NZ603451B2 - Arm exercise device and system - Google Patents
Arm exercise device and system Download PDFInfo
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- NZ603451B2 NZ603451B2 NZ603451A NZ60345112A NZ603451B2 NZ 603451 B2 NZ603451 B2 NZ 603451B2 NZ 603451 A NZ603451 A NZ 603451A NZ 60345112 A NZ60345112 A NZ 60345112A NZ 603451 B2 NZ603451 B2 NZ 603451B2
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- arm
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- main body
- hand
- support
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Abstract
Disclosed is an arm rehabilitation system for exercising a user's arm. The system includes an arm support device (104a) moveable upon a support surface by a user's first arm when the arm is supported by the arm support device (104a). The arm support device has a main body (104) configured to movably engage the support surface on one side and comprising a hand support portion (104b) on an opposing side at or toward one end of the body for supporting a user's hand of the first arm. Also included is a primary hand support formation (110) protruding from the hand support portion (104b) and shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of the first arm. An adjustable switch support boom assembly (123) is mounted to the main body and has at least one operable user input component (125) for generating an actuation signal in response to operation by the user. The switch support boom (123) assembly enables adjustment of the position of the input component (125) relative to the user's hand and/or fingers of the first arm. The input component(s) (125) are releasably and/or moveably coupled to the boom assembly (123) such that their position along the boom assembly (123) may be altered. An on-board motion tracking system is mounted to or within the main body (104) which is configured to sense motion of the main body (104) relative to the support surface and generates a representative motion signal. An interactive computer system in included which has a processor running an application program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication with the arm support device (100). The computer system receives and processes the motion and/or switch signals to enable the user to interact with the application program via the arm support device (104a). engage the support surface on one side and comprising a hand support portion (104b) on an opposing side at or toward one end of the body for supporting a user's hand of the first arm. Also included is a primary hand support formation (110) protruding from the hand support portion (104b) and shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of the first arm. An adjustable switch support boom assembly (123) is mounted to the main body and has at least one operable user input component (125) for generating an actuation signal in response to operation by the user. The switch support boom (123) assembly enables adjustment of the position of the input component (125) relative to the user's hand and/or fingers of the first arm. The input component(s) (125) are releasably and/or moveably coupled to the boom assembly (123) such that their position along the boom assembly (123) may be altered. An on-board motion tracking system is mounted to or within the main body (104) which is configured to sense motion of the main body (104) relative to the support surface and generates a representative motion signal. An interactive computer system in included which has a processor running an application program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication with the arm support device (100). The computer system receives and processes the motion and/or switch signals to enable the user to interact with the application program via the arm support device (104a).
Description
ARM EXERCISE DEVICE AND SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to an arm exercise system. In particular, although not
exclusively, the exercise system is suitable for rehabilitation exercise.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Exercise systems can be used to help rehabilitate patients who have suffered a muscular
or neurological disorder. Often, gravity eliminated arm exercises are prescribed to
patients who have suffered a muscular or neurological disorder relating to an upper
limb, such as hemiparesis resulting in partial paralysis of one arm.
Some exercise devices have been developed to assist with rehabilitation of the affected
limbs by enabling a patient to carry out the prescribed gravity eliminated arm exercises.
One example is an overhead arm sling support mechanism. An arm sling is supported
from above by a frame. The patient may insert their arm into the sling and perform
repetitive movements for extended periods of time in order to exercise it, while the arm
is supported against gravity. Another example of a device is an arm skate-board. An
arm skate-board is a platform mounted on a set of four castor wheels allowing free
movement across a table top. The patient may rest their arm on the platform and
perform repetitive movements for extended periods of time in order to exercise it.
Larger, more complex and expensive robotic exercise systems are also known.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved arm exercise device and
system, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist of an arm rehabilitation
system for exercising a user's arm, comprising:
an arm support device moveable upon a support surface by a user's first arm
when their arm is supported by the arm support device, the arm support device
comprising:
a main body configured to movably engage the support surface on one
side and comprising a hand support portion on an opposing side at or toward one end of
the body for supporting a user's hand of their first arm;
a primary hand support formation protruding from the hand support
portion and shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of their
first arm;
an adjustable switch support boom assembly mounted to the main body
and having at least one operable user input component for generating an actuation signal
in response to operation by the user, the switch support boom assembly enabling
adjustment of the position of the input component(s) relative to the user's hand and/or
fingers of their first arm and wherein the input component(s) are releasably and/or
moveably coupled to the boom assembly such that their position along the boom
assembly may be altered;
an onboard motion tracking system mounted to or within the main body
which is configured to sense motion of the main body relative to the support surface and
generate a representative motion signal; and
an interactive computer system comprising a processor running an application
program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication with the
arm support device, the computer system receiving and processing the motion and/or
actuation signals to enable the user to interact with the application program via the arm
support device.
Preferably the system comprises a secondary hand support handle extending from the
main body at or toward a periphery of the hand support portion for gripping by the hand
of a second arm of the user.
Preferably the user input component(s) is(are) any one or more of switches, hand
clickers, or other operable dials, buttons or knobs. Preferably the user input component
is a switch.
Preferably the main body further comprises a forearm support portion at or toward the
opposite end of the hand support portion for supporting the user's forearm of their first
arm.
In one form, the hand support portion and forearm support portion are integrally formed
to provide the main body.
In another form, the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are releasably
coupled to each other to form the main body. Preferably the forearm support portion and
the hand support portion comprise complementary formations for releasably coupling to
each other.
Preferably the adjustable switch support boom assembly comprises a first arm rotatably
coupled to the main body and a second arm hingedly coupled to the first arm for
adjusting the height and orientation of the boom assembly. Preferably the first arm is
rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the major plane of the main body, and the second
arm is rotatable about an axis parallel to the major plane of the main body.
Preferably the input component(s) are releasably coupled to the boom assembly by a
coupling system.
Preferably the coupling system is a hook and loop fastening system that is provided on
at least one component of the boom assembly and each input component.
Preferably the main body comprises a plurality of mounting apertures about a periphery
of the hand support portion for removably mounting the switch support boom assembly
and/or the secondary hand support handle.
In the preferred embodiment the main body is configured to slidably engage the surface.
Preferably the main body comprises a low friction material on the side of the main body
configured to slidably engage the surface. Preferably the material is in the form of a
slider strip located along or near the periphery of the main body, and preferably around
a substantial portion of the periphery.
In an alternative embodiment the main body is configured to rollably engage the surface
via one or more wheels for example. The main body may comprise one or more support
wheels located substantially directly below the hand support portion and wherein one or
more of those wheels has an associated actuator that is operable to apply a level of
braking to resist movement of the wheel(s). The one or more of the actuator(s) may be
non-powered and manually operable to adjust the level of braking applied to resist
movement of the wheel(s) or they may be electronically controlled actuator(s) and the
computer system may control the actuator(s) onboard the arm support device remotely
over a wireless connection. The one or more support wheel(s) may be arranged to
support the main body for movement in any direction over the surface.
By way of example, the wheels may comprise any one or more of the following types of
wheels: caster wheels, ball casters, or onmi-wheels.
In a preferred embodiment the onboard motion tracking system is a conventional
computer mouse mounted within the main body and configured to obtain data
representative of the motion and/or position of the mouse relative to the support surface
and transmit the data to the computer system. The data may be transmitted wirelessly
via infrared or directly through a cable such as a universal serial bus.
In an alternative embodiment the onboard motion tracking system is an optical sensor
arranged to capture continuous digital images of the support surface or a portion of the
support surface on which the arm support device moves, and to generate image data
representative of the motion and/or position of the arm support device. An image
processing system on board the arm support device or integrated into the computer
system receives and processes the image data to generate motion and/or positional data
for processing by the computer system processor.
Preferably the secondary hand support handle comprises at least one operable switch.
Preferably the switch(es) is(are) movably mounted to the secondary support handle via
hook and loop fasteners.
Preferably the arm support device further comprises an associated fastening system that
is operable to secure the user’s forearm and/or hand to or within the main body. In
some embodiments the forearm support portion of the main body forms a substantially
U-shaped channel within which a user’s a forearm is received and retained during use of
the system.
Preferably the primary hand support formation is a substantially hemispherical grip
surface upon which the user may rest their hand when moving the main body over the
surface. More preferably, the primary hand support formation is removably mounted to
the hand support portion of the main body.
Preferably the application program is a game that is presented on the display screen of
the computer system and the computer system is arranged such that movement of the
arm support device over the surface by the user causes a corresponding movement of a
game cursor on the game screen so as to enable the user to interact with the game.
Activation of the switch (es) also causes further interaction with the game.
In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist of an arm rehabilitation
device that is moveable upon a support surface by a user's first arm when their arm is
supported by the arm rehabilitation device, the device comprising:
a main body configured to movably engage the support surface on one side and
comprising a hand support portion on an opposing side at or toward one end of the body
for supporting a user's hand of their first arm;
a primary hand support formation protruding from the hand support portion and
shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of the first arm;
an adjustable switch support boom assembly mounted to the main body and
having at least one operable user input component for generating an actuation signal in
response to operation by the user, the switch support boom assembly enabling
adjustment of the position of the input component(s) relative to their user's hand and/or
fingers of the first arm and wherein the input component(s) are releasably and/or
moveably coupled to the boom assembly such that their position along the boom
assembly may be altered; and
an onboard motion tracking system mounted to or within the main body which is
configured to sense motion of the main body relative to the support surface and generate
a representative motion signal, and wherein the arm rehabilitation device is configured
to communicatively couple to an interactive computer system to communicate the
generated motion and/or actuation signals to the interactive computer system in use, and
enable user interaction with the computer system via the arm rehabilitation device.
Preferably the arm rehabilitation device comprises a secondary hand support handle
extending from the main body at or toward a periphery of the hand support portion for
gripping by the hand of a second arm of the user.
Preferably the user input component(s) is(are) any one or more of switches, hand
clickers, or other operable dials, buttons or knobs. Preferably the user input component
is a switch.
Preferably the interactive computer system comprises a processor running an
application program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication
with the arm rehabilitation device in use, the computer system receives and processes
the motion and/or switch signals to enable the user to interact with the application
program via the arm rehabilitation device.
Preferably the main body further comprises a forearm support portion at or toward the
opposite end of the hand support portion for supporting the user's forearm of their first
arm.
In one form, the hand support portion and forearm support portion are integrally formed
to provide the main body.
In another form, the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are releasably
coupled to each other to form the main body. Preferably the forearm support portion and
the hand support portion comprise complementary formations for releasably coupling to
each other.
Preferably the adjustable switch support boom comprises a first arm rotatably coupled
to the main body and a second arm hingedly coupled to the first arm for adjusting the
height and orientation of the boom. Preferably the first arm is rotatable about an axis
orthogonal to the major plane of the main body, and the second arm is rotatable about
an axis parallel to the major plane of the main body.
Preferably the input component(s) are releasably coupled to the boom assembly by a
coupling system.
Preferably the coupling system is a hook and loop fastening system that is provided on
at least on component of the boom assembly and each input component.
Preferably the main body comprises a plurality of mounting apertures about a periphery
of the hand support portion for removably mounting the switch support boom and/or the
secondary hand support handle.
In the preferred embodiment the main body is configured to slidably engage the surface.
Preferably the main body comprises a low friction material on the side of the main body
configured to slidably engage the surface. Preferably the material is in the form of a
slider strip located along or near the periphery of the main body., and preferably around
a substantial portion of the periphery.
In an alternative embodiment the main body is configured to rollably engage the surface
via one or more wheels for example. The main body may comprise one or more support
wheels located substantially directly below the hand support portion and wherein one or
more of those wheels has an associated actuator that is operable to apply a level of
braking to resist movement of the wheel(s). The one or more of the actuator(s) may be
non-powered and manually operable to adjust the level of braking applied to resist
movement of the wheel(s) or they may be electronically controlled actuator(s) and the
computer system may control the actuator(s) onboard the arm rehabilitation device
remotely over a wireless connection. The one or more support wheel(s) may be
arranged to support the main body for movement in any direction over the surface.
By way of example, the wheels may comprise any one or more of the following types of
wheels: caster wheels, ball casters, or onmi-wheels.
In a preferred embodiment the onboard motion tracking system is a conventional
computer mouse mounted within the main body and configured to obtain data
representative of the motion and/or position of the mouse relative to the support surface
and transmit the data to the computer system. The data may be transmitted wirelessly
via infrared or directly through a cable such as a universal serial bus.
In an alternative embodiment the onboard motion tracking system is an optical sensor
arranged to capture continuous digital images of the support surface or a portion of the
support surface on which the arm rehabilitation device moves, and to generate image
data representative of the motion and/or position of the arm rehabilitation device. An
image processing system on board the rehabilitation exercise device or integrated into
the computer system receives and processes the image data to generate motion and/or
positional data for processing by the computer system processor.
Preferably the secondary hand support handle comprises at least one operable switch.
Preferably the switch(es) is(are) movably mounted to the secondary support handle via
hook and loop fasteners.
Preferably the arm rehabilitation device further comprises an associated fastening
system that is operable to secure the user’s forearm and/or hand to or within the main
body. Preferably the forearm support portion of the main body forms a substantially U-
shaped channel within which a user’s forearm is received and retained during use of the
system.
Preferably the primary hand support formation is a substantially hemispherical grip
surface upon which the user may rest their hand when moving the main body over the
surface. More preferably, the primary hand support formation is removably mounted to
the hand support portion of the main body.
Preferably the application program is a game that is presented on the display screen of
the computer system and the computer system is arranged such that movement of the
arm rehabilitation device over the surface by the user causes a corresponding movement
of a game cursor on the game screen so as to enable the user to interact with the game.
Activation of the switch (es) also causes further interaction with the game.
The phrase "interactive computer system" as used in this specification and claims is
intended to mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, any hardware platform or
system having a processor upon which an application program or software may run,
including, but not limited to, a customised computer system, gaming console, gaming
machine, smart television, or alternatively a standard Personal Computer, whether a
desktop, laptop, notebook or handheld computer or portable communication device such
as a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA), “smart” phone, or the like.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at
least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that
includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term
may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be
interpreted in the same manner.
As used herein, “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the
noun.
The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the
following gives examples only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and
with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of an arm rehabilitation
system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a drawing of a first preferred form arm exercise device of the invention;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the arm exercise device of figure 1;
Figures 4 shows a bottom view of the arm exercise device of figure 1;
Figure 5 shows the arm exercise device of figure 1 in use;
Figure 6 shows an alternative form of the arm exercise device of figure 1 in which hand
and forearm support portions of the main body are releasably coupled; and
Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the operation and interaction between various
modules of an exercise system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Overview of arm rehabilitation system
Referring to Figure 1, the invention relates generally to an arm exercise system 10
comprising a moveable arm exercise device 14 for supporting a user’s 12 forearm and
hand against gravity on a support surface to enable rehabilitation exercises to be carried
out via interaction with a game or application program or other software run on an
interactive computer system 18. The arm exercise device 14 may be in the form of an
arm support tray that provides a mechanism for moveably engaging a support surface to
enable the user 12 to move their affected arm over the support surface, when supported
in or on the tray. The support surface may be a planar surface, such as a table top, or
can alternately be a contoured surface. Additionally, the support surface may be
substantially horizontal relative to the ground or alternately inclined or declined relative
to the user to a desired angle. In one preferred form, the arm support device 14
comprises an under-surface configured to slidably engage and move upon the support
surface.
In one preferred form, the arm support device comprises one or more mechanically
operated switches, hand clickers, or other operable dials, buttons or knobs (hereinafter
referred to as switches for convenience but other similar electronic inputs are not
intended to be excluded from the scope of this invention) that may be positioned to
require movement of the user's wrist or individual finger digits in order to be operated.
In this manner, a clinician may enable a wrist or finger digit movement of the user's
primary affected arm to be exercised during operation of the switches. The position of
the switch(es) is(are) preferably adjustable to allow for a greater range of movements by
the user to activate the switch(es). Adjustment of the position of the switch(es) allows
the supervising clinician for example to force the user to carry out an exercise which
extends their current ability in a particular direction thereby generating a range of
motion useful for rehabilitation. A secondary support handle is also preferably provided
on the tray for the user's other hand to grip simultaneously while their primary affected
arm is supported in the tray to encourage bilateral training. Bilateral exercises are
beneficial as they activate both brain hemispheres. One or more switches can also be
provided on the secondary support handle to expand the range of possible movements
for the second hand thereby enhancing the bilateral movement capabilities of the
system.
To enable the user 12 to interact with the computer system 18 via movement of the arm
exercise device 14, a motion tracking system 16 is provided that tracks the movement of
the device 14 and generates position and/or movement data representing the position
and/or movement of the device 14 relative to the support surface. The motion tracking
system 16 may be entirely separate and external to the tray 14, entirely integrated with
the tray, or have some components onboard the tray and other components located
remote to the tray as part of the computer system 18 or independent of the computer
system. In the preferred embodiment, the motion tracking system 16 is conventional
wireless computer mouse system mounted within the support tray housing.
The interactive computer system 18 may be a customised computer system, gaming
console, gaming machine, smart television, or alternatively a standard Personal
Computer, whether a desktop, laptop, notebook or handheld computer or portable
communication device such as a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) or “smart” phone or
any other hardware platform or system having a processor upon which an application
program or software may run. In preferred forms, the interactive computer system 18
includes a processor 20, memory 22 and an output screen or visual display screen 24
upon which the application program or game is presented or displayed, such as a CRT
monitor, Plasma screen, LCD screen or any other suitable electronic display device. A
user interface 26, such as a conventional keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch screen or
other user input control device may also be provided to allow the user and/or their
clinician to initiate or configure the application program or game as required.
Although not essential, the interactive computer system 18 may comprise an
application/game engine 28 that stores and runs the application program or interactive
game. By way of example, the application program may be any personal computer
application program or game or alternatively a customised rehabilitation training game,
including augmented and virtual reality games whether immersive or non-immersive.
In operation, the user 12 uses their arm to move the tray 14 around the support surface
and this movement enables them to interact with the application or gaming program
presented on the visual display 24, much like moving a mouse on a mouse-pad. For
example, in some forms, the movement of the tray 14 over the support surface may
cause a corresponding movement of a cursor or pointer on the visual display screen 24.
In other forms, such as augmented reality or virtual reality games, the user’s hand or a
graphical representation of the user’s hand may be displayed on the screen 24 and move
on screen to interact with the augmented or virtual reality environment in accordance
with the tray's movement over the support surface. By way of example, an augmented
reality based system may employ a machine vision motion tracking system that utilises
an optical sensor, such as a webcam or digital camera, for capturing moving images of
the user’s arm and tray as it is moved over the support surface and the moving images
are presented in real-time on the screen 24 with a game or application graphical overlay
that the user can interact with in accordance with the game or application programming.
Additionally, is the ability to interact with the application program by operation of the
wrist or finger digit movement switches.
In the preferred form, the computer system 18 comprises an input/output interface 30
that is configured for transmitting and receiving data or information to and from one or
more external devices in the exercise system. For example, the input/output interface
is arranged to communicate with the motion tracking system 16 over a
communication link 32. For example, the motion tracking system 16 may be arranged
to send position and/or movement data relating to position and/or movement of the tray
14 to the input/output interface 30 of the computer system 18 for processing by the
application/game engine 28. Alternatively, a part of the motion tracking system 16,
such as a webcam or digital camera, may be arranged to send image data over the
communications link 32 to the computer system 18, and an image processing algorithm
may be implemented on the computer system to generate the position and/or movement
data from the images for processing by the application/game engine 28. It will be
appreciated that the communication link 32 may be hardwired via cables or may utilise
wireless communications protocols or links, such as Bluetooth or infrared.
The various components and modules of the arm exercise system 10, such as the
computer system 18, motion tracking system 16, and arm support device 14 are shown
as separate and distinct components for clarity, but it will be appreciated that these
components can be combined in various ways and/or their functionality can be
distributed between the modules, and that different hardware configurations and
platforms can be utilised if desired. For example, the motion tracking 16 may be fully
or partly integrated with either the computer system 18 or the arm exercise device 14,
depending on design requirements.
Arm Exercise Device
Arm Support and Fastening System
Referring to Figures 2-5, a first preferred form of arm exercise device 100 is shown
comprising or in the form of a tray 104 for supporting part of a user’s upper limb. The
tray 104, and all associated components as will be described below, is made from any
suitable material such as plastic, aluminium or wood, or any combination thereof. In
this preferred form, the tray 104 is arranged to support a user’s forearm and hand. The
main housing or body of the tray 104 is elongate and comprises a forearm support
portion 104a and a hand support portion104b, which are integrally formed together. A
fastening system in the form of hook and loop fasteners is provided in the forearm
support portion for securing the user's forearm to the exercise device 100 (as shown in
figure 5). In particular, a pair of hook and loop fastener straps 107a/b are provided for
fastening the user's arm/wrist to the tray 104 but alternatively these may be buckled
straps or some other fastening system that can be fastened around the user's arm/wrist to
secure it on the tray 104. Hook and loop fastener strap 107a is provided for securing the
user's forearm to the forearm support portion 104a, and hook and loop fasteners strap
107b is provided for securing the user's wrist to the hand support portion 104b. In some
embodiments, the tray 104 may further comprise side walls extending upwardly from a
base surface of the forearm support part 104a to form a substantially U-shaped or
contoured channel along its length for receiving and supporting a user’s forearm. An
arm pad 108 is provided on the surface of the tray 104 to comfortably support the user's
arm thereon. By way of example, the pad 108 may be formed from any suitable soft or
deformable material, such as foam, rubber or the like.
Hand Support Formation
The hand support portion 104b of the tray 104 includes a hand support formation 110
that is securely retained in a recess or aperture 109 of the hand support portion 104b as
shown in figure 3. In the preferred embodiment, the hand support formation 110 is in
the form of a substantially hemispherical grip surface 110 that is frictionally and
removably retained in a grip aperture 109 during assembly. The grip surface 110 is
shaped to conform to a user's palm and fingers when their hand is relaxed over the
surface 110 in use. The surface 110 is preferably asymmetric and not perfectly
hemispherical to allow suitable conformation to the natural relaxed state of a disabled
user's hand. Furthermore, the grip 110 is rotatably retained within the grip aperture 109
to enable rotational adjustment of the device 100 to conform to left or right hand usage
modes for example. It will be appreciated that the grip 110, if not integrally formed,
may be mounted on the hand support portion 104b, either fixedly or rotatably, in any
alternative manner known in the art such as via a snap fit engagement between
complementary formations formed appropriately on each part for example. In an
alternative embodiment, the attachment/mounting means 109 is a hook and loop
fastener 109 configured to engage a complementary under-surface of the of the hand
support formation 110. Such an engagement system also provides a releasable coupling
between the hand support formation 110 and the hand support portion 104b to enable
adjustment of the rotatable position of the hand support formation 110 and/or
disengagement of the hand support formation 110 from the hand support portion 104b.
Mounting Apertures
The hand support portion 104b of the tray 104 further comprises one or more mounting
apertures 111 for receiving and retaining one or more components of the arm support
device 100. In the preferred embodiment, five apertures 111a-e are provided separately
spaced about the periphery of the hand support portion 104b. As explained in more
detail below, each aperture 111a-e may be located to encourage certain hand, wrist or
finger movements when used in conjunction with the additional components of the arm
support device. The components may include one or more other hand clickers, switches,
or other operable dials, buttons or knobs that can be operated by the hand or fingers of
the user so as to assist them to interact with the games. For example, the switches may
function similar to that of a left or right mouse button. The switches are preferably
adjustably mounted in location around the hand, wrist and finger region and the
switches may be incorporated into the interactive game so that the game play requires
operation of the switches to assist with rehabilitation of the hand, wrist or one or more
fingers. The location and position of adjustability of the switch is important as it allows
the clinician to customise the position of the switch so as to require the patient to move
their wrist hand and/or fingers in ways to encourage exercise of the effected joints. A
squeeze ball type switch may also be provided to enable the user to grasp and operate
the switch via a gripping motion. The proximity of the switches to the hand or part of
the fingers or hands may be adjusted depending on the patient’s capability.
Additionally, resistance or springs may be added to the switches to increase the
difficulty of actuating the switch from an exercise viewpoint.
Switch Support Boom Assembly
In the preferred embodiment, the exercise device 100 comprises a switch support boom
assembly 120 configured to be mounted within any one of the mounting apertures 111a-
e of the support tray 104. The boom assembly 120 comprises a boom 121 that can be
removably mounted within any one of the mounting apertures 111a-e. This enables
movement of the boom 121 between different apertures 111a-e. The boom 121
comprises a pair of pivotally coupled arms 122 and 123. One end 122a of the arm 122 is
formed to removably engage a mounting aperture 111, and the opposing end 122b is
formed to pivotally couple a corresponding formation on the second arm 123. A locking
mechanism is preferably provided, such as a screw knob 126, to enable the two arms
122/123 to be locked in the desired pivotal position relative to one another after
appropriate adjustment and before use. The mounting aperture engagement of arm 122
is also provided with a locking mechanism, such as a one quarter turn cam-lock clamp,
which is operable by a user to lock the arm into a desired position after rotational
adjustment within the mounting aperture.
The boom assembly 120 comprises and/or is configured to comprise one or more
mechanically operated electronic input devices such as switches, hand clickers, or other
operable dials, buttons or knobs. In the preferred embodiment, a switch 125 is
removably coupled to the boom 121 for providing a means for user input during
operation of the device 100. In particular, a coupling system 124 is provided on one or
both arms 122/123 of the boom 121 to removably couple the switch 125 to a desired
position one of the arms 121/122. In the preferred embodiment, a hook and loop
fastening system (such as Velcro) is provided on both arms 121/122 and on the switch
125 to removably mount the switch 125 at any desired location on the boom 121.
The switch support boom assembly 120, as described above, is adjustable in position
and orientation (via the rotational position of arm 122 within the mounting aperture and
pivotal angle between the arms 122 and 123) so that the location of the switch relative
the user's hand can be adjusted. This enables a clinician to adjust the location of the
switch 125 according to the rehabilitative requirements of the particular patient. Patients
recovering from a stroke for example, are generally subject to muscle flexing in and
around the hand, giving reason as to why clinicians generally wish to exercise extension
patterns. The boom assembly 120 can be adjusted accordingly to enable exercises of the
wrist, hand and/or fingers in the extension direction. In the preferred embodiment, the
boom assembly 120 allows the switch 125 to be positioned generally over the back of
the hand 180 of the user, as shown in figure 5, so that exercises of the wrist, hand and/or
fingers are in the extension direction.
The particular boom assembly 120 described enables adjustment of position and
orientation of the switch 125 in the following manner:
• The position of the boom 120 and hence location of the switch 125 can be
adjusted to one of five discrete locations within the major plane of the tray
104 via the mounting apertures 111a-e. In alternative embodiments, the
number and position of the discrete locations within the major plane may
differ as required by the application. It is also envisaged that an alternative
mechanism can be used in which the position of the boom 121 can be
adjusted in a continuous manner over the major plane or a portion of the
major plane of the tray 104.
• The position of the switch 125 can be adjusted via rotation of arm 122 within
the respective mounting aperture and/or via rotation of arm 123 relative to
arm 122 (the latter only applicable when the switch is coupled to arm 123).
The pivotal coupling between the two arms 122/123 of the boom 121
enables rotational adjustment of the relative positions (and of the switch 125
when coupled to arm 123) about a single axis, X, substantially parallel to the
major plane of the tray 104. The direction of this axis, X, is adjustable via
rotation of the boom 120 within the respective aperture 111 about an axis, Y,
substantially orthogonal to the major plane of the tray 104. It is envisaged
that other known mechanisms can be used for rotational adjustment of the
boom arms 121/122 (and of the switch position) about any number of axes,
such as via a ball joint coupling between arms 121 and 122 for example.
• The translational position of the switch 125 along the arms 121/122 can be
adjusted via the fastening system 124. It will be appreciated that the
orientation of the switch 125 can be further adjusted by providing fastening
systems on other external faces of the arms 121/122.
Secondary Support Handle
In the preferred embodiment, the arm exercise device 100 further comprises a hand grip
that allows two handed operation of the tray 104. Such a hand grip may be desirable for
the rehabilitation of a patient who has hemiparesis, a condition whereby one arm is
considerably weaker than the other. If the clinician decides that the patient should use
the stronger arm to assist the weaker arm then a handgrip which is an extended joystick
will allow both hands to grip the device. A secondary support handle also encourages
bilateral exercises which are known to be beneficial in terms of engagement of both
brain hemispheres during exercise. This allows a clinician to prescribe bilateral
exercises if they believe this will benefit their particular patient.
Referring to figure 3, a secondary support handle 130 is also provided by the device 100
for gripping by the hand of a user's other arm. The handle 130 can also be removably
mounted within one of the apertures 111a-e of the hand support portion 104b such that
when assembled, the handle 130 extends transversely or upwardly from the surface of
the tray 104 at or near the periphery of the hand support portion 104b. An end 130a of
the handle 130 is formed to be removably received and retained within one of the
apertures 111a-e. This may be via friction fit, snap fit or any other suitable engagement.
In alternative embodiments, the handle 130 may be fixedly coupled on the tray 104 or
may otherwise be integrally formed with the tray 104. In the preferred embodiment, the
secondary support handle 130 comprises one or more mechanically operated electronic
input devices such as switches, hand clickers, or other operable dials, buttons or knobs.
In the preferred embodiment, a switch 135 is provided at an opposing end 130b of the
handle for operation by the user's stronger second hand/fingers. The switch is preferably
fixedly mounted at the end 130b of the handle 130 but may alternatively be removably
mounted as for the switch 125 on boom 121.
Movement Mechanism
Referring to figure 4, the underside of the tray 104 comprises a mechanism for enabling
movement of the tray 104 over a support surface, such as a table. In the preferred
embodiment, the tray 104 comprises a low friction slider strip material 140 located
about the periphery of the tray 104 at its underside 104c. It will be appreciated, that the
low friction material 140 may be a single material made up in a single strip and located
about the entire or a majority of the periphery of the tray 104, or alternatively material
may be made up of any one or more materials of any shape and located in any desired
location on the underside of the tray 104 to effect a suitable sliding mechanism for the
tray's 104 intended support surface.
In alternative embodiments, the underside of the tray 104 comprises one or more
support wheels that are arranged to allow movement of the tray 104 over the support
surface. The wheels may be are arranged to allow the tray 104 to move in any direction
over the surface.
Motion Tracking System and Other Electronic Components
The arm exercise device 100 comprises one or more electronic components or systems
for obtaining information regarding the usage of the arm exercise device and for
interfacing/communicating with the interactive computer system. One or more user
inputs (such as switches) and/or sensing components (such as motion sensors) or
systems are provided within or on the main body 104 of the device 100 for acquiring
information regarding the usage of the device. A processor (or more), such as a
microprocessor, microcontroller or other programmable hardware device arranged or
configured to receive the usage information and control/perform various interface and
processing functions may also be provided. The arm exercise device 100 may also
comprise an input/output interface that provides the main processor with a
communication link to external devices and systems as necessary. For example, the
input/output interface may be arranged to processed usage information from the
exercise device to the computer system over the communications link for further
processing by the computer system. In the preferred form, the input/output interface is
in the form of a wireless transmission module, such as a Bluetooth module for
transmitting and optionally receiving information wirelessly, but alternatively, a
hardwired cable based interface medium for transmitting and receiving data and signals
may be used if desired. The arm exercise device 100 preferably comprises on board
power circuitry for powering the electrical circuitry and components of the device 100.
In the preferred embodiment usage information is obtained from one or more motion
sensing components of the motion tracking system 150 and from the one or more
switches 125/135 on board the device 100. The motion tracking system 150 is also
responsible for processing the usage information and interfacing with the computer
system to communicate the processed data as described above. The power circuitry
may comprise an onboard battery supply or package that is preferably rechargeable.
In use, the motion tracking system is arranged to sense and track the motion of the tray
104 over the surface as moved by the user and send that information (alongside other
usage information) to the computer system. The motion tracking system may be active
or passive, and external or partially integrated but preferably fully integrated with the
tray 104. The motion tracking system 150 preferably comprises one or more motion
sensing components associated with the device for obtaining usage information
regarding movement of the device 100. In the preferred embodiment, the entire motion
tracking system 150 is mounted to the underside of the tray 104, preferably at the
underside of the hand support portion as shown in figure 4 but alternatively at any other
desired location on the tray 104.
By way of example, the motion tracking system 150 of the preferred embodiment is a
conventional computer mouse, which may be an optical mouse or a roller-ball type
mouse. This motion tracking capability enables the device 100 to interface with an
interactive computer system through motion. The arm support device 100 can be used
as a conventional mouse by moving the device 100 over the support surface to
manipulate a program running on the interactive computer system.
In the preferred embodiment, the motion tracking system 150 is in the form of a
wireless optical computer mouse system. Such a system operates by first directing a
light signal (such as LED or laser) onto the support surface from a light source and then
by taking continuous images of the support surface with an optical sensor, such as a
camera, while the device 100 moves. A signal processing system within the motion
sensing system 150 processes the images to detect changes in patterns and track motion
accordingly. The motion sensing system 150 will output data representing the
movement of the device 100, such as position, speed, direction and other useful motion
based data. Position data may be sent in any particular format, but in some forms may
be in X-Y coordinates with reference to a reference frame or 2-axis coordinate system
relating to the support surface.
The underside of the tray 104 is substantially hollow and provides a cavity within which
the electronic circuitry of the motion tracking system 150 can be mounted. A computer
mouse Printed Circuit Board (PCB) can be fitted into the tray housing 104 and
optionally powered by an onboard power supply, such as a rechargeable battery
package. The PCB may be mounted on a mounting platform and the rechargeable
battery package may be securely received and retained within a battery compartment
accessible from an outer wall of the tray housing 104.
The motion tracking system 104 in addition to the one or more electronic inputs
125/135 provided on the boom assembly 120 and/or the secondary support handle
respectively, provide an interface for the user to interact with the computer system. The
electronic inputs 125/135 may therefore mimic the function of the left and right clickers
of a conventional mouse. The inputs 125/135 are either directly coupled to the computer
system via a wireless or cable connection, or preferably coupled to the computer system
via the motion sensing system 150. In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in figure
3, each switch 125/135 has an associated cable 125a/135a for connecting to the motion
tracking board 150 to transmit associated actuation signals to the tracking system 150.
The cable connections 125a/135a are preferably a 3.5mm plug connection but can
alternatively be any other wired or wireless connections. The motion tracking system
150 is configured to communicate the actuation signal of the switch inputs 125/135 to
the computer system in accordance with the operation of a conventional computer
system for example.
Wireless transmission to the computer system is preferably achieved by connecting a
separate wireless transmission hardware component, such as a radio frequency or
Bluetooth adaptor 170, to the PCB 150 of the motion tracking system. This may be
achieved by providing a USB port for receiving the radio frequency adaptor 170.
Interactive computer system
Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of the arm exercise system 200 that employs an
arm exercise device of the preferred embodiment 100 will be described. By way of
example, the flow of data, signals and interactions of the user, and in some cases their
clinician, when operating the arm exercise system 200 will be explained. The patient or
user 252 uses their arm to move the arm exercise device 100 in any desired direction
upon a support surface, such as a tabletop or desk in order to interact with a game being
presented on a visual display screen 256 that forms part of an interactive computer
system. The patient’s 252 interaction with the device 100 is represented by arrow 253.
In this example, the exercise device system employs a conventional optical laser based
motion tracking system 150 of the type previously explained. Motion based data
acquired from the motion tracking system 150 during operation of the device 100 is
used as user interaction input for the game engine 270 that runs the game being
displayed on the visual display screen 256. The game engine utilises the motion based
data 268 to allow the user to interact with the game and complete the task or training
required. In some forms, the position of the arm exercise device 100 on the support
surface may correspond to a cursor or other graphic that is displayed on the visual
display screen 256 and which is used to interact with the gaming environment displayed
on the screen. As the game engine 270 receives the real time motion/position data 268
it uses this to update the game screen environment 272 by sending screen data 273. For
example, game engine 270 is arranged to interpret position data 268 to allow the user to
interact with the game or program, for example by updating the position of the game
cursor on the display screen 256 such that movement of the tray 104 on the support
surface causes a corresponding movement of the cursor on the screen 256. The game
cursor may move around the display screen 256 at speeds and distances that are
proportionate to the motion of the tray 104 over the surface as represented by the
motion data 268. The game cursor may be in any form depending on the game, but
could for example be a pointer, crosshair, or table tennis paddle for a table tennis game.
The motion data 268 may also be processed by the game engine 270 to record the user’s
training or task completion rate as they progress through the game and this gaming data
276 is recorded in a data log 278. The data log 278 may store the gaming information
276 in memory and also process that data and transmit the score information 279 to a
game score update module 280 that is arranged to update the game score on the visual
display screen 256 in real time for the user as they interact with the game. As the game
progresses, the game score or other game information or data may give the user an
indication as to whether any improvement is being made or not. Users may exercise for
longer when interacting with computer or video games. Users may exercise to a higher
physical level when a computer or video game score is provided based on the user’s
own historical performance.
In use, the patient’s physiotherapist or clinician 258 may use the game score
information 282 displayed on the visual display screen 256 to alter the game settings in
accordance with the patient’s rehabilitation program as the user progresses with their
training. For example, the clinician 258 may manually alter calibration settings 284 as
represented by arrow 285 in order to calibrate the game settings for the user’s particular
capability and training progression. In one embodiment, a computer programme or
artificial intelligence may use the game score information and the patient’s records of
interactions with the system to automatically alter the game settings. The calibration
settings 284 are transmitted as represented by 286 to the game engine 270 which
reconfigures the game-play settings. Additionally, the clinician 258 may issue new
instructions 288 to the patient 252 as to how they should interact with the game. For
example, when a user first begins to use the arm exercise system, soon after an injury,
the range of motion of their arm may be relatively small. To enable use of the full
display screen 256, the system may alternatively be arranged to automatically calibrate
by analysing the motion data 268 to calculate the range of motion of the user’s arm.
The display screen 256 may be calibrated so that the motion of the arm corresponds to
the cursor moving across substantially the entire display screen 256. The system may
recalibrate the display accordingly if the user’s range of motion increases or decreases.
The computer system may be arranged to log or store the representative positional data
268. An associated time stamp may be logged with the data. The data may be stored in
a database on a hard drive, or in any other suitable manner. This data can then be
analysed at a later time, for example to assess whether the user is making sufficient
progress with their rehabilitation. The data or results of the analysis may be used by a
clinician 258 such as a physiotherapist to assess the progress of the rehabilitation. The
game score or other game information may be logged, analysed, reported to or used by a
physician 258 or other clinician in order to assess the progress of the rehabilitation also.
The physician 258 or clinician may change the settings of the program remotely or non-
remotely in order to update the rehabilitation according to the user’s requirements.
This may allow the physician 258 or clinician to adjust or override the user’s
rehabilitation exercise regime.
The tray 104 acts as an input device for interacting with game or other application
program presented on the visual display 256. In preferred forms, the game may allow
the user to compete against the program, such as a game of virtual table tennis.
Alternatively, the game may allow the user to play alone, such as a puzzle game.
Preferably, the program encourages the user to move the tray 104 to achieve an
objective, such as winning a game of virtual table tennis, or completing a puzzle. Such
encouragement means that the movements of the tray which the patient performs are
task-based or goal-directed movements. That is that the computer provides a task which
the patient must achieve by moving their arm. Task-based or goal-directed movements
are desirable in terms of neuro-rehabilitation exercises. As the user interacts with the
program, such as the game, it may encourage them to exercise their arm through
movement of the tray 104. A user may be more inclined to exercise frequently, or for a
longer period of time, if they are able to interact with a program in this way. A greater
number of repetitions are desirable in terms of neuro-rehabilitation exercises. The user
may become more mentally engaged in their exercise when interacting with the
program. Exercising by interacting with a program may be less tedious than traditional,
repetitive movement style exercise.
Alternative embodiments and features
Releasably coupled Arm and Hand Supports
Referring to figure 6, the arm and hand support portions 104a/b of the support tray 104
are, in an alternative embodiment, releasably/separably coupled to one another to enable
the tray 104 to be separated into two parts. In this manner, an advanced recovery
rehabilitation patient with good shoulder movement for example, may be prescribed a
treatment in which only the hand support portion 104b is utilised to promote lifting of
the elbow without affecting the functionality of the exercise device 100. It is therefore
preferred that the motion sensing system 150 of the invention is provided at the hand
support portion 104b of the tray 104 as this will be the more active portion of the device
100. Complementary formations 161 and 162 are preferably formed at opposing ends of
the two portions 104a and 104b of the tray 104 to provide a snap-fit engagement
mechanism for coupling and uncoupling the portions 104a/b. It will be appreciated that
the male and female joints, 161 and 162 respectively, can be the other way around as to
what is shown in figure 6. Furthermore, other known mechanisms or releasable
coupling systems for separably coupling the two portions of the tray may be employed
without departing from the scope of the invention.
Arm Support Trolley with Wheels
As described briefly above, in alternative embodiments, the underside of the device
body 104 may comprise one or more support wheels that are arranged to allow
movement of the body 104 over the support surface. The wheels may be are arranged to
allow the body to move in any direction over the surface. For example, the wheels
provide the body with two degrees-of-freedom of movement over the surface including
side-to-side movement, back and forth movement, and any combination of side-to-side
and back and forth movement relative to the user. For example, the body may be in the
form of a trolley comprising two wheels in the form of caster wheels, one of the caster
wheels mounted underneath the trolley at or towards the front end of the trolley, and the
other caster wheel mounted at or toward the rear end of the trolley. Each caster wheel
comprises a wheel being mounted to a rotatable shaft having a rotation axis extending
through a wheel block. The wheel block is rotatably mounted via a mounting plate to
underneath the base of the trolley. The wheel block may be mounted for 360° rotation
about a shaft extending substantially perpendicular to the base of the trolley. The
wheels may alternatively be omni-wheels, spherical wheels, roller balls, ball wheels or
any other suitable type of wheel or roller allowing movement of the trolley over the
support surface. One or more wheels may be mounted in between the front and rear
ends intermediate of the front and rear wheels. The types of wheels mounted
underneath the housing may be identical or may be a mixture. The wheels can be made
from any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.
A powered version of the arm exercise device may comprise one or more electronically
controllable braking and/or driving actuators of an actuator system onboard the trolley
associated with one or more of the support wheels. The computer system may be
arranged to communicate with and control the actuator(s) of the actuator system
onboard the trolley, to electronically control the braking and/or driving actuators
associated with the one or more of the support wheels. The computer system may
communicate with the actuator(s) over a wireless or hardwired communications link and
may send actuator control signals to control the actuator(s) to apply braking or drive to
the wheels of the trolley. The actuator(s) may also be controlled to be disengaged from
the wheels to allow for free movement of the wheels. The actuator(s) may be controlled
in accordance with the representative positional and/or movement data. If the user
moves the trolley at or above a particular speed, the actuator(s) may be controlled to
apply a level of braking to resist the movement of the wheels. This extra resistance may
help with the rehabilitation of the user, for example by helping to build muscle tone. If
the user moves the trolley at or below particular speed, the actuator(s) may be controlled
to drive the movement of the wheels. This may help with the rehabilitation of the user,
for example by training movement of the arm and extending limits of movement of the
arm. The actuator(s) may be controlled to add resistance or drive to the wheels in any
suitable manner. The actuators may be controlled to play the game or to assist in
playing the game. The program may ascertain what movement should be made to
complete a step of a game, such as moving a paddle in front of an approaching virtual
table tennis ball or moving a puzzle piece from a location to another location, for
example. The computer system may sense whether the user has attempted to make the
required movement. The computer system may sense whether the user is struggling to
make the required movement. If the user is struggling to make the required movement,
the actuators may be controlled to drive the wheels to assist the user with making the
required movement. If computer system senses that the user is able to consistently and
easily make the required movements, the actuators may be controlled to resist the
movement of the wheels.
In response to actuator control signals received from the computer system, a main
controller onboard the arm exercise device may generate braking and/or motor actuator
control signals for operating the braking control circuitry and assistive motor control
circuitry. For example, the main controller may send braking control signals to the
braking control circuitry for controlling one or more electromagnetic brakes associated
with one or more wheels of the arm exercise device to apply a desired level or degree of
braking resistance to rotation of the support wheel or wheels. Likewise, the main
controller may be configured to generate motor control signals that operate the assistive
motor control circuitry to drive one or more of electromagnetic motors coupled to one
or more of the wheels to rotate them at a desired speed to assist movement of the arm
exercise device over the support surface.
Alternative Motion Tracking Systems
The optical motion tracking system may comprise a tracking marker such as a tracking
pattern, a tracking sticker, or a powered light or radiation source, such as an infrared
LED. The marker is provided or mounted in a visible position on the device, such as on
a front cover that covers all or part of the hand platform and the user’s fingers. An
external optical sensor, such as a webcam or digital camera, may then be used to capture
continuous images of the trolley moving over the support surface. Image processing of
those images can be performed by the motion tracking system to sense the tracking
marker within the images and generate position data representing the movement of the
device over the support surface. It will be appreciated that the motion tracking system
may process the position data to generate other useful motion information relating to the
trolley, such as the speed of movement, the direction of movement, the rotation of the
trolley, the current and past positions of the trolley, and any other useful motion or
movement information.
In other forms, the support surface itself could track the movement of the exercise
device. For example, the surface may be a tablet PC device, and the device may
comprise a magnet, stylus, or other tracking device on its underside so that the tablet PC
device could track the movement of the exercise device. Alternatively, a grid pattern
may be provided on the support surface. In this form of motion tracking system, the
exercise device may comprise an optical sensor on its underside that is able to detect the
grid pattern and ascertain the device's position on the surface.
Other onboard motion tracking systems could also be used in alternative forms of the
system. Such motion tracking systems may employ inertial sensors, such as
accelerometers. Alternatively, external system can be used to track the motion of the
exercise device upon the surface, such as beacon based RF tracking or ultrasonic emitter
technology.
Various configurations and components of the arm exercise device 100 for use in the
arm exercise system 10 have been described by way of example only. It will be
appreciated that the various configurations and functionality described may be
combined, swapped or interchanged between different forms as desired according to the
training requirement for the exercise system.
The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof.
Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined by the accompanying claims.
Claims (36)
1. An arm rehabilitation system for exercising a user's arm, comprising: an arm support device moveable upon a support surface by a user's first arm 5 when their arm is supported by the arm support device, the arm support device comprising: a main body configured to movably engage the support surface on one side and comprising a hand support portion on an opposing side at or toward one end of the body for supporting a user's hand of their first arm; 10 a primary hand support formation protruding from the hand support portion and shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of their first arm; an adjustable switch support boom assembly mounted to the main body and having at least one operable user input component for generating an actuation signal 15 in response to operation by the user, the switch support boom assembly enabling adjustment of the position of the input component(s) relative to the user's hand and/or fingers of their first arm and wherein the input component(s) are releasably and/or moveably coupled to the boom assembly such that their position along the boom assembly may be altered; 20 an onboard motion tracking system mounted to or within the main body which is configured to sense motion of the main body relative to the support surface and generate a representative motion signal; and an interactive computer system comprising a processor running an application program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication with the 25 arm support device, the computer system receiving and processing the motion and/or switch signals to enable the user to interact with the application program via the arm support device.
2. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a 30 secondary hand support handle extending from the main body at or toward a periphery of the hand support portion for gripping by the hand of a second arm of the user.
3. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the main body further comprises a forearm support portion at or toward the opposite end of the hand support portion for supporting the user's forearm of their first arm. 5
4. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are integrally formed to provide the main body, or the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are releasably coupled to each other to form the main body. 10
5. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the adjustable switch support boom assembly comprises a first arm rotatably coupled to the main body and a second arm hingedly coupled to the first arm for adjusting the height and orientation of the boom assembly. 15
6. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the first arm of the boom assembly is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the major plane of the main body, and the second arm of the boom assembly is rotatable about an axis parallel to the major plane of the main body. 20
7. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the input component(s) are releasably coupled to the boom assembly by a coupling system.
8. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the coupling system 25 is a hook and loop fastening system that is provided on at least one component of the boom assembly and each input component.
9. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 2-8 wherein the main body comprises a plurality of mounting apertures about a periphery of the hand 30 support portion for removably mounting the switch support boom assembly and/or the secondary hand support handle.
10. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the main body is configured to slidably engage the surface and comprises a low friction material in the form of a slider strip located along or near the periphery of the main body on the side of the main body configured to slidably engage the surface.
11. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 5 wherein the onboard motion tracking system is a conventional computer mouse mounted within the main body and configured to obtain data representative of the motion and/or position of the mouse relative to the support surface and transmit the data to the computer system. 10
12. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the data is transmitted wirelessly.
13. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 2-12 wherein the secondary hand support handle comprises at least one operable switch.
14. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the switch(es) are movably mounted to the secondary support handle via hook and loop fasteners.
15. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 20 wherein the arm support device further comprises an associated fastening system that is operable to secure the user’s forearm and/or hand to or within the main body.
16. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the primary hand support formation is a substantially hemispherical grip 25 surface upon which the user may rest their hand when moving the main body over the surface.
17. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the primary hand support formation is removably mounted to the hand support 30 portion of the main body.
18. An arm rehabilitation system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the application program is a game that is presented on the display screen of the computer system and the computer system is arranged such that movement of the arm support device over the surface by the user causes a corresponding movement of a game cursor on the game screen so as to enable their user to interact with the game.
19. An arm rehabilitation device that is movable upon a support surface by a user's 5 first arm when their arm is supported by the arm rehabilitation device, the device comprising: a main body configured to movably engage the support surface on one side and comprising a hand support portion on an opposing side at or toward one end of the body for supporting a user's hand of their first arm; 10 a primary hand support formation protruding from the hand support portion and shaped to engage with the palm and/or fingers of the user's hand of the first arm; an adjustable switch support boom assembly mounted to the main body and having at least one operable user input component for generating an actuation signal in response to operation by the user, the switch support boom assembly enabling 15 adjustment of the position of the input component(s) relative to the user's hand and/or fingers of their first arm and wherein the input component(s) are releasably and/or moveably coupled to the boom assembly such that their position along the boom assembly may be altered; and an onboard motion tracking system mounted to or within the main body which is 20 configured to sense motion of the main body relative to the support surface and generate a representative motion signal, and wherein the arm rehabilitation device is configured to communicatively couple an interactive computer system to communicate the generated motion and/or actuation signals to the interactive computer system in use, and enable user interaction with the computer system via the arm rehabilitation device.
20. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a secondary hand support handle extending from the main body at or toward a periphery of the hand support portion for gripping by the hand of a second arm of the user. 30
21. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the interactive computer system comprises a processor running an application program displayed on a visual display and which is in signal communication with the arm rehabilitation device in use, the computer system receiving and processing the motion and/or actuation signals to enable the user to interact with the application program via the arm rehabilitation device.
22. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-21 wherein the 5 main body further comprises a forearm support portion at or toward the opposite end of the hand support portion for supporting the user's forearm of their first arm.
23. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are integrally formed to provide the main body, or 10 the forearm support portion and the hand support portion are releasably coupled to each other to form the main body.
24. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-23 wherein the adjustable switch support boom assembly comprises a first arm rotatably coupled to the 15 main body and a second arm hingedly coupled to the first arm for adjusting the height and orientation of the boom.
25. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the first arm is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the major plane of the main body, and the second 20 arm is rotatable about an axis parallel to the major plane of the main body.
26. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-25 wherein the input component(s) are releasably coupled to the boom assembly by a coupling system. 25
27. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the coupling system is a hook and loop fastening system that is provided on at least one component of the boom assembly and each input component.
28. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 20-27 wherein the 30 main body comprises a plurality of mounting apertures about a periphery of the hand support portion for removably mounting the switch support boom and/or the secondary hand support handle.
29. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-28 wherein the main body is configured to slidably engage the surface and comprises a low friction material in the form of a slider strip located along or near the periphery of the main body on the side of the main body configured to slidably engage the surface.
30. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-29 wherein the onboard motion tracking system is a conventional computer mouse mounted within the main body and configured to obtain data representative of the motion and/or position of the mouse relative to the support surface and transmit the data to the computer system.
31. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 30 wherein the data is transmitted wirelessly.
32. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 20-31 wherein the 15 secondary hand support handle comprises at least one operable switch.
33. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-32 wherein the arm rehabilitation device further comprises an associated fastening system that is operable to secure the user’s forearm and/or hand to or within the main body.
34. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-33 wherein the primary hand support formation is a substantially hemispherical grip surface upon which the user may rest their hand when moving the main body over the surface. 25
35. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in any one of claims 19-34 wherein the primary hand support formation is removably mounted to the hand support portion of the main body.
36. An arm rehabilitation device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the application 30 program is a game that is presented on the display screen of the computer system and the computer system is arranged such that movement of the arm rehabilitation device over the surface by the user causes a corresponding movement of a game cursor on the game screen so as to enable the user to interact with the game.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ603451A NZ603451B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 | Arm exercise device and system | |
GB1509777.7A GB2523043B (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2012-11-30 | Arm exercise device and system |
US14/441,030 US10071280B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2012-11-30 | Arm exercise device and system |
AU2012394006A AU2012394006B9 (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2012-11-30 | Arm exercise device and system |
PCT/NZ2012/000223 WO2014073982A1 (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2012-11-30 | Arm exercise device and system |
CN201280078083.5A CN104936661B (en) | 2012-11-07 | 2012-11-30 | A kind of arm rehabilitation device and system for tempering the arm of user |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ603451A NZ603451B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 | Arm exercise device and system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ603451A NZ603451A (en) | 2014-06-27 |
NZ603451B2 true NZ603451B2 (en) | 2014-09-30 |
Family
ID=
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