AR Physiotherapy Guidance System – IT & Computer Engineering Guide
1. Project Overview
The AR Physiotherapy Guidance System is an augmented reality application designed to assist patients and physiotherapists with real-time, guided physical therapy sessions. The system overlays virtual models demonstrating exercises, tracks patient movements, and provides corrective feedback to ensure proper form and progression.
2. System Architecture Overview
- AR Client Application: Displays exercise guidance and
captures user motion.
- Pose Detection Engine: Tracks joints and movements using AR and vision-based
models.
- Feedback System: Provides visual/audio cues for correction.
- Optional Therapist Portal: Monitors patient progress and assigns routines.
- Cloud Backend: Stores routines, progress, and session history.
3. Hardware Components
|
Component |
Specifications |
Description |
|
Mobile/Tablet Device |
iOS/Android with ARKit/ARCore |
Displays AR content and captures motion |
|
Camera |
RGB HD camera |
Captures body movements for tracking |
|
Optional Wearables |
Smart bands/sensors (IMU) |
Enhance motion accuracy and rep counting |
|
Tripod Stand |
Stable phone/tablet mount |
Improves body visibility and camera positioning |
4. Software Components
4.1 Development Tools
- Game Engine: Unity 3D with AR Foundation or WebAR
frameworks
- Pose Estimation: MediaPipe, TensorFlow Lite, or OpenPose
- Backend: Firebase, Node.js, or Django for data storage
- 3D Models/Animation: Blender or Mixamo for creating exercise guides
4.2 Programming Languages
- C# (Unity scripting)
- Python (pose detection, backend)
- JavaScript (dashboard and web components)
4.3 Libraries and Frameworks
- ARCore/ARKit SDKs
- MediaPipe Pose or BlazePose
- Firebase SDK
- Unity XR Toolkit
- REST APIs for sync and reporting
5. Exercise Modeling and Guidance
- Exercise Library: Library of 3D animated exercise guides
with metadata.
- Interaction Design: Visual overlays, animated skeletons, countdown timers.
- Step-by-step Feedback: Repetition counting, accuracy scoring.
- Voice Prompts: For guidance, motivation, and reminders.
6. Pose Detection and Feedback Engine
- Input: Real-time camera feed.
- Processing: Keypoint extraction, angle calculation (joints, limbs).
- Comparison: Match user posture to reference pose.
- Feedback: Highlight incorrect limbs, suggest corrections visually and
audibly.
7. Therapist Dashboard (Optional)
- Patient Management: Assign routines, monitor history.
- Analytics: View success rates, error frequencies, session durations.
- Communication: Send notes, reminders, video feedback.
- Hosting: Web-based, secured login, HIPAA/GDPR compliant.
8. Audio-Visual Design
- Clean UI: Step indicators, repetition counters, posture
outlines.
- Sound Effects: Movement confirmation, error beeps, session completion.
- Animated Overlays: Transparent AR human models or skeletons.
- Accessibility: Multilingual audio and subtitles.
9. Testing and Optimization
- Accuracy Testing: Pose matching precision under various
lighting.
- Device Performance: Run on low-end phones with real-time processing.
- User Trials: Beta testing with patients and therapists.
- Ergonomics: UI placement and voice guidance usability.
10. Deployment and Maintenance
- Platforms: Android, iOS (Play Store, App Store, or
enterprise installs).
- CI/CD: Unity Cloud Build, GitHub Actions, Firebase Hosting.
- OTA Updates: Content updates via cloud, new routines.
- Licensing: Free tier + pro for clinics and home users.
11. Security and Privacy
- Personal Data: Store patient data securely with
encryption.
- Access Control: Role-based access for therapists and users.
- Anonymity Options: Use app anonymously for home users.
- GDPR/HIPAA Compliance: Especially in clinical environments.
12. Future Enhancements
- Real-time multiplayer rehab sessions.
- AI-driven adaptive routines based on performance.
- VR extension for immersive training.
- Integration with smart fitness devices.
- Daily health tracking and reminders.