Body Movement (e.g., Head Or Hand Tremor, Motility Of Limb, Etc.) Patents (Class 600/595)
  • Patent number: 9445752
    Abstract: A system for determining the posture of a person has a motion sensor (CM) with at least one axis of measurement, which is provided with fixing means (MF) for rigidly connecting said motion sensor (CM) to a user. Analysis means (AN) are also included for determining a posture of the user. The analysis means (AN) utilize: (A) joint densities of probabilities of a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, these densities of probabilities being defined for each posture; and (B) probabilities of transition between two successive postures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Commissariat A L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives, Movea
    Inventor: Pierre Jallon
  • Patent number: 9427178
    Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a plurality of kinematic sensors to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of shanks of an individual, a processor, and a memory to store a set of instructions. If executed by the processor, the instructions can cause the system to calculate a timed up and go (TUG) time segment based on angular velocity data from the plurality of kinematic sensors. The instructions may also cause the system to calculate a derived parameter based on the angular velocity data, and generate a falls risk assessment based on at least one of the TUG time segment and the derived parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: CARE INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Barry R. Greene
  • Patent number: 9414776
    Abstract: A suite of components comprising an objective measurement medical data collection device and a cohort database may standardize, simplify, and objectify clinical outcomes tracking, culminating in population health measurements within the restorative neurosciences such as Parkinson disease individuals diagnosed with a disease. A data collection device may comprise one or more of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a locator, a camera and a magnetometer for collecting, for example, data related to tremors experienced by the individuals diagnosed with disease and receive instruction data responsive to evaluation of the collected data in relation to the cohort database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Navigated Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Arthur Sillay, John Douglas Birdwell
  • Patent number: 9408561
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and corresponding systems for performing health risk assessments for a patient in the home environment. In various aspects, depth image data for a person may be obtained and subsequently processed to generate one or more parameters, such as temporal and spatial gait parameters. Subsequently, the generated parameters may be processed with other medical information related to the patient, such as electronic health records, to perform various health risk assessments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Erik Edward Stone, Marjorie Skubic
  • Patent number: 9412252
    Abstract: A universal fall detect system and its unique designed sensor as well as methodology to detect the fall event are disclosed. The fall event is detected by measuring relative position, and/or orientation between host body and direction of gravity at the spot where falling event happens. The system can present either as a standalone system or a built-in component with supporting software installed on other devices. The system linked to wide network and wide audience can trigger several emergency response and assistances if needed in time when a falling event happens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventors: Ge Yi, Dujiang Wan
  • Patent number: 9412161
    Abstract: A motion sensing and capture system to provide to a patient and/or healthcare provider, patient motion data and/or motion impairment data, which can be used as a diagnostic, predictive or therapeutic tool. Such method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting one or more patient motions; (b) using a sensing and capture system to image an initial set comprising the one or more motions to provide an initial set of motion data; and (c) conveying such initial set of motion data to a patient and/or healthcare provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: John Varaklis
  • Patent number: 9393690
    Abstract: An apparatus for inputting teaching data for a robot includes a first input interface configured to input teaching data of a path layer; and a second input interface configured to input teaching data of a task layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hoo Man Lee, Joong Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 9392955
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Uroval, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra J. Folkerts, Karen Louise Finstrom McPhee, Gregory Ray Johnson, Timothy Martin Gack
  • Patent number: 9358137
    Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Victhom Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Bedard, Pierre-Olivier Roy
  • Patent number: 9351856
    Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: IWALK, INC.
    Inventors: Hugh Miller Herr, Richard J. Casler, Jr., Zhixiu Han
  • Patent number: 9354447
    Abstract: A head mounted information system comprises a frame configured to be worn by a user, a sensor unit coupled to the frame, and a processor unit coupled to the frame. The processor unit is connected to receive signals from the sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a gyroscope configured to produce angular velocity signals representing a head angular velocity about a generally horizontal axis oriented generally perpendicular to a direction the user is facing when the user is wearing the frame. The processor unit is configured to detect a jump by the user based on the angular velocity signals received from the sensor unit and generate a jump output signal indicting one or more jump parameters. A display unit may also be coupled to the frame to display the jump parameters to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Abdollahi, Dan Eisenhardt, Li Chen, David Robertson Lee
  • Patent number: 9339224
    Abstract: A dosimetry device includes at least one sensor in a housing and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimetry 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: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Rochester Institute of Technology, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
    Inventors: David A. Borkholder, Gregory T. A. Kovacs, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Patent number: 9327129
    Abstract: Techniques for classification of a posture state of a patient using multiple posture state definitions, and for delivering therapy according to the patient's classified posture state. Detected parameter values describing a patient's posture state are compared to posture state definitions. This comparison is used to determine similarity values describing how similar the patient's posture state is to each of the posture states described by the posture state definitions. Weighting factors may be determined from the similarity values and used to weight therapy parameter values that are associated with each of the posture state definitions. The resulting weighted therapy parameter values may be used to derive a blended therapy parameter value for use in delivering therapy to the patient. The patient's posture state may be expressed in terms of a blending of the multiple posture state definitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Panken
  • Patent number: 9320421
    Abstract: Method of determination of access areas from 3D patient images The invention relates to a method for automatically determining at least one pre-operative portal for arthroscopy from acquired pre-operative medical images of a bone of a patient, the method comprising the following steps: i) constructing a 3D surface(S) of the bone from the 3D image of the bone; ii) determining anatomical landmarks of the bone from the 3D surface; iii) determining a bone reference coordinate system (Rbone); iv) selecting at least one predetermined portal in a database of positions of predetermined portals; v) determining a transform between the bone reference coordinate system (Rbone) and the model coordinate system (Ratlas) so that the bone of the patient and the bone of the reference person are matched in size, in position and/or shape; vi) inferring from the transform and the at least one predetermined portal the pre-operative portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Laurence Chabanas, Stéphane Lavallee
  • Patent number: 9314192
    Abstract: A measuring system comprises a sensor arranged to be attached to a subject for obtaining a measured value representing a physical or a physiological quantity of the subject. The measuring system further comprises a microprocessor for deriving a subject-related value from the measured value. The sensor is arranged to be attached at one of a plurality of positions on the subject. The measuring system further comprises a microprocessor for establishing the position of the sensor on the subject. The microprocessor for deriving the subject-related value is arranged for deriving the subject-related value also in dependence on the position of the sensor on the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Annelies Goris, Maarten Peter Bodlaender
  • Patent number: 9311804
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system uses the data gathered to predict whether a patient is likely to be in need of care from a caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Ribble
  • Patent number: 9310972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a page when an e-book terminal is inclined is provided. The method includes sensing that the e-book terminal is inclined to a left or right side, then changing a current page to a next page when the e-book terminal is inclined to the left side or changing the current page to a previous page when the e-book terminal is inclined to the right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Joo Lee
  • Patent number: 9307941
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for managing a plurality of events related to a patient and for recording and storing input data related to said events is disclosed. The portable apparatus comprises a man machine user interface; a timer unit; a control unit, arranged to provide an invitation to the patient as an instruction via the interface to perform a motion exercise, upon a trigger from the timer unit or upon a patient self initiation. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a sensor to record measurements related to said motion exercise. Further, a storage unit is arranged to retrievably store patient input data and said measurements. This enables diagnosing a degree of a neurological disease or an effect of a medication on said neurological disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bläckbild
    Inventors: Per Johansson, Sture Karlander, Patrik Jönsson, Jan Boberg
  • Patent number: 9307932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for assessment of walking and miming gait in human. The method is preferably based on the fusion of a portable device featuring inertial sensors and several new dedicated signal processing algorithms: the detection of specific temporal events and parameters, 5 optimized fusion and de-drifted integration of inertial signals, automatic and online virtual alignment of sensors module, 3D foot kinematics estimation, a kinematic model for automatic online heel and toe position estimation, and finally the extraction of relevant and clinically meaning-full outcome parameters. Advantageously including at least one wireless inertial module attached to foot, the system provides common spatio-temporal parameters (gait cycle time, stride length, and stride velocity), with the 10 advantage of being able to work in unconstrained condition such as during turning or running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Benoît Mariani, Kamiar Aminian
  • Patent number: 9302046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a treatment delivery system for treating a subject in response to changes in the severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention further provides for a system and method, which can accurately quantify symptoms of movement disorders, utilizing continuously obtained kinetic information to be analyzed, accurately distinguishing between symptoms of movement disorders and activities of daily living, relating quantified symptoms to a standard clinical rating scale, and correlating a subject's symptoms with certain physiological and environmental factors. The present invention still further provides for home monitoring of symptoms in subjects with these movement disorders in order to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks, months, or years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P Giuffrida, Dustin A Heldman, Thomas O Mera
  • Patent number: 9301712
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals to characterize movement disorders. Additionally we disclose methods for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals obtained from one or more kinematic sensors, said methods implemented in a digital computer with one or more processors in order to characterize movement disorders based on spectral analysis, regularity metrics, and time-frequency analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY, APDM, INC.
    Inventors: James McNames, Pedro Mateo Riobo Aboy, Andrew Greenberg
  • Patent number: 9295600
    Abstract: A person support apparatus may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more sensors, which may be operably coupled to the person support apparatus, monitor changes in the position of a person situated on the person support apparatus. A control system receives output from the sensor or sensors over a period of time, while the person is positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system makes a determination relating to the activity and/or mobility of the person positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system may use the activity and/or mobility determination to control a feature of the person support apparatus, or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Receveur
  • Patent number: 9293024
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting a sitting posture of a user on toilet and generating notifications for the user based on the detected sitting posture. A sitting posture detection and reminder mechanism measures a distance X between a distance sensor and a body of the user sitting on the toilet. The mechanism calculates an angle ? between the user's spine and the user's thighs based on the measured distance X and generates a sitting posture notification for the user based on the calculated angle ?. The mechanism may operate a motor coupled to the toilet cover to automatically adjust an angle of the cover and guide the user into a healthy sitting posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Ho-Tzu Cheng
  • Patent number: 9289317
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous lower limb devices, including at least one adjustable joint and configured for at least supporting a body are provided. A method includes collecting real-time sensor information associated with the autonomous lower limb device. The method also includes receiving, over a communications link, remote data for at least one other lower limb device configured for supporting the body. The method further includes generating control data for transitioning the autonomous lower limb device from a current state in a current finite state model for operating the autonomous lower limb device to a different state in the current finite state model, where the different state is selected based on the real-time sensor information and the remote data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, Brian Lawson
  • Patent number: 9286355
    Abstract: The present document describes a method for producing a knee joint treatment plan and/or surgery plan for a patient, the method comprising: obtaining 3D kinematic data of the knee joint in movement; determining, from the 3D kinematic data, scores characterizing the joint function of the patient, the one or more scores being relative to one or more criteria; and comparing the scores to data in a database which characterize a plurality of treatment plans and/or surgery plans to generate the list of one or more treatment plans and/or surgery plans which match the scores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jacques De Guise, Neila Mezghani, Alexandre Fuentes, Éric Szmutny, Guy Grimard, Pierre Ranger, Nicola Hagemeister, Rachid Aissaoui, Thierry Cresson, Julien Clément
  • Patent number: 9271802
    Abstract: A malleolar registration clamp comprising a reference unit and a receiving portion for receiving the malleolus, wherein the receiving portion is designed to receive at least part of the malleolus in a defined position relative to the receiving portion, and the position of the reference unit relative to the receiving portion is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Timo Neubauer, Manuel Millahn, Norman Plaβky
  • Patent number: 9265451
    Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for quantitative measurement of spasticity in a patient. It has been found that stretch reflex measurements, that are quantitatively indicative of spasticity, can be obtained by recording an EMG signal while the limb is being moved at a variety of angular velocities. The method advantageously allows the clinician to perform the test at the bedside by eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical components for moving the limb while providing quantitative measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Mindy Levin, Anatol Feldman, Eric Johnstone
  • Patent number: 9256281
    Abstract: In one example of a user-guidance system, a remote control may be configured to guide a user's physical movements by transmitting movement signals that are to be translated into haptic instructions, and cooperative actuators may be configured to be worn by the user to translate the movement signals received from the remote control into the haptic instructions. The movement signals may be translated into the haptic instructions for physical movements of any limb or extremity of the user in either of a vertical direction or a horizontal direction; after the first movement signal, the movement signals may be transmitted prior to completion of an immediately previous physical movement; and the movement signals may include horizontal and vertical directional signal components that indicate the horizontal and vertical direction for the user's next physical movement. The haptic instructions that are translated from the horizontal and vertical directional signal components may differ in either duration or magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Shmuel Ur
  • Patent number: 9247885
    Abstract: A medical device includes a preload determination unit for determining the preload of a ventricle for a cardiac cycle and providing a preload value representing the preload; a contractility determination unit for determining the contractility of the ventricle for the cardiac cycle and providing a contractility value representing the contractility; and an evaluation unit connected to the preload determination unit and the contractility determination unit, with the evaluation unit being configured to evaluate contractility values versus associated preload values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Kirchner, Michael Lippert
  • Patent number: 9248001
    Abstract: A computer assisted orthopedic surgery system for ligament graft reconstruction includes a system for obtaining data indicative of a location for ligament graft placement with respect to at least a first bone and a second bone. The system includes a position determining device that is capable of tracking the relative movements of the first and second bones using reference bodies that are attached to the first and second bones and a pointer that has a tip for contacting a surface of at least one of the first and second bones to capture one or more reference points. The system further includes a computer that is configured to determine and track intraoperative positions of the reference bodies and the pointer and to provide isometric and impingement data for a ligament graft placement based on a realistic simulation of a trajectory of a deformable ligament graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Perception Raisonnement Action en Medecine
    Inventors: Philippe Didier Colombet, Stephane Lavallee, Carinne Granchi
  • Patent number: 9247998
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed for medical navigational guidance systems. In one example, intra-operative leg position measurements are provided during hip arthroplasty. An optical sensor couples to a pelvis and a target couples to a femur in alignment with the sensor, which provides positional signals to a processing unit for determining a relative position of the sensor and target. The processing unit uses a baseline measurement of leg position and a map to calculate and display position measurements in real time. The map is defined through a registration range-of-motion procedure where instructions are presented to move the femur in at least two planes to generate signals to calculate the map. Leg position may be leg length, offset or anterior/posterior position. The map is used to present the leg position measurements in an anatomical, rather than a sensor, coordinate frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: Andre Novomir Hladio, Richard Tyler Fanson, Armen Garo Bakirtzian, Eric Ryterski
  • Patent number: 9248030
    Abstract: A spacer block for gathering data to be used in the balancing of the joint arthroplasty or repair and in the selection of a trial insert which includes a first body piece and a second body piece. A plurality of sensors and a processor are positioned between the first body piece and the second body piece when the pieces are assembled together to form the spacer block. A chim is removably mounted to a top surface of the second body piece, the chim is associated with the plurality of sensors and positioned in relation to the plurality of sensors such that a force exerted on the chim by a weight bearing surface is detected by the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Orthos Sensing Technologies
    Inventor: Farid Amirouche
  • Patent number: 9232981
    Abstract: A surgical holder is provided, including a base unit, a first positioning unit, a second positioning unit, a connecting unit, a first orientating unit, and a second orientating unit. The first elastic element, the second elastic element, the plurality of third elastic elements and the plurality of the fourth elastic elements balance the surgical holder statically. Further, the connecting unit, the first and second orientating units are designed to have RCM points which restrict lateral displacement of the surgical holder on the surgical incision to increase safety in laparoscopic operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chin-Hsing Kuo, Shao-Jung Lai
  • Patent number: 9226693
    Abstract: A canine gait analyzer is used in connection with a treadmill. A sensor assembly includes a plurality of overlapping sensor panels, each having a pressure transducer array connected to a circuit board with conductive traces. An elastomer sheet with carbon-graphite dampens the dog's pawsteps, and is electrically grounded for static electric charge. The sensor assembly is held fast between the belt inner surface and the treadmill bed with a J bracket. The sensor panel edge extends downward on the side of the frame. A C-shaped side cover is attached to the frame and covers the sensor panel edge having the circuit boards. A motor speed controller is connected to the motor, the circuit boards, and to a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Clinical Image Retrieval Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas D. Haas
  • Patent number: 9226706
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a system and method for development of core muscles' support, comprising a means for identifying a user qualifying movement, a means for detecting a core muscle contraction in the identified qualifying movement, a means for discriminating between a core muscle contraction and no core muscle contraction in the identified qualifying movement; and a means to provide feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alert Core, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Takeo Uehara, Brian Taylor Brunn
  • Patent number: 9221549
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying information on an electrical display unit in an aircraft cabin including a generating unit for generating at least one signal which clearly identifies the information, a first acquiring unit for wirelessly acquiring the at least one signal and a control unit for controlling the display unit on the basis of the at least one signal. The system may also have a second acquiring unit for acquiring departure and/or arrival location information relating to a flight and a third acquiring unit for acquiring passenger information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Malte Kollakowski
  • Patent number: 9218540
    Abstract: A classification apparatus includes: a spectrogram generation unit that generates a spectrogram of a time variation signal of a classification object by processing the time variation signal of the classification object obtained by a sensor; a two-dimensional Fourier transform calculation unit that calculates a two-dimensional Fourier transform of the generated spectrogram; a similarity calculation unit that calculates a similarity between an template image and an image of the obtained two-dimensional Fourier transform, for each template image corresponding to each phenomenon stored in the template image memorizing unit; and a determination unit that determines whether the time variation signal of the classification object conforms to any of one or more phenomena, on the basis of the calculated similarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Roshan Thapliya, Tohru Fuse
  • Patent number: 9216320
    Abstract: In a portable exercise tracking system, a method and apparatus for measuring power output of exercise motion by a user. The system includes a wireless motion sensor and a wireless central mass unit. The wireless motion sensor detects, measures and transmits motion data associated with a first motion by the user. The central mass unit detects and measures motion data associated with a second motion by the user. The central mass unit also computes the power output of the first motion and the second motion as a function of the first motion data and the second motion data. The disclosed method and apparatus provides a more effective means of computing total power output of a user performing free body exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Racer Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Ishii
  • Patent number: 9198619
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for automatic identification of activity and rest periods based on an actigraphy signal. According to an embodiment, the method comprises (a) applying one or more filters to the actigraphy signal to generate a filtered actigraphy signal, and (b) comparing the filtered actigraphy signal against an adaptive threshold to generate an output signal corresponding to the activity and rest periods. The method can be implemented as part of a medical apparatus or medical system for automatic activity/rest identification from actigraphy signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Universidade de Vigo
    Inventors: Cristina Crespo Veiga, Pedro Mateo Riobo Aboy, Jose Ramon Fernandez Bernardez, Artemio Mojon Ojea
  • Patent number: 9189065
    Abstract: A force sense interface includes a tactile finger base having a plurality of tactile fingers, which are capable of tracking motions of the fingers of a hand of an operator, an arm mechanism, which allow spatial motion of the tactile finger base, and a controller, which controls the arm mechanism in accordance with the position and posture of the hand, and controls the tactile fingers in accordance with the movements of the fingers of the operator. The force sense interface further includes finger holders for attaching the tactile fingers on the fingers of the operator in a state where the tactile finger base is distanced from the back of the hand of the operator (H) so as to face the back of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Gifu University
    Inventors: Haruhisa Kawasaki, Takahiro Endo, Tetuya Mouri, Hisashi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 9180063
    Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: SCOTT & WHITE HEALTHCARE (SWH)
    Inventor: Paul A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 9174122
    Abstract: A technique which easily removes the motion element of the game controller which is attributed to the vibrating motion of a vibrator from the output data of an acceleration sensor or reduces the element can be achieved by the present invention. In a game controller, an acceleration sensor detects the movement of the game controller. LPF is installed at the output of the acceleration sensor. Vibrators are installed inside of a housing. The cutoff frequency of LPF is set lower than the peak value of the natural frequency of the game controller. The cutoff frequency of LPF may be set to two thirds or less of the peak value of the natural frequency of the game controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Yoshio Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9173612
    Abstract: A gesture recognition biofeedback device is provided for improving fine motor function in persons with brain injury. The system detects a physical characteristic of the patient and provides feedback based on the detected characteristic. For instance, the system may detect surface muscle pressures of the forearm to provide real-time visual biofeedback to the patient based on a comparison of the detected muscle pressure and predefined values indicative of appropriate motor function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: William Craelius, Don Yungher, Nam H. Kim
  • Patent number: 9161710
    Abstract: A device provides a quick, easy and accurate method to measure a person's trunk rotation in a seated position. This measurement may be vital to identify, evaluate, and treat chronic low back pain (LBP) or to improve sports performance that requires trunk rotation, such as golf. The device may include a measuring arch, a bracket, a main arm, and a pole. The device may be attached to a seat, stool, chair, or the like, or the device may include a seat. To use, a subject may sit on the seat with arms out to the side. The subject may then rotate and move the pole, which may be oriented vertically, with her arm around the measuring arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Drennan
  • Patent number: 9161711
    Abstract: A system for detecting an epileptic seizure in a prone person, comprising: at least one motion sensor with at least one measurement axis having fastening means for securing said motion sensor to said person; first means for determining a first probability of at least a first state transition diagram of the nocturnal activity of a prone person with respect to data representing the measurement signals of the motion sensor, said first diagram comprising predetermined probabilities of oriented transitions between two different or identical states, the probabilities of the states of said first diagram being predetermined; and second means for determining a second probability of at least a second state transition diagram for an epileptic seizure with respect to data representing the measurement signals of the motion sensor, said second diagram comprising predetermined probabilities of oriented transitions between two different or identical states, the probabilities of the states of said second diagram being pred
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: MOVEA, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Pierre Jallon, Stéphane Bonnet
  • Patent number: 9114059
    Abstract: The compression measurement and feedback system measures the magnitude and the angle of manual CPR force applied to a patient and provides the measured magnitude and direction information as compression data feedback to the person applying CPR to the patient. Any variation in the magnitude or direction of the compression force applied may be calculated from the compression data measured by the compression sensor. A monitor receives the compression data and processes the compression data to generate feedback data to the CPR provider indicating the magnitude and direction of the applied CPR compression along with ideal CPR compression characteristics for comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Leszek Bogdanowicz, Brian J. Skelton, Michael C. Garrett
  • Patent number: 9114531
    Abstract: There is provided a display information acquiring unit for acquiring display information on a screen of a touch panel display, a touch pattern estimating unit for estimating a region on the screen likely to be touched by a person and a motion direction of the touch based on the display information, a load estimating unit for estimating a load or a torque to the display based on the estimated region and the motion direction, a stiffness parameter information generating unit for generating information for controlling the arm so that the position and the orientation of the display do not change along the touching direction at the time of touch panel input based on the estimated load or torque, and an arm control unit for controlling a stiffness parameter of the arm based on the generated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yudai Fudaba, Yuko Tsusaka, Jun Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9107614
    Abstract: System, methods, and media for finding and matching tremor signals that: receive a first piece of tremor signal content; identify a first plurality of tremor peaks that describe at least a portion of the first piece of tremor signal content using a Teager-Kaiser operator; form a first template of tremor peaks from at least a portion of the first plurality of tremor peaks, the first group of tremor peaks having a first croup of parameters; compare the first template and the first group of parameters with at least one second template and a second group of parameters, wherein the second group of parameters is based on a second set of tremor peaks associated with a second piece of tremor content; and identify a match between the first piece of tremor signal content and the second piece of tremor signal content based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Xanadu Christina Halkias, Henry Frisz
  • Patent number: 9111460
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a behavior monitoring and communication system. The system comprises behavior monitoring, cueing and communication devices designed to efficiently teach children and others self-monitoring skills with minimum adult intervention. The behavior monitoring, cueing and communication devices comprise at least one detection device that detects predefined behavior, such as positive or disruptive behaviors, and at least one monitoring device that monitors the predefined behavior. The system is programmed and overseen by the instructor or teacher from any location in the room through the use of the monitoring device. Further, the monitoring device can control and monitor more than one detection device simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Judith Dawn Whyte
  • Patent number: 9110510
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for gesture classification and recognition are disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a system can determine multiple motion patterns for a same user action (e.g., picking up a mobile device from a table) from empirical training data. The system can collect the training data from one or more mobile devices. The training data can include multiple series of motion sensor readings for a specified gesture. Each series of motion sensor readings can correspond to a particular way a user performs the gesture. Using clustering techniques, the system can extract one or more motion patterns from the training data. The system can send the motion patterns to mobile devices as prototypes for gesture recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Moore, Xiaoyuan Tu, William Matthew Vieta