Wearable Sensor for Tracking Body Movement and Muscle Activity

This patent describes a wearable device that combines motion sensing with muscle vibration detection to understand how a body moves and which muscles are being used.

What it covers

The patent outlines a wearable sensor apparatus that includes two main components: a motion sensor and a vibration sensor (Claim 1). The motion sensor, often an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer (Claims 2, 4), tracks the device's two or three-dimensional movement and orientation. The vibration sensor, an acoustic pressure sensor, specifically detects acoustic vibrations from skeletal muscles (Claims 1, 3). Both sensors attach to a body. A classification processor then takes signals from both sensors to identify patterns of movement or posture based on the motion signals and determine the specific muscular activity involved based on the acoustic vibrations (Claim 1). For example, a sensor worn on a runner's leg could detect the leg's swing (motion signals) and simultaneously identify the specific leg muscle contractions (vibration signals) used during each stride.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover devices that only use motion sensors without also including a vibration sensor to detect muscle activity.
• —Does not cover devices that only use vibration sensors to detect muscle activity without also including a motion sensor.
• —Does not cover systems that simply log raw sensor data without a classification processor to analyze and identify patterns of movement and muscle activity.
• —Does not cover sensors that are not designed to be attached to a body, as it specifies a 'wearable sensor apparatus' and 'means for attaching... to a body' (Claim 1).
• —Does not cover classifying movement solely based on muscle vibration signals without also using motion signals, as Claim 1 requires classification of movement based on motion signals and identification of muscular activity based on vibrations.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in combining two distinct types of sensing—motion and muscle vibration (mechanomyography)—into a single wearable device, and then using a processor to intelligently classify both the overall body movement and the specific muscle contractions driving that movement. This integrated approach provides a more comprehensive picture of biomechanical activity.

Why it matters

This technology allows for a more detailed understanding of human movement by combining traditional motion tracking with direct measurement of muscle activity. This richer data can differentiate between various ways a movement is performed, assess muscle fatigue, or track rehabilitation progress. It provides a deeper insight into biomechanics than either sensor type could offer alone, enabling more precise analysis in fields like sports science and physical therapy.

Real-world examples

• 1.Advanced smartwatches with fitness tracking features
• 2.Wearable devices for sports performance analysis
• 3.Rehabilitation tools for monitoring patient recovery and exercise form
• 4.Ergonomic assessment systems for workplace safety
• 5.Devices for monitoring gait and balance in elderly individuals