NECK POSTURE RECORDING AND WARNING DEVICE

Abstract

A miniature electronic device senses head tilt and informs the user so as to avoid neck strain. The device may inform the user via various audio/visual alarms, and my sound based upon angle, duration, or both. Wireless interfaces to other devices may be provided. The device includes a housing adapted for mounting on a wearer's head so as to move in a manner corresponding to front-to-back head movements, an input for receiving information corresponding to a particular forward head tilt angle, and a sensor that detects when a wearer of the device tilt their head at an angle equal to or greater than the particular forward head tilt angle. In particular embodiments the forward head tilt angle is in the range of 5 and 35 degrees, and more particularly approximately or equal to 20 degrees. The sensor may include a gyroscopic sensor, an acceleration sensor or, more preferably, a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A neck posture monitoring device, comprising: a housing physically coupled to a wearer's head such that the housing moves in a manner corresponding to front-to-back head tilt movements made by the wearer; a memory disposed in the housing for storing information corresponding to a specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle measured relative to a horizontal reference; and a sensor disposed in the housing that detects the front-to-back head tilt movements made by the wearer; and electronic circuitry disposed in the housing operative to (a) compare the front-to-back head tilt movements made by the wearer to the stored specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle, and (b) perform a function when the wearer tilts their head at an angle equal to or greater than the stored particular forward head tilt angle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle is between 5 and 35 degrees.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle is substantially 20 degrees.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the function performed is to activate an alarm disposed in the housing.

5. The device of claim 4, further including a light source for generating a visible alarm.

6. The device of claim 4, further including a transducer for generating an audible alarm.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the transducer forms part of an earphone or earbud.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes one or more fasteners for attachment to eyeglass frames.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is an on-ear or in-ear housing.

10. The device of claim 1, further including: a real-time clock for determining date and time; and a memory for recording a wearer's head tilt angle as a function of time.

11. The device of claim 10, further including an alarm that is activated when the wearer meets or exceeds the particular forward head tilt angle a specific number of times over a specific period of time.

12. The device of claim 10, further including an alarm that is activated when the wearer meets or exceeds the specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle for a particular duration of time.

13. The device of claim 1, further including an input for receiving information corresponding to a head neutral position.

14. The device of claim 1, further including an electronic level that operates in conjunction with the sensor to determine when a wearer of the device tilt their head at an angle equal to or greater than the specific, predetermined forward head tilt angle.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a gyroscopic sensor.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an acceleration sensor.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor combines a gyroscopic sensor with an acceleration sensor.

18. The device of claim 1, configured as a self-contained battery operated device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates declination angle and parameters other associated with head movement and tilt;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing that shows a posture angle is 23 degrees, a reference line angle 12 degrees and a head tilt angle is 20 degrees, such that the minimum rotation angle of his eyes to avoid neck strain is 35 degrees;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of important electronic components associated with the invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted to eyeglass frames;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a drawing that shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in the form of an ear mounted device;

[0019] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at a neutral posture;

[0020] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at a maximum safe head tilt;

[0021] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at an unsafe head tilt; and

[0022] FIG. 7 shows how an acceleration sensor and a gyroscopic sensor may be combined in accordance with the invention to achieve a more effective neck posture recording and warning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] This invention is directed to a neck posture recording and warning device to help users develop safe working postures by warning, recording and/or showing their neck postures as a function of time. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing important electronic components associated with the device irrespective of packaging which is illustrated in subsequent drawings.

[0024] The device is controlled by a microprocessor such as the AVR Core from Amtel Corp. though the invention is not limited in terms of the controller used. In addition to processing functions, the CPU has a clock for determining and recording time-based events, as well as memory for storing results. An additional flash memory storage device is provided for expanded data recording including measured data as a function of time.

[0025] The device further includes an input port such as a USB port that allows for data input and power from a rechargeable battery source. A key button input allows for ON/OFF functions. An LED status indicator shows operational status and may also be used to output alarm status. A melody generation circuit generates alarm sounds, and may be interfaced to a speaker or earphone for private listening. The neck posture warning device further includes a gyro sensor which measures the head tilt angle. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the neck posture warning device combines an acceleration sensor and a gyroscopic sensor to measure tilt in terms of orientation and rate of change.

[0026] In operation, the devices measures head tilt angle and provides an alarm when poor posture is determined. However, the device has several modes of operation. In the most basic mode, the device simply generates an audible and/or visible alarm when head tilt angle exceeds a specific value input by the user (or factory set). In a different mode of operation, the device monitors head tilt over time, and outputs an audible and/or visible alarm if head tilt exceeds a specific value a specific number of times over a specific period also input by the user of factory set. For example, if the user's head tilt exceeds 20 degrees once the device might not issue a warning. However, if head tilt exceeds 20 degrees more than once per minute (for example), an audible and/or visible alarm will be generated.

[0027] As a third more than may be used with either of the above, the device may record in memory head tilt over time, regardless of whether the maximum input value has been exceeded. This enables the user to connect a computer or other device such a smartphone to the USB port and prepare charts showing neck tilt behavior over time.

[0028] Unique to this invention is the ability to input a particular head tilt value and generate alarms/reports if that value is exceeded. Again, this value may be input by a user (through USB port, for example), or factory set. The specific value will typically be a function of the packaging used for the device, as discussed below. For example, if the unit is attached to eyeglass frames, the critical head tilt angle may be adjusted to account for the reference angle for a particular individual and the type of glasses they are wearing. If packaged as an on-ear or in-device, the device may be rotated or adjusted to account for the angle off-horizontal. In the preferred embodiment, the user may be able to set a head neutral position using pushbuttons provided, such that after such normalization recording will begin. As a further option the device may include an integrated electronic leveling device.

[0029] In terms of packaging, FIG. 4 shows the device packaged in a unit 202 that may be attached to a frame temple piece trough one or more clips/fasteners 204. Although the unit is small, current miniaturization allows all of the components to be accommodated. The alarm LED is shown at 204 and the speaker vent at 206. The USB port is shown at 210 and optional earbud, 212. The control buttons are depicted at 214. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at a neutral posture; FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at a maximum safe head tilt; and FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a user wearing an eyeglass-mounted sensor at an unsafe head tilt. FIG. 5 illustrates an in-ear version of the device at 500 with optional around-ear stabilizer 501. The USB port is shown at 502 and control buttons at 504.