WO2011141268A1

WO2011141268A1 - Method and device for measuring posture

Info

Publication number: WO2011141268A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/055952
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Sündermann
Original assignee: Uranus Capital S.A.
Priority date: 2010-04-15
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2011-11-17

Abstract

To determine the actual posture, a person (1) who is to be measured is left standing still for a defined time prior to the measurement and only thereafter is the spatial position of body points (2) of interest determined in a number of chronologically successive measurements, from which the actual posture is determined, including the unconscious compensatory movements. In addition, the range of movement in subsidiary areas of the body can be taken into account in another posture by measuring body points (2) of interest, from which, with inclusion of separately determined physiological data, an individual training plan can be created for the measured person (1). To determine the position of the body points (2), at least one digital image can be recorded at a defined distance and direction from the person (1) to be measured, whereupon the position of the body points of interest is determined on the basis of the known pixel resolution of the used image sensor from position and/or distance of certain individual pixels. A movable raster (16) can preferably be placed electronically behind the recorded digital image to produce a reference to the posture.

Description

Method and device for measuring posture

The invention relates to a method for measuring the posture, wherein measured on the person to be measured in an upright posture certain points on the body surface spatially and related to each other, as well as a device for carrying out such a method.

Methods and devices of the type mentioned are known for example from EP 2 012 668 A1, EP 144 528 A or US 4 425 713 A and mostly for so-called Körperstatikvermessungen in use, the result of the analysis of incorrect postures, such as misalignment or shortening of the human anatomy detected by measurement makes, in turn, conclusions about postural deficits, muscle weaknesses and the like or opportunities to create special training programs allowed. Apart from many quasi-mechanical devices for scanning the body points of interest (as implemented in the above-mentioned EP 144 528 A and US Pat. No. 4,425,713 A), there have also been, in recent years, a number of non-contact methods and devices for such measurements, wherein, for example, by means of a projector measuring lines or grids are projected onto the back of a naked person, based on the video analysis deformations and thus already minor deviations in the surface relief can be displayed.

However, all previously known methods and devices of the type described have the disadvantage that they merely reproduce a passive snapshot, since the person to be measured is analyzed in a fixed static position. It is thus no statement about the "actual attitude" of the presumptuous person in daily life and thus no guidance to their, possibly necessary, correction possible. By the term "actual posture" is meant the position a person takes when standing for a long time in one place and finally letting the body fall into an economic position for the musculature.

Starting from this consideration to the "actual attitude" starting and also from the fact that only by determining this actual attitude wrong and compensation attitudes of the entire body recognizable and only then compensatory movements become noticeable, which carries out the person to be measured unconsciously, to the balance or the respective According to the present invention, in order to avoid the mentioned disadvantage, it is provided for the person to be measured to stand still for a certain time before the measurement, and only after this initial resting time to determine the spatial position of the body points of interest in a plurality of temporally successive measuring positions. determined and from which the actual posture of the person to be measured, including their unconscious compensatory movements is determined. The "unconscious compensatory movement" represents itself as a slight rocking of the body in the space for equilibrium compensation and additionally gives important information about the physical actual state with regard to balance, coordination, etc. and thus about the actual condition or training state of a person People. Apart from this, by taking into account the compensatory movements of mutually related body points, it is also possible to compensate for undesired interference movements of individual body regions. All this is not possible with the previously known static measuring methods.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the range of motion in subregions of the body is additionally determined by measuring at least one of the body points of interest in a different attitude and evaluating the different positions. In addition to the above-described determination of the actual posture, this allows conclusions to be drawn regarding various deficits in the anatomical-muscular area. Just this measurement of the range of motion is advantageously not sitting or lying down, but out of the state and including the aforementioned unconscious compensatory movements, as it can be a so-called "dynamic range of motion" determine which comes much closer to the individual status of the measured person. Important areas whose dynamic range of motion is measured are, in particular, hip flexors, straight thigh muscles, hamstrings, thoracic and back muscles, back extensors, calf muscles and the like.

From the actual posture, the unconscious compensatory movements and the dynamic range of motion is in a particularly preferred further embodiment of the invention and preferably with the additional inclusion of additional, separately determined physiological data of the measured person, such. As blood pressure, heart rate, cardioscan, spiroergometry, or the like, created an individual training plan. This training plan takes individual account of the actual personal circumstances of the measured person. The mentioned additional physiological data enable the elimination of health risks as well as the design of the training planning also on the improvement of possible risks or their stabilization. In this case, the training can be checked by reference measurements at certain intervals, which on the one hand makes the training success visible and on the other hand also allows specific corrections to optimize the training. The determination of the spatial position of the body points of interest can be carried out without contact in a further embodiment of the invention, preferably by means of laser measurement, preferably at previously marked points on the body surface. This makes it possible in a particularly simple manner and not influencing the person to be measured to determine the actual posture and the unconscious compensatory movements, wherein the settings and measured values can be carried out or recorded in a particularly simple manner also automatically, which is the further processing in a connected evaluation device (computer with appropriate software, fix programmed microprocessor control, or the like) very simplified. In the latter context, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it is particularly preferred that for determining the spatial location of the body points of interest of defined on at least three sides of the person to be measured, substantially perpendicular to the ground aligned straight lines from distance measurements at defined heights and defined lateral arrangement and alignment are performed. This facilitates and simplifies the survey itself as well as its evaluation.

In order to further simplify the determination of the position of the body points of interest and to expand the knowledge gained therefrom on the actual physical condition of the person to be measured and at the same time to simplify, is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that at least one digital image from a defined distance and direction is recorded to the person to be measured, whereupon the position of the body points of interest is determined on the basis of the known pixel resolution of the image sensor used from the position and / or distance of certain individual pixels. Thus, any suitable digital camera can be used, from which still images or individual image sequences as well as entire video or film sequences can be evaluated. Due to the known resolution of the image sensor and the defined orientation and distance to the person to be measured, a simple measurement or determination of the position of the body points of interest can take place. It can be easily determined lengths, widths, diameters, angles or the like. It is also possible to determine deviations in relation to previous measurements in terms of lengths, degrees or percentages. By mirroring parts of the recorded image deviations, for example, from the left side of the body to the right side of the body can be easily displayed or quantified. Similar benefits are offered by the overlaying of older and newer images (for example, before the start of training / after training).

In a particularly preferred further embodiment of the method, the recorded digital image is electronically deposited a defined grid, with which a reference to the posture can be produced and preferably also relative to the digital image electronically displaceable is. Thus, in a very simple way alignments of the recorded image to Lotbzw. Central axis possible, from which starting then on the stored grid very simple example misalignments of the body are visible. The electronic displacement of the grid in relation to the body axes a very simple and accurate assessment is possible, which in a simple and accurate way, for example, the determination of body size, the determination of the diameter of individual body parts (eg., Upper arm, muscle building and dismantling ), the determination of the lengths of individual limbs and the like allows. A comparison of the left and right side of the body and also the overlaying to detect asymmetries or their measurement is easy to accomplish. A measurement (especially the angle) of certain parts of the body to each other - even in different positions of the person to be measured (possibly also lying down or in a sitting position) - shows the muscle function or the range of motion. It can be used to determine the effects of injuries, incorrect postures, malpositions, etc., on the entire body or underpinned by functional tests, which can also be chronologically documented. In contrast to, for example, accidental X-rays, these recordings or measurements can be repeated as often as desired and without load on the body.

A device according to the invention for carrying out the method described has a base plate with markings for the foot positions of the person to be measured, are arranged at the at least three outer locations substantially vertical support columns on which mounted in height and laterally adjustable at least one laser rangefinder is whose position, orientation and distance measurement value to the respective targeted body point of interest in a connected evaluation device is evaluated. A three-dimensional space in which the person to be measured is placed is defined over the base plate or the vertical support columns. The laser range finder (s) can be moved and / or swiveled horizontally and vertically, after which a distance measurement is made to certain points previously marked on the body of the person to be measured. Thus, these points of interest can be determined in their position in space and then the actual attitude including the unconscious compensatory movements can be determined.

Apart from the preferred laser range finding, there are a number of technically equivalent ways to determine the location of points in space. Also possible, for example, light-emitting diodes or markings on the body, which are detected by cameras, the recording of still images or a Ganzkörpercan. Typically, the survey is done from four sides - laterally from both sides and depending on the location of the points from the front or back. The lateral measurements provide information about a twisting of the body, especially in the pelvis and shoulder area, whereby lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis become visible. The determination of both sides is necessary, since opposite points are usually covered by the body and thus can only be reached from the other side. The spine of the person to be measured can be measured separately from the back, wherein preferably marked before the measurement of the horizontal course of the spinous processes and then traced with the laser rangefinder in the direction and depth. The placement of the remaining body points of interest takes place z. Ears, chin, shoulders (raven-beaked heads), pelvis (cleg), hips, knees, ankles, etc.

The person to be measured usually stands with bare feet on the bottom plate, with the heels touching a rip fence to allow repeatable positioning. After a certain period of time (usually one to five minutes), a permanent resting position is reached in which the person to be measured takes up the actual posture to be determined. Then the position of the feet (eg outline with chalk) can be marked, whereby the standing position is defined. In this position, the actual posture is then determined free standing in the manner mentioned. Similarly, the dynamic range of motion in subregions of the body can then be determined, after which, taking into account the co-determined unconscious compensatory movements, a status report or an individual training program can be created.

A further preferred device for carrying out the method according to the invention has a base plate with markings for the foot positions of the person to be measured, relative to which at least one digital camera is mounted at a defined distance and orientation, which is equipped with an evaluation device for determining and utilizing the positions and / or Distances of certain individual pixels of the recorded digital images, and preferably also for storing the digital images with an electronically generated, movable grid is connected. Apart from this, a couch, a seat, or similar carrying device or a holding or supporting device for the person to be measured could be provided in relative to the bottom plate defined position. The bottom plate is preferably connected to a neutral background plate and via a plug-in linkage with a fastening device for the at least one digital camera, which at any time easily reproducible geometric relationships result, which simplifies the evaluation of the recorded images.

At least one digital camera can be movable in a further preferred embodiment of the invention relative to the person to be measured, preferably at least partially around This allows for the controlled recording of a certain position from different positions without the person to be surveyed having to move.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the evaluation and additional signal inputs for physiological data of the person to be measured, such. As blood pressure, pulse, cardioscan, spiroergometry or the like.

The invention will be explained again briefly below with reference to the embodiments of devices for carrying out the method shown in the drawing. 1 to 3 show a schematic representation (stylized skeleton) of a person to be measured in various stages of a measurement of posture according to the inventive method in a partially schematically illustrated device according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows another schematic example of a 5 and 6 show schematic examples of recorded and rastered digital images from a device according to FIG. 4. FIG.

According to Fig. 1 to 3 to the person to be measured 1 beforehand certain body points of interest 2 (for example, ears, chin, shoulders, Rabenschnabelfortsätzen, pelvis (dam), hip, knees, ankles, etc.) marked, for example, by attaching light emitting diodes , reflective markers, or the like. Then, the person is asked to take an upright posture in the device 3, initially resulting in a more or less compulsive rigid posture indicated in Fig. 1, in which the person 1 to be measured fixes himself via muscle tensions in a certain static position , The present invention, inter alia, assumes that this compulsive static position is not suitable for determining an actual posture that occurs only when the body falls into the most economical position for the musculature and the entire supporting apparatus. It is now so let the person to be measured 1 before the measurement for a certain time quiet, after which in Fig. 2 for clarification somewhat exaggerated "actual attitude" sets, which makes it possible to recognize the wrong and compensation postures of the body, which manifest themselves therein in that the specific body points 2 of interest are not in the positions actually to be expected.

In addition to the principle of measurement in the "actual posture" according to FIG. 2, according to the present invention, the unconscious compensatory movements, as they are more or less unconsciously performed in this actual posture for the purpose of balancing the person to be measured, are determined by the body points of interest are each determined and evaluated in a plurality of temporally successive measurements.

Furthermore, according to FIG. 3, additional measurements for determining the range of movement in partial regions of the body can be determined by measuring at least one of the interesting body points 2 (in this case, the leg being stretched up) in a different posture and evaluating the different positions. In addition to the described determination of the actual posture, including the unconscious compensatory movements, this allows for further conclusions regarding various deficits in the anatomical muscular area of the person to be measured.

The device 3 shown in Fig. 1 to 3 has a bottom plate 4, which is here provided with a T-shaped adjustable stop 5, which provides markings for the foot positions, which are preferably fixed only when the position of FIG achieved and maintained. Furthermore, substantially vertical support pillars 6 are arranged on at least three outer locations, on which at least one laser rangefinder 7, which is adjustable both in height and laterally, whose position, orientation and distance measurement value are only symbolically related to the body point 2 of interest indicated evaluation device 8 can be evaluated. The rangefinder 7 can either be aligned manually to the point to be measured or controlled by the evaluation 8, for example, be moved electrically - in both cases, the settings and measurements are preferably immediately automatically transmitted to the evaluation device 8, so that manual inputs of the measured values and Basic data of the respective measurement are not required.

In the illustrated embodiment, the laser rangefinder 7 sits concretely on a movable in the three directions of space slide 9, which is movable via linear guides 10. Of course, other known concepts (controlled robotic arm or the like) are also applicable to the actual measurement.

Not shown here are additional signal inputs of the evaluation device 8 for further physiological data of the person to be measured, such as, for example, blood pressure, heart rate, cardioscan, spiroergometry or the like. The evaluations leading to the creation of an individual training plan for the person to be measured can also take into account other meaningful variables such as fat percentage, muscle mass, water content, height and weight, lactate, etc., which allows for the most varied fine-tuning or also control of the training process allows. 4, a bottom plate 4 is connected to a neutral background plate 1 1, which is connected via a plug-in rod 12 with a mounting device 13 for a digital camera 14. Stops or markings 5 for certain foot positions of a person, not shown here, to be measured, are provided on the base plate 4 via a depression 15. Apart from that, the position of the person to be measured could also be fixed via separate stops for the feet (standing up) or by a couch fixed to a defined position, an armchair or the like. Thus, the digital camera 14 is defined in its position and orientation relative to the person to be measured. In a connected evaluation device 8 (for example, a commercial personal computer with appropriate programming) positions and / or distances of certain individual pixels of the recorded digital images can be determined and utilized, which in the manner described the determination and evaluation of the location of body points of interest and from the determination the actual posture of the person to be measured allows.

In Fig. 5 and 6 is taken with reference to a device similar to that in Fig. 4

Digital images of two different people to be measured 1 in basically the same posture to see how the inventive method works or what statements (for example) are possible. In both cases, the recorded digital image is deposited electronically with a defined grid 16 (in this case 10 × 10 cm in the plane of the body points to be measured), which has been displaced relative to the digital image so that the central axis 17 is located exactly in the middle of the body (step). lies. As can be seen immediately, in the digital image of Fig. 5 in the person to be measured 1, the Lotachse centered (positioned in the connection between the crotch and center of the cervical spine and from the symmetry to the outer contour of the body clearly visible, while in the person shown in FIG 6, the asymmetry of the vertical axis of the body is already apparent from the different lateral distances of the contours of the body from the central axis 17. From Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the person measured here has a shortening of the left leg - see in particular that relative to one Furthermore, a misalignment of the measured person from FIG. 6 is evident from the fact that the lateral distances of the arms (elbow area) to the body on the left and right are clearly different.

Claims

claims

1 . Method for measuring the posture, wherein on the person to be measured (1) in an upright position certain points (2) on the body surface spatially measured and set in relation to each other, characterized in that the person to be measured (1) before the measurement rested for a certain time and determined only after this initial rest period, the spatial position of the body points of interest (2) in several, temporally successive measurements and from the actual posture of the person to be measured (1), including their unconscious compensatory movements is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition the range of motion in partial areas of the body by measuring at least one of the body points of interest (2) is determined in a different attitude and evaluation of the different positions.

3. The method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that from the actual posture, the unconscious compensatory movements and the range of motion, preferably with the additional inclusion of additional, separately determined physiological data of the measured person, such. As blood pressure, heart rate, cardioscan, spiroergometry or the like, an individual training plan is created.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination of the spatial position of the body points of interest takes place without contact, preferably by means of laser measurement, preferably at pre-marked points (2) on the body surface.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for determining the spatial position of the body points of interest (2) on at least three sides of the person to be measured (1) defined, aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground straight from distance measurements in defined heights and in a defined lateral arrangement and orientation are performed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one digital image from a defined distance and direction to the person to be measured (1) is recorded, whereupon on the basis of the known pixel resolution of the image sensor used from the position and / or distance of certain individual pixels the position of the body points of interest (2) is determined.

, A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the captured digital image electronically a defined grid (16) is deposited, with which a reference to the posture can be produced.

, A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the grid (16) is electronically displaceable relative to the digital image.

, Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that arranged on a bottom plate (4) with markings for the foot positions of the person to be measured (2) at at least three outer locations substantially vertical support columns (6) which at least one laser rangefinder (7) is mounted in the height and laterally adjustable whose position, orientation and distance measured value to the respectively targeted interested body point (2) in a connected evaluation device (8) can be evaluated.

0. A device for carrying out the method according to claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a bottom plate (4) with markings (5) for the foot positions and possibly also for a couch, a chair, a holding or supporting device or the like or is provided for the person to be measured (1), relative to which at least a digital camera (14) is mounted in a defined distance and orientation, which with an evaluation device (8) for determining and exploiting the positions and / or distances of certain individual pixels of the recorded Digital images, and preferably also for depositing the digital images with an electronically generated, displaceable grid (16) is connected.

1. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the bottom plate (4) with a neutral background plate (1 1) and via a plug-in linkage (12) with a fastening device (13) for the at least one digital camera (14) is connected.

2. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that at least one digital camera (14) relative to the person to be measured (1) is movable, preferably at least partially around them.

3. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12 for carrying out the method according to claim 3, characterized in that the evaluation device (8) additional signal inputs for physiological data of the person to be measured (1), such. As blood pressure, pulse, cardioscan, spiroergometry or the like.