U.S. patent application number 17/112434 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for dynamic proprioception.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tau Orthopedics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Belinko K. Matsuura, David G. Matsuura, Gerard von Hoffmann, Kaitlin von Hoffmann.
Application Number | 20210084999 17/112434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005253610 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210084999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuura; Belinko K. ; et
al. |
March 25, 2021 |
DYNAMIC PROPRIOCEPTION
Abstract
A wearable device such as a garment is disclosed, having at
least one sensor, for sensing a parameter. Electronics are provided
for processing the sensed parameter, and for providing feedback.
Feedback may be in the form of proprioceptive tactile or audible
feedback, or in the form of an adjustment of a performance
parameter of the wearable device. In one implementation, the
processor is configured to activate an effector to provide feedback
to the wearer to make a body position correction to bring the
position into alignment with predetermined body position reference
data.
Inventors: |
Matsuura; Belinko K.;
(Solano Beach, CA) ; Matsuura; David G.; (Solano
Beach, CA) ; von Hoffmann; Kaitlin; (San Francisco,
CA) ; von Hoffmann; Gerard; (Rancho Santa Fe,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tau Orthopedics, Inc. |
Rancho Santa Fe |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005253610 |
Appl. No.: |
17/112434 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16530185 |
Aug 2, 2019 |
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17112434 |
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15560150 |
Sep 20, 2017 |
10561881 |
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PCT/US16/23715 |
Mar 23, 2016 |
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16530185 |
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62137036 |
Mar 23, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/002 20130101;
A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101; G16H 20/30
20180101; A63B 21/012 20130101; A63B 21/4039 20151001; A63B 2225/20
20130101; A61B 2562/0219 20130101; H04M 1/72412 20210101; A63B
21/0053 20130101; A61B 5/6804 20130101; A61B 2503/10 20130101; G09B
23/28 20130101; A63B 23/0482 20130101; A41D 13/0015 20130101; A63B
2230/75 20130101; A61B 5/002 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101; A61N
1/36003 20130101; A61B 5/112 20130101; A61B 2562/125 20130101; A63B
2230/202 20130101; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 2071/065 20130101;
A63B 2230/65 20130101; A63B 2213/004 20130101; A61B 2562/0209
20130101; A61B 5/0205 20130101; A63B 21/00185 20130101; A63B
21/0552 20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2230/205 20130101;
A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 23/1281 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101; A63B 21/0087 20130101; A61B 5/1118 20130101; A63B 21/005
20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B
2209/10 20130101; A63B 2220/44 20130101; A63B 21/0083 20130101;
A63B 2071/0666 20130101; A61N 1/0484 20130101; A63B 21/008
20130101; A63B 2230/50 20130101; A63B 21/4011 20151001; G09B
19/0038 20130101; A61B 2562/04 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101;
A61B 5/296 20210101; A63B 2230/42 20130101; A61B 2562/164 20130101;
A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 23/02 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001;
A63B 21/00845 20151001; A63B 2071/0655 20130101; A63B 23/0494
20130101; A61N 1/0452 20130101; A63B 23/1245 20130101; A63B 2230/60
20130101; G06Q 10/0639 20130101; A63B 21/159 20130101; A63B
2230/207 20130101; A61B 5/6802 20130101; A63B 21/00189
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A63B 21/008 20060101 A63B021/008; A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 23/04 20060101 A63B023/04; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; G09B 19/00 20060101
G09B019/00; G06Q 10/06 20060101 G06Q010/06; G09B 23/28 20060101
G09B023/28; A61N 1/36 20060101 A61N001/36; A61N 1/04 20060101
A61N001/04; A61B 5/0492 20060101 A61B005/0492; G16H 20/30 20060101
G16H020/30; G16H 40/67 20060101 G16H040/67; A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00; A63B 21/005 20060101 A63B021/005 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A proprioception feedback garment for coaching a wearer to
replicate a predetermined body motion pattern, comprising: a
compression garment; a plurality of accelerometers carried by the
garment; a plurality of effectors carried by the garment for
providing proprioceptive feedback to a wearer; a controller,
including a processor and a memory configured to store body motion
reference data; wherein the processor is configured to activate an
effector to provide vibrational feedback to the wearer to make a
body position correction to bring the position into alignment with
the body position reference data.
28. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, comprising
an upper body garment having an accelerometer on the right arm and
an accelerometer on the left arm.
29. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, comprising
a lower body garment having an accelerometer on the right leg and
an accelerometer on the left leg.
30. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, comprising
at least four accelerometers placed throughout the garment and in
communication with the controller.
31. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, wherein the
accelerometers are in communication with the controller via
electrical conductors.
32. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 31, wherein the
accelerometers are in wireless communication with the
controller.
33. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an accelerometer on the anterior right side of the garment.
34. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an accelerometer on the anterior left side of the garment.
35. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an accelerometer on the posterior right side of the garment.
36. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an accelerometer on the posterior left side of the garment.
37. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an effector on the anterior right side of the garment.
38. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an effector on the anterior left side of the garment.
39. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an effector on the posterior right side of the garment.
40. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 30, comprising
an effector on the posterior left side of the garment.
41. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
garment is a yoga pant.
42. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
garment is a shirt.
43. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
feedback is configured to train the wearer to follow a
predetermined routine.
44. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
accelerometers are permanently carried by the garment.
45. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
accelerometers are detachably carried by the garment.
46. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
controller further comprises communication electronics for wireless
communication with a remote device.
47. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 46, wherein the
remote device comprises a smart phone.
48. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
reference data comprises the wearer's previously stored data.
49. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
reference data comprises data associated with a performance
objective.
50. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, configured
to transmit feedback to the wearer substantially in real time as
the wearer's body motion deviates from the stored reference so that
conscious effort can be exerted to restore the motion parameter
back to the reference.
51. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 50, wherein the
reference data relates to the wearer's body position.
52. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
feedback includes a visual representation of the wearer's body.
53. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
reference data comprises a predetermined routine.
54. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 53, wherein the
predetermined routine comprises a dance.
55. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
predetermined routine comprises an athletic activity.
56. The proprioception feedback garment as in claim 27, wherein the
reference data comprises a predetermined body position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/137,036, filed Mar. 23, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wide variety of portable or wearable devices are known,
for tracking steps, GPS location, heart rate, and variety of
additional biometric parameters. However, a need remains for
devices which produce a responsive change in the behavior of the
wearer and, preferably, in a performance characteristic of the
wearable device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is provided a dynamic proprioception garment,
comprising a waist region, a right leg and a left leg; a resistance
unit associated with at least one of the right and left leg; a
sensor; and an effector for providing proprioceptive feedback to a
wearer of the garment. At least one effector may be carried on the
left leg and at least one effector on the right leg. At least one
effector may be carried on the posterior of the left leg and at
least one effector on the posterior of the right leg.
[0004] The dynamic proprioception garment may comprise electronics
configured to receive data from the sensor, process the data and
activate at least one effector in response to a characteristic of
stride reaching a preset value. The resistance unit may comprise a
housing and the electronics may be carried within or coupled to the
housing. The characteristic may comprise stride rate or stride
length.
[0005] The location of the effector maybe correlated with a
parameter of interest. The location of the effector may be
correlated with information relating to at least one of blood
oxygen saturation, heart rate, body temperature, power exertion, or
respiration rate.
[0006] The effector may be configured to elevate or decrease the
resistance provided by the resistance unit, in response to data
obtained by the sensor, such as delivered power, exertion, or heart
rate.
[0007] There is also provided a method of providing dynamic
proprioception feedback to a wearer of a garment. The method
comprises sensing a parameter measured on the wearer; processing
the parameter to compare to a preset reporting alarm limit; and
activating an effector to alert the wearer that the parameter has
reached the alarm limit. The activating an effector step may
comprise activating an effector associated with a location on the
wearer to convey information to the wearer that is conveyed by the
combination of the activation of the effector as well as the
location of the effector. The sensing step may be accomplished by a
sensor carried by the garment. Throughout this specification a
reference to something being carried by the garment includes things
being carried directly by the garment or indirectly such as within
or attached to a housing or other component carried by the garment.
The sensing step may be accomplished by a sensor carried by a
device remote from the garment.
[0008] The device may be a wrist worn device, and may be a device
in wireless communication with the garment. The activating an
effector step may comprise activating the effector at a first
intensity when a first alarm limit is reached, and activating the
effector at a second intensity when a second alarm limit is
reached. The activating an effector step may comprise activating
the effector for a first duration when a first alarm limit is
reached, and activating the effector for a second duration when a
second alarm limit is reached.
[0009] A garment is provided for determining a metric of
incremental effort exerted in response to an increased load. The
garment comprises at least one resistance unit for increasing the
load on a wearer during movement; a sensor on the garment for
detecting at least one parameter that is associated with exerted
effort; a processor for determining the incremental effort exerted
by the wearer as a result of the load created by the resistance
unit.
[0010] The garment may further comprise an output for outputting a
metric of the incremental load. The output may be displayed on a
visual display. The output may be displayed in watts and or
calories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an overview of a dynamic proprioception system in
accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a further overview of the dynamic proprioception
system.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable sensor.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a wearable sensor.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a simplified electronic sensor circuit.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating data capture, data
processing, and feedback to the user or adjustment of a
characteristic of a wearable device.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side devotional view of a garment, having
resistance and dynamic proprioception devices mounted thereon.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a detail view of one of the resistance and dynamic
proprioception devices of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is in enlarged perspective view of a rotary damper
resistance unit useful in the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rotary damper of FIG.
9, with a portion of the housing removed to reveal a rotational
resistance subassembly and an electronically enabled
subassembly.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a resistance unit and an
interchangeable electronic module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] A form-fitting wearable construct such as an interactive
garment in accordance with the present invention may include at
least one sensor and associated processing and communications
electronics, and at least one effector which provides feedback
and/or adjustment to the garment in response to data collected by
the sensor and interpreted by the processor.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic
representation of a dynamic proprioception system in accordance
with the present invention. The system 10 includes at least one
sensor 12, described in greater detail below. The sensor 12 is in
electrical communication with a controller 14. Controller 14 is in
communication with at least one effector 16, for providing
proprioceptive feedback and/or adjusting a physical parameter of
the garment such as resistance to movement, compression or other
parameter that will be perceptible to the wear. The controller 14
may additionally be in communication with a transceiver 18, for
communication with a remote device 20. In certain embodiments, all
of the foregoing components are carried by a wearable platform such
as a garment 22. Specific examples of different types of sensors,
controllers, effectors and transceivers will be discussed in
greater detail below.
[0024] One or more sensors carried by the garment or the wearer of
the garment can include, for example, electromyography (EMG),
electrocardiograph (ECG), respiration, galvanic skin response
(GSR), temperature, acceleration, bend angle, pressure, force,
torque, GPS, accelerometer (single or multi axis), respiration,
perspiration, bioimpedence, gyroscopes, various rate measurements
such as stride rate, flex rate, pulse rate, spatial deviation or
position, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, or others described
elsewhere herein. The use of multiple sensors for the same
parameter or multiple sensors for multiple parameters may provide a
level of insight that is not available by measuring only a single
metric such as heart rate (HR) or motion based on accelerometers or
other types of motion sensors (e.g., a gyroscope).
[0025] These sensors may be incorporated in a permanent manner into
the fabric of the form-fitting interactive garment itself or in a
detachable manner such as with zippers, snap fit connectors,
clasps, hook and loop (Velcro) or other releasable connectors
and/or in pockets or under or on top of flaps if desired, to allow
removal and/or repositioning of the sensors. Sensors may be carried
by or within the resistance housing, especially sensors such as
those relating to force, stride rate, and stride length.
[0026] A performance characteristic of the garment may be modified
and/or tactile feedback provided to the wearer by selective
activation of one or preferably a plurality of effectors in
response to data collected by the sensor. For example, in a garment
which provides resistance to movement across a joint such as the
hip, knee or elbow, or a more complex motion segment such as the
shoulder or abdomen, the resistance provided by a magnetorhelogical
liquid damper as discussed elsewhere herein is adjusted up or down
to achieve a desired result. Proprioceptic, visual, audio or other
tactile feedback can be provided to the wearer to signal to the
wearer that they should adjust their posture, or adjust a
performance parameter such as increase or decrease stride length or
repetition rate, realignment of stride, modify arm swing such as
bring the elbows in or other streamlining adjustment, or adjust
their spine (core) such as to bring it into alignment with a preset
data set, or initiate other motion or body position correction.
[0027] Thus, any of a variety of effectors 16 may be provided in
accordance with the present invention, to provide behavior
modifying feedback or to modify garment performance. The effectors
may provide visible, tactile, and/or audio feedback, depending upon
the desired performance result. Effectors 16 thus may include
structures such as vibrators, pressure generators such as
inflatable balloons or electromechanical structures such as a
solenoid involving motion or application of localized pressure to
the wearer. Effectors may also apply an electrical current to the
dermal surface, such as to produce an electrical shock or muscular
stimulation. Effectors may produce sound, or provide a visual
indicator such as a light or information on a local display such as
a watch, cell phone, head worn display or other local display
device.
[0028] Effectors may additionally include devices that produce a
constriction or expansion of the garment along predetermined
planes, in response to measured parameters, For example, at least a
portion of a pant leg or other portion of the garment may be
provided with an inflatable reservoir such as a balloon that can be
inflated by a small pump, to increase compression against the
wearer. Compression can alternatively be achieved using a device or
material that can shorten in length upon activation such as NiTinol
wires or fabric which shorten upon application of a current, or a
motor driven take up spool. Such devices can be used to selectively
constrict either around a circumference of a body part such as a
waist, thigh, calf, arm, core (abdomen) etc., or along a
preselected axis such as to apply compression or to change posture
across a shoulder or body core.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, there is depicted a form-fitting
sensor garment 102, representing a compressive, stretchable, and
form-fitting garment to be worn by a human subject (not shown).
Although garment 102 is shown to be a shirt, it can take any other
garment form factor including but not limited to shorts, yoga
pants, compression pants, elbow pad, knee pad, undergarment, neck
wrap, glove, and the like, etc.
[0030] Details of some exemplary sensors are discussed below. The
one or more sensors may be washable sensors that may be carried by
a garment and configured to be unaffected and/or undamaged by
washing or otherwise cleaning or maintaining the garment. One or
more form-fitting sensor garments may be made to be conformal to
any part of the human body as desired. Typically, shirts, pants,
shorts, cuffs such as for surrounding an elbow, knee or abdomen
will be used. Stretchable, compressive and form-fitting fabric made
of natural or preferably synthetic fibers (e.g., nylon, lycra,
polyester, spandex, or other suitable fibers and blends thereof)
may be configured to exert a biasing force on the sensors, which
may be built-in to the form-fitting sensor garment, to bias (e.g.,
increase contact force) the washable sensors against the skin to
maintain good electrical and/or mechanical contact and to reduce
motion artifacts that may be caused if there is relative motion
between the skin and the sensor(s) (e.g., the sensors and/or skin
sliding against each other along their mutual contacting
surfaces).
[0031] One implementation of the invention involves providing
tactile feedback and/or adjusting resistance to motion in response
to a sensed parameter such as a metric of muscle force or strength
across the relevant motion segment. Although not a direct
measurement of strength, electromyography measurements appear
correlated to muscle activity and strength, and can be
noninvasively measured by a sensor in contact with the skin.
Typically, a pair of electrodes and associated electronics may form
a sensor, which may receive as inputs a potential difference
generated on the human skin due to ions flowing in muscle fibers as
a result of muscle activity. Other sensors such as proximity
sensors or strain gauges can also be used, as is discussed
elsewhere herein.
[0032] In the following discussion, electromyography sensors are
described only as an example. It should be understood, however,
that the present application contemplates that other types of
sensor may be implemented additionally and/or alternatively to the
electromyography sensors discussed in connection with the examples
herein, including any one or a combination of the sensors mentioned
previously herein. In one or more embodiments, multiple washable
electromyography (WE) sensors may be used to measure muscle
activity at different sites on the human body. The WE sensors may
be configured to measure muscle activity associated with different
muscles to measure muscle exertion intensity. When groups of
muscles are measured together, more complex analysis and feedback
may be performed and made available to the user (e.g., tactile,
and/or wirelessly via an application (APP) running on a smartphone,
tablet, pad, or the like). Additional details of suitable WE
sensors are disclosed in U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0135593
to Jayalth et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety herein.
[0033] The set of WE sensors may be removably carried by or
permanently incorporated into the fabric of the form-fitting sensor
garment. In one or more embodiments, the form-fitting sensor
garment may come in various sizes to accommodate various body sizes
(e.g., similar to the sizing system currently used with exercise or
casual clothing). In one or more embodiments, it is recognized that
the difference in skin condition and/or subcutaneous fat, content
iron human subject to human subject may give rise to data
acquisition error if left uncorrected. For example, electrode
acquired signals from a user with a higher body fat percentage may
differ from electrode acquired signals acquired from a leaner user
even though they both may weigh the same and may fit into the same
size garment. The subcutaneous fat layer between muscle tissue and
skin surface may attenuate an electromyography signal resulting in
different acquired amplitudes for different body types. The
electrode acquired signal may be calibrated, in one or more
embodiments, to improve analysis and feedback accuracy.
[0034] The number of electrodes/sensors that are built into the
fabric can exceed the number actually required to obtain the
necessary muscle activity data. Logic and/or heuristics may be
employed to select the sensors that provide the best signals for
the group of muscles of interest. This is particularly advantageous
since the human subject may position the garment slightly
differently at different times or in different work-out sessions.
Further, the optimal measurement sites for one user may be
different from the optimal measurement sites for other users. Prior
to physical activity such as work out, intelligent logics and/or
algorithms may be employed to select the optimal group of sensors
on the form-fitting sensor garment to use for actual monitoring and
analysis. As another example, the user may be guided to engage in a
training or a teaching routine to allow the textile-based
monitoring, analysis and feedback systems (MAF's) to properly
recognize and select the optimal group of sensors on the
form-fitting sensor garment to use in the actual monitoring and
analysis. Signals from sensors that are not selected may be ignored
or given less weight or may be employed in other ways, for
example.
[0035] All sensor data from all available sensors may be collected
and/or stored (e.g., in memory), and analysis may be performed only
on the subset of sensors that are relevant and/or deemed to
generate most optimal signals for analysis. In other embodiments,
only the relevant subset of sensor data may be collected and/or
stored and/or analyzed. One or more of the collecting, the storing,
or the analyzing may occur internally (e.g., on one or more
processors or controllers in the garment), externally (e.g., in an
external device such as the smart personal communications device
(SPCD) or other wireless device) or both.
[0036] The design of the garment and geometry of the electrodes may
be configured to account for variations in user body types and
resulting alignment concerns. Intuitive features may be added to
the garment to ensure proper alignment. These may include, but are
not limited to, visible lines, markers and cut-outs for thumb,
elbow, etc. For example, alignment marks or markers including but
not limited to visible lines may provide a guide where the user
only needs to ensure the line is straight for proper alignment. The
electrode geometry may be designed to account for different muscle
sizes.
[0037] In one example, increasing a dimension of the electrode
orthogonal to the muscle fiber direction may accommodate varying
fiber radii and resulting muscle volume. In other examples, the
garment may include designed structures configured to urge and/or
force the user to correctly position the garment and its sensors
with proper orientation with respect to the muscles or other
portions of the user's body to be sensed. For example, a shirt-like
garment may include a cut-out portion for one or more body parts
such as one for an elbow and another for a thumb and/or one or more
fingers. The user aligning the elbow cut-out with the elbow of
his/her arm and the fingers and/or thumb with their respective
cut-outs may be used to ensure at least approximately accurate
alignment of sensors in an arm portion of the shirt-like garment
with the muscles in the arm that are to be sensed by the sensors
disposed in the arm portion of the shirt-like garment.
[0038] As another example, a pant-like garment (e.g., Yoga pant or
compression pant or short) may include for each leg, a heel loop
and a knee cut-out configured to align sensors in a leg portion of
the pant-like garment with the intended muscles in the user's legs,
Other types of design structures may be configured into a garment
where appropriate and may be used in conjunction with one or more
alignment marks included with the garment. The above are
non-limiting examples of designed structures and the present
application is not limited to the above examples.
[0039] The wearer may be given real-time feedback based on analysis
of the sensor outputs. For example, pattern recognition algorithms
may be employed to detect whether the muscle exertion data from a
group of muscles indicates that the user is engaging in incorrect
form or in a non-optimal workout or other activity compared to
reference data. For example, exercises targeting the biceps brachii
are meant to isolate exertion of that muscle from the rest of the
body. A less efficient workout occurs when the user generates
momentum using the shoulder and/or lower back. Identifying activity
in these momentum-influencing muscles can determine incorrect form.
Accelerometer or bend-angle data may be incorporated to complement
the aforementioned. The feedback may be made in visual or audible
form to allow the user to easily understand muscle activity and how
to improve and/or correct a workout routine. In this manner,
virtual coaching may be accomplished in real time to coach the user
over the course of the workout. Preferably for many applications
the feedback includes tactile feedback, such as by activation of
effectors such as small vibrators at selected positions on the
garment or adjacent wearable support, as is discussed elsewhere
herein. Electrical current (perceptible shock or muscle
stimulation), heat, inflation of small balloons or other
temperature or pressure generating tactile feedback assemblies may
also be used.
[0040] The interactive garment may be part of a textile-based human
MAF system. Processing and communication electronics on the
form-fitting sensor garment may allow for data exchange (e.g., via
a wireless communications link) with the exercise equipment, the
SPCD (e.g., smart phone), the feedback device and/or the Internet
(e.g., computers implemented remotely and available via the
Internet).
[0041] In the following discussion, concepts of the present
application will be described primarily using athletics as well as
strength and conditioning as an example application. Other
applications such as medical rehabilitation or realignment or
training of balance or perceived spatial orientation or training a
wearer to follow a predetermined routine such as a dance or
athletic activity are also contemplated. The end use application in
which the sensors and garment described herein may be used does not
change the form or function of the concepts described in the
present application. For example, applied to ergonomics the ability
to critique form and posture and provide proprioceptic feedback as
discussed herein can be used to train proper procedures in a
manufacturing environment, work environment, and athletic
endeavors, just to name a few. Critiquing posture may provide
injury prevention in the workplace in the same way as in an
athletic training setting. As another example, in that the present
application builds on clinical methods and provides a more
user-friendly experience, the present application may be applied
for use in self-guided medical rehabilitation and injury prevention
training.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of sensors 104A, 104B, and
104C are schematically depicted as being disposed at various
positions on the fabric of garment 102. The actual number and
location of the sensors will depend upon the desired functionality
of the system, as will be apparent to those of skill in the
art.
[0043] Although only three sensors (104A-104C) are depicted, it
should be understood that there is no limit to the number and
different types of sensors that may be employed and more or fewer
sensors may be implemented than are depicted in the example of FIG.
2. Sensors such as electro-myography, gyroscopes, magnetometers,
accelerometers, temperature, GSR, HR, bioimpedance, etc., and
others disclosed elsewhere herein may be used as or in combination
with sensors 104A-104C.
[0044] The electrodes of sensors that benefit from direct dermal
contact may be disposed on the inside of the garment such that they
make direct contact with the skin generally at locations where
muscles of interest are expected to be located adjacently when the
garment 102 is worn. In another embodiment, the electrodes may be
formed externally to the garment 102 so that they do not make
direct contact with the skin but are electrically coupled to the
bio potential signals from the skin proximate the electrodes
position in the garment 102. Certain sensors (e.g., accelerometers,
gyroscopes, etc.) do not depend upon and some may even desirably
avoid dermal contact, and may be mounted in any convenient and
appropriate manner to the garment.
[0045] Typically, electrodes of sensors 104A-104C may comprise a
conductive material bonded or woven or a conductive resin (e.g.,
polymers, silicone, neoprene, thermoplastics, etc.) applied through
a screening, printing or gluing process, or combination thereof, in
either a permanent or detachable manner, to the fabric or to
another conductive substrate attached to the fabric of the
form-fitting sensor garment 102. The electrodes may be formed from
a flexible PCB substrate (e.g., Kapton or other laminates) that,
may be bonded to the garment 102. Thus, the user does not have to
manually attach the electrodes to different specific locations on
the skin in the manner required for conventional physiological
monitoring apparatus. In the example herein, sensors 104A-104C may
be washable electromyography sensors although it should be
understood, as mentioned, that other types of sensors may well be
alternatively or additionally employed.
[0046] Preferably, sensors 104A-104C are constructed such that they
may withstand repeated wash-and-dry cycles typical of wearable
clothing. Form-fitting sensor garment 102 may be made from
materials, circuitry, structures or the like that may be amendable
to any number of wash cycles (e.g., in a washing machine or hand
washing) and/or drying cycles (e.g., in a gas or electric dryer).
Form-fitting sensor garment 102 may be made from materials,
circuitry, structures or the like that may be amendable to
dry-cleaning processes and the chemicals used in dry-cleaning
processes. However, in some applications it may be preferable to
hang-dry (e.g., air dry) garment 102, to preserve an appearance of
the material (e.g., fabrics, colors, dyes, etc.) used for the
garment 102, to prevent dryer lint, or the like from gathering on
the garment 102, and to prevent damage to the garment 102, its
electronics, fabrics, sensors, or the like due to inadvertently
drying the garment 102 at too high a temperature. In some
applications garment 102 may be configured for machine drying, air
drying, or both. Some sensors, effectors (e.g., vibrators) and
performance adjustment mechanisms (e.g., dampers) may be removably
mounted to the garment so they can be removed prior to washing the
garment. Actual washing and/or drying instructions and/or processes
for the garment 102 will be application dependent and are not
limited to the examples described herein.
[0047] The sensors may be incorporated into an interactive garment
in a permanent manner or a detachable manner. In some examples, the
sensors are detachably mounted to the garment for a purpose
including but not limited to washing the garment, re-positioning on
the garment, repairs, replacement, upgrades, updates to software,
sensor calibration, power source maintenance, to install on a
different garment, to exchange for another sensor or type of
sensor, just to name a few.
[0048] Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 where one example of an
electromyography electrode 300 is depicted. In FIG. 3, an electrode
base 302 may be formed using a conductive resin (e.g., silicone,
neoprene, rubber, polymers, thermoplastics, etc.). The electrode
base 302 may be formed directly, in some examples, on fabric 304 of
the form-fitting sensor garment 102. Electrode base 302 may be
deposited by a process similar to painting such as silk-screening,
printing, or other processes for depositing or otherwise forming an
electrically conductive material on another material, such as on
fabric 304, for example. One or more portions of a surface 302s of
electrode base 302 may be urged into contact with skin of a user
who dons garment 102. Surface 302s may have any shape or surface
profile (e.g., planar, arcuate. undulating, etc.) and is not
limited to the configuration depicted in FIG. 3.
[0049] A conductive lead 306, which may be formed of a conductive
material (e.g., an electrically conductive material) or a fiber
optic material (e.g., a plastic or glass fiber optic cable or
optical waveguide), is depicted as being embedded in electrode base
302 and may serve as the signal conduit between the sensor
electronics and the electrode 302. Conductive lead 306 may likewise
be deposited by a process similar to painting such as
silk-screening or printing or may be conductive traces laminated in
a flexible and/or stretchable PCB substrate, flexible printed
circuitry (FPC), or flat flexible cable (FEC), that is then adhered
onto the garment 102 (e.g., on an interior or exterior surface of
the garment 102). In some applications, it may be desirable for
esthetic, industrial design, fashion, practical, or troubleshooting
reasons to position some or all of the conductive lead(s) 306 on an
exterior surface of the garment 102 so that they are visible to the
human subject or others when the garment 102 is worn. Using the
conductive leaks) 306 for esthetic, industrial design, or fashion
reasons may make the conductive lead(s) 306 hide in plain sight and
not be recognized as conductive lead(s) 306 for a sensor enabled
garment, but rather as design elements of an article of clothing or
allow the garment 102 to be worn in scenarios (e.g., for casual
dressing or as sporty clothing) other than those associated with
sensing data from muscle activation as described herein.
[0050] In an embodiment, lead 306 may be permanently attached to
electrode base 302. In another embodiment, lead 306 may be
detachable, using a detachable connector configured to couple with
a corresponding connector of electrode base 302. In either case, a
pair of leads 306 coupled with two neighboring electrodes 302 may
permit the sensor electronics to sense the potential difference
between the electrodes 302 and outputs a difference between the
potentials (or a processed version thereof) as an output
signal(s).
[0051] FIG. 4 depicts one example 400 of an implementation of
sensor electronics. In FIG. 4, sensor electronics 420 (such as
integrated circuits (IC's), ASIC's, FPGA's, programmable logic,
conductors, circuit boards, and/or discrete components) may be
embedded in a sensor base 402 to secure the electronic components
of sensor electronics 420 in place as well as to protect the
electronic components that comprise the sensor electronics 420 from
the outside environment (e.g., exposure to the elements and/or
physical damage). Electronics may alternatively be located within
or carried by the resistance unit, or electronics module
connectable to the resistance unit. Sensor base 402 may preferably
formed of a non-conductive resin (e.g., a non-conducive rubber-like
potting material) and is preferably chosen for durability in the
human exercise environment as well as in repeated wash-and-dry
cycles. Conductive leads 306, which are in electrical communication
with electrode bases 302 of FIG. 3, may be coupled with the sensor
electronics 420 of sensor base 402 in a permanent or detachable
manner.
[0052] In an embodiment, sensor base 402 may be formed directly on
the fabric or other material of the form-fitting sensor garment
102. As before, the sensor base 402 may be deposited by a process
similar to painting such as silk screening or printing as described
above for lead 306. Sensor base 402, along with the sensor
electronics 420, may be permanently attached to the fabric of the
form-fitting sensor garment or may be made detachable. Velcro or
other mechanical fasteners may be employed if a detachable
implementation is desired. An output lead 406 may be coupled, in a
permanent or detachable manner, with the sensor electronics 420 to
output the sensor signal(s). In an embodiment, signal communication
may be wireless in which case an output lead (e.g., 306 406, 408)
may not be necessary. One or more conductors 408 may also be
coupled with the sensor electronics 420, in a permanent or
detachable manner, to provide power (e.g., from battery pack 118),
ground, other signals, etc. In some examples, power for sensor
electronics 420 may be positioned in or on sensor base 402. In
other examples, sensor base 402 may be configured to be detachable
from garment 102. Detachment may allow for one or more of sensor
re-positioning on the garment 102, charging, replacing, or
servicing a power source (e.g., rechargeable battery) for the
sensor electronics 420. In yet other examples, sensor base 302 and
sensor electronics 402 may be detachably connected with each
other.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts one example 500 of electronic circuitry that
may be included in sensor electronics 420. The acquired signals
from electrodes 502A and 502B (e.g., from leads 306) may be
received by differential amplifier 506 via leads 504A and 5048
respectively. Amplifier 506 may act as a voltage amplifier to
amplify, in some examples, a difference between sensed signals. An
output of amplifier 506 may be further processed via filter block
508 to amplify and isolate a frequency spectrum of a physiological
signal.
[0054] Any of a variety of stretch or strain gauge sensors may be
used. Suitable elastic strain sensors are disclosed, for example,
in U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0238153 to Wood, et al., the
disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference,
[0055] Any of a variety of piezoelectric sensors may be utilized to
sense, for example, stretch at the skin surface or pressure such as
between the anterior of a lower leg and a posteriorly directed
force from a garment having a resistance element. Piezoelectric
sensors have a proven history of versatility and reliability in
measuring pressures and forces. Suitable sensors include Model
#A401 FlexiForce Standard and Force Load commercially available
from Tekscan, Inc. (South Boston, Mass.). See US patent publication
No. 2014/0364771 to Pitts, et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. This sensor model
has a thickness of about 0.208 mm, a length of about 56.8 mm, and a
width of about 31.8 mm. The approximate sensing area is 25.4 mm in
diameter and the substrate material is composed of polyester so the
sensor can take the form of a flexible strip or patch which can
conform to the shape of the adjacent dermal surface.
[0056] Various other force sensors may also be utilized. Sensors
used should be resilient to twisting, tension, and wet conditions
to ensure the device will continue to perform as intended and to
determine the expected life of the product.
[0057] At least one or two or four or more accelerometers may be
placed throughout the garment (e.g., left and right arm; left and
right leg) and/or otherwise carried by the wearer's body (i.e.,
attached via any suitable manner to shoes, wrist bands, etc.) to
collect multiple data points. Each of the additional accelerometers
may be connected wirelessly or via electrical conductors back to
the controller 14 or transceiver 18. A processor in the controller
14 may be preprogramed to analyze and export the data in terms of
g-force, impact, impact force, total acceleration, initial
acceleration. The user may also choose to represent performance
data (e.g., height, ascent or descent angle, ascent or descent
velocity, ascent or descent, force, force in terms of strength
required to stay in position, relative position, etc.) to visual
data (e.g., spreadsheet, statistical report, graph, etc.) or video
overlay graphic for post event downloading onto a computer for
viewing. The wearer can preset alarm limits so that tactile
feedback is provided in real time upon the occurance of a
predetermined event (e.g., if a maximum or minimum limit is
exceeded on any of the measured parameters)
[0058] A suitable 3-axis accelerometer may be a model ADXL377
available from Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Mass. or any
equivalent. Likewise, a suitable 3-axis gyroscope may be a model
ADXRS652 available from Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Mass. or
any equivalent. Raw data may be sent from both the 3-axis
accelerometer and the 3-axis gyroscope to the controller 14 which
can record record acceleration and 3-axis gyroscope position in
terms of x, y, and z coordinates. The controller may obtain
position point recordings 500 times a second and is configured to
automatically write the data points to memory along with
transmitting the data over the communication interface to sensor
data interpretation software which may be resident on a remote
computing device (e.g., laptop, cell phone, etc.). Additional
details of wearable gyroscope and accelerometer systems may be
found in US patent publication 2014/03133049 to Doherty, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0059] Referring back to FIG. 2, a controller 106 may be coupled
with sensors 104A-104C via a network of flexible signal conductors
108 (which may be electrically conductive or optical). In one
embodiment, sensors 104A-104C may communicate with controller 106
via a wired (e.g., hard wired) interface. In another embodiment,
sensors 104A-104C may communicate with controller 106 via a
wireless interface that may use a variety of wireless protocols
described elsewhere herein. Preferably, signal conductors 108 may
be constructed such that they can also withstand repeated
wash-and-dry cycles or wash and hang-dry cycles that typical of
wearable clothing. Bonded insulated conductors, such as Kapton and
laminate based printed circuit boards, wire, cable, coaxial
conductors, shielded conductors, flexible printed circuits (FPC),
flat flexible cable (FFC), electrically conductive threads, or
silk-screened/printed electrically conductive resins are examples
of technologies that may be used to implement signal conductors
108. In some examples, sensors 104A-104C may communicate with
controller 106 using a combination of wired and wireless
communications links. Controller 106 may comprise one or more
controllers or one or more processors. In some examples controller
106 may alternatively be referred to as a processor or processor
106.
[0060] Typically, controller 106 may include communication
electronics (e.g., one or more radios for a wireless communications
link) to permit form-fitting sensor garment 102 to communicate
(e.g., wireless data) with one or more of external, remote devices
such as a smart, personal communication device (SPCD) 112 (e.g., a
smart phone, tablet, or pad), remote feedback device 114, on board
feedback device 110 such as a vibrator, compression pad or ring,
electrical current or other effector as discussed elsewhere herein,
or the Internet 120 via an appropriate router/access point
arrangement, such as a wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth (BT), BT
Low Energy, NFC, WiFi, any variety of IEEE 802.x, etc.). The
electronics for implementing controller 106 may be permanently
attached to the fabric of form-fitting garment (in which case
controller 106 may be constructed such that it can withstand
repeated wash-and-dry and/or wash and hang dry cycles typical of
wearable clothing) or may be contained in one or two or more
modules which are detachable from the garment 102 prior to
washing/drying the garment 102.
[0061] Controller 106 may also include processing electronics for
performing some or all required signal processing on the sensed
signals acquired from electrodes in sensors 104A-104C. In one or
more embodiments, such signal processing (e.g., amplifying or
filtering) may be performed locally in one or more of the sensors
104A-104C, at the controller 106, or both, for example. Controller
106 may also include signal processing for performing data analysis
and feedback data generation. In one or more embodiments, such data
analysis and feedback data generation may be performed at one or
more of controller 106, SPCD 112, feedback device 114 (if such
feedback device is other than SPCD 112 and/or effector 110, and/or
the Internet 120. Signal processing for performing data analysis
and feedback data generation may occur solely in the garment 102
and its associated electronic circuitry, external to garment 102,
or both where some portion of the processing is done in the garment
and other portions are done external to the garment 102 using
processors and resources of external devices and/or systems.
[0062] Controller 106 may include one or more processors,
multi-core processors, one or more digital signal processors (DSP),
one or more micro-processors, one or more micro-controllers, one or
more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more
field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more
analog-to-digital converters (ADC), one or more digital-to-analog
converters (DAC), a system on chip (SoC), one or more operational
amplifiers, custom logic, programmable logic, analog circuitry,
mixed analog and digital circuitry, or the like, just to name a
few. Garment 102 may include one or more radios configured to
transmit, receive, or both, radio frequency (RF) signals for one or
more wireless communications links. A plurality of radios may
communicate using a plurality of wireless protocols and the
plurality of wireless protocols may be different protocols.
[0063] Alternatively, raw or partially (incompletely) processed
sensor data can be transmitted off board to a cellphone or other
SPCD device where data manipulation is accomplished. Resulting
derived data can be transmitted back to the controller to initiate
feedback to the wearer and/or adjust the functionality of the
garment. This shifts the weight, power consumption and expense of
computational components off board of the garment.
[0064] To provide power to the processing electronics and/or
communication electronics and/or sensors, a power source such as
one or more batteries (which may be rechargeable by various means
or may be one-time-use, disposable batteries) may be incorporated
into the form-fitting sensor garment in a permanent or detachable
manner. If the electronics and/or power source are/is
non-detachable, it is preferable that these components are
constructed such that they can withstand repeated washing and
drying cycles typical of wearable clothing. Alternative power
sources may be used, as is discussed elsewhere herein.
[0065] For example, electrical power may be provided by a battery
pack 118, which may be attached to form-fitting sensor garment 102
in a permanent or detachable manner. Battery pack 118 may represent
a one-time-use, disposable battery or may represent a rechargeable
battery pack (e.g., Lithium-Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride, or the like)
to be recharged for use via a charging port (e.g., a micro USB
connector) provided with a water resistant cap or plug implemented
with battery pack 118 or on form-fitting sensor garment 102 or via
a wireless charging technology such as inductive charging. The
battery pack 118 (rechargeable or otherwise) may be configured to
be replaceable (e.g., by the user) in the event the battery fails
or to swap out a battery with low charge or no charge, with a
freshly charged battery, for example. Battery pack 118 may be
configured to accept batteries with different amp-hour capacities
to provide sufficient duration of operation of garment 102 and its
associated electronics, such as 1500 mAh, 3000 mAh, etc. Battery
pack 118 may be configured to endure several wash cycles, dry
cycles or both. Alternatively, battery pack 118 may be configured
to be removable from garment 102 when the garment 102 is to be
washed and/or dried.
[0066] Power may alternatively be obtained by on board generators,
such as rotational generators positioned at the hip or knee to take
advantage of reciprocating joint rotation. Other energy scavenging
sources can take advantage of body temperature, respiration, stride
(e.g., foot strike) or others as is understood in the art.
[0067] Vibrators or other effectors can be carried by the garment
to be positioned at specific locations on the body which correlates
with the nature of the desired proprioceptic feedback. Thus the
wearer can receive a perceptible feedback which provides different
instructions to the wearer depending upon the location of the
effector. Activation may be pulsed or continuous until sensors
determine that the desired correction has been accomplished. The
frequency of pulsed feedback and/or the intensity of the feedback
(e.g., vibration) can increase in proportion with the degree to
which a target value is exceeded. A stepped feedback protocol can
also be programmed, such that a first effector is activated when a
first value is reached, and a second effector is activated when a
second value is reached, typically at a greater deviation from the
desired target than the first value. The value can be any measured
parameter of any of the sensors disclosed herein.
[0068] An effector may be positioned, for example, on any or all of
the posterior side of one or both lower or upper legs, activation
of which tells the wearer to make a modification such as increase
stride length or tempo. Certain effectors such as a tempo effector,
pulse alarm limit, temperature alarm limit or anaerobic threshold
alarm effectors do not need locational specificity so can be
mounted any convenient location such as back or chest or side if
that location is not needed to receive feedback that in combination
with location conveys additional information to the wearer.
[0069] In general, sensors and/or effectors can be placed at any
one or combination of the anterior right or left side or the
posterior right or left side of the lower leg, upper leg, waist,
glut, lower arm or upper arm. On the core or torso, effectors can
be located on anterior, posterior or lateral sides, at the
cervical, thoracic lumbar or sacral level of the spine, as well as
the head, left or right hand or left or right foot. The wearer can
be taught to move the portion of the body in the vicinity of a
given effector towards or away from the direction of the effector
in response to activation, or to accomplish some other behavioral
modification in response to each effector activation.
[0070] Any of the effectors can be activated in response to data
acquired by onboard sensors, or sensors carried by any of a variety
of commercial activity trackers, smart watches, smart phones, etc.,
including those produced by Fitbit, Jawbone, Under Armour, Basis,
Runtastic, Garmin among others, which can pair to the garment of
the present invention via protocols such as Bluetooth, ANT+ or
others known in the art.
[0071] One preferred effector comprises a device which when
activated produces tactile sensation such as from a pressure or
vibration against the skin. Small effective vibrators can comprise
a small motor having a rotatable shaft, with a weight eccentrically
carried by the shaft. The weight throws the shaft out of balance
and produces vibration of the entire assembly. The vibrators may be
permanently mounted on the garment, or may be detachable such ass
for washing, repositioning or replacement. The vibrator and any
associated wiring is preferably water proof and can sustain wash
and dry cycles. One suitable overmolded, waterproof vibrator is
disclosed in US patent publication No. 2014/0265677 to Grand, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety herein.
[0072] One effector that can change the resistance to movement
across a joint such as a hip or knee is an adjustable rotary damper
that can provide more or less resistance to rotation by variation
in viscosity in response to an applied electrical signal. One type
of adjustable rotary damper is filled with a magnetorheological
fluid (MRF) which is a suspension of magnetically polarisable
particles in a carrier fluid, the viscosity and other rheological
properties of which can be changed rapidly and reversibly in a
magnetic field. Analogously thereto, electrorheological fluids
(ERF) are suspensions of electrically polarisable particles in a
non-conductive carrier fluid, the theological properties of which
can be changed rapidly and reversibly in a magnetic field. Both
classes of fluids hence offer an ideal basis for adaptive damping
devices, the resistance to rotation of which are controlled by the
magnetic field or the electrical field, in response to a signal
from the controller 14.
[0073] The magnetizable particles are metal or metal oxide
particles with size on the order of a few microns. The carrier
liquid may also be referred to as a non-magnetic liquid, such as
base oil. Additionally, surfactants may be used to allow for high
particle volume fractions to increase the fluid's stability.
Normally, the magnetic particles are randomly distributed in the
liquid while no magnetic field is applied, and the suspensions
behave as regular liquid. If the suspensions are exposed to a
magnetic field, its flow resistance increases. This is because the
magnetic particles form chain-like structures parallel to the
magnetic field as a result of the magnetic interaction. The
rheological properties as shear modulus and viscosity reversibly
can change in milliseconds. The chain-like structure can be
deformed and destroyed due to external forces, but they will
quickly re-form as the external force is decreased or removed.
[0074] Controlled by the electromagnet, even small amounts of MR
fluid can generate a large and smooth resistive force when the
magnetic field is strong. Thus, the unit can be quite small and
compact, which allows the exercise garment to be light-weight and
portable.
[0075] At least one or two or more on board sensors can be used to
detect the signals of the user's performance such as speed, torque,
force, training time etc and/or the signals of the user's physical
conditions such as oxygen level, breathing rate and heart rate. The
sensors, MR unit and micro-processor in controller 14 can form a
closed-loop system.
[0076] The device may be programmed so that the resistive force of
the MR unit is adjusted in response to the level of a sensed value
or a degree of deviation of the sensed value from a predetermined
target value. The device may also allow for the user to modify
various settings, such as the level of difficulty, purpose of
exercise (e.g. strength training, rehabilitation, etc.), and other
variables that will allow the user to customize the manner in which
the MR damper responds to their physical activity. The controller
14 can take the customized setting as target and use a control
algorithm to adjust the resistance of MR liquid. The controller 14
may be programmed to read the sensor values, then compute the
desired output by calculating proportional, integral, and
derivative responses and summing those three components to compute
the output. In this closed loop system, the resistive force is the
system parameter to be controlled. The sensor reading provides the
feedback to the control system. The wearer's customized setting is
the desired set point. At any given moment, the difference between
the sensor readout and the set point is used by the control system
algorithm (compensator) to determine the desired output to drive
the system. For instance, if the sensor readout is lower than the
set point, then the output specified by the control algorithm might
be to increase the resistance. Additional details of MR damper
systems can be seen in US patent publication No. 2013/0260968 to
Shkolnik, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety herein.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, at a stage 202, optionally a reference
data set may be obtained. The reference data set may represent the
reference data associated with a given activity, exercise, recorded
prior history or programmed performance objective. For example, a
bicep curl exercise may be represented by a data set that specifies
the level of exertion that should be experienced by the bicep
muscle (e.g., fairly high) and lower back muscle (e.g., fairly
low). The data set may include one or more other aspects including
but not limited to one or a combination of workout and/or exercise
parameters, user specific parameters (e.g., BMI, percent body fat,
weight, etc.), or electrode environmental parameters (e.g., sweat,
body hair, etc.).
[0078] Reference data may also be generated by the wearer's
previously stored data. Previous data can be maintained as a
commencement to date cumulative data such as average, cumulative
total, peak, high or low intensity, etc., or specific sessions may
be elected to form the reference. For example a wearer might run a
short distance (e.g., a quarter mile) maintaining what they
consider an ideal form in terms of overall speed, stride length,
stride tempo, arm swing, respiration or other measurable parameter,
the data for which is saved as the reference. Then while running a
longer distance such as a marathon, feedback is transmitted to the
wearer via the corresponding effector as their body motion deviates
from the stored reference so that conscious effort can be exerted
to restore the motion parameter back to the reference. This may
allow the runner to decouple fatigue from decreases in efficiency,
to the extent that the inefficiency is now brought to the attention
of the runner and potentially corrected to the extent permitted at
a given level of fatigue.
[0079] At a stage 206, data may be acquired by sensors 104A-104C
(or other sensors) while the user performs the exercise and
transmitted to logic for analysis. The data may be communicated via
signal conductors 108 (as mentioned in connection with FIG. 2) to
controller 106. Analysis may be performed at controller 106 if
controller 106 is endowed with logic and/or algorithms (e.g.,
software and/or hardware and/or firmware) to perform the analysis
(in which case controller 106 may have to access to the earlier
discussed reference data at the stage 202 for analysis purpose).
This is shown by a path for signal conductors 108 in FIG. 2.
Although all of the sensors 104A-104C are depicted directly coupled
to a single controller 106, it should be understood that such
coupling may be an actual/physical coupling or may be a logical
coupling. For example, multiple controllers (e.g., multiple
controllers 106) may cooperate to share the data processing task or
to relay information from one or more sensors to the appropriate
controller or controllers for further data processing.
[0080] Alternatively, the data may be communicated from sensors
104A-104C to controller 106 and then may be relayed to SPCD 112 for
analysis (in which case SPCD 112 may have access to the earlier
discussed reference data at the stage 202 for analysis purpose).
Typically, wireless communication among components of textile-based
human MAF system 100 may employ any suitable air interface,
including for example Bluetooth.TM. (in its various
implementations, including low power Bluetooth), ANT.TM., WiFi.TM.,
WiMAX.TM., infrared, cellular technology (such as for example
GSM.TM., CDMA.TM., 2G.TM., 3G.TM., 4G.TM., 5GT.TM., LTE.TM.,
GPRS.TM.), etc. The selection of the appropriate air interface for
communication depends on the air interface availability in the
devices and/or at the location, cost, convenience, and/or other
factors.
[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the data may be forwarded
from SPCD 112 to Internet 120 (e.g., via path 164/156 or path
108/154/156) or from controller 106 to Internet 120 bypassing SPCD
120 (e.g., path 108/158) for analysis by one or more remotely
implemented computers (e.g., 198, 199) through Internet 120.
[0082] Alternatively, the data may be communicated from sensors
104A-104C directly to Internet 120 for analysis (in which case the
sensors 104A-104C may be equipped with communication circuitry such
as wireless communication circuitry, and computers (e.g., 198, 199)
implemented via the Internet 120 may have access to the earlier
discussed system schema at the stage 202 for analysis purpose).
Computers (e.g., 198, 199) may be in wired or wireless
communication (198a, 198b) with the Internet 120.
[0083] Analysis at a stage 208 may include, in one or more
embodiments, comparing the exertion level of individual muscles
(e.g., obtained from the muscle activation data from the sensors
104A-104C) with the reference exertion level of those muscles
(e.g., obtained from the reference data at the stage 202). This
analysis may reveal, for example, whether the human subject is
performing the exercise at the appropriate intensity level (e.g.,
by looking at the intensity data from the sensors 104A-104C and
comparing such information with corresponding information in the
reference data at the stage 202). This analysis may also reveal,
for example, whether the human subject is performing the exercise
or activity incorrectly. This may be the case if, for example, one
muscle in the group of muscles under monitoring by the sensors
104A-104C is over-exerted or under-exerted. Other sensor data such
as bend-angle sensor data or accelerometer sensor data may be used
to compare parameters such as acceleration, velocity, other motion
or position to the reference data.
[0084] Analysis at the stage 208 may include, alternatively or
additionally, comparing the duration of the exertion of individual
muscles (e.g., obtained from the muscle activation data from the
sensors 104A-104C) with the reference exertion duration of those
muscles (e.g., obtained from the reference data at the stage 202).
Analysis may include, alternatively or additionally, comparing the
number of exertion repetitions in a set (obtained from the muscle
activation data from the sensors 104A-104C) with the reference
exertion repetitions for those muscles (e.g., obtained from the
system schema at the stage 202), repetition rate, angular range of
motion, etc.
[0085] Analysis at the stage 208 may include, alternatively or
additionally accumulating an activity score based on an
electromyography signal. Such a score may be in different
resolution forms such as the overall body or individual muscles.
This allows the user to compare intensity level as measured through
muscle exertion over time.
[0086] Analysis at the stage 208 may include, alternatively or
additionally determining the number of repetitions and an
approximation of the weight used. Such analysis may be determined
by statistical analysis on saved user data or by comparing the user
data against a larger data set of all active users stored in
Internet 120 in FIG. 2. User data may be stored on one of
controller 106, SPCD 112 or equipment 110.
[0087] Analysis at the stage 208 may include, alternatively or
additionally updating a user profile and comparing against profiles
of one or more other users. In one embodiment, user profile data
may include a history of workout sessions including overall
exertion as well as individually monitored muscles. In another
embodiment, profile data may include goals set by the user and
additionally or alternatively challenges from other users (e.g., to
motivate the user). For example, the challenges may come from other
persons or users who may be associated with a social network (e.g.,
Facebook.RTM., Twitter.RTM.), professional network (e.g.,
LinkedIn.RTM.), or the like. Through social and/or professional
networking of user profiles including historical workout data,
motivation is increased by the competitive environment created.
Additionally, challenges may be proposed by the system (e.g.,
controller 106 and/or other system in communication with controller
106). A combination of progressive challenges (e.g., a series of
challenges, each with higher goals to be achieved) may lead the
user to higher and higher levels as in a gaming scenario were
gameificaiton of the challenges may comprise the user taking on
progressive challenges against goals set by the user, the system,
others, or by other competitors in the game, for example.
[0088] A result of the analysis at the stage 208 may be immediately
communicated to the user at a stage 210 via a display 112a of
device 112 (e.g., a smartphone, table, pad, eyeglasses 182, etc.)
or an auxiliary feedback device such as devices 114 including any
of the effectors disclosed elsewhere herein substantially in real
time (e.g., immediately after data acquisition and analysis is
completed, factoring in real-world delays in data transmission and
processing). Feedback at the stage 210 may, for example, include a
representation of the body and visually depict the muscles being
exerted, along with a color gradient or an overlay with relative
exertion or other data depiction scheme to communicate the
intensity level and/or duration and/or number of repetitions
associated with each muscle. The feedback at the stage 210 may also
include recommendations in the form of audio, visual (e.g., lights,
text) or proprioceptic (e.g., push more with the left arm; increase
or decrease stride length; increase or decrease stride rate; adjust
body position) or status or warning (e.g., move elbows medially;
crossing anaerobic threshold; body temperature exceeding or falling
below a preset alarm limit; pulse exceeding a preset alarm limit;
hydration status falling below a preset alarm limit; etc.) or other
coaching information while the human subject is performing the
exercise.
[0089] Additionally, feedback at the stage 210 may be stored on
either the controller 106, the SPCD 112 or the Internet 120 for
later viewing and/or audio playback. In one example, after
completing a set or portion of a workout session the user may
"playback" visual features including the body representation with
muscle depiction. This allows the user to get feedback at a time
that is convenient and not during a strenuous activity. Other
features can be added to compare the "playback" with other users
who may be a part of the system environment. For example using a
professional athlete as a benchmark of comparison.
[0090] Feedback device 114 may be implemented by a built-in display
112a of SPCD 112 (e.g., a LCD, OLED, touch screen, etc.) by an
external display 170, by audio playback device (such as headset
180, which may be in communication with controller 106, SPCD 112,
external display 170 and/or Internet 120), or by digital eyewear
(see 182 in FIG. 1A). Feedback device 114 may provide feedback
information in either graphical, video, or audio format to the
user.
[0091] For example, the analysis result at the stage 208 (e.g., as
a type of feedback at the stage 210) may be displayed on the
display screen 112a of SPCD 112 after analysis by SPCD 112.
Alternatively, the analysis result may be displayed (e.g., using
wireless communication if necessary) on the display screen 112a of
SPCD 112 if analysis takes place elsewhere (e.g., communicated via
path 154 if analysis is performed on controller 106 or via path 156
if analysis is performed via. Internet 120). Alternatively or
additionally, the analysis result may be displayed on an external
display 170 (e.g., communicated via path 172 or path 154/174 if
analysis is performed on controller 106 or communicated via path
156/174 or path 176 if analysis is performed by Internet 120).
[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the analysis result at the
stage 208 may be displayed on digital eyeglasses (see 182 in FIG.
2) instead of external display 170. Alternatively or additionally,
the analysis result at the stage 208 may be converted to an audio
format and played back using a headset 180 (e.g., a wireless
headset, earpiece, headphones, or the like, or conveyed via one or
more proprioceptic effectors which may be located in a
predetermined position on the garment so that the wearer can
correlate that position with the nature of the information conveyed
at that position).
[0093] The analysis result at the stage 208 may be employed to
alter the behavior of the exercise garment in order to improve the
exercise experience and/or exercise form or efficacy for the
wearer. For example, if the user is perceived to employ bad form
while exercising at a given intensity level, the resistance level
across the hip joint, knee, elbow, shoulder or other motion segment
may be automatically reduced (e.g., in real time, using an effector
operating under the command of controller 106 or SPCD 112) in order
to help improve the form of the wearer. Contrarily, if the analysis
at the stage 208 reveals that the user can rapidly perform the
exercise without much muscle strain, the resistance level may be
elevated (e.g., in real time) in order to present a more meaningful
or beneficial exercise to the human subject.
[0094] In accordance with one or more embodiments, form-fitting
sensor garment 102 (or more specifically controller 106 of
form-fitting sensor garment 102) may automatically pair with SPCD
112. Pairing, in the context of the present invention, may pertain
to the association of a specific device with another specific
device to facilitate wireless data communication and/or wireless
data security/confidentiality. Likewise, form-fitting sensor
garment 102 (or more specifically controller 106 of form-fitting
sensor garment 102) may automatically pair (e.g., BT paring) with
exercise equipment 190 (or more specifically with exercise
equipment communication device 110 thereof). Likewise, SPCD 112 may
automatically pair with exercise equipment 190 (or more
specifically with exercise equipment communication device 110).
[0095] In one or more embodiments, form-fitting sensor garment 102
(or more specifically controller 106 of form-fitting sensor garment
102) may intelligently pair with SPCD 112 to reduce power
consumption (e.g., from battery pack 118). In an example of
intelligent pairing, the communication apparatus would be turned
off during periods of inactivity, such as when the user is resting.
When controller 106, through algorithmic implementation, detects
the commencing of activity the communicating apparatus would be
turned on and pairing completed. Likewise, form-fitting sensor
garment 102 (or more specifically controller 106 of form-fitting
sensor garment 102) may intelligently pair with exercise equipment
190 (or more specifically with exercise equipment communication
device 110 thereof) to reduce power consumption. Likewise, SPCD 112
may intelligently pair with exercise equipment 190 (or more
specifically with exercise equipment communication device 110) to
extend battery life. In other embodiments, processor 106 may scan
for sensor activity from one or more of the sensors (e.g.,
104A-104C) and if no sensor activity is detected, then processor
106 may switch to a low power mode of operation (e.g., to conserve
battery power). Upon detecting sensor activity, processor 106 may
exit the low power mode, analyze the detected sensor activity
(e.g., analyze signals from the sensors) and take appropriate
action. In some examples, the appropriate action may comprise the
processor 106 switching back to the low power mode of operation,
because the signals analyzed were not indicative of the type of
activity the sensor is intended to sense, for example. Lack of
motion or other physical activity or lack thereof by user may serve
to trigger entry into the low power mode of operation for processor
106. For example, sensor not detecting muscle activity may prompt
processor 106 to switch to the low power mode of operation.
Subsequently, detection of muscle activity may prompt processor 106
to exit the low power mode of operation. As another example, a
motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, motion detector, or
gyroscope) may output a signal indicative of no motion or motion
below a threshold indicative of sufficient activity by user and
that signal may prompt processor 106 to switch to the low power
mode of operation. Subsequently, motion detector may generate a
signal indicative of sufficient activity by user (e.g., running,
walking, etc.) and processor 106 may switch out of the low power
mode of operation to another mode where the signal from motion
detector is analyzed and acted on.
[0096] Likewise, form-fitting sensor garment 102 (or more
specifically controller 106 of form-fitting sensor garment 102) may
automatically pair with the external display 170 or the headset 180
or the digital eyeglass 182 as described earlier. Likewise, SPCD
112 may automatically pair or otherwise establish a wireless
communication link (e.g., via BT, WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other
protocol) with one or more of the external display 170, the headset
180, or the digital eyeglass 182 as described above.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a further toning
garment 450 in accordance with the present invention. The toning
garment 450 includes a right leg 452, a left leg 454, and a waist
456. As for all garments disclosed herein, the toning garment 450
will preferably be bilaterally symmetrical. Accordingly, only a
single side will be discussed in detail herein.
[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the right leg 452 is provided
with a hip resistance unit 458. Right leg 452 is additionally
provided with a knee resistance unit 460, Each leg of the toning
garment 450 may be provided with either the hip resistance unit 458
or the knee resistance unit 460, with or without the other. The
left and right hip resistance units will preferably have an axis of
rotation that is functionally aligned with a transverse axis of
rotation which extends through the wearer's left and right hip axes
of rotation. Functional alignment includes precise alignment
however due to the different fit that will be achieved from wearer
to wearer, precise alignment may not always occur. Due to the
stretchability of the garment, minor misalignment may self correct
or not present adverse performance. Similarly, the knee resistance
units, if present, will preferably have an axis of rotation that is
functionally aligned with the transverse axis of rotation that
extends through the center of rotation of each knee. Compensation
for misalignment is discussed below.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, the hip resistance unit 458 will be
described in further detail. The left leg hip resistance unit, and
both the right and left leg knee resistance unit 460 may be
constructed in a similar manner. The unit has an outer housing,
which may enclose a rotary damper. Housing may also enclose
processing electronics described elsewhere herein, as well as a
power supply and transmitter or transceiver for communicating with
other components in the system.
[0100] The hip resistance unit 458 is provided with a first
attachment such as a first lever 462, and a second attachment such
as a second lever 464 connected by a pivotable connection 466. The
pivotable connection 466 comprises a resistance element 468 which
provides resistance to angular movement between a primary
longitudinal axis of first lever 462 and a primary longitudinal
axis of second lever 464. In the as worn orientation, the axis of
rotation 470 is preferably substantially aligned with an axis of
rotation of the joint with which the resistance element is
associated.
[0101] A lever as used herein refers to a structure that
mechanically links a housing or rotatable component of a resistance
unit to a portion of the garment or wearer at or above or below the
resistance unit, so that movement of the wearer is resisted by the
resistance unit without undesirable stretching of the garment. The
lever may take a conventional form, as illustrated in FIG. 8, and
comprise an elongate element having a length generally at least
about 2 inches, in some embodiments at least about 4 or 6 or 8
inches to provide better leverage and attachment force
distribution. The element may a have a width of at least about 0.25
inches, and in some embodiments at least about 0.5 inches or 1.0
inches or 2 inches or more but normally less than about 3 inches or
2.5 inches. The thickness may be less than about 0.25 inches,
preferably less than about 0.125 inches and in some embodiments
less than about 0.050 inches. The lever may comprise any of a
variety of washable, non-corrosive materials such as nylon, Teflon,
polyethylene, PEBAX, PEEK or others known in the art. Preferably
the lever arm is sufficient to transmit force in the
anterior--posterior direction in the case of hip and knee
resistance units, but is flexible in the medial--lateral direction
to enable the garment to follow the contours of the body.
[0102] The inferior and superior lever aims may be similar to each
other for a resistance unit mounted at the knee. For a resistance
unit mounted at the hip, the lever arms may be distinct. For
example, the inferior lever arm at the hip may conveniently
comprise an elongated femoral lever, such as that illustrated in
FIG. 7, in which the axial length of the lever is at least about
two times, and may be at least about five times or eight times its
width. This lever arm can extend down the lateral side of the leg,
secured by the garment approximately parallel to the femur.
[0103] The superior lever arm may have a vertical component:
towards the waist, with a bend so that a superior component extends
in a transverse direction, either partially or completely
circumferentially around the waist of the wearer. Alternatively,
the superior lever arm may comprise a fabric or plastic force
transfer patch, such as a circular, square, rectangular, oval or
other shape which can be secured to the rotational damper or a
docking station for receiving the rotational damper, and also
secured to the garment in a manner that resists rotation of the
damper with respect to the garment during movement of the inferior
lever. Thus, "lever" as used herein is a force transfer structure
and is not limited to the species of a conventional elongate
arm.
[0104] The lever may alternatively comprise a hub for attachment to
the resistance unit, and a plurality of two or three or four or
more elements that are secured such as by stitching or adhesive
bonding to the garment. Each of the elements is preferably
relatively inflexible in the anterior--posterior direction, but
flexible in the medial--lateral direction to enable an anterior
element to wrap at least partially around the side and optionally
around the front of the leg. A posterior element preferably wraps
at least partially around the posterior side of the leg. The
elements can comprise one or more strands or technical fabric
supports, sufficient to transmit the forces involved in a given
garment and resistance unit system.
[0105] The hip resistance unit 458 may be secured to the toning
garment 450 in any of a variety of ways. The first lever 462 may be
provided with at least a first set of apertures 463 and optionally
a second set of apertures 465 to receive a filament such as a
polymeric or fabric thread, for sewing the hip resistance unit 458
to the garment. Stitching may alternatively be accomplished by
piercing the first lever 462 directly with the sewing needle,
without the need for apertures 463 or 465. Alternatively, the first
lever 462 can be secured to the garment using any of a variety of
fastening techniques, such as adhesive bonding, grommets or others
known in the art.
[0106] A lever is convenient for the inferior attachment, to
distribute force along a portion of the length of the femur. The
longitudinal axis of the first, superior attachment at the hip may
be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second lever 464 at
the midpoint of its range of motion, such that the first lever is
aligned like a belt, circumferentially extending along a portion of
or approximately parallel to the wearer's waist. Normally the hip
axis of rotation will be offset inferiorly by at least about 3
inches, and often 5 inches or more from the iliac crest, which
approximates the belt line for many wearers. Alternatively, the
housing of the resistance element may be sewn or adhesively bonded
or otherwise attached directly to reinforced fabric at the hip.
[0107] The rotary damper may be rated to provide anywhere within
the range of from about 0.1 inch pounds to about 50 inch pounds
torque depending upon the joint or other motion segment to be
loaded and desired intensity. Generally, in a toning garment,
torque at the hip may be in the range of from about 2 inch pounds
to about 8 inch pounds, and often no more than about 6 inch pounds.
For the athletic training market, higher torques such as at least
about 3 or 5 or 7 inch pounds, and some implementations at least
about 10 or 15 inch pounds or higher may be desirable at the hip.
In some implementations, the resistance element provides at least
about 6 or 8 or 10 or 12 inch pounds and possibly 15 inch pounds or
more depending upon garment construction, measured at 40 degrees
per second.
[0108] Torque at the knee will generally be less than at the hip.
Values of generally no more than about 85% or 50% or 35% of the
torque at the hip may be desirable in a toning garment at the knee,
measured at 30 RPM for fully rotational dampers at approximately
STP. As discussed elsewhere herein, the resistance element at any
given joint can provide the same or different resistance (including
zero) upon flexion or extension.
[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, a rotary damper resistance
element is illustrated. Any of a variety of alternative specific
damper constructions may be utilized as will be apparent to those
of skill in the art. Linear dampers may also be used, along with
associated lever arms, or mounted in line in a pulley system. The
apparatus includes a housing 500 defining a housing interior 502
for containing damper fluid (not shown) of any conventional nature,
and optimally also electronic components. The housing interior has
a substantially circular cross section and is formed by a toroidal
or cylindrical (illustrated) inner housing surface 504 disposed
about and spaced from a central axis 470. The housing 500 includes
two adjoining housing members 506, 508, each housing member
defining a portion of the housing interior.
[0110] A vane or piston 514 having an outer peripheral piston
surface at which is located an outer seal 512 is in substantially
fluid-tight, slidable engagement with the inner housing surface,
spaced from axis 470 and disposed along a common plane with the
axis 470. The housing 500 and the piston 514 are relatively
rotatably moveable about the axis, as will be described in greater
detail below.
[0111] A first fluid barrier 510 and a second fluid barrier 511
each in the form of a plate are immovably attached to the housing
and positioned in the housing interior.
[0112] The vane 514 defines multiple flow control orifices or
passageways 516 which permit restricted passage of damper fluid
therethrough responsive to relative rotational movement of the vane
514 throughout an angular range between the first fixed barrier 510
and second fixed barrier 511 to dampen forces applied to the
apparatus causing the relative rotational movement.
[0113] A shaft or aperture 518 extends through the housing interior
along axis 470 and is exposed on at least one opposed side of the
housing, for connection as has been discussed.
[0114] Piston 514 is secured with respect to shaft or a sidewall of
aperture 518 such that relative rotational movement between the
housing and the aperture 518 causes the piston 514 to rotate
through an arc about axis 470. This will cause damper fluid in the
housing interior to pass through flow control passageways 516 and
thus resist the relative rotational movement.
[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the barriers 510 and 511
define a first portion 504 of the housing interior 502 for
containing viscous fluid, and enabling piston 514 to rotate
throughout an angular range of motion. The hip normally rotates in
the anterior posterior plane throughout a range which varies from
individual to individual and based upon speed of travel, but is
generally from about 35.degree. for short walking strides to a
maximum of no more than about 120.degree. for most wearers. The
knee, elbow and other motion segments also have a limited range of
motion. Thus a full 360.degree. range of motion at the resistance
unit is not necessary. The barriers 510 and 511 thus also define an
electronics component chamber 520 which is isolated from the damper
chamber 504. Electronics component chamber 520 may include any of a
variety of electronic components, depending upon the functionality
of the device. For example, a power supply 522 such as a battery
may be provided. Also illustrated is a central processing unit 524,
a transmitter or transceiver 528 and potentially one or more
sensors 526.
[0116] The electronics component chamber 520 may alternatively or
additionally be carried in a separate removable, interchangeable
electronically enabled module 550 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The
electronics module comprises a housing having at least one chamber
therein for containing any one or more of the electronic components
or systems disclosed elsewhere herein. The housing has a lower
docking surface 554 having at least a first connector (not
illustrated) configured to releasably connect to a second,
complementary connector 552 on a resistance unit 100 or resistance
element 102. Any of a variety of mechanical interference fit
structures may be used for snap fit, threaded fit or other
releasable engagement. One or two or three or four or more
complementary pairs of connectors may be utilized. Magnetic
attachment may also be used, with magnets carried by the resistance
element positioned to align with complementary magnets of opposite
polarity in the electronics module 550, ElectroPermanent Magnets or
EPM's may be desirable, since the external magnetic field can be
turned on and off by applying a current pulse, but no current is
required to maintain the magnetic field once the EPM has been
activated.
[0117] The electronics module 550 is also provided with a rotatable
shaft or other rotation sensing or transferring element 556, to
couple to the rotatable aperture or shaft of the resistance
element. One or more electrical connections may also be provided on
the docking surface 554, for placing the electronics module into
electrical connection with the resistance element. For example a
multiple pogo pin connector on one docking surface can be brought
into alignment with a complementary multi conductor connector on
the other complementary docking surface. Inductive communication
may be desirable since it may have better durability in a damp
environment. Electrical communication between the electronics
module and the resistance unit may be desirable if some electronics
such as certain sensors are preferably located within the
resistance module or elsewhere on the garment.
[0118] An electronics module 550 may be multipurpose, and include
electronics to enable any combination of functions described
elsewhere herein. Alternatively, application specific modules may
be produced to help reduce cost and tailor functionality to a
particular wearer's needs. For example, a module may be configured
to report any one or combination of incremental power, stride rate,
stride length, or derived metrics such as power to heart rate
ratio; power to weight ratio; efficiency factor or more depending
upon the intended use. The electronics module may be configured
solely as a data capture device, to be downloaded following the
exercise period. It may alternatively be configured as both a data
capture and transmit device, such as to transmit raw or processed
data to a remote receiver, with or without any direct feedback to
the wearer. The remote receiver may be a smart phone or other
device capable of receiving and displaying the data, for use by a
coach, medical personnel, or anyone who has a desire to see
performance metrics. Multiple players or athletes on a team may
simultaneously transmit performance data to the coach, who can
monitor power output and other metrics of the team members side by
side as they go through similar activities, for various evaluation
purposes.
[0119] Power supply 522 may comprise a battery pack, which may be
carried within the housing in a permanent or detachable manner. The
battery pack may represent a one-time-use, disposable battery or
may represent a rechargeable battery pack (e.g., Lithium-Ion,
Nickel Metal Hydride, or the like) to be recharged for use via a
charging port (e.g., a micro USB connector 530) provided with a
water resistant cap or plug. Charging may alternatively be
accomplished via a wireless charging technology such as inductive
charging via an induction coil carried by or within the housing.
The battery pack (rechargeable or otherwise) may be configured to
be replaceable (e.g., by the user) in the event the battery fails
or to swap out a battery with low charge or no charge, with a
freshly charged battery, for example. Battery pack may be
configured to accept batteries with different amp-hour capacities
to provide sufficient duration of operation of the garment and its
associated electronics, such as 1500 mAh, 3000 mAh, etc. Power
supply 522 may alternatively comprise an on board generator, such
as a rotational generator positioned at the hip or knee to take
advantage of reciprocating joint rotation. Other energy scavenging
sources can take advantage of body temperature, respiration, stride
(e.g., foot strike) temperature change representing calories burned
as a result of movement at the hip, which elevates the temperature
of the damper, or others as is understood in the art.
[0120] Communication module 528 to permit electronics on the
resistance unit and/or carried elsewhere on the garment to
communicate (e.g., wireless data) with one or more of external,
remote devices such as a smart personal communication device (e.g.,
a smart phone, tablet, or pad), remote feedback device, on board
feedback device such as a vibrator, compression pad or ring,
electrical current or other feedback effector, or any of a variety
of tracker systems such as those produced by Fitbit, Jawbone,
Nike's Fuelband or Under Armour's Healthbox connected ecosystem.
Typically, wireless communication among components of the wearable
fitness ecosystem may employ any suitable air interface, including
for example Bluetooth.TM. (in its various implementations,
including low power Bluetooth), ANT.TM., ANT+, WiFi.TM., WiMAX.TM.,
802.11(x), infrared, cellular technology (such as for example
GSM.TM., CDMA.TM., 2G.TM., 3G.TM., 4G.TM., 5G.TM., LTE.TM.,
GPRS.TM.), etc. The selection of the appropriate air interface for
communication depends on the air interface availability in the
devices and/or at the location, cost, convenience, battery life
and/or other factors.
[0121] The sensor module 526 can include any of a variety of
sensors described elsewhere herein, depending upon the desired
functionality. For example, temperature sensors may be provided
both to enable correction of other sensor data or electronics due
to thermal drift as the resistance unit rises in temperature, as
well as to provide a metric of calories burned. Sensors for
enabling the determination of force, power, stride length, stride
velocity, stride rate among others may be conveniently placed on or
within the resistance unit. For example, at least one or two or
four or more accelerometers may be placed. throughout the
resistance unit, femoral lever or garment (e.g., left and right
arm; left and right leg) and/or otherwise carried by the wearer's
body (i.e., attached via any suitable manner to shoes, wrist bands,
etc.) to collect multiple data points. Each of the additional
accelerometers may be connected wirelessly or via electrical
conductors back to the controller 524 and/or communication module
528. A suitable 3-axis accelerometer may be a model ADXL377
available from Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Mass. or any
equivalent. Likewise, a suitable 3-axis gyroscope may be a model
ADXRS652 available from Analog Devices, Inc.. of Norwood, Mass. or
any equivalent. Raw data may be sent from both the 3-axis
accelerometer and the 3-axis gyroscope to the controller 524 which
can record acceleration, 3-axis gyroscope position in terms of x,
y, and z coordinates. The controller 524 may obtain position point
recordings multiple (e.g., 500 times) a second and is configured to
automatically write the data points to memory along with
transmitting the data over the communication interface to sensor
data interpretation software which may be resident on a remote
computing device (e.g., laptop, cell phone, etc.). Additional
details of wearable gyroscope and accelerometer systems may be
found in US patent publication 2014/03133049 to Doherty, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Strain gauges, piezoelectric and proximity sensors may also be
mounted on the resistance unit depending upon a variety of
manufacturing choices and intended functionality.
[0122] The controller module 524 may also include processing
electronics for performing some or all required signal processing
on the sensed signals. In one or more embodiments, such signal
processing (e.g., amplifying or filtering) may be performed locally
in one or more of the sensors at the controller 524, or both, for
example. Controller 524 may also include signal processing for
performing data analysis and feedback data generation. In one or
more embodiments, such data analysis and feedback data generation
may be performed at one or more of controller 524, local remote
device such as a fitness tracker or smart phone or the Internet.
Signal processing for performing data analysis and feedback data
generation may occur solely in the garment and its associated
electronic circuitry, external to garment, or both where some
portion of the processing is done in the garment and other portions
are done external to the garment using processors and resources of
external devices and/or systems.
[0123] Controller 524 may include one or more processors,
multi-core processors, one or more digital signal processors (DSP),
one or more micro-processors, one or more micro-controllers, one or
more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more
field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more
analog-to-digital converters (ADC), one or more digital-to-analog
converters (DAC), a system on chip (SoC), one or more operational
amplifiers, custom logic, programmable logic, analog circuitry,
mixed analog and digital circuitry, or the like, just to name a
few. Alternatively, raw or partially (incompletely) processed
sensor data can be transmitted off board to a cellphone or other
smart local remote device where data manipulation is accomplished.
This shifts the weight, power consumption and expense of
computational components off board of the garment.
[0124] Analysis performed either on board the controller 524 or off
board may include, in one or more embodiments, comparing an
exertion level with the reference exertion level as is discussed
elsewhere herein. Other sensor data such as bend-angle sensor data
or accelerometer sensor data may be used to compare parameters such
as acceleration, velocity, other motion or position to the
reference data.
[0125] Analysis may also include, alternatively or additionally
updating a user profile and comparing against profiles of one or
more other users. In one embodiment, user profile data may include
a history of workout sessions including overall exertion as well as
individually monitored muscles. In another embodiment, profile data
may include goals set by the user and additionally or alternatively
challenges from other users (e.g., to motivate the user). For
example, the challenges may come from other persons or users who
may be associated with a social network (e.g., Facebook.RTM.,
Twitter.RTM.), professional network (e.g., LinkedIn.RTM.), training
partner, training team, or the like. Through social and/or
professional networking of user profiles including historical
workout data, motivation is increased by the competitive
environment created. Additionally, challenges or goals may be
proposed by the system (e.g., controller 524 and/or other system in
communication with controller 524). A combination of progressive
challenges (e.g., a series of challenges, each with higher goals to
be achieved) may lead the user to higher and higher levels as in a
gaming scenario where gameificaiton of the challenges may comprise
the user taking on progressive challenges against goals set by the
user, the system, others, or by other competitors in the game, for
example.
[0126] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art in view of
the disclosure herein, certain sensors are preferably mounted
elsewhere on the garment but other sensors may be or preferably are
mounted at or near the axis of rotation on the damper or damper
housing. These may include force sensors, angular displacement
sensors, accelerometers, proximity sensors, (potentially depending
upon the manner in which data is obtained for the calculation of
power) and temperature sensors, such as to directly measure caloric
burn accomplished by the resistance unit. An external electrical
connector 530 such as a mini USB port may also be provided on the
housing, for electrical connection to an external device such as to
charge the battery 522 program the CPU, and or download data which
has been obtained during an exercise period or other data
collection period. The CPU module may contain memory, and or a
separate memory module may be provided depending upon the intended
length of the data collection period and or the complexity (i.e.,
data rate) of the data being recorded.
[0127] While the present application has been described in terms of
several preferred embodiments and/or examples, there may be
alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the
scope of the present application. The present application should be
understood to also encompass these alterations, permutations, and
equivalents. It should also be noted that there are many
alternative ways of implementing the systems, methods, computer
readable media, and apparatuses of the present application.
Although various examples are provided herein, it is intended that
these examples be illustrative and not limiting with respect to the
present application.
[0128] Although the foregoing examples have been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the
above-described concepts are not limited to the details provided.
There are many alternative ways of implementing the above-described
concepts for the present application. The disclosed embodiments
and/or examples are illustrative and not restrictive.
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