Apparatus for the functional assessment of human activity
US5375610A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H10/60
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for the functional assessment of human activity. The invention comprises four major components: the data acquisition unit, a body suit interface unit, a body suit having a plurality of mercury switches and a graphics oriented software package. The body suit is made from a non-conductive material, preferably a thermalactyl material with sensors permanently attached in position corresponding to the movements to be measured. The sensors have no direct electrical contact with the human wearer thus permitting the measurement period to extend to many hours. A portable data acquisition unit which is connected to the sensors enables the system to be used "on the job" to obtain mobility measurements under actual conditions. A graphic analysis means, connected to said data acquisition means, is provided for providing a visual display of the length of time that the human has spent in each of the pre-determined positions and the range of motion measured by the data acquisition unit. The system is especially useful in rehabilitation programs for quantifying the extent of mobility to select practical occupational alternatives.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.