A Method and a Feedback System for the Assessment of Motions of a Versatile System

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patented invention describes a method and system for assessing the motions of a 'versatile system' (such as a human body, a robot, or other moving system) using a wireless sensor network attached to it. In essence, during a training phase, a correct motion is performed while the sensors collect data that is segmented and analyzed to create a reference model. Later, during actual use (the feedback phase), the system monitors new motions, comparing them in real-time to the reference, and provides immediate feedback (visual, sound, or vibration) to guide the user in correcting their movement as it happens. This can be done for individual movement fragments, for a full body part, or the entire system.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Physical rehabilitation, allowing patients to perform prescribed exercises at home with immediate feedback on correctness of movement.
• Sports training, enabling athletes to practice and perfect their form independently, with real-time correction.
• Robotic motion assessment and quality control in industrial settings.
• Assisted exercise programs for the elderly or disabled, enhancing safety and effectiveness.
• Remote coaching/telemedicine, where clinicians or trainers can monitor compliance and progress without being physically present.
• Quality assessment of repetitive manufacturing or assembly operations involving moving subcomponents.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides instant, actionable feedback to users during ongoing motion, improving learning and reducing risk of injury or incorrect form.
• Does not require camera-based motion tracking or complex external infrastructure; the wireless sensors are unobtrusive and flexible to place.
• Highly customizable for individual users and tasks, supporting fine or coarse granularity of motion assessment.
• Reduces the need for constant supervision by coaches or therapists, promoting independence and efficiency.
• Enables objective, quantitative assessment and tracking of motion quality and progress over time.
• Supports scalable deployment (e.g., varying number of sensors, different feedback modalities), making it adaptable to many scenarios.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention regards a method and a feedback system for the assessment of motions of a versatile system that use a wireless sensor network attached to the versatile system. The method comprises a training phase and a feedback phase. In the training phase, a defined motion is conducted by the versatile system, whereby sensor data are gathered by the sensor nodes (31, 32, 33). After segmentation (202) of the sensor data into separate segments and the extracting (203) of features, a symbol is assigned to each of the motion fragments. A symbol sequence is formed which represents the complete motion conducted by the versatile system at a sensor node. After repeating at least once the conducting step and/or the analysing step, a reference symbol sequence (207) is formed at each sensor node (31, 32, 33). In the feedback phase, the defined motion is conducted again, and the collected sensor data are analyzed in a similar manner as in the training phase, wherein at each sensor node at least one motion fragment of the present motion is assessed (404) at least by comparing the symbol assigned to the motion fragment with a to be expected symbol of the reference symbol sequence. A feedback (405, 409, 410) is provided to the versatile system depending on the result of the assessment. The feedback refers to a motion fragment and may be provided while the motion is still carried out.