EP1109603B1 - System for enabling a moving person to control body movements to be performed by said person - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for enabling a Self-control with regard to body movements to be carried out by the moving person.

The practice of certain movements or movements For example, plays an important role in rehabilitation Role. Here, the subject or patient trains certain Movements to the own body mobility to train in total or, for example, certain Targeting body parts or muscle groups. But even if disabled from the ground up in their ability to move Persons is the specific practice of certain movements an important therapeutic element. When practicing These movements or when performing the training exercises is often crucial that the movements be executed "correctly", that is, that a given Movement is best maintained. Desirable It would be about deviations possible even in the movement recognize in order to be able to correct immediately so that avoided is that an exercise performed several times "wrong" which does not lead to the desired therapeutic success can. On the contrary, there is even the danger that No improvement due to the "wrong" movement or even a deterioration occurs.

Self-perception of a subject's own movements is often insufficient for adequate control, because self-perception can be disturbed, for example because of certain health disorders of the subject, furthermore, it is often not possible to visually close the movements observe (rear view, side view). Finally, at Performing a complex, dynamic process the Self-perception to be overwhelmed, that is, the patient can not depend both on the correct execution of the complex Movement as well as the detection of any Concentrate movement errors at the same time. To remedy this situation to create an external observer, So to involve a trainer or therapist, what consuming and very expensive. It is also possible to Mirror and the like for continuous self-observation to use. The disadvantage here is that despite everything the actual ideal body position or the ideal movement sequence can not be detected, that is, also hereby leaves do not achieve sufficient control. After all still remains the possibility of the movement by means of a Record and then watch the video recording and analyze. However, here is no Self-control during movement possible.

EP 0 700 694 A1 discloses a training and diagnostic method known in which the trainee makes a move with one Training device must perform, with over Meßaufnahme the Movement is detected and in the form of a course of motion is displayed on a monitor. To this Curve can be a given, traceable by the trainee Curve are displayed.

In WO 98/28053 a device for performing an interactive Motion training described in the optimal Movement sequences are stored in a memory. While When performing the exercises, a video camera captures an image of the exerciser, which the stored video sequences is superimposed. The practitioner sees in a monitor at the same time yourself and the optimal motion sequence and can compensate for any deviations. The disadvantage is, however, that the trainee is aware of the speed, with which he performs an exercise, adjusting the speed must, with which the video sequence is reproduced. However, this playback speed is adjustable.

US 3 408 750 describes a device in which the position of a golfer shot by a video camera being at the same time a video recording of an optimal Movement is displayed in a monitor. It exists however, no interactivity between the recorded and the real movement. A plant for showing an optimal Throwing path while playing basketball through a laser beam is known from US 5,365,427. The targeted training and controlling individual movements is on but not possible this way.

The invention is therefore based on the problem of a system specify the type mentioned, the said Disadvantages avoids.

To solve this problem is a system of the aforementioned Art provided, according to the invention comprising a video camera and a monitor for outputting the captured video image and means for fading in at least one indicating a predetermined movement or body position, moving marker into the video image, with the fade-in for detecting characteristic points, lines, Outlines or the like. the executing a motion sequence, in one recorded video image sequence shown person or the shown person area and for automatic adjustment the speed of movement of the moving mark to the movement speed of the moving person or the person area is formed.

On the one hand, the system according to the invention makes use of the possibility play back images captured by the video camera "live" on the monitor, so that the person's movement immediately can track on the screen. With the further provided Blending agent is now possible with particular advantage in the live image delivered by the video camera one or more To insert markings, with regard to the example Ideally determined by the therapist Show body position. The patient becomes so continuous the desired position with respect to the previously known movement sequence displayed, which he immediately with the current Actual position in which he is, and the basis of it of the live video image is visible, can compare. Of the Subject may thus deviate from the means of market changes recognize the displayed desired position and correct it immediately. This allows the subject to choose the "right one" Recognize movement and execute, so that with the movement training achieved therapeutic success also achieved can be. As a marker, for example, a Point or of course several, for example different Body points assigned to body extremities but also one or more lines, especially in Form of a stylized man ("stick figure") or in the form of contours or the like. Between these, the If necessary, also select users, depending on which display form he personally prefers self-control. The to be performed movements and the location of the markings are given by the trainer or therapist after e.g. medical Set criteria.

The fade-in means is for fading in a moving, a predetermined ideal body movement indicating marker educated. The marker moves parallel to and simultaneously with the body, that is, the subject becomes too the ideal setpoint position that he displays with the actual actual position according to his own video image can compare. This is useful if it is not just to achieve a certain body position as in the case described above, but that the Body movement of an ideal line of motion or direction follows.

In the event that it does not work for certain movements on the speed of the movement arrives, for example during strength training, according to the invention for detecting characteristic points, lines, outlines or the like. the one Performing motion sequence, in a recorded video image sequence shown person or the person area shown trained insertion means for automatic adjustment the speed of movement of a moving mark at the speed of movement of the moving Person or the person area to be trained.

The means for fading in the mark can according to the invention be directly integrated in the video camera. For video cameras is the fading in of graphic elements, e.g. in form of Overlays, in the video image a well-known standard function, with which e.g. the time or date as text in the video can be displayed. The invention in the Video camera integrated means, a graphics processor, only need corresponding to the system to be displayed in the invention Marking be configured or programmed. Alternatively, of course, it is also possible to use the So the graphics processor to integrate directly in the monitor or an intermediate display means, for example in the form of a personal computer, which is in the communication link between the video camera and the monitor (e.g., a communication line) is arranged to use.

According to the invention, the insertion means can also be faded in a mark fixed during body movement be educated. That is, in this invention alternative is during body movement, for example at the same time the right arm and the right leg in a certain Position are to be swung, each from the Arm or leg to be taken ideal end positions displayed. The subject recognizes whether he is his or her arm In fact, swinging the leg so far that it's out of therapeutic Viewpoint reaches ideal target position, or whether he, for example too short or far swinging.

As described serves or serve the markings for Specification of an ideal body target position. That is, the location or size and the like. The mark must be the position and the size, etc. of the person shown in the video image be and be in relation to it. The "location and size" of the Image shown person depends on the one hand on the size of the person itself, on the other hand, from the setting of the video camera or their distance to the person. Furthermore also of whether For example, only a certain body area shown should be, for example, only one leg, which targeted is moving, and which then with a zoom device of Video camera is moved into the video image.

To give an easy way with which ensured Will that person correct about the video camera is positioned so that the markings in the video image Person shown on the size of the im Image shown person to be displayed right place can according to the invention one or more markers displayed which serve as adjustment marks and For example, specify where the headboard and where the feet and the like must be positioned in the video image. The exerciser then only has his position with respect to the video cameras choose so that his head and feet and the like congruent with the displayed in the video image Adjustment marks are. In addition to these, the adjustments serving markers then become the other, indicating the position of movement or body to be reached Markings are displayed. In this case, the exerciser must maintain a fixed position with respect to the video camera.

For easy adaptation and correlation can according to the invention the Einblendmittel for detecting more characteristic Points, lines, outlines or the like in the recorded Video image shown, not moving person or the person area shown and for automatic adjustment the marking, in particular their size and / or Insertion position depending on the acquisition result be educated. The fade-in is thus able to based on the video image, the relevant information regarding the to detect the person or the person area shown so that then by means of appropriate processing technology the marking, So for example the size of the "stick figure" be set in relation to the size of the detected person can. This is done appropriately when the person not moving, because then their characteristic points easy to be recorded.

Alternatively, there is the possibility that the Einblendmittel to capture characteristic points, lines, outlines or the like. Running a motion sequence, in one Person or video shown in the recorded video image sequence Personal area and for automatic adjustment of the Marking, in particular their size and / or Einblendposition is formed as a function of the detection result. In this embodiment of the invention, therefore, first means the video camera recorded a complete motion sequence. This can be done for example under supervision, so that the test person performs the movement in the best possible way. This can then be recognized at the same time, for what the subject is currently in a position, so that possibly in the presentation process the marking in addition to the automatic Adaptation can still be intervened manually, which is according to the invention may also be provided. In this way So, in the manner of a "Teach-in", the ideal motion preset, So the overlay data of the marker according to the actual movement of the subject generated and be specifically targeted to them. The coach or Therapist can therefore for the respective subject the specific Target movement, defined by the marking (s), to generate.

As described, in addition to an automatic adjustment / variation also a manual variability of the size and / or the insertion position and / or the movement speed be provided the mark.

In a further embodiment of the invention can the Einblendmittel be associated with a storage means, in which for several different predetermined body movement sequences the respective ones Fade-in data of at least one marker filed and if necessary user-selectable. This allows it a subject who, as part of his rehabilitation or his training several different sequences of movements must perform that for each motion sequence Marking process to select so that this displayed becomes.

Fig. 1

ein System einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 2

ein System einer zweiten Ausführungsform, und

Fig. 3

ein System einer dritten Ausführungsform.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and with reference to the drawings. In these show:

Fig. 1

a system of a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a system of a second embodiment, and

Fig. 3

a system of a third embodiment.

The system according to the invention shown there consists of a Video camera 1, by means of which the movements of a person 2 be recorded. The video camera 1 is via a corresponding Data line connected to a monitor 3, on the the recorded video image 4 can be output live. alternative to the data line is also a wireless communication conceivable. Between video camera 1 and monitor 3 is a Blend 5 switched. The insertion means 5 serves to show at least one mark in the video picture 4 shown, which indicates an ideal target body position, which the person performing a specific movement 2 ideally should take. In the example shown will be in the video image 4 several markers 6 in the form of points fades. These points 6 are visual of person 2 imperceptible. In the example shown, the markers are 6 associated with the various body extremities. Two marks 6 are the feet, two more marks the knees and the last two marks assigned to the hands. On the basis of given or not given covering of marks 6 with the respective body parts of the person 2 in the video image 4, the person 2 can recognize whether their body position the predetermined by the markers 6 target position corresponds or not. In the embodiment shown is the Movement in this respect correctly executed, as the position and The posture of the left arm corresponds to the movement specifications. However, the attitude of the right arm 7 deviates from the desired position, since the arm shown in the video image 4 7 ' is not congruent with the associated mark 6 '. The person 2 can do this deviation from the target position immediately detect during movement and correct accordingly, so that the following sequence of movements of the desired position can be carried out further approximated.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show two system variants in which the fade-in means 5 is integrated in the video camera (FIG. 2), or in the monitor (FIG. 3). In any case, this includes Means a suitably trained graphics processor, the to display the markings accordingly programmable is. Further shows. Fig. 2 displayed in the video image fixed, the adjustment or positioning of the person with respect to the video camera 1 serving markers 6 ''. The Person changes their position with respect to the video camera 1, until e.g. The head and feet of the person in the video image overlap with the respective markings 6 '' are.

The fade-in agent 5, as e.g. in the systems after the 1 and 3, may also be able to within the video image 4 characteristic points, lines or outline the person shown. From this can the size, position, etc. of the person shown in the video image 4 be recognized, and the insertion of the markers 6 accordingly be adapted, since these in relation to the size of shown person must stand. Would the person shown in the Video image, for example, only half as large, for example if the video camera 1 correspondingly far away would be arranged to the person, so would without changing the Einblendpositionen the markers shown in the example 6 this are displayed completely wrong, that is, an actual target position comparison would not be possible in this case. This adjustment can be done automatically, which expediently then happens when the person does not move.

In addition, instead of (or optionally in addition to) the automatic adjustment of the marking position or size the possibility (as described with reference to FIG. 2) that by means of fixed to the insertion means 5, the position e.g. person's head and feet and adjustment serving Markers in the video image are fade in. The person must then position itself only to the video camera, that the in the video image shown head and feet with the respective Markings are congruent. In this case, the person must maintain this position during the exercise.

Further, the fade-in means for fading in fixed Markings that are only ideal body endings define as well as to fade in with the person formed moving markers. In the event that it is at the movement carried out not on compliance a certain speed of movement arrives, that is Blend in 5 also capable of moving speed the markers 6 according to the speed of movement to adapt to the person. This adjustment takes place in the case of automatic adaptation, when the Person moves. Next to it is the marker in their respective Parameters also manually variable to manual if necessary be able to correct or adjust. In addition to the one in the Example shown embodiment of the markers 6 in the form of These can also be points, for example, in the form of lines, e.g. in the form of a stylized person ("stickman") or the like can be faded in. Finally, the egg end agent 5 still a conveniently integrated storage means be assigned in which the overlay data of the markers for different movements to be performed by the subject are stored, if necessary, selected by the subject can be.

Claims (12)

1. System for enabling a moving person to control body movements to be performed by said person, comprising a video camera (1) and a monitor (3) for displaying the recorded video image (4) and means (5) for superimposing at least one moving marking (6) showing a predefined movement or body position on the video image (4), characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are configured to detect characteristic points, lines, contours, etc. of the person (2) or area of a person performing a movement sequence shown in a recorded video sequence and to adjust the movement speed of the moving markings (6) automatically to the movement speed of the moving person (2) or area of a person.
2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are also configured to superimpose a fixed marking (6) during the body movement showing a predefined ideal body movement.
3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the superimposition means are configured to superimpose at least one fixed marking (6'') serving to align the person in respect of the video camera (1).
4. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are configured to detect characteristic points, lines, contours, etc. of the non-moving person (2) or area of a person shown in the recorded video image (4) and to adjust the marking (6), in particular its size and/or superimposition position, automatically as a function of the detected result.
5. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are configured to detect characteristic points, lines, contours, etc. of the person (2) or area of a person performing a movement sequence shown in a recorded video sequence and to adjust the marking (6), in particular its size and/or superimposition position, automatically as a function of the detected result.
6. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the size and/or superimposition position and/or movement speed of the marking (6) can be varied manually.
7. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are assigned a storage unit, in which the respective superimposition data of at least one marking (6) for a plurality of different predefined body movement sequences is stored and can be selected as required by the user.
8. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a point, line, in particular in the form of a stylized person, etc. can be displayed as the marking (6).
9. System according to Claim 8, characterized in that different display forms are provided that can be selected by the user.
10. System according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are integrated in the video camera (1).
11. System according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are integrated in the monitor (3).
12. System according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the superimposition means (5) are arranged as a separate element within the communication connection between the video camera (1) and the monitor (3).

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