Ulllted States Patent [19]
`Brann
`
`US006059576A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`6,059,576
`*May 9, 2000
`
`[54] TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHOD TO AID IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICALACTIVITY
`
`_
`[76] Inventor‘
`
`[4] Notice:
`
`PO‘ BOX 1897’
`
`’
`
`This' patent issued on a continued pros
`eclltlon appllcatloh ?led under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 08/976,228
`[22] Filed
`NOV 21 1997
`'
`'
`’
`Int. Cl.7 ............................ .. A63B 69/00; G09B 9/00
`[51]
`[52] US. Cl. ........................ .. 434/247; 128/782; 600/595;
`601/34; 482/8; 482/901; 340/6861; 702/101
`[58] 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; 73/37901, 37906,
`379.08; 340/5731, 573.7, 686.1, 689; 364/167.12;
`702/19, 41, 101, 141, 174
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U-S~ PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2/1986 Silverman et al. ............... .. 482/903 X
`4,571,682
`5/1987 Linial er a1_ _
`4’665’928
`3/1990 Matsumoto et a1. .............. .. 482/902 X
`4,911,427
`3/1990 Pratt, jr. .......... ..
`482/903 X
`4,912,638
`6/1990 MCIIltOSh .......................... .. 482/902X
`4,934,694
`8/1991 Mayer et a1~ -
`570427505
`5,052,375 10/1991 Stark et al. ....................... .. 482/902 X
`5,128,655
`7/1992 Shore .
`5,348,519
`9/1994 Prince et a1. ...................... .. 482/903 X
`5,373,858 12/1994 Rose et a1. .
`5,375,610 12/1994 LaCourse et a1. .
`
`3/1995 Stone et a1. .
`5,394,888
`3/1995 Spielman -
`5,398,697
`7/1995 MeMillen et 91-
`5,435,321
`5,462,065 10/1995 Cusimano .
`5,469,862 11/1995 Kovacevic .
`5,474,088 12/1995 Zahz'arkin et a1. .
`5,513,651
`5/1996 Cusimano et al. .
`
`5,715,160
`
`35325110 '
`2/1998 Plotke ............................... .. 482/902 X
`
`Primary Examiner—Joe H. Cheng
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`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 individuals metieh through the use of an
`accelerometer capable of measuring parameters associated
`With the ihehviehlal’s movement The deviee else employs 9
`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 eleek 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 speci?c 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/OI. tactile
`Warnings~
`
`29 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`FITBIT, INC. v. LOGANTREE LP
`Ex. 1001 / Page 1 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`6,059,576
`
`10
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 2 of 17
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 2 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`12
`
`18
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`12
`
`18
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 3 of 17
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 3 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`6,059,576
`
`FIG. 2C
`FIG. 2C
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 4 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`12
`
`@@@
`
`20f
`
`K
`|_/28
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 5 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`H3¢F:o
`
`~_E<o_oz_
`
`mw
`
`mommmooEomo_z
`
`NW
`
`Ego;o\_
`
`Nlm
`
`0.UE
`
`>mo_>_m_§
`
`an
`
`5&8Egoa
`
`Eo<z<2
`
`Nw
`
`E28
`
`EEm>zoo
`
`qfi
`
`E38
`
`momsom
`
`MW
`
`vaod
`
`»Et<m
`
`aw
`
`xood
`
`9.
`
`:,mE>o2
`
`momzmm
`
`am
`
`mSaz_Em:
`
`ww
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 6 of 17
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 6 of 17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`60
`
`NO
`
`62W
`
`Yes—>
`
`Initialize &
`Sanity
`Check
`
`_/
`
`84
`
`Cleor No
`Motion
`Count
`
`<-—_\(es
`
`4 ;
`
`a
`\
`
`NO_R§
`
`64
`
`No
`
`86
`
`Post Proper
`Movement?
`
`Yis
`Set proper
`94/ movement
`flog
`
`NO
`
`moversneetgt f'09
`88
`
`Yes
`L
`60 to **
`
`No
`
`96
`
`Yes
`
`Alorm 1st
`_/ Notice.
`Rec D/T
`98
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`FIG. 5 LEGEND
`
`FIG. 5A FIG. 58
`
`FIG. 5C FIG. 5D
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 7 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`q)
`
`increment —/'66
`§§-——No—> no motion
`counter
`
`68
`
`Yes
`
`70/ rec. idle
`event d/t
`
`78
`
`No
`
`No——->
`
`Yes
`¢
`-
`t|lted olorm
`
`f80
`
`No
`
`72/ enter idle
`mode
`
`82
`
`‘————\
`No
`
`74
`
`Yes
`JT/
`
`Yes—-—>
`
`/”1/
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 8 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`No
`
`Angle < prop
`mvrnnt’?
`
`104
`
`Clear prop.
`rnvrnnt flog.
`100/
`Set 1st
`notice flog
`
`Yes
`1
`Alarm next
`notice. set
`notice flog.
`Rec d/t f1 10
`
`1 12
`
`Risk count
`+ 1
`
`Yes
`
`120
`
`risk olorm
`lock up.
`Rec d/t
`1 18')
`
`Yes
`
`risk cnt
`post limit?
`
`1 16
`
`No
`
`FIG. 5C
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 9 of 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`T
`
`exit idle
`mode rec
`
`I
`
`108
`
`notice
`flags set?
`
`clear notice
`& prop
`movement flags
`‘ k92
`Yes 7‘
`
`<3
`
`Reset for
`upright?
`
`106)
`
`No
`t
`record prop
`movement
`90/ event d/t
`
`**
`
`FIG. 5D
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 10 of 17
`
`

`
`6,059,576
`
`1
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHOD TO AID IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
`
`2
`also be informed about the tendencies he has regarding his
`performance of a speci?c task. In particular, it is helpful to
`knoW Whether improper movements occur more often in the
`morning or afternoon.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to the ?eld of electronic training
`and safety devices used to monitor human physical activity.
`More speci?cally, 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 noti?cation
`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
`exempli?ed 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 ?ashing
`light. Typically, these devices activate the alarm When a
`predetermined angle of ?exion 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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`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 speci?c 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 identi?ed 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.
`
`Ex. 1001 / Page 11 of 17
`
`

`
`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 ?oWchart 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 speci?c 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 ?exion 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 movement measuring device 12. In this version, the
`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 ?exibility 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 speci?c
`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
`
`4
`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 noti?ed 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
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`Ex. 1001 / Page 12 of 17
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`

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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
`memory 50 can be sent through the I/O port 52 to a
`doWnload device. In addition, user-programmable con?gu
`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 con?guration 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 signi?cant 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 de?ned to be monitored by the device 12. As
`previously stated, any movement Which surpasses any iden
`ti?ed angle limit of movement (based on the speci?c 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 prede?ned 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
`speci?ed 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 prede?ned 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 de?ned 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
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`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 ful?ll 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 speci?c or extend over a range of
`degrees. When a range is used, the user speci?es the starting
`and incremental values in degrees. Thus, an angle limit may
`be set to occur every ?ve 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 ?rst de?ned 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 speci?c angle limit
`Which Was exceeded along With the date/time stamp. Upon
`exceeding the second de?ned angle, the Wearer is issued a
`second notice Which may be the same as or different from
`the ?rst 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 ?rst 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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`can be operated again. This feature serves to alert the
`responsible party of a potential problem that must be dealt
`With immediately via retraining or any other means the
`responsible party deems necessary.
`The device 12 also has additional functions and capabili
`ties. Each unit can be assigned to a speci?c individual,
`patient or employee and later reassigned to a different person
`through the use of speci?c identi?cation numbers. In a
`preferred embodiment, the device 12 requires a doWnload of
`all movement data stored in memory under a previous
`identi?cation number before it can be reassigned. Further,
`the doWnload information along With the speci?c user
`identi?cation number can be doWnloaded to the computer 16
`only once in order to avoid duplicate records.
`As generally described above, the system and device 12
`of the present invention have practical application in a
`number of situations. They may be used in medical appli
`cations requiring the monitoring o