Claims:1. An apparatus to precisely measure human body movements, comprising:
a plurality of devices (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30) that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn in real-time, said plurality of devices being strategically disposed at pre-defined locations on a front of the apparatus and a rear of the apparatus, to measure the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, waist, legs, knees, ankles, and feet;
at least one detachable power source that powers the plurality of devices;
at least one control unit with an internal memory that is configured to control and monitor the operations of the plurality of devices, said at least one control unit: being detachably associated with the apparatus, receiving signals from the plurality of devices and the at least one power source, and sending signals to the plurality of devices; and
a communications module that is configured to enable the apparatus to communicate with an application that is installable on one or more external computing devices through the at least one control unit, said application comprising a calibration mechanism and a calculation mechanism.
2. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices includes:

three devices each that is disposed on a left hand side (5, 7, and 8) of the apparatus and a right hand side (1, 3, and 4) of the apparatus at the front of the apparatus, in addition to one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (6) of the apparatus and the right hand side (2) of the apparatus at the rear of the apparatus, to measure complete rotation of the user’s shoulders;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (14) of the apparatus and the right hand side (11) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s elbows;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (13) of the apparatus and the right hand side (10) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s wrists;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (12) of the apparatus and the right hand side (9) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s hands;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (16) of the apparatus and the right hand side (15) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s chest;
two devices that are disposed on the left hand side (17 and 19) of the apparatus at the front, one device that is disposed on the right hand side (20) of the apparatus at the front, and one device that is disposed on the right hand side (18) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s waist;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (24) of the apparatus and the right hand side (21) of the apparatus at the front, in addition to one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (23) of the apparatus and the right hand side (22) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s legs;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (26) of the apparatus and the right hand side (25) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s knees;
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (28) of the apparatus and the right hand side (27) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s ankles; and
one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (30) of the apparatus and the right hand side (29) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s feet.

3. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is made of elastane based fabric.

4. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least power source is a 3.7 V battery.

5. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computing device includes laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, phablets, and smart watches.

6. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is implemented as a suit comprising two portions, said apparatus comprising two control units, with one control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, and waist, and another control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the remaining devices in the plurality of devices.

7. The apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is implemented as a suit comprising two portions, said apparatus comprising two power sources, with one power source powering the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, and waist, and another power source powering the remaining devices in the plurality of devices. ,
Description:
TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS TO PRECISELY MEASURE HUMAN BODY MOVEMENTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is related to an apparatus to measure human body movements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Precise measurement of large amplitude motion like human body movement is a vital necessity in various industries, such as health and fitness industries, sports industry, medical industry, and entertainment industry. A wide range of sensor technologies like Piezo-resistive sensors, accelerometers/gyros, and Video analysis, are available for measuring human body movements.
Video analysis requires an expensive camera setup and its application is limited to a laboratory based setup.
Inertial sensors cannot give a good approximation of slow motions or static positions.
Conventional sensors like strain gauges can also be used for measuring human body movements, but there is a mismatch between the low strain, high stiffness capacities of a strain gauge, and the high strain, low stiffness of the human body. This adds to the complexity and costs to convert the human motion to suitable range for the strain gauge.
Resistive sensors based on conductive soft polymers can also be used for measuring human body movement, but these sensors are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature.
All these technologies have many drawbacks and are potentially obtrusive and bulky to wear. Further, devices capable of measuring larger strains or displacements are usually much more complex.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for an apparatus to precisely measure human body movements that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus to precisely measure human body movements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates the real-time measuring of elbow motion through an apparatus to precisely measure human body movements, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates the application of an apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as a personal gym trainer, in accordance with the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus to precisely measure human body movements is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of devices that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn in real-time; at least one detachable power source that powers the plurality of devices; at least one control unit; and a communications module.
The plurality of devices is strategically disposed at pre-defined locations on a front of the apparatus and a rear of the apparatus, to measure the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, waist, legs, knees, ankles, and feet.
The at least one control unit with an internal memory is configured to control and monitor the operations of the plurality of devices, said at least one control unit: being detachably associated with the apparatus, receiving signals from the plurality of devices and the at least one power source, and sending signals to the plurality of devices.
The communications module is configured to enable the apparatus to communicate with an application that is installable on one or more external computing devices through the at least one control unit, said application comprising a calibration mechanism and a calculation mechanism.
Each device that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn comprises at least one dielectric film layer that is sandwiched between fabric electrode layers, said device being mounted with a fabric on both its ends; and a coaxial cable that is associated with the device and facilitates the sending/receiving of signals to/from the device.
The disclosed apparatus: is made from highly stretchable fabric, which gives freedom of movement and the user may not even realize that they are wearing the apparatus; is cost-effective; can be used in multiple applications, including, but not limited to, human activity monitoring, virtual/augmented reality systems, sports and fitness industries, and entertainment industry; can be easily integrated with textiles; requires low power; and is completely washable after detaching the at least one control unit and the at least one power source.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and “include” and variations such as "comprises "comprising", “includes”, and “including “implies the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of any range is to be construed as being inclusive of the lower limit of the range and the upper limit of the range.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as a set of technical components that are communicatively associated with each other, and function together as part of a mechanism to achieve a desired technical result.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “left hand side”, “right hand side”, “front”, “rear”, and “back” are to be construed in relation to a user wearing the apparatus to precisely measure human body movements.
An apparatus to precisely measure human body movements is disclosed. As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a plurality of devices that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn in real-time, said plurality of devices being strategically disposed at pre-defined locations on a front of the apparatus and a rear of the apparatus, to measure the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, waist, legs, knees, ankles, and feet.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus comprises: at least three devices each that is disposed on a left hand side (5, 7, and 8) of the apparatus and a right hand side (1, 3, and 4) of the apparatus at a front of the apparatus, in addition to at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (6) of the apparatus and the right hand side (2) of the apparatus at a rear of the apparatus, to measure complete rotation of the user’s shoulders; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (14) of the apparatus and the right hand side (11) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s elbows; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (13) of the apparatus and the right hand side (10) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s wrists; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (12) of the apparatus and the right hand side (9) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s hands; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (16) of the apparatus and the right hand side (15) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s chest; at least two devices that are disposed on the left hand side (17 and 19) of the apparatus at the front, at least one device that is disposed on the right hand side (20) of the apparatus at the front, and at least one device that is disposed on the right hand side (18) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s waist; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (24) of the apparatus and the right hand side (21) of the apparatus at the front, in addition to at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (23) of the apparatus and the right hand side (22) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s legs; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (26) of the apparatus and the right hand side (25) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s knees; at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (28) of the apparatus and the right hand side (27) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s ankles; and at least one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (30) of the apparatus and the right hand side (29) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s feet.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Table 1, the apparatus comprises: three devices each that is disposed on a left hand side (5, 7, and 8) of the apparatus and a right hand side (1, 3, and 4) of the apparatus at a front of the apparatus, in addition to one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (6) of the apparatus and the right hand side (2) of the apparatus at a rear of the apparatus, to measure complete rotation of the user’s shoulders; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (14) of the apparatus and the right hand side (11) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s elbows; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (13) of the apparatus and the right hand side (10) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s wrists; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (12) of the apparatus and the right hand side (9) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s hands; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (16) of the apparatus and the right hand side (15) of the apparatus at the front and the rear to measure complete rotation of the user’s chest; two devices that are disposed on the left hand side (17 and 19) of the apparatus at the front, one device that is disposed on the right hand side (20) of the apparatus at the front, and one device that is disposed on the right hand side (18) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s waist; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (24) of the apparatus and the right hand side (21) of the apparatus at the front, in addition to one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (23) of the apparatus and the right hand side (22) of the apparatus at the rear, to measure complete rotation of the user’s legs; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (26) of the apparatus and the right hand side (25) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s knees; one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (28) of the apparatus and the right hand side (27) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s ankles; and one device each that is disposed on the left hand side (30) of the apparatus and the right hand side (29) of the apparatus at the front to measure complete rotation of the user’s feet.
Table 1: Strategic Disposition of Devices at Pre-Defined Locations
Body Part (Right Side) Device Number Type of Movement Measured Body Part (Left Side) Device Number Type of Movement Measured
Shoulder 1 Middle to down Shoulder 5 Middle to down
2 and 3 Back to front 6 and 7 Back to front
4 Middle to up 8 Middle to up

Elbow 11 Up and down Elbow 14 Up and down

Wrist 10 Wrist rotation Wrist 13 Wrist rotation

Hand 9 Rotation Hand 12 Rotation

Chest 15 Right to left Chest 16 Left to right

Waist 18 Forward Waist 17 Backward
20 Left 19 Right

Leg 21 Backward Leg 23 Backward
22 forward 24 forward

Knee 25 Bending Knee 26 Bending

Ankle 27 Left to right Ankle 28 Left to right

Foot 29 Left to right Foot 30 Left to right

The apparatus comprises at least one control unit with an internal memory that is configured to control and monitor the operations of the plurality of devices that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body in real-time. The at least one control unit is detachably associated with the apparatus, receives signals from the plurality of devices through an Analog to Digital converter, and transmits the signals to a communications module. The at least one control unit also receives signals from at least one power source that powers the plurality of devices. The at least one power source is also detachable for washing purposes.
The communications module is configured to enable the apparatus to communicate with an application that is installable in one or more external devices. The data from the apparatus is transmitted through the communications module to the application that is installable on a computing device, which analyses the transmitted data. The result of the analysis is displayed to the user through an interface of the computing device. The data on the application may also be transmitted to the cloud periodically for backup purposes.
Further, the at least one control unit also communicates with the plurality of devices through a Digital to Analog converter.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one power source is a 3.7 V battery.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus is made of elastane and polyester based fabric.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the data from the apparatus is transmitted through the communications module to the application that is installable on a computing device, which subsequently transmits the data to the cloud for subsequent analysis. The result of the analysis is communicated back to the application on the computing device for storing in a memory of the computing device and displaying to the user through the interface of the computing device.
The computing device includes, but is not limited to, laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, phablets, and smart watches. The transmission of the data through the communications module may occur through any wired or wireless technology known in the art, including, but not limited to, wireless internet, mobile data, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth 4.0, Near-Field Communication, or the like.
The application that is installable on the computing device comprises a calibration mechanism, and a calculation mechanism. To convert linear strain into an angle, the devices that are configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn were calibrated in a two-step process. Using the values recorded at known joint angles (0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 180 degrees), a ratio between capacitance and degrees was determined. The ratio is used in real-time to convert capacitance data into joint angles. This conversion assumes linear strain as the joints are rotated.
0.9 degree rotation represents 1 pf change in capacitance.
Minimum calibration angles are two for each device in the plurality of devices. Multiple angle calibrations can also be used, such as reading 20 values and calculating the median value. Every device in the plurality of devices has its own different calibration data.
Figure 2 illustrates the real-time measuring of elbow motion through the apparatus to precisely measure human body movements. As shown, capacitance can easily be measured during stretching and relax positions, and, after calibration elbow motion can easily be tracked. By comparing this elbow motion with standard body posture, the user gets feedback on their correct body postures. This process can be followed for tracking other body parts as well.
Figure 3 illustrates the application of the apparatus to precisely measure human body movements as a personal gym trainer.
The training process: The data from each device in the plurality of devices corresponding to an initial posture of the human body is stored in the memory of a computing device. A matrix of device data and posture information is prepared, to identify the posture using respective device data. Data generated from mapping is used to build Deep learning model using a suitable technique such as regression algorithm.
The testing process: Data is transmitted from the apparatus to the application on the computing device through the communications module. The data is decrypted and the feature vector comprising the information of the plurality of devices is sent to the cloud using socket.
The feature vector is processed by the Tensorflow model generated during the training. Posture/Activity is predicted using the Deep Learning model. Since a custom dataset of activity and exercises is available, an activity or exercise can be identified through the pre-configured dataset.
The next step is to find the similarity score using the model prediction score for a particular posture. If the posture score is less than reference, that means the activity is missing, so the user gets feedback that the posture is not the intended posture.
Error Score: Error score of the exercise is calculated using the predicted posture score.
Error score for a particular exercise in % = 100 - ((No of Postures that are correct / Total no of postures in the particular exercise) X 100)
Each device that is configured to measure the complete 360 degree rotation of a user’s body on which the apparatus is worn comprises at least one dielectric film layer that is sandwiched between fabric electrode layers, said device being mounted with a fabric on both its ends; and a coaxial cable that is associated with the device and facilitates the sending/receiving of signals to/from the device.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one dielectric film layer is a dielectric elastomer made of Silicone material.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fabric electrode layers are silver coated fabric electrodes.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fabric used in the electrode layer and the fabric used to mount the device are spandex based fabrics.
The at least one dielectric film layer is configured to be stretchable up to 400% and the fabric electrode layers are configured to be stretchable up to 300%.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the capacitance range of each device is between 50pF and 1,500pF and the sensitivity of each device is 4pF/mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus is implemented as a suit, said suit comprising a top portion that is to be worn up to the user’s waist, and a bottom portion that is to be worn below the user’s waist. The apparatus comprises two control units, with one control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, and waist, and another control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the remaining devices in the plurality of devices. Likewise, the apparatus in this embodiment also comprises two power sources, with one power source powering the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, chest, and waist, and another power source powering the remaining devices in the plurality of devices.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus is implemented as a suit, said suit comprising a top portion that is to be above the user’s waist, and a bottom portion that is to be worn from the user’s waist. The apparatus comprises two control units, with one control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and chest, and another control unit controlling and monitoring the operations of the remaining devices in the plurality of devices. Likewise, the apparatus in this embodiment also comprises two power sources, with one power source powering the plurality of devices that measures the complete rotation of the user’s shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and chest, and another power source powering the remaining devices in the plurality of devices.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the power source and the control unit are independent for each device in the plurality of devices.
The disclosed apparatus: is made from highly stretchable fabric, which gives freedom of movement and the user may not even realize that they are wearing the apparatus; is cost-effective; can be used in multiple applications, including, but not limited to, human activity monitoring, virtual/augmented reality systems, sports and fitness industries, and entertainment industry; can be easily integrated with textiles; requires low power; and is completely washable after detaching the at least one control unit and the at least one power source.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure may be made by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:
5, 7, and 8 – At Least Three Devices Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Shoulder)
1, 3 and 4 – At Least Three Devices Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Shoulder)
6 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Rear (Shoulder)
2 - At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Rear (Shoulder)
14 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Elbow)
11 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Elbow)
13 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Wrist)
10 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Wrist)
12 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front and the Rear (Hands)
9 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front and the Rear (Hands)
16 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front and the Rear (Chest)
15 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front and the Rear (Chest)
17 and 19 – At Least Two Devices Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Waist)
20 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Waist)
18 - At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Rear (Waist)
24 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Legs)
21 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Legs)
23 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Rear (Legs)
22 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Rear (Legs)
26 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Knees)
25 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Knees)
28 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Ankles)
27 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Ankles)
30 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Left Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Feet)
29 – At Least One Device Disposed on the Right Hand Side of the Apparatus at the Front (Feet)