WO2018051368A1

WO2018051368A1 - A system and method for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions

Info

Publication number: WO2018051368A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rohit Rathi
Original assignee: Smartron India Private Ltd
Current assignee: Smartron India Private Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-16
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-16

Abstract

The embodiments herein provide a system and method for measurement of body posture and health parameters of a person-using chair. The chair includes a sensory array, a processing unit, a computing device and an alarm device. The sensory array includes a plurality of sensors associated with said device. Each sensor provides an output, indicative of a response of the sensor to the individual. The sensor array provides a means for estimating a positional attitude of the individual based on the signals output by said plurality of sensors. The sensor array includes one or more contact sensors that are responsive to structural or geometrical deformations.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING POSTURE AND

MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the priority of the Indian Provisional Patent Application filed on March 16, 2016 and subsequently Post-dated by 6 month to September 16, 2016 with the number 201641009181 and titled, "A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING POSTURE AND MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS", the contents of which are incorporated herein by the way of reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments herein are generally related to the health care monitoring systems and devices. The embodiments herein are particularly related to a posture detection system and method for individuals. The embodiments herein are more particularly related to a continuous posture detection and monitoring system and method in a non-obtrusive manner.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Most people spend many hours sitting, during travel, work, and leisure time. The way they sit and the long hours of sitting compromise their discs and other spinal elements, contributing to degenerative disc disease and the formation of osteophytes, muscular tension, and other pathological conditions.

[0004] Achieving and maintaining good or proper postures often requires changing behavior, habits and lifestyle. In order to achieve this goal, it is useful to have a continuous posture detecting or monitoring system to indicate when a person is conformal to good or proper posture and/or when a person is expressing poor or improper posture. [0005] Prior art posture detecting or monitoring systems use accelerometers to detect or monitor a person's body position and provide an audio signal or alarm to communicate to the person when his or her posture is poor or improper. However, the prior art does not provide a continuous posture detecting or monitoring system embedded in a chair to indicates when a person is conformal to good posture and/or when a person is expressing poor or improper posture.

[0006] A person who sits in front of an office desk unavoidably maintains an almost still posture for such a long period of time, resulting in symptoms such as sore shoulder, spondylitis and so on. According to medical research, periodically changing the sitting postures can keep some of these kinds of symptoms or injuries away. However, currently existent office chairs have no related specific designs to help people avoid aforementioned symptoms or injuries.

[0007] In view of the above discussion, there exists a need for a method and system to measure posture of a person-using chair. Further, there exists a need for a method and system to provide notifications about change in posture of a person.

[0008] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

OBJECTS OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The primary object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and system to measure a posture of a person-using chair in an unobtrusive manner.

[0010] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and system to provide notifications about a change in posture of a person.

[0011] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a system and method for continuously monitoring the posture of the user/person. [0012] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and system to measure health conditions of a person such as heartbeat, pressure, and weight.

[0013] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and system to transmit the measured posture and physiological parameters to other computing devices.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

[0015] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0016] The various embodiments herein provide a system for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user. The system comprises a sensor array attached to a chair. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors attached to the chair at locations where a user is in contact/close proximity to the plurality of sensors. The sensor array is configured for detecting a posture of person sitting on the chair. Each sensor is configured for providing an output signal indicative of a response of a plurality of forces exerted by or motion of the user. The system also comprises a processing unit embedded in the chair and comprising of a microcontroller. The processing unit is configured for analyzing the output from sensor array to determine the current posture of the user. The system further comprises a computing device communicatively coupled to the processing unit. The computing device is configured for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a proper posture to correct or amend the posture of the user. The system still further comprises an alarm device coupled to the computing device. The alarm device is configured for generating an alarm/notification for the user on determining/detecting a wrong posture of the user.

[0017] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for determining one or more physiological parameters of the user. The one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, pressure and weight of the user.

[0018] According to an embodiment herein, the sensor array comprises a plurality of contact sensors responsive to structural or geometrical deformations, a plurality of cardiac sensors configured for measuring heartbeat of the user and a plurality of pressure sensors configured for measuring the blood pressure level of the user.

[0019] According to an embodiment herein, the plurality of contact sensors are placed in a spatial arrangement for mapping contact or pressure points on the body of the user.

[0020] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for generating a graphical representation of the user's posture by measuring any changes in the electrical property of the plurality of contact sensors.

[0021] According to an embodiment herein, the computing device comprises a laptop, a desktop, a Smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and a tablet.

[0022] According to an embodiment herein, the alarm device is further configured for generating an alarm/notification, when the user maintains the same posture for a duration exceeding a preset time. [0023] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.

[0024] According to an embodiment herein, a method for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining pressure points on user's body using a sensor array, and generating user's posture data based on the sensor array readings using a processing unit. The method also comprises transmitting the posture data to a computing device for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to correct posture of the user and generating alarm/notifications for the user on determining change in posture of the user.

[0025] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises determining one or more physiological parameters of the user. The one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, pressure and weight of the user.

[0026] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises generating an alarm/notification when the user maintains the same posture for a duration exceeding a preset duration.

[0027] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.

[0028] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for measurement of body posture and health parameters of individuals through a resting chair, according to an embodiment herein.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart explaining a method for monitoring and measuring a posture of individuals using chair, according to an embodiment herein.

[0032] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0034] The various embodiments herein provide a system for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user. The system comprises a sensor array attached to a chair. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors attached to the chair at locations where a user is in contact/close proximity to the plurality of sensors. The sensor array is configured for detecting a posture of person sitting on the chair. Each sensor is configured for providing an output signal indicative of a response of a plurality of forces exerted by or motion of the user. The system also comprises a processing unit embedded in the chair and comprising of a microcontroller. The processing unit is configured for analyzing the output from sensor array to determine the current posture condition of the user. The system further comprises a computing device communicatively coupled to the processing unit. The computing device is configured for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a proper posture to correct a posture of the user. The system still further comprises an alarm device coupled to the computing device. The alarm device is configured for generating an alarm/notification for the user on determining wrong posture of the user.

[0035] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for determining one or more physiological parameters of the user. The one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, pressure and weight of the user.

[0036] According to an embodiment herein, the sensor array comprises a plurality of contact sensors responsive to structural or geometrical deformations, a plurality of cardiac sensors configured for measuring heartbeat of the user and a plurality of pressure sensors configured for measuring the blood pressure level of the user. [0037] According to an embodiment herein, the plurality of contact sensors are placed in a spatial arrangement for mapping contact or pressure points on the body of the user.

[0038] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for generating a graphical representation of the user's posture by measuring any changes in the electrical property of the plurality of contact sensors.

[0039] According to an embodiment herein, the computing device comprises a laptop, a desktop, a Smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and a tablet.

[0040] According to an embodiment herein, the alarm device is further configured for generating an alarm/notification when the user maintains the same posture for a duration exceeding a preset duration.

[0041] According to an embodiment herein, the system is further configured for transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.

[0042] According to an embodiment herein, a method for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining pressure points on user's body using a sensor array, and generating user's posture data based on the sensor array readings using a processing unit. The method also comprises transmitting the posture data to a computing device for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a proper posture to correct a posture of the user and generating alarm/notifications for the user on determining change in posture of the user.

[0043] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises determining one or more physiological parameters of the user. The one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, blood pressure and weight of the user. [0044] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises generating an alarm/notification when the user maintains the same posture for a duration exceeding a preset duration.

[0045] According to an embodiment herein, the method further comprises transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for measurement of body posture and health parameters of a person-using chair, according to an embodiment herein. The chair includes a Sensory array 102, a processing unit 104, a computing device 106 and an alarm device 108.

[0047] The sensory array 102 includes a plurality of sensors associated with said device. Each sensor provides an output, to indicate the response of the sensor to the individual using said device. The sensor array provides a means for estimating a positional attitude of the individual related to the device from the signals output by said plurality of sensors.

[0048] The sensor array 102 includes one or more contact sensors that are responsive to the structural or geometrical deformations. The contact sensors have an electrical property that changes with respect to the structural or geometrical deformations.

[0049] According to an embodiment herein, a sensor array 102 includes multiple contact sensors installed in a spatial arrangement. The spatial arrangement of the contact sensors allows the system to map the contact or pressure points on a person's body. The changes in the electrical property of the contact sensors is measured and used to generate a graphical representation of the person's posture. The processing unit 104 includes a microcontroller that analyses the output from sensor array to determine the posture of the person. The processing unit 104 transmits the output to at least one of the computing device 106, and the alarm device 108. Examples of computing device include but is not limited to a laptop, a desktop, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and a tablet.

[0050] According to an embodiment herein, the output from the sensor array 102 is provided to the processing unit. The processing unit 104 determines the posture of the person from the sensor output. The output from processing unit 104 is provided to one of an alarm device and a computing device. The alarm devices notifies a person of the change in posture. If the user has maintained the same posture for a longer duration which is more than a threshold level, an alarm (sound or vibration) is generated and output to notify the user indicating to change his/her postures. According to an embodiment herein, the computing device displays a notification including the posture of the person.

[0051] According to an embodiment herein, the sensor array 102 includes a cardiac sensor to measure heartbeat of the person. Further, the sensor array includes a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the person.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart explaining a method to monitor and measure posture of a person using a chair, according to an embodiment herein.

[0053] At step 200, the pressure points on a body in contact with the chair is determined using a sensor array embedded on the chair. The sensor array includes contact sensors installed in a spatial arrangement. The spatial arrangement of the contact sensors allows the system to map the contact or pressure points on a person's body. At step 202, the changes in the electrical property of the contact sensors are measured by the processing unit and used to generate a graphical representation of the person's posture. At step 204, the details related to the detected posture are transmitted to one of a computing device and an alarm device. Examples of computing device include but are not limited to a laptop, a desktop, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and a tablet. The alarm devices notifies a person regarding the change in posture. When the user has maintained the same posture for a long duration, and an alarm (sound or vibration) is generated to notify the user indicating to change his/her postures. At step 206, the physiological parameters of the person is determined. The physiological parameters include but not limited to heart rate, pressure, weight. Further, the physiological parameters are processed and notified in the computing device.

[0054] Therefore, the method and system helps to measure posture of a person-using chair. The method and system also provides notifications about change in posture of a person. The method and system measures health conditions of a person such as heartbeat, pressure, and weight. Further, the method and system transmits the measured posture to other computing devices.

[0055] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0056] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims. [0057] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the embodiments described herein and all the statements of the scope of the embodiments which as a matter of language might be the to fall there between.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user, the system comprising:

a sensor array attached to a chair, and wherein the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensors attached to the chair at a plurality of locations and wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged to be in contact/close proximity to the user, and wherein the sensor array is configured for detecting a posture of person sitting on the chair, and wherein each sensor is configured for providing an output signal indicating a plurality of forces exerted by the user or a motion of the user;

a processing unit embedded in the chair, and wherein the processing unit comprises a microcontroller, and wherein the processing unit is configured for analyzing the output from sensor array to determine or detect the current posture of the user;

a computing device communicatively coupled to the processing unit, and wherein the computing device is configured for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to an appropriate and proper posture to correct or amend a posture of the user; and an alarm device coupled to the computing device, and wherein the alarm device is configured for generating an alarm/notification for the user on detecting a g wrong posture of the user.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is further configured for measuring one or more physiological parameters of the user, and wherein the one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, blood pressure level, and weight of the user.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises a plurality of contact sensors for detecting structural or geometrical deformations of the user, a plurality of cardiac sensors configured for measuring a heartbeat of the user and a plurality of pressure sensors configured for measuring the blood pressure level of the user.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of contact sensors are placed in a spatial arrangement for mapping a contact or pressure points on the body of the users.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is further configured for generating a graphical representation of the user's posture by measuring any changes in the electrical property of the plurality of contact sensors.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the computing device comprises a laptop, a desktop, a Smartphone, a personal digital assistant, and a tablet.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm device is further configured for generating an alarm/notification when the user maintains the same posture or remains in a same posture condition for a duration exceeding a preset duration.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is further configured for transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.

9. A computer implemented method comprising instructions stored on a non- transitory computer readable storage medium and run on a computing device provided with a hardware processor and memory for detecting posture and measuring physiological conditions of a user, the method comprising the steps of:

determining pressure points on user's body using a sensor array;

generating user's posture data based on the sensor array readings using a processing unit;

transmitting the posture data to a computing device for comparing the output of the sensor array with a predetermined threshold value corresponding to correct posture of the user; and

generating alarm/notifications for the user on determining change in posture of the user.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises determining one or more physiological parameters of the user, and wherein the one or more physiological parameters comprise heart rate, blood pressure level and weight of the user.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises generating an alarm/notification when the user maintains the same posture for a duration exceeding a preset duration.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises transmitting the measured posture and physiological parameters of the user to other computing devices communicatively coupled with the system.