WO2004089213A1

WO2004089213A1 - System for detecting contact points

Info

Publication number: WO2004089213A1
Application number: PCT/ES2004/000161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesús MORA VICENTE; José Luis GONZÁLEZ MONTESINOS
Original assignee: Universidad De Cádiz
Priority date: 2003-04-14
Filing date: 2004-04-13
Publication date: 2004-10-21
Also published as: ES2237280B1; ES2237280A1

Abstract

System for measuring, by radio means, at any moment and in real time, the duration of bearing or contact points and flight times of the walk, the run or the jump; this is of very high importance in the medical and sports fields. The detector is comprised of a radio emission/reception system, a conductor sheet, equipped shoes, a data processing module and a software. The system also provides for the calculation of the step frequency by fitting a button to a shoe sole of the subject. The inventive system enables the study of walk, run and jump of persons and animals, both in normal and pathological situations.

Description

SUPPORT DETECTION SYSTEM

SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

This invention relates to an instrument for measuring and detecting supports during walking, jumps and runs, using radio signals, which avoids the use of cables that connect the subject object of the study, with the computer that performs the measurement of signals, being applicable in different fields.

To cite some examples of application of the detector of supports via radio we can mention:

- In the sports field, to know the duration of the support of the subjects when marching, running or performing vertical or horizontal jumps.

- In the field of medicine, to know contact times and non-contact of a person during locomotion and thus be able to differentiate a normal march from a pathological one.

- In veterinary medicine, to know the duration of the supports or contacts of the limbs of the animals when moving.

- In all fields, and even in others not mentioned, it allows to know the frequency of passage of the subject under study.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Some of the methods used to date for studies that require the measurement and detection of supports during walking, jumps and races, require high technology and complex instrumentation, while others use simple methods and with little instrumental material. The following are some of the most commonly used methods:

- Filming the subject of the study in Super-VHS video, while performing physical activity (walking, running or jumping), to later analyze its movement with the help of a computer. This method is economically expensive, uncomfortable for the researcher and not very accurate, since video filming allows only an accuracy of 2 hundredths of a second. To this we must add that the results are not obtained immediately, but a laborious work is necessary later.

- Filming with high speed cameras: These cameras are very precise, but totally inaccessible for the average coach or for a researcher with a low budget. They allow filming at very high speeds, which gives us an accuracy of milliseconds, which avoids the inconvenience of the lack of precision presented by the previous method, but continues to present another great inconvenience, which consists in the need to conduct the study after the recording, so that by this method it is still impossible to obtain immediately.

- Contact platforms: They consist of platforms of variable length, which contain multiple sheets, that come into contact when the subject under study steps on them. These platforms usually extend over the athletics track or inside laboratories, and must be connected to a computer, which detects the signal generated by the contact of the blades of the track, thus determining the flight and ground times performed by the Athlete during the race. Its main drawback lies in its low accuracy and the rapid deterioration suffered by the aforementioned sheets.

Infrared platforms: The principle of operation is similar to the previous system, but they essentially consist of the use of two infrared sensor barriers, separated at a certain distance, between which the subject of the study runs. This method allows quantifying the duration of the subject's support by interfering or not interfering with the infrared lines created by the barrier. Its main problem remains the precision, which will depend on the number of sensors used, and their location that forces the subject to run through a given space.

Therefore, it is clear the need to devise an alternative method, that uses a technology that eliminates the deficiencies presented by the methods used today and that allows to know in real time the duration of the supports and flight times of the march, the run and jump, which is the object of the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

Currently there are innumerable studies on the human and animal movement from the perspective of medicine, veterinary medicine, biomechanics, physiology and training, but there are still many aspects to study, among others the duration of the support made, which They can allow you to further improve your treatment, rehabilitation, or even your performance.

The fields of application of the support detector via radio range from the medical / traumatological, sports, veterinary, etc. perspective.

From a medical point of view, especially in the field of traumatology and rehabilitation, human gait is very studied, using multiple measuring instruments.

From the first years of his childhood, the human being learns to walk naturally, experimenting with his body until he reaches his own style. Despite the individual nature of this process, the similarities between different subjects are such that one can speak of a characteristic pattern of normal human gait, as well as the modifications that said pattern undergoes due to the influence of various factors, intrinsic or extrinsic to the subject, and, above all, under certain pathological conditions.

The gait cycle includes phases of bipodal support and right and left monopodal support whose temporal quantification would allow studies to be carried out that would allow the creation of temporary parameters that, based on certain coefficients, allow us to discover a characteristic pattern of human gait. Said temporal pattern would allow to study the evolution of the gait pattern in subjects with traumatic problems or after a repair surgery.

Some research centers have developed instrumented corridors and contact and infrared platforms, which have allowed it to quantify such parameters. However, they lacked a radio system that allowed them to dispense with cables that connected them to the computer.

Through this support detector it is possible to carry out multiple studies related to human gait, via radio and in real time.

It is possible, therefore, to study the cadence of steps executed in a time interval, double support times, flight and ground times of each of the feet and multiple parameters related to human locomotion.

It is also possible to study the progress of the elderly, conditioned, on the one hand, to changes due to age and, on the other, to the effects of various pathologies, such as degenerative osteoarthritis and parkinsonism, which are more frequent than advanced ages

There are multiple possibilities to classify gait disturbances due to pathologies, according to their etiology, according to the affected anatomical area, according to the phase of the gait that is altered, etc. However, all pathological processes end up causing certain alterations that are objectifiable through the present system of analysis and study of human gait. Thus, from the medical field, studies of related parameters could be carried out with human locomotion and its possible alterations in patients with musculoskeletal problems.

From the point of view of sport, the support detector via radio allows knowledge of the duration and frequency of the supports and will enable a new level of assessment and study of the physical condition of the subject. Knowing the support times and flight times of the feet on the ground it is possible to determine such important indexes in training as they are:

- The duration of the propulsion phase of the supports during the race or the jump. - The height of the jumps: By knowing the flight time of a vertical jump it is possible to know the height reached.

- Stride frequency and step in a race.

- Pulse tests. Perform repeated pulsations and at maximum speed with your hand or feet and thus be able to assess your frequency of hitting with the extremities.

The knowledge of these data will allow the elaboration of more effective training programs and adjusted to the real situation of the subject. Therefore, it will be possible to increase the athlete's performance more quickly and accurately, providing information at all times and in real time that will allow immediate and decisive knowledge with the subject.

The support detector via radio will allow the creation of new physical fitness tests, more adjusted to the real assessment needs and that measure the parameters under study with total precision.

Among the advantages of the system is the fact that when transferring data via radio, the subject to study does not have to carry cables that connect him to the computer and that can interfere with the way he walks or jumps.

In addition, by obtaining the data in real time, the examiner can observe the evolution of the subject throughout the test. Finally, it is interesting to mention that the system has a high precession, since it has a sampling frequency of more than 1000 samples per second. The radio support detector includes instrumentation components (hardware), logical programming components (software), a set of detection elements and a conductive path.

1- Software component.

The software module consists of a computer program, which has a graphic interface and access to a database in which the data of the individuals are stored and through which the tests to be performed are programmed, sensors that are going to be use, measurements, etc.

Through this module, the user can define the type of test - run, run, jump or pulse test - and the protocol that you want to perform, depending on parameters such as start sensor and end sensor by means of photocells, use of a metronome that marks a predetermined rhythm in a walking test, duration of the test, sounds to mark start and end of test, electric noise filter, test distance, cancel certain events, etc.

Once the test is started, it is possible to visualize statistics in real time, as well as graphs of the active and inactive times of all the sensors that have been configured at the beginning of the test.

2.- Hardware components

The radio support detector has three hardware modules, which are described below.

The main hardware module is a physical unit that connects to a computer through one of its communications ports. Through this channel, both the data will be received, via radio, from the remote sensors located in the individuals to be studied, as well as those received from the inputs located at the rear of the module itself. The main module contains a battery that will provide electrical independence in the tests. For the treatment of the pulses generated by the subject when walking, running or jumping, two microprocessors are used. One of them functions as a data buffer (both the remote and the physical module) and the other provides the digital output inputs, which have TTL characteristics filtered with an optocoupler to protect them from electrical noise. The microprocessor checks these inputs every millisecond and in case of detecting a change in value in that last interval, it sends the information of the input port, the packet number, the time elapsed since the start of the test and a CRC value to check the Perfect reception of the data. These values are sent to temporary memory and subsequently forwarded to the computer. This buffer is necessary to store data temporarily in case data is received faster than we are able to process.

This module also has outputs that can be configured by the user and will be activated according to a certain characteristic. There are relay outputs and transistor outputs.

The main hardware module has a series of push buttons on the front panel, whose mission is to provide the start, end and test marks. It also has LEDs that provide information on the status of the power supply, communication with the computer and the radio connection with the remote module.

The radio receiver module is directly connected to the main module through a cable that allows us to separate this module so that there is no interference with the computer. This receiver module is calibrated at the same frequency as the remote module that the subject is studying (approved and license-free channel, specially designed for telemetry and control). It has an antenna that improves signal reception. The received signal is directly redirected to the main module.

The remote module is the element that carries the individual to analyze. This module consists of a battery, a microprocessor and a radio transmitter that must be calibrated at the same frequency as the radio receiver module connected to the main module. The microprocessor provides a series of digital inputs and is programmed to analyze these inputs every 1 millisecond; if any of these inputs varies, a packet is sent via radio to the receiving module that will in turn transmit it to the buffer of the main module. The information provided by the remote module is the packet number, port status, previous packet status, time since test start, and cyclic redundancy code (CRC) for data verification.

The digital inputs can be connected to any sensor that functions as a button and that opens and closes the ground circuit. The module consists of extendable inputs in more units if necessary. Data is transmitted using a communications protocol at a speed greater than

2400 bits / second.

3.- Set of detection elements

Depending on the study to be carried out, walking, running, jumps or simply counting steps or pulses, various elements that act as sensors can be used, which allow the system to detect when the subject is in contact with the ground, or is in the air.

These elements may be the following:

3.1 Sole Detector

It consists of contacts located in the sole of the shoe, which cause the foot to rest on a conductive surface, the electrical circuit is closed and the event is transmitted to the microprocessor. These contacts, in the form of pushpins, are located on the sole of the shoe, running the same from the heel area to the most anterior area of the foot. The contacts are connected by thin conductive cables, welded inside the sole of the shoe, so that they allow two contact poles to be created, which close the circuit when they step on the metal surface of a conductive corridor. For the study with animals, instruments are used - like gloves - with multiple contacts, which installed on the animal's legs allow the same function as the shoe.

3.2 Support detector.

The detector of supports really consists of a plantar push-button, of small dimensions, that installed inside the shoe, allows to detect the support of the foot on the ground.

The button is housed inside the athlete's shoe, without interfering with his technique, and does not bother him, since it is extremely thin, very light and small in size, which allows it to go completely unnoticed inside the athlete's shoe. It should be placed at the level of the first metatarsal of the foot, in the distal phalanx of the first toe, or at the base of the calcaneus.

Due to the fact that the plantar button acts as a button, it detects the support and takeoff of the foot from the ground, so the presence of a conductive passage on which the subject has to move is not necessary.

The plantar button allows the support detector via radio to quantify the number of supports depending on the elapsed time, so it allows quantifying the frequency of strides and strides over a distance, or for a certain time (steps per minute).

3.3 Finger pulse detector.

By means of a modified computer mouse, to which only the buttons work and coupled to the system it is possible to quantify the number of pulses that a person is able to perform, by pressing with any finger on the right or left mouse button.

The quantification of pulses is very useful to know the frequency that a subject is able to reach in a certain time. The fastest subjects will be capable of performing more pulsations than another slower or with some motor problem.

4.- Conductor hall.

It consists of a corridor made of conductive material, which will have the necessary measures for the subject to perform the selected test. To perform tests of vertical jumps it will be enough that the corridor has an area of 2 square meters. To perform running or running tests, it will be necessary for the aisle to be longer.

In case of performing a pulse test with your finger or installing a plantar push button on your shoe, it is not necessary to use the driver's aisle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1- Main Hardware Module Figure 2.- Remote Module Figure 3.- Sole Detector Figure 4.- Support Detector

WAY THAT THE INVENTION IS SUSCEPTIBLE OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

It is not considered necessary to make this description more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived therefrom.

The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements will be subject to variation, provided that this does not imply an alteration to the essentiality of the invention.

The terms in which this report has been described must always be taken broadly and not limitatively.

Claims

1.- Detector of supports via radio, for the measurement and detection of supports during the march, jumps and races, characterized by comprising:

• a logical component (software) • a series of physical components (hardware)

• a set of detection elements

• a conductive hall.

2. Support detector via radio, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a logical module (software), consisting of a computer program, which has a graphic interface and access to a database in which they are stored The data of the individuals, and by means of which the tests to be performed, the sensors to be used and the measurements are programmed among others.

3. Support detector via radio, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that by means of the logic module, the user can define, among other parameters, the type of test - gait, stroke, jump or pulse test - and the protocol that you want to perform, depending on parameters such as start sensor and end sensor by means of photocells, using a metronome that sets a predetermined pace in a walking test, duration of the test, sounds to mark start and end of test, filter electrical noise, test distance and cancel certain events.

4. Support detector via radio, according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that once the test has been initiated, by means of the logic module, it is possible to visualize statistics in real time, as well as graphs of the active and inactive times of all sensors that have been configured at the beginning of the test.

5. Support detector via radio according to claim 1, characterized in that the physical components that form it are:

• the main hardware module

• radio receiver module

• the remote module.

6. Support detector via radio according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the main hardware module consists of a physical unit, which is connected to a computer, to which it transfers the data received via radio, from the remote sensors located in the individuals to study.

7. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5 and 6, characterized in that for the treatment of the data generated by the subject to study when marching, running or jumping, the main hardware module contains two microprocessors, one that functions as a buffer of data and the other for handling input and output signals.

8. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that the hardware module has outputs that can be configured by the user, these outputs can be relay and transistor.

9. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that the hardware module has a series of push buttons on the front panel, whose mission is to provide the start, end and marking signals of test.

10. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, characterized in that the hardware module has a series of diodes that provide information on the status of the power supply, communication with the computer and The radio connection with the remote module.

11. Support detector via radio according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the radio receiver module consists of a physical unit, which is connected to the main hardware module by means of a cable, through which the signal received from the remote module is transferred .

12. Support detector via radio according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the remote module consists of a physical unit, which carries the individual to analyze, comprising a battery, a microprocessor and a radio transmitter calibrated at the same frequency than the receiver module that is attached to the main hardware unit.

13. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5 and 12, characterized in that the microprocessor containing the remote module provides a series of digital inputs and is programmed to send information to the receiving module, through the radio transmitter, if any of these entries varies.

14. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 5, 12 and 13, characterized in that the digital inputs can be connected to any sensor, which functions as a push-button and that opens and / or closes the ground circuit.

15. Support detector via radio according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of detection elements is formed by various sensors, which can be used independently, depending on the study to be performed.

16. Support detector via radio according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that one of the detection elements contemplated is a sole detector, which is composed of contacts located in the sole of the shoe, which make the resting the foot on a conductive surface, the electrical circuit is closed and said event is transmitted to the microprocessor.

17. Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 15 and 16, characterized in that the sole detector contacts are in the form of pins and are located in the sole of the shoe, running it from the heel area to the area more anterior foot.

18.- Radio support detector according to claims 1, 15, 16 and 17, characterized in that the contacts of the sole detector are connected by thin conductive cables, welded inside the sole of the shoe, so that they allow two contact poles, which close the circuit when they step on the metal surface of a conductive corridor.

19.- Radio support detector according to claims 1, 15, 16, 17 and 18, characterized in that for the study with animals, the sole is replaced by instrumented covers - like gloves - with multiple contacts, which are installed in the legs of the animal, allow to perform the same function as the shoe.

20.-Support detector via radio according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that one of the detection elements contemplated is a support detector, which actually consists of a plantar push-button, of small dimensions, installed inside the shoe, allows to detect the support of the foot on the ground.

21 - Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 15 and 20, characterized in that the support detector is extremely thin, very light and small in size.

22-Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 15, 20 and 21, characterized in that the support detector is housed inside the athlete's shoe and must be placed at the level of the first metatarsal of the foot, in the distal phalanx of the first finger, or at the base of the calcaneus.

23-Support detector via radio according to claims 1, 15, 20, 21 and 22, characterized in that the support detector functions as a push-button, that is, by itself detects the support and takeoff of the foot from the ground so that the presence of a conductive corridor on which the subject has to move is not necessary.

24.- Radio support detector according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that one of the detection elements it contemplates is a finger pulse detector, consisting of a kind of modified computer mouse, which only the buttons work and that coupled to the system allows quantifying the number of pulses that a person is able to perform, by pressing with any finger on the right or left mouse button.

25. Support detector via radio according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive passage is constructed of conductive material and will have the necessary measures for the subject to perform the selected test.