EP1277187A1

EP1277187A1 - Inclination optoelectronic detector and device comprising same for generating alarm based on the inclination of a person's body or part of his body

Info

Publication number: EP1277187A1
Application number: EP01921734A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gérard Michel DUMOUTIER; Alain Zozime
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-25
Filing date: 2001-04-25
Publication date: 2003-01-22
Also published as: US20030067654A1; FR2808108A1; WO2001082257A1; AU4870001A; FR2808108B1

Abstract

The invention concerns an inclination detector (10) comprising a displacement guide (1A), a member (3A) mobile along the displacement guide, and means co-operating with the mobile member to control an alarm generator (25) based on the inclination of the displacement guide. The invention is characterised in that said means comprise electrooptical transmitter (7A) and receiver (7B) for respectively transmitting and receiving an optical beam (7C) so as to activate or deactivate the alarm generator (25) when the mobile member (3A) obstructs the optical beam by moving along the displacement guide. Preferably, the mobile member (3A) as well as the electrooptical transmitter and receiver (7A, 7B) are arranged in a sealed displacement guide (1A, 1B). The inventive detector is fixed to an undergarment enabling a user to acquire and integrate a movement adapted to the spine.

Description

ELECTROOPTIC TILT DETECTOR AND

DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DETECTOR FOR GENERATING A

ALARM DEPENDING ON THE INCLINATION OF THE BODY OR PART OF THE

BODY OF AN INDIVIDUAL

The invention relates to an inclination detector, that is to say a detector capable of leading to the determination of an inclination with respect to a reference direction, for example the vertical direction given by the terrestrial attraction. The invention also relates to a device comprising such a detector for generating an alarm as a function of the inclination of the body or of a part of the body of an individual.

Document WO 81/01506 discloses a tilt detector comprising a pendulum suspended at one end from a housing. Goniometric means cooperate with the pendulum so as to control an alarm generator as a function of the inclination of the housing relative to the vertical of the place. The case is fixed on an anatomical vest intended to be worn by an individual, for example on the back. When the individual leans forward, the goniometric means record the movement of the pendulum up to a threshold value fixed in advance, the crossing of which activates the alarm generator. The individual is then warned that he is making a movement against indicated for his back.

By putting on the anatomical vest, the user alone manages to place the inclination detector substantially in the same dorsal position from one use to another. The alarm generator is also attached to the vest to allow the user to move with the tilt sensor. The device described in this document therefore allows both autonomous and ambulatory use.

Despite this double autonomous and ambulatory character, this known arrangement is not however entirely satisfactory. From a mechanical point of view, pendulum oscillations are likely to activate the alarm generator without the user having actually made a movement against indicated for the spine leading to the crossing of the inclination threshold. This drawback is all the more noticeable when the individual moves with the inclination detector. On the other hand, the pendulum and the goniometric means impose a certain size, so that the case worn by the individual is not ergonomic and is visible in the back.

Document WO 83/03747 describes another type of inclination detector comprising a member movable along a displacement guide. A protruding tab allows the detector to be placed on the body of an individual, for example in the back. Maintaining the detector is obtained by bonding the protruding tab to the skin or by a fixing bandage.

According to a first embodiment, a sleeve is slidably mounted around a cylindrical tube. First and second flexible elements are mounted at each end of the tube and connected to an electronic unit connected to an alarm generator. The sleeve is provided with a magnet which makes it possible to bring the two flexible elements into contact during its movement as a function of the inclination of the tube. The alarm generator is then activated via the electronic unit and the user is warned that he is in the process of exceeding a counter-inclination for his back.

According to a second embodiment, a metal ball moves by rolling inside a cylindrical tube. The tube is provided with two internal electrical terminals, arranged at one end and connected to the electronic unit connected to the alarm generator. When the tube reaches a certain inclination, the ball moves towards the two electrical terminals and makes an electrical connection to their contacts which activates the alarm generator via the electronic unit. Here again, the user is warned that he is in the process of exceeding an inclination which is contraindicated for his back.

For these two embodiments, it is provided that the electronic unit and the alarm generator are carried by the user to allow the latter to move with the tilt detector. However, from one use to another, the installation of the detector in the same region of the user's anatomy must be carried out by a specialist. In other words, the device described by these two embodiments is ambulatory but is not autonomous.

In the first embodiment, the setting in electrical contact activating the alarm generator is likely to be disturbed or even interrupted by mechanical vibrations of the flexible elements, generated in particular during the movement of the user. The arrangement of the sleeve to the exterior of the cylindrical tube also requires a certain space requirement of the detector.

In the second embodiment, the movable member serves as a conductor between the two electrical terminals of the displacement tube. This arrangement makes it necessary to choose these three elements in the same metallic material, to counter electrochemical corrosion of the surfaces in contact reducing the electrical conductivity. The appearance of this corrosion is particularly favored by the humidity of the ambient air. This arrangement also requires a minimum pressure of the ball on the terminals to break the oxide layer which inevitably forms on the surface of these metallic elements. An increase in the mass of the ball to increase the contact pressure goes against a reduction in the size and weight of the detector.

One of the aims of the invention is to improve the design of known inclination detectors, and in particular to increase their reliability when they are used in a device for generating an alarm as a function of the inclination of the body or of a part of an individual's body. The invention also relates to a tilt detector which facilitates the use of the device.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a tilt detector, comprising a displacement guide, a member movable along the displacement guide, and means cooperating with the movable member so as to control an alarm generator. depending on the inclination of the movement guide, characterized in that these means comprise an electro-optical transmitter and receiver for respectively transmitting and receiving an optical beam so as to activate or deactivate the alarm generator when the movable member closes the optical beam by moving along the displacement guide.

According to the invention, closing the optical beam makes it possible to control the alarm generator without requiring physical contact between the electro-optical transmitter and receiver. By fixing the latter stably relative to the displacement guide, the risk of vibrations of the detector disturbing the obturation of the optical beam is limited. In addition, the movable member having no electrical contact function, it overcomes the contact pressure and electrochemical corrosion problems mentioned above. To reduce the size of the detector, the movable member is preferably in the form of a flat counterweight which moves by sliding inside a housing which is also flat. It is also planned to design the movable member in the form of a ball or a small diameter cylinder circulating in a groove of the housing. Advantageously, the counterweight or the ball is produced in a plastic material, contributing to a reduction in the weight of the detector.

Preferably, the flat counterweight is provided with a projecting tongue forming a member shutter of the optical beam. The electro-optical transmitter and receiver are separated from each other so as to allow the insertion of the protruding tab avoiding the insertion of the feeder itself between the transmitter and the receiver. By bringing the transmitter and the receiver closer together, the consumption of the detector is reduced since the optical transmission efficiency between the two electrooptical elements is higher.

The detector according to the invention is integrated into a device designed to generate an alarm as a function of the inclination of the body or of a part of the body of an individual. In an autonomous and ambulatory device known per se, comprising an anatomical support intended to be carried by the individual and one or more inclination detectors, each fixed on the anatomical support and connected to an alarm generator, the detector according to the he invention contributes to increasing the reliability of the device by limiting the risk that vibrations, generated by the movement of the user, disturb the obturation of the optical beam. The detector also eliminates contact problems linked to oxidation and corrosion caused by humidity in the ambient air. Furthermore, the reduction in size and weight of the detector gives the device a more ergonomic character.

To increase the hygienic nature of such a device, the movable member as well as the electro-optical transmitter and receiver of the detector are arranged in a sealed displacement guide making it possible to wash the anatomical support without removing the detectors. Preferably, the alarm generator is arranged in a sealed housing fixed to the anatomical support.

Advantageously, the anatomical support is an undergarment to make the use of the device more discreet. According to the principle of feedback, the device according to the invention allows an individual to acquire and integrate a gesture protecting him from inappropriate and aggressive gestures for his spine. The alarm generator is activated by the tilt detectors attached to the undergarment to warn the individual that he is performing an unsuitable gesture, and is deactivated when the individual performs the adapted gesture. The daily wearing of underwear allows the individual to gradually become aware of inappropriate gestures and gradually acquire and integrate adapted gestures.

Daily learning is particularly facilitated by the autonomous, ambulatory, ergonomic and hygienic nature of the device.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading a detailed description of the invention illustrated by the drawings.

Figure 1 is a general view of a tilt detector connected to an alarm generator via an electronic acquisition and processing unit.

Figure 2 is a top view showing more particularly an interior arrangement of the various components of the detector.

Figure 3 shows in perspective the movement guide of the detector.

Figures 4a and 4b show an individual in profile and back respectively in a standing position and wearing an undergarment on which are inclined detectors.

Figure 5 is a general view of a housing containing the alarm generator and an electronic processing and acquisition unit.

A tilt detector is generally designated by the reference 10 in FIG. 1. The tilt detector 10 comprises a housing 1A serving as movement guide for a flyweight 3A movable along the movement guide. An electronic acquisition and processing unit 23 is connected to the detector 10 and to an alarm generator 25.

According to the invention, the detector comprises an electro-optical transmitter 7A and a receiver 7B for respectively transmitting and receiving an optical beam 7C. The transmitter and the receiver are arranged relative to the housing 1A so that the counterweight 3A closes the optical beam 7C when it moves along the housing 1A as a function of the inclination of the latter.

The electro-optical transmitter and receiver consist for example of a photodiode 7A and a phototransistor 7B. They are arranged inside the housing 1A, at one of its ends. The flyweight 3A also moves inside the housing, closed by a cover 1 B. A power supply unit is provided for the electro-optical transmitter and receiver, for example a battery or a battery.

In FIG. 1, the angle α indicates the inclination of the detector relative to the vertical of the location V, considered as the reference direction.

When the detector reaches downward with respect to the vertical V a threshold inclination designated by αSB in FIG. 1, the counterweight 3A moves by sliding inside the housing 1A towards the end where the transmitter 7A and the 7B electrooptical receivers are arranged, until the optical beam 7C is closed. With the shutter of the optical beam 7C, the electrooptical receiver delivers an electrical signal of crossing of low threshold towards the electronic acquisition and processing unit 23, which activates the alarm generator 25. The generation of the alarm indicates that the downward inclination αSB is crossed by the detector.

If the detector is then inclined upwards, it reaches a threshold inclination designated by αSH in FIG. 1 for which the counterweight 3A moves towards the opposite end of the box to that where the electro-optical transmitter and receiver are arranged. With the reception of the optical beam 7C, the receiver 7B delivers an electrical signal for crossing the high threshold towards the electronic acquisition and processing unit 23, which deactivates the alarm generator 25. The stopping of the alarm indicates that the upward inclination αSH is crossed by the detector.

It is important to note that shutting the optical beam can also deactivate the alarm generator and thus stop the alarm. To activate the alarm generator and thus generate the alarm, it is sufficient for the counterweight to move under the inclination of the detector towards the end opposite to that where the electro-optical transmitter and receiver are arranged. This operating mode favors a generation of the alarm relatively fast compared to the time of displacement of the counterweight inside the housing. The operating mode described in the previous paragraph favors a quick stop of the alarm.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the electro-optical transmitter and receiver 7A and 7B are separated from each other so as to allow the insertion of a tongue 3B projecting from the counterweight 3A and forming a shutter member of the optical beam 7C. The flyweight 3A and the housing 1A are both flat to advantageously reduce the thickness of the detector. Preferably, the counterweight is made of a plastic material to reduce the weight of the detector. The housing is also planned to be made of plastic material.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the detector comprises, FIGS. 2 and 3, channels 13 allowing a gas, for example air, to circulate in the housing 1A when the counterweight 3A moves inside. of it. These channels extend along the housing parallel to the direction of movement of the counterweight. Preferably, bars 15 are inserted and then immobilized inside the channels 13 to regulate the circulation of gas in the housing 1A.

By this arrangement, the speed of the counterweight is controlled by adjusting the air flow between the parts of the housing disposed in front and behind the counterweight according to its direction of movement. The adjustment is carried out by inserting and then immobilizing the bars 15 in the channels 13 over different insertion lengths. The adjustment of the air flow using the bars 15 inserted in the channels 13 also makes it possible to dampen vibrations of the counterweight, thus contributing to increasing the reliability of the detector.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, also visible in FIGS. 2 and 3, the detector comprises shims 17 for adjusting the travel of movement of the counterweight 3A along the housing 1A. In the example of FIG. 2, the shims 17 are inserted and then immobilized in the housing 1A at the end opposite to that where the electro-optical transmitter and receiver 7A and 7B are arranged, and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the 3A flyweight. The travel of movement of the counterweight is adjusted by inserting one or other of the shims 17 in the housing 1A. The shims 17 make it possible to adjust the angle αSB of crossing the low inclination threshold with respect to the reference direction, and consequently to adapt the angular range of the detector.

It should be noted that when the mobile member is in the form of a ball, it is possible to reach lower crossing threshold angles of inclination compared with a mobile member having the shape of a flat counterweight. .

A device designed to generate an alarm as a function of the inclination of the body or of a part of the body of an individual comprises, FIGS. 4a and 4b, an undergarment 21 intended to be worn by the individual and one or more tilt detectors 10 according to the invention, each attached to the undergarment and connected to an alarm generator 25 via an electronic acquisition and processing unit 23.

According to the invention, the movable member 3A as well as the electro-optical transmitter 7A and receiver 7B are arranged in a sealed movement guide 1A and 1B to allow the undergarment 21 to be washed without removing the detectors 10. The under- garment 21 is made of a technical fabric which promotes the evacuation of perspiration and which allows good air circulation between the body and the external environment. The detectors 10 are for example sewn into a lining of the undergarment so as not to be in direct contact with the skin.

The damping of the vibrations of the counterweight, which results from the adjustment of the air flow using the bars, advantageously makes it possible not to generate an alarm when the user performs a movement, for example of jump or race, which in itself, does not result in the crossing of a threshold inclination. In addition, the shims allow the angular range of the detector to be adapted to different human morphotypes and to the different types of movement to be controlled.

Preferably, the alarm generator 25 is arranged in a waterproof case and is fixed to the undergarment 21 as visible in FIG. 4a. Likewise, the electronic unit 23 connected to the alarm generator 25 and connected to each detector 10 is arranged in a sealed box fixed to the undergarment 21.

As visible in FIG. 5, the housing 11 contains both the electronic acquisition and processing unit 23 and the alarm generator 25, for example example a vibrator. It is for example made of a plastic material and disposed in an outer pocket sewn on the undergarment.

The electronic unit 23 is connected to the electro-optical transmitter and receiver 7A and 7B by connection wires 9 to acquire signals for crossing inclination thresholds αSB or αSH delivered by the electro-optical receiver 7B of each detector 10. L the electronic unit processes these crossing signals to activate or deactivate the alarm generator 25 and thus generate or cut an alarm.

The housing 11 also includes a display 27 connected to a counter not shown for displaying the number of generations of the alarm during a given period of use of the undergarment. A battery or a battery 29 is housed in the housing 11 for the clean supply of its elements. Advantageously, this energy source is used to power the electro-optical transmitter and receiver of the detector or detectors fixed to the undergarment. The outer pocket of the undergarment facilitates access to the box 11 for replacing the battery 29.

The vibrator preferably makes it possible to generate the alarm in the form of a tactile sensation at the user's. It is also planned to use a sound generator as an alarm generator, although the tactile alarm is more discreet than the audible alarm.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4a and 4b, the undergarment comprises four tilt detectors. A top sensor is attached to the undergarment to occupy in the individual a lateral position under the armpit. This detector makes it possible to control the anterior flexion of the trunk. A lower detector is fixed so as to occupy in the individual a position on the pelvis, at the top of the iliac crest. This detector makes it possible to control retroversion of the pelvis when seated.

Similarly, as visible in FIG. 4b, a detector on the left and a detector on the right of the spine are fixed on the undergarment to occupy in the individual a position at the level of the supraspinatus fossae of the scapulae. These two detectors make it possible to control the lateral inflections of the trunk. Combined use of the anterior flexion sensor with either lateral inflection detectors are used to control the rotation-flexion of the trunk.

The acquisition and processing unit 23 advantageously makes it possible to filter repetitive crossing signals of the inclination thresholds αSB or αSH, generated when the individual performs movements such as a fast walk or a run, these movements in themselves not being unsuitable. Filtering these signals does not generate an alarm. It should be noted that this filtering is complementary to the mechanical filtering of the vibrations of the counterweight carried out by the bars 15.

Provision is made to fix the connection wires 9 on the undergarment 21, for example in a lining. It is also envisaged to connect the electronic unit 23 to the tilt detectors 10 by wireless connections. More particularly, the electro-optical transmitter 7A and receiver 7B of a detector as well as the alarm generator 25 and the acquisition and processing unit 23 each have an integrated power supply and means for communicating by electromagnetic waves.

Claims

1. Inclination detector (10), comprising a displacement guide (1A), a member (3A) movable along the displacement guide, and means cooperating with the movable member so as to control an alarm generator (25) depending on the inclination of the movement guide, characterized in that these means comprise an electro-optical transmitter (7A) and a receiver (7B) for respectively transmitting and receiving an optical beam (7C) so as to activate or deactivate the alarm generator (25) when the movable member (3A) closes the optical beam by moving along the movement guide.

2. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member is in the form of a counterweight (3A).

3. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member is in the form of a ball or a cylinder which moves in a groove of the housing.

4. Detector according to claim 2, characterized in that the electro-optical transmitter and receiver (7A, 7B) are separated from each other so as to allow the insertion of a shutter member (3B) of the beam optic (7C) protruding on the counterweight (3A).

5. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member (3A) or the housing (1A) is made of a plastic material.

6. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises channels (13) allowing a gas to flow in the movement guide (1A) when the movable member (3A) moves inside that -this (1 A).

7. Detector according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises bars (15) inserted inside the channels (13) to regulate the circulation of gas in the displacement guide (1A).

8. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises shims (17) for adjusting the displacement stroke of the movable member (3A) along the displacement guide (1A).

9. Device designed to generate an alarm as a function of the inclination of the body or of a part of the body of an individual, comprising an anatomical support (21) intended to be carried by the individual and one or more detectors of tilt (10) according to one of the preceding claims, each fixed on the anatomical support and connected to an alarm generator (25), characterized in that the movable member (3A) as well as the electro-optical transmitter and receiver (7A, 7B) detectors are arranged in a sealed movement guide (1A, 1B) to allow washing of the anatomical support (21) without removing the detectors (10).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the alarm generator (25) is arranged in a sealed housing (11) fixed to the anatomical support

(21).

11. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises an electronic unit (23) connected to the alarm generator (25) and to each detector (10) for acquiring and processing signals for crossing inclination thresholds (αSB) or (αSH) delivered by the electrooptical receiver (7B) of each detector (10), disposed in a sealed housing (11) fixed to the anatomical support (21).

12. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the anatomical support (21) is an undergarment.