Smart crutch for training education capable of walking and balance and system thereof

Abstract

A smart crutch may include a crutch comprising a support portion that contacts the ground, a handle on which the user's hand is placed, and a support portion on which the armpit is placed; an acceleration sensor placed on the crutch to measure acceleration generated by the user's walking or movement; a gyroscope sensor placed on the crutch to measure angular velocity generated by the user's walking or movement; a pressure sensor placed on the crutch to measure pressure generated by the user's walking or movement; an electromyography sensor that measures the electrical activity of the user's muscles; a communication module that receives acceleration data from the acceleration sensor, angular velocity data from the gyroscope sensor, and pressure data from the pressure sensor and transmits them to an analysis device, and receives a warning signal from the analysis device; and a warning output module that outputs a warning signal received through the communication module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for monitoring a user's use of crutches. Background Technology

[0002] Crutches are assistive devices used to support leg or foot injuries, surgeries, or disabilities, and they play a role in helping injured individuals or patients achieve better recovery and mobility. Although crutches have been used for over 5,000 years, they have not undergone any notable changes during that time. Since the first patent for a crutch, which is not significantly different in terms of overall structure from the crutches currently in widespread use, was registered in 1917, design improvements have been minimal, and many crutches circulating in the market are in a similar situation regardless of the manufacturer. However, recently, many new crutches have been developed that improve user walking stability, cushioning of impact transmitted to the body, and various aspects related to ease of use.

[0003] Conventional crutches made of materials such as wood or metal make it difficult to collect gait data, which can hinder the development of gait rehabilitation programs. In particular, existing crutches make it difficult to provide personalized treatment; since the size and shape of crutches vary from user to user, it is challenging to analyze gait data to provide customized therapy. Furthermore, most products do not consider user comfort, and friction between the crutch and the user's body can cause skin damage or discomfort. Additionally, as the gait rehabilitation period lengthens, users often have to use crutches for extended periods, which can lead to discomfort. Prior art literature

[0004] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2132717 The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by developing a smart crutch product using sensors, collecting and analyzing user gait data, and providing a method to offer customized treatment to the user. means of solving the problem

[0006] An embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention provides a smart crutch for training that is capable of gait analysis and monitoring. The smart crutch may include a crutch comprising a support portion that contacts the ground, a handle on which a user's hand is positioned, and a support portion on which an armpit is positioned; an acceleration sensor placed on the crutch to measure acceleration generated by the user's gait or movement; a gyroscope sensor placed on the crutch to measure angular velocity generated by the user's gait or movement; a pressure sensor placed on the crutch to measure pressure generated by the user's gait or movement; an electromyography sensor that measures the electrical activity of the user's muscles; a communication module that receives acceleration data from the acceleration sensor, angular velocity data from the gyroscope sensor, and pressure data from the pressure sensor and transmits them to an analysis device, and receives a warning signal from the analysis device; and a warning output module that outputs a warning signal received through the communication module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor and the electromyography sensor may be multiple.

[0008] In one embodiment, the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data can be used to generate walking data for the user.

[0009] In one embodiment, the user's walking is monitored by the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data, and the warning signal may be generated by one or a combination of the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data when there is a need for walking posture improvement and injury prevention or when a dangerous situation is detected.

[0010] An embodiment according to another aspect of the present invention provides a gait analysis and monitoring system using a smart crutch. The gait analysis and monitoring system may include a smart crutch equipped with an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and a pressure sensor that measure acceleration, angular velocity, and pressure generated by a user's gait or movement, and an analysis device that generates gait data for the user from acceleration data, angular velocity data, and pressure data received from the smart crutch, and analyzes and monitors the user's gait using the generated gait data.

[0011] In one embodiment, the analysis device can generate a warning signal by comparing one or a combination of the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data with an operation-specific data pattern. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, patients can recover faster and return to work and daily activities sooner, which can potentially reduce medical costs and also help reduce the burden on healthcare providers by reducing the number of patient visits and the length of hospitalization.

[0013] Meanwhile, conventional crutches can be uncomfortable and difficult to use, which can hinder the patient's recovery process; however, by developing comfortable and easy-to-use smart crutches, patients can experience better outcomes and recover faster.

[0014] Furthermore, while conventional crutches can be uncomfortable and difficult to use, potentially leading to a negative patient experience, the development of more comfortable and user-friendly smart crutches can lead to a more positive patient experience and increase the likelihood of adhering to treatment plans. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] Hereinafter, the present invention is described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For the sake of understanding, identical reference numerals are assigned to identical components throughout the entire accompanying drawings. The configurations illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments implemented to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In particular, the accompanying drawings depict some components in a somewhat exaggerated manner to aid in understanding the invention. Since the drawings are a means for understanding the invention, it should be understood that the width or thickness of components depicted in the drawings may differ in actual implementation. Meanwhile, throughout the entire detailed description of the invention, identical components are described with reference to identical reference numerals. FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of a smart crutch for training education capable of monitoring walking and balance according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram exemplarily showing measurement data output from each sensor of the smart crutch. FIGS. 3a to 3c are drawings illustrating an exemplary process of collecting measurement data using a pair of smart crutches according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating gait analysis and monitoring using a smart crutch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0017] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0018] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of a smart crutch for training education capable of monitoring walking and balance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the smart crutch (100) includes an acceleration sensor (110), a gyroscope sensor (120), a pressure sensor (130), an electromyogram (EMG) sensor (140), a temperature / humidity sensor (150), a communication module (160), and a warning output module (170). The smart crutch (100) transmits measurement data to an analysis device (200), and the analysis device (200) analyzes the measurement data and provides feedback on the results. The analysis device (200) not only calculates the user's gait data based on measurement data collected over a certain period of time, but can also detect risks that may occur to the user in real time or provide warnings regarding incorrect posture or crutch usage. Here, the measurement data may be acceleration data, angular velocity data, pressure data, and / or electromyogram data.

[0022] The acceleration sensor (110) measures acceleration generated by the user's walking or movement. During walking, the smart crutch (100) repeatedly stops and moves in the walking direction or the opposite direction, causing acceleration, and the acceleration sensor (110) measures this to generate acceleration data. The user's walking or movement can be detected from the acceleration data for the smart crutch (100), and the acceleration data can be used to generate one or both of the distance between points where the smart crutch is stepped and the time between points.

[0023] The gyroscope sensor (120) measures the angular velocity resulting from the user's walking or movement. During walking, the smart crutch (100) is repeatedly tilted, and even when stationary, it can be tilted due to changes in the user's posture, making it possible to measure the angular velocity of the smart crutch (100). The angular velocity data can be used to generate posture data for either or both the user and the crutch.

[0024] The pressure sensor (130) measures the pressure applied to the smart crutch (100) at one or more locations due to the user's walking or movement. The pressure data can be used alone or together with other measurement data to generate one or both of the distance between points and the time between points.

[0025] The electromyography sensor (140) measures the electrical activity of the user's muscles at one or more locations when using crutches. The measured electromyography data can be usefully used to monitor muscle fatigue or weakness and to track the user's progress in physical therapy.

[0026] A temperature / humidity sensor (150) measures the temperature and humidity of the environment while walking. The measured temperature and / or humidity can be used to support the user's comfort and health.

[0027] The communication module (170) transmits measurement data received from the sensors (110 to 140) via wired or wireless means to the analysis device (200), and receives a warning signal from the analysis device (200) and provides it to the warning output module (170).

[0028] The warning output module (170) outputs a warning signal transmitted by the analysis device (200) to prevent accidents such as injury. The warning output module (170) may be one of a speaker, a lamp, and a vibration generating device, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The analysis device (200) is composed of a processor, memory, a data storage device, an input / output device, and a communication module, and can run analysis software. The analysis software may calculate gait data based on measurement data, analyze the gait data to recommend a treatment method tailored to the user, detect risks that may occur to the user through real-time monitoring, or provide warnings regarding incorrect posture or crutch use.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram exemplarily showing measurement data output from each sensor of the smart crutch.

[0031] Sensors mounted on the smart crutch (100) may be placed in a single location or in multiple locations depending on the measurement target. For example, the accelerometer (110), gyroscope sensor (120), and temperature / humidity sensor (150) may be placed in a single location, while the pressure sensor (130) and electromyography sensor (140) may be placed in multiple locations. The pressure sensor (130) may be placed on one or a combination of the support (101) that contacts the ground, the handle (102) where the user's hand is placed, and the stand (103) where the armpit is placed. Unlike the sensors placed on the smart crutch (100), the electromyography sensor (140) may be detachably attached to the user's skin.

[0032] Sensors mounted on the smart crutch (100) can generate measurement data representing user actions such as stopping, walking, and falling. User actions are classified into stopping (S10), advancing the crutch (S11), and advancing the foot (S12), and advancing the crutch (S11) and advancing the foot (S12) can be repeated continuously. The same sensor can also generate different measurement data depending on the position in which it is placed. For example, in the case of the pressure sensor (130), the pressure measured at the support (101) and the pressure measured at the handle (102) during stopping (S10) may be different, and may also vary depending on the user action.

[0033] Some or all of the measurement data can be patterned according to user movements (hereinafter referred to as "movement-specific data patterns"). Crutches can be classified, for example, into axillary crutches, elbow crutches, platform crutches, etc. If users use the same type of crutch even if they are different, similarity may exist between the patterns of measurement data generated by each sensor according to user movements. Movement-specific data patterns can be calculated after normalizing the measurement data by considering deviations between users, such as weight and height.

[0034] When the user's movement is stopped (S10), pressure data measured at the support (101) and handle (102) may remain constant over time, and acceleration and angular velocity may not be measured. In the case of crutch advancement (S11), there is a time interval during which contact between the support (101) and the ground is lost by the user, while pressure may be measured at the handle (102) that changes over time, although relatively weaker than when stopped (S10). Acceleration is measured forward, and angular velocity may be measured counterclockwise. In the case of foot advancement (S12), pressure data measured at the support (101) and handle (102) decreases over time, acceleration is measured relatively smaller compared to crutch advancement (S11), and angular velocity may be measured clockwise.

[0035] Meanwhile, walking data can be calculated by combining pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data. The pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data measured at the support member (101) are repeated in a constant pattern during crutch advancement (S11) and foot advancement (S12), and by considering acceleration and angular velocity together, the distance between points, time between points, walking speed, etc., can be calculated.

[0036] FIGS. 3a to 3c are drawings illustrating an exemplary process of collecting measurement data using a pair of smart crutches according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 3a, the position of the foot and crutch according to the user's movement during two-point walking is shown. Two-point walking is performed when the user can support some weight on both legs.

[0038] In Step 1, the user stands with both feet together and places a pair of smart crutches (100L, 100R) in front of their feet. At this time, the smart crutches (100L, 100R) generate pressure data but do not generate acceleration / angular velocity data.

[0039] In Step 2, the user moves the left smart crutch (100L) forward to support a significant portion of the body weight while moving the right foot forward. The left smart crutch (100L) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively large, whereas the right smart crutch (100R) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0040] In Step 3, the user moves the right smart crutch (100R) forward to support a significant portion of the body weight while moving the left foot forward. The right smart crutch (100R) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively large, whereas the left smart crutch (100L) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0041] Pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity measured during two-point walking are processed in the manner described in Fig. 2 to produce motion-specific data patterns and walking data. The produced motion-specific data patterns can be used to determine whether any user assumes an incorrect posture or is in a dangerous situation during two-point walking.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 3b, the positions of the foot and crutch according to the user's movement during three-point walking are shown. Three-point walking is performed when the user can support their weight on one leg, but cannot support it on the other leg or can only tolerate it slightly.

[0043] In Step 1, the user places a pair of smart crutches (100L, 100R) in front of one foot, for example, the right foot. At this time, the smart crutches (100L, 100R) generate pressure data but do not generate acceleration / angular velocity data.

[0044] In Step 2, the user moves the smart crutch (100L, 100R) forward to support a significant portion of the body weight. The smart crutch (100L, 100R) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively significantly.

[0045] In Step 3, the user moves one foot forward while supporting a significant portion of their body weight on the smart crutch (100L, 100R). The smart crutch (100L, 100R) measures pressure that changes relatively large and acceleration and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0046] Pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity measured during a three-point walk are processed in the manner described in Fig. 2 to produce motion-specific data patterns and walking data. The produced motion-specific data patterns can be used to determine whether any user assumes an incorrect posture or is in a dangerous situation during a three-point walk.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 3c, the position of the foot and crutch according to the user's movement during four-point walking is shown. Four-point walking is performed when walking ability is insufficient, for example, when the user can support their weight on both legs but has difficulty or weakness in maintaining balance, and moves slowly using crutches.

[0048] In Step 1, the user stands with both feet together and places a pair of smart crutches (100L, 100R) in front of their feet. At this time, the smart crutches (100L, 100R) generate pressure data but do not generate acceleration / angular velocity data.

[0049] In Step 2, the user moves the right smart crutch (100R) forward to support a significant portion of the body weight. The right smart crutch (100R) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively large, while the left smart crutch (100L) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0050] In Step 3, the user moves the left foot forward while supporting their weight on the right smart crutch (100R) and the left smart crutch (100L). The right smart crutch (100R) and the left smart crutch (100L) measure pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0051] In Step 4, the user moves the left smart crutch (100L) forward to support a significant portion of the body weight. The left smart crutch (100L) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively large, while the right smart crutch (100R) measures pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0052] In Step 5, the user moves the right foot forward while supporting their weight on the right smart crutch (100R) and the left smart crutch (100L). The right smart crutch (100R) and the left smart crutch (100L) measure pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity that change relatively small.

[0053] Pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity measured during a four-point walk are processed in the manner described in Fig. 2 to produce motion-specific data patterns and walking data. The produced motion-specific data patterns can be used to determine whether any user assumes an incorrect posture or is in a dangerous situation during a four-point walk.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating gait analysis and monitoring using a smart crutch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Walking monitoring using smart crutches utilizes measurement data (300) collected according to the crutch walking method exemplified in FIGS. 3a to 3c. The analysis device (200) processes the measurement data (300) collected by the smart crutch (100) to generate walking data (301), and can display one of the measurement data (300) and walking data (301) or a combination thereof on a display screen (201). In addition, the analysis device (200) can monitor walking using smart crutches to output an immediate warning to improve the user's walking posture and prevent injury, or detect dangerous situations such as the user falling and output a danger occurrence notification.

[0056] The measurement data (300) may include acceleration data, angular velocity data, one or more pressure data, and one or more electromyography data. Additionally, or optionally, it may further include one or both of temperature data and humidity data.

[0057] Walking data (301) is data extracted from measurement data (300) or calculated using measurement data (300) and used to define a crutch walking pattern. Walking data (301) includes, for example, distance between points, time between points, and walking speed calculated by one or a combination of acceleration data and pressure data, and additionally or optionally may further include weight distribution calculated from pressure data, crutch posture calculated from angular velocity data, and one or a combination of primary muscles calculated from electromyography data.

[0058] Walking analysis and monitoring based on walking data are explained with reference to the display screen (201). Measurement data and walking data generated by two-point walking using smart crutches are displayed on the display screen (201).

[0059] Points (310 to 319) marked with circles on the left and right sides of the foot shape figure represent the stepping points (310, 312, 314, 316, 318) of the left smart crutch (100L) and the stepping points (311, 313, 315, 317, 319) of the right smart crutch (100R), respectively. The measurement data sets (320 to 329) marked within squares on the left side of the points (310, 312, 314, 316, 318) and on the right side of the points (311, 313, 315, 317, 319) represent the acceleration ac, angular velocity an, and pressure pr corresponding to each point. Here, the pressure pr may be one or more. The location of the points (310 to 319) can be determined using the measurement data sets corresponding to at least two points. From this, the distances between points D1, D2, D3, etc. can be determined.

[0060] The analysis device (200) can monitor walking using a smart crutch by comparing point-by-point measurement data with the movement-by-movement data pattern described in FIG. 2. For example, if acceleration data ac4 and angular velocity data an4 corresponding to point (324) do not match the movement-by-movement data pattern, or if angular velocity data an6 corresponding to point (326) does not match the movement-by-movement data pattern, the analysis device (200) can estimate the cause of the non-matching measurement data, for example, the user's posture or balance, and suggest a solution therefor. Meanwhile, if the point-by-point measurement data deviates significantly from the movement-by-movement data pattern, the analysis device (200) can generate and output an immediate warning.

[0061] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0062] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 A smart crutch capable of gait analysis and monitoring, comprising: a support portion in contact with the ground, a handle where the user's hand is positioned, and a stand where the armpit is positioned; an acceleration sensor placed on the crutch to measure acceleration generated by the user's walking or movement; a gyroscope sensor placed on the crutch to measure angular velocity generated by the user's walking or movement; a pressure sensor placed on the crutch to measure pressure generated by the user's walking or movement; an electromyography sensor to measure the electrical activity of the user's muscles; a communication module that receives acceleration data from the acceleration sensor, angular velocity data from the gyroscope sensor, and pressure data from the pressure sensor, transmits them to an analysis device, and receives a warning signal from the analysis device; and a warning output module that outputs a warning signal received through the communication module, wherein the analysis device calculates a motion-specific data pattern from the pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity measured during a walking selected from 2-point walking, 3-point walking, and 4-point walking, and monitors crutch walking using the calculated motion-specific data pattern. Claim 2 A smart crutch for training capable of gait analysis and monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor and the electromyography sensor are multiple. Claim 3 A smart crutch for training education capable of gait analysis and monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data are used to generate gait data for the user. Claim 4 A smart crutch for training capable of gait analysis and monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the user's gait is monitored by the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data, and the warning signal is generated by one or a combination of the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data when there is a need for gait posture improvement and injury prevention or when a dangerous situation is detected. Claim 5 A gait analysis and monitoring system using a smart crutch, comprising: a smart crutch equipped with an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and a pressure sensor for measuring acceleration, angular velocity, and pressure generated by a user's gait or movement; and an analysis device that generates gait data and motion-specific data patterns for the user from acceleration data, angular velocity data, and pressure data received from the smart crutch during a gait selected from 2-point gait, 3-point gait, and 4-point gait, and monitors crutch gait using the generated gait data and data patterns. Claim 6 A gait analysis and monitoring system using a smart crutch according to claim 5, wherein the analysis device generates a warning signal by comparing one or a combination of the acceleration data, the angular velocity data, and the pressure data with a motion-specific data pattern.

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