US006059576A
`6,059,576
`(114) Patent Number:
`United States Patent 55
`Brann
`[45] Date of Patent:
`*May 9, 2000
`
`
`[54] TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHODTO AID IN PROPER
`MOVEMENT DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Theodore L. Brann, P.O. Box 1897,
`Mission, Tex. 78572
`
`.
`
`3/1995 Stoneetal. .
`5,394,888
`3/1995 Spielman .
`5,398,697
`7/1995 McMillen et al.
`5,435,321
`10/1995 Cusimano.
`5,462,065
`11/1995 Kovacevic .
`5,469,862
`.
`5,474,088 12/1995 Zaharkin et al.
`5,513,651
`5/1996 Cusimanoetal. .
`5,588,444 12/1996 Petragallo .
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`Notice:
`5,621,667
`4/1997 Waters .
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`5,715,160=2/1998 Plotke we eeeeceeeteeees 482/902 X
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`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 whichtracks
`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 respondsto 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.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Appl. No.: 08/976,228
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 21, 1997
`
`Int. C17 cece A63B 69/00; GO9B 9/00
`US. C1. cece 434/247; 128/782; 600/595;
`601/34; 482/8; 482/901; 340/686.1; 702/101
`Field of Search o....c.cccccccceeeeee 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
`
`2/1986 Silverman et al. ee. 482/903 X
`4,571,682
`5/1987 Linialetal. .
`4,665,928
`3/1990 Matsumotoetal. ...
`« 482/902 X
`4,911,427
`
`3/1990 Pratt, jr « 482/903 X
`4,912,638
`6/1990 McIntosh oo. eeeeeeeeeee 482/902 X
`4,934,694
`8/1991 Mayeret al.
`.
`5,042,505
`10/1991 Stark et alo oe eee 482/902 X
`5,052,375
`7/1992 Shore .
`5,128,655
`9/1994 Prince et al. wees 482/903 X
`5,348,519
`5,373,858 12/1994 Roseet al.
`.
`5,375,610 12/1994 LaCourseetal. .
`
`
`
`29 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`APPLE 1001
`
`APPLE 1001
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`1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`6,059,576
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`
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 2 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`FIG. 2A
`
`FIG. 2B
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`3
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`

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`6,059,576
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`U.S. Patent
`
`FIG. 2C
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`4
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 4 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`12
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`2) @©@
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`20
`
`FIG. 3
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`28
`
`5
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 5 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`LAGLNO
`
`YOLVOICNI
`
`vy
`
`M0019
`
`AYSLLVE
`
`By
`
`M0019
`
`Ov
`
`IMOdO/|
`
`7G
`
`voOld
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`JOSSIVONdONOIN
`
`co
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`AYOWSAWN
`
`0S
`
`YaSN
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`INSWSAOW
`
`YOSNAS
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`0°
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`
`
`AlddNSY4MOd
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`YIOVNVA
`
`cv
`
`djMOd
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`YSLYSANOD
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`Or
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`SINdNI
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`ve
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`440/NO
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`oF
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`6
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 6 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`62
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`Initialize &
`Sanity
`Check
`
`Clear No
`Motion
`
`Count Past Proper
`
`86
`
`Movement?
`
` 94
`
`Set proper
`movement
`flag
`
`Yes
`
`98
`
`Alarm 1st
`Notice.
`Rec D/T
`
`FIG. SA
`
`FIG. 5 LEGEND
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`
`FIG. SD
`
`7
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`increment
`no motion
`counter
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`
`
` rec.
`idle
`
`event d/t
`
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`68
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`70
`
`72
`
`
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`tilted alarm
`
`enter idle
`mode
`
`82
`
`No
`
`74
`
`Yes
`
`FIG. SB
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`8
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 8 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`100
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`
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`Clear prop.
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`mvymnt flag.
`Set 1st
`notice flag
`
`Alarm next
`notice. set
`notice flag.
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`mvymnt?
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`No Angle < prop
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`4 risk alarm
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`Yes
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`down-
`loaded?
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`
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`120
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`Risk count
`
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`lock up.
`Rec d/t
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`118
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`9
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May9, 2000
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`Sheet 9 of 9
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`6,059,576
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`d/t
`
`
`idle
`exit
`mode rec
`
`76
`
`Reset for
`
`upright?
`
`90
`
`clear notice
`& prop
`movement flags
`
`92
`
`record prop
`movement
`event d/t
`
`
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`7K
`
`FIG. SD
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

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`6,059,576
`
`1
`
`TRAINING AND SAFETY DEVICE, SYSTEM
`AND METHODTO 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.
`Morespecifically, 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 knownthat 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 notresult 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 operatorof 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 U.S. 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 orflashing
`light. Typically, these devices activate the alarm when a
`predetermined angle of flexion or extension has been
`exceeded in order to try and reduce the numberof 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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,655
`uses a mercury switch set at a predetermined angle to trigger
`a counting mechanism in order to count the numberof times
`the predetermined angle is exceeded during forward bend-
`ing. Another such device described in U.S. 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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`2
`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.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention, the foregoing and
`other objects and advantagesare 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 movementsensor 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-programmedrecordable 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 formatvarious 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
`movementof 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 subsequentinterpretation.
`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 movementand 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 bypractice of the invention. The objects
`and advantagesof the invention mayberealized and attained
`by meansof 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.
`
`11
`
`11
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`

`

`6,059,576
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`4
`casing 20 serves to protect the internal components and is
`most commonly madeof hard moldedplastic, although any
`suitable material may be substituted. Externally visible on
`the device 12 is at least one visual indicator 22 which is
`
`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.
`
`10
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`15
`
`activated by the device 12 when appropriate. In one pre-
`ferred embodiment, the visual indicator 22 is a bi-colored
`light emitting diode (LED) whichis 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 movementdata 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 isa 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 maybe 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
`For example, FIG. 2A showsplacement of the movement
`source. In the preferred embodiment this power source is a
`measuring device 12 on the uppertorso of an individual 18.
`Placement of the device 12 at
`this location will allow
`1.5 volt battery.
`monitoring of the flexion and extension of the spinal column
`Reference is now made to a block diagram in FIG. 4
`duringalifting activity. Similarly, FIG. 2B shows placement
`which shows the major internal components of the move-
`of the movement measuring device 12 on the waistor hip of
`ment measuring device 12 and their interconnections. The
`device 12 includes a movement sensor 30 which detects
`an individual 18. The movement measuring device 12 may
`be attached via a clip, Velcro, its own belt, or any other
`means knownin the art. Placement of the device 12 on 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.
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`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 spineto 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 showsanother alternative embodimentof
`
`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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`movement and measures associated data such as angle,
`speed, and distance. The movement sensor 30 generates
`signals corresponding to the measurementdata collected. In
`a preferred embodiment,
`the movement sensor 30 is an
`accelerometer whichis 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 movementin 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
`embodimentuses Part No. AD22217 manufactured by Ana-
`log Devices of Norwood, Mass. This componentis a low G,
`multi-axis accelerometer. The movementsensor 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 ofall of the
`electronic components of the device 12. In a preferred
`embodiment,
`the microprocessor 32 is a Motorola
`MC68HC705C8AEN.
`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/OFFuserinput 36 to detect when the device 12 is turned
`back on. Once an “ON” condition is detected, the micro-
`processor 32 powers up and runsits internal program. The
`
`12
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`6,059,576
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`5
`internal program may bestored 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 performsseveral 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 powerdirectly 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 memoryiselectrically erasable programmable read-only
`memory (EEPROM)sothat, 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
`encompassan 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 fortilt
`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; 1.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 movementdata associated with
`the activation of the alarm is still recorded in memory 50.
`Furthermore, the date and time the MUTE control switch 54
`wasactivated 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 wearerat
`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 amountof 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 removingthe 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 whenthe
`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 canresetitself
`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. Whenthis 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
`movementso that, once movementis 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 whenthe 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 twobatteries, a battery which operates the device 12 and
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`6,059,576
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`7
`an internal time clock battery. The internal clock battery
`powersthe 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 poweris 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 uponthe application. Each
`angle limit can be degree specific or extend over a range of
`degrees. Whena rangeis 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
`commonusefor 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 uppertorso, results can be measured more accurately
`and the device 12 can be set to measure each degree of
`movement.
`
`8
`the
`can be operated again. This feature serves to alert
`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 specific individual,
`patient or employee andlater reassigned to a different person
`through the use of specific identification numbers. In a
`preferred embodiment, the device 12 requires a download of
`all movement data stored in memory under a previous
`identification number before it can be reassigned. Further,
`the download information along with the specific user
`identification numbercan be downloadedto 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
`numberof situations. They may be used in medical appli-
`cations requiring the monitoring of physical movement.
`Among such applicationsis physical therapy which may be
`conducted either by the patient in the patient’s home or by
`medical professionals in a medical environment. More
`significantly, the device and system have application in an
`industrial setting, particularly manufacturing, where work-
`ers are required to perform repetitive manual tasks. Super-
`vising employers can use the device and system to insure
`that employees are performing their tasks properly while
`minimizing the risk of employee injury.
`Byvirtue of the sophisticated nature of the microproces-
`sor 32, the device 12 can fulfill these additional business,
`industry and medical needs. Furthermore, wireless capabili-
`ties may be addedto 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
`exceedsthefirst 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
`movementsensor) 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
`Oncethe data from the device 12 has been downloadedto
`the first notice. These different notice characteristics may
`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 numberof 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 dates and times, of each
`speed of an associated physical movement made by the
`notice given along with the type of notice; the number, date
`wearer and was developedto address the following problem.
`and time the device 12 reached an event threshold; when,
`In essence, the warning notice due to exceedingafirst angle
`how long, and how many times the device 12 powered
`may be overridden by the warning notice for a second angle,
`down; the date and time the device 12 was muted; the date
`thus appearing to give only the second notice. The device 12
`and time when the battery was changed; the date and time
`may be programmed to recognize whenthis occurs and to
`when the battery was tampered with; and the last time the
`indicate that the associated physical activity was performed
`device 12 was downloaded. Any of the above-mentioned
`by the wearer with excessive speed. If so programmed, the
`predefined reports may be generated; in addition, the user
`device 12 will record both notices, and the microprocessor
`may program additional reports and histories specific to the
`32 will record a quickness violation for further analysis and
`application to be monitored.
`reporting by the computer. The device 12 may also include
`an event threshold function in its programming. This feature
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the steps executed by the
`allows the user of the device 12 who has access to the
`microprocessor 32 in the movement measurementdevice 12
`to recogniz