Device for monitoring the configuration of a distal physiological unit for use, in particular, as an advanced interface for machine and computers

A device for monitoring the position of a physiological unit comprising a limb and an extremity (M) connected to the limb, the extremity comprising at least one digit (E) made up of phalanges (F), the device comprising:

• first position sensor means (6, 7, 7a) for at least detecting quantities relating to the relative positions of the phalanges (F) of the at least one digit, wherein the first sensor means comprise one or more flexible plates (9, 16) which are connected to the at least one digit and can bend resiliently as a result of the flexion of the fingers (E);
• and
• second position sensor means (30, 35) for detecting quantities relating to:
• the pronation-supination position of a distal portion (D) of the limb which is connected, by means of a wrist (P), to the extremity (M) of the limb;
• the flexion-extension position of the wrist (P);
• and
• the adduction-abduction position of the wrist (P);
• wherein said device comprises a glove structure (2) bearing the first sensor means (6, 7, 7a) and an exoskeleton structure (3) bearing the second sensor means (30, 35), the extremity and the distal portion of the limb being a hand (M) and a forearm (D), respectively;
• and
• wherein the exoskeleton structure (3) comprises:
• an elongate shell-like element (26) which extends along substantially the entire length of the forearm (D),
• a first bracket (27) pivotally mounted on the shell-like element (26), and
• a second bracket (28) pivotally mounted on the first bracket (27) and connected to the glove structure (2).