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` EXHIBIT A
`
`To Plaintiff’s Original Complaint
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LoganTree LP v. Garmin International, Inc., et al.
`United States District Court for the District of Kansas
`
`
`
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`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 2 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 2 of 18
`
`[19]
`United States Patent
`6,059,576
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent: *May 9, 2000
`Brann
`
`
`
`USOO6059576A
`
`[54]
`
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHOD TO AID IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Theodore L. Brann, PO. Box 1897,
`Mission, TeX. 78572
`
`Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`Appl. No.: 08/976,228
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 21, 1997
`
`Int. Cl.7 .............................. A63B 69/00; G09B 9/00
`US. Cl.
`.......................... 434/247; 128/782; 600/595;
`601/34; 482/8; 482/901; 340/6861; 702/101
`Field of Search ..................................... 434/118, 247,
`434/365; 482/3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 92, 137, 900—903;
`128/897, 905, 782; 600/301, 502, 587,
`594, 595; 601/5, 33, 34; 73/379.01, 379.06,
`379.08; 340/573.1, 573.7, 686.1, 689; 364/167.12;
`702/19, 41, 101, 141, 174
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`................. 482/903 X
`
`2/1986 Silverman et al.
`4,571,682
`5/1987 Linial et al.
`.
`4,665,928
`3/1990 Matsumoto et al.
`................ 482/902 X
`4,911,427
`3/1990 Pratt, jr.
`............
`482/903 X
`4,912,638
`
`6/1990 McIntosh ............................ 482/902 X
`4,934,694
`8/1991 Mayer et al.
`.
`5,042,505
`10/1991 Stark et al.
`......................... 482/902 X
`5,052,375
`7/1992 Shore.
`5,128,655
`9/1994 Prince et al.
`5,348,519
`5,373,858 12/1994 Rose et al.
`.
`5,375,610 12/1994 LaCourse et al.
`
`........................ 482/903 X
`
`.
`
`.
`
`3/1995 Stone et al.
`5,394,888
`3/1995 Spielman .
`5,398,697
`7/1995 McMillen et al.
`5,435,321
`10/1995 Cusimano .
`5,462,065
`5,469,862 11/1995 Kovacevic .
`5,474,088 12/1995 Zaharkin et al.
`5,513,651
`5/1996 Cusimano et al.
`5,588,444 12/1996 Petragallo .
`5,621,667
`4/1997 Waters .
`5,715,160
`2/1998 Plotke ................................. 482/902 X
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Primary Examiner—Joe H. Cheng
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic device, system and method to monitor and
`train an individual on proper motion during physical move-
`ment. The system employs an electronic device which tracks
`and monitors an individual’s motion through the use of an
`accelerometer capable of measuring parameters associated
`with the individual’s movement. The device also employs a
`user-programmable microprocessor which receives,
`interprets, stores and responds to data relating to the move-
`ment parameters based on customizable operation
`parameters,
`a
`real-time clock connected to the
`microprocessor, memory for storing the movement data, a
`power source, a port for downloading the data from the
`device to other computation or storage devices contained
`within the system, and various input and output components.
`The downloadable, self-contained device can be worn at
`various positions along the torso or appendages being moni-
`tored depending on the specific physical task being per-
`formed. The device also detects the speed of movements
`made while the device is being worn. When a pre-
`programmed recordable event
`is recognized,
`the device
`records the time and date of the occurrence while providing
`feedback to the wearer via visual, audible and/or tactile
`warnings.
`
`29 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
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`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 3 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 3 of 18
`
`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 4 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 4 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
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`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 5 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 5 of 18
`
`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
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`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 6 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 6 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`12
`
`
`
`”69
`
`2O
`
`FIG. 3
`
`28
`
`
`
`me
`FEnm.owmamaC
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 7 of 18
`00
`m.
`
`US. Patent
`
`x0040
`
`>KMFH<m
`
`Q:
`
`we
`
`x0040am
`
`Hzm2m>02
`
`momzmm
`
`mIc0¢¢IIo0mmD0mega;
`
`sm,FDQFDOmommmoomaomgz
`
`GyI.Ka#mMMmkaaz_mmm3
`
`mMNH>mozm2msHKOQO\_Nwwmmo<z<zm%>4aaammmgoa
`
`70%nawkmm>zoo
`
`.rm85,MW!mwmomsom0.u«w.wmvwmmmaoa
`
`
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`
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`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 8 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 8 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`62
`
`Imfiofize &
`
`Sonny
`
`86
`
`94
`
`Post Proper
`Movement?
`
`No
`
`movement
`set?
`
`flog
`
`GO to **
`
`Check
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Set proper
`movement
`flog
`
`
`
`Post 1st
`Notice?
`
`Yes
`
`NO
`
`96
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`98
`
`Alarm 1st
`Notice.
`Rec D/T
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 5 LEGEND
`
`FIG. 5A FIG. SB
`
`FIG. 5C FIG. 5D
`
`
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`
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`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 9 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 9 of 18
`
`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`
`
`increment
`gr—No
`no motion
`
`
`counter
`
`68
`
`tilted alarm
`
`7O
`
`72
`
`74
`
`
`
`
`enter idle
`
`mode
`
`82
`
`No
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 10 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 10 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`100
`
`mvmnt
`Set
`
`flog.
`lst
`
`nofice flog
`
` Cleor prop.
`
`
`
`
`No
`
`No
`
`
`Alorm next
`notice. set
`notice flog.
`
`Rec d/t
`
`
` Was
`
`it
`the
`final notice?
`
`
`112
`
`110
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`
`Risk count
`+ 1
`
`No
`
`mvmnt’?
`
` Angle < prop
`
`No
`
`risk olorm
`
`lock up.
`Rec d/t
`
`118
`
`FIG. 5C
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 11 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 11 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`exit
`
`idle
`
`mode rec
`
`76
`
`M
`
`
`& prop
`movement flags
`
`
`cleor notice
`
`Reset for
`
`upright?
`
`92
`
`record prop
`movement
`event d/t
`
`90
`
`
`
`**
`
`FIG. 5D
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 12 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 12 of 18
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`6,059,576
`
`1
`
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHOD TO AID IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to the field of electronic training
`and safety devices used to monitor human physical activity.
`More specifically, the invention detects, measures, records,
`and/or analyzes the time, date, and other data associated
`with movement of the device and produces meaningful
`feedback regarding the measured movement.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`It has long been known that improper physical movement,
`especially when repeated, can result in injury to a person.
`This injury may manifest itself in a wide range of symptoms
`anywhere from sore or bruised muscles to chronic, debili-
`tating loss of movement.
`In order to study and better
`understand safe human movement which does not result in
`
`injury, a variety of sensing, monitoring, and notification
`devices have been created. In general, these devices fall
`under the general category of range of motion (ROM)
`detectors.
`
`Several such inventions have been patented to measure
`the range of motion of various joints of the human body for
`both medical studies and industry applications. Typically,
`these inventions require that two people simultaneously use
`the device: the patient/wearer and the operator of the device.
`The purpose of these devices is to quantitatively determine
`a range of motion of a human joint in angular degrees as
`exemplified by US. Pat. Nos. 4,665,928; 5,042,505; and
`5,373,858. Although the devices disclosed in these patents
`serve the purposes for which they are intended, they do not
`warn the device wearer when the wearer is nearing, or has
`reached, a potentially dangerous angle of movement.
`Another class of ROM devices has attempted to provide
`a warning to the wearer through an audible alarm or flashing
`light. Typically, these devices activate the alarm when a
`predetermined angle of fiexion or extension has been
`exceeded in order to try and reduce the number of injuries
`that can occur as a result of the improper movement.
`Because of the general weakness of the human spine and
`back muscles, most of these devices are geared toward
`detecting improper torso movement while lifting an object.
`One such invention described in US. Pat. No. 5,128,655
`uses a mercury switch set at a predetermined angle to trigger
`a counting mechanism in order to count the number of times
`the predetermined angle is exceeded during forward bend-
`ing. Another such device described in US. Pat. No. 5,398,
`697 uses a “T” shaped collimated light beam to detect both
`forward and lateral bending of the spine. However, these
`devices are not convenient to operate and serve to merely
`report rather than analyze the information detected.
`Training an individual
`to make proper movements
`requires more than just counting the number of times a
`predetermined angle is surpassed and warning the wearer of
`the incorrect movement. In order to prevent incorrect move-
`ment in hopes of reducing injuries, lost man hours, and
`workmen’s compensation claims, a device must not only be
`able to record the frequency of improper movements, but
`also monitor the angular velocity and general tendencies of
`the wearer with regard to the unsafe movement habits. The
`angular velocity of any physical action affects the stretching
`and tautness of the muscle involved in the motion. Thus,
`information on angular velocity is important to monitoring
`and analyzing improper movement. Finally, the wearer must
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`also be informed about the tendencies he has regarding his
`performance of a specific task. In particular, it is helpful to
`know whether improper movements occur more often in the
`morning or afternoon.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention, the foregoing and
`other objects and advantages are attained by a system which
`may be used to monitor and train a wearer during physical
`movement. The system employs an electronic device which
`tracks and monitors an individual’s motion through the use
`of a movement sensor capable of measuring data associated
`with the wearer’s movement. The device also employs a
`user-programmable microprocessor which receives,
`interprets, stores and responds to the movement data based
`on customizable operation parameters, a clock connected to
`the microprocessor, memory for storing the movement and
`analysis data, a power source, a port for downloading the
`data from the device to other computation or storage devices
`contained within the system, and various input and output
`components. The downloadable, self-contained device can
`be worn at various positions along the torso or appendages
`being monitored depending on the specific physical task
`being performed. The device also monitors the speed of the
`movements made while the device is being worn. When a
`pre-programmed recordable event is recognized, the device
`records the time and date of the occurrence while providing
`feedback to the wearer via visual, audible and/or tactile
`warnings. Periodically, data from the device may be down-
`loaded into an associated computer program which analyzes
`the data. The program can then format various reports to aid
`in recognizing and correcting trends in incorrect physical
`movement.
`
`It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a user
`programmable training and safety device designed to
`observe and record the direction and frequency of physical
`movement of the wearer.
`
`It is another object of this invention to provide a system
`which monitors, records and analyzes the time, date, angle
`of movement, and angular velocity of physical movement
`for subsequent interpretation.
`It
`is still another object of this invention to monitor
`bi-directional movement of the torso about the spine during
`a lifting movement.
`It is yet another object of this invention to detect and
`monitor a series of angles of movement and to visually and
`audibly warn the wearer as each angle limit is exceeded
`during physical movement.
`It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
`device to assist in training an individual in proper posture
`while executing an identified physical activity.
`To achieve these and other objects which will become
`readily apparent upon a reading of the attached disclosure
`and appended claims, an improved training and safety
`device is provided. Additional objects, advantages, and
`novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the
`description which follows, and in part will become apparent
`to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following,
`or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects
`and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained
`by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particu-
`larly pointed out in the appended claims.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of the system of the present
`invention, including the movement measuring device, the
`download device, and the computer.
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 13 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 13 of 18
`
`6,059,576
`
`3
`FIG. 2A is a plan view of a wearer showing a possible
`location for the movement measuring device in operation.
`FIG. 2B is a plan view of a wearer showing another
`location for the device during operation.
`FIG. 2C is a plan view of a wearer showing the location
`of an alternative embodiment of the device of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another alternative
`embodiment of the self-contained movement measuring
`device of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the movement measuring
`device of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the steps performed by the
`microprocessor in operating the movement measuring
`device.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`Reference is now made to FIG. 1 for a description of a
`preferred embodiment of the system 10 of the current
`invention. FIG. 1 shows the movement measuring device 12
`positioned above a download device 14 connected to a
`computer 16. The movement measuring device 12 is
`designed to be physically attached to a user whose move-
`ments are to be monitored by the system 10. The self-
`contained movement measuring device 12 may be worn by
`the individual being monitored in a variety of positions
`based on the specific movement being observed, the par-
`ticular application in which the device is used, and the
`convenience of the wearer.
`
`For example, FIG. 2A shows placement of the movement
`measuring device 12 on the upper torso of an individual 18.
`Placement of the device 12 at
`this location will allow
`
`monitoring of the fiexion and extension of the spinal column
`during a lifting activity. Similarly, FIG. 2B shows placement
`of the movement measuring device 12 on the waist or hip of
`an individual 18. The movement measuring device 12 may
`be attached via a clip, Velcro, its own belt, or any other
`means known in the art. Placement of the device 12 on the
`
`belt as shown will also permit monitoring of the individual’s
`movement during physical activity. In particular, the device
`12 can monitor the forward and backward bending of the
`spine as well as lateral bending of the spine to aid in correct
`bending and lifting tasks. The device 12 is also capable of
`measuring the distance the wearer walks and how fast he
`walked. FIG. 2C shows another alternative embodiment of
`
`the
`the movement measuring device 12. In this version,
`movement sensor 13 is separate from the remaining com-
`ponents 15 of the device 12 and is electronically connected
`to the remaining components 15 via a cable 17 or other
`commonly used connector. Separating the measurement
`sensor 13 from the remaining components 15 in this way
`gives additional flexibility in the use of the device 12. The
`device 12 operates in the same manner as previously
`described; however, the movement sensor 13 can be placed
`anywhere on the individual’s body. Again,
`the specific
`application will dictate where the movement sensor 13
`should be placed. For example,
`if a monitored activity
`requires repeated arm movement,
`the sensor 13 may be
`placed anywhere along the individual’s arm thereby moni-
`toring and recording movement data for the arm.
`FIG. 3 shows a more detailed view of the movement
`
`measurement device 12 which forms a crucial part of the
`previously described system along with its respective exter-
`nal components. The internal components of the movement
`measurement device 12 are housed in a casing 20. This
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`casing 20 serves to protect the internal components and is
`most commonly made of hard molded plastic, although any
`suitable material may be substituted. Externally visible on
`the device 12 is at least one visual indicator 22 which is
`
`activated by the device 12 when appropriate. In one pre-
`ferred embodiment, the visual indicator 22 is a bi-colored
`light emitting diode (LED) which is activated to notify the
`wearer when a predetermined angle of motion has been
`exceeded. Through different colors and blinking patterns,
`the visual indicator 22 signals many different conditions
`sensed by the device 12 including when the device 12 is
`turned on or off, when each of various angle limits is
`exceeded, and when downloading movement data recorded
`by the device 12. Alternatively, the visual indicator 22 may
`be a liquid crystal display or any other display device on
`which a variety of movement information may be shown.
`The movement measuring device 12 also contains user
`inputs 24. In the preferred embodiment, one user input 24 is
`an ON/OFF switch for controlling the operation of the
`device 12. Another user input 24 on the device 12 is a MUTE
`button which permits the wearer of the device to turn off any
`audible indicators. Typically, once an angle limit has been
`exceeded, the wearer will be notified through the illumina-
`tion of a visual indicator, the sounding of an audible alarm,
`vibration of the device 12, or a combination thereof. In the
`case of an audible alarm, the MUTE button 24 may be used
`to turn off the alarm. Any sounds emitted by the device 12
`are created by a speaker (not shown) behind the speaker
`cover 26 located in the external casing 20. Finally, the casing
`20 contains a removable battery cover 28 over an externally
`accessible battery compartment (not shown) which allows
`the operator of the device 12 to replace the internal power
`source. In the preferred embodiment this power source is a
`1.5 volt battery.
`Reference is now made to a block diagram in FIG. 4
`which shows the major internal components of the move-
`ment measuring device 12 and their interconnections. The
`device 12 includes a movement sensor 30 which detects
`
`movement and measures associated data such as angle,
`speed, and distance. The movement sensor 30 generates
`signals corresponding to the measurement data collected. In
`a preferred embodiment,
`the movement sensor 30 is an
`accelerometer which is capable of detecting angles of move-
`ment in multiple planes as well as the velocity at which the
`movement occurs. Alternatively, multiple accelerometers,
`each capable of measuring angles of movement in only one
`plane, may be oriented within the device 12 so that move-
`ment in multiple planes may be detected. Although many
`accelerometers are available on the market, the preferred
`embodiment uses Part No. AD22217 manufactured by Ana-
`log Devices of Norwood, Mass. This component is a low G,
`multi-axis accelerometer. The movement sensor 30 is elec-
`
`tronically connected to a microprocessor 32 which receives
`the signals generated by the movement sensor 30 for analy-
`sis and subsequent processing. The microprocessor 32 not
`only analyzes and responds to the movement data signals
`from the sensor 30, but also controls the actions of all of the
`electronic components of the device 12. In a preferred
`embodiment,
`the microprocessor 32 is a Motorola
`MC68HC705C8AFN.
`It should be noted, however,
`that
`other low power, programmable microprocessors may be
`suitable. The microprocessor 32 constantly monitors the
`user inputs 34 and acts accordingly. For example, if the
`device is turned off, the microprocessor 32 monitors the
`ON/OFF user input 36 to detect when the device 12 is turned
`back on. Once an “ON” condition is detected, the micro-
`processor 32 powers up and runs its internal program. The
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 14 of 18
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`6,059,576
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`5
`internal program may be stored within read-only memory
`located in the microprocessor itself or in memory (not
`shown) located outside the microprocessor 32.
`The components of the device 12 receive power from a
`power source 38. In a preferred embodiment the power
`source 38 is a 1.5 volt DC battery; however, other power
`sources, including alternating current, may be used. The
`power source 38 is connected to a power converter 40 if
`DC-DC or AC-DC conversion is required. In one embodi-
`ment the power converter 40 converts the 1.5 volt DC power
`supply from the battery to 3.3 volts DC for use with the other
`electronic components of the device 12.
`Also connected between the power source 38 and the
`microprocessor 32 is a conventional power supply manager
`42 such as part number ADM706TAR from Analog Devices.
`The power supply manager 42 performs several functions. If
`a low battery condition exists, the power supply manager 42
`reports the problem to the microprocessor 32 so that the
`microprocessor 32 may indicate the condition to the user
`through one or more output
`indicators 44. The output
`indicators 44 consist of any combination of audible, visual,
`or tactile indicators for communicating with the wearer of
`the device. Audible indicators range from a single pitched
`tone to voice-synthesized messages in English or any for-
`eign language. Visual
`indicators which could be used
`include single, monochromatic LEDs, multiple colored
`lights, and/or liquid crystal displays. The tactile indicator
`used in a preferred embodiment is a conventional vibrator
`mechanism which can be detected by the wearer. The power
`supply manager 42 also regulates the activity of the power
`converter 40 to insure that the proper voltage is constantly
`supplied to the device components.
`The microprocessor 32 is connected to a clock 46 which
`is used as an internal clock for coordinating the functioning
`of the microprocessor 32. The clock 46 also serves as a real
`time clock to provide date and time information to the
`microprocessor 32. The clock 46 may have its own clock
`battery 48 or may receive power directly from power source
`38.
`
`The microprocessor 32 constantly monitors the move-
`ment data received from the movement sensor 30. The
`
`microprocessor 32 analyzes the movement data received
`from the sensor 30 and, based on its internal programming,
`responds to the data. If a recordable event occurs,
`the
`microprocessor 32 retrieves the date/time stamp from the
`clock 46 and records the event information along with the
`date/time stamp in memory 50. In a preferred embodiment,
`the memory is electrically erasable programmable read-only
`memory (EEPROM) so that, in the event the device should
`lose power, the information recorded in memory 50 will not
`be lost. The device also contains an input/output (I/O) port
`52 which is connected to the microprocessor 32. The I/O
`port 52 is used to receive and transmit data collected by the
`device 12 between the microprocessor 32 and an external
`computer (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the I/O
`port 52 is a serial port which includes an RS232 voltage
`level converter download board. Movement data stored in
`
`through the I/O port 52 to a
`memory 50 can be sent
`download device. In addition, user-programmable configu-
`ration information can be entered by a user via the external
`computer and uploaded through the I/O port 52 for use by
`microprocessor 32. The configuration information can
`encompass an array of information including, but not limited
`to, a series of notice levels corresponding to increasing
`angles of movement, an event threshold, a reset range for tilt
`determination, and a time period for entering idle mode.
`Once the device 12 is operating,
`the microprocessor 32
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`constantly checks to see if the angle movement information
`received from the movement sensor 30 indicates that the
`wearer has exceeded any of the pre-set notice levels.
`Depending on which notice level has been exceeded, the
`microprocessor 32 will cause the device 12 to react; i.e., by
`sounding an alarm. In addition, the microprocessor 32 will
`obtain the date/time stamp from the clock 46 and store that
`information along with the notice level that was exceeded
`into memory 50 for later analysis and reporting. Whenever
`an alarm is activated by the microprocessor 32, the MUTE
`control switch 54 may be used to deactivate the alarm;
`however, the corresponding movement data associated with
`the activation of the alarm is still recorded in memory 50.
`Furthermore, the date and time the MUTE control switch 54
`was activated is also recorded by the device 12.
`A significant feature of the device 12 of the present
`invention is that it gives instant information to the wearer at
`the moment of incorrect movement and also records the
`
`information for future reference and analysis. The device 12
`monitors a wide variety of “events” and records each event
`with a date/time stamp. Many different types of “events”
`may be defined to be monitored by the device 12. As
`previously stated, any movement which surpasses any iden-
`tified angle limit of movement (based on the specific physi-
`cal task being accomplished and the range of motion needed
`to execute the task properly) is a standard recordable event.
`In addition,
`the device will record when no discernable
`movement has occurred for a predetermined amount of time
`(idle function), when the wearer has pressed the MUTE
`switch in response to an alarm (MUTE function), when the
`wearer’s speed of movement exceeds a predefined speed
`(quickness function), when the device is turned on or off,
`when a low battery warning has been issued, when the
`battery is changed, when the device has been tampered with
`(such as removing the battery before a low battery condition
`has been detected), when the device is tilted outside of a
`specified range for a designated period of time, and when the
`device has measured a predetermined maximum number of
`particular angle limits reached. These functions are further
`described hereinbelow.
`
`Whenever an incorrect user movement is sensed by the
`device 12, the angular limit notice as programmed by the
`user is given only once. Before the device 12 can reset itself
`to be able to give that same angle notice on the next incorrect
`movement, the device 12 must return to a predetermined
`position (usually the upright position). If the device 12 is
`maintained outside of its predefined reset range for a des-
`ignated period of time after an angle limit has been
`exceeded, a “tilt” event will be recorded and an alarm may
`be activated. When this situation occurs, the device 12 must
`be returned to its defined reset position, or the MUTE button
`must be pressed. The device 12 is also programmed to
`automatically enter a power saving mode when no motion
`has been detected for a given amount of time. This “idle”
`function event
`is recorded by the microprocessor 32 to
`indicate that the device is either not being worn or is not
`being used properly. The device 12 maintains the minimum
`amount of operating power required to detect
`the next
`movement so that, once movement is detected, the device 12
`exits the idle mode and records the date and time when the
`exit occurred.
`
`The device 12 will record any attempted tampering. In a
`preferred embodiment, this event occurs when the battery is
`removed before a low battery condition is detected by the
`device. The device 12 will also inform the wearer when the
`
`battery is low. In the preferred embodiment, the device 12
`has two batteries, a battery which operates the device 12 and
`
`
`
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 15 of 18
`Case 6:17-cv-01217-EFM-KGS Document 1-2 Filed 08/23/17 Page 15 of 18
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`6,059,576
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`7
`an internal time clock battery. The internal clock battery
`powers the time clock 46 and aids in other operations of the
`device 12 when the voltage drops on the device battery. The
`microprocessor 32 and memory 50 do not lose information
`when battery power is lost from either battery.
`As previously mentioned,
`the device 12 is completely
`user programmable via an external computer. These user
`programmed operation parameters are uploaded to the
`microprocessor 32 through the download device (not
`shown). The user may program the microprocessor 32 with
`an array of functions for the device 12 to perform. Primary
`among these is the ability to change the angular levels at
`which notices will be generated in order to fulfill particular
`application needs. In this way,
`the user may choose the
`angular positions at which he wants to be warned when they
`are exceeded. In the preferred device, up to three angle limits
`may be monitored by the device; however, any number of
`angles may be tracked depending upon the application. Each
`angle limit can be degree specific or extend over a range of
`degrees. When a range is used, the user specifies the starting
`and incremental values in degrees. Thus, an angle limit may
`be set to occur every five degrees beginning with an initial
`angle limit value. The movement sensor 30 used in the
`preferred embodiment can measure angles to within plus or
`minus 0.5° and as often as 1000 times a second. The most
`
`common use for the angle range limits is when the device 12
`is worn on the hip since angle measurements cannot be made
`as accurately there. In contrast, when the device 12 is worn
`on the upper torso, results can be measured more accurately
`and the device 12 can be set to measure each degree of
`movement.
`
`As mentioned above, once a wearer of the device 12
`exceeds the first defined angle limit, a notice for that limit is
`given to the wearer. The notice may be a combination of a
`visual warning, a tactile warning, and/or an audible warning.
`The microprocessor 32 also stores the specific angle limit
`which was exceeded along with the date/time stamp. Upon
`exceeding the second defined angle, the wearer is issued a
`second notice which may be the same as or different from
`the first notice. These different notice characteristics may
`include a change in pitch for audible alarms, a difference in
`duration for
`tactile alarms, and/or a blinking, different
`colored, or other visual warning.
`The “quickness” function of the device 12 measures the
`speed of an associated physical movement made by the
`wearer and was developed to address the following problem.
`In essence, the warning notice due to exceeding a first angle
`may be overridden by the warning notice for a second angle,
`thus appearing to give only the second notice. The device 12
`may be programmed to recognize when this occurs and to
`indicate that the associated physical activity was performed
`by the wearer with excessive speed. If so programmed, the
`device 12 will record both notices, and the microprocessor
`32 will record a quickness violation for further analysis and
`reporting by the computer. The device 12 may also include
`an event threshold function in its programming. This feature
`allows the user of the device 12 who has access to the
`
`download capabilities and the analysis software hereinafter
`described to determine a maximum number of incorrect
`
`movements (“events”) allowed in a predetermined time
`period by event type. In addition, the user may program a
`certain response, such as shutting down the device 12
`entirely, emitting a special alarm, and/or recording the date
`and time each event
`threshold was met. In a preferred
`embodiment, if the device 12 is programmed for shut down
`upon reaching the event threshold, the device 12 will require
`downloading to the computer 16 and being reset before it
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