Design and implementation of a novel system for correcting posture through the use of a wearable necklace sensor

Abstract

Background: To our knowledge, few studies have examined the use of wearable sensing devices to effectively integrate information communication technologies and apply them to health care issues (particularly those pertaining to posture correction). Objective: A novel system for posture correction involving the application of wearable sensing technology was developed in this study. The system was created with the aim of preventing the unconscious development of bad postures (as well as potential spinal diseases over the long term). Methods: The newly developed system consists of a combination of 3 subsystems, namely, a smart necklace, notebook computer, and smartphone. The notebook computer is enabled to use a depth camera to read the relevant data, to identify the skeletal structure and joint reference points of a user, and to compute calculations relating to those reference points, after which the computer then sends signals to the smart necklace to enable calibration of the smart necklace’s standard values (base values for posture assessment). The gravitational acceleration data of the user are collected and analyzed by a microprocessor unit-6050 sensor housed in the smart necklace when the smart necklace is worn, with those data being used by the smart necklace to determine the user’s body posture. When poor posture is detected by the smart necklace, the smart necklace sends the user’s smartphone a reminder to correct his or her posture; a mobile app that was also developed as part of the study allows the smart necklace to transmit such messages to the smartphone. Results: The system effectively enables a user to monitor and correct his or her own posture, which in turn will assist the user in preventing spine-related diseases and, consequently, in living a healthier life. Conclusions: The proposed system makes it possible for (1) the user to self-correct his or her posture without resorting to the use of heavy, thick, or uncomfortable corrective clothing; (2) the smart necklace’s standard values to be quickly calibrated via the use of posture imaging; and (3) the need for complex wiring to be eliminated through the effective application of the Internet of Things as well as by implementing wireless communication between the smart necklace, notebook computer, and smartphone.