# 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. - **Patent:** US 10335080 - **Original title:** Biomechanical activity monitoring - **Owner:** Imperial Innovations - **Granted:** 2019 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 2 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, biotech, telecommunications, sports_technology ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## 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 ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Wearable Sensor for Tracking Body Movement and Muscle Activity cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 10335080? Imperial Innovations owns this patent, granted in 2019. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on November 4, 2034, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10335080 cited by? This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover devices that only use motion sensors without also including a vibration sensor to detect muscle activity. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10335080/biomechanical-activity-monitoring **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10335080 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Wearable Wrap Detects Blood Clots and Swelling in Joints](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12011291/non-invasive-wearable-biomechanical-and-physiology-monitor-for-injury-prevention) — This patent describes a smart wrap for joints like knees or elbows that uses temperature sensors to spot early signs of dangerous blood clots and stretch sensors to detect swelling during recovery. - [How Sensors Measure Body Joint Movement Across Different Sections](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10234934/sensor-array-spanning-multiple-radial-quadrants-to-measure-body-joint-movement) — This patent describes a system of bendable and stretchable electromagnetic sensors placed around a body joint in four distinct sections to precisely track its movement. - [Smart Clothing That Compares Pulse Signals from Both Sides of Your Body](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20200281484/an-apparatus-for-monitoring-the-pulse-of-a-person-and-a-method-thereof) — This patent describes a piece of clothing, like a t-shirt, with built-in sensors in its sleeves or legs to measure and compare pulse characteristics from different limbs, helping to detect subtle health differences. - [How a Tiny Sensor Uses an Extra Weight to Detect Motion](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20110120221/mems-sensor-method-of-manufacturing-thereof-and-electronic-apparatus) — This patent describes a miniature sensor that detects movement or force by measuring changes in electrical signals between tiny plates, featuring a clever extra weight to make it more sensitive. - [How Fabric Sensors Measure Pressure on Your Body](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11137298/supercapacitive-iontronic-nanofabric-sensing) — This patent describes a flexible, all-fabric sensor that uses special ionic and conducting materials woven into a cloth to detect tiny pressure changes on the body, like blood pulses or movements.