pressure
point of the pelvis. FIG. 5 depicts an animated feedback interface
in which an avatar of the user is shown performing the exercises.
Obviously, FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a few interface examples, and any
type, design, layout, device, etc., may be utilized to provide
feedback.
[0039] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of an illustrative methodology
for implementing a sensor based pelvic exercise regimen. First, at
S1, the user logs into (or otherwise activates) the exercise
control system 18 and places himself/herself in a ready position
with the sensors engaged. Next, the exercise regimen begins at S2.
The user may for instance be instructed and guided through an
exercise routine via a video interface. Sensor data is continuously
collected and transmitted to the control system 18 at S3. The
control system 18 then analyzes the data and determines if too much
upper body movement is detected at S4, if the pelvic motion is
outside expected movement thresholds at S5 and if a foot exertion
is detected at S6. If any of these conditions occur, the user is
notified via feedback at S7 (e.g., by a video alert, an audio
message, a tactile feedback such as a vibration, etc.). If not,
more sensor data is collected and the process repeats until the
exercise regimen ends.
Further Illustrative Embodiments
[0040] The system described above could also be integrated into the
seat of cars (such as taxi cabs), trucks, buses, airplanes, and
office or task chairs. In the case where the system was being used
by the operator of a vehicle, only the upper body and lower torso
sensors would be used. In such an embodiment, a small, portable,
handheld (or dashboard mounted) display could be used to provide
the user with a prompt as to when it is time to take a break and do
the exercises, as well as provide the user with the necessary
feedback while the user conducts the exercises (as described
above). The system can also record when and how often the user uses
the system and if they are compliant with the exercise regimen.
This will not only reduce the incidence of low back pain for a
worker, but also reduce liability for the employer.
[0041] For workers who spend time sitting in front of a computer, a
wireless connection (such as Bluetooth) could be made from the
chair to the computer to provide the user with the same type of
feedback as described above, but using the computer display rather
than a portable one.
[0042] Moreover, although generally described with reference to
exercises for strengthening the core, the system and method
described herein could be utilized for any exercise in which a user
is seated.
[0043] An illustrative list of embodiments and features are
outlined below: [0044] 1. Measurement of upper body, e.g.,
torso/shoulder, movement during exercise [0045] a. Measure change
in position via: [0046] i. Electromagnetic tracking device(s)
[0047] ii. Infrared tracking device(s) [0048] iii. Laser tracking
device(s) [0049] iv. One or more photo/image tracking device(s)
[0050] v. Inertial device(s) [0051] vi. GPS device(s) [0052] b.
Measure change in angle. [0053] i. Inclinometer(s) [0054] ii.
Accelerometer(s) [0055] iii. Electromagnetic tracking device(s)
[0056] iv. Infrared tracking device(s) [0057] v. Laser tracking
device(s) [0058] vi. One or more photo/image tracking device(s)
[0059] 2. Measurement of lower torso/pelvic movement during
exercise [0060] a. Measure change in pressure (or force or motion)
distribution [0061] i. Pressure transducer(s) in an air bladder(s)
under pelvis [0062] ii. Pressure transducer(s) in a fluid-filled
chamber(s) under pelvis [0063] iii. Flat array of pressure
transducers under pelvis [0064] iv. Array of contact switches under
pelvis [0065] b. Measure change in force distribution [0066] i.
Flat array of load cells under pelvis [0067] ii. Force sensing
resistor(s) under pelvis [0068] iii. Array of springs with
displacement sensors (F=kx) under pelvis [0069] iv. Array of
contact switches under pelvis [0070] c. Measure change in position
[0071] i. Electromagnetic tracking device(s) attached to pelvis
[0072] ii. Infrared tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0073]
iii. Laser tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0074] iv. One or
more photo/image tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0075] v.
Inertial device(s) attached to pelvis [0076] vi. GPS device(s)
attached to pelvis [0077] vii. Array of contact switches under
pelvis [0078] d. Measure change in angle. [0079] i. Inclinometer(s)
attached to pelvis [0080] ii. Accelerometer(s) attached to pelvis
[0081] iii. Electromagnetic tracking device(s) attached to pelvis
[0082] iv. Infrared tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0083] v.
Laser tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0084] vi. One or more
photo/image tracking device(s) attached to pelvis [0085] 3.
Measurement of lower extremity movement during exercise [0086] a.
Measure change in pressure (or force or motion) distribution [0087]
i. Pressure transducer(s) in an air bladder(s) under foot/feet
[0088] ii. Pressure transducer(s) in a fluid-filled chamber(s)
under foot/feet [0089] iii. Flat array of pressure transducers
under pelvis [0090] b. Measure change in force distribution [0091]
i. Flat array of load cells under pelvis [0092] ii. Force sensing
resistor(s) [0093] iii. Array of springs with displacement sensors
(F=kx) [0094] c. Measure change in position [0095] i.
Electromagnetic tracking device(s) [0096] ii. Infrared tracking
device(s) [0097] iii. Laser tracking device(s) [0098] iv. One or
more photo/image tracking device(s) [0099] v. Inertial device(s)
[0100] vi. GPS device(s) [0101] d. Measure change in angle. [0102]
i. Inclinometer(s) [0103] ii. Accelerometer(s) [0104] iii.
Electromagnetic tracking device(s) [0105] iv. Infrared tracking
device(s) [0106] v. Laser tracking device(s) [0107] vi. One or more
photo/image tracking device(s) [0108] 4. A central module for
processing the data. [0109] a. Computer [0110] b. Digital signal
processor [0111] c. Signal conditioning module [0112] d. Game
console [0113] 5. A device for providing feedback to the user.
[0114] a. Video [0115] i. Monitor(s) display
information/instructions for the user. [0116] ii. Television(s)
display information/instructions for the user. [0117] iii. A
computer screen(s) display information/instructions for the user.
[0118] iv. A smart phone or tablet that days
information/instructions for the user. [0119] b. Audio [0120] i.
Sound generating device (speakers) provides audible
information/instructions to the user. [0121] ii. Television
provides audible information/instructions to the user. [0122] iii.
A computer provides audible information/instructions to the user.
[0123] iv. Person audio system (i.e. iPod) provides audible
information/instructions to the user. [0124] v. A smart phone or
tablet that provides audible information/instructions for the user.
[0125] c. Tactile/haptic [0126] i. Vibration through the feet,
pelvis, or torso/shoulders gives user feedback. [0127] ii. Forces
through the feet, pelvis, or torso/shoulders gives user feedback.
[0128] 6. A chair, stool, seat, cushion, disk, ball, or bladder on
which a user sits. Said chair, stool, seat, cushion, disk, ball or
bladder is comprised of: [0129] a. A flat or curved surface on
which the user sits which incorporates pressure, motion or force
sensors. [0130] b. A combination of a sensor board and a cushion.
[0131] 7. A pad, mat, platform, stool, footrest, ottoman on which a
user places their feet or a device for detecting lower extremity
comprised of: [0132] a. A flat or curved surface on which the user
places their feet which incorporates anything described herein.
[0133] b. A motion detector affixed to the user's lower
extremity.
[0134] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of
the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or
computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present
invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an
entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident
software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and
hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a
"circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the
present invention may take the form of a computer program product
embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer
readable program code embodied thereon.
[0135] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s)
may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer
readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A
computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not
limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any
suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would
include the following: an electrical connection having one or more
wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access
memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), DVD-ROM,
Blu-Ray-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,
or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of
this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any
tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or
in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device.
[0136] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated
data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein,
for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a
propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including,
but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable
combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any
computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage
medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program
for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device.
[0137] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be
transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited
to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any
suitable combination of the foregoing.
[0138] Computer program code for carrying out operations for
aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination
of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented
programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and
conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C"
programming language or similar programming languages. The program
code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the
user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the
user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the
remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider).
[0139] Aspects of the present invention are described below with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program
instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or
blocks.
[0140] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other
programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture
including instructions which implement the function/act specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0141] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other
devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on
the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to
produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in
the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0142] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more
executable instructions for implementing the specified logical
function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of
the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or
the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,
depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted
that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart
illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams
and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special
purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions
or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0143] In addition, the core exercise control system 18 may be
implemented by a service provider over a network such as the
Internet/Web. In such an embodiment, a client-server infrastructure
could be implemented.
[0144] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0145] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *