Rating a physical capability by motion analysis

Abstract

Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol optionally producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol can be determined by data mining or other analysis of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols can be relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data can be encompassed. Resulting protocols can be capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.

It is claimed: 
     
         1 . A protocol for ascribing a discrete rating to an aspect of human physical performance of a subject comprising:
 instrumenting the subject to measure, by electronic systems, a predetermined set of motion parameters;   directing the subject through a predetermined sequence of motions;   collecting real-time data representative, at least, of subject motions;   analyzing, according to predetermined criteria, at least a portion of the collected real-time data with a computer system programmed for biomechanical data comparison;   determining of a discrete rating based upon the analyzing;   where the predetermined motion parameters, predetermined set of motions and predetermined criteria were previously derived by a statistical analysis of measurements of a proper subset of the motion parameters on a proper subset of the motions on a plurality of individuals of known ability in the aspect of human physical performance; the derivation producing the respective predetermined subsets and criteria to comprise an efficient protocol with a desired degree of accuracy and repeatability.   
     
     
         2 . The protocol of  claim 1  where the discrete rating comprises an overall figure of merit. 
     
     
         3 . The protocol of  claim 1  where the discrete rating comprises a numeric expression. 
     
     
         4 . The protocol of  claim 1  where the instrumenting comprises GFR. 
     
     
         5 . The protocol of  claim 1  where the instrumenting comprises accelerometers. 
     
     
         6 . The protocol of  claim 1  where the instrumenting and analyzing are performed at distinct locations and times. 
     
     
         7 . A protocol for ascribing a discrete rating to an aspect of human physical performance of a subject comprising:
 analyzing collected real-time data with a computer system programmed for biomechanical data comparison, the computer system having a processor and a memory; the analysis according to predetermined criteria;   determining a discrete rating based on the analyzing;   where the collected real-time data is representative, at least, of subject's motions determined by instrumenting the subject to measure a predetermined set of motion parameters by electronic systems while the subject is being directed through a predetermined sequence of specific motions;   where the predetermined motion parameters, predetermined set of motions and predetermined criteria were previously derived by a statistical analysis of measurements of a proper subset of the motion parameters on a proper subset of the motions on a plurality of individuals of known ability in the aspect of human physical performance; the derivation producing the respective predetermined sets and criteria to comprise an efficient protocol with a desired degree of accuracy and repeatability.   
     
     
         8 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the discrete rating comprises an overall figure of merit. 
     
     
         9 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the discrete rating comprises a numeric expression. 
     
     
         10 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the discrete rating comprises an estimate of the probability that the subject is feigning a degree of ability. 
     
     
         11 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the statistical analysis comprises clustering analysis. 
     
     
         12 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the statistical analysis comprises regression. 
     
     
         13 . The protocol of  claim 7  where the analysis of real-time data comprises includes step of pre-processing by principal component analysis. 
     
     
         14 . A non-transient computer readable medium containing instructions executable by a computer system having a processor and memory and input/output facilities, the instructions directing the action of:
 analyzing biomechanical data representative of selected motions of an individual according to a predetermined criteria, the biomechanical data representative of, at least, a predetermined set of motion parameters taken during a directed, predetermined set of motions of the individual; the analyzing resulting in assigning a discrete designation of ability in a specific domain of human physical performance;   where the predetermined motion parameters, predetermined set of motions and predetermined criteria were previously derived by a statistical analysis of measurements of a proper subset of the motion parameters on a proper subset of the motions on a plurality of individuals of known ability in the domain of human physical performance; the derivation producing the respective predetermined subsets and criteria.   
     
     
         15 . The non-transient computer readable medium of  claim 14  where the discrete rating comprises an overall figure of merit. 
     
     
         16 . The non-transient computer readable medium of  claim 14  where the discrete rating comprises a numeric expression. 
     
     
         17 . The non-transient computer readable medium of  claim 14  where the discrete rating comprises an estimate of the probability the individual is feigning a degree of ability. 
     
     
         18 . The non-transient computer readable medium of  claim 14  where the analysis of biomechanical data comprises pre-processing by principal component analysis. 
     
     
         19 . The non-transient computer readable medium of  claim 14  where the executable instructions further comprise instructions for collecting real-time data representative of biomechanical data to be analyzed.