US 11,141,094 B2Granted

Method and system for assessing a balance and posture of a subject

AssigneeNeuroequilibrium Diagnostic Systems Private Limited

InventorsRajneesh Bhandari, Anita Bhandari

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Abstract

A method and system for assessing balance and posture of a subject by employing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headgear is provided. The system includes memory, a processor, and the VR/AR headgear, providing an immersive environment. The VR/AR headgear includes a display for providing a plurality of visual stimuli. A gyroscope and an inertial measurement unit detect head movements and body sway of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli. An eye tracking unit tracks eye movement of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli. A base plate with sensors can measure center of gravity of the subject in response to movements of the base plate. A machine learning model then deciphers patterns based on measurement data from the gyroscope, inertial measurement unit, eye tracking unit, and base plate. A comprehensive report pertaining to the subject's posture and balance is then generated.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A system for assessing a balance and posture of a subject, the system comprising:

a memory;
a processor communicatively coupled to the memory;
and
a virtual reality or augmented reality headgear worn by the subject, the virtual reality or augmented reality headgear communicatively coupled to the memory and the processor and providing an immersive environment to the subject, the virtual reality or augmented reality headgear comprising:
a display for providing a plurality of visual stimuli to the subject;
a gyroscope and an inertial measurement unit to detect one of a head movement and a body sway of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli provided to the subject on the display;
and
an eye tracking unit for tracking eye movements of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli provided to the subject on the display;
wherein the processor is configured to:
utilize a machine learning model to decipher normal patterns and abnormal patterns based on one of measurement data from the gyroscope, measurement data from the inertial measurement unit, and measurement data from the eye tracking unit;
and
generate a report pertaining to an assessment of posture and stability of the subject based on utilizing the machine learning model to decipher normal patterns and abnormal patterns of the balance and posture of the subject;
a base plate upon which the subject stands, and a plurality of strain gauge sensors fitted to corners of the base plate, wherein each strain gauge sensor of the plurality of strain gauge sensors measures a center of gravity of the subject in response to movements of the base plate;
wherein the base plate is implemented on a hemispherical platform, with a top flat surface and a hemispherical bottom, wherein four strain gauges are mounted on top of the flat surface of the hemispherical platform;
wherein the system further comprises three spherical rollers connected to the bottom of the hemispherical platform, the three spherical rollers connected to three respective motors;
and
the three respective motors are controlled by software to cause a desired configuration of motion of the top flat surface of the hemispherical platform.

14 more elements

A method for assessing a balance and posture of a subject using a virtual reality or augmented reality headgear worn by the subject, the method comprising:

providing, on a display of the virtual reality or augmented reality headgear, a plurality of visual stimuli to the subject;
detecting, by a gyroscope and an inertial measurement unit of the virtual reality or augmented reality headgear, one of a head movement and a body sway of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli provided to the subject on the display;
tracking, by an eye tracking unit of the virtual reality or augmented reality headgear, eye movements of the subject in response to the plurality of visual stimuli provided to the subject on the display;
utilizing, by one or more processors, a machine learning model to decipher normal patterns and abnormal patterns of the balance and posture of the subject based on one of measurement data from the gyroscope, measurement data from the inertial measurement unit, and measurement data from the eye tracking unit;
generating, by one or more processors, a report comprising an assessment of the posture and a stability of the subject based on utilizing the machine learning model to decipher the normal patterns and the abnormal patterns of the balance and posture of the subject;
measuring, by each strain gauge sensor of a plurality of strain gauge sensors, a center of gravity of the subject in response to movements of a base plate upon which the subject stands, wherein the plurality of strain gauge sensors are fitted to corners of the base plate;
measuring the center of gravity of the subject in response to movements of the base plate, wherein the base plate is implemented on a hemispherical platform, with a top flat surface and a hemispherical bottom;
measuring the center of gravity of the subject in response to movements of the base plate, wherein the base plate further comprises three spherical rollers connected to the hemispherical bottom of the hemispherical platform, the three spherical rollers connected to three respective motors;
and
controlling the three respective motors by software to cause a desired configuration of motion of the top flat surface of the hemispherical platform.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/442,434Filed 14 Jun 2019
Priority: IN 20191100213317 Jan 2019
Published: US 2020/0229751 A123 Jul 2020
Granted: 12 Oct 2021
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

A61B 5/4023
For evaluating the sensory system: evaluating sense of balance
A61B 5/1116
Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb: determining posture transitions
A61B 5/6803
Sensor mounted on worn items: head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
G16H 50/30
ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or…: for…