Motor control system based upon movements inherent to self-propulsion
Inventors
Robinson, Mark Ries • Allen, Elena A
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11618540-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
The systems and methods described herein provide hands free motor control mechanisms based on the natural and inherent movements associated with an activity of interest, and can be combined with gestures or verbal communication based upon pre-defined movements by the participant.
Core Innovation
The invention provides hands-free motor control for a self-propulsion activity using a motor assistance feature in which an apparatus controls an amount of motor assistance provided to a participant. The amount of motor assistance is determined from movements of the participant in a way that uses participant movements inherent to self-propulsion.
A participant readiness determination system determines readiness based on the participant's body position, and a volitional activity sensor system senses the volitional activities of the participant. The motor assistance determination system determines the amount of motor assistance to apply in response to both the participant readiness determination system and the volitional activity sensor system, and a motor control system applies the motor assistance.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims. Across these independent claims, the inventive features are centered on readiness determination from body position, sensing volitional activities, and determining and providing a motor assistance amount responsive to motion and readiness information.
Readiness determination from body position with volitional sensing and responsive motor assistance
An apparatus for controlling an amount of motor assistance provided to a participant based upon movements of the participant, including a participant readiness determination system configured to determine readiness based on the participant's body position; a volitional activity sensor system configured to sense the volitional activities of the participant; a motor assistance determination system configured to determine an amount of motor assistance responsive to the participant readiness determination system and the volitional activity sensor system; and a motor control system configured to apply motor assistance.
Motor assistance determination from motion information in a self-propulsion activity
A method for controlling an amount of motor assistance provided to a participant in a self-propulsion activity characterized by motions inherent to self-propulsion, including acquiring motion information related to the participant's motions inherent to self-propulsion; determining an amount of motor assistance responsive to the motion information; and providing motor assistance according to the amount of motor assistance determined.
Together, the independent claims cover an apparatus that determines participant readiness from body position, senses volitional activities, and computes a responsive motor-assistance amount for application via a motor control system, and a method that acquires motion information inherent to self-propulsion, determines a motor-assistance amount responsive to that motion information, and provides the motor assistance accordingly.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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