Quantitative measurement of body motion using Schottky barrier silicon photodiode

A new motion detection system has been developed using a laser beam and a Schottky barrier silicon photodiode. The system broadens the scope of gravitational center stabilography by facilitating the quantitative assessment of tremors of body appendages such as the hands and even the head. The system also eliminates cumbersome platforms and wire attachments previously used in gravitational center stabilography. The subject is asked to aim the beam at the photodiode. A quantitative off-center variation parameter, ARDS (Average Radial Distance Squared multiplied by time), was utilized in units of cm2 sec. A preliminary evaluation of the system shows that it is suitable for rapidly screening large numbers of subjects for localised neuromuscular control.