WO2004066837A1

WO2004066837A1 - Control device for monitoring posture

Info

Publication number: WO2004066837A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/000780
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heinrich Henke; Christoph Börner
Original assignee: Heinrich Henke; Boerner Christoph
Priority date: 2003-01-30
Filing date: 2004-01-29
Publication date: 2004-08-12
Also published as: DE10304238A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a control device (10) comprising inclination sensors (20) and other sensors (38), e.g. torsion sensors or extension sensors. Said control device (10) transmits signals (40,42) to an evaluation unit (16) in which the upper body posture of a human being (14) is determined based on the signals (40,42). In case it is determined that the human being (14) has an unfavorable posture, a control signal making the human being (14) aware of the incorrect posture is generated by a control signal transmitter (18), allowing the human being (14) to monitor his/her posture as simply as possible and thus prevent or treat especially posture-related diseases and damages.

Description

CONTROL DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE POSITION

The invention relates to a control device for monitoring the posture of a person, in particular the upper body.

Many diseases and damage to the body and musculoskeletal system can be traced back to the fact that the patient previously moved incorrectly. For example, it is known that a predominantly sedentary activity increases the risk of pain in the intervertebral disc, spine or neck area. As soon as the first pain occurs, the situation will usually worsen, since a person with such pain instinctively adopts a posture which avoids the pain. This can lead to an attitude that can cause postural pain and damage to an even greater extent.

Damage to posture can be avoided, in particular, by training the muscle groups, for example through physiotherapy, which counteracts incorrect posture. However, the muscle groups to be trained are precisely the areas of the body in which the posture-related pain arises. This makes independent training without outside help particularly difficult, since the instinctive reaction of the body is exactly the opposite of the required movement. This makes therapy and especially prevention of postural pain difficult. Even if a person decides to take any measures that are uncomfortable for them in order to avoid or treat postural pain, they generally do not have the necessary knowledge of which specific postures are beneficial or detrimental. In order to be able to largely rule out erroneous measures, medical knowledge about the musculoskeletal system that the layperson does not have is necessary. For this reason, the necessary knowledge is imparted with the help of specialists, for example doctors or physiotherapists, as part of special cures or therapies. This makes the prevention or therapy of diseases and injuries caused by posture expensive and time-consuming. This leads to a deterrent effect, making preventive measures particularly unattractive for a person.

The object of the invention is to provide a control device with which a person can monitor his posture as simply as possible.

The object is solved by the features of claim 1.

The control device according to the invention contains a posture sensor system which is attached to the body, in particular the upper body, of a person. Depending on the posture of the person, the posture sensor system generates a signal that controls a control signal transmitter. The control signal generator generates a control signal that can be perceived by a person. This gives the user of the control device feedback about his posture. In response to the control signal, people can correct their posture until it corresponds to the required posture. This enables people to monitor their posture as easily as possible. This supports the prevention and therapy of posture-related pain while largely avoiding expensive and time-consuming measures. The posture sensor system is preferably attached to a body region which has a defined position, in particular with respect to the spine. For example, the posture sensor system can be attached above the solar plexus, a hip bone, a knee joint and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the posture sensor system has a plurality of sensors which can determine various aspects of the upper body posture. The posture sensor system can have, for example, an inclination sensor and / or a strain sensor and / or a torsion sensor. This makes it possible, in particular, to determine the frontal inclination, the lateral inclination, the compression or extension and the torsion of the upper body. Furthermore, it becomes possible, depending on which sensor or which combination of sensors detects incorrect posture, to generate different control signals, such as voice commands ("Sit straight!", "Eyes straight!" Or the like). The person finds out where and what caused the incorrect posture and can make the correct countermovement.

In particular, the control device has an evaluation device with which the signals determined by the posture sensor system are evaluated before a control signal is triggered. It can be used to check setpoints and to decide whether a signal should be triggered by the control signal transmitter. For example, a control signal is only triggered if the incorrect position is not corrected automatically after a certain time. This gives people a certain freedom of movement without constantly causing control signals. Furthermore, threshold values, from which a control signal is to be triggered, can be set differently depending on other signals of the posture sensor system. As a result, the control device can adapt flexibly to different movement or posture situations of the person. The upper body posture, in particular the inclination of the upper body, can be detected relative to the direction of gravity. The detection is carried out in particular by a quantified measurement. By detecting the upper body posture relative to gravity, it is possible to determine the position of the body, for example whether the person is standing, sitting or lying. When the upper body position is detected relative to a human body point, the angle or distance between the sensor and body point is preferably measured. This enables the control device to measure how strongly individual body parts are curved, stretched or twisted. A combination of different sensors and detection methods makes it possible to determine the posture and position of the human body. As a result, different target positions can be taken into account depending on the position of the body. For example, the solo posture when lying down can deviate from the target posture while standing or sitting.

In principle, sensors that are already known can be used for the posture sensors. The sensors S700 and S270 from Althen GmbH are known as inclination and curvature sensors, for example. The sensor S1280 CS from Althen GmbH can be used as a torsion sensor, for example. Sensors can be used as a strain sensor, which work on a similar principle to a strain gauge. A single sensor can preferably detect several different directions of movement at the same time.

The signal generated by the posture sensor system can be transmitted through a cable. Alternatively, the transmission can also take place entirely or partially without contact, for example by means of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio. Due to the short transmission paths, radio transmitters with very low power can be used.

The signal transmission between the posture sensor system and the evaluation device takes place in particular continuously and / or discontinuously. Depending on If necessary, the continuous measurement of sensor data is required or not. The frontal or lateral inclination of the upper body is preferably measured continuously in order to be able to detect the curvature of the upper body at any time. In contrast, the alignment of the upper body relative to gravity is preferably measured discontinuously. For example, a signal is only generated when the upper body has moved so far out of the vertical, for example when the person lies down that the generation of control signals no longer appears to make sense. For example, it does not make sense to animate a person who is lying down to straighten their torso. In such a case, a sensor which detects the position relative to the direction of gravity of the upper body, after exceeding a predetermined threshold value, can emit a signal on the basis of which the evaluation device prevents the generation of a control signal, for example incorrect storage on the sofa when watching TV.

The data recorded by the posture sensor system can preferably be stored in a storage unit. This storage unit can be arranged in the posture sensor system, in the evaluation device and / or in an external storage device. This makes it possible, for example, to compare the detected posture with the posture at another point in time, as a result of which progress or setbacks can be determined. This data can be used to support postural pain therapy. The stored data can preferably be transmitted via an interface to a computer, where it can be archived and evaluated more easily. This evaluation does not necessarily have to be carried out on your own computer, but can be carried out, for example, by an external service provider by making the data measured by the posture sensors accessible via an Internet connection.

However, it is also possible not only to upload data, but also to download data. For example, movement and Training programs can be saved that people should complete. The control device is used to check that the required movements are carried out correctly. The downloaded training programs can contain various exercises, which in particular build on one another and increase, for example, in the degree of difficulty, in the strain on certain muscles, ligaments etc. or in the extent or extent of the parts of the body concerned. To increase motivation, the performance or correct performance of the exercises can be assessed using praise and / or reproach mechanisms. The evaluation can take place both in the control device, on the computer or via the Internet at an external service provider. It is particularly motivating for children if the movements to be carried out are performed in a playful manner, for example in the context of a computer game, video game or the like. In the context of the game, the movements to be performed are becoming more and more demanding, which can be achieved, for example, by reaching another "level", accelerating the tempo of an accompanying music or the like. is made clear.

In a preferred embodiment, the posture sensor system can be calibrated by a user. This enables a specialist, for example a doctor or physiotherapist, to use the same control device for different body ergonomics. The user and the person using the control device are preferably identical. The calibration is then carried out, for example, in that the person brings his body into a precisely defined position, e.g. by aligning himself against a wall and using this posture as a zero point or similar. is used for the control device. The ability to calibrate does not restrict the functionality of the control device even when the position sensors of the posture sensors are changed.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensors of the posture sensor system can be largely fixed to the upper body of the person by holding elements. The fixation takes place in particular by stretchable Items of laundry, such as a tight-fitting t-shirt or a body. Alternatively, an elastic band can be put over the upper body of the person. Another option for attaching the sensors of the posture sensors to the upper body of the human being is that the sensor is attached to a piece of laundry or the like. is attached. The attachment can be done for example by a Velcro connection, alternatively a sensor or the like in a pocket. be plugged in. For example, it is possible to arrange a sensor on the connection between two cups of a bra. Furthermore, it is possible to at least partially integrate the posture sensor system into an elastic band and / or item of laundry, as is the case, for example, with the S1280 CS sensor from Althen GmbH.

Additionally or alternatively, a sensor on the human body, for example on the sternum, can be attached or glued, for example with an adhesive element, such as e.g. a plaster to be fixed. For this purpose, the posture sensor system is preferably at least partially integrated in the adhesive element or the plaster, for example in that a sensor of the posture sensor system is fastened between two material layers of the plaster or is woven into a material layer. The adhesive used is particularly kind to the skin and can also be used on hairy people. Remove skin areas with as little residue as possible. It is also possible to use a plaster with its own energy supply for the sensors connected in particular to the plaster. Such a plaster could in particular take advantage of human body heat, for example by triggering chemical processes through human body heat that provide electrical energy for the sensors. An external power supply is not necessary in this case.

The control signal generated by the control signal transmitter is, for example, acoustic and / or optical. This makes it possible for the control device to emit a warning tone when the person is in the wrong position, on the basis of which the person corrects his or her posture. Alternatively or additionally, the control signal can interact with human skin, for example by generating vibrations or electrical discharges. Vibrations and / or discharges are preferably generated on the skin areas of the human being, under which there are muscle groups, the contraction of which leads to an improvement in posture. This ensures that people instinctively use exactly the muscles that are to be trained to create an improved posture.

It is also possible to integrate additional functions in the control device. For example, it is possible to expand the posture sensor system so that fitness or vital data, such as pulse rate or blood pressure, can also be measured. Data on fluid balance, nutrition, breathing, and drugs taken can also be measured. As a result, the control device can also be used for drug tests, such as doping controls in sports. Among other things, this increases the attractiveness of using the control device not only to avoid or treat posture-related pain, but also to improve the movement sequence of athletes. With the help of the control device, the training of athletes can thus be improved. Training errors can be avoided since the athlete is advised of incorrect body positions, for example by detecting the joint radii of different joints during the movement to be trained and, if necessary, evaluating them simultaneously. This is particularly important if there is no trainer or trainer present who can correct a movement sequence, for example during sports exercises at home or in a gym. The control device can be used in particular in golf, where the correct movement sequence is of crucial importance, for example when teeing off. Appropriate protective measures mean that the control device can also be used in adverse environments. For example, a waterproof version for swimming, diving, etc. or a shockproof version for climbing, fencing, skating, etc. can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation device is designed in the form of a wristwatch. This watch is in particular provided with a display which can display the data measured by the posture sensor system. Furthermore, the evaluation device can be provided with a reminder function that prompts people to carry out exercises. The exercises performed can be recorded and evaluated by the posture sensor system, which in particular can be used to indicate incorrect execution of the exercises. This makes it possible to use the control device as an "interactive fitness studio", in particular for at home. As a result, extremely obese people in particular can do individually tailored sports exercises to reduce their own body weight. There is no danger of others laughing at you during the exercises.

Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation can take place in a computer, laptop, palm or the like. In particular, a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, can be used to transmit posture sensor signals to the computer. This makes it possible to use the large memory space, for example for storing training programs, or the sound card, for example for playing voice commands, etc., in a particularly advantageous manner on the computer.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a preferred embodiment with reference to the attached drawings.

Show it:

1 is a schematic front view of a person with the control device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a human with the control device according to the invention and Fig. 3 shows a basic arrangement of the signal paths of the invention

Control device.

A posture sensor system 10 of a control device according to the invention is attached to an upper body 12 of a person 14 in a defined position (FIG. 1). An evaluation device 16 preferably has the shape of a watch and is therefore attached to the wrist of the person 14. In the embodiment shown, a control signal transmitter 18 is mounted in the vicinity of the evaluation device 16, so that the distance for data transmission between the evaluation device 16 and the control signal generator 18 is as short as possible. The control device 10 is fixed to the upper body 12 of the person 14 by a piece of laundry 34. In the embodiment shown, the control device 10 is additionally secured by an elastic band 36.

The posture sensor system 10 consists of inclination sensors 20 and further sensors 38 (FIG. 2). With the aid of the inclination sensors 20, a front inclination 22 and a lateral inclination 24 can be measured. The further sensors 38 measure a torsion 26 and an expansion or compression 28.

The posture sensor system 10, which consists of inclination sensors 20 and further sensors 38 (FIG. 3), generates signals 40, 42, which are processed by the evaluation device 16. Depending on the application, continuous signals 40 and / or discontinuous signals 42 are transmitted. After the evaluation of the signals 40, 42, the evaluation device 16 may cause the control signal generator 18 to generate a control signal. Furthermore, the signals 40, 42 processed by the evaluation device 16 can be stored in a memory unit 30. The evaluation device 16 also has an interface via which a user 32 can interact with the control device, in particular in order to carry out a calibration or to receive data. The interface of the evaluation device 16 can be an electronic interface in order, for example, to be able to read out the data of the storage unit 30 using a computer. Furthermore, the interface can be optical, for example by displaying information on a display. With the help of function keys, touching on a touch screen or the like. The user 32 can interact with the evaluation device 16.

Claims

claims

1. Control device for monitoring the posture of a person (14), with

a posture sensor system (10) which can be provided on the body, in particular on the upper body (12), of a person (14) in a defined position and which generates a signal (40, 42) depending on the posture of the person (14) and

a control signal generator (18) which is controlled by the evaluation device (16) and which generates a control signal which can be perceived by a person (14).

2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized by an evaluation device (16) which processes the signal (40, 42) of the posture sensor system (10).

3. Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the posture sensor system (10) has at least one inclination sensor (20) and / or strain sensor and / or torsion sensor, wherein the posture sensor system (10) can be calibrated in particular by a user (32).

4. Control device according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the posture sensor system (10) is at least partially integrated into an elastic band (36) and / or laundry (34) and / or an adhesive element, in particular plaster.

5. Control device according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the upper body posture relative to gravity can be detected by the posture sensor system (10).

6. Control device according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the frontal inclination (22) and / or the lateral inclination (24) and / or the torsion (26) and / or compression or extension (28) of the upper body (12) is detectable.

7. Control device according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the inclination (22, 24) and / or elongation (28) and / or torsion (26) of the upper body can be quantified.

8. Control device according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the signal (40, 42) between the posture sensor system (10) and the evaluation device (16) can be transmitted by a cable and / or wirelessly, in particular by electromagnetic radiation.

9. Control device according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the signal (40,42) between the posture sensor system (10) and the evaluation device (16) can be transmitted continuously.

10. Control device according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that data recorded by the posture sensor system (10) can be stored in a memory unit (30), the memory unit (30) in particular in the posture sensor system (10) and / or in the Evaluation device (16) and / or is arranged in an external storage device.

11. Control device according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the control signal generator (18) generates an acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile control signal, in particular an electrical discharge and / or vibration on the skin of the person (14) ,

12. Control device according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the posture sensor system (10) at least partially by a holding element, in particular a stretchable laundry item (34) and / or band (36), on the upper body (12) of the person (14 ) is largely fixable.

13. Control device according to one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the posture sensor system (10) is at least partially attachable to a piece of laundry (34).