GB2589058A

GB2589058A - System for body position improvement

Info

Publication number: GB2589058A
Application number: GB1913310.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gross Maciej; Atkinson Toby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-09-16
Filing date: 2019-09-16
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Also published as: GB201913310D0

Abstract

A system for body position improvement comprises a first position/orientation sensor 2, 4, 6, 8 configured to be attached to a first body part of a user, a second position/orientation sensor 2, 4, 6, 8 configured to be attached to a second body part of the user and a controller; the first and second position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets a predetermined criterion and provide feedback to the user the system preferably includes a plurality of sensors attached to multiple body parts on first and second lateral sides of a user’s body. A method for body position improvement is also disclosed and the method may include calibration of the sensors relative to a reference frame.

Description

SYSTEM FOR BODY POSITION IMPROVEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and a method for improving body position and particularly, although not exclusively, to a system comprising position/orientation sensors for improving body position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poor body posture can have many negative effects, and can lead to poor health, sickness, pain and injury. Having poor posture can put stress on certain joints and muscles, forcing them to be overworked and causing them to fatigue. For example, poor posture can lead to malalignment of the spine or knees, and poor circulation.

Correct posture is very important when exercising to avoid injury, and to maximize available strength and energy of a movement. Many exercises, such as a plank, require full body alignment. Full body alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles are positioned, and is achieved when the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles are collinear. Full body alignment arranges the body's major axis so that the major axis may be transected by a single vertical line.

Many people hire a personal trainer to avoid making mistakes that may cause injuries, whilst exercising. Personal trainers can ensure a person has the correct posture and body position for a specific exercise, or movement, in order to reduce the risk of injury. However, personal trainers can be very expensive, and opportunities to exercise are restricted by the availability of the personal trainer.

Other approaches for improving body posture include wearable devices. These wearable devices aim to secure a straight, rigid object (such as a pole) to the back of the wearer at the head, shoulders, and pelvis. The securement means, which often comprise elastic or tensioning straps, are disposed about the head, torso and abdomen, therefore restricting the wearer's rotation and flexion at the head and hips. A force is exerted on the head, shoulders, and abdomen which is substantially horizontal and towards the rigid object, therefore constraining the wearer into ideal alignment of the head, shoulders and abdomen. However, as a result, the wearer does not adapt mentally or physically to maintain ideal alignment and therefore becomes reliant on the wearable device to provide ideal alignment of the head shoulders and abdomen.

Furthermore, these devices are cumbersome, bulky, difficult to attach to the wearer and impractical for use when exercising.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

SUMMARY

The present invention aims to improve body position and posture, in particular when exercising. Specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided a system for body position improvement, the system comprising: a first position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a first body part of a user; a second position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a second body part of the user; and a controller, wherein the first and second position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first and second sensors; and wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and provide feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

As the first and second sensors are attached to a first and second body part respectively, the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors indicates a relative orientation of the first and second body parts. Therefore, the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion corresponds to a determination of whether the relative orientation of the first and second body parts meets the predetermined criterion. Accordingly, the user can be provided with feedback regarding whether the relative orientation of their first and second body parts meets the predetermined criterion.

From the feedback, the user can therefore learn how to position their body (and specifically the first and second body parts) to meet the predetermined criterion. Specifically, the feedback provided to the user may indicate that their body position (and specifically the position of the first and second body parts) does not meet the predetermined criterion, and the user can then move and reposition their body until the feedback provided to the user indicates that their body position meets the predetermined criterion. The system therefore teaches the user how to position their body (and specifically their first and second body parts) to meet the predetermined criterion.

Furthermore, the system only requires the user to wear two sensors, which are lightweight and discreet.

Optional features of the invention will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect of the invention.

The system may further comprise a storage device configured to store information relating to the predetermined criterion. The controller may be configured to determine whether or not the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion based on the information relating to the predetermined criterion stored in the storage device.

Specifically, the controller may be configured to compare the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors with the information relating to the predetermined criterion to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

The information relating to the predetermined criterion may comprise a target relative orientation of the first and second body parts.

For example, the target relative orientation of the first and second body parts may be a relative orientation of the first and second body parts in which the first and second body parts are in the correct position for performing a body position, movement or exercise (such as a plank, a squat, a lunge, standing straight with correct posture etc.).

In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to compare the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors with the target relative orientation of the first and second body parts, and determine that the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined threshold if the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors matches the target relative orientation.

Similarly, the controller may be configured to determine that the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors does not meet the predetermined threshold if the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors does not match the target relative orientation.

The measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors may be considered to match the target relative orientation if the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors is within a predefined target range. The measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors may be considered to not match the target relative orientation if the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors is outside of a predefined target range.

The predefined target range may be a range of target relative orientations of the first and second body parts which are acceptable relative positions/orientations for the first and second sensors for performing a body position, movement or exercise. Furthermore, the predefined target range may allow for an error margin either side of a target relative orientation, which may compensate for any errors in the measurements performed by the sensors.

In some embodiments, if the controller determines that the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion, the feedback provided to the user may be feedback that the measured relative orientation of the sensors meets the predetermined criterion (i.e. that the user is in the correct position for performing that exercise/position/movement).

Similarly, if the controller determines that the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors does not meet the predetermined criterion, the feedback provided to the user may be feedback that the relative orientation of the sensors does not meet the predetermined criterion (i.e. that the user is not in the correct position for performing that exercise/position/movement).

Accordingly, a user can be provided with feedback regarding whether their first and second body parts are in a target relative orientation for performing a body position/movement or exercise.

The storage device may be configured to store information related to a plurality of predetermined criteria, wherein each predetermined criterion corresponds to a different target relative orientation of the first and second body parts for a specific body position/movement/exercise.

The storage device may also store a reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors. The reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors may be the relative orientation of the first and second sensors when the user is in a predetermined position with respect to a reference frame.

The reference frame may be an absolute orientation in space. For example, the absolute orientation may be the absolute vertical, such that the absolute orientation may have a z component that is directed to magnetic north based on Earth's magnetic field.

For example, the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors may be the relative orientation of the first and second sensors when the user is standing vertically against a wall. In this example, the reference frame is absolute vertical.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine whether or not the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion using the information relating to the predetermined criterion (e.g. the target relative orientation of the first and second sensors) and the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors.

The storage device may have a volatile or non-volatile memory.

The storage device may comprise a read-write memory. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to overwrite a reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors stored in the read-write memory of the second storage device to store an updated reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors. This may help to calibrate the first and second sensors, in order to compensate for sensor error, and improve the accuracy of the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors.

The first sensor may be configured to measure a position/orientation of the first sensor, the second sensor may be configured to measure a position/orientation of the second sensor, and the controller is configured to determine the relative orientation of the first and second sensors based on the measured positions/orientations of the first and second sensors.

In some embodiments, the first and second sensors may each comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope and/or a magnetometer. The first and/or second sensors may be an inertial measuring unit (IMUs). Specifically, the first and second sensors may each comprise one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes to measure the accelerations and angular velocities of the respective sensors (and therefore the respective body parts). Each sensor may comprise an accelerometer and a gyroscope, wherein the accelerometer and the gyroscope are orthogonally mounted in the sensor. The sensors may be micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs) sensors, for example.

The first and second sensors may be three degrees of freedom (300F) trackers. In other embodiments, the first and second sensors may be six degrees of freedom (6D0F) trackers.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the first and second sensors (e.g. via BluetoothTm). For example, the controller may be configured to wirelessly receive the measured positions/orientations of the first and second sensor from the first and second sensors respectively.

In some embodiments, the feedback provided to the user may be visual and/or audible, and/or hapfic feedback. The visual/audible/haptic feedback may indicate to the user whether or not the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors (and therefore the first and second body parts) meets the predetermined criterion.

The controller may be configured to provide the feedback to the user via an application (i.e. an app) on a mobile device.

For example, the controller may be configured to instruct a mobile device to visually display feedback on a display screen of the mobile device.

Alternatively/additionally, the controller may be configured instruct the mobile device to audibly provide the feedback via a speaker on the mobile device.

Alternatively/additionally, the controller may be configured to instruct the mobile device to provide hapfic feedback via a haptic motor in the mobile device.

In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device (e.g. via Bluetooth TM). Specifically, the controller may be configured to transmit instructions for providing the feedback to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the feedback may be provided via headphone/earphone/earbud speakers. In these embodiments, the controller may provide instructions for the feedback directly to the headphone/earphone/earbud speakers, or may provide the instructions for the feedback via an application on a mobile device.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises the mobile device, wherein the mobile device comprises the controller and, where present, the storage device. The sensors may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device to transmit the measurements of the position/orientation of the first and second sensors to the controller in the mobile device.

The first sensor may be configured to be attached to a head region of the user. In other words, the first body part of the user may be a head region of the user.

In these embodiments, the first sensor may be provided in an earphone/headphone/earbud.

Accordingly, the earphone/headphone/earbud may comprise the first sensor for measuring the position/orientation of the head region, and may comprise a speaker for providing audible feedback to the user. Accordingly, the earphone/headphone/earbud may have a dual purpose.

The second sensor may be configured to be attached to a hip region of the user. In other words, the second body part of the user may be a hip region of the user. Accordingly, the determination of whether the first and second body parts meets the predetermined criterion is a determination of whether the head region and the hip region of the user meet the predetermined criterion, for example with regards to spine alignment.

Therefore, the system may be a system to optimise body configuration while aligning the spine.

Alternatively, the second sensor may be configured to be attached to a shoulder region, or an ankle/foot region of the user (i.e. such that the second body part of the user is a shoulder region or an ankle/foot region of the user).

In some embodiments, the second sensor may be provided in the mobile device. Accordingly, the mobile device may be attachable to the hip region (or shoulder region, or ankle/foot region) of the user.

Optionally, the system for body position improvement may further comprise a third position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a third body part of the user. The first, second and third position/orientation sensors may be configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second and third position/orientation sensors. The controller may be configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second and third sensors meets the predetermined criterion, and provide feedback whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second and third sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

Similarly, the system for body position improvement may further comprise a fourth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a fourth body part of the user. The first, second, third and fourth position/orientation sensors may be configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth position/orientation sensors. The controller may be configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth sensors meets the predetermined criterion, and provide feedback whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

The first, second, third and fourth body parts of the user may be different parts of the user. For example, the first body part may be a head region of the user, the second body part may be a hip region of the user, the third body part may be a shoulder region of the user, and the fourth body part may be an ankle/foot region of the user.

Accordingly, the user can be provided with feedback regarding whether the relative orientation of their head region, shoulder region, hip region and foot/ankle region is correct for performing a particular position, movement or exercise. As the sensors are spread over the body, the feedback provided to the user can indicate whether the user's entire body is in a correct position for a particular position, movement or exercise.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a fifth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a fifth body part of the user. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth position/orientation sensors may be configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth position/orientation sensors. The controller may be configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors meets the predetermined criterion, and provide feedback whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors meets the predetermined criterion. The fifth body part may be a wrist region of the user.

In this way, the user can be provided with feedback regarding the position of their wrist relative to another body part to which a sensor is attached The system may comprise more than five position/orientation sensors.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise a plurality of pairs of position/orientation sensors, each pair of sensors comprising a right-hand sided sensor and a left-hand sided sensor configured to be attached to opposing lateral sides of the user's body respectively.

In this way, the system may provide feedback regarding the symmetry of the user's body in a particular position, movement of exercise.

For example, the system may comprise ten position/orientation sensors, with five position/orientation sensors configured to be attached to each lateral side of the user's body. Accordingly, the system may further comprise a sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth body parts respectively, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors are attached to a first lateral side of the user's body and the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sensors are attached to an opposing second lateral side of the user's body.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for body position improvement, the method comprising the steps of: measuring a relative orientation of a first positon/orientation sensor attached to a first body part of a user and a second position/orientation sensor attached to a second body part of the user; determining whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second position/orientation sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and providing feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

The method may further comprise the step of calibrating the first and second sensors by measuring a reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors, wherein the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors is the relative orientation of the first and second sensors relative to a reference frame when the user is in a predetermined position with respect to the reference frame.

As mentioned above with respect to the first aspect, the reference frame may be absolute vertical. For example, the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors may be the relative orientation of the first and second sensors when the user is standing vertically against a wall.

Optionally, the step of calibrating the first and second sensors may further comprise storing the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors in a storage device.

In some embodiments, the reference relative orientation, and information relating to the predetermined criterion stored in the storage device, are used to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium containing instructions which, when executed by an application installed on a mobile device, are configured to cause the application to perform a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described above except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an arrangement of position/orientation sensors of a system for body position improvement; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system for body position improvement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a method for body position improvement according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a method for calibrating position/orientation sensors of a system for body position improvement; and Figure 5 illustrates how body position of a user when performing an exercise can be improved by the method for body position improvement according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of a system and method for body position improvement provided in accordance with the present invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Further embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 1 shows an arrangement of position/orientation sensors on a user 1 in a system for body position improvement. A first sensor 2 is attached to a head region, a second sensor 4 is attached to a hip region, a third sensor 6 is attached to a shoulder region, and a fourth sensor 8 is attached to an ankle/foot region.

The first sensor 2 is provided in an earphone (e.g. headphone, earbud) which is positioned near or in an ear of the user 1. The earphone also comprises a speaker.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the second sensor 4 is attached to a hip region of the user 1 by a clip on the waistband of trousers worn by the user 1 In other embodiments, the second sensor 4 may be attached to a hip region of the user 1 by a pressed stud through a t-shirt, or the like.

The third sensor 6 is provided in a mobile device, such as a smart phone, wherein the mobile device is attached to the shoulder of the user 1, by an elasticated strap for example.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the fourth sensor 8 is attached to the ankle of the user 1 by an elasticated strap. In other embodiments, the fourth sensor 8 may be positioned in, or attached to, a shoe of the user 1.

Each of the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 are IMUs which measure the position/orientation of the respective body part of the user 1 to which they are attached. The sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 are 3DOF trackers.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system 10 for body position improvement including the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8, which are attached to a body of the user as described above in relation to Figure 1.

System 10 comprises a mobile device 12 (such as a smart phone), and the plurality of sensors 2, 4, 6 and 8. The mobile device 12 comprises a controller 14, a storage device 16, a display screen 18, a user input unit 20, and a wireless communications interface 22. The user input unit 20 may be a keyboard, touchscreen or audio interface, for example. Although not shown in Figure 2, the mobile device 12 may also comprise a speaker and/or a haptic motor.

Sensor 6, which is attached to a shoulder region of the user, is also positioned in the mobile device 12.

Each of the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 communicate with the controller 14 in the mobile device 12, for example to transmit position/orientation measurements to the controller 14. Sensor 6 transmits position/orientation measurements 6 to the controller 14 wirelessly or otherwise. Sensors 2, 4, and 8 communicate wirelessly (by BluetoothTM, or by some other wireless communication means) with the wireless communications interface 20 on the mobile device 12. The sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 may also be able to wirelessly communicate with one another.

The communication between the controller 14 and the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 may be one-way (either from the sensor to the controller 14), or both-ways.

Storage device 16 stores target relative orientations of the first, second, third and fourth body parts of a user. The target relative orientations correspond to correct relative positioning of the first, second, third and fourth body parts in different positions, or during different exercises. For example, the storage device 16 stores a target relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth body parts of a user in a squat, in a lunge, in a plank, standing straight, etc. As the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 are attached to the respective body parts, the target relative orientations of the first, second, third and fourth body parts, correspond to target relative orientations of the sensors.

Storage device 16 also stores a reference relative orientation of the sensors. This reference relative orientation is a relative orientation of the sensors when the user, wearing the sensors, is standing vertically against a wall. Accordingly, this reference relative orientation of the sensors is the relative orientation of the sensors positioned on the body relative to absolute vertical.

An application may be installed on the mobile device 12, and the user may interact with the application via the display screen 18 and the input unit 20 during a method for body position improvement using system 10.

Figure 3 shows the method 100 for body position improvement using system 10. The method 100 teaches a user how to perform certain exercises correctly, with the app therefore acting as a virtual personal training app. The user has the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 attached to their body, as set out above in relating to Figure 1.

At 3101, the application on the mobile device 14, instructs the user to perform a target exercise, such as a squat. The application instructs the user to perform the exercise audibly, via the speaker on the mobile device, or the speaker in the headphone/earphone/earbud in the user's ear. In other embodiments, the application may instruct the user to perform the exercise visibly, via the display screen 18. The user then attempts to perform the target exercise as instructed by the application.

At 3102, the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 measure the position/orientation of the respective sensor 2, 4, 6, 8. The measured positions/orientations of the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 corresponds to a position/orientation of the respective body part to which the sensor is attached. The measured positions/orientations of the sensors are then transmitted to the controller 14 in the mobile device 12.

At 3103, the controller 14, determines a measured relative orientation of sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 using the measured positions/orientations of the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8. Then, using the reference relative orientation of the sensors (which is the relative orientation of the sensors when the user is standing vertically, with their back against a wall) stored in the storage device 16, the controller 14 compares the measured relative orientation of the sensors with a target relative orientation stored in the storage device, which corresponds to the target exercise instructed by the application in 3101. Accordingly, if in S101 the application instructs the user to perform a squat, the controller 14 compares the measured relative orientation of the sensors when the user is in a squat with the target relative orientation for a squat.

The controller 14 therefore determines whether or not the measured relative orientation of the sensors matches the target relative orientation.

By using the reference relative orientation in this step, the controller can determine whether the user is performing the exercise correctly in three degrees of freedom, relative to the absolute vertical.

The measured relative orientation of the sensors is determined to match the target relative orientation if the measured relative orientation is within a predefined target range including the target relative orientation.

If the controller 14 determines that the measured relative orientation of the sensors matches the target relative orientation, the controller 14 provides feedback to the user via the application on the mobile device (S104) that the user is in the correct position (S104).

The feedback that the user is in the correct position is provided to the user audibly, through the earphone in the user's ear. The user therefore understands that they are performing the exercise (i.e. the squat) correctly, and learns that this is the correct position for performing a squat.

In other embodiments, the feedback may be provided via the app, audibly via a speaker on the mobile device, visually via the display screen 18 on the mobile device, or haptically (i.e. by a vibration) via the haptic motor on the mobile device.

In contrast, if the controller 14 determines that the measured relative orientation of the sensors does not match the target relative orientation, the controller 14 provides feedback to the user via the application on the mobile device that the user is not in the correct position (S105). The feedback may also include information regarding how the user should change the position of their body (and in particular the position of their first, second, third or fourth body parts) in order to be in the correct position.

The feedback that the user is in the correct position is provided to the user audibly, through the earphone in the user's ear. The user therefore learns that they are performing the exercise (i.e. the squat) incorrectly, and how to change their position in order to have the correct position.

After feedback that the user is in the incorrect position and/or including information regarding how the user should change the position of their body, the method returns to S102 and S102-S105 are repeated, until the user is in the correct body position and feedback that the user is in the correct body position is provided to the user On S104).

Accordingly, the user is helped to reach the correct position for the target exercise, with the application providing feedback. The feedback provided by the application therefore teaches the user how to perform the specific exercise correctly in order to avoid injury, and without the need for a personal trainer.

In alternative embodiments, rather than the application instructing a user to perform a target exercise in S101, the user may instead select a target exercise, via the user input device 20, Figure 4 illustrates a method 200 for calibrating the system for body position improvement which may be performed before the method steps shown in Figure 3. The method shown in Figure 4 sets the reference relative orientation of the sensors stored in the storage device 16 when the sensors are attached to the user, relative to the vertical. In this way, the sensors do not need to be attached to the user in exactly the same position each time the user uses the personal training application. For example, the sensors can be attached to a different side of the user each time, and the system can still provide accurate feedback, as long as the user calibrates the system in line with the method steps shown in Figure 4 before performing the method steps shown in Figure 3.

In 5201, the user attaches the sensors 2, 4, 6, 8 to their ear, hip, shoulder and ankle respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The user stands with their back vertically against a wall.

In S202, the sensors measure a relative orientation of the sensors, when the user is standing with their back vertically against a wall. This is a reference relative orientation of the sensors.

In S203, the reference relative orientation of the sensors is stored in the storage device. This reference relative orientation of the sensors is used in S103 of Figure 3, as discussed above.

Accordingly, the user does not need to attach the sensors to their body in exactly the same position, or in exactly the same orientation, each time they use the application. Instead, the system can calibrate itself such that correct feedback can be provided about the user's body position during an exercise regardless of the exact positioning of the sensors.

In other embodiments, rather than standing vertically against a wall in order to measure the reference relative orientation of the sensors, the user may instead lie flat against the floor, or may position their body in some other predetermined position relative to a known reference frame.

Figure 5 illustrates a user of the system 100 for body position improvement attempting to perform a plank.

In position 501 of Figure 5, the controller 14 determines that relative orientation of the sensors at the head, shoulders, hip and ankle of the user does not match the target relative orientation for a plank. Accordingly, the user is in the incorrect position for a plank and feedback that the user is in the incorrect position is provided by the controller 14 via the application. The user can therefore correct their positioning to that shown in position 502.

When the user is in position 502, the controller 14 determines that relative orientation of the sensors at the head, shoulders, hip and ankle match the target relative orientation for a plank, and therefore the controller 14 provides feedback that the user is in the correct position for a plank.

Therefore, the user is taught how to perform an exercise correctly.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/-10%.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for body position improvement, the system comprising: a first position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a first body part of a user; a second position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a second body part of the user; and a controller, wherein the first and second position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first and second sensors; and wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and provide feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.
2. The system for body position improvement according to claim 1, wherein: the system further comprises a storage device configured to store information relating to the predetermined criterion; and the controller is configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion based on the information relating to the predetermined criterion stored in the storage device.
3. The system for body position improvement according to claim 2, wherein the information relating to the predetermined criterion comprises a target relative orientation of the first and second body parts, and wherein the controller is configured to: compare the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors with the target relative orientation of the first and second body parts; and determine that the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion if the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors matches the target relative orientation.
4. The system for body position improvement according claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: the storage device is configured to store a reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors, the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors being the relative orientation of the first and second sensors when the user is in a predetermined position relative to a reference frame; and the controller is configured to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion using the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors and the information relating to the predetermined criterion stored in the storage device.
5. The system for body position improvement according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to overwrite the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors stored in the storage device to store an updated reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors.
6. The system for body position improvement according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the reference frame is absolute vertical.
7. The system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, wherein: the first sensor is configured to measure a position/orientation of the first sensor; the second sensor is configured to measure a position/orientation of the second sensor; 15 and the controller is configured to determine the relative orientation of the first and second sensors based on the measured positions/orientations of the first and second sensors.
8. The system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second sensor are inertial measuring units, "IMUs".
9. The system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second sensors are three degrees of freedom (3D0F) trackers.
10. A system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, wherein the feedback provided to the user is any one or more of visual, audible and/or haptic feedback.
11. A system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to provide the feedback to the user via an application on a mobile 30 device.
12. A system for body position improvement according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a third position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a third body part of the user, wherein the first, second, and third position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second, and third sensors, and wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second and third sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and provide feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second and third sensors meets the predetermined criterion.
13. A system for body position improvement according to claim 12, further comprising: a fourth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a fourth body part of the user, wherein the first, second, third and fourth position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth sensors, and wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and provide feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third and fourth sensors meets the predetermined criterion.
14. A system for body position improvement according to claim 13, further comprising: a fifth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to a fifth body part of the user, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth position/orientation sensors are configured to measure a relative orientation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors, and wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third fourth, and fifth sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and provide feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the measured relative orientation of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors meets the predetermined criterion.
15. A system for body position improvement according to claim 14, further comprising: a sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth position/orientation sensor configured to be attached to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth body parts respectively, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors are attached to a first lateral side of the user's body and the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sensors are attached to an opposing second lateral side of the user's body.
16. A method for body position improvement, the method comprising the steps of: measuring a relative orientation of a first positon/orientation sensor attached to a first body part of a user and a second position/orientation sensor attached to a second body part of the user; determining whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second position/orientation sensors meets a predetermined criterion; and providing feedback to the user based on the determination of whether the relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of calibrating the first and second sensors by measuring a reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors, wherein the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors is the relative orientation of the first and second sensors relative to a reference frame when the user is in a predetermined position with respect to the reference frame.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the reference frame is absolute vertical.
19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the step of calibrating the first and second sensors further comprises storing the reference relative orientation of the first and second sensors in a storage device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the reference relative orientation, and information relating to the predetermined criterion stored in the storage device, are used to determine whether the measured relative orientation of the first and second sensors meets the predetermined criterion.