FR3065094A1 - METHOD FOR AIDING THE FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF AN ARTICULATION OF A MOVING USER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for assisting the functional study of an articulation of a user in motion implemented by a portable personal electronic device (12) of a system (1) comprising: - a server (10) the portable personal electronic device (12), and a measuring device (14) having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the human body of the user and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure relative parameters. at said articulation. This method comprises receiving, by first communication means of the electronic device (12), first data measured by sensors of the measuring device, the transmission to the server, by second communication means of the electronic device (12), of second data according to the first data, and the reception, by the second means of communication, of instructions to the user, generated by the server (10) as a function of the second data transmitted.

Description

® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

065 094

53071

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸ : G 06 F17 / 40 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 07.04.17. (© Priority: (© Applicant (s): SMARTR Simplified joint stock company - FR. @ Inventor (s): PIOLI ARNAUD and TRUCHET ERIC. ©) Date of public availability of the request: 12.10.18 Bulletin 18/41. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this booklet (© References to other related national documents: ©) Holder (s): SMARTR Simplified joint-stock company. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): MED'INVENT CONSULTING.

METHOD FOR ASSISTING THE FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF A JOINT OF A USER IN MOTION.

FR 3 065 094 - A1

The invention relates to a method for assisting in the functional study of a joint of a moving user, implemented by a portable personal electronic device (12) of a system (1) comprising:

- a server (10),

- the portable personal electronic device (12), and

- a measurement device (14) having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the human body of the user and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to said joint.

This method comprises the reception, by first communication means of the electronic device (12), of first data measured by sensors of the measurement device, the transmission to the server, by second communication means of the electronic device (12), of second data as a function of the first data, and the reception, by the second communication means, of instructions intended for the user, generated by the server (10) as a function of the second data transmitted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the general field of monitoring the physical activity of people, using portable personal electronic devices (e.g. smartphones, laptops, touch pads, connected watches). It relates in particular to a method of assisting in the functional study of a joint of a moving user, implemented by a portable personal electronic device of an assembly further comprising a server and a measurement device comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to this joint.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many apps out there today that allow users to track their physical activity over time.

Thus, for example, there are applications offering to follow a sports training program allowing users to improve their performance in a targeted manner. In general, such a program is composed of several sessions, the difficulty of which varies according to the progress of the sportsman, each session being able to be itself composed of several exercises.

However, it may happen that such programs are unsuitable for certain users, for example because of their particular morphology or physical weaknesses resulting for example from an operation or an injury.

On the other hand, the development of an individualized program may require the intervention of specialists, for example sports trainers and / or sports doctors, which can become relatively expensive and restrictive, especially for non-sportspeople. professionals. In addition, this monopolizes medical personnel.

In addition, when a person is injured or undergoes an operation at the level of a joint, for example in the knee or elbow or even in the back, he is generally advised to follow a physical rehabilitation program.

Such re-education is long and restrictive. As an illustration, a rupture of the cruciate ligaments generally requires 6 or even 9 months of rehabilitation to consider resuming sport at the rate of at least two rehabilitation sessions per week. This is all the more restrictive than in certain geographic regions, the number of specialists able to support rehabilitation is relatively low.

Even more than for the sports training program, to be effective and avoid injury, a rehabilitation program must be particularly well adapted to the person who is the subject of it.

There is thus a need to take into account the individuality of each user in order to offer physical support applications better suited to each, without systematically requiring the presence and intervention of specialized personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention thus aims to overcome at least one of these drawbacks.

In this context, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method of assisting in the functional study of a joint of a user in motion implemented by a portable personal electronic device of an assembly comprising:

a server, the portable personal electronic device, and a measuring device having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the user's human body and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to the joint.

The portable personal electronic device comprises first communication means for communicating with the measurement device and second communication means for communicating with the server.

The method according to the first aspect comprises the following steps: reception, by the first means of communication, of first data measured by sensors of the measurement device, transmission to the server, by the second means of communication, of second data as a function of the first data , reception, by the second means of communication, of instructions intended for the user, generated by the server according to the second data transmitted.

Advantageously, the measurements carried out locally at the level of the joint make it possible to generate movement instructions particularly suited to the user.

Thus, the claimed process makes it possible to take into account the particularities of the user's articulation in order to offer him suitable content, without however requiring the presence of a specialist to do this.

Correlatively, a second aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising:

a server, a portable personal electronic device, and a measuring device having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the human body of a moving user and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to a joint of the user.

The portable personal electronic device comprises first communication means for communicating with the measurement device and second communication means for communicating with the server. In addition, it is configured to implement the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this system are similar to those of the above method.

Other features of the method and the system according to embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises the following steps:

reception, by the second communication means, of third data associated with the instructions, comparison of the first data received with the third data in order to determine whether an alert should be triggered.

In particular embodiments, the aforementioned method comprises a step of transmission, by the first means of communication, of the third data.

In particular embodiments, the method comprises a prior step of receiving, by the second communication means, default movement instructions, the first data being measured during the implementation of these default instructions.

In particular embodiments, the instructions include instructions for correcting a movement performed by the user.

In particular embodiments, the instructions include an alert for the user.

In particular embodiments, the sensors are configured to measure data making it possible to obtain the value of at least some of the following parameters:

local temperature at the joint;

joint circumference;

flexion / extension angles of the joint;

other angles of orientation of the joint;

angular velocity ;

angular acceleration;

muscle activation state (EMG) at the joint;

heartbeat.

other physiological data.

These parameters allow for example to detect a possible risk of injury, to follow the evolution of the recovery in flexibility of the joint, as well as the fluidity of the effort.

In particular embodiments, the steps of receiving first data, transmitting second data and receiving instructions generated as a function of the second data are repeated iteratively.

The method can then also include a step of displaying progress data generated as a function of the first data received during the different iterations.

It is therefore easy for the user to follow his progress, without the need for the intervention of a specialist (coach, doctor).

In particular embodiments, the method further comprises a step of entering, on the portable personal electronic device, fourth data, as a function of the implementation of the instructions by the user.

As an illustration, the user can indicate his feelings in terms of difficulty and / or pain, for example according to a predefined scale (for example from 1 to 10).

A third aspect of the invention relates to a measuring device for a system according to the second aspect of the invention. This measuring device has a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the user's human body and includes:

a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to the joint, a microprocessor configured to carry out a first analysis of the parameters measured by the sensors, and alert means controlled by the microprocessor as a function of the result of the first analysis.

These alerting means provide instant and local feedback to the user, independent of the portable personal electronic device. So for example if the portable personal electronic device no longer has a battery or is unable to maintain a communication link with the measurement device, the latter can nevertheless make a first return to the user as a function of the parameters measured. by the sensors.

In particular embodiments, at least certain steps of the above method are determined by instructions from computer programs.

Consequently, the invention also relates to a computer program on an information medium, this program being capable of being implemented by a microprocessor, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps of the method such than mentioned above.

This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

The invention also relates to an information medium readable by a microprocessor, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

The information medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the support may include a storage means, such as a ROM (for Read Only Memory), for example a microcircuit ROM, or also a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk, or even a memory flash.

On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be routed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded to a storage platform of an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the information medium can be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

The aforementioned information medium and computer program have characteristics and advantages analogous to the process that they implement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below, illustrated by the attached figures which illustrate exemplary embodiments devoid of any limiting character. In the figures:

- Figure 1 shows an example of a system according to embodiments of the invention;

- Figure 2 illustrates, in the form of a flowchart, certain steps of a method according to embodiments of the invention;

- Figure 3 shows an example of architecture for a portable personal electronic device according to embodiments of the invention;

- Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first example of a measuring device according to embodiments of the invention, which can be placed against a part of the human body of a user;

- Figures 5a and 5b illustrate two other examples of measuring device according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides an aid for the functional study of a joint of a moving user, for example the knee, the elbow or even the user's back.

According to embodiments, a method is implemented in the form of an application executed on a portable personal electronic device (hereinafter simply called “electronic device”) such as a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet. touchscreen or a connected watch, used by the user.

This electronic device is connected on the one hand to a measuring device provided with sensors carried by the user at the level of the joint to be studied and on the other hand to a server. The method includes in particular the reception of measurements (first data) measured by sensors of the measurement device, and the sending of data related to these measurements (second data) to the server.

The server generates instructions from this data for the user, which it sends to the electronic device. These instructions make it possible to guide the user in his movements, in a personalized way, since they are generated according to the measurements carried out by the sensors, and to help him in the good execution of his movements.

This allows the user to avoid injury when performing the movements, and in general to increase the effectiveness of the proposed movement program, without requiring the presence of specialized personnel.

FIG. 1 represents an example of a system according to embodiments of the invention.

The system 1 shown comprises a server 10, an electronic device 12 as well as a measuring device 14. The invention is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, the system can include a plurality of electronic devices 12 as well as measurement devices 14.

The server 10 has, for example, a conventional architecture of a data server. According to particular embodiments, it is configured to generate movement instructions (exercises) intended for a user of the electronic device, as a function of data measured by sensors of the measurement device 14, as will be described below. .

According to particular embodiments, the server 10 is configured to store the data relating to different users. Thanks to this database, "intelligent" algorithms executed on the server are capable of precisely characterizing a joint of a user, to allow the movement instructions proposed to be given to a given user.

According to particular embodiments, the server 10 is also configured to generate progress data as a function of the proposed movement instructions and of data measured by the sensors of the measurement device 14. This progress data can for example show the number of repetitions of a movement still to be completed to end the exercise, or having been carried out, the evolution of measured parameters such as for example the circumference of the joint. According to other embodiments, this progress data is generated by an application executed by the electronic device 12.

According to another example, the server 10 can be configured to generate information relating to the future recovery of the user, such as for example an estimate of the date of resumption of walking, running or another sport.

The electronic device 12 is for example a smart phone or smartphone capable of executing mobile applications. Alternatively, it’s a digital tablet, smartwatch, or laptop.

In all cases, the electronic device 12 comprises first communication means, preferably wireless, for communicating with the measurement device 14 via a communication link 16, preferably wireless.

The electronic device 12 also includes second communication means, preferably wireless, for communicating with the server 10 via a communication network 18.

According to embodiments, the electronic device 12 is configured to execute an application, examples of operation of which are described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, in interaction with the measurement device 14 and the server 10. An example of architecture possible for the electronic device 12 is described with reference to FIG. 3.

The measuring device 14 has a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the user's human body at a joint, for example to wrap it. By way of illustration, the knee and the elbow are joints which can be the subject of a study using the system according to the invention.

The measuring device 14 preferably comprises a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to the joint against which it is placed. For example, these sensors make it possible to measure or calculate at least some of the following parameters:

the local temperature at the joint;

the circumference of the joint;

flexion / extension angles of the joint;

other angles of orientation of the joint;

muscle activation state (EMG) at the joint;

heartbeat.

For example, the values measured by the temperature sensor can be used to identify possible post-operative inflammations. To do this, a sensor with an accuracy of around 1 ° C (or less) can be advantageously used.

By way of illustration, if the joint considered is the user's knee, it may be advantageous to provide a first circumference sensor 5 cm above or below the knee, and a second sensor 10 cm above the knee. above or below the knee. In fact, the first sensor could, for example, make it possible to follow the development of post-operative edema at the knee. The second sensor could allow him to determine the size of the user's muscle to assess his degree of muscle recovery, for example after an effort. To do this, sensors with an accuracy of about 1cm (or less) can be advantageously used.

This example is purely illustrative and the embodiments are not limited to this one. The values mentioned are only orders of magnitude.

For example, the angles (e.g. of flexion / extension) calculated using the values measured by the sensors can make it possible to follow the evolution of the recovery in flexibility of the joint, as well as the fluidity of the effort. To do this, sensors allowing an angle to be calculated with an accuracy of around 5 ° (or less) can be advantageously used.

Preferably, the sensors make it possible to obtain the value of other angles of orientation of the joint so as to have a complete view of the movement and of the positioning of the joint. This makes it possible to precisely determine the progress of the user, especially in the case of rehabilitation. The above-mentioned angle values are generally obtained indirectly, that is to say from the processing and analysis of values directly measured by sensors at the joint.

Other sensors can be considered, for example measuring other physiological data.

In order to be able to communicate with the electronic device 12 and for example send it the measured data, the measurement device 14 comprises communication means, for example wireless, of the same kind as the first wireless communication means of the electronic device 12. For example, these means of communication comply with the Bluetooth standard (Bluetooth is a brand), XBee (XBee is a brand) or Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi is a brand).

According to a variant, these means of communication could be wired.

Thus, the measurement device 14 is configured to send the data measured by its sensors to the electronic device 14, via the communication link

16. This shipment can be made at regular intervals.

In certain embodiments, the measurement device 14 may comprise a processing unit (or microprocessor) configured in particular to carry out a first analysis of the parameters measured by the sensors.

In some embodiments, the measuring device 14 can further comprise alert means controlled by the processing unit as a function of the result of the first analysis.

These alert means make it possible to provide instant and local feedback to the user, independently of the electronic device 12. Thus, for example if the electronic device 12 no longer has a battery or is unable to maintain the communication link 16 with the measuring device 14, the latter can nevertheless make a first return to the user as a function of the parameters measured by the sensors.

The sensors and the alert means can be connected to the processing unit by means of a conductive sewing thread or even by means of a conductive ink. According to another example, they could be connected by wireless communication means, for example conforming to the Bluetooth standard (Bluetooth is a brand).

The alert means may include sensory feedback means. For example, these sensory feedback means can be configured to exert a vibration or a physical pressure on the part of the body against which the measuring device 14 is placed.

In combination or as a variant, the alert means can comprise a sound transmitter. This sound transmitter can for example emit a noise such as a beep. Alternatively, this sound transmitter can send a message to the user.

In combination or as a variant, the alert means may include a light indicator. For example, the light indicator may include one or more LEDs, colored or not.

According to another variant, the processing unit of the measurement device 14 can be configured to trigger the sending of an alert command to the electronic device 12 via the communication link 16 according to the first analysis.

The execution of the alert command by the electronic device 12 can for example have the effect of displaying a visual alert on the screen of the electronic device.

According to another example, the execution of the alert command by the electronic device 12 can trigger an audible signal such as a noise and / or a vibration. This can be useful for alerting the user when they do not have their electronic device within sight.

FIG. 2 represents steps of a method in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, these steps are implemented in the context of an application executed by the electronic device 12 in the system described with reference to FIG. 1, in interaction with the measurement device 14 and the server 10.

In the description of this example, it is assumed that the user of the electronic device 12 wears such a measuring device 14. More precisely, this measuring device 14 is placed (and held) against a part of his body, typically at the level of one of his joints, for example his knee or elbow. For example, the measuring device 14 may have a general form of knee pad or elbow pad, adapted to the body of the user.

According to another example, the measuring device can comprise a combination of bracelets connected to each other. For example, for the knee: a bracelet designed to be installed around the tibia and another bracelet designed to be installed around the thigh.

According to yet another example, the measuring device can comprise a combination of patches connected to each other. For example, for the knee: a patch designed to be installed on the shin and another patch designed to be installed on the thigh.

As described above, the measuring device 14 is equipped with several sensors designed to measure parameters related to the joint being monitored, for example the circumference and the temperature at the joint.

The application is configured to process measurements transmitted by the measurement device 14 in a more advanced manner than the first processing that can be performed locally by a microprocessor of the measurement device 14 in certain embodiments and intended to instantly inform the user for example when he performs a dangerous movement during an exercise.

Thereafter, an exercise refers to a set of movements. For example, an exercise may consist of repeating the same movement a certain number of times.

The application implemented by the electronic device 12, for its part, is intended to guide the user in the movements and exercises to be performed and to monitor their proper execution. For this purpose, it can for example indicate the time of effort or the number of repetitions remaining in the exercise. When a movement is poorly performed by the user, while the measuring device 14 can simply give an alert, the application can correct the user by telling him how to adapt his movement.

In this example, during an initial step 20, an initial exercise is proposed to the user by the electronic device 12. This initial exercise comprises one or more movement instructions intended for the user.

In a particular embodiment, the instructions for the initial exercise are received from the server 10. As a variant, these instructions can be provided directly in the application implemented by the electronic device 12.

For example, these can be default instructions. These default instructions can be the same for all users in a given group.

In a particular embodiment, a group is defined for each joint concerned. As an illustration, users wearing a knee pad form a first group while users wearing an elbow pad are grouped into a second group. The default movement instructions for these two groups are different.

In a particular embodiment, the group can be refined as a function of a context element indicated by the user, for example relating to a medical history or to a suffered pathology.

In a particular embodiment, the group can also be a function of general characteristics of the users such as for example the weight, the height, the age and / or the sex of the users. These characteristics are typically entered by the user on the electronic device 12.

The embodiments are not limited to the preceding group examples and other criteria can be taken into account for the definition of groups such as indications from a physiotherapist or a sports coach.

In practice, the user performs the movements of the initial exercise proposed in step 20 and the sensors of the measurement device 14 installed at the joint measure a certain number of parameters. Preferably, the measuring device 14 measures the parameters continuously during the exercise, that is to say during the implementation of the movement instructions by the user.

During a step 22, the electronic device 12 receives these measurements (called “first data”) from the measurement device 14, for example via the communication link 16. Preferably, the measurement device 14 regularly sends, for example spontaneously, the measurements to the electronic device 12. As a variant, the electronic device 12 can interrogate the measurement device 14 regularly by means of a request so as to receive the measurements in response to this request.

By way of illustration, "regularly" can mean every 20 ms, every 20 seconds or some other predefined duration (more or less long compared to these examples). As a variant, the electronic device 12 can recover the data measured by the sensors of the measurement device 14 at the end of each movement.

During a step 24, the electronic device 12 can compare the measurements received in step 22 with reference values (called "third data"). For example, these reference values are in the form of ranges of values, associated with the movement instructions presented to the user (here in step 20). Thus, for example, the initial exercise proposed in step 20 can be associated with reference values which can also be received from the server 10.

According to a particular example, the reference values can be a function of data previously measured by the sensors.

This comparison makes it possible to determine whether at least one of the parameters measured is abnormal. For example, this can detect that the movements are not being performed correctly and / or that the user's body is reacting abnormally.

By way of illustration, measuring an abnormally high temperature compared to the reference values can make it possible to detect that the joint is overheated. Also by way of illustration, a measurement of movement speed that is too high can make it possible to detect a risk of injury.

Thus, in the event that measurements do not comply with the reference values, an alert is triggered in step 25.

According to a variant not shown, the alert is triggered in step 25 upon receipt of an alert command generated by the processing unit of the measurement device 14 according to the first analysis.

According to yet another variant, the alert can come from the server 10 as a function of measurements previously received.

The nature of the alert can be linked to the difference between the measured values and the reference values.

Returning to the example described here, the alert may consist simply in indicating to the user that there is an anomaly or, alternatively, in indicating the nature of the anomaly detected (for example: overheating, movement carried out incorrectly) .

In practice, an announcement can be displayed for this purpose on the electronic device 12, a sound signal or message can be broadcast or a vibration emitted.

This control and alert mechanism (steps 24 and 25) is particularly useful in particular in the case where the application does not have a sufficient connection with the server 10 during the exercise. The user performs the proposed movements until an alarming sign is detected by the application (the joint becomes very hot, the edema swells ...) in step 24.

On the other hand, when the measurements comply with the reference values, the process continues with the transmission (step 26) of data (called "second data") to the server 10, for example via the communication network 18.

This transmission of the second data can take place either during the exercise, for example at the end of each movement, as shown in FIG. 2.

As a variant, the second data are transmitted only at the end of the fiscal year. In this case, they relate to all of the first data measured for all of the movements in the exercise. Thus, in this variant, the server 10 is not requested at each measurement by the measurement device 14 (at each movement), which makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the system.

In the event of a connection problem, this transmission of data to the server can be delayed until reconnection to the server 10.

These second data may include the "raw" measurements received in step 22 and / or data derived therefrom (for example a notification of the alert 25) as well as other data, for example entered by the user on the electronic device 12 or also calculated by the electronic device (or the measurement device) from the first (raw) data measured by the sensors. By way of illustration, the user can enter data relating to the execution of the proposed movements, for example his feelings in terms of difficulty and / or pain ("fourth data").

The server 10 processes the data received from the electronic device 12 and generates instructions as a function of this data and / or determines new reference values.

For example, the instructions generated can indicate the sequence of movements to perform, for example a new exercise.

By way of illustration, in the case where the data transmitted to the server in step 26 mentions an alert (step 25), the server can generate instructions aiming to correct the detected anomaly.

For example, in the case of overheating, the generated instruction may prompt the user to stop all activity or to perform movements more slowly, or in the case of a poorly performed movement, the generated instruction may indicate a another movement aimed at correcting a movement carried out incorrectly by the user or at offering him another type of movement, easier to carry out. This type of instruction prevents the user from getting injured while performing the movement.

As mentioned earlier, the server can also calculate new reference values. These new reference values may depend on the second data received by the server.

As an illustration, when the server generates instructions indicating a progression in the movement, for example of the type "bend a little more with each repetition", the reference values can increase according to the previous movement.

According to another embodiment, the instructions generated can include an alert. This alert can simply consist in indicating to the user that there is an anomaly or alternatively indicating the nature of the anomaly detected (for example: overheating, movement badly carried out). The nature of the alert can be linked to the difference between the second data and the reference values.

During a step 28, the electronic device 12 receives the instructions generated by the server 10, typically via the communication network 18.

In particular embodiments, the electronic device 12 can additionally receive reference values (called "third data") associated with these new instructions, as described with reference to step 24.

The electronic device 12 presents these instructions (of movement or of alert) to the user so that the latter implements them while the sensors of the measurement device 14 installed at the level of the joint measure new parameters.

The process then loops to step 22 where new measurements are received by the electronic device 12.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of displaying progress data generated as a function of the measurements (called “first data”) received during the different iterations (steps 22).

This progress data can be generated locally by the electronic device 12 from the measurements received.

As a variant, this data can be generated by the server 10 from the second data which is transmitted to it in step 26 of each iteration and then transmitted to the electronic device 12 which receives it for example in step 28 of each iteration then displays them.

In alternative embodiments, the steps of transmitting 26 and receiving instructions 28 could be implemented before the comparison

24.

Thus, in embodiments, the application, an example of which has been described above, makes it possible in particular to perform the following tasks:

receive and process measurements from the measurement device 14; transmit data to the server 10, in particular based on the measurements; receive and process data and instructions from the server 10; propose movements / exercises to perform to a user; correct the user when a movement is poorly performed, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of the movement, and / or avoid injury; take into account data entered by the user, relating to the execution of a movement;

display the user's progress based on the movements made by the user.

FIG. 3 represents an example of architecture for an electronic device in accordance with embodiments of the invention, for example as described with reference to FIG. 1.

In this example, the equipment comprises a communication bus to which are connected:

a processing unit - or microprocessor - denoted CPU (acronym for Central Processing Unit in English terminology);

one or more non-volatile memories, for example ROM (acronym for Read Only Memory in English terminology) which may constitute a medium within the meaning of the invention, that is to say which may include a computer program comprising instructions for putting implementing a method according to the invention; this non-volatile memory can also be an EEPROM memory (acronym for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory in English terminology) or else a Flash memory; a random access memory or cache memory or volatile memory, for example RAM (acronym for Random Access Memory in English terminology) comprising registers suitable for recording the variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned program; during the implementation of the invention, the instruction codes of the program stored in non-volatile memory (e.g. EEPROM or flash) are loaded into RAM memory in order to be executed by the processing unit CPU; two communication interfaces suitable for exchanging data, on the one hand with the measuring device and on the other hand with the server;

an I / O interface (Input / Output in English terminology), for example a screen, keyboard, mouse or other pointing device such as a touch screen or a remote control; this I / O interface allows the user to interact with the system during the implementation of the method via a graphical interface, for example to provide feedback according to the implementation of the movement instructions.

The communication bus allows communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the equipment or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the processing unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the equipment directly or through another element of this equipment.

Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first example of a measuring device according to embodiments of the invention.

In this example, the measuring device 14 has the shape of a toggle. As shown in Figure 4a, it has a suitable shape to be placed against the user's knee.

As shown in FIG. 4b, this kneepad comprises a flexible part 40, for example an elastic fabric, of a shape adapted to hug the knee of the user, in accordance with a conventional kneepad.

According to embodiments of the invention, this toggle further comprises a plurality of sensors 41, 41 ’, 41”. As mentioned earlier, these sensors are configured to measure parameters relating to the joint against which it is placed, here the knee. For example, these sensors allow for example to measure or calculate at least some of the following parameters:

local temperature at the knee;

the circumference of the knee;

knee flexion / extension angles;

other knee orientation angles;

muscle activation state (EMG) at the knee.

This list is not exhaustive and other types of sensors can be used.

These sensors 41, 41 ’are connected to a uC processing unit 42 (or microprocessor) by connection means 43, 43’. This processing unit is configured in particular to carry out a first analysis of the parameters measured by the sensors. In this example, the connection means 43, 43 ’consist of conductive wires (or tracks drawn in conductive ink).

In this example, the kneepad also includes a Bluetooth antenna 44 (Bluetooth is a brand) which allows it to send the data measured by the sensors 41, 41 ’to an electronic device connected by Bluetooth.

In this example, the toggle joint also comprises alert means (feedback system 45) controlled by the processing unit 42 as a function of the result of the first analysis mentioned above.

As mentioned previously, this feedback system 45 makes it possible to provide instant and local feedback to the user, independently of any other device.

To this end, the feedback system 45 may include sensory feedback means. For example, these sensory feedback means can be configured to exert a vibration or physical pressure on the knee.

In combination or as a variant, the feedback system 45 could comprise a sound transmitter emitting one or more beeps or broadcasting a prerecorded message for the attention of the user. One or more light indicators could also be provided (not shown).

The knee switch also has a power supply (V +) 46, such as a small button cell or a rechargeable battery. This power supply is used to power the various elements 41, 42, 44, 45, 46 connected by conductive wires 43, 43 ’(here forming an I2C bus). The embodiments are not limited to this example and other connection means, for example wireless, could be envisaged.

The foregoing examples are only embodiments of the invention which is not limited thereto.

In particular, the measuring device can be adapted to other parts of the human body than the knee such as for example the elbow, the ankle, and even the back.

Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the measuring device 14 can have the shape of an ankle suitable for being placed against an ankle of a user as illustrated in FIG. 5a, the sensors of this device then measuring parameters relating to this ankle.

According to another example, in embodiments of the invention, the measuring device 14 can have a shape adapted to be placed against the back of a user as illustrated in FIG. 5b, so that its sensors measure parameters relating to the back. For example, the measuring device can be integrated into a technical garment.

The invention also relates to a computer program intended for specialists such as sports coaches, comprising instructions for implementing the following steps:

management of user profiles of a plurality of users respectively equipped with a measurement device 14 as described with reference to FIG. 1, each user being associated with an electronic device 12 as described with reference to FIG. 1, each profile comprising a certain number of information relating to the user (for example: height, weight, physical condition, etc.) as well as on his progress, reception of a program comprising a plurality of movement instructions, coming from a server 10 as described with reference to FIG. 1, reception of measurement data carried out by the sensors of the various measurement devices 14, this data being recorded in the corresponding user profile, generation of a personalized program for a given user, according to the program received and the data received for the measurement device 14 worn by the user.

In certain embodiments, the program also includes instructions for implementing the following steps:

sending comments or correction instructions in response to the measured data, sending reminders to the electronic devices 12 in the absence of measured data.

This program is for example executed on a remote computer connected to the electronic devices 12 and to the server 10 via the communication network 18.

One possible application of the invention is the evaluation of a user's posture with a view to advising him on the purchase of suitable equipment such as shoes.

Another possible application is the aid for resumption of sport, in order to alert the athlete or a third party and avoid any injury. In principle, an application installed on an electronic device conforming to embodiments of the invention obtains measured data thanks to the measurement device installed on the sportsman. The electronic device can process them locally and / or transmit them to a server for further analysis. An alert is generated in the event of an anomaly detected, for example directly by the measuring device. The alert can also be notified to the electronic device. If no anomaly is detected, an indication of a risk of injury level (between 0 and 10 for example) can be generated on the electronic device.

According to a particular embodiment, the alert and / or the level of risk can be notified to one or more electronic devices paired with the measurement device, for example belonging to a third party, for example to the parents of the sportsman equipped with the device or a coach.

Claims (12)

1. Method for assisting in the functional study of a joint of a moving user implemented by a portable personal electronic device (12) of a set comprising: a server (10), said portable personal electronic device (12), and a measurement device (14) having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the user's human body and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to said articulation, the portable personal electronic device (12) comprising first communication means for communicating with the measurement device and second communication means for communicating with the server; said method comprising the following steps: reception (22), by the first communication means, of first data measured by sensors of the measuring device, transmission to the server (26), by the second communication means, of second data function of said first data, reception (28) , by the second means of communication, instructions intended for the user, generated by the server as a function of the second data transmitted. 2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: reception, by the second communication means, of third data associated with said instructions, comparison (24) of the first data received with the third data in order to determine whether an alert (25) should be triggered. 3. Method according to claim 2, comprising a step of transmission, by the first communication means, of the third data. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a prior step of receiving (20), by the second communication means, default movement instructions, the first data being measured during the implementation of these instructions by default. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the instructions include instructions for correcting a movement carried out by the user. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the instructions include an alert for the attention of the user. 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sensors are configured to measure data making it possible to obtain the value of at least some of the following parameters: local temperature at the joint; joint circumference; flexion / extension angles of the joint; other angles of orientation of the joint; angular velocity ; angular acceleration; muscle activation state (EMG) at the joint; heartbeat. 8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said steps of receiving first data (22), transmitting second data (26) and receiving instructions (28) generated as a function of the second data are repeated iteratively, said method further comprising a step of displaying progress data generated as a function of the first data received during the various iterations. 9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a step of entering, on the portable personal electronic device, fourth data, depending on the implementation of the instructions by the user. 10. Support readable by a microprocessor, comprising a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. System (1) comprising: a server (10), a portable personal electronic device (12), and a measuring device (14) having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the human body of a user in motion and comprising a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to a joint of the user, the portable personal electronic device (12) comprising first communication means for communicating with the measuring device and second communication means for communicating with the server (10) and being configured to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 12. Measuring device (14) for system (1) according to claim 11, the device having a shape adapted to be placed against a part of the human body of the user and comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters relating to said articulation, a microprocessor configured to perform a first analysis of the parameters measured by the sensors, and alert means controlled by the microprocessor as a function of the result of the first analysis.