WO2021251839A1

WO2021251839A1 - A method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position and a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position

Info

Publication number: WO2021251839A1
Application number: PCT/PL2021/000035
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michał GUZEK; Emil DACIUK
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-09
Filing date: 2021-06-08
Publication date: 2021-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-09
Also published as: PL434269A1

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the head, which enables precise monitoring of the movement of the cervical spine, head and shoulders, as well as the detection of posture defects, where the device for monitoring, analyzing and correcting the head position, which is also the subject of the present invention, can be used for correcting them. In order to effectively achieve the intended object of the invention, the control points from which the data on the user's body deviation in three dimensions (X, Y and Z) are read have been properly defined. The following items are placed in these points: - always on both sides in the front part of the user's neck - sensors (1), - and possibly additionally on the user's chin - a sensor (detector) (2), - on user's vertebra C2 - a sensor (detector) (2), - on the user's forehead - a sensor (detector) (2), - on each mastoid process, at the bottom of the ear, on both sides of the user's head - a sensor (detector) (2), Whereas, a stable - usually two-layer - helmet (3) with a variable mass centre is placed on the user's head, the top layer of which may consist of electromagnetic coils. The information read from the recorders is sent, collected and processed in a server cooperating with "Machine Learning" software, using it to develop information about remedial and corrective exercises, which is fed back to sensors (detectors) (2), the helmet (3) and its electromagnetic coils and is controlled by them. Usually, an electromagnetic field begins to be emitted, which attracts a changing mass centre under the influence of the electromagnetic field to the place designated by the server. Correcting or changing the user's posture can be carried out owing to the images emitted in the mask (5) with a display in the front part of the helmet (3) or in the glasses (6) worn by the user.

Description

A method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position and a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position

[0001] The subject of the invention is a method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position, mainly adapted to monitoring the movement of:

[0002] - the cervical spine,

[0003] - head (including the masticatory system) and

[0004] - shoulders, primarily used to correctly define the performance of both horizontal and vertical head movements. In the following part of the description of the invention - the analysed mobility will be abbreviated as "the head movement".

[0005] The developed solution enables an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of posture defects and their correction using the device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position also being the subject of the invention.

Several solutions are known from the state of the art that enable monitoring or correcting the human posture.

[0006] From the description of the American invention US2014088607A1 (filed for protection on 27.09.2012) there is a solution known as "Mobile kyphosis angle measurement".

[0007] A hand-held mobile device as described herein with an application configured to measure and determine the spinal curves is intended for detecting and analysing kyphosis. It is equipped with a detector that can sense the angle of inclination of an individual at certain points in the spine.

[0008] By holding the edge of the device and resting the spine against it, it is possible to sense the inclination of the measuring device. This device can connect to the server in order to collect, store and analyse data collected at different times, which have been read from several points.

[0009] The device facilitates diagnosis and application of countermeasures, but cannot be worn for the time necessary to educate the user.

[00010] The user only has contact with it at the time of the testing. This device also does not allow for full diagnostics, as it does not provide an individual with good habits and their fixation.

[00011] It also does not make it possible to evaluate the results obtained here with those obtained using other techniques and devices (e.g. using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography). The device presented here is a kind of development of a "goniometer" (i.e., an angle meter that counts the deviations, which is used, for example, by surveyors).

[00012] Whereas from the description of the Chinese invention CN106933358A (filed for protection on 28.02.2017) there is a solution known as "Cervical vertebra protection method and apparatus , and intelligent head-mounted device". This solution describes the steps for performing data integration (including collected by a 3-axis gyroscope that allows observation of the body to which it is attached) with information about the angular velocity of the head deflection and the angle of the head rotation, as well as with the data transmitted by the head-mounted intelligent cervical protection device.

[00013] Gyroscope - made of microscopic plates which vibrate with the change of altitude (and consequently pressure) owing to the sensors placed in them, enables a precise determination of a relative position of the place to which the gyroscope is attached.

[00014] During one of the stages of the method described in the above-mentioned solution, it is decided whether the rotation angle is within the correct range of angles or not. If not, the time when the rotation angle was not found in the typical and correct range of angles (as it was longer than the first threshold of time set) is recorded.

[00015] Thus, by noting the angle of the head rotation, the state of the user's head position is detected. The effect of this information and the conclusions drawn from it will therefore result from the assessment whether:

• the angle of rotation is within the correct range of angles,

• the user's head position at any given moment is within the spectrum of comfortable head and neck positions.

[00016] When the head and neck are in a bad posture condition and the postural stop time reaches the first threshold of time, the user of the device is prompted by the system.

[00017] As a result of the use of the device described herein, the cervical spine problems (and others caused by poor head postures) can be reduced. The user's knowledge of a proper, healthy posture and body alignment is also improved.

[00018] However, the solution described herein does not make it possible to obtain complete necessary background information as it does not properly define the data reading points, nor does it propose a proper way to read them. As a result, the developed and described method cannot achieve the intended object of the invention, which is the subject of this application. [00019] The method presented here does not provide for activation of the deep muscles, the activation of which has unexpectedly turned out to be necessary for the establishment of proper habits in an individual.

[00020] Another solution is presented in the description of the Chinese invention CN104665837A (filed for protection on 29.11.2013) entitled " Device for reminding wearer to strengthen neck exercise and control method thereof. The invention provides a device for reminding the wearer of the need to perform neck strengthening exercises. This device comprises: a device body worn on the neck of the human body, which comprises a processor for processing the received data and sending the control instruction in accordance with the processing result; a gyroscope sensor, electrically connected with the processor, for respectively reading and collecting information about the angular speeds of the device body in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and sending information about the angular speeds to the processor; and also a wireless receiving and sending module, electrically connected to the processor for executing the control instructions of the processor and for mutually communicating with external equipment; a man-machine interaction unit, electrically connected to the processor, for executing the control instruction of the processor, sending the alarm prompt and inputting the operation instruction to the processor; and a power module for providing the power to the device body.

[00021] Admittedly, the known device can be used for monitoring whether the neck of the wearer has the exercise within a given period of time, and can remind the wearer to take the neck exercise. However, also in this case, unfortunately, the data reading points were incorrectly defined and the information obtained does not allow the described processes to be carried out correctly.

[00022] From the description of the American invention US10015579B2 (filed for protection on 08.04.2016) there is a solution known as " Audio accelerometric feedback through bilateral ear worn device system and method". The device described herein comprises at least one earpiece having at least one sensor, at least one speaker and at least one processor adapted to locate the user's head and indicate the user's desired head position. Thus, the purpose of this device is to determine the current orientation of the user's head, calculate a desired position of the user's head in relation to the current orientation of the user's head, create an audio signal containing instructions to guide the user as to the desired head position, and transmit the audio signal to a user's ears. [00023] Likewise, incomplete (and consequently inadequate) determination of the data reading points does not allow the tracking and correcting the head position in a manner leading to the correct determination and fixation of the correct reflexes in the user.

[00024] Whereas, from the description of the American invention US2014081180A1 (filed for protection on 06.02.2009) there is a solution known as "Subject-mounted device to measure relative motion of human joints". The relational motion detection system measures the relative motion of a user's head relative to a user's torso. The system includes a first motion detection sensor on a first device configured to be secured to a user's head to detect a first motion. It also includes a second motion detection sensor on a second device configured to be secured to the torso of a subject to detect a second motion. The system further includes a control unit configured to obtain information regarding the first motion from the first motion detection sensor and the second motion from the second motion detection sensor, wherein the control unit contains instructions for calculating motion of the head relative to the user's torso based on the obtained first motion and second motion.

[00025] The known and described herein construction does not, however, enable the analysis of micro-movements, the information of which is necessary to achieve the object of the solution that is the subject of the present application.

[00026] Another solution is known from the description of the Korean invention KR101479745B1 (filed for protection on 08/05/2013) entitled " A corrective apparatus for forward head posture". This invention concerns the correcting device for the so-called "Turtle neck syndrome". The patch, equipped with a gyroscope sensor, is attached to the user's cervical spine. The condition of the user's cervical spine is recognized and transmitted to a vibrating device which immediately gives a warning signal to the user when they adopt an incorrect posture. The alarm signal generated by the turtle neck syndrome correcting device is switched off when the user, in response to the signal, changes the position of the cervical spine, slightly correcting it, in accordance with the general message "do not slant your head forward".

[00027] From the description of the American invention US2002116990A1 (filed for protection on 21.04.1999) there is a solution known as: "Method and apparatus for determining a neck movement pattern". This pattern is determined by the neck movement of a subject. The movement of the subject's head and body is recorded by markers placed on the shoulders and on the head, thus moving as the user moves. [00028] The locus curve of each marker in three-dimensional space is then determined in dependence on the time and it is stored as a data set.

[00029] The neck movement is isolated from the head and torso movements by determining the difference between the average of the two locus curves that represent the shoulder movements and the locus curve representing the head movement. The pattern of movement established on the cranio-corpo-graphy is evaluated and analysed using a data-processing device.

[00030] The method described herein is particularly suitable for determining the presence and the severity of an injury to the cervical spine as a result of whiplash caused by a traffic accident [the so-called whiplash injury].

[00031] However, the solution known from the state-of-art technology which is described above also does not make it possible to achieve the object of the invention which is the subject of the present application, since the solution known from the state-of- art technology only examines and records the trajectory of the movement, but does not teach the user.

[00032] In general, the lack of awareness of the causes of the phenomena associated with the dysfunction of the spine translates into the lack of solutions in the state of the art that would allow for the effective removal of the effects of these injuries.

[00033] To make it possible, it is necessary to recognize them correctly in the case of:

- fixed habits resulting from the improper body position as a result of working in front of a computer,

- ongoing trauma therapy,

- degenerative changes,

- radiculopathy, i.e. damage to the spinal roots (also known as "radiculitis" or "radicular syndrome"), i.e. a condition that occurs when a nerve root is irritated or damaged which can be manifested by a disturbance of sensation, pain, inertia or paralysis.

- TMD (temporomandibular disorders) dysfunction, i.e. pathology that causes, among others, feeling of tension, high blood pressure, morning headaches, the jaw jumping when it is opened wide,

- cervical headache (so-called cervical migraine), which may result from an injury to the neck caused by a sudden acceleration or lag in the movement of the neck and head in relation to the chest (whiplash injury), for example during a traffic accident resulting, among others, in dizziness, tinnitus, and accompanying symptoms such as scotoma, nausea, vomiting or photophobia. [00034] The object of the invention is to develop a method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position and a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position, owing to which it will be possible to:

[00035] - read complete, necessary base data describing the trajectory of the user's head, neck and shoulders movement in space using

[00036] optical markers placed in all important, strategic places on the user's head and shoulders (also on the upper edge of the scapula in the thyroid-hyoid space and on the pre-tracheal plate), owing to which it will be possible to

[00037] define the correct load on the device user's head,

[00038] monitor the activity of the user's neck surface muscles using, for example, EMG sensors,

[00039] send signals to the user when their movement would be inappropriate,

[00040] strengthen the user's specific muscles and provide a comprehensive correction of the head position not only as a result of "decalibration", but also re-education and consolidation of good habits,

[00041] teach the user to move the head and neck,

[00042] teach the movement system of the masticatory organs accomplished

[00043] with the use of knowledge from other areas of medicine (e.g. histopathology - the science dealing with the recognition and study of microscopic phenomena occurring in the tissues of the body with various diseases, which is a branch of pathomorphology).

[00044] The essence of the developed method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, in which at least one device (preferably a recorder) reads the data on the position and movement of the user's head, and this information is sent to a server controlled by a computer program, which sends back signals informing the user about the need to change a posture - consists in the fact that a helmet with a variable mass centre is placed on the user's head.

[00045] Concurrently:

- at least on both sides in the front part of the user's neck - sensors are placed to monitor and analyse the activity of the superficial muscles.

[00046] Optionally, the following are additionally provided: on the user's chin - a sensor (detector), on user's vertebra C2 - a sensor (detector), and on the user's forehead - a sensor (detector), on each mastoid process, at the bottom of the ear, on both sides of the user's head - a sensor (detector). [00047] Whereby, each of the sensors (detectors) reads the data on the horizontal and vertical position of the user's head and sends signals - connecting to the server - wirelessly or by wire. Then, each of the sensors (detectors) receives feedback signals, and at the same time the helmet also receives feedback signals from the server, which causes a shift of the variable mass centre in the helmet.

[00048] Most commonly for a computer program associated with a server and providing feedback for the user - additionally, there is information provided about the location and movement of the user's neck or shoulders.

[00049] Typically, a helmet with electromagnetic coils in its upper layer emits an electromagnetic field which shifts the variable mass centre in the helmet.

[00050] Preferably, the electromagnetic field is generated according to instructions sent from the server.

[00051] Optionally, the feedback from the server about the correct horizontal and vertical position of the head is presented on the display in the mask or glasses.

[00052] Optionally, the thermal feedback signals are emitted from at least one of the sensors (detectors).

[00053] Whereas, a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, the device having at least one element capable of reading the position and motion data of the user's head recording a motion and the device connected - wirelessly or by wire - to the server emitting feedback signals, is characterized in that it has a helmet with a variable mass centre and has: at least on both sides in the front part of the user's neck - sensors, and possibly additionally:

- on the user's chin - a sensor (detector),

- on user's C2 vertebra - a sensor (detector), and also

- on the user's forehead - a sensor (detector), on each mastoid process, at the bottom of the ear, on both sides of the user's head - a sensor (detector).

[00054] Whereby, each of the sensors (detectors) or the helmet is also connected to the server - wirelessly or by wire.

[00055] Typically, the top layer of the helmet consists of electromagnetic coils.

[00056] Typically, the variable mass centre in the helmet is a movable weight, preferably in the form of at least one metal ball.

[00057] Preferably the variable mass centre in the helmet is ferrofluid. [00058] Preferably, also any, for example, the lower layer of the helmet is provided with elements that vibrate or imitate acoustic or thermal signals.

[00059] The helmet is usually dome-shaped.

[00060] Sometimes, the helmet consists of two cross-shaped guide bars.

[00061] Additional markers are usually placed on the outer surface of the helmet.

[00062] A central depression can be made in the upper outer part of the helmet.

[00063] Optionally, the helmet has a flat shape in its upper outer part.

[00064] Preferably, an image emitting mask with display is attached to the front of the helmet.

[00065] Sometimes, the elements of the developed device are in the form of glasses emitting an image.

[00066] The advantage of the presented method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position and the device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position - being the subject of the present invention - are the physiotherapeutic and neurological benefits, which include:

[00067] - strengthening and activating damaged or malfunctioning muscles of the head, neck and shoulders,

[00068] - head position correction,

[00069] - developing visual-motor coordination,

[00070] - developing the user's awareness of their body,

[00071] - stimulating the sense of balance (the vestibular system, which consists of the labyrinth and vestibular nuclei in the brain stem, and which is located in the inner ear of a human and which, according to the assumptions of "sensory integration ", is a framework for stimulating other senses, because other types of sensory experiences are processed in relation to the vestibular system),

[00072] - stimulating deep sensation (the proprioceptive system, which is called proprioception, kinaesthesia, kinaesthetic sense, deep feeling, which is the sense of orientation of parts of the body, since the receptors of this sense, i.e. proprioceptors located in muscles, tendons and joints, provide the brain with information about muscle tone and owing to this sense we know how our limbs are arranged without the need to look at them),

[00073] - improving the reception of visual and auditory stimuli.

[00074] The developed method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position and the device for carrying out this method will lead to the solution of the currently common posture problems, and also facilitate the recognition of the actual scale of this phenomenon and its consequences. [00075] The developed method and device make it possible to become aware of physical changes in the functioning of muscles in a huge number of people, describe them, explain the causes of pain they complain about and explain how to avoid it without unnecessarily limiting the mobility of the cervical segment, as well as show these people methods of proper functioning in the future.

[00076] The subject of the invention, which is a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position - has been shown in more detail in the embodiment in the drawings, where: fig.l - presents the user's face side view with sensors and detectors attached, fig.2 - shows the user's head side view with sensors and detectors attached, fig.3 - presents the user's face side view with sensors and detectors attached, and with a dome-shaped helmet on, fig.4 - shows the user's head side view with sensors and detectors attached, and with a dome-shaped helmet on, and fig.5 - presents the user's face side view with sensors and detectors attached, and also with a dome-shaped helmet with a mask with a display on, fig.6 - illustrates the user wearing glasses with a display shown in the face side view sensors and detectors attached, and with a dome-shaped helmet on, fig.7 - illustrates the user wearing glasses with a display shown in the face side view sensors and detectors attached, and also with a helmet consisting of two cross-shaped guide bars on, fig.8 - shows the user's head side view with sensors and detectors attached, and also with a helmet consisting of two cross-shaped guide bars on,

[00077] The invention describes a method for monitoring, analysing and correcting a user's head position, and a device for monitoring, analysing and correcting a user's head position.

[00078] The described invention can be embodied in various variants, in particular in the three summarized versions thereof.

[00079] The following are mainly used to monitor, analyse and correct the position of the user's head:

[00080] - sensors 1, which record the activity of the surface muscles and

[00081] - sensors (detectors) 2, and possibly additionally

[00082] - markers facilitating establishing the location of parts of the user's body in space. [00083] Thus, the muscle activity measuring devices, which are sensors 1 (Fig. 1 et seq.), are therefore used to monitor, analyse and correct the position of the user's head. Typically, sensors 1 are in the form of EMG electrodes or GSR sensors [galvanic skin response] which record the activity of the superficial muscles.

[00084] Sensors (detectors) 2 can be used simultaneously as markers, since they are usually observed and their position is noted by recorders.

[00085] The recorders are usually cameras or lasers which are possibly placed on helmet 3 of the user, i.e., the person whose head position is monitored or around that person.

[00086] When sensor (detector) 2 is a telemetric gyroscope, it is used to check the vertical or horizontal deviation of a given point on the user's body.

[00087] Sensor (detector) 2 may also be any other known acceleration measuring device, e.g. GPS, detecting the movement.

[00088] Sensor (detector) 2 is always equipped (as opposed to the additional marker) with a device emitting signals (e.g. vibrating, emitting sounds, possibly oral commands, or thermal signals) which informs the user when they make an inappropriate move or stay for too long in the same position.

[00089] Due to the fact that data is obtained by monitoring sensors 1 and sensors (detectors) 2, the data about the horizontal and vertical position of the user's head is obtained - information is also obtained on how to move the moving element (usually under the influence of an electromagnetic field) in helmet 3, at what speed, in which direction and to which place (this element is described below).

[00090] Preparing the user to monitor, analyse and correct the position of their head: there are typically two sensors 1 placed on both sides in the front part of the user's neck, which is necessary, and preferably additionally: on the chin (in the middle of the lower jaw) - sensor (detector) 2, on C2 vertebra - sensor (detector) 2 (C2 vertebrae is one of the seven vertebrae: C1-C7, which are part of the cervical spine), and on the forehead - sensor (detector) 2, on each mastoid process, in the lower part of the ear, on both sides of the user's head - sensor (detector) 2, while the helmet 3, possibly equipped with a movable mask 5 with a display, which can be replaced by glasses 6 with a display, is always placed firmly on the user's head. [00091] Sensors 1 and sensors (detectors) 2 can additionally be placed on the user's back, on the user's shoulder girdle.

[00092] Helmet 3 with a variable mass centre is essentially two-layer. Its top layer usually consists of electromagnetic coils.

[00093] Between the layers of helmet 3 there is an element that moves - usually under the influence of an electromagnetic field - (or elements, e.g. a metal ball or ferrofluid ware placed here) with a total mass of 50 to 500 g, optimally from 150 to 400 g, whereby the mass of this element will be selected and adjusted to the results of the research carried out at the time of the implementation of the invention.

[00094] The element in helmet 3 is a kind of a movable weight with a given mass and with known characteristics, also when it is a ferrofluid (magnetic liquid, substance with properties as similar to the liquid as possible, which, unlike typical liquids in room conditions, is a good paramagnet and undergoes strong magnetic polarization in the presence of external magnetic fields).

[00095] Any (e.g. lower) layer of helmet 3 may also additionally be equipped - as each sensor (detector) 2 - with at least one signal emitting element (e.g. vibrating) which informs the user when they make an inappropriate movement or stay for too long in the same position.

[00096] Helmet 3 may be dome-shaped or it may consist of two cross-shaped guide bars 4. Longitudinal guide bar 4 begins at the front of the user's head and ends at the back of the head, while the transverse guide bar 4 is substantially at right angles to longitudinal guide bar 4 and begins around one ear of the user and ends around the other ear. Longitudinal guide bar 4 and transverse guide bar 4 intersect at the top or possibly, near the top of the user's head.

[00097] Helmet 3 may be enclosed or wrapped with elements normally worn on the head by the wearer. In the upper, outer part, it can also be given a flat shape, or a cavity can be made in it, facilitating the placement of any element in this place, which - in order to be moved - will force the user to adapt the correct posture.

[00098] Such a configuration of helmet 3 makes it easier for the user to carry items on their head (e.g. commonly worn), the weight of which is carefully planned and adapted to the user's silhouette and the parameters of helmet 3.

[00099] Additional markers may be placed on the outer surface of helmet 3 (as all markers will facilitate the positioning of the elements of the user's body in space).

[000100] In order to be able to carry out the developed method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position, it is necessary to obtain preliminary information about the currently performed head movements by the user. Owing to them, it becomes possible to develop a correction plan and an appropriate algorithm prompting the user the right move in the future.

[000101] According to the developed method, in order to obtain preliminary information, the user can be placed in a sitting position in a cubicle in which there are mounted recorders that read information about the position in time and space of both sensors (detectors) 2 and possibly additional markers marked on helmet 3.

[000102] Preliminary information about the three-dimensional (X, Y and Z) movements of the user's head requiring correction can also be read by recorders placed on helmet 3 worn by the user.

[000103] Owing to the markers (moving with the user), the cervical spine is also closely monitored later on and the position of the head (including the masticatory system) and the shoulders of the user is read and this result is compared with an algorithm describing the correct expected user's motion which is developed in or delivered to the server.

[000104] The obtained data (initial and obtained during the implementation of the monitoring, analysing and correcting the head position) sent by the recorders to the main server are usually collected, stored and analysed therein. The server always processes and sends feedback on remedial and corrective exercises.

[000105] The server sufficient to accomplish the object of the invention is a small, simple device housed in helmet 3, which is directly connected to it by, for example, wires. Such a server location makes the operation of the developed device independent of the presence and range of the communication network, which, although still being developed and dynamically improved, remain unreliable.

[000106] The server may be a chip placed in helmet 3 (with an uploaded algorithm programmed in advance and resulting from the knowledge stored in the database).

[000107] Each server (also a chip) with software used to receive, collect or process information, possibly share resources with other computers and intermediate in data transfer, can also be a peripheral device located at any distance from the user (possibly also in helmet 3), connecting to it wirelessly, e.g. using Wi-Fi wireless communication network or using networks offered by GSM telephony operators or using G5 (the latest standards of the fifth generation mobile technology replacing G4) or Bluetooth or using any other connectivity.

[000108] Especially in this case, the server is adapted to a continuous operation and can be equipped with any large and fast hard disks or SSDs, mainly SAS (formerly SCSI), with high-capacity RAM memory and efficient multi-core server processors. A server adapted to online communication facilitates audio and video streaming. [000109] The above-described tasks performed with the server are performed by suitable "Machine Learning" software that controls the device.

[000110] The most common medical standard EMG electrodes, which are usually placed on the user's neck are sensors 1 and are characterized by: bandwidth, which is from about 10 to 500 Hz, gain from 900 to 1200, cmrr between 80 and 120db (cmrr - Common Mode Rejection Ratio - this is the coefficient determining the properties of the amplifier, which was expressed in decibels).

[000111] In the device that is an embodiment of the invented invention, after receiving the feedback, the electromagnetic coils in helmet 3 are activated and begin to emit an electromagnetic field that is harmless to the user, which attracts the element or elements or ferrofluid moving under the influence of the electromagnetic field to the location designated by the server.

[000112] Applying weight to the appropriate area of the user's head completely changes the result of the exercises inflicted on the user, as it makes them more effective.

[000113] To achieve this goal, other technologies may be used to change the position of the displaced element (or elements or ferrofluid).

[000114] While doing the exercises assigned by the server, the server reads the user's reactions and checks the correctness of the trajectory of their head movements.

[000115] When the user, during the exercise, put their head in an incorrect position or do not change the position for too long - sensors (detectors) 2 and possibly the signal emitting elements in helmet 3 are activated and start to provide signals (of variable intensity, variable volume), informing the user about the need to change or correct the position.

[000116] When the head position - the location of the head (including the masticatory system) and the user's shoulders is corrected - signals (e.g. vibrations) change in intensity and gradually disappear.

[000117] Whereas, if the user, instead of correcting the head position, deteriorates it - the signals (e.g. vibrations) are gradually increasing and help the user (exerciser) to perform the given movement in the manner determined as appropriate.

[000118] Correcting or changing the user's posture can also be carried out due to the images emitted in mask 5 with a display or in glasses 6 with a display put on by the user. Mask 5 can be attached to the front of helmet 3. [000119] The feedback presented on the display is the result of sending information to the server, processing it by the computer program, and also sending the information back by the server about the correct horizontal and vertical position of the head.

[000120] An individual using the developed device finds out whether they are moving properly because they know to what extent they are correctly positioning the head by observing the relevant images and the artificial horizon emitted by the display in movable mask 5 which is integrated with helmet 3 or through the display in glasses 6.

[000121] In this case, the images presented by the display resulting from the information sent from the control centre (the server) are produced by the HUD head-up display computer program and the head-up display.

[000122] The role of the display is played by any known system, and currently it can be, for example:

CRT display (traditional, with an electron tube)

LCD display (liquid crystal display)

PDP display (plasma)

LED display (diode)

OLED display (organic)

AMOLED display Super AMOLED display TFT display laser display touch display CSTIM display FED display SED display DLP display

VFD display (fluorescent) seven-segment display neon display, with nixie lamps iMoD display UFB LCD display LTPS-TFT / LTPS LCD display.

[000123] When the user, during the exercise, position their head incorrectly or stay in a certain position for too long, sensors (detectors) 2 and the signal emitting elements in helmet 3 are activated.

[000124] An embodiment of the invention can be carried out in three variants as described below. [000125] The first, therapeutic, "complete" variant will lead to manufacturing and providing a final device for tracking and correcting the head position for "whiplash" trauma therapy. This device will be subjected to measurements (including calibration) to assess the effectiveness of the developed device (the results are expected to be statistically significantly higher than in the case of therapy without the use of the device).

[000126] This variant assumes that a "computer will be more effective than a human" in data administration (also after a "whiplash" injury). The right PC software reduces the analysis time and reduces the number of errors compared to results obtained by a human. In addition, the device will collect and analyse anonymized data on the course of individual therapies for the need of its further improvement and adaptation of future programs to the individual needs of patients.

[000127] The device with the described structure will enable the effective use of the inventors' knowledge and the development of a rehabilitation protocol that will be more effective than others and will be "automated".

[000128] The recipients of the developed device will be, for example, the few currently operating rehabilitation centres for patients with "whiplash", injuries, for which this device will enable to raise the level and extend the scope of current operation. Its recipients will also be centres introduced into a new area of knowledge, which currently do not have such opportunities to operate.

[000129] The second embodiment of the invention (also referred to as the therapeutic two-stage) will run in two stages.

[000130] A simple but fully functional device will be constructed, and "Machine Learning software will be developed. Both the structure and the method will demonstrate the competence of the inventors and the team completed by the applicant, and will prove the possibility of achieving the intended object of the invention.

[000131] After confirming the effectiveness of the designed device that correctly measures the desired parameters of rehabilitation activities - along with their correction in real time - this device will be improved (miniaturized and transformed into a portable version, allowing patients to use it outside the rehabilitation clinic).

[000132] Also in this variant of the invention embodiment, the inventors' knowledge of the methods of rehabilitation of patients, e.g. after "whiplash" injuries will be used.

[000133] The design of the developed device and the developed method will make it possible to "automate" the method, which is the know-how of the inventors, including the possibility of "educating" patients (the possibility and effectiveness of making people aware of physical changes in muscle functioning after an injury and describing the methods of their proper functioning together with an explanation of the causes of pain and ways to avoid it without unnecessarily limiting the mobility of the cervical segment).

[000134] The third variant of the invention (called diagnostic-therapeutic) provides for the development of a device for the diagnosis of "whiplash" injuries.

[000135] The importance of the solutions constituting the subject of the invention (both the method and the device for its implementation) is enormous, as there are currently no objective methods for diagnosing such injuries, or at least they are not described in the literature. Patients are often not treated today, even when they are admitted to clinics, complaining of neck pain of varying severity (the perception of which may depend on the individual patient's sensitivity to pain). Recognition of the problem is also difficult as often the injured do not initially have any ailments that would induce them to seek help from a doctor or therapist, which may result in the omission of the "time window" in which effective rehabilitation can be applied after the injury, and then the damage becomes permanent resulting from an injury.

[000136] The development of the described diagnostic method allowing for an objective assessment of the degree and nature of the injury shortly after its occurrence is of great importance for the effectiveness and effects of identifying the correct "resting" position of the head, as well as for the correct definition of both horizontal and vertical head movements as, for example, "whiplash" injuries cause disturbances in head movements, which may be initially too little to be noticed by a diagnostician who does not have and will not use the developed method and device enabling its use.

[000137] The constructed device, which accurately registers the movement of the head in three dimensions (X, Y and Z), allows for an objective diagnosis of, inter alia, “whiplash" injuries. It also makes it possible to develop a scale of "the severity of injuries" and determine their importance for further work with the patient.

List of elements: - sensor, - sensor (detector), - helmet, -guide bar, - mask (with a display),

- glasses (with a display).

Claims

Patent claims

1. A method for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, in which at least one device, preferably a recorder, reads the data on the position and movement of the user's head, and this information is sent to a server controlled by a computer program, which sends back signals informing the user about the need to change a posture, characterized in that a helmet (3) with a variable mass centre is placed on the user's head and:

- at least on both sides in the front part of the user's neck - sensors (1) are placed to monitor and analyse the activity of the superficial muscles and optionally, the following are additionally provided: on the user's chin - a sensor (detector) (2),

- on user's vertebra C2 - a sensor (detector) (2), and on the user's forehead - a sensor (detector) (2), on each mastoid process, at the bottom of the ear, on both sides of the user's head - a sensor (detector) (2), whereas each of the sensors (detectors) (2) reads the data on the horizontal and vertical position of the user's head and sends signals - connecting to the server - wirelessly or by wire, then, each of the sensors (detectors) (2) receives feedback signals, and at the same time the helmet (3) also receives the feedback signals from the server, which causes a shift of the variable mass centre in the helmet (3).

2. The method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to claim 1, characterized in that, the information on the positioning and movement of the user's neck or shoulders is provided additionally for a computer program cooperating with the server and providing feedback for the user.

3. The method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the helmet (3) with electromagnetic coils in its upper layer emits an electromagnetic field which shifts the variable mass centre in the helmet (3).

4. The method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to claim 3, characterized in that the electromagnetic field is generated according to with instructions sent from the server.

5. The method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mask (5) or glasses (6) show feedback from the server on the correct horizontal and vertical head position on the display.

6. The method of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that feedback thermal signals are emitted by at least one of the sensors (detectors) (2).

7. A device of monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, the device having at least one element to read the data on the position and movement of the user's head that registers the movement and this device is connected - wirelessly or by wire - with a server emitting feedback signals, characterized in that it has a helmet (3) with a variable mass centre and also:

- at least on both sides in the front part of the user's neck - sensors (1), and possibly additionally:

- on the user's chin - a sensor (detector) (2), on user's vertebra C2 - a sensor (detector) (2), and on the user's forehead - a sensor (detector) (2), on each mastoid process, at the bottom of the ear, on both sides of the user’s head - a sensor (detector) (2), whereas each of the sensors (detectors) (2) or the helmet (3) are also connected to the server - wirelessly or by wire.

8. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper layer of the helmet (3) consists of electromagnetic coils.

9. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the variable mass centre in the helmet (3) is a movable weight, preferably in the form of at least one metal ball.

10. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user’s head, according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the variable mass centre in the helmet (3) is ferrofluid.

11. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that any, for example the lower layer of the helmet (3) is equipped with elements that vibrate or imitate acoustic or thermal signals.

12. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the helmet (3) is dome^¬ shaped.

13. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the helmet (3) consists of two cross-shaped guide bars (4).

14. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the outer surface of the helmet (3) has additional markers.

15. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 14, characterized in that there is a central cavity in the upper, outer part of the helmet (3).

16. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the helmet (3) has a flat shape in its upper outer part.

17. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 16, characterized in that an image-emitting mask (5) with a display is attached to the front of the helmet (3).

18. The device for monitoring, analysing and correcting the position of the user's head, according to one of the claims 7 to 17, characterized in that its element consists of image-emitting glasses (6).