United States Patent (19)
`Brann
`
`54
`
`76
`
`Notice:
`
`56)
`
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHOD TO AD IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICALACTIVITY
`Inventor: Theodore L. Brann, P.O. Box 1897,
`Mission, Tex. 78572
`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." ........................... A63B 69/00; G09B 9/00
`U.S. Cl. .......................... 434/247; 128/782; 600/595;
`601/34; 482/8; 482/901; 340/686.1, 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
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,571,682 2/1986 Silverman et al. ................. 482/903 X
`4,665,928 5/1987 Linial et al..
`4,911,427 3/1990 Matsumoto et al. ................ 482/902 X
`4,912,638 3/1990 Pratt, jr. ............
`... 482/903 X
`4,934,694 6/1990 McIntosh ............................ 482/902 X
`5,042,505 8/1991 Mayer et al..
`5,052,375 10/1991 Stark et al. ......................... 482/902 X
`5,128,655
`7/1992 Shore.
`5,348,519 9/1994 Prince et al. ........................ 482/903 X
`5,373,858 12/1994 Rose et al..
`5,375,610 12/1994 LaCourse et al..
`
`
`
`6,059,576
`*May 9, 2000
`
`US006059576A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`5,394,888 3/1995 Stone et al..
`5,398,697 3/1995 Spielman.
`5,435,321
`7/1995 McMillen et al..
`5,462,065. 10/1995 Cusimano.
`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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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`
`
`FIG 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`
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`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
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`6,059,576
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 9
`
`
`
`6,059,576
`
`6,059,576
`
`
`
`FIG. 2C
`
`|PR2018—00565
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`12
`
`
`
`FIG 3
`
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`US. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`x0040
`
`kit/E
`
`Q:
`
`x0040
`
`we
`
`F3330
`
`3$0205;
`
`mommmoomaomoi
`
`NW
`
`HKOQO\_
`
`mlm
`
`w.UE
`
`a555$:
`
`
`
`3&memmzsoa
`
`mmo<z<§
`
`mlv
`
`mmioa
`
`mmEm>zoo
`
`qfi
`
`mmzsoa
`
`momsom
`
`MW
`
`|PR2018—00565
`
`Garmin EX1001 Page 6
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`Hzm2m>02
`
`%momzmm
`
`m5n_z_mmm:
`
`ww
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`62
`
`Initiolize &
`Sanity
`Check
`
`Past Proper
`Movement?
`
`No
`
`movement flag
`Set?
`
`Set proper
`movement
`flag
`
`GO to * *
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`86
`
`
`
`94
`
`NO
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`Alorn 1st
`Notice.
`Rec D/T
`
`98
`
`FIG 5A
`
`F.G. 5 LEGEND
`
`FIG. 5A FIG. 5B
`
`FIG. 5C FIG. 5D
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
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`6,059,576
`
`
`
`
`
`increment
`no motion
`counter
`
`68
`
`
`
`7O
`
`
`
`72
`
`rec. idle
`event d/t
`
`enter ide
`mode
`
`74
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`tilted Olorm
`
`82
`
`No
`
`FIG 5B
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`
`
`1 OO
`
`
`
`Clear prop.
`mvmnt flag.
`Set 1st
`notice flag
`
`
`
`No
`
`No
`
`Angle < prop
`mVmnt?
`
`AOrm next
`notice. Set
`notice flag.
`Rec d/t
`
`WoS it the
`find notice?
`
`Yes
`
`110
`
`112
`
`Risk Count
`+ 1
`
`114
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`120
`
`risk dorm
`lock up.
`Rec d/t
`
`118
`
`No
`
`FIG 5C
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 9, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`6,059,576
`
`exit idle
`mode rec
`d/t
`
`76
`
`
`
`
`
`Reset for
`upright?
`
`cleor notice
`&c prop
`movement flags
`
`92
`
`record prop
`movement
`event d/t
`
`9 O
`
`
`
`xxx
`
`FIG 5D
`
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`also be informed about the tendencies he has regarding his
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`performance of a specific task. In particular, it is helpful to
`AND METHOD TO AD IN PROPER
`know whether improper movements occur more often in the
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
`morning or afternoon.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to the field of electronic training
`According to the present invention, the foregoing and
`and Safety devices used to monitor human physical activity.
`other objects and advantages are attained by a System which
`More Specifically, the invention detects, measures, records,
`may be used to monitor and train a wearer during physical
`and/or analyzes the time, date, and other data associated
`movement. The System employs an electronic device which
`with movement of the device and produces meaningful
`tracks and monitors an individual’s motion through the use
`feedback regarding the measured movement.
`of a movement Sensor capable of measuring data associated
`with the wearer's movement. The device also employs a
`BACKGROUND
`user-programmable microprocessor which receives,
`It has long been known that improper physical movement,
`interprets, Stores and responds to the movement databased
`especially when repeated, can result in injury to a perSon.
`on customizable operation parameters, a clock connected to
`This injury may manifest itself in a wide range of Symptoms
`the microprocessor, memory for Storing the movement and
`anywhere from Sore or bruised muscles to chronic, debili
`analysis data, a power Source, a port for downloading the
`tating loSS of movement. In order to study and better
`data from the device to other computation or Storage devices
`contained within the System, and various input and output
`understand Safe human movement which does not result in
`injury, a variety of Sensing, monitoring, and notification
`components. The downloadable, Self-contained device can
`devices have been created. In general, these devices fall
`be worn at various positions along the torso or appendages
`under the general category of range of motion (ROM)
`being monitored depending on the Specific physical task
`being performed. The device also monitors the Speed of the
`detectors.
`movements made while the device is being worn. When a
`Several Such inventions have been patented to measure
`pre-programmed recordable event is recognized, the device
`the range of motion of various joints of the human body for
`both medical Studies and industry applications. Typically,
`records the time and date of the occurrence while providing
`these inventions require that two people Simultaneously use
`feedback to the wearer Via Visual, audible and/or tactile
`warnings. Periodically, data from the device may be down
`the device: the patient/wearer and the operator of the device.
`loaded into an associated computer program which analyzes
`The purpose of these devices is to quantitatively determine
`the data. The program can then format various reports to aid
`a range of motion of a human joint in angular degrees as
`in recognizing and correcting trends in incorrect physical
`exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,928; 5,042,505; and
`5,373,858. Although the devices disclosed in these patents
`movement.
`Serve the purposes for which they are intended, they do not
`It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a user
`programmable training and Safety device designed to
`warn the device wearer when the wearer is nearing, or has
`reached, a potentially dangerous angle of movement.
`observe and record the direction and frequency of physical
`Another class of ROM devices has attempted to provide
`movement of the wearer.
`a warning to the wearer through an audible alarm or flashing
`It is another object of this invention to provide a System
`light. Typically, these devices activate the alarm when a
`which monitors, records and analyzes the time, date, angle
`of movement, and angular Velocity of physical movement
`predetermined angle of flexion or extension has been
`for Subsequent interpretation.
`exceeded in order to try and reduce the number of injuries
`that can occur as a result of the improper movement.
`It is still another object of this invention to monitor
`Because of the general weakness of the human Spine and
`bi-directional movement of the torSo about the Spine during
`back muscles, most of these devices are geared toward
`a lifting movement.
`detecting improper torSo movement while lifting an object.
`It is yet another object of this invention to detect and
`One such invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,655
`monitor a Series of angles of movement and to visually and
`uses a mercury Switch Set at a predetermined angle to trigger
`audibly warn the wearer as each angle limit is exceeded
`a counting mechanism in order to count the number of times
`during physical movement.
`the predetermined angle is exceeded during forward bend
`It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
`ing. Another such device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,
`device to assist in training an individual in proper posture
`697 uses a “T” shaped collimated light beam to detect both
`while executing an identified physical activity.
`forward and lateral bending of the spine. However, these
`To achieve these and other objects which will become
`devices are not convenient to operate and Serve to merely
`readily apparent upon a reading of the attached disclosure
`report rather than analyze the information detected.
`and appended claims, an improved training and Safety
`Training an individual to make proper movements
`device is provided. Additional objects, advantages, and
`requires more than just counting the number of times a
`novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the
`predetermined angle is Surpassed and warning the wearer of
`description which follows, and in part will become apparent
`the incorrect movement. In order to prevent incorrect move
`to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following,
`ment in hopes of reducing injuries, lost man hours, and
`or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects
`Workmen's compensation claims, a device must not only be
`and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained
`able to record the frequency of improper movements, but
`by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particu
`also monitor the angular Velocity and general tendencies of
`larly pointed out in the appended claims.
`the wearer with regard to the unsafe movement habits. The
`angular Velocity of any physical action affects the Stretching
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of the system of the present
`and tautness of the muscle involved in the motion. Thus,
`information on angular Velocity is important to monitoring
`invention, including the movement measuring device, the
`and analyzing improper movement. Finally, the wearer must
`download device, and the computer.
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`casing 20 Serves to protect the internal components and is
`FIG. 2A is a plan View of a wearer showing a possible
`most commonly made of hard molded plastic, although any
`location for the movement measuring device in operation.
`suitable material may be substituted. Externally visible on
`FIG. 2B is a plan view of a wearer showing another
`the device 12 is at least one visual indicator 22 which is
`location for the device during operation.
`activated by the device 12 when appropriate. In one pre
`FIG. 2C is a plan view of a wearer showing the location
`ferred embodiment, the visual indicator 22 is a bi-colored
`of an alternative embodiment of the device of the present
`light emitting diode (LED) which is activated to notify the
`invention.
`wearer when a predetermined angle of motion has been
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another alternative
`exceeded. Through different colors and blinking patterns,
`embodiment of the Self-contained movement measuring
`the Visual indicator 22 Signals many different conditions
`device of the present invention.
`sensed by the device 12 including when the device 12 is
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the movement measuring
`turned on or off, when each of various angle limits is
`device of the present invention.
`exceeded, and when downloading movement data recorded
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the steps performed by the
`by the device 12. Alternatively, the visual indicator 22 may
`microprocessor in operating the movement measuring
`be a liquid crystal display or any other display device on
`which a variety of movement information may be shown.
`device.
`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
`
`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 flexion 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
`50
`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 individuals 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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`internal program may be Stored within read-only memory
`constantly checks to see if the angle movement information
`located in the microprocessor itself or in memory (not
`received from the movement sensor 30 indicates that the
`shown) located outside the microprocessor 32.
`wearer has exceeded any of the pre-Set notice levels.
`Depending on which notice level has been exceeded, the
`The components of the device 12 receive power from a
`microprocessor 32 will cause the device 12 to react; i.e., by
`power source 38. In a preferred embodiment the power
`Sounding an alarm. In addition, the microprocessor 32 will
`Source 38 is a 1.5 volt DC battery; however, other power
`obtain the date/time stamp from the clock 46 and store that
`Sources, including alternating current, may be used. The
`information along with the notice level that was exceeded
`power source 38 is connected to a power converter 40 if
`into memory 50 for later analysis and reporting. Whenever
`DC-DC or AC-DC conversion is required. In one embodi
`an alarm is activated by the microprocessor 32, the MUTE
`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
`control switch 54 may be used to deactivate the alarm;
`electronic components of the device 12.
`however, the corresponding movement data associated with
`the activation of the alarm is still recorded in memory 50.
`Also connected between the power source 38 and the
`microprocessor 32 is a conventional power Supply manager
`Furthermore, the date and time the MUTE control Switch 54
`was activated is also recorded by the device 12.
`42 such as part number ADM706TAR from Analog Devices.
`The power Supply manager 42 performs Several functions. If
`A Significant feature of the device 12 of the present
`a low battery condition exists, the power Supply manager 42
`invention is that it gives instant information to the wearer at
`reports the problem to the microprocessor 32 So that the
`the moment of incorrect movement and also records the
`microprocessor 32 may indicate the condition to the user
`information for future reference and analysis. The device 12
`through one or more output indicators 44. The output
`monitors a wide variety of “events” and records each event
`with a date/time stamp. Many different types of “events'
`indicators 44 consist of any combination of audible, Visual,
`or tactile indicators for communicating with the wearer of
`may be defined to be monitored by the device 12. As
`previously Stated, any movement which Surpasses any iden
`the device. Audible indicators range from a single pitched
`tone to voice-Synthesized messages in English or any for
`tified angle limit of movement (based on the specific physi
`cal task being accomplished and the range of motion needed
`eign language. Visual indicators which could be used
`to execute the task properly) is a standard recordable event.
`include Single, monochromatic LEDs, multiple colored
`lights, and/or liquid crystal displayS. The tactile indicator
`In addition, the device will record when no discernable
`movement has occurred for a predetermined amount of time
`used in a preferred embodiment is a conventional vibrator
`(idle function), when the wearer has pressed the MUTE
`mechanism which can be detected by the wearer. The power
`Supply manager 42 also regulates the activity of the power
`switch in response to an alarm (MUTE function), when the
`converter 40 to insure that the proper Voltage is constantly
`wearer's Speed of movement exceeds a predefined Speed
`Supplied to the device components.
`(quickness function), when the device is turned on or off,
`when a low battery warning has been issued, when the
`The microprocessor 32 is connected to a clock 46 which
`battery is changed, when the device has been tampered with
`is used as an internal clock for coordinating the functioning
`(Such as removing the battery before a low battery condition
`of the microprocessor 32. The clock 46 also serves as a real
`has been detected), when the device is tilted outside of a
`time clock to provide date and time information to the
`Specified range for a designated period of time, and when the
`microprocessor 32. The clock 46 may have its own clock
`device has measured a predetermined maximum number of
`battery 48 or may receive power directly from power source
`particular angle limits reached. These functions are further
`38.
`The microprocessor 32 constantly monitors the move
`described hereinbelow.
`Whenever an incorrect user movement is sensed by the
`ment data received from the movement sensor 30. The
`device 12, the angular limit notice as programmed by the
`microprocessor 32 analyzes the movement data received
`user is given only once. Before the device 12 can reset itself
`from the Sensor 30 and, based on its internal programming,
`to be able to give that same angle notice on the next incorrect
`responds to the data. If a recordable event occurs, the
`movement, the device 12 must return to a predetermined
`microprocessor 32 retrieves the date/time Stamp from the
`position (usually the upright position). If the device 12 is
`clock 46 and records the event information along with the
`maintained outside of its predefined reset range for a des
`date/time stamp in memory 50. In a preferred embodiment,
`ignated period of time after an angle limit has been
`the memory is electrically erasable programmable read-only
`exceeded, a “tilt” event will be recorded and an alarm may
`memory (EEPROM) so that, in the event the device should
`be activated. When this situation occurs, the device 12 must
`lose power, the information recorded in memory 50 will not
`be returned to its defined reset position, or the MUTE button
`be lost. The device also contains an input/output (I/O) port
`must be pressed. The device 12 is also programmed to
`52 which is connected to the microprocessor 32. The I/O
`automatically enter a power Saving mode when no motion
`port 52 is used to receive and transmit data collected by the
`has been detected for a given amount of time. This “idle’
`device 12 between the microprocessor 32 and an external
`function event is recorded by the microprocessor 32 to
`computer (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the I/O
`indicate that the device is either not being worn or is not
`port 52 is a serial port which includes an RS232 voltage
`being used properly. The device 12 maintains the minimum
`level converter download board. Movement data stored in
`amount of operating power required to detect the next
`memory 50 can be sent through the I/O port 52 to a
`download device. In addition, user-programmable configu
`movement So that, once movement is detected, the device 12
`ration information can be entered by a user via the external
`exits the idle mode and records the date and time when the
`computer and uploaded through the I/O port 52 for use by
`exit occurred.
`microprocessor 32. The configuration information can
`The device 12 will record any attempted tampering. In a
`encompass an array of information including, but not limited
`preferred embodiment, this event occurs when the battery is
`to, a Series of notice levels corresponding to increasing
`removed before a low battery condition is detected by the
`angles of movement, an event threshold, a reset range for tilt
`device. The device 12 will also inform the wearer when the
`battery is low. In the preferred embodiment, the device 12
`determination, and a time period for entering idle mode.
`Once the device 12 is operating, the microprocessor 32
`has two batteries, a battery which operates the device 12 and
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`IPR2018-00565
`Garmin EX1001 Page 13
`
`

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`15
`
`35
`
`40
`
`25
`
`6,059,576
`8
`7
`can be operated again. This feature Serves to alert the
`an internal time clock battery. The internal clock battery
`responsible party of a potential problem that must be dealt
`powers the time clock 46 and aids in other operations of the
`device 12 when the voltage drops on the device battery. The
`with immediately via retraining or any other means the
`microprocessor 32 and memory 50 do not lose information
`responsible party deems necessary.
`when battery power is lost from either battery.
`The device 12 also has additional functions and capabili
`AS previously mentioned, the device 12 is completely
`ties. Each unit can be assigned to a specific individual,
`user programmable via an external computer. These user
`patient or employee and later reassigned to a different perSon
`programmed operation parameters are uploaded to the
`through the use of Specific identification numbers. In a
`microprocessor 32 through the download device (not
`preferred embodiment, the device 12 requires a download of
`shown). The user may program the microprocessor 32 with
`all movement data Stored in memory under a previous
`an array of functions for the device 12 to perform. Primary
`identification number before it can be reassigned. Further,
`among these is the ability to change the angular levels at
`the download information along with the Specific user
`which notices will be generated in order to fulfill particular
`identification number can be downloaded to the computer 16
`application needs. In this way, the user may choose the
`only once in order to avoid duplicate records.
`angular positions at which he wants to be warned when they
`AS generally described above, the System and device 12
`are exceeded. In the preferred device, up to three angle limits
`of the present invention have practical application in a
`may be monitored by the device; however, any number of
`number of Situations. They may be used in medical appli
`angles may be tracked depending upon the application. Each
`cations requiring the monitoring of physical movement.
`angle limit can be degree specific or extend over a range of
`Among Such applications is physical therapy which may be
`degrees. When a range is used, the user Specifies the Starting
`conducted either by the patient in the patient's home or by
`and incremental values in degrees. Thus, an angle limit may
`medical professionals in a medical environment. More
`be set to occur every five degrees beginning with an initial
`Significantly, the device and System have application in an
`angle limit value. The movement sensor 30 used in the
`industrial Setting, particularly manufacturing, where work
`preferred embodiment can measure angles to within plus or
`erS are required to perform repetitive manual taskS. Super
`minus 0.5 and as often as 1000 times a second. The most
`Vising employers can use the device and System to insure
`common use for the angle range limits is when the device 12
`that employees are performing their tasks properly while
`is worn on the hip Since angle measurements cannot be made
`minimizing the risk of employee injury.
`as accurately there. In contrast, when the device 12 is worn
`By virtue of the Sophisticated nature of the microproces
`on the upper torSo, results can be measured more accurately
`Sor 32, the device 12 can fulfill these additional business,
`and the device 12 can be set to measure each degree of
`industry and medical needs. Furthermore, wireleSS capabili
`movement.
`ties may be added to the device 12 to allow downloading of
`AS mentioned above, once a wearer of the device 12
`information from the device 12 to a computer 16 without the
`exceeds the first defined angle limit, a notice for that limit is
`need for cables or docking Stations. In yet another
`given to the wearer. The notice may be a combination of a
`embodiment, the radio frequency capability may allow the
`Visual warning, a tactile warning, and/or an audible warning.
`user to wear minimal hardware (consisting primarily of the
`The microprocessor 32 also stores the Specific angle limit
`movement Sensor) on the body while transmitting the details
`which was exceeded along with the date/time Stamp. Upon
`of each physical movement to a remote microprocessor 32
`exceeding the Second defined angle, the wearer is issued a
`for analysis and Storage.
`Second notice which may be the Same as or different from
`the first notice. These different notice characteristics may
`Once the data from the device 12 has been downloaded to
`the computer 16, Software running on the computer 16 is
`include a change in pitch for audible alarms, a difference in
`used to interpret the data and produce a number of reports
`duration for tactile alarms, and/or a blinking, different
`and histories. This history information may include, but is
`colored, or other visual warning.
`not limited to, the dates and times when the device 12 was
`The “quickness' function of the device 12 measures the
`turned on and off; the number, with da