Plantar pressure sensing system and data processing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a plantar pressure sensing system and a data processing method thereof, and the system comprises a composite sensor array which comprises a plurality of thin film pressure sensors and a weighing sensor which are embedded in a specific region in a sole, and is used for sensing plantar pressure, obtaining pressure data and synchronously transmitting the pressure data to a data processing module; the data processing module is used for receiving and preprocessing the pressure data in real time, generating a plantar pressure distribution diagram, calculating a pressure index, recognizing an abnormal gait mode and providing personalized gait suggestions; the wireless communication module is used for transmitting and storing the pressure data and an analysis result of the data processing module to a user terminal in real time; the power supply management module is used for providing power support, and the power supply management module adopts a low-power-consumption design; the real-time feedback module is used for providing abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions for the user when the abnormal gait is recognized; and the user terminal comprises external equipment or a cloud end and is used for displaying and storing the analysis result of the data processing module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of plantar pressure detection, and particularly to a plantar pressure sensing system and its data processing method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of smart wearable devices, plantar pressure sensing technology, as an important biomechanical detection means, has been widely used in many fields such as health monitoring, sports analysis, rehabilitation training, and medical assistance. Through the real-time collection and analysis of plantar pressure, it can not only help users understand gait characteristics and foot health conditions, but also provide strong data support for personalized exercise guidance, disease prevention, and rehabilitation treatment.

[0003] In the prior art, monitoring devices based on plantar pressure often have problems such as unreasonable sensor layout, low data processing accuracy, inability to perform real-time monitoring and personalized analysis. There is an urgent need to provide a plantar pressure sensing system that can accurately sense the pressure in each area of the sole and, through advanced data processing methods, achieve a comprehensive analysis and feedback of the user's gait and health status. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above application requirements and technical background, in order to solve the technical problems of unreasonable sensor layout, low data processing accuracy, inability to perform real-time monitoring and personalized analysis in the prior art, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] In the first aspect of this application, a plantar pressure sensing system is proposed. The system includes: a composite sensor array, a data processing module, a wireless communication module, a power management module, a feedback module, and a user terminal;

[0006] The composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin-film pressure sensors and a load cell embedded in specific areas of the sole, which are used to sense plantar pressure, obtain pressure data, and synchronously transmit it to the data processing module;

[0007] The data processing module is used to receive and preprocess the pressure data in real time, generate a plantar pressure distribution map, calculate pressure indicators, and identify abnormal gait patterns to provide personalized gait suggestions;

[0008] The wireless communication module is used to transmit and store the pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module to the user terminal in real time;

[0009] The power management module is used to provide power support, and the power management module adopts a low-power design;

[0010] The real-time feedback module is used to provide abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions to the user when an abnormal gait is recognized;

[0011] The user terminal includes an external device or the cloud, which is used to display and store the analysis results of the data processing module.

[0012] Further, the thin-film pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in specific areas within the sole, and the specific areas within the sole include the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the hindfoot area, and the arch area.

[0013] Further, the preprocessing includes denoising processing, smoothing processing, data registration according to the position of the thin-film pressure sensor, and data calibration.

[0014] Further, the pressure indicators include the center of pressure and the pressure distribution ratio, and the center of pressure includes the local center of pressure and the overall center of pressure.

[0015] Further, the data processing module identifies the abnormal gait pattern based on the plantar pressure distribution map and a preset gait analysis model, including judging overpronation and oversupination by the order of the pressure received by each specific area when walking and landing.

[0016] Further, the data processing module is built-in with a microprocessor for quickly processing a large amount of data, and continuously optimizes the gait analysis model through machine learning algorithms.

[0017] Further, the wireless communication module supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless communication protocols.

[0018] Further, the abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions include prompting the user to adjust the posture through vibration or sound.

[0019] A second aspect of the present application proposes a data processing method for a plantar pressure sensing system, and the method includes:

[0020] Sensing the plantar pressure through a composite sensor array, obtaining pressure data and synchronously transmitting it to the data processing module, where the composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin-film pressure sensors embedded in specific areas within the sole and a load cell;

[0021] Receiving and preprocessing the pressure data in real time through the data processing module, generating a plantar pressure distribution map, calculating pressure indicators, and identifying abnormal gait patterns to provide personalized gait suggestions;

[0022] Real-time transmitting and storing the pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module to the user terminal through the wireless communication module;

[0023] Providing power support through a power management module, and the power management module adopts a low-power design;

[0024] When an abnormal gait is recognized by the real-time feedback module, abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions are provided to the user;

[0025] The analysis results of the data processing module are displayed and stored through the user terminal, and the user terminal includes an external device or the cloud.

[0026] Further, the thin-film pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in specific areas inside the sole, and the specific areas inside the sole include the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the hindfoot area, and the arch area.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are:

[0028] The plantar pressure sensing system and its data processing method provided by the present application achieve the purpose of high-precision, real-time monitoring and personalized analysis through multi-region sensor layout and intelligent data processing, can effectively improve the accuracy and real-time performance of plantar pressure monitoring, and realize personalized gait analysis and rehabilitation training programs, and are applicable to multiple fields such as rehabilitation training, sports monitoring, and medical diagnosis, and have broad application prospects. Description of the Drawings

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a structural distribution diagram of the thin-film pressure sensor in the plantar pressure sensing system provided by the present application.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic flowchart of the data processing method of the plantar pressure sensing system provided by the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] The present application proposes a plantar pressure sensing system and its data processing method. In order to more specifically describe the present application, the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] The first aspect of the present application proposes a plantar pressure sensing system, which specifically includes: a composite sensor array, a data processing module, a wireless communication module, a power management module, a feedback module, and a user terminal;

[0034] The composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin film pressure sensors and a load cell embedded in a specific area of ​​the sole, and is used to sense the sole pressure, obtain the pressure data and synchronously transmit it to the data processing module;

[0035] Each of the thin film pressure sensors or weighing sensors independently senses the pressure changes in the area where it is located to obtain pressure data. The thin film pressure sensor is made of flexible material to ensure comfort and measurement accuracy, and can accurately sense the pressure changes in various parts of the sole of the foot and provide high-precision pressure distribution data.

[0036] In one embodiment, the thin film pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in a specific area of ​​the sole. The absolute pressure value of each part of the sole can be obtained by detecting the pressure distribution and ratio of the sole of the foot through the sensor array of multiple areas in the composite pressure sensor array. The specific area in the sole includes the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the rear foot area and the arch area, which are used to cover the key positions of the sole of the foot. The structural distribution diagram of the thin film pressure sensor is shown in FIG. Figure 1 shown.

[0037] Specifically, the layout of the thin film pressure sensor should be designed based on the anatomy of the sole, and the specific area in the sole corresponds to the key area where pressure is applied to the sole of the user's foot;

[0038] The forefoot area covers the toes and metatarsal areas of the sole of the foot, including the forefoot and toes, and is used to detect the forefoot grip and load distribution. The forefoot is mainly responsible for the propulsion and gripping functions during gait. Especially in running, jumping and other sports, the forefoot area is subjected to a large propulsion force, and the pressure distribution in the forefoot area has significant dynamic changes, focusing on the local load-bearing capacity of the toes and metatarsal bones.

[0039] The midfoot area covers the transition area from the rear of the metatarsal bones to the front of the arch of the foot, and is used to detect the pressure in the transition area of ​​plantar stability and pressure balance during gait. The main function of the midfoot area is to maintain gait balance and plantar stability. During gait, it serves as a stable transition area of ​​the plantar, bears part of the pressure, and transmits the force changes of the front and rear feet.

[0040] The rear foot area covers the heel and surrounding areas, and is used to detect the vertical load borne by the heel during standing, walking and running, and the pressure changes at the moment of landing. The heel is the area that bears the greatest pressure during gait, especially at the moment of landing, where the pressure is concentrated and the impact force is large. Monitoring of this area can evaluate gait stability and foot health.

[0041] The arch area is used to detect the pressure changes of the arch. The arch is an important buffering structure on the sole of the foot, which can help disperse pressure and maintain the stability of the foot. By analyzing the forces on the arch area, the health status of the arch can be reflected, which is important for evaluating foot structure abnormalities or damages, especially for users with flat feet or high arches.

[0042] In one embodiment, the load cell is used to detect the overall pressure weight on the sole of the shoe, and the pressure data includes the absolute pressure value measured by the load cell. The load cell is usually located at the center of the sole of the shoe to capture the changes in the overall weight distribution of the wearer, and can detect the total pressure data on the sole of the shoe in real time. By combining it with the local pressure distribution data provided by the thin-film pressure sensors, the data processing module can analyze the more accurate sole force conditions and dynamic center of gravity trajectories.

[0043] The data processing module is used to receive and preprocess the pressure data in real time, generate a plantar pressure distribution map, calculate pressure indicators, and identify abnormal gait patterns, and provide personalized gait suggestions;

[0044] In one embodiment, the preprocessing includes denoising, smoothing, data registration according to the positions of the thin-film pressure sensors, and data calibration;

[0045] Specifically, the denoising is used to eliminate the noise in the pressure data, retain the effective signals, and improve the processing accuracy. The noise includes the electronic noise of the sensor itself, environmental interference (such as temperature changes, electromagnetic interference), and the dynamic fluctuations of the sensor contact surface during gait;

[0046] The smoothing is used to eliminate small-amplitude fluctuations in the signal, optimize the signal continuity, and ensure that the data curve is more stable;

[0047] The data registration is used to accurately correspond the pressure data of different specific areas collected by the thin-film pressure sensors to specific positions of the plantar anatomical structure, ensuring the spatial consistency of multi-sensor data;

[0048] The data calibration is used to eliminate the influence of the sensitivity differences of multiple sensors and environmental changes on the pressure data, and ensure the consistency and accuracy of the data collected by each sensor.

[0049] Among them, the plantar pressure distribution map is a visual image generated by the data processing module in real time after preprocessing the pressure data collected by the sensors in each area, and is used to dynamically present the pressure distribution of different parts of the sole of the foot. Generating the plantar pressure distribution map includes uniformly mapping the pressure data in specific areas within the sole of the shoe into the overall plantar model, and spatially integrating the pressure data according to the plantar anatomical structure to form a complete pressure distribution map.

[0050] By continuously collecting the pressure data through the composite sensor array and continuously analyzing the pressure data by the data processing module, the plantar pressure distribution map is dynamically changing, visually showing the force conditions of different areas on the sole of the user's foot during walking or standing and the change trend over time, showing how the pressure transfers between different areas on the sole of the foot when the user is walking or running, and then analyzing the change of the user's center of gravity and the force application of the foot, helping to identify the balance and stability of the gait. By presenting the force and change conditions of the plantar pressure in the form of a chart, it can clearly show the pressure concentration area, pressure offset, pressure abnormal point, pressure symmetry of each area, and pressure change trend on the sole of the foot.

[0051] In one embodiment, the data processing module calculates the pressure index based on the plantar pressure distribution map, and the pressure index includes the pressure center and pressure distribution ratio of each area;

[0052] Specifically, the pressure center refers to the force application center point of a certain area or the entire sole of the foot at a specific time point, which is a key index for the force balance of the sole of the foot, including the local pressure center and the overall pressure center. The local pressure center reflects the concentrated position of the pressure received by a specific area within each sole, and is used to analyze the local balance situation. The overall pressure center provides the dynamic trajectory of the overall force application center of the sole of the foot, evaluating the center of gravity stability and gait symmetry; the pressure distribution ratio refers to the proportion of the total pressure borne by different plantar areas (i.e., specific areas within the sole), and is used to analyze the rationality of the force distribution on the sole of the foot during the gait cycle.

[0053] In one embodiment, the data processing module identifies the abnormal gait pattern based on the plantar pressure distribution map and a preset gait analysis model, including judging overpronation and oversupination by the pressure sequence received by each specific area when walking and landing.

[0054] Specifically, overpronation means that when the foot lands, the arch of the foot collapses excessively, the sole of the foot turns inward, resulting in excessive pressure on the inner side of the foot, which is likely to cause problems such as plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome (tibial stress fracture), and knee pain. When there is an overpronation problem, the pressure sequence received by each specific area when walking and landing is that first the heel lands, and the pressure is concentrated on the inner side of the hindfoot, and then during the push-off stage, the pressure is concentrated on the inner side of the forefoot (big toe and medial metatarsal), and then the pressure on the midfoot increases, especially in the inner arch area. In this case, the plantar pressure distribution map shows that the pressure value in the inner area is significantly higher than that in the outer area, the trajectory of the plantar pressure center shifts inward, and moves significantly inward during the propulsion stage;

[0055] Excessive eversion means that when the foot lands, the arch is too high and the sole of the foot turns outward, causing too much pressure on the outside, which can easily lead to problems such as ankle sprain, Achilles tendonitis, lateral tibial fatigue fracture and foot fatigue. When there is an excessive eversion problem, the order of pressure on specific areas when walking and landing is that first the pressure is concentrated on the outside of the hindfoot after the heel lands, and then in the pushing phase, the pressure is concentrated on the outside of the forefoot (little toe and lateral metatarsal). The pressure distribution in the arch area is normal or small, showing the characteristics of an excessively high arch. In this case, the plantar pressure distribution diagram shows that the pressure value in the lateral area is significantly higher than that on the inner side, and the trajectory of the plantar pressure center is obviously shifted outward and maintains a trend of lateral shift during the gait cycle.

[0056] In one embodiment, the data processing module has a built-in microprocessor for quickly processing large amounts of data and continuously optimizing the gait analysis model through a machine learning algorithm.

[0057] In one embodiment, the data processing module provides the personalized gait suggestion based on the abnormal gait pattern. The high efficiency of data processing and analysis enables the system to achieve real-time feedback, helping the user to adjust posture or gait instantly.

[0058] Specifically, the personalized health advice provides rehabilitation training suggestions, gait adjustment suggestions or health warnings through in-depth analysis of abnormal gait patterns. This function is particularly suitable for patients, athletes or elderly people who need long-term monitoring. For long-term users, the system can also track changes in health status and generate long-term health trend analysis reports to help users detect gait abnormalities or foot problems early. In the rehabilitation training scenario, the system can monitor the gait changes of rehabilitation patients in real time, judge the progress of rehabilitation and adjust the training plan according to actual conditions; in the sports monitoring scenario, the system can be used for athlete gait optimization, and provide athletes with personalized training guidance by analyzing gait characteristics to reduce the risk of sports injuries.

[0059] The wireless communication module is connected to an external device or the cloud via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless communication protocols to ensure the stability and real-time nature of data transmission. By transmitting and storing the pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module in real time to the user terminal, it is convenient for users to monitor remotely.

[0060] The power management module is used to provide power support and adopts a low power consumption design to extend the system usage time.

[0061] The real-time feedback module is used to provide abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions to the user when an abnormal gait is identified, including prompting the user to adjust the posture through vibration and sound. This instant feedback mechanism can effectively prevent potential injuries to the sole of the foot, especially during exercise, when the user's gait or posture deviates from the normal range, the system can intervene in time;

[0062] Furthermore, the user can customize on the user terminal or have a professional help to set and adjust the manner, intensity, sensitivity and frequency of the feedback, and transmit it to the real-time feedback module through the wireless communication module, and the real-time feedback module makes adjustments to meet the user's personal preferences or scenario requirements.

[0063] Among them, in terms of the feedback manner, vibration feedback is suitable for outdoor environments or environments where quietness needs to be maintained. Due to its immediacy, it can quickly attract the user's attention. For some emergencies or critical moments that require a quick response, vibration feedback can remind the user more quickly; sound feedback is suitable for environments where voice guidance can be accepted and can better indicate the user's gait adjustment process.

[0064] In terms of the intensity of the feedback, it can be customized according to the severity of the pressure abnormality or the activity scenario. For example, when severe pressure is detected, the feedback intensity will increase to attract the user's attention. Vibration feedback is suitable for dynamic scenarios. For example, when the user is exercising, a relatively strong vibration feedback is selected, while a relatively mild vibration reminder is selected during daily walking.

[0065] In terms of the feedback sensitivity and frequency, a higher sensitivity can be set during rehabilitation training so that a reminder can be received when there is a slight pressure abnormality. During daily activities, the user may hope to reduce the feedback sensitivity and frequency and only receive a reminder when there is a severe pressure abnormality; during high-intensity training, athletes hope to set a lower sensitivity to avoid frequent reminders.

[0066] Specifically, the vibration feedback is realized by a vibration motor embedded in the shoe. When the system detects an abnormal pressure state, it triggers vibration to remind the user to immediately adjust the gait or posture; the sound feedback is realized by an external device. When an abnormal pressure is detected, the system sends a signal to the external device through wireless connection, and the external device gives a sound feedback to remind the user to pay attention to the pressure abnormality.

[0067] The user terminal includes an external device or the cloud, which is used to display and store the analysis results of the data processing module. Through the user terminal, the user can further analyze the data and generate detailed health suggestions or training plans. For example, a rehabilitation therapist can adjust the patient's training plan according to the plantar pressure health report, and an athlete can optimize the gait and sports performance according to the plantar pressure health report.

[0068] Among them, the external devices include other intelligent devices such as smartphones and tablets. The wireless connection can not only achieve real-time data transmission, but also facilitate data synchronization with a health management platform or a rehabilitation monitoring system, share the data with medical staff or rehabilitation trainers, and achieve remote health monitoring and rehabilitation guidance. Medical staff can also monitor the plantar pressure changes of patients in real time and adjust the rehabilitation plan in a timely manner to ensure that patients train within a safe range.

[0069] The second aspect of this application proposes a data processing method for a plantar pressure sensing system. The schematic flow chart of the method is as Figure 2 shown, and it specifically includes:

[0070] Induce the plantar pressure through a composite sensor array, obtain the pressure data and synchronously transmit it to the data processing module. The composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin-film pressure sensors and a load cell embedded in specific areas of the sole.

[0071] Receive and preprocess the pressure data in real time through the data processing module, generate a plantar pressure distribution map, calculate the pressure index, and identify abnormal gait patterns to provide personalized gait suggestions.

[0072] Transmit and store the pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module in real time to the user terminal through a wireless communication module.

[0073] Provide power support through a power management module, and the power management module adopts a low-power design.

[0074] When an abnormal gait is recognized through a real-time feedback module, provide the user with abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions.

[0075] Display and store the analysis results of the data processing module through the user terminal, and the user terminal includes an external device or the cloud.

[0076] Among them, the thin-film pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure in specific areas of the sole, and the specific areas of the sole include the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the hindfoot area, and the arch area.

[0077] The above are only the preferred embodiments of this application and are not used to limit this application. Those skilled in the art should be able to realize that according to the basic method principles provided by this application and in combination with the actual situation, there can be many examples. Without sufficient creative labor, they should all be within the protection scope of this application.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the descriptions referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0079] It should also be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

Claims

1. A plantar pressure sensing system, characterized in that: The system comprises: a composite sensor array, a data processing module, a wireless communication module, a power management module, a feedback module and a user terminal; The composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin film pressure sensors and a load cell embedded in a specific area of ​​the sole, and is used to sense the sole pressure, obtain the pressure data and synchronously transmit it to the data processing module; The data processing module is used to receive and pre-process the pressure data in real time, generate a plantar pressure distribution map, calculate a pressure index, and identify abnormal gait patterns to provide personalized gait suggestions; The wireless communication module is used to transmit and store the pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module to the user terminal in real time; The power management module is used to provide power support, and the power management module adopts a low power consumption design; The real-time feedback module is used to provide abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions to the user when an abnormal gait is identified; The user terminal includes an external device or a cloud, which is used to display and store the analysis results of the data processing module.

2. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thin film pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in specific areas of the sole, and the specific areas in the sole include the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the rear foot area and the arch area.

3. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preprocessing includes denoising, smoothing, data registration according to the position of the thin film pressure sensor, and data calibration.

4. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure index includes a pressure center and a pressure distribution ratio, and the pressure center includes a local pressure center and an overall pressure center.

5. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data processing module identifies the abnormal gait pattern based on the plantar pressure distribution diagram and a preset gait analysis model, including judging excessive inversion and excessive eversion by the order of pressure applied to specific areas when walking and landing.

6. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data processing module has a built-in microprocessor for quickly processing large amounts of data and continuously optimizing the gait analysis model through a machine learning algorithm.

7. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wireless communication module supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other wireless communication protocols.

8. The plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions include prompting the user to adjust their posture through vibration or sound.

9. A data processing method for a plantar pressure sensing system, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sensing the sole pressure through a composite sensor array, obtaining the pressure data and synchronously transmitting it to the data processing module, wherein the composite sensor array includes a plurality of thin film pressure sensors and a weighing sensor embedded in a specific area of ​​the sole; The data processing module receives and pre-processes the pressure data in real time, generates a plantar pressure distribution map, calculates a pressure index, identifies abnormal gait patterns, and provides personalized gait suggestions; The pressure data and the analysis results of the data processing module are transmitted and stored in real time to a user terminal through a wireless communication module; Providing power support through a power management module, wherein the power management module adopts a low power consumption design; When an abnormal gait is identified through the real-time feedback module, abnormal gait feedback and training suggestions are provided to the user; The analysis results of the data processing module are displayed and stored through a user terminal, and the user terminal includes an external device or a cloud.

10. The data processing method of the plantar pressure sensing system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The thin film pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in specific areas of the sole, and the specific areas in the sole include the forefoot area, the midfoot area, the rear foot area and the arch area.

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