Measurement of the angular position of a human extremity based on a multifunctional approach
Wei Quan, Katsunori Shida · Measurement Science and Technology · 2007
A novel method for measuring the three-dimensional joint angles of a human extremity simultaneously is presented based on a multifunctional sensing approach. The method proposes a simple and single configuration with minimum sensing elements, which is able to convert obliquity, bending direction and torsion angle to the linear movements of three wires by imitating the status of the skin on the joint using a flexible tube. A prototype is built with three inductances as its outputs, whose results examine the feasibility of the proposed method and give satisfactory accuracy. A simple algorithm to reconstruct three angular parameters is able to provide real-time analysis. The system is multifunctional, easily mountable, low cost and can be used for long-term monitoring of human extremities such as the arm, knee and shoulder.