WO2011036350A1 - Device for evaluating and/or reinforcing gripping strength - Google Patents

Device for evaluating and/or reinforcing gripping strength Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011036350A1
WO2011036350A1 PCT/FR2009/001120 FR2009001120W WO2011036350A1 WO 2011036350 A1 WO2011036350 A1 WO 2011036350A1 FR 2009001120 W FR2009001120 W FR 2009001120W WO 2011036350 A1 WO2011036350 A1 WO 2011036350A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hollow volume
wireless communication
communication system
analog
integrated
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2009/001120
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacques Duchene
Jean-Yves Hogrel
Original Assignee
Universite De Technologie De Troyes
Association Institut De Myologie
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Universite De Technologie De Troyes, Association Institut De Myologie filed Critical Universite De Technologie De Troyes
Priority to DE112009002407.6T priority Critical patent/DE112009002407B4/en
Priority to ES201190016A priority patent/ES2384774A1/en
Priority to GB1104852.7A priority patent/GB2475659B/en
Publication of WO2011036350A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011036350A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/22—Ergometry; Measuring muscular strength or the force of a muscular blow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/22—Ergometry; Measuring muscular strength or the force of a muscular blow
    • A61B5/224—Measuring muscular strength
    • A61B5/225—Measuring muscular strength of the fingers, e.g. by monitoring hand-grip force
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6896—Toys
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
    • A63B23/16—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles for hands or fingers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0456—Apparatus provided with a docking unit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0462—Apparatus with built-in sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A61B5/0015—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system
    • A61B5/002—Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A61B5/0015—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system
    • A61B5/0022—Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
    • A63B2220/56—Pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of devices for evaluating and / or reinforcing the grip force.
  • the medical applications of devices for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force are various and varied. Of course, they concern the rehabilitation of the hand and the grip function, but they are also used for any type of evaluation. They concern in particular the clinical evaluation for the monitoring of pathologies having a distal motor repercussion such as neuromuscular pathologies (Duchenne, Becker, Steinert myopathies, ...) and neurological (carpal tunnel, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,. ..) or the assessment of motor impairment and disability following an accident that plays a role in the assessment of the reimbursement by Mutuals or in the evaluation of an injury.
  • these applications reach an even wider audience in that they concern the assessment of the grip capacity in the elderly, but this capacity is a reflection of the overall muscular capacity and its degradation during aging, which is part of the evaluation of the autonomy of the elderly.
  • a problem in the field of grappling force evaluation and / or strengthening devices is that they utilize force measuring systems, also known as grip gauges; However, these only allow a static effort, for example a so-called isometric muscular contraction, which does not give the user the sensation of having a real action on the device, and their measurements depend on the way in which the grip is done.
  • a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force comprising electronic circuits integrated in a hollow volume, characterized in that the electronic circuits comprise at least one functional combination of a pressure measuring system with a wireless communication system, the hollow volume being formed by an autonomous object of spherical shape or any other closed form, made of deformable flexible material and of suitable size to be able to be grasped and compressed by a only one hand, said flexible material being fluid-tight compressible contained in the hollow volume, said fluid being compatible with the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume.
  • the device according to the invention further comprises a reserve of electrical energy for supplying the pressure measurement system 5 and the wireless communication system.
  • the pressure measuring system can be any type of pressure sensor sensitive to the compression of the object and chosen in the manufacture of the object for the pressure measurement range corresponding thereto according to the use of the device and, more particularly, the force of the compression exerted.
  • the pressure sensor is analog and is connected to an analog-digital converter, integrated in the hollow volume of the object and connected to the wireless communication system circuit, to convert the analog signal from the sensor of analog pressure in a digital signal to the wireless communication system.
  • the wireless communication system comprises:
  • detection means detecting whether the compressive force exerted on the object exceeds a threshold value defined and programmed for the manufacture of the object as a function of the pressure measurement range of the pressure measuring system and
  • the electrical energy supply is supplied without galvanic contact by a magnetic induction supply system for charging an electric battery constituting the reserve of electrical energy ensuring the autonomy of the object.
  • the rechargeable electric battery is connected, on the one hand, to a load circuitry including a winding integrated into the hollow volume of the object and receiving the induction current produced by the magnetic induction supply system. and is connected, on the other hand, to the circuits of the wireless communication system and the analog pressure sensor by galvanic connection, to form a supply circuit of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of the object.
  • the magnetic induction feed system is incorporated in a load base provided with a housing of form and dimension adapted to receive and hold the object, so that the system of magnetic induction power supply is located near the winding connected to the charging circuitry of the electric battery, and provided with an indicator teaching the user whether the object is correctly or incorrectly arranged on its charging base according to the presence or absence of a current in the charging circuit respectively.
  • the charging circuitry integrated in the hollow volume of the object comprises an electronic proximity switch detecting the positioning on the charging base to cut the supply circuit of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of 0 l object and isolate the battery while charging.
  • the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of the object are held approximately in the center of the hollow volume by holding members of elastic material.
  • the local communication interface is incorporated either in a relay device, located outside the object in the environment of the person handling the object and allowing the reception of the measured values relating to the compressing the object and sending it by transmitting a long-range digital signal to a far-end terminal, either directly in a processing terminal, located outside the object in the environment of the person handling the object.
  • the relay device is either incorporated in the charging base, a mobile phone or any other type of device allowing the reception of the measured values relating to the compression of the object and their sending by sending a long-range digital signal to a remote terminal.
  • the relay device may comprise means for displaying the measured values and, in any case, includes means for storing the measured values.
  • the processing terminal includes means for modifying at will the processing applied to the measured values relating to the compression of the object.
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents an embodiment of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume including an analog pressure sensor together with an analog-digital converter
  • FIG. 2 a schematically represents the autonomous object disposed in its charging base and the relationship between the rechargeable battery and the magnetic induction power supply system;
  • FIG. 2b schematically represents the autonomous object arranged in its load base, in the embodiment where the latter incorporates the relay device,
  • FIG. 3a shows a first embodiment of the digital signal path, carrying the values of the measurements relating to the compression of the object, using the communication relay device between the wireless communication system of the autonomous object and the processing terminal located in the distance, and
  • FIG. 3b shows a second embodiment of the digital signal path using direct communication between the autonomous object and the processing terminal located in the local environment.
  • the invention has a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force comprising electronic circuits (1) integrated in a hollow volume (2b) of an autonomous object (2), for example of spherical shape or of any other shape forming the hollow volume (2b), as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the object (2) is made of a flexible material (2a) so as to allow the person handling the object (2) a force non-static compression device deforming the object (2). Consequently, any sufficient compression of the object induces its deformation.
  • the object (2) allows non-isometric muscular contraction and the patient is subjectively encouraged by the real sensation of acting on the object (2).
  • the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) comprise at least:
  • a charging circuit (1f) including a winding including a winding.
  • the device uses, for evaluating the gripping force, a pressure measuring system which has the advantage of giving a global information on the gripping force which does not depend on the way the gripping is performed.
  • the price of this advantage is that the flexible material (2a) constituting the object (2) must be tight to a compressible fluid, said fluid being contained in the hollow volume (2b) and compatible with the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2), for example airtight or any other fluid or compressible material.
  • the amount of compressible fluid contained in the hollow volume (2b) is controlled.
  • the pressure in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) is controlled and defined at the manufacture of the object (2) and the pressure difference due to the compression of the object (2) is measured by the pressure measuring system.
  • the pressure measurement does not depend on the position of the pressure measuring system. in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2). However, it is advisable to maintain, approximately in the center of the hollow volume (2b) and by elastic holding members (3), the electronic circuits (1), so as to reduce the possibility that during compression of the object ( 2), they come to touch the inner edges of the hollow volume (2b), which could damage them.
  • the holding members (3) may be springs, elastics or flexible plastic blades.
  • the analog pressure sensor (1a) allows an analog measurement of the pressure related to the initial pressure in the hollow volume (2b) and the compression of the object (2) and has the advantage of being very widespread on the market.
  • the wireless communication system (1b) is designed to receive a digital signal. It is therefore necessary to connect the circuit of the analog pressure sensor (1a) to the circuit of the wireless communication system (1b) via an analog-digital converter (1d).
  • the device uses, for the transfer of data relating to pressure measurements to the outside of the object (2) for their (s) exploitation (s), a wireless communication system (1b).
  • a wireless communication system (1b).
  • this choice has the advantage of naturally reconciling the need for a transfer of data to the outside of the object, the sealing condition of the object (2), and the maneuverability, in the manner of an object mechanically independent of its environment.
  • the wireless communication system (1b) comprises at least:
  • a short-range digital signal (6) to a local communication interface (8), compatible with the wireless communication system (1b), and located outside the object (2) in the environment of the person handling the object (2), i.e. at a distance sufficiently short enough for the short-range digital signal (6) to be received by the local communication interface (8) without being tampered with,
  • detecting means (1bb) detecting whether the compressive force exerted on the object (2) exceeds a threshold value defined and programmed to manufacture the object (2) as a function of the pressure measurement range of the object pressure measurement system, itself chosen according to the use made of the device, for example, the evaluation of the grip strength of an elderly person or the strengthening of the gripping force of a tennis player ,
  • the device uses an energy reserve integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) to feed the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and thus ensure the autonomy of the object (2).
  • This power reserve is an electric battery (1c) electrically connected to the circuit of the wireless communication system (1b) and the circuit of the analog pressure sensor (1a) and to the digital analog conversion circuit (1d), to form a circuit for feeding electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2).
  • the electric battery (1c) is rechargeable without galvanic contact, which has the advantage of naturally reconciling the autonomous character and the sealing condition of the object (2).
  • the electric battery (1c) is connected to a charging circuit (1f) including a winding capable of receiving an induction current produced by a magnetic induction supply system (5a) to form a charging circuit.
  • the charging circuit (1f) including a winding must be located near the magnetic induction supply system (5a).
  • this proximity is controlled by an electronic proximity switch (1e) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) which detects whether there is a current in the charging circuit and, in which case, cuts off the supply circuit of the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and thus isolates the electric battery (1c) during its charging.
  • the indicator (5b) may be a device, located on the front of the charging base, provided with a green diode, on or off, and / or a red diode, off or on, if the object (2) is correctly or incorrectly disposed on its charging base (5), respectively.
  • the data relating to the compression of the object (2) must be processed by a processing terminal (10) for the evaluation and / or the reinforcement of the gripping force.
  • the processing terminal (10) can be located in the environment of the person handling the object (2). It then incorporates the local communication interface (8). This embodiment may be considered in the context of use of the device in the practitioner's office. However, in the context of using the device at home, the processing terminal (10) will generally not be hosted at home for several reasons. First, the dimensions of the processing terminal (10) can be substantial and take an important and visible place in the user's home, thus limiting his acceptability vis-à-vis the social environment of the person.
  • the processing terminal (10) may be intended to receive data relating to a plurality of uses of the device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force performed by several users, each of them being located in a place different from the others and having its own device.
  • the processing terminal (10) comprising means of modifying at will the treatments applied to the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2), certainly requires a minimum of maintenance, which would require the home visit the technician responsible for this maintenance. Nonetheless, the invention proposes a relay device (7) allowing the communication between the wireless communication system (1b) of the object (2), emitting a digital signal of short range (6), and the processing terminal (10), as illustrated in Figure 3a.
  • the relay device (7) of reduced size with respect to the processing terminal (10) and requiring no maintenance, then incorporates the local communication interface (8) receiving the short-range digital signal (6) emitted by the system wireless communication device (1b) of the object (2). It must therefore be located in the environment of the person handling the object (2).
  • the relay device (7) must be capable of transmitting a long-range digital signal (9), transporting the data relating to the compression of the object (2) to the processing terminal (10) so as to it can be located in the distance, and must include storage means (7b) of the measured values, so as to communicate with the remote terminal (10) according to any type of programmed communication protocol.
  • the device may also include means (7a) for displaying the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2) to directly teach these values to the user.
  • the relay device (7) can be incorporated in the charging base (5). It can also be a mobile phone or any other type of device allowing the reception of the values measured relative to the compression of the object (2) carried by a digital short-range signal (6) and sending them by transmitting a long-range digital signal (9) to the remote processing terminal (10).
  • the present invention provides a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the grip force which, by its shape and ergonomics, is familiar and easily integrated in the context of a home use. Requiring only the respect of a basic instruction, its simple use makes superfluous the presence of the practitioner and allows a daily use in the framework of a follow-up on the long term. These features make the originality of this device for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force that should reduce the health costs associated with the types of services concerned. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for evaluating and/or reinforcing gripping strength, including electronic circuits (1) built into a hollow space (2b) and consisting of at least: a functional combination of a pressure-measuring system (1a and 1d) with a wireless communication system (1b); and a power store (1c) for powering the pressure-measuring system and the wireless communication system (1b), the self-contained object (2) having a spherical shape, being made of a flexible airtight material (2a), and having a size suitable for being grasped and compressed by a single hand. Said easy-to-use and constraint-free device can be easily integrated into a long-term, at-home evaluation and monitoring protocol in the absence of a practitioner. Said device should contribute to reducing the healthcare costs associated with the various types of benefits involved.

Description

Dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension  Device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force
La présente invention concerne le domaine des dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension. The present invention relates to the field of devices for evaluating and / or reinforcing the grip force.
L'utilisation de dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension touche un large public à travers le monde. Pour la France, par exemple, on recense quelques 500 000 consultations de rhumatologie par an pour des douleurs de la main, 1 400 000 accidents de la main par an dont 620 000 sont jugés graves et 15 000 000 de français souffrant de rhumatismes. C'est dire si des solutions industrielles nouvelles et inventives sont nécessaires et attendues dans ce domaine!  The use of devices for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force is reaching a wide audience around the world. For France, for example, there are some 500,000 rheumatology consultations a year for hand pain, 1,400,000 hand accidents a year, of which 620,000 are considered serious and 15,000,000 French suffer from rheumatism. This is to say if new and inventive industrial solutions are necessary and expected in this field!
Les applications médicales des dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension sont diverses et variées. Elles concernent bien sûr la rééducation de la main et de la fonction de préhension, mais servent également à tout type d'évaluation. Elles concernent notamment l'évaluation clinique pour le suivi des pathologies ayant un retentissement moteur distal telles que des pathologies neuromusculaires (myopathies de Duchenne, Becker, Steinert, ...) et neurologiques (canal carpien, sclérose en plaque, sclérose latérale amyotrophique, ...) ou l'évaluation de l'atteinte motrice et du handicap suite à accident qui joue un rôle dans l'évaluation du remboursement par les Mutuelles ou dans l'évaluation d'un préjudice. Toutefois, ces applications touchent un public plus large encore par ce qu'elles concernent l'évaluation de la capacité de préhension chez les personnes âgées, or cette capacité est un reflet de la capacité musculaire globale et de sa dégradation au cours du vieillissement, ce qui s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'évaluation de l'autonomie des personnes âgées.  The medical applications of devices for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force are various and varied. Of course, they concern the rehabilitation of the hand and the grip function, but they are also used for any type of evaluation. They concern in particular the clinical evaluation for the monitoring of pathologies having a distal motor repercussion such as neuromuscular pathologies (Duchenne, Becker, Steinert myopathies, ...) and neurological (carpal tunnel, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,. ..) or the assessment of motor impairment and disability following an accident that plays a role in the assessment of the reimbursement by Mutuals or in the evaluation of an injury. However, these applications reach an even wider audience in that they concern the assessment of the grip capacity in the elderly, but this capacity is a reflection of the overall muscular capacity and its degradation during aging, which is part of the evaluation of the autonomy of the elderly.
De plus, il existe des applications des dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension qui ne sont pas médicales et concernent d'autres domaines d'activités allant de l'entraînement et du renforcement musculaire pour les sportifs (tennis, escalade, planche à voile) ou les professionnels de secteurs particuliers (rôle dans la prévention d'accident) jusqu'au développement de logiciels dédiés (scientifiques, ludiques, ...). In addition, there are applications of devices for assessing and / or strengthening the grip strength that are not medical and relate to other areas of activity ranging from training and muscle building for athletes (tennis climbing, windsurfing) or professionals in particular sectors (role in prevention accident) to the development of dedicated software (scientific, fun, ...).
Un problème dans le domaine des dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension concerne le fait qu'ils utilisent des 5 systèmes de mesure de force, aussi appelés dynamomètres de préhension ; or ceux-ci n'autorisent qu'un effort statique, par exemple une contraction musculaire dite isométrique, ce qui ne procure pas à l'utilisateur la sensation d'avoir une réelle action sur le dispositif, et leurs mesures dépendent de la façon dont la préhension est effectuée.  A problem in the field of grappling force evaluation and / or strengthening devices is that they utilize force measuring systems, also known as grip gauges; However, these only allow a static effort, for example a so-called isometric muscular contraction, which does not give the user the sensation of having a real action on the device, and their measurements depend on the way in which the grip is done.
î o Un autre problème dans le domaine des dispositifs d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension concerne leurs formes et leur usage. En effet, leurs formes sont souvent insolites (gant à vérins, pince en forme de diapason, soufflet associé à un cadran gradué) et leur usage est relativement contraignant, par exemple à cause de la liaison à unAnother problem in the field of devices for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force relates to their shapes and their use. Indeed, their shapes are often unusual (glove with jacks, fork-shaped clip, bellows associated with a graduated dial) and their use is relatively restrictive, for example because of the connection to a
1 5 appareillage de mesure. Ceci explique pourquoi ces dispositifs sont quasiment réservés à un usage restreint au cabinet et à la surveillance du praticien et sont difficilement intégrables comme objets usuels dans l'environnement, en particulier dans le cadre d'une utilisation à domicile par la personne elle-même.Measuring equipment. This explains why these devices are almost reserved for a limited use in the practice and the monitoring of the practitioner and are difficult to integrate as usual objects in the environment, especially in the context of home use by the person itself.
0 Dans ce contexte, il est intéressant de proposer un dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension qui pallie un ou plusieurs inconvénients ci-dessus. In this context, it is interesting to propose a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages.
Selon l'invention, cet objectif est atteint par un dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension comprenant des circuits5 électroniques intégrés dans un volume creux, caractérisé en ce que les circuits électroniques comprennent au moins une combinaison fonctionnelle d'un système de mesure de pression avec un système de communication sans fil, le volume creux étant formé par un objet autonome de forme sphérique ou toute autre forme fermée, réalisé en matériau souple0 déformable et de dimension adaptée pour pouvoir être saisi et comprimé d'une seule main, ledit matériau souple étant étanche à un fluide compressible contenu dans le volume creux, ledit fluide étant compatible avec les circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force comprising electronic circuits integrated in a hollow volume, characterized in that the electronic circuits comprise at least one functional combination of a pressure measuring system with a wireless communication system, the hollow volume being formed by an autonomous object of spherical shape or any other closed form, made of deformable flexible material and of suitable size to be able to be grasped and compressed by a only one hand, said flexible material being fluid-tight compressible contained in the hollow volume, said fluid being compatible with the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume.
Selon une particularité, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend en outre une réserve d'énergie électrique pour alimenter le système de mesure 5 de pression et le système de communication sans fil.  According to one feature, the device according to the invention further comprises a reserve of electrical energy for supplying the pressure measurement system 5 and the wireless communication system.
Selon une autre particularité, le système de mesure de pression peut être tout type de capteur de pression sensible à la compression de l'objet et choisi à la fabrication de l'objet pour la gamme de mesure de pression qui lui correspond en fonction de l'usage fait du dispositif et, plus particulièrement, î o de la force de la compression exercée.  According to another particularity, the pressure measuring system can be any type of pressure sensor sensitive to the compression of the object and chosen in the manufacture of the object for the pressure measurement range corresponding thereto according to the use of the device and, more particularly, the force of the compression exerted.
Selon une autre particularité, le capteur de pression est analogique et est relié à un convertisseur analogique-numérique, intégré dans le volume creux de l'objet et relié au circuit du système de communication sans fil, pour convertir le signal analogique issu du capteur de pression analogique en un 15 signal numérique à destination du système de communication sans fil.  According to another feature, the pressure sensor is analog and is connected to an analog-digital converter, integrated in the hollow volume of the object and connected to the wireless communication system circuit, to convert the analog signal from the sensor of analog pressure in a digital signal to the wireless communication system.
Selon une autre particularité, le système de communication sans fil comporte :  According to another particularity, the wireless communication system comprises:
- un moyen d'émettre un signal numérique de faible portée jusqu'à une interface de communication locale appropriée, compatible avec le 0 système de communication sans fil, et située à l'extérieur de l'objet dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet,  means for transmitting a short range digital signal to an appropriate local communication interface compatible with the wireless communication system and located outside the object in the environment of the person handling the object,
- un moyen de détection détectant si la force de compression exercée sur I Objet dépasse une valeur seuil définie et programmée à la fabrication de l'objet en fonction de la gamme de mesure de pression du5 système de mesure de pression et  detection means detecting whether the compressive force exerted on the object exceeds a threshold value defined and programmed for the manufacture of the object as a function of the pressure measurement range of the pressure measuring system and
- des moyens d'échantillonnage et de mémorisation du signal numérique issu de l'association fonctionnelle du capteur de pression analogique et du convertisseur analogique-numérique.  means for sampling and storing the digital signal resulting from the functional association of the analog pressure sensor and the analog-digital converter.
Selon une autre particularité, la réserve d'énergie électrique est0 alimentée sans contact galvanique par un système d'alimentation par induction magnétique pour charger une batterie électrique constituant la réserve d'énergie électrique assurant l'autonomie de l'objet. Selon une autre particularité, la batterie électrique rechargeable est reliée, d'une part, à une circuiterie de charge incluant un bobinage intégré au volume creux de l'objet et recevant le courant d'induction produit par le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique, et est reliée, d'autre part, 5 aux circuits du système de communication sans fil et du capteur de pression analogique par liaison galvanique, pour former un circuit d'alimentation des circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux de l'objet. According to another particularity, the electrical energy supply is supplied without galvanic contact by a magnetic induction supply system for charging an electric battery constituting the reserve of electrical energy ensuring the autonomy of the object. According to another feature, the rechargeable electric battery is connected, on the one hand, to a load circuitry including a winding integrated into the hollow volume of the object and receiving the induction current produced by the magnetic induction supply system. and is connected, on the other hand, to the circuits of the wireless communication system and the analog pressure sensor by galvanic connection, to form a supply circuit of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of the object.
Selon une autre particularité, le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique est incorporé dans un socle de charge muni d'un logement de î o forme et de dimension adaptées pour accueillir et maintenir l'objet, de façon à ce que le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique se trouve à proximité du bobinage relié à la circuiterie de charge de la batterie électrique, et muni d'un indicateur enseignant à l'utilisateur si l'objet est correctement ou incorrectement disposé sur son socle de charge en fonction de la présence 15 ou de l'absence d'un courant dans le circuit de charge respectivement.  According to another particularity, the magnetic induction feed system is incorporated in a load base provided with a housing of form and dimension adapted to receive and hold the object, so that the system of magnetic induction power supply is located near the winding connected to the charging circuitry of the electric battery, and provided with an indicator teaching the user whether the object is correctly or incorrectly arranged on its charging base according to the presence or absence of a current in the charging circuit respectively.
Selon une autre particularité, la circuiterie de charge intégrée dans le volume creux de l'objet comporte un interrupteur électronique de proximité détectant le positionnement sur le socle de charge pour couper le circuit d'alimentation des circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux de 0 l'objet et isoler la batterie pendant sa charge.  According to another feature, the charging circuitry integrated in the hollow volume of the object comprises an electronic proximity switch detecting the positioning on the charging base to cut the supply circuit of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of 0 l object and isolate the battery while charging.
Selon une autre particularité, les circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux de l'objet sont maintenus approximativement au centre du volume creux par des organes de maintien en matière élastique.  According to another particularity, the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume of the object are held approximately in the center of the hollow volume by holding members of elastic material.
Selon une autre particularité, l'interface de communication locale est 5 incorporée soit dans un dispositif relais, situé à l'extérieur de l'objet dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet et permettant la réception des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet et leur envoi par émission d'un signal numérique de longue portée à destination d'un terminal de traitement lointain, soit directement dans un terminal de traitement, situé à 0 l'extérieur de l'objet dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet.  According to another feature, the local communication interface is incorporated either in a relay device, located outside the object in the environment of the person handling the object and allowing the reception of the measured values relating to the compressing the object and sending it by transmitting a long-range digital signal to a far-end terminal, either directly in a processing terminal, located outside the object in the environment of the person handling the object.
Selon une autre particularité, le dispositif relais est soit incorporé au socle de charge, soit un téléphone portable, soit tout autre type de dispositif permettant la réception des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet et leur envoi par émission d'un signal numérique de longue portée à destination d'un terminal de traitement lointain. In another feature, the relay device is either incorporated in the charging base, a mobile phone or any other type of device allowing the reception of the measured values relating to the compression of the object and their sending by sending a long-range digital signal to a remote terminal.
Selon une autre particularité, le dispositif relais peut comporter un moyen d'affichage des valeurs mesurées et, dans tous les cas, comporte des moyens de mémorisation des valeurs mesurées.  According to another feature, the relay device may comprise means for displaying the measured values and, in any case, includes means for storing the measured values.
Selon une autre particularité, le terminal de traitement comporte des moyens de modifier à volonté les traitements appliqués aux valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet.  According to another particularity, the processing terminal includes means for modifying at will the processing applied to the measured values relating to the compression of the object.
D'autres particularités et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description ci-après, faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :  Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description below, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- la figure 1 représente schématiquement un mode de réalisation des circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux incluant un capteur de pression analogique conjointement à un convertisseur analogique- numérique,  FIG. 1 schematically represents an embodiment of the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume including an analog pressure sensor together with an analog-digital converter,
- la figure 2a représente schématiquement l'objet autonome disposé dans son socle de charge et la relation entre la batterie rechargeable et le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique,  FIG. 2 a schematically represents the autonomous object disposed in its charging base and the relationship between the rechargeable battery and the magnetic induction power supply system;
- la figure 2b représente schématiquement l'objet autonome disposé dans son socle de charge, dans le mode de réalisation où ce dernier incorpore le dispositif relais,  FIG. 2b schematically represents the autonomous object arranged in its load base, in the embodiment where the latter incorporates the relay device,
- la figure 3a représente un premier mode de réalisation du parcours des signaux numériques, transportant les valeurs des mesures relatives à la compression de l'objet, utilisant le dispositif relais de communication entre le système de communication sans fil de l'objet autonome et le terminal de traitement situé dans le lointain, et  FIG. 3a shows a first embodiment of the digital signal path, carrying the values of the measurements relating to the compression of the object, using the communication relay device between the wireless communication system of the autonomous object and the processing terminal located in the distance, and
- la figure 3b représente un second mode de réalisation du parcours des signaux numériques utilisant une communication directe entre l'objet autonome et le terminal de traitement situé dans l'environnement local. La description du dispositif de l'invention va maintenant être effectuée en relation avec ces figures. - Figure 3b shows a second embodiment of the digital signal path using direct communication between the autonomous object and the processing terminal located in the local environment. The description of the device of the invention will now be made in relation to these figures.
L'invention présente un dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension comprenant des circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans un volume creux (2b) d'un objet (2) autonome, par exemple, de forme sphérique ou de toute autre forme formant le volume creux (2b), comme illustré sur la figure 1. L'objet (2) est réalisé dans un matériau souple (2a) de façon à autoriser à la personne manipulant l'objet (2) un effort de compression non statique déformant l'objet (2). Conséquemment, toute compression suffisante de l'objet induit sa déformation. De plus, l'objet (2) autorise une contraction musculaire non-isométrique et le patient est subjectivement encouragé par la sensation réelle d'agir sur l'objet (2). The invention has a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force comprising electronic circuits (1) integrated in a hollow volume (2b) of an autonomous object (2), for example of spherical shape or of any other shape forming the hollow volume (2b), as illustrated in FIG. 1. The object (2) is made of a flexible material (2a) so as to allow the person handling the object (2) a force non-static compression device deforming the object (2). Consequently, any sufficient compression of the object induces its deformation. In addition, the object (2) allows non-isometric muscular contraction and the patient is subjectively encouraged by the real sensation of acting on the object (2).
Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 1 , les circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) comprennent au moins :  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) comprise at least:
- un système de communication sans fil (1 b),  a wireless communication system (1b),
- un capteur de pression analogique (1a),  an analog pressure sensor (1a),
- un convertisseur analogique-numérique (1d),  an analog-digital converter (1d),
- une batterie électrique (1c) rechargeable,  - a rechargeable electric battery (1c),
- un interrupteur électronique de proximité (1e), et  an electronic proximity switch (1e), and
- un circuit de charge (1f) incluant un bobinage.  a charging circuit (1f) including a winding.
Le dispositif utilise, pour évaluer la force de préhension, un système de mesure de pression qui présente l'avantage de donner une information globale sur la force de préhension qui ne dépend pas de la façon dont la préhension est effectuée. Le prix de cet avantage est que le matériau souple (2a) constituant l'objet (2) doit être étanche à un fluide compressible, ledit fluide étant contenu dans le volume creux (2b) et compatible avec les circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2), par exemple étanche à l'air ou tout autre fluide ou matière compressible. La quantité de fluide compressible contenu dans le volume creux (2b) est maîtrisée. Ainsi, la pression dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) est contrôlée et définie à la fabrication de l'objet (2) et la différence de pression due à la compression de l'objet (2) est mesurée par le système de mesure de pression. The device uses, for evaluating the gripping force, a pressure measuring system which has the advantage of giving a global information on the gripping force which does not depend on the way the gripping is performed. The price of this advantage is that the flexible material (2a) constituting the object (2) must be tight to a compressible fluid, said fluid being contained in the hollow volume (2b) and compatible with the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2), for example airtight or any other fluid or compressible material. The amount of compressible fluid contained in the hollow volume (2b) is controlled. Thus, the pressure in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) is controlled and defined at the manufacture of the object (2) and the pressure difference due to the compression of the object (2) is measured by the pressure measuring system.
Du fait que la pression dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) est à chaque instant la même partout dans le volume creux (2b), la mesure de pression ne dépend pas de la position du système de mesure de pression dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2). Toutefois, il est judicieux de maintenir, approximativement au centre du volume creux (2b) et par des organes de maintien (3) élastiques, les circuits électroniques (1 ), de façon à diminuer la possibilité que durant la compression de l'objet (2), ceux-ci viennent à toucher les bords internes du volume creux (2b), ce qui pourrait les abîmer.  Since the pressure in the hollow space (2b) of the object (2) is at all times the same throughout the hollow space (2b), the pressure measurement does not depend on the position of the pressure measuring system. in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2). However, it is advisable to maintain, approximately in the center of the hollow volume (2b) and by elastic holding members (3), the electronic circuits (1), so as to reduce the possibility that during compression of the object ( 2), they come to touch the inner edges of the hollow volume (2b), which could damage them.
A titre d'exemple, les organes de maintien (3) peuvent être des ressorts, des élastiques ou des lames plastiques souples.  By way of example, the holding members (3) may be springs, elastics or flexible plastic blades.
Le capteur de pression analogique (1a) permet une mesure analogique de la pression liée à la pression initiale dans le volume creux (2b) et à la compression de l'objet (2) et présente l'avantage d'être très répandu sur le marché. Toutefois, le système de communication sans fil (1 b) est conçu pour recevoir un signal numérique. Il est donc nécessaire de relier le circuit du capteur de pression analogique (1a) au circuit du système de communication sans fil (1b) par l'intermédiaire d'un convertisseur analogique-numérique (1d).  The analog pressure sensor (1a) allows an analog measurement of the pressure related to the initial pressure in the hollow volume (2b) and the compression of the object (2) and has the advantage of being very widespread on the market. However, the wireless communication system (1b) is designed to receive a digital signal. It is therefore necessary to connect the circuit of the analog pressure sensor (1a) to the circuit of the wireless communication system (1b) via an analog-digital converter (1d).
Le dispositif utilise, pour assurer le transfert des données relatives aux mesures de pression vers l'extérieur de l'objet (2) en vue de leur(s) exploitation(s), un système de communication sans fil (1b). Contrairement à un système de communication avec fil, ce choix présente l'avantage de concilier naturellement la nécessité d'un transfert des données vers l'extérieur de l'objet, la condition d'étanchéité de l'objet (2), et la maniabilité, à la façon d'un objet mécaniquement indépendant de son environnement.  The device uses, for the transfer of data relating to pressure measurements to the outside of the object (2) for their (s) exploitation (s), a wireless communication system (1b). Unlike a wired communication system, this choice has the advantage of naturally reconciling the need for a transfer of data to the outside of the object, the sealing condition of the object (2), and the maneuverability, in the manner of an object mechanically independent of its environment.
Le système de communication sans fil (1b) comporte au moins :  The wireless communication system (1b) comprises at least:
- un moyen d'émettre (1ba) un signal numérique de faible portée (6) vers une interface de communication locale (8), compatible avec le système de communication sans fil (1 b), et situé à l'extérieur de l'objet (2) dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet (2), c'est-à-dire à une distance adaptée suffisamment courte pour que le signal numérique de faible portée (6) soit reçu par l'interface de communication locale (8) sans être altéré, means for transmitting (1ba) a short-range digital signal (6) to a local communication interface (8), compatible with the wireless communication system (1b), and located outside the object (2) in the environment of the person handling the object (2), i.e. at a distance sufficiently short enough for the short-range digital signal (6) to be received by the local communication interface (8) without being tampered with,
- un moyen de détection (1 bb) détectant si la force de compression exercée sur l'objet (2) dépasse une valeur seuil définie et programmée à la fabrication de l'objet (2) en fonction de la gamme de mesure de pression du système de mesure de pression, lui-même choisi en fonction de l'usage fait du dispositif, par exemple, l'évaluation de la force de préhension d'une personne âgée ou le renforcement de la force de préhension d'un joueur de tennis,  detecting means (1bb) detecting whether the compressive force exerted on the object (2) exceeds a threshold value defined and programmed to manufacture the object (2) as a function of the pressure measurement range of the object pressure measurement system, itself chosen according to the use made of the device, for example, the evaluation of the grip strength of an elderly person or the strengthening of the gripping force of a tennis player ,
- des moyens d'échantillonnage et de mémorisation (1bc) du signal numérique entrant dans le système de communication sans fil (1 b) de façon à ce que la communication entre le système de communication sans fil (1b) et l'interface de communication locale (8) puisse être réalisée en continu durant l'échantillonnage ou en une seule fois à la fin de chaque phase d'échantillonnage ou tout autre mode de communication selon le protocole programmé.  sampling and storage means (1bc) of the digital signal entering the wireless communication system (1b) so that the communication between the wireless communication system (1b) and the communication interface local (8) can be performed continuously during sampling or at once at the end of each sampling phase or any other mode of communication according to the programmed protocol.
Le dispositif utilise une réserve d'énergie intégrée dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) pour alimenter les circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) et assurer ainsi l'autonomie de l'objet (2).  The device uses an energy reserve integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) to feed the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and thus ensure the autonomy of the object (2).
Cette réserve d'énergie est une batterie électrique (1c) reliée galvaniquement au circuit du système de communication sans fil (1 b) et au circuit du capteur de pression analogique (1a) et au circuit de conversion analogique numérique (1d), pour former un circuit d'alimentation des circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2).  This power reserve is an electric battery (1c) electrically connected to the circuit of the wireless communication system (1b) and the circuit of the analog pressure sensor (1a) and to the digital analog conversion circuit (1d), to form a circuit for feeding electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2).
Selon l'invention, la batterie électrique (1c) est rechargeable sans contact galvanique, ce qui présente l'avantage de concilier naturellement le caractère autonome et la condition d'étanchéité de l'objet (2).  According to the invention, the electric battery (1c) is rechargeable without galvanic contact, which has the advantage of naturally reconciling the autonomous character and the sealing condition of the object (2).
Pour être rechargeable sans contact galvanique, la batterie électrique (1c) est reliée à un circuit de charge (1f) incluant un bobinage capable de recevoir un courant d'induction produit par un système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) pour former un circuit de charge. To be rechargeable without galvanic contact, the electric battery (1c) is connected to a charging circuit (1f) including a winding capable of receiving an induction current produced by a magnetic induction supply system (5a) to form a charging circuit.
Comme illustré sur la figure 2a, le circuit de charge (1f) incluant un bobinage doit être situé à proximité du système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a). D'une part, cette proximité est contrôlée par un interrupteur électronique de proximité (1e) intégré au volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) qui détecte s'il existe un courant dans le circuit de charge et, auquel cas, coupe le circuit d'alimentation des circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) et isole ainsi la batterie électrique (1c) durant sa charge. D'autre part, cette proximité est assurée par l'incorporation du système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) dans un socle de charge (5) muni d'un logement (5c) de forme et de dimension adaptées pour accueillir et maintenir l'objet (2) et muni d'un indicateur (5b) indiquant à l'utilisateur si l'objet (2) est correctement ou incorrectement disposé sur son socle de charge (5) en fonction de la présence ou de l'absence d'un courant dans le circuit de charge, respectivement.  As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the charging circuit (1f) including a winding must be located near the magnetic induction supply system (5a). On the one hand, this proximity is controlled by an electronic proximity switch (1e) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) which detects whether there is a current in the charging circuit and, in which case, cuts off the supply circuit of the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and thus isolates the electric battery (1c) during its charging. On the other hand, this proximity is ensured by the incorporation of the magnetic induction feed system (5a) in a load base (5) provided with a housing (5c) of shape and size adapted to accommodate and maintain the object (2) and provided with an indicator (5b) indicating to the user whether the object (2) is correctly or incorrectly disposed on its load base (5) depending on the presence or absence a current in the charging circuit, respectively.
A titre d'exemple, l'indicateur (5b) peut être un dispositif, situé sur la façade du socle de charge, muni d'une diode verte, allumée ou éteinte, et/ou d'une diode rouge, éteinte ou allumée, si l'objet (2) est correctement ou incorrectement disposé sur son socle de charge (5), respectivement.  For example, the indicator (5b) may be a device, located on the front of the charging base, provided with a green diode, on or off, and / or a red diode, off or on, if the object (2) is correctly or incorrectly disposed on its charging base (5), respectively.
Selon l'invention, les données relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) doivent être traitées par un terminal de traitement (10) pour l'évaluation et/ou le renforcement de la force de préhension.  According to the invention, the data relating to the compression of the object (2) must be processed by a processing terminal (10) for the evaluation and / or the reinforcement of the gripping force.
Comme illustré sur la figure 3b, le terminal de traitement (10) peut être situé dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet (2). Il incorpore alors l'interface de communication locale (8). Ce mode de réalisation peut- être envisagé dans le cadre d'une utilisation du dispositif dans le cabinet du praticien. Toutefois, dans le cadre d'une utilisation du dispositif à domicile, le terminal de traitement (10) ne sera généralement pas hébergé au domicile et ce pour plusieurs raisons. D'abord, les dimensions du terminal de traitement (10) peuvent être conséquentes et prendre une place importante et visible dans le domicile de l'utilisateur, limitant ainsi son acceptabilité vis-à-vis de l'environnement social de la personne. Ensuite, le terminal de traitement (10) peut être destiné à recevoir les données relatives à une pluralité d'utilisations du dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension effectuée par plusieurs utilisateurs, chacun d'entre eux étant situé en un lieu différent des autres et possédant son propre dispositif. Pour finir, le terminal de traitement (10), comportant des moyens de modifier à volonté les traitements appliqués aux valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2), demande certainement un minimum de maintenance, ce qui obligerait la visite à domicile du technicien responsable de cette maintenance. Qu'à cela ne tienne, l'invention propose un dispositif relais (7) permettant la communication entre le système de communication sans fil (1b) de l'objet (2), émettant un signal numérique de faible portée (6), et le terminal de traitement (10), comme illustré sur la figure 3a. As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the processing terminal (10) can be located in the environment of the person handling the object (2). It then incorporates the local communication interface (8). This embodiment may be considered in the context of use of the device in the practitioner's office. However, in the context of using the device at home, the processing terminal (10) will generally not be hosted at home for several reasons. First, the dimensions of the processing terminal (10) can be substantial and take an important and visible place in the user's home, thus limiting his acceptability vis-à-vis the social environment of the person. Then, the processing terminal (10) may be intended to receive data relating to a plurality of uses of the device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force performed by several users, each of them being located in a place different from the others and having its own device. Finally, the processing terminal (10), comprising means of modifying at will the treatments applied to the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2), certainly requires a minimum of maintenance, which would require the home visit the technician responsible for this maintenance. Nonetheless, the invention proposes a relay device (7) allowing the communication between the wireless communication system (1b) of the object (2), emitting a digital signal of short range (6), and the processing terminal (10), as illustrated in Figure 3a.
Le dispositif relais (7), de dimension réduite par rapport au terminal de traitement (10) et ne demandant aucune maintenance, incorpore alors l'interface de communication locale (8) recevant le signal numérique de courte portée (6) émis par le système de communication sans fil (1b) de l'objet (2). Il doit donc être situé dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet (2).  The relay device (7), of reduced size with respect to the processing terminal (10) and requiring no maintenance, then incorporates the local communication interface (8) receiving the short-range digital signal (6) emitted by the system wireless communication device (1b) of the object (2). It must therefore be located in the environment of the person handling the object (2).
Le dispositif relais (7) doit être capable d'émettre un signal numérique de longue portée (9), assurant le transport des données relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) jusqu'au terminal de traitement (10) de façon à ce que celui-ci puisse être situé dans le lointain, et doit comporter des moyens de mémorisation (7b) des valeurs mesurées, de façon à pouvoir communiquer avec le terminal de traitement lointain (10) selon tout type de protocole de communication programmé. Le dispositif peut également comporter un moyen d'affichage (7a) des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) pour enseigner directement ces valeurs à l'utilisateur.  The relay device (7) must be capable of transmitting a long-range digital signal (9), transporting the data relating to the compression of the object (2) to the processing terminal (10) so as to it can be located in the distance, and must include storage means (7b) of the measured values, so as to communicate with the remote terminal (10) according to any type of programmed communication protocol. The device may also include means (7a) for displaying the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2) to directly teach these values to the user.
Comme illustré sur la figure 2b, le dispositif relais (7) peut être incorporé dans le socle de charge (5). Il peut également s'agir d'un téléphone portable ou tout autre type de dispositif permettant la réception des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) transportées par un signal numérique de faible portée (6) et leur envoi par émission d'un signal numérique de longue portée (9) à destination du terminal de traitement (10) lointain. As illustrated in Figure 2b, the relay device (7) can be incorporated in the charging base (5). It can also be a mobile phone or any other type of device allowing the reception of the values measured relative to the compression of the object (2) carried by a digital short-range signal (6) and sending them by transmitting a long-range digital signal (9) to the remote processing terminal (10).
Pour conclure cette description, il apparaît que la présente invention propose un dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension qui, de par sa forme et son ergonomie, est familier et s'intègre facilement dans le cadre d'une utilisation à domicile. Ne nécessitant que le respect d'une consigne élémentaire, son utilisation simple rend superflue la présence du praticien et permet une utilisation quotidienne dans le cadre d'un suivi sur le long terme. Ces caractéristiques font l'originalité de ce dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension qui devrait permettre de diminuer les coûts de santé liés aux types de prestations concernées. II doit être évident pour les personnes versées dans l'art que la présente invention permet des modes de réalisation sous de nombreuses autres formes spécifiques sans l'éloigner du domaine d'application de l'invention comme revendiqué. Par conséquent, les présents modes de réalisation doivent être considérés à titre d'illustration, mais peuvent être modifiés dans le domaine défini par la portée des revendications jointes, et l'invention ne doit pas être limitée aux détails donnés ci-dessus.  To conclude this description, it appears that the present invention provides a device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the grip force which, by its shape and ergonomics, is familiar and easily integrated in the context of a home use. Requiring only the respect of a basic instruction, its simple use makes superfluous the presence of the practitioner and allows a daily use in the framework of a follow-up on the long term. These features make the originality of this device for evaluating and / or strengthening the grip force that should reduce the health costs associated with the types of services concerned. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif d'évaluation et/ou de renforcement de la force de préhension comprenant des circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans un volume creux (2b), caractérisé en ce que les circuits électroniques comprennent au moins une combinaison fonctionnelle d'un système de mesure (1a et 1d) de la variation de pression dans le volume creux avec un système de communication sans fil (1b), le volume creux (2b) étant formé par un objet (2) autonome de forme sphérique ou toute autre forme fermée, réalisé en matériau souple (2a) déformable et de dimension adaptée pour pouvoir être saisi et comprimé d'une seule main, ledit matériau souple (2a) étant étanche à un fluide compressible contenu dans le volume creux (2b), ledit fluide étant compatible avec les circuits électroniques intégrés dans le volume creux (2b). 1. Device for evaluating and / or reinforcing the gripping force comprising electronic circuits (1) integrated in a hollow volume (2b), characterized in that the electronic circuits comprise at least one functional combination of a control system. measuring (1a and 1d) the pressure variation in the hollow volume with a wireless communication system (1b), the hollow volume (2b) being formed by an autonomous object (2) of spherical shape or any other closed form, made of flexible material (2a) deformable and of suitable size to be grasped and compressed with one hand, said flexible material (2a) being sealed to a compressible fluid contained in the hollow volume (2b), said fluid being compatible with the electronic circuits integrated in the hollow volume (2b).
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre une réserve d'énergie électrique pour alimenter le système de mesure de pression (1a et 1d) et le système de communication sans fil (1b).  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a reserve of electrical energy for supplying the pressure measuring system (1a and 1d) and the wireless communication system (1b).
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le système de mesure de pression peut être tout type de capteur de pression (1a) sensible à la compression de l'objet (2) et choisi à la fabrication de l'objet (2) pour la gamme de mesure de pression qui lui correspond en fonction de l'usage fait du dispositif et, plus particulièrement, de la force de la compression exercée.  3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure measuring system can be any type of pressure sensor (1a) sensitive to the compression of the object (2) and selected in the manufacture of the object ( 2) for the corresponding range of pressure measurement according to the use made of the device and, more particularly, the force of the compression exerted.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le capteur de pression est analogique (1a) et est relié à un convertisseur analogique- numérique (1d), intégré dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) et relié au circuit du système de communication sans fil (1 b), pour convertir le signal analogique issu du capteur de pression analogique (1a) en un signal numérique à destination du système de communication sans fil (1b).  4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressure sensor is analog (1a) and is connected to an analog-digital converter (1d) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and connected to the circuit of the wireless communication system (1b), for converting the analog signal from the analog pressure sensor (1a) into a digital signal for the wireless communication system (1b).
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le système de communication sans fil (1b) comporte : - un moyen d'émettre (1ba) un signal numérique de faible portée (6) jusqu'à une interface de communication locale (8) appropriée, compatible avec le système de communication sans fil (1b), et située à l'extérieur de l'objet (2) dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet, 5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wireless communication system (1b) comprises: means for transmitting (1ba) a short-range digital signal (6) to a suitable local communication interface (8), compatible with the wireless communication system (1b), and located outside the the object (2) in the environment of the person handling the object,
5 - un moyen de détection (1bb) détectant si la force de compression exercée sur l 'objet (2) dépasse une valeur seuil définie et programmée à la fabrication de l'objet (2) en fonction de la gamme de mesure de pression du système de mesure de pression et  Detecting means (1bb) detecting whether the compressive force exerted on the object (2) exceeds a threshold value defined and programmed to manufacture the object (2) as a function of the pressure measurement range of the object; pressure measurement system and
- des moyens d'échantillonnage et de mémorisation (1bc) du signal î o numérique issu de l'association fonctionnelle du capteur de pression analogique (1a) et du convertisseur analogique-numérique (1d).  sampling and storage means (1bc) of the digital signal resulting from the functional association of the analog pressure sensor (1a) and the analog-to-digital converter (1d).
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la réserve d'énergie électrique est alimentée sans contact galvanique par un système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) pour charger une batterie 6. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the reserve of electrical energy is supplied without galvanic contact by a magnetic induction supply system (5a) for charging a battery
15 électrique (1c) constituant la réserve d'énergie électrique assurant l'autonomie de l'objet (2). 15 electric (1c) constituting the reserve of electrical energy ensuring the autonomy of the object (2).
7. Dispositif selon une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que la batterie électrique (1c) rechargeable est reliée, d'une part, à un circuit de charge (1f) incluant un bobinage intégré au volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) et 0 recevant le courant d'induction produit par le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) et est reliée, d'autre part, aux circuits du système de communication sans fil (1b), au capteur de pression analogique (1a) et au circuit de conversion analogique numérique (1d) par liaison galvanique pour former un circuit d'alimentation des circuits électroniques intégrés dans le 5 volume creux de l'objet.  7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rechargeable electric battery (1c) is connected, on the one hand, to a charging circuit (1f) including a coil integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) and 0 receiving the induction current produced by the magnetic induction supply system (5a) and is connected, on the other hand, to the circuits of the wireless communication system (1b), to the sensor of analog pressure (1a) and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit (1d) by galvanic connection to form a supply circuit of the integrated electronic circuits in the hollow volume of the object.
8. Dispositif selon une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le système d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) est incorporé dans un socle de charge (5) muni d'un logement (5c) de forme et de dimension adaptées pour accueillir et maintenir l'objet (2), de façon à ce que le système0 d'alimentation par induction magnétique (5a) se trouve à proximité du circuit de charge (1f) incluant un bobinage relié à la batterie électrique (1c), et muni d'un indicateur enseignant à l'utilisateur si l'objet est correctement ou incorrectement disposé sur son socle de charge, en fonction de la présence ou de l'absence d'un courant dans le circuit de charge, respectivement. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the magnetic induction supply system (5a) is incorporated in a charging base (5) provided with a housing (5c) of suitable shape and size to receive and hold the object (2), so that the magnetic induction power supply system (5a) is in proximity to the charging circuit (1f) including a coil connected to the electric battery (1c), and equipped with an indicator teaching the user whether the object is correctly incorrectly placed on its charging base, depending on the presence or absence of a current in the charging circuit, respectively.
9. Dispositif selon une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) comporte un interrupteur électronique de proximité (1e) détectant le positionnement sur le socle de charge (5) pour couper l'alimentation des circuits du système de communication sans fil (1 b) et du capteur de pression analogique (1a) et isoler la batterie électrique (1c) pendant sa charge.  9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) comprises an electronic proximity switch (1e) detecting the positioning on the Charging base (5) to cut power to the wireless communication system (1b) and analog pressure sensor (1a) circuits and isolate the electric battery (1c) while charging.
10. Dispositif selon une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les circuits électroniques (1) intégrés dans le volume creux (2b) de l'objet (2) sont maintenus approximativement au centre du volume creux (2b) par des organes de maintien (3) en matière élastique.  10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronic circuits (1) integrated in the hollow volume (2b) of the object (2) are held approximately in the center of the hollow volume (2b) by organs holding device (3) of elastic material.
11. Dispositif selon une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que l'interface de communication locale (8) est incorporée soit dans un dispositif relais (7), situé à l'extérieur de l'objet (2) dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet (2) et permettant la réception des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) et leur envoi par émission d'un signal numérique de longue portée (9) à destination d'un terminal de traitement (10) situé dans le lointain, soit directement à destination d'un terminal de traitement (10), situé à l'extérieur de l'objet (2) dans l'environnement de la personne manipulant l'objet (2).  11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the local communication interface (8) is incorporated either in a relay device (7), located outside the object (2) in the the environment of the person handling the object (2) and allowing the reception of the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2) and their sending by sending a long-range digital signal (9) to a destination processing terminal (10) located in the distance, directly to a processing terminal (10) located outside the object (2) in the environment of the person handling the object (2) ).
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11 , caractérisé en ce que le dispositif relais (7) est soit incorporé au socle de charge (5), soit un téléphone portable, soit tout autre type de dispositif permettant la réception des valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2) et leur envoi par émission d'un signal numérique de longue portée (9) à destination d'un terminal de traitement (10) situé dans le lointain.  12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the relay device (7) is either incorporated in the charging base (5), or a mobile phone, or any other type of device for receiving the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2) and sending them by transmitting a long-range digital signal (9) to a processing terminal (10) located in the distance.
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif relais peut comporter un moyen d'affichage (7b) des valeurs mesurées et, dans tous les cas, comporte des moyens de mémorisation (7a) des valeurs mesurées. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the relay device may comprise a display means (7b) of the measured values and, in all cases, comprises storage means (7a) of the measured values.
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 11 , caractérisé en ce que le terminal de traitement (10) comporte des moyens (10a) de modifier à volonté les traitements appliqués aux valeurs mesurées relatives à la compression de l'objet (2). 14. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the processing terminal (10) comprises means (10a) of modifying at will the treatments applied to the measured values relating to the compression of the object (2).
PCT/FR2009/001120 2008-09-22 2009-09-22 Device for evaluating and/or reinforcing gripping strength WO2011036350A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

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DE112009002407.6T DE112009002407B4 (en) 2008-09-22 2009-09-22 Device for evaluating and / or enhancing the gripping force
ES201190016A ES2384774A1 (en) 2008-09-22 2009-09-22 Device for evaluating and/or reinforcing gripping strength
GB1104852.7A GB2475659B (en) 2008-09-22 2009-09-22 Device for evaluation and/or boosting of grip strength

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR0805193A FR2936140B1 (en) 2008-09-22 2008-09-22 DEVICE FOR EVALUATING AND / OR STRENGTHENING THE FORCE OF GRIPPING
FR08/05193 2008-09-22

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ES (1) ES2384774A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2936140B1 (en)
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US9782624B2 (en) 2015-02-03 2017-10-10 Kiio Inc. Interchangeable grip and pinch strength assessor and exerciser
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EP4235125B1 (en) * 2022-02-24 2024-04-03 medac Gesellschaft für klinische Spezialpräparate mbH Pressure measuring device and kit including a pressure measuring device

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GB201104852D0 (en) 2011-05-04
GB2475659B (en) 2014-01-08
DE112009002407T5 (en) 2013-03-21
ES2384774A8 (en) 2012-08-01
FR2936140B1 (en) 2013-01-18
GB2475659A (en) 2011-05-25
ES2384774A1 (en) 2012-07-12
DE112009002407B4 (en) 2017-08-24
FR2936140A1 (en) 2010-03-26

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