Body Movement (e.g., Head Or Hand Tremor, Motility Of Limb, Etc.) Patents (Class 600/595)
  • Patent number: 9741119
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a camera configured to capture a user's figure, a storage configured to store information about stress areas on a body in accordance with corresponding postures of a user, a processor configured to determine a user's posture from an image captured by the camera, determine a position of one or more stress areas on a body corresponding to the determined posture based on the stored information about the one or more stress areas on the body, and process a stress-related image, in which the determined one or more stress areas are marked on an image corresponding to a user's figure, and a display configured to display the stress-related image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-kyun Im, Cheon-seong Lee
  • Patent number: 9737419
    Abstract: In an artificial limb system having an actuator coupled to a joint for applying a torque characteristic thereto, a control bandwidth of a motor controller for a motor included in the actuator can be increased by augmenting a current feedback loop in the motor controller with a feed forward of estimated back electromotive force (emf) voltage associated with, the motor. Alternatively, the current loop is eliminated and replaced with a voltage loop related to joint torque. The voltage loop may also be augmented with the feed forward of estimated back emf, to improve the robustness of the motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BIONX MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh Miller Herr, Christopher Williams, Christopher Eric Barnhart, Zhixiu Han, Charles E. Rohrs, Richard J. Casler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9730666
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an image storage memory, a calculation circuitry, a level decision circuitry, and an output interface circuitry. The image storage memory stores data of a plurality of images in different respiratory phases. The calculation circuitry calculates a motion amount of a region between the plurality of images for each pixel or area. The level decision circuitry decides a level concerning a severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for each pixel or area. The output interface circuitry outputs information concerning the decided level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KOBE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamagata, Yoshiharu Ohno
  • Patent number: 9714998
    Abstract: A method and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus provide subject/object motion detection and correction during a MRI scan. The method includes generating via a magnetic resonance scanner a magnetic field gradient and a radio-frequency signal for the MRI scan. The radio-frequency signal contains a successive repetition of pulse sequences, each pulse sequence starting with a radio-frequency excitation pulse. A time between two successive radio-frequency excitation pulses are defined as a repetition time. Detecting, from a readout signal emitted in response to the pulse sequence, time-points in which motion has occurred. Interleaves are automatically created. A sampling of the k-space is performed by arranging k-space MRI readout signals acquired over each repetition time of the pulse sequence into several groups of interleaves of uniform k-space sampling reconstructing separately each subset of interleaves for obtaining low resolution MR images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunnar Krueger, Davide Piccini
  • Patent number: 9713439
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for targeted training of a person walking on a powered backward moving surface. Kinematic information of motor performance, such as ankle position and velocity, is measured throughout one or more phases of a gait cycle with a detector. The gait phase is determined, and a resistive/assistive force is applied to the leg that differs depending upon the gait phase and the measured kinematic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Ming Wu, Brian D. Schmit, T. George Hornby
  • Patent number: 9716757
    Abstract: A device (9) for remotely monitoring at least one medical device (7) includes at least one portion (11) that vibrates when the medical device is used by a patient in order to receive a medical treatment. The monitoring device (9) includes: at least one sensor (15) intended to be in mechanical contact with the portion and suitable for detecting vibrations and for producing a primary electric or radio-electric signal (23) representing vibrations, and a local processing unit (13) suitable for receiving and extracting from the primary signal, at least one information item representing a duration of use of the medical device by the patient, and for producing at least one secondary signal (29) containing the information, the secondary signal being intended to be sent to at least one remote server (3) suitable for receiving and for extracting from the secondary signal, the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: L.3 MEDICAL
    Inventor: Philippe Fernandes
  • Patent number: 9710060
    Abstract: Sensor systems are described that are designed to be integrated with gloves for the human hand. An array of sensors detects forces associated with action of a hand in the glove, and associated circuitry generates corresponding control information that may be used to control a wide variety of processes and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BeBop Senors, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. McMillen, Kyle Lobedan
  • Patent number: 9706949
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically quantifying mobility of a person performing a mobility diagnostic procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, the system measures a posture change test procedure with integrated inertial, location, and navigation type sensors found in a mobile computing device worn by a patient during the posture change test procedure, such as a timed-up-and-go (TUG) procedure. The measurements captured during the posture change inform a health care provider about the mobility of a patient. For example, a determination about the likelihood of the patient experiencing a fall can be assessed from measurable parameters produced from the inertial, location, and navigation-type sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventors: Emil Jovanov, Aleksander Milenkovic, Mladen Milosevic
  • Patent number: 9711027
    Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for suggesting adjustments to an adjustable helmet based on analysis of play. Aspects include monitoring a plurality of sensors in the adjustable helmet and performing an analysis of play for a user of the adjustable helmet based on data received from the plurality of sensors. Aspects also include determining if an adjustment to the adjustable helmet should be made based on the analysis of play and creating an alert indicating that an adjustment to the helmet is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Mark C. H. Lamorey, Clifford A. Pickover, John J. Rice
  • Patent number: 9693725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing and/or treating mood disorders, such as depression, is provided. Right vestibular function in subjects diagnosed with a mood disorder is diminished compared with subjects who do not have a mood disorder. Accordingly, a method and apparatus for determining right vestibular function in a subject is provided, from which a diagnosis of a mood disorder may be determined. Stimulation of the vestibular system of a subject diagnosed with a mood disorder may reduce symptoms of the mood disorder in the subject. A method and apparatus for registering a subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system and providing therapeutic vestibular stimulation based on the subject's response is provided. A subject's response to stimulation of the vestibular system may be based on measurements of nystagmus in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ana Maria Soza
  • Patent number: 9687168
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting electromyography of a deep muscle non-invasively are provided. An array of suitable surface electromyography electrodes is arranged in one or more rings encircling a part of the human body in which a deep muscle being investigated is located. The potential of at least selected electrodes relative to another electrode selected from a common reference electrode (mono-polar) and other electrodes (bi-polar) in the array is recorded and the data is processed in respect of the recorded potentials of at least some of said selected electrodes in order to determine (optionally using approximations or algorithms, or both) the contribution being made by at least the deep muscle being investigated. Typically, this is done mathematically by resolving the electromyography signals into their constituent components using a suitable technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: University of Cape Town, South African Medical Research Council
    Inventor: Lester Ryan John
  • Patent number: 9687180
    Abstract: A system for identifying human motion of a subject may comprise: a sensor platform attached to the subject; an attitude filter that receives sensor data and calculates the attitude and heading of the platform; a feature construction and aggregation unit that receives the sensor data and the attitude and heading to calculate a feature vector for a human motion model, an evaluation unit that receives feature vectors and calculates the probability that an instance of a specific human motion occurred; wherein the feature vector comprises: one or more feature constructions, X, such as: forces along and perpendicular to the gravity field direction; a magnitude of rotations perpendicular to the gravity field direction; an adjusted pressure altitude; one or more feature constructions which are time derivatives dX/dt; and one or more feature constructions which are derivatives V(dX/dt), wherein: V(x)=2*H(x)?1, H(x)=+1 (x>0), 0 (x<0), and x is dX/dt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: YOTTA NAVIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: William James Deninger, Andrew John Zaydak, Joseph Martin Schlesselman
  • Patent number: 9675517
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a force. The method also includes, in response to determining the force, acquiring spatial orientation data, remove the effects of gravity, and wirelessly or wired method of communicating the spatial orientation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignees: NuLine Sensors, LLC, Schiller AG
    Inventors: Timothy A. Holifield, Jonathan R. Mohlenhoff, Rolf Schuler, Benjamin M. Downey, Johann-Jakob Schmid, Michael J. Vosch
  • Patent number: 9677901
    Abstract: A wearable smart device for alerting a user of an upcoming turn or object. The wearable smart device includes a camera configured to detect image data. The wearable smart device also includes a processor coupled to the camera and configured to determine a current speed of the wearable smart device based on the image data. The processor is also configured to determine when a navigation instruction is to be output based on the current speed. The wearable smart device also includes an output unit coupled to the processor and configured to output the navigation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9668689
    Abstract: A method including a dosimetry device having at least one sensor in a housing and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimtery processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the sensor; storing the readings; conducting an analysis of the stored readings to determine an injury risk assessment; and outputting at least one of the conducted analysis of the determined injury risk assessment or the stored readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
    Inventors: David A. Borkholder, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Patent number: 9638711
    Abstract: Methods reduce the likelihood of an MPERS device falsely reporting a high acceleration event as a fall impact. The device stores acceleration data acquired before the high acceleration and afterward. If a number of samples of magnitude values from accelerometer sensors in the device acquired during as interval before the high acceleration that approach 0G exceeds a predetermined number, the high acceleration is deemed from a non-fall. Acceleration sensors can also indicate an orientation change before/after the high acceleration, and a barometric pressure sensor can do the same, to further characterize an event as a non-fall. A method compares current event data to composite data sets that have been determined from a plurality of empirically derived data sets of fall and non-fall events. High correlations can indicate falls, or non-falls, respectively. Further statistical analysis of data acquired after an event reduces the likelihood of falsely indicating a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Verizon Telematics Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Barfield, Thomas S. Taylor, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
  • Patent number: 9622700
    Abstract: Techniques relate to operating a medical device by classifying a detected posture state of a patient. This classification may be performed by comparing the detected posture state of the patient to posture state definitions available within the system. Each definition may be described in terms of a parameter (e.g., vector) indicative of a direction in three-dimensional space. The posture state definitions may be calibrated by automatically estimating values for these parameters, thereby eliminating the need for the patient to assume each posture state during the calibration process to capture actual parameter values. According to another aspect, the estimated parameter values may be updated as the patient assumes various postures during a daily routine. For instance, estimated vectors initially used to calibrate the posture state definitions may be changed over time to more closely represent posture states the patient actually assumes, and to further adapt to changes in a patient's condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, Lynn A. Davenport, Jon P. Davis, Wende L. Dewing, Elizabeth A. Fehrmann, Steven M. Goetz, Shyam L. Gokaldas, Eric J. Panken
  • Patent number: 9616291
    Abstract: The invention relates to sports monitoring equipment and methods. The invention provides a device or system comprising means for reading a heartbeat signal corresponding to heartbeat of the person during the performance, and means for reading a motion signal corresponding to motion of the person during the performance. There are also computing means for estimating energy consumption of the person during the performance using one or both of said signals. According to the invention, the device or system further comprises means for determining the type of the sports performance. The computing means for calculating the energy consumption parameter are adapted to utilize said heartbeat signal, said motion signal or both signals in combination in a manner depending on the type of the sports performance determined. The invention allows for accurate estimation of energy consumption in versatile sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Mikko Martikka, Heikki Nieminen, Kimmo Pernu, Olli-Pekka Ojanen, Erik Lindman
  • Patent number: 9610038
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to apparatuses and methods for evaluating the amount of “play” in a joint. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that quantifies the rotation of the tibia in response to a known torque. The apparatus is configured to minimize the influence of other joints on the rotation analysis. Other embodiments provide data related to movement of the tibia in other degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: ERMI, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas P Branch
  • Patent number: 9597806
    Abstract: A gripping element for arrangement on an adapter element in order to form a gripper input module for a haptic input system for controlling an object, including a receptacle for holding at least two fingers of a user therein, wherein, at least in one portion, the receptacle has a functional connection to at least one sensor means, and at least one connection element for arranging the gripping element on the adapter element, wherein the receptacle is configured such that movement information of a movement of at least one finger of the user in the receptacle can be detected by the sensor means and hence the movement information can be transmitted for controlling the at least one object. There is also disclosed a corresponding adapter element, a gripper input module consisting of a gripping element and adapter element, and also to a haptic input system and medical instrument system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Omid Abri, Stephan Schrader, Jonas Forster
  • Patent number: 9592005
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to a sleep diagnostic system including a mattress assembly, a plurality of sensors, data acquisition circuitry, an input device, a sleep processor, and a display device. The mattress assembly may have a sleeping surface, and the plurality of sensors may be disposed within the mattress assembly below the sleeping surface. The sensors are configured to measure at least one sleep condition and output data signals indicative of the sleep condition. The sleep processor receives signals from both the sensors and one or more other input devices, and determines a sleep characteristic based upon these received signals. The display device, which includes circuitry and a graphical user interface, receives the sleep characteristic from the sleep processor and displays it to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Timothy Oakhill
  • Patent number: 9591997
    Abstract: A portable telemetry device includes a physiological component, a movement component, a wireless radio, and a communication component. The physiological component is configured to receive, from at least one sensor, physiological data representative of a physiological condition of a patient. The movement component is configured to detect movement of the portable telemetry device and generate movement data. The portable telemetry device is configured to attach to the patient. The wireless radio is configured to wirelessly send radio signals. The communication component is configured to transmit the physiological data and the movement data to a monitoring system using the wireless radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Menzel
  • Patent number: 9572521
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for a user monitoring apparatus are disclosed. One embodiment of the user monitoring apparatus includes one or more magnetic sensors operative to sense magnetic fields applied to the user monitoring apparatus. Further, the user monitoring apparatus is operative to sense at least one biometric characteristic of a user of the user monitoring apparatus based upon the sensed magnetic field applied to the user monitoring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PNI Sensor Corporation
    Inventor: George Hsu
  • Patent number: 9572687
    Abstract: Devices and methods for aiding practitioners in the implementation of arthroplasty prosthetics. Example devices may include a base and an alignment arm, and may be used for finding and recording the native alignment of a bone head, such as the femoral or humeral head. The base may be attached to the bone and the alignment arm may be adjusted to reflect the native alignment of the bone. Once the alignment is recorded, the native bone head may be removed and the prosthetic bone head may be attached to the bone, and properly oriented using the alignment arm of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew S. Ross
  • Patent number: 9563919
    Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Sensors that monitor employee behavior are placed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Tom Brown, John J. Anthony, Scott Chalfant, Michael Gingrave, Brian Vines
  • Patent number: 9563742
    Abstract: An apparatus that can measure images of at least a portion of an eye and record data sets indicative of a neurological condition. A method interrelates an image and a data set to provide an interpretive result. The apparatus and method thereby provide guidance as to the presence of a medical condition in a patient. The apparatus and method can be used in an iterative measurement process, in which the apparatus attempts to discern normal health from a state of health that is not normal health. If the interpretive result is consistent with normal health, the process terminates, information is recorded, and an optional report is given. If the interpretive result is not consistent with normal health, the apparatus and method attempts to distinguish which condition is consistent with the data and images used, and can iterate with additional measurements and information to attempt to provide a useful interpretive result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Newman, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug
  • Patent number: 9563219
    Abstract: A system and method of coordinating power states between two detachable units is disclosed. Only the primary unit has a user-controllable power control. The secondary unit is not directly user controllable. The power states of the two units are coordinated using an actuator mechanism when the units are attached. When the two units are detached, the state of the secondary unit is dependent upon the state of the primary unit and any subsequent commands transmitted by the primary unit to the secondary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Paul H. Heydron, Christoper Rayburn, Jeffrey C. Hudson
  • Patent number: 9554866
    Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: James S. Cunningham, Peter M. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9554912
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tibial prosthetic component comprising a plate (100) for forming a tibial plateau of a tibia (16), wherein a peripheral region of the plate (100) has a thickness of less than 3 mm. The invention also concerns a tibial prosthetic component having a keel of depth less than 9 mm. The invention also concerns a method of selecting a tibial prosthetic component comprising receiving measurements of at least one physical attribute of an individual into whom the tibial prosthetic component is to be implanted, selecting a thickness of a plate (100) and depth of keel of the tibial prosthetic component based on the measurements and providing a tibial prosthetic component comprising a plate (100) having the selected thickness and a keel having the selected depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventors: John Goodfellow, John O'Connor, Chris Dodd, David Murray
  • Patent number: 9550105
    Abstract: A pacing system for pacing an activity receives a desired pace that includes a timing interval and generates a first pace signal based on the desired pace and corresponding to the timing interval. The system receives feedback on an actual pace of the activity and determines if the actual pace is different than the desired pace. When the actual pace is different, the system generates a second pace signal having a timing that is different than the timing interval. When the actual pace is not different, the system generates the second pace signal in accordance with the timing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant
  • Patent number: 9544407
    Abstract: A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. A gyroscopic mechanism is coupled to a housing of the portable communications device and controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to control a spin velocity of the gyroscopic mechanism based on receiving an alert of an incoming call or message, or detecting a fall. The gyroscopic mechanism may spin up or change a spin state to provide a tactile signal via the housing of the communications device, by imparting stabilizing force to the housing that can be felt by a person wearing the communications device, or to change an orientation of the device while falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Gary S. Shuster
  • Patent number: 9541994
    Abstract: A system and method are described herein for a sensor device which biomechanically detects in real-time a user's movement state and posture and then provides real-time feedback to the user based on the user's real-time posture. The feedback is provided through immediate sensory feedback through the sensor device (e.g., a sound or vibration) as well as through an avatar within an associated application with which the sensor device communicates. The sensor device detects the user's movement state and posture by capturing data from a tri-axial accelerometer in the sensor device. Streamed data from the accelerometer is normalized to correct for sensor errors as well as variations in sensor placement and orientation. Normalization is based on accelerometer data collected while the user is wearing the device and performing specific actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Lumo BodyTech, Inc
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Chang, Monisha Perkash, C. Charles Wang, Andreas Martin Hauenstein
  • Patent number: 9538952
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuring a prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a membrane can be sealed over a digit extension to form a closed volume. The closed volume can be inflated via an inflation tube, and a reference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along with a measurement assembly. In use, a user can put on the glove, position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying a prostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their finger across the rectal wall, optical fibers in the measurement assembly can move relative to a reference pattern, and a controller can sense light reflected through the fibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate or estimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflected light, such as the palpable surface width or volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MedicaMetrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher LaFarge
  • Patent number: 9532732
    Abstract: The present document describes an apparatus and method for identifying and characterizing a problem of a knee joint. In accordance with an embodiment, the method comprises receiving biomechanical data from sensors and generating a biomechanical profile based on the biomechanical data, the biomechanical data being representative of a movement of the knee joint. The method also involves, in a processing device, classifying the biomechanical profile of the knee joint in one of multiple classes of knee joint problems by applying a pattern recognition technique to a normative biomechanical profile associated to the one of the multiple classes, each one of the multiple classes corresponding to at least one knee joint problem; based on the classifying, identifying the problem as comprising the at least one knee joint problem of the one of the multiple classes; and archiving the problem identified in a storing device to make the problem accessible during consultation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Emovi Inc.
    Inventors: Neila Mezghani, Jacques De Guise, Guy Grimard, David Baillargeon, Youssef Ouakrim, Gérald Parent, Alexandre Fuentes, Patrick Lavigne, Pierre Ranger
  • Patent number: 9532734
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment, friends used and the like. Workout information may be shared to social messaging and networking outlets. Workout information shared may include map information including images of maps, interactive maps, links to maps, route information and the like and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, an application may be configured to execute within a context of a social networking system to facilitate athletic activity data transfer and generation of workout entries in the social networking site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Hoffman, Kwamina Crankson, Jason Nims, Michael Levi Orenstein, Kristen Laina White
  • Patent number: 9529966
    Abstract: Aspects relate to calculating energy expenditure values from an apparatus configured to be worn on an appendage of a user. Steps counts may be quantified, such as by detecting arm swings peaks and bounce peaks in motion data. A search range of acceleration frequencies related to an expected activity may be established. Frequencies of acceleration data within a search range may be analyzed to identify one or more peaks, such as a bounce peak and an arm swing peak. Novel systems and methods may determine whether to utilize the arm swing data, bounce data, and/or other data or portions of data to quantify steps. The number of peaks (and types of peaks) may be used to choose a step frequency and step magnitude. At least a portion of the motion data may be classified into an activity category based upon the quantification of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, John M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9521965
    Abstract: An unmet need of orthopedic practitioners is a clinically-relevant measurement device and technique to objectively quantify joint (e.g., knee) stability, including rotational stability. An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a mechanical joint movement test, such as a knee pivot shift test, through the application of standardized dynamic loads (e.g., using a constant-tension spring or other mechanism). When used for knee evaluation, this test reliably induces the characteristic “pivot” tibial subluxation/reduction event in an ACL-deficient knee, allowing for more sensitive detection of deficiencies in rotational knee stability, quantification of the relative importance of knee stabilizers, and comparison of the performance of contemporary ACL reconstruction techniques. The test allows for better understanding joint biomechanics and for defining unique kinematic and kinetic signatures for common joint injuries, such as knee injuries, that will be valuable for diagnostic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark Sena, Brian Feeley, Dezba Coughlin, Jeff Lotz
  • Patent number: 9517378
    Abstract: In general, the present invention discloses treadmills that include a monitor that detects foot falls of a person exercising on the treadmill. Various mechanisms are described that can be incorporated on a treadmill to detect foot falls. For example, load cells, vibration monitors, motor load variance monitors, and sound monitors can be used to detect foot falls. A processing unit on the treadmill can receive data from the foot fall monitor to calculate a cadence, or a number of foot falls per unit time. Information relating to cadence can be displayed to the person exercising. In addition to a foot fall monitor, the present invention also discloses a monitor that detects foot lifts of a person exercising on a treadmill. A processing unit can receive data from the foot fall and foot lift monitors to determine and display stride length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Ashby, Greg W. Law
  • Patent number: 9521239
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic discovery and suggesting personalized gestures from mobile terminal to control a plurality of devices in smart home system, based on user's habit and context. The method includes recording, via a mobile terminal, a context of the mobile terminal, recoding, via home system, actions taken by the plurality of devices in the home system, recognizing as a gesture command from a correlation of at least a portion of the recorded context of the user's mobile terminal with the recorded actions taken by the plurality of devices in the home system, and controlling at least one of the plurality of devices based a repetition of the gesture command, the controlling repeating the actions taken by the at least one of the plurality of devices in the home system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhiyun Li
  • Patent number: 9510789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated system of measuring and assessing an individual's improvement in motion (for example, a patient's recovery) through exercise performance. In an embodiment of the system of the present invention, two approaches for monitoring movement are introduced for quantifying an individual's performance. Both approaches consider the control population as their reference and consider the difference, or what is referred to in this application as the distance, between the individual's data and the control population as the measure of performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Roshanak Houmanfar, Michelle Elisabeth Karg, Danica Kulic
  • Patent number: 9504897
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Hoffman, Kwamina Crankson, Jason Nims, Michael L. Orenstein, Kristen L. White
  • Patent number: 9492092
    Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon, Matt Banet
  • Patent number: 9486334
    Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 9482780
    Abstract: A modular instrumented floor covering assembly is used in connection with a subject walking across the assembly. The floor covering assembly comprises a plurality of sensor panels attached together along interlocking edges. The edges are held together by interlocking strips or by magnets. Each sensor panel has a pressure sensor matrix responsive to the weight of the subject for generating data relating to movement of the subject. The sensor panels are assembled on the floor selectively and releasably in patterns. No tools are needed for assembly. Data is sent wirelessly between the sensor panels and from the sensor panels to a computer for analysis. A power supply, wiring grid, and releasable connectors on the panel edges supplies electrical power to the sensor panels and between adjacent sensor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas D. Haas, Igor Ofenbakh
  • Patent number: 9480454
    Abstract: A system for monitoring characteristics of a subject including a sensor unit including an upper plate, a lower plate, a transducer sensor and an abutting element, which is configured for abutting a surface of the transducer surface, correspondently to forces applied upon the upper plate by the subject and a control unit, for identifying breathing related alarm situations using the sensor unit signals. The system optionally also includes remote devices allowing multidirectional communication between the control unit and each respective remote device and between the remote devices and optionally also enable turning one of these remote devices into a relay station for expanding communication range. The system optionally also includes a mechanical adjustment mechanism connected to the abutting element, for enabling a user to adjust sensitivity of the transducer sensor by mechanically adjusting location of the abutting element in relation to an effective area of the transducer sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Haim Shtalryd
  • Patent number: 9462966
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Össur hf
    Inventors: Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Magnús Oddsson
  • Patent number: 9462964
    Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to an insert for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The insert can be temporary or permanent. In one embodiment, the insert is prosthetic component for a single compartment of the knee. The insert comprises a support structure and a support structure respectively having an articular surface and a load bearing surface. The height of the insert is less than 10 millimeters. At least one internal cavity is formed when support structures are coupled together for housing electronic circuitry, sensors, and the power source. The cavity can be sterilized through a port. A membrane is between the port and the cavity. A sterilization gas permeates the membrane for sterilizing cavity. The membrane reduces the ingress of solids and liquids to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: ORTHOSENSOR INC
    Inventors: Marc Stein, Andrew Miller, Jason Addink, Andrew U. Chase
  • Patent number: 9460398
    Abstract: A user activity real-time recognition apparatus and method are provided and include a collector configured to collect a frequency-domain signal for each user activity and to generate learning data based on the frequency-domain signal. The apparatus and method also include an extractor configured to extract a user activity feature from the frequency-domain signal based on an activity feature extracting model. The activity feature extracting model is learned based on the learning data from the collector. The apparatus and method further include a classifier configured to analyze the user activity feature to classify a user activity pattern based on an activity pattern classifying model and configured to transmit the classified user activity pattern to an application device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Jae-Mo Sung, Sun-Jae Lee, Seungjin Choi
  • Patent number: 9454643
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a software program that displays both a volume as images and segmentation results as surface models in 3D. Multiple 2D slices are extracted from the 3D volume. The 2D slices may be interactively rotated by the user to best follow an oblique structure. The 2D slices can “cut” the surface models from the segmentation so that only half of the models are displayed. The border curves resulting from the cuts are displayed in the 2D slices. The user may click a point on the surface model to designate a landmark point. The corresponding location of the point is highlighted in the 2D slices. A 2D slice can be reoriented such that the line lies in the slice. The user can then further evaluate or refine the landmark points based on both surface and image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Yangqiu Hu, Gaetano Calabrese
  • Patent number: 9451916
    Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for performing a balance evaluation that utilizes a hand held accelerometer that measures upper body compensatory and correctional movement. Instead of testing movement in the waist or lower extremity as is commonly done, the instant invention measures thoracic trunk sway to estimate an individual's balance via positional change algorithms. By holding the measuring device to the chest and performing one or a variety of balance tests, the instant invention can determine the amount of sway in the trunk without attached or fixed monitors, which presents a novel approach to assessing postural sway above the center of mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SWAY MEDICAL LLC
    Inventor: Chase Curtiss