Systems and methods for guiding and measuring neck and shoulder protraction and retraction motions in virtual/augmented reality
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Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11099632-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A virtual/augmented reality-based system for guiding patients through rehabilitation exercises and providing real time feedback is disclosed. In various embodiments the system, methods, and computer program products relate to guiding and measuring neck and shoulder motion, specifically protraction and retraction motions. A virtual reality environment includes a fixed object having a guidance feature and a moveable object having a complementary shape to the guidance features. Whether the fixed object is in a complimentary orientation to the movable object is determined. When the fixed object is in a complimentary orientation with the movable shape, an indication is presented to the user to perform a motion. A plurality of sensors determines a plurality of measurements relating to the motion of the user. Whether the fixed object is in a complementary orientation with the movable object is determined based on the plurality of measurements.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a virtual environment to a user via a virtual or augmented reality system. The virtual environment includes a first 3D object fixed in space and a second 3D object fixed to the user, where the second 3D object has a second shape complementary to the first shape. The system determines whether the first shape is in a complimentary orientation to the second shape and, when the first shape is in a complimentary orientation with the second shape, indicates to the user to perform a motion via the virtual or augmented reality system.
The invention measures user motion using a plurality of sensors to determine a plurality of measurements relating to the motion of the user. Based on the plurality of measurements, the system determines whether the second 3D object is in the complementary orientation with the first 3D object. The complementary-orientation determination is thereby updated after user motion using sensor-derived measurements.
In refined implementations, the complementary relationship is represented with first and second paths. The first 3D object defines a first path and the plurality of measurements define a second path, where each path comprises a plurality of three-dimensional points. The system determines the complementary orientation by determining a difference between the first path and the second path and uses that difference to control what is indicated to the user, including whether complementarity is satisfied.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00008, and clm-00014. Across these independent claims, the document covers a VR/AR method/system/program product that uses a first 3D object fixed in space and a second 3D object fixed to the user, determines complementary orientation, indicates motion, measures motion with a plurality of sensors, and re-determines complementary orientation based on the sensor measurements, with refined dependent-claim options for path-based difference and threshold-based indications.
Complementary 3D objects in a virtual environment
Providing a virtual environment via a virtual or augmented reality system with a first 3D object fixed in space having a first shape and a second 3D object fixed to the user having a second shape complementary to the first shape.
Complementary orientation determination and user motion indication
Determining whether the first shape is in a complimentary orientation to the second shape; and when the first shape is in a complimentary orientation with the second shape, indicating to the user to perform a motion via the virtual or augmented reality system.
Sensor-based motion measurements and complementary re-determination
Determining by a plurality of sensors a plurality of measurements relating to the motion of the user; and determining whether the second 3D object is in the complementary orientation with the first 3D object based on the plurality of measurements.
Path-based complementary-orientation representation and difference
Defining a first path for the first 3D object and defining a second path from the plurality of measurements, and determining whether the second 3D object is in a complementary orientation to the first 3D object by determining a difference between the first path and the second path.
The independent claims collectively cover VR/AR-based guidance using complementary 3D shapes, complementary orientation determination, indication to perform motion, measurement of user motion with a plurality of sensors, and re-determination of complementary orientation based on the measurements, with further refinement for representing complementarity via first/second paths and computing a difference between those paths.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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