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Method and apparatus for analysis of postural abnormalities

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-02-15
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Granted: 1992-01-14
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Expires: 2011-02-15
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Abstract

Abstract Method and apparatus for diagnosing posture abnormalities includes a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between the camera and the terminal so that the subject can view the terminal. A computer is employed to freeze a video image of the subject on said terminal so that an operator can obtain data regarding the relative positions of landmarks on said image using a light pen. The computer analyzes the landmark position data and generates a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject. The method and apparatus may also employ a weight scale on the subject platform for transmitting data to the computer regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject.

Inventors

  • 👤 Joseph F. Arme, Jr.

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 13:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/74; A61B5/7475; A61B5/103; A61B5/1036; A61B5/45; A61B5/4538; A61B5/4561; A61B5/742

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim 99 words
A method of body posture analysis comprising the steps of: (a) creating a video image of that portion of the body to be analyzed utilizing a video camera and a video display terminal; (b) causing the image to freeze in said display to present a still image of the said portion of the body; (c) generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on said still image utilizing a light-sensitive pen and said video display; and (d) analyzing the landmark position data and generating from that analysis a diagnosis of the postural abnormalities of said body.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 99 words
A method of body posture analysis comprising the steps of: (a) creating a video image of that portion of the body to be analyzed utilizing a video camera and a video display terminal; (b) causing the image to freeze in said display to present a still image of the said portion of the body; (c) generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on said still image utilizing a light-sensitive pen and said video display; and (d) analyzing the landmark position data and generating from that analysis a diagnosis of the postural abnormalities of said body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 37 words
A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, performed on a human subject and further comprising presentation of the video display for visual perception by the subject during generation of said landmark position data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 41 words
A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 2, further comprising generating data regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject, analyzing the weight distribution data and generating therefrom a diagnosis of posture abnormalities of the subject.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the generation of instructions to an operator for manipulation of the light pen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 23 words
A method of posture analysis as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a narrative presentation of the diagnosis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 116 words
Apparatus for analyzing the posture of a subject, said apparatus comprising a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between said camera and said display terminal, a computer connected to said camera and said display terminal, means for issuing instructions to said computer, one such instruction being to cause said display terminal to display a still image of the subject, a light-sensitive pen operated in conjunction with said display terminal and said computer for generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on the still image on said display terminal, said computer including means for analyzing said landmark position data and generating a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 116 words
Apparatus for analyzing the posture of a subject, said apparatus comprising a video camera, a video display terminal, a subject platform positioned between said camera and said display terminal, a computer connected to said camera and said display terminal, means for issuing instructions to said computer, one such instruction being to cause said display terminal to display a still image of the subject, a light-sensitive pen operated in conjunction with said display terminal and said computer for generating data regarding the relative positions of a plurality of landmarks on the still image on said display terminal, said computer including means for analyzing said landmark position data and generating a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 32 words
The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a weight scale on said subject platform for transmitting data to said computer regarding the weight distribution on the feet of the subject.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 21 words
The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means for presenting a narrative of the diagnosis generated by said computer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 32 words
The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 7, including means in said computer for generating a diagnosis of postural abnormalities of the subject on the basis of data received from said weight scale.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 33 words
The posture analyzing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means in said computer for generating commands for instructing an operator of the apparatus regarding the landmarks to be addressed with said light pen.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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US4571834A Cited
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US4699156A Cited
US4760851A Cited
EP0245098A2 Cited
US4922925A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1995-01-13 1995-07-15 1996-01-14 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1999-01-13 1999-07-15 2000-01-14 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2003-01-13 2003-07-15 2004-01-14 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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