U.S. patent application number 14/599971 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for electronic splint.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sandeep Patil, Sushmita Roy. Invention is credited to Sandeep Patil, Sushmita Roy.
Application Number | 20160022174 14/599971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54939010 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160022174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patil; Sandeep ; et
al. |
January 28, 2016 |
ELECTRONIC SPLINT
Abstract
A monitoring device mounted to a user can be used to estimate a
position or orientation of a body portion of the user, such as a
joint or jointed portion of the user. Radiation can be emitted
toward the body portion and a reflection of this radiation can be
received. The reflected radiation can then be used to estimate a
position of the body portion of the user.
Inventors: |
Patil; Sandeep; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Roy; Sushmita; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Patil; Sandeep
Roy; Sushmita |
Menlo Park
Sunnyvale |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54939010 |
Appl. No.: |
14/599971 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62027678 |
Jul 22, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/473 ;
600/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/1121 20130101;
A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61B
5/1126 20130101; A61B 5/486 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/11 20060101
A61B005/11; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A monitoring device for monitoring a wrist of a user, the
monitoring device comprising: a wrist strap configured to mount to
a user's wrist, the wrist strap comprising a display positioned on
a dorsal side of the user's wrist when the monitoring device is
worn by the user; a main body attached to the wrist strap, the main
body comprising: an emitter positioned to emit radiation through
air toward a dorsal surface of the user's wrist when the monitoring
device is worn by the user and the display is positioned on the
dorsal side of the user's wrist; a sensor positioned to receive the
radiation emitted by the emitter and primarily reflected by the
dorsal surface of the user's wrist at least when the user's wrist
is in extension and the monitoring device is worn by the user, and
to output a signal in response to the received radiation reflected
by the dorsal surface; a feedback module configured to provide
immediate feedback to a user; and an integrated circuit configured
to receive said signal and to control the feedback module to
provide immediate feedback when the user's wrist enters an
undesirable wrist position with respect to Carpal tunnel syndrome
for a predetermined extended period of time, according to a degree
of extension of the user's wrist as indicated by the signal.
2. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a second
emitter configured to emit radiation toward a dorsal surface of the
user's wrist, the sensor also being configured to receive the
radiation emitted by the second emitter and reflected by the dorsal
surface of the user's wrist.
3. The monitoring device of claim 2, wherein the two emitters and
sensor are substantially focused on the wrist of a user when worn
by the user.
4. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the feedback module
comprises one or more visual feedback modules configured to
indicate to the user when the user's wrist enters an undesirable
wrist extension with respect to Carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the monitoring device
further comprises a data storage module configured to store data
indicative of the degree of extension of the user's wrist over an
extended period of time.
6. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the monitoring device
also comprises a watch, the watch comprising a watch face on the
dorsal side when worn by a user.
7. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the emitter emits
infrared radiation.
8. A method of preventing and/or treating wrist and hand injury,
the method comprising: emitting radiation through air toward a
dorsal surface of a wrist of a user; receiving radiation primarily
reflected from the dorsal surface of the wrist of the user;
estimating a degree of extension of the wrist according to the
intensity of the reflected radiation received from the dorsal
surface of the wrist of the user; and providing feedback to the
user when the wrist is in an undesirable wrist extension with
respect to Carpal tunnel syndrome for at least a predetermined
extended period of time, according to the estimated degree of
extension.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the emitted radiation is infrared
radiation.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising estimating an angle
of extension of the wrist.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising indicating to the
user when the wrist is in undesirable wrist extension with respect
to Carpal tunnel syndrome.
12. (canceled)
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising calibrating the
estimated degree of extension of the wrist by receiving radiation
reflected from the wrist of the user as the user moves the wrist
through a predetermined range of motion over a short time
period.
14. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting data
indicative of the estimated degree of extension to an auxiliary
device.
15. The method of claim 8 further comprising transmitting data,
indicative of a duration of undesirable extension with respect to
Carpal tunnel syndrome, to an auxiliary device.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The application relates to wearable electronic monitoring
devices such as electronic splints and braces.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Injuries related to repetitive or continuous
musculo-skeletal movements and positioning have taken on a growing
level of significance in recent years. Excessive computer (keyboard
and mouse) and smartphone use has become more frequent and
widespread and this together with poor wrist mechanics may
contribute to conditions such as Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
[0005] Current treatments for these injuries include
anti-inflammatory drugs which treat the symptoms instead of the
underlying problems. Exercises to treat or prevent these injuries
can be helpful, but require additional effort and can be limited in
their effects. Physical braces and splints can prevent the
movements and positions that cause these injuries and can prevent
further injuries, but they also restrict movement, do not teach
better wrist mechanics, and are not always aesthetically pleasing.
Thus, there is a need for improved methods for preventing and
treating these injuries.
[0006] Further, there is a need for improved methods for
monitoring, correcting, or measuring musculo-skeletal movements. In
addition to injury concerns, the position of various joints may be
relevant to athletic performance or other goals. Thus, devices that
are substantially non-intrusive are desired.
[0007] The methods and apparatuses described herein can be directed
toward one or more of these goals, or other goals that will be
apparent from the description herein.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one embodiment, a monitoring device for monitoring a
wrist of a user includes a wrist strap and a main body. The wrist
strap can be configured to mount to a user's wrist. The main body
can be attached to the wrist strap and can include an emitter,
sensor, feedback module, and processing module. The emitter can be
configured to emit radiation toward a dorsal side of the user's
wrist when the monitoring device is worn by the user. The sensor
can be configured to receive the radiation emitted by the emitter
and reflected by the user's wrist at least when the user's wrist is
in extension, and to output a signal in response to said received
radiation. The feedback module can be configured to provide
immediate feedback to a user. The processing module can be
configured to receive said signal and to control the feedback
module to provide immediate feedback according to a degree of
extension of the user's wrist as indicated by the signal.
[0009] In a further embodiment, a method of preventing and/or
treating wrist and hand injury can be provided. Radiation can be
emitted toward a wrist of a user, and reflected radiation can be
received from the wrist of the user. A degree of extension of the
wrist can be estimated according to the intensity of the reflected
radiation received from the wrist of the user. Feedback can then be
provided according to the estimated degree of extension.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a monitoring device for monitoring
a body portion of a user can include a mounting element, an
emitter, a sensor, a feedback module, and a processing module. The
mounting element can be configured to allow the monitoring device
to be mounted to a user. The emitter can be attached to the
mounting element and configured to emit radiation toward a body
portion of the user. The sensor can be attached to the mounting
element and configured to receive radiation emitted from the
emitter toward the body portion and reflected by the body portion
toward the sensor, and to output a signal in response to said
received radiation. The feedback module can be configured to
provide feedback to a user. The processing module can be configured
to receive the signal from the sensor and to instruct the feedback
module to provide feedback to the user indicative of a position of
the body portion as indicated by the signal from the sensor.
[0011] In a further embodiment, a method of monitoring a body
portion of a user and providing feedback to the user can be
provided. Radiation can be emitted toward a body portion of a user,
and radiation reflected from the body portion of the user can be
received. A position of the body portion relative to another body
portion of the user can be estimated according to the reflected
radiation received. Feedback can then be provided to the user
according to the estimated position of the body portion of the
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Further objects, features and advantages will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative
embodiments, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a monitoring device
embodiment in the form of a watch.
[0014] FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the monitoring device of FIG.
1A.
[0015] FIG. 1C depicts a top view of the monitoring device of FIG.
1A.
[0016] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a monitoring device
embodiment in the form of a fitness band.
[0017] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the monitoring device of FIG.
2A.
[0018] FIG. 2C depicts a top view of the monitoring device of FIG.
2A.
[0019] FIG. 3A depicts the monitoring device of FIG. 1A being worn
by a user in a dorsal position, with a joint in a neutral
position.
[0020] FIG. 3B depicts the monitoring device of FIG. 1A being worn
by a user in a dorsal position, with a joint in a
moderately-strained position.
[0021] FIG. 3C depicts the monitoring device of FIG. 1A being worn
by a user in a dorsal position, with a joint in an
extremely-strained position.
[0022] FIG. 4 depicts the monitoring device of FIG. 2A being worn
by a user in a palmar position, with a joint in a
moderately-strained position.
[0023] FIG. 5A depicts a monitoring device embodiment mounted to a
user with a thumb in a bent position.
[0024] FIG. 5B depicts the monitoring device embodiment of FIG. 6A
mounted to a user with a thumb in a neutral position.
[0025] FIG. 6A depicts a monitoring device embodiment mounted to a
user with a wrist in a rolled position.
[0026] FIG. 6B depicts the monitoring device embodiment of FIG. 6A
mounted to a user with a wrist in a neutral position.
[0027] FIG. 7 depicts a monitoring device embodiment with multiple
emitter and sensor pairs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] As described herein, a variety of devices can be used to
measure the physical position of a jointed portion of a user. For
example, the physical position of a user's wrist can be measured
using a distance-measuring system using infrared energy. The
infrared system can include an emitter and a sensor located such
that infrared energy can be emitted toward a body portion of a
user, and the reflected energy (specularly reflected,
back-scattered, or other types) can be received by the sensor. The
amount or intensity of reflected energy received by the sensor can
indicate a distance from the emitter to the body portion and back
to the sensor. This distance can then be used to estimate body
positions such as an angle of a jointed limb or body extremity, as
the angle of the joint will affect a distance between two portions
of a user's body. Numerous variations on this principle of
measurement are possible.
[0029] For example, in some embodiments, other forms of energy can
be used. Electromagnetic radiation can be used outside the infrared
spectrum, such as visible light, UV radiation, microwave radiation,
and X-ray radiation. In other embodiments non-electromagnetic
radiation can be used, such as sound waves using ultrasound sensors
and measured electrical characteristics using capacitive sensors,
to estimate a distance between points on a user's body.
[0030] In further embodiments, distance can be measured without
purposefully emitting radiation. For example, using ambient light,
an imaging device can recognize a portion of the user's body and
estimate its position or distance based on characteristics such as
its position, size, orientation, or other characteristics derived
from a captured image. In other embodiments, the distance can be
estimated based on infrared radiation naturally emitted from a
user's body based on body heat, with higher intensities being
associated with, for example, a smaller distance from the body
portion. In such embodiments, a temperature sensor might also be
included to measure a user's body temperature, which can relate to
the intensity of infrared radiation emitted by the body.
[0031] In further embodiments, distance can be measured indirectly.
Alternatively, other characteristics about a user and/or a user's
body position can be measured using various sensors. For example,
accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, strain sensors, angular
encoders, linear encoders, and other position/force sensors can be
used to measure a user's body orientation relative to itself or
gravity. Further, in some embodiments sensors can measure
physiological characteristics such as blood pressure, heart rate,
blood oxygen concentration, or use myoelectric sensors to estimate
various characteristics about the user.
[0032] Although the embodiments described herein will focus on
measurements of distance using infrared sensors, other sensors can
optionally also be used instead of the described infrared sensors,
or in combination with such sensors. Thus, for example, the
infrared sensors described herein can be combined with a gyroscope
to measure a joint's angle with respect to itself (such as, in
flexion or extension) and also measure the joint's angle relative
to Earth's gravitational and/or magnetic fields (such as with an
accelerometer and/or magnetometer).
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1C depict an embodiment of a monitoring device 1A
in the form of a wrist watch. The wrist watch can include a strap
3A and a main body 5A, the strap 3A providing a mounting element
that is configured to allow the watch to be mounted to a user. In
other embodiments, other types of mounting elements can be used
such as a clip, ring (metal, elastic, fabric, or otherwise),
adhesive, article of clothing, or other means for attachment to a
user. Although not depicted, the watch 1A can include standard
watch features such as a latch for adjusting the size of the watch
and other features that may be desirable for wearing by a user.
[0034] The main body 5A of the watch 1A can include a display 7A
that can indicate information such as a time, but also additional
information related to the physical position of a portion of a
user, as further described herein. Within the main body 5A, the
watch 1A can include various electronic modules, further described
herein, for operating the monitoring elements of the watch 1A,
processing data received, communicating with a user or other
devices, and performing other desirable functions.
[0035] On an exterior portion of the main body 5A, an emitter 10A
and a sensor 20A (such as an infrared emitter and sensor) are
depicted. Both the emitter 10A and the sensor 20A can be
positioned, as shown, to be directed toward the same body portion
of a user, such as a dorsal side of the user's wrist/hand region.
More particularly, the emitter and sensor can be positioned to
measure wrist extension (upward or dorsal bending at the wrist).
However, in other embodiments they can be directed toward other
body portions of a user instead of or in addition to the dorsal
side of the user's wrist/hand region to measure wrist
extension.
[0036] The emitter 10A can be, for example, a laser, light emitting
diode, a laser diode, a collimated incandescent lamp or another
device capable of emitting radiation. The sensor 20A can be chosen
to match the emitter 10A. For example, where the emitter 10A emits
electromagnetic radiation such as infrared radiation, the sensor
20A can be a photosensor such as a photodiode. It could also be an
integrated sensing system that incorporates: multiple photodiodes,
an analog-to-digital converter, a signal processor, a plurality of
LED based emitter drivers and a digital control interface, in a
surface mountable miniature integrated circuit package, such as
Silicon Laboratory's Si114x series.
[0037] Many of the features and functionalities described herein
are not specific to a watch. Thus, in some embodiments a monitoring
device can be in the form of, for example, a wrist band 1B as
depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C. The band can include a strap 3B, main body
5B, emitter 10B, sensor 20B, and other features similar to the
wrist watch 1A, other than the watch-specific features. It will be
understood that corresponding reference numbers on either of the
watch 1A or band 1B can have similar characteristics. Thus, for
example, the strap 3A can be similar to the strap 3B, and further
variations on the strap 3A described herein (such as a clip, ring
(metal, elastic, fabric, or otherwise), adhesive, article of
clothing, or other means for attachment to a user) can also be
applied to the strap 3B. Similarly, references to, for example, a
"strap 3" can be understood to apply to either of straps 3A, 3B, or
other straps described herein.
[0038] FIGS. 1A and 2A schematically depict measurement of a user's
body position using the monitoring devices 1A, 1B. As shown, the
emitter 10 emits outgoing radiation 12 toward a monitored body
portion 9. The monitored body portion 9 can then reflect this
outgoing radiation 12 to create reflected incoming radiation 14
that is received by the sensor 20. Although the radiation emitted
by the emitter 10 and reflected by the sensor 20 is depicted as a
narrow beam, it will be understood that the radiation need not be
substantially narrow or spatially concentrated. For example, in
some embodiments the emitter can be directional, such as with a
laser or an LED with focusing optics. In other embodiments, the
emitter can be less directional, providing a broader cone of light
or other radiation dispersal pattern toward the monitored body
portion 9. In such embodiments, the cone of radiation can be
concentrated within an acute angle with its apex situated on the
emitter.
[0039] Similarly, the sensor 20 can optionally be configured to
receive radiation from a broad range of directions, or from only a
specific direction. The angular span of the sensor 20 can be
limited, for example, with optics or other features. Generally, the
emitter 10 and sensor 20 can be configured such that a substantial
portion of the radiation from the emitter 10 can be reflected by
the monitored body portion 9 (at least when in a position to be
detected) and a substantial portion of that reflected radiation can
be detected by the sensor 20, such that the position of the body
portion can be determined. As discussed above, this position can be
determined by the amount or intensity of reflected radiation
received by the sensor 20, but other mechanisms can also be
used.
[0040] Further, in some embodiments multiple emitters 10A can be
paired with a single sensor. The two emitters 10A can be offset
from each other by a certain distance and each provide cone-shaped
emitted radiation. The emitters 10A can be configured such that
their cone-shaped radiation patterns overlap in a region of
interest of body portion 9, such that the radiation reflected from
that region can be particularly high. In this way, the emitters 10A
and sensor 20A can selectively focus on the region of interest of
body portion 9, resulting in a significantly stronger response from
that region relative to others.
[0041] FIGS. 3A-3C depict this concept in the context of the wrist
watch monitoring device 1A, measuring wrist extension. The
monitoring device 1A is worn in a posterior or dorsal position,
with the emitter 10A and sensor 20A oriented toward the monitored
body portion 9A (the wrist). As shown, the emitter 10A can emit
outgoing radiation 12A toward the wrist 9A in a direction
substantially parallel with the forearm. In FIG. 3A, the wrist
joint is depicted in a neutral position. Thus, the outgoing
radiation 12A (in a direction parallel to the forearm) is not
reflected by the user's body and proceeds out to the ambient
environment. As a result, the sensor 20 does not receive reflected
radiation, and thus reports a low amount or intensity of reflected
radiation. However, as noted above, in some embodiments the emitter
10A can emit a broader cone of radiation, and this cone might be
broad enough to contact the user's body, even when in the position
depicted in FIG. 3A. Nevertheless, the amount of reflected
radiation received by the sensor 20A can be small in a way
sufficiently repeatable to be identified by the monitoring device
1A.
[0042] In FIG. 3B, the wrist 9A is in moderate extension. In this
position, as shown, the outgoing radiation 12A can contact the
user's hand and a resulting reflected radiation 14A can be received
by the sensor 20A. The intensity of radiation detected by the
sensor 20A can indicate a distance D between the emitter/sensor and
the body portion, and that distance can indicate an angle of
bending at the wrist. Thus, for example, a stronger intensity
measured by the sensor indicates a higher angle of wrist extension.
Because of the physical principles governing propagating radiation,
and also because the outgoing radiation 12A can be slightly
dispersing (for example, as a cone), the intensity of the radiation
can decline with distance, such that a lower intensity indicates a
longer distance. As further discussed herein, the intensity of the
radiation can thus be used to estimate the angle of the wrist.
[0043] In FIG. 3C, the wrist 9A is in extreme extension. In this
position, as shown, and similar to FIG. 3B, the outgoing radiation
12A can contact the user's hand and a resulting reflected radiation
14A can be received by the sensor 20A to indicate a distance D. Of
particular relevance when compared to FIG. 3B, the distance D is
now shorter, resulting in a higher intensity measured by the sensor
20A.
[0044] The monitoring device 1A can use the data from the sensor
20A to estimate an angle of the wrist. As described above, this
angle can be estimated according to the intensity of radiation
received by the sensor 20A. Upon receiving this radiation, the
sensor 20A can output a signal to one or more processing modules,
that can be located on the monitoring device 1A, or on an auxiliary
device that can be in communication with the monitoring device 1A.
For example, in some embodiments the monitoring device 1A can
communicate continuously or at discreet times with auxiliary
devices such as a user's phone, a computer, a server (through a
wired or wireless network), or other devices. In some embodiments,
the monitoring device 1A can include a cable or an electric
connector configured to connect to a cable that can provide a data
connection to an auxiliary device. In further embodiments, the
monitoring device 1A can include a wireless communications module
capable of communication over Bluetooth, wireless Wi-Fi, ANT, or
other wireless communication protocols.
[0045] Although processing steps described herein may be performed
on a module on the monitoring device 1A, in other embodiments they
may be performed on auxiliary devices in communication with the
monitoring device. Further, the step of communicating with the
auxiliary device may be performed at a variety of times, such that
data output from the sensor 20A may be pre-processed or temporarily
stored in a data storage device (such as a solid state data storage
device) on the monitoring device 1A prior to transmission to the
auxiliary device.
[0046] The angle implied by the data output from the sensor 20A can
be translated into an estimated angle using a variety of methods.
For example, a table or graph indicating an expected relationship
between the output (indicative of the intensity) and the angle can
be used. In further embodiments, one or more equations can be used
to indicate the relationship. Further, in some embodiments
additional variables can be used to determine the estimated angle.
For example, in some embodiments the monitoring device 1A can be
calibrated for each individual user, as they might have different
hand/wrist sizes, leading to different distances for each angle, or
different flexibilities leading to different levels of concern for
a given angle. Thus, prior to use a user can move the measured body
portion through a series of angles known to the device during a
predefined, short period of time, such that the device can
associate those known positions with coinciding measurements by the
sensor 20A during the short period of time. The monitoring device
1A can also optionally include additional sensors, such as those
discussed herein, that can provide additional data indicative of a
position of a user's wrist joint, or other portions of a user's
body.
[0047] The estimated angle, or other position, of the user's wrist,
or other body portion, can then be used to provide an appropriate
feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the monitoring device 1A
can provide immediate feedback to the user. For example, the
monitoring device (or an auxiliary device carried by the user such
as a phone) can include a feedback module to provide visual,
auditory, or haptic feedback to the user. In some embodiments, the
monitoring device may include one or more visible feedback modules
such as LEDs that can emit visible light when the monitored body
portion is in an undesirable position. As a specific example, a
substantially desirable or neutral wrist position (for example,
less than approximately 20 degrees) such as that shown in FIG. 3A
may cause a green light to be provided. If a moderately undesirable
position (for example, between approximately 20 and 60 degrees from
neutral wrist position) such as that shown in FIG. 3B is reached, a
yellow light can be provided. Finally, if a severely undesirable
position (for example, greater than approximately 60 degrees from
neutral wrist position) such as that shown in FIG. 3C is reached, a
red light can be provided. In further embodiments, similar
information can be provided on a visual display such as an LCD on
the monitoring device (such as display 7A, as depicted in FIGS. 1A,
1C). The display can also provide more complex feedback, such as a
length of time spent in an undesirable position, a more precise
position of the monitored body portion, or other data. Similar
audio feedback can be provided, for example, if the monitoring
device or the auxiliary device includes a speaker, and similar
haptic feedback can be provided with a vibrator. Further, the
specific angles considered desirable or undesirable can be adjusted
to fit the varying medical needs of different users. Even further,
the specific angles considered desirable or undesirable can be
adjusted to fit other needs of individual users. The ranges
described herein are provided merely as examples.
[0048] Further, in some embodiments, this feedback can be provided
immediately, upon the monitoring device 1A recognizing the
position. It can also optionally be delayed. For example, in some
embodiments the feedback can be provided after the body portion is
in an undesirable position for a predetermined extended period of
time (such as 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more than 10
minutes). Further, in some embodiments the feedback can be
sustained, or repeated while the position is maintained.
[0049] The monitoring device 1A can also optionally store data to
be provided to a user at a later time. For example, the data can be
stored on the monitoring device 1A or be transmitted to an
auxiliary device that can also store the data. The data can then be
provided to a user in a variety of formats, such as in a graph,
table, or a report indicating a cumulative level of stress, strain,
or other conditions put on the body portion being monitored. This
data can be viewed on a web page, in an app, in an email sent to
the user, or other media. Similarly, this data can be provided to a
third party, for example, at the option of the user.
[0050] Further, in some embodiments the data measured by the
monitoring device 1A can be used to determine the measurement
behavior of the monitoring device. In some embodiments, the
monitoring device 1A can measure continuously or at regular
intervals. However, in other embodiments the frequency of
measurements by the monitoring device 1A can be determined by the
movements or position of the user. For example, in some embodiments
the device 1A can take measurements at a higher frequency for as
long as an undesirable position is detected. In further
embodiments, the monitoring device 1A can include an accelerometer
or other sensor configured to measure sudden movements. Such sudden
movements can then cause the monitoring device 1A to make one or
more measurements of the body portion to determine to what position
it may have moved. In further embodiments, the frequency of
measurement can be affected by other data, such as a reduction in
blood flow, change in body temperature, or other physical or
physiological changes that may indicate increased stress or an
undesirable position.
[0051] Additionally, in some embodiments the relationship between
sensor 20A output and the estimated angle of the body portion can
vary over time. For example, in some embodiments the sensor 20A can
be recalibrated during use. As discussed regarding FIG. 3A, if the
wrist joint is in a neutral position then the sensor 20A should
receive no reflected radiation. However, if the device is being
used in an environment with numerous strongly reflecting surfaces
or other sources of radiation, the angle might be miscalculated.
Thus, in some embodiments it may be desirable to recalibrate the
sensor 20A output corresponding to a neutral position, for example,
by determining the lowest sensor measurement over a long time
period (such as longer than 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes).
Recalibration for maximum bend can be done in a similar manner,
determining the highest sensor measurement. Further, in some
embodiments the monitoring device 1A can receive a command from the
user to recalibrate, after which the user can move the body portion
monitored through its full range of motion in a limited amount of
time, such that a new high and low measurement can be
determined.
[0052] Similar processing techniques can be used for other
monitoring devices that measure other body portions. For example,
these processing techniques can also be used with the monitoring
device 1B as depicted in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is analogous to FIG. 3B,
but with the monitoring device 1B as a band, and the device
measuring the palmar side of the wrist joint 9A. Thus, the
monitoring device 1B can measure wrist flexion in the same way that
the monitoring device 1A in FIGS. 3A-3C can measure wrist
extension.
[0053] Similarly, in some embodiments the monitoring device 1C can
include more than one pair of emitters 10C and sensors 20C, as
depicted in FIG. 7. As shown, the device can include 4 pairs of
emitters 10C and sensors 20C. Thus, the device 1C can measure wrist
extension, flexion, and radial/ulnar deviation, in ways similar to
those described above. Notably, such a device can aid in
calibration. For example, if wrist extension is detected, no
reflected energy should be provided to the palmar sensors on the
device 1C, so the low measurement for the corresponding sensor 20C
can be recalibrated. The same can be done for the dorsal sensors
when wrist flexion is detected. The monitoring device 1C in FIG. 7,
which includes sensors and emitters on 4 sides, can be particularly
useful for joints that allow for rotation in two directions, such
as the wrist, shoulder, hip, ankle, neck, and back.
[0054] The monitoring device 1C can also potentially measure
movements of the thumb, as depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B. Notably, the
thumb can protrude from a side of the wrist, and thus be identified
by a sensor 20C on a side of the wrist corresponding to the thumb.
Further, movements of the thumb outward (abduction) can increase
reflectance from the thumb's surface to the sensor 20C, such that
this motion can be detected. Similarly, a movement of the thumb
towards the palm (adduction), as shown in FIG. 5A relative to FIG.
5B, can cause the thumb to no longer be detected by the sensor 20C
on the side, but start being detected by the palmar sensor. Thus,
particular combinations of changes in the intensity measured by
each sensor 20C can indicate a position of the thumb.
[0055] The monitoring device 1C can also potentially measure
rotations of the wrist in a rolling motion (pronation and
supination), as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B. The medial/lateral sides of
the wrist tend to protrude outwardly, such that they would provide
a reflectance to corresponding medial/lateral sensors 20C. However,
if the wrist is rolled around the axis of the forearm, the
medial/lateral sides of the wrist could begin to align with the
dorsal/palmar sensors 20C, such that they would receive a reflected
energy simultaneously. Notably, both the dorsal and palmar sensors
20C would not receive a reflectance simultaneously during flexion
or extension. Thus, a rolling motion of the wrist can also be
detected.
[0056] In further embodiments, various motions of the wrist joint
can be detected using additional emitters, sensors, and reflecting
objects. For example, in some embodiments a ring can be used in
combination with a wrist watch or band. In some embodiments, the
ring can include an emitter and/or sensor that can pair with a
corresponding sensor and/or emitter on the wrist watch or band. In
other embodiments, the ring can include highly reflective material,
such that its orientation relative to an emitter and sensor on the
wrist watch or band can cause large changes in reflected radiation
detected by the sensor. Thus, a variety of positions and motions
can be detected.
[0057] Further, in some embodiments monitoring devices such as
those described herein can be provided on other parts of the body,
or using other types of wearable sensors. For example, in the
context of a wrist, similar sensors can also be provided on a
bracelet, glove, or other wearable item. Further, wearable items
can include sensors at other joints. For example, similar sensors
can be provided on an arm band to measure an elbow or shoulder
joint; a headband to measure a position of the neck; a waist band,
belt, or shirt to measure a position of the back; a belt, leg band,
shorts, or pants to measure a position of the hip joint; a leg
band, shorts, or pants to measure a position of the knee joint; or
a leg band, shoe, or sock to measure a position of the ankle
joint.
[0058] In some embodiments, these devices can be used to monitor
behavior. For example, as described above, many wrist injuries can
be treated or prevented by preventing or reducing extensions and
flexion of the wrist to reduce stress on the wrist. This can be
facilitated by indicating to a user when they are entering and/or
holding these positions. Similar treatments can also be provided to
other parts of the body. Further, the monitoring can be useful in
non-medical contexts. For example, in sports or other
performance-dependent activities, it may be desirable to keep
particular body portions in certain positions (for example, keeping
a joint straight or at a desired angle during a golf swing,
basketball shot, pitching motion, etc.). The devices described
herein can estimate a position or angle of a particular body
portion or joint over time, and provide immediate or delayed
feedback to a user about their position or motion at critical times
during use. Thus, the user can learn to maintain the desired
position or motion during these activities.
[0059] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
"include," "including," and the like are to be construed in an
inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense;
that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to."
Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of
similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this
application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this
application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed
Description using the singular or plural number may also include
the plural or singular number, respectively. The words "or" in
reference to a list of two or more items, is intended to cover all
of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in
the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the
items in the list.
[0060] Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among
others, "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," "for example,"
"such as" and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or
otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other
embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or
states. Thus, such conditional language does not imply that
features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or
more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily
include these features, elements and/or states.
[0061] The teachings provided herein can be applied to other
devices, systems, and methods, not necessarily explicitly described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0062] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel
methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a
variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions,
substitutions and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and
systems described herein may be made without departing from the
spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as
would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by
reference to the appended claims.
* * * * *