Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.

Abstract: Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol optionally producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol can be determined by data mining or other analysis of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols can be relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data can be encompassed. Resulting protocols can be capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.

Abstract: A safety device for a machine having an action part for processing or moving an object includes: a posture obtainment unit configured to obtain a plurality of posture data indicating a posture of at least part of the lower body of a worker; and a preparatory movement determination unit configured to determine that a preparatory movement preceding a dangerous movement which brings at least part of the upper body of the worker closer to a working area of the action part is being performed in the case where a change in the posture indicated by the plurality of posture data shows that the worker is shifting a center of gravity of whole body of the worker in an orientation away from the working area of the action part without changing positions of both feet.

Abstract: There is provided a body movement detecting apparatus including: a body movement data acquiring unit configured to detect a body movement of a user and acquire body movement data relating to the body movement; a memory unit configured to memorize the body movement data corresponding to the type of an activity of the user as registered body movement data; a body movement determining unit configured to compare the body movement data acquired by the body movement data acquiring unit with the registered body movement data and determine the type of the activity of the user; and a computing unit configured to be able to calculate consumed energy by the body movement corresponding to the type of the activity determined by the body movement determining unit.

Abstract: A wearable device having feedback characteristics including a compliant article arranged to extend over an anatomical portion of a wearer and for providing a user with information regarding range of motion parameters of a joint and/or to condition users to maintain proper joint orientations. Sensors provided with the wearable device detect the orientation of the joint and send signals to a processor for analysis. When the processor determines that the joint is outside of predefined range of motion parameters or in an unsafe or potentially injurious configuration, a feedback or response mechanism is activated to alert the user to such a condition or to provide substantially rigid structural support to the joint. The sensors, processor, and feedback mechanisms can be provided in a monitoring and control package along a side of the compliant article.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: The motor function estimating system 1000 has a memory unit 1260, a data processing unit 1220 (analyzing section), and a display unit 1400. The memory unit 1260 memorizes waveform data about the time change of fingers tapping motion that is obtained by a motion sensor attached to a subject person who does the fingers tapping motion that is repetition of the opening and closing motion of two fingers of one hand. The data processing unit 1220 analyzes the waveform data in the memory unit 1260. The display unit 1400 displays an analysis result. The data processing unit 1220 creates motion waveform based on waveform data, and plural characteristics based on the motion waveform. The data processing unit 1220 creates a motion disorder synthesis value that represents degree of motion disorder of the subject person by revising each of the plural characteristics based on characteristics of every age and synthesizing them.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the collection, processing, storage, communication and use of data generated by an array of sensors connected to a body for the purposes of monitoring and measuring physical motion. Analysis of the collected data is employed to aid the user in accomplishing more efficient and effective physical exercise or training. Data may also be used by 3rd parties to monitor performance and update training or exercise regimes.

Abstract: A sensory data integration system for integrating sensory data generated by a first sensory substitution device and sensory data generated by a second sensory substitution device. The system includes a processor configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of a difference between a subject's orientation and an acceptable orientation. The orientation signal is based on the sensory data generated by the first sensory substitution device and the sensory data generated by the second sensory substitution device.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable transducer configured to generate physiologic data associated with movement of a wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a system memory in which command instructions are stored, a user interface operably connected to the computer, and a system processor configured to execute the command instructions to receive the generated physiologic data, analyze the received physiologic data with a multilayer perceptron/support vector machine/hidden Markov (MSH) model, model the analyzed physiologic data, and generate feedback based on a comparison of the model and a stored exercise object.

Abstract: Signal processing apparatus (1) for measuring hand joint movement comprising a plurality of markers (5) located at particular positions on a hand (20) and further comprising monitoring apparatus (10) to monitor movement of the markers to obtain dynamic positional information of the markers, and the apparatus further comprising a processor (12) to process the positional information to determine hand joint movement, wherein the processor configured to use the positional information of the markers to determine planes associated with respective groups of markers, wherein the processor configured to determine a first plane and a second plane, said planes adjacent to a hand joint, the first plane is substantially determined by a respective group of markers, and the processor configured to determine the second plane by reference to the first plane and the processor further configured to determine a change in angle between the two planes as a result of hand joint movement.

Abstract: There is provided a fall detection system comprising a fall detector for monitoring the movement of a user and detecting if the user has fallen or is about to fall, one or more sensors for collecting measurements of one or more physical characteristics of the user, wherein the fall detector uses the measurements to adapt the fall detection to the physical characteristics of the user.

Abstract: The inventive pedaling motion measuring device includes: a measurement body unit having a first sensor unit for sensing the number of rotation of a wheel by sensing the motion of the wheel of a bicycle, and second sensor units arranged at right and left crank arms for sensing magnitude and direction of a force applied to each of the right and left crank arms. The first work calculation unit calculates work performed by the bicycle based on the number of rotation of the wheel sensed by the first sensor unit. The second work calculation unit calculates work provided to the crank member by the user within a prescribed time, based on the magnitude and direction of the force applied to each of the right and left crank arms and sensed by the second sensor units. The efficiency calculation unit calculates the efficiency of the bicycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: A method of recording data relating to the posture of a subject and assessing the data so as to categorize said data into activities, including sitting, walking and standing. The method comprises sensing the movement of the thigh by use of a single sensor; recording the movement of the thigh; and processing the data so as to classify the data into discrete ones of said activities.

Abstract: A handwriting method and system includes a lined paper or handwriting sensing and recording surface with indicia ergonomically aligned along a first slanted axis that is specifically and uniquely configured to writers who are right handed. In accordance with the present invention, a second set of stationery products includes a lined paper or handwriting sensing and recording surface having indicia aligned along a second slanted axis that is specifically and uniquely configured to writers who are left-handed. A tablet configured in accordance with the present invention is made from a conventional substrate such as paper, and the printed indicia aligned along the selected slanted axis allows the writer to adopt a more relaxed and ergonomic or naturally aligned body position when writing, thereby increasing the comfort and efficiency of writing. The system and method are readily adapted as a programmed display for use with electronic wireless tablets.

Abstract: A vertical leap measuring device is provided. The device comprises rotatable blades mounted to a support mechanism mounted to a mount, which can be mounted to a support structure. The support mechanism is configured to rotate with respect to the mount between an operable position and a stored position. In the operating position, the blades are configured to rotate about the support mechanism in response to user-applied force. Once displaced, the blades can be automatically reset to an original position by operation of a remote-controlled transmitter that commands positioning members to return displaced blades back to their original position. The blades are made of a combination of flexible and non-flexible members.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a system for detecting movement, for example and without limitation, for detecting movement of a part of a person such as their limb or a section of their limb or deformable surface.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.

Abstract: An inhalation simulation system is provided for use with inhalers in particular breath-powered dry powder inhalers. The simulation system can recreate a patient's inhalation profile obtained with an inhaler adapted with a sensing and monitoring device for the detection of characteristic signals generated from the inhaler in use, which signals are transmitted to a computer with an algorithm which is configured to analyze the signals and generate new signals via a transmitter to actuate the inhalation simulation system component parts so that a subject's inhalation profile is replicated simultaneously or in real-time, or stored for later use. Methods of measuring the performance of inhalers are also provided.

Abstract: Biometric assessment is performed by use of electromyography (EMG) signals detected from muscles at several locations on the hand/or other part of the body subject to fine motor control. The EMG signals are sensed and registered and the sensed signals are processed for use in performing the biometric assessment.

Abstract: Motion of fingers of a subject is dynamically analyzed to provide an estimation index in a hardness of a muscle used in the motion of the fingers. A processing part calculates a speed and acceleration of two fingers on the basis of the motion data of the fingers obtained by a tapping detecting unit, calculates a ratio between the speed and the acceleration, and calculates as an estimation index a mechanical impedance regarding extending force of the fingers and a mechanical impedance regarding opening and closing force of the fingers by applying the calculated ratio to a predetermined equation based on a muscle dynamic model.

Abstract: A sensory data integration system for integrating sensory data generated by a first sensory substitution device and sensory data generated by a second sensory substitution device. The system includes a processor configured to generate an orientation signal indicative of a difference between a subject's orientation and an acceptable orientation. The orientation signal is based on the sensory data generated by the first sensory substitution device and the sensory data generated by the second sensory substitution device.

Abstract: Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol optionally producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol can be determined by data mining or other analysis of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols can be relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data can be encompassed. Resulting protocols can be capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.

Abstract: A movement sensor for establishing a movement profile of a living being, in particular a human, is characterized in that the movement sensor has an arrangement for automatically changing between various operating modes.

Abstract: The invention detects variation in the speed of the bicycle's drive chain using a sensor. Variations in chain speed are measured, with the resulting numbers displayed to be visible to the cyclist in real-time and/or saved for later downloading and viewing via computer. Metrics that can be calculated using variations in chain speed include: a smoothness index, which indicates how evenly the cyclist is applying force/power; chain speed variation to show the contribution of each leg to the overall force/power delivered; pedaling cadence; and a calculation of gear ratios. Some of these metrics can use inputs from additional sensors, such as a cadence sensor that is tripped by each revolution of the bicycle's crank arm, and wheel speed or GPS sensor for measuring the bicycle's speed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for providing information to a user about a fitness activity includes receiving on a portable fitness device from a shoe having an RFID tag information relating to the shoe, wherein the shoe is for wearing during the fitness activity, receiving on the portable fitness device information about the fitness activity, and displaying to the user the information relating to the shoe and the information about the fitness activity.

Abstract: A body condition evaluation apparatus measures vicarious movement accompanying predetermined motion, and evaluates a physical condition of a body of a subject by using it as an index. A sensor unit 3L is mounted between a shoulder joint and a cubital joint of a left arm, a sensor unit 3R is mounted between a shoulder joint and a cubital joint of a right arm, a sensor unit 3C is mounted on a breast, and a sensor unit 3W is mounted on a navel. The respective sensors have a triaxial acceleration sensor 13. A movable range of the left arm is obtained on the basis of the sensor 3L, a movable range of the right arm is obtained on the basis of the sensor 3R, displacement widths of an upper body in a front-back direction and a right-left direction are obtained on the basis of the sensor 3C, and displacement widths of a lower back in a front-back direction and a right-left direction are obtained on the basis of the sensor 3W.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying the adjustment of a leg prosthesis. The leg prosthesis includes a prosthetic knee joint pivotally connected to an upper connection and a lower leg shaft. The upper connection fixes the leg prosthesis on a user of the leg prosthesis and the lower leg shaft fastens to a prosthetic foot. The upper connection is displaceable in relation to a joint axis of the prosthetic knee joint. The method includes measuring a knee moment and an axial force by means of sensors when leg prosthesis is being used; calculating a resultant force vector using the knee moment and the axial force; calculating a normal distance relative to the joint axis and the position of the resultant force vector in relation to the joint axis; and verifying a position of the resultant force vector relative to the joint axis in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for refining subject activity classification for the recognition of daily activities of a subject, and a system for recognizing daily activities using the same. The refining apparatus improves the correctness of subject activity classification using daily activities of a subject, activation time information of sensors mounted on objects associated with the daily activities of the subject, and the suitability of a continuous activity pattern in relation to the daily activities. This improves the correctness of subject activity classification that becomes basic information in daily activity analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is a repetitive motion skill building device with a weighted base and a movable arm which simulates the chest or arm of another player. The movable arm is capable of swinging in all directions and will return to its original location. The height of the movable arm is adjustable allowing it to be used for players of varying ages, heights and skill levels. The repetitive motion skill building device may be used for arm and hand drills.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: A device for monitoring eating behavior of a user is provided. The device includes at least one sensor mounted on a head of the user, the sensor being capable of detecting jaw muscle movement and sound while not occluding an ear canal of the user.

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.

Abstract: A position pointer is disclosed, including a housing, a substantially bar-like rod accommodated in the housing such that one end thereof projects to the outer side of the housing, and a variable capacitor having a capacitance value which varies in response to external force applied thereto through the rod. The variable capacitor includes a dielectric member having a first face portion and a second face portion opposite from the first face portion, a terminal member configured to engage with the first face portion of the dielectric member, an electrode section disposed in an opposing relationship to the second face portion of the dielectric member and including a conductive member having a contact area with the second face portion that varies in response to the external force, and an elastic member configured to bias the conductive member in a direction in which the conductive member is spaced away from the second face portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing motion sensor data using data templates accessible to an electronic device are provided. Each data template may include template sensor data and template event data. Template sensor data of one or more templates may be compared by the electronic device to motion sensor data generated by a motion sensor. A particular template may be distinguished based on the similarity between the motion sensor data and the template sensor data of the particular template. The template event data of the distinguished particular template may then be used to control a function of the electronic device. The motion sensor data and/or the template sensor data may be associated with a user stepping event, and the template event data of the distinguished particular template may then be used to record the occurrence of the stepping event to track a user's workout history.

Abstract: A method and apparatus or measuring a person's movement via a plurality of sensors is enclosed. One example method may include measuring at least one rotational value during the movement via a first sensor. Additional measurements may include measuring at least one linear value during the movement via a second sensor, and measuring a force applied from a portion of the person's body via a third sensor. The measurements may be used to generate a user interface display of the person's movement on an electronic device.

Abstract: A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the patient. The sensing unit may be operative to sense pressure. The analyzing unit may be attached to a convenient location on the patient's body. The analyzing unit may be operative to receive pressure data from the sensing unit to determine whether the patient has exceeded the physical limits of the patient. The warning unit may communicate with the analyzing unit and be activated by the analyzing unit when the physical limit of the patient has been exceeded for notifying the patient when the patient's physical limits have been exceeded.

Abstract: A device for conditioning the balance and motor co-ordination of a user (2) comprises a system (3) for acquisition of information relative to the kinematics of at least one part (4) of the body of the user (2), a processing interface (9) connected to the acquisition system (3) to encode the information in a signal, a pair of earphones (12, 13) operating between the processing interface (9) and the user (2), to feed the user the signal suitably defined by a stereophonic sound which can be transmitted in an audio channel.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: A load sensing platform (121) is disclosed for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium that measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The load sensing platform (121) comprises a sensing assemblage (1), substrates (702, 704, and 706), springs (315), spring posts (708), and spring retainers (710). The sensing assemblage (1) comprises a stack of a transducer (5), waveguide (3), and transducer (6). A parameter is applied to the contact surfaces (8) of the load sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblage (1) measures changes in dimension due to the parameter. Position of the applied parameter can be measured by using more than one sensing assemblage (1). The springs (315) couple to the substrates (702, 704) providing mechanical support and to prevent cantilevering. The spring posts (708) and spring retainers (710) maintain the springs (315) at predetermined locations in the load sensing platform (121).

Abstract: An activity monitor is provided that reduces the amount of power consumed during a monitoring operation.

Abstract: A novel back training device is disclosed. The back training device includes a control box; a detector mounted to the control box, for detecting when a person bends at the waist; and an alert means, operatively connected to the detector for alerting the person when the person bends at the waist.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: The direction of a component vector on a plane perpendicular to a predetermined axis of a floor reaction force acting on landing legs of a two-legged walking mobile body is determined such that the direction of a moment generated around a center-of-gravity of the body by a total sum of the component vectors on the plane is coincident with the direction of the component around the predetermined axis of a total rate of change of angular momentum by calculating the total rate of change of angular momentum, and the total floor reaction force acting on the body by sensing joint displacement, acceleration, angular velocity, and using a rigid link model. An estimated value of the component vector is found based on the determined direction and the obtained total floor reaction force. This enables finding an estimated value of the floor reaction force showing a smooth and continuous change.

Abstract: The invention is a human and animal performance data acquisition, analysis, and diagnostic system for fitness and therapy devices having an interface box removably disposed on incoming power wiring to a fitness and therapy device, at least one current transducer removably disposed on said interface box for sensing current signals to said fitness and therapy device, and a means for analyzing, displaying, and reporting said current signals to determine human and animal performance on said device using measurable parameters.

Abstract: A feedback device is described comprising sensing means operable to detect a first body part movement and a second body part movement. A timer, associated with said sensing means, is provided for measuring the time lapsed between detection of the first body part movement and detection of the second body part movement. A communication means is also provided for relaying information concerning the lapsed time to a user.

Abstract: The invention is a human and animal performance data acquisition, analysis, and diagnostic system for fitness and therapy devices having an interface box removably disposed on incoming power wiring to a fitness and therapy device, at least one current transducer removably disposed on said interface box for sensing current signals to said fitness and therapy device, and a means for analyzing, displaying, and reporting said current signals to determine human and animal performance on said device using measurable parameters.