Device and method for supporting stabilization of posture and gait

JP2025021231AActive Publication Date: 2025-02-13REQUA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023125020
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-31
Publication Date
2025-02-13
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0019】 以上述べたように、本発明の姿勢及び歩行安定用の支援装置および支援方法は、姿勢の変化や歩き方を振動に変えて伝え、使用者は体感出来、使用者と同じ振動を支援者も感じて共感することができる、リアルタイムに姿勢の変化や歩き方を確認し、振動する箇所·大きさ等も個人に最適な値に変更しながら、正しい姿勢の習得と歩行の安定化の支援を可能とするものである。

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Abstract

To provide a device that conveys a way of gaiting while converting it into vibration so that a user can feel it, allows a support person to feel the same vibration as the user's and feel sympathy, confirms the way of gaiting in a real-time manner and enables gait support while changing such as the place and level of vibration into a value optimum for an individual.SOLUTION: A support device 1 for stabilizing posture and gait comprises a sensation transmission device 10 and an information transmission device. The sensation transmission device 10 comprises a belt body 11, a control unit 12, and a vibrator 13. The information transmission device 80 comprises a tablet or a smartphone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assist device and method for posture and walking stability, which contributes to body posture control and walking training by vibration of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] For humans, walking is a way to embody our will, and an important bodily function for moving around as an animal. However, as we age, our walking ability declines, making us more likely to fall, and the negative spiral caused by falls often leads to the need for assistance and nursing care.

[0003] For elderly people who have difficulty walking, it is difficult for facility staff, physical therapists, and family members to understand their own walking style and then teach and support them in a desirable walking style through observation and experience alone.

[0004] The methods currently in use include visual-spatial ones that show where to step (a line), and visual ones that show the timing by flashing a light source. There are also auditory ones like a metronome that show the timing. However, there is an issue that these methods are difficult to convey to elderly people with poor eyesight or hearing as a way to guide them to a desirable walking style.

[0005] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a sensory detection and presentation device and a walking rehabilitation support device that serve as a means of easily understanding and feeding back somatosensory information of a specified body surface part to that body surface part or other body surface parts using somatosensation, without using special senses such as sight or hearing.

[0006] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the walking rehabilitation support device 110 is configured to include a sensation detection unit 111 that detects the plantar pressure of patient H, a sensation presentation unit 113 that applies a predetermined stimulus to patient H, and a control unit 115 that controls the operation of the sensation presentation unit 113 so that a stimulus corresponding to the plantar pressure detected by the sensation detection unit 111 is applied, and the sensation detection unit 111 is positioned so as to be able to detect the plantar pressure on the paralyzed side, and the sensation presentation unit 115 is attached to a part of the body surface that has better sensation than the sole of the foot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-125888 A (Walking rehabilitation support device) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the user of the walking rehabilitation support device must feel the instructions and receive feedback by using somatosensory sensations by himself, which is difficult to understand. In addition, because it is done by himself, there is a problem that it is difficult to increase motivation to use the device and transition to a desirable walking style.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an assist device and method for stabilizing posture and walking that eliminates the inconveniences of the above-mentioned conventional examples and enables the user and the supporter to work together to increase the user's motivation and learn a desirable walking style. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 is an apparatus comprising a sensory transmission device and an information transmission device, wherein the sensory transmission device comprises a belt with an integrated vibrator, the information transmission device comprises a tablet or a smartphone, and the belt with an integrated vibrator comprises a belt body, a control unit, and a vibrator.

[0011] The invention of claim 2 is an apparatus comprising a sensory transmission device, a sensory detection device, and an information transmission device, wherein the sensory transmission device comprises a belt with an internal vibrator, the sensory detection device comprises shoes with internal pressure sensors, the information transmission device comprises a tablet or a smartphone, the belt with internal vibrator comprises a belt body, a control unit, and a vibrator, and the shoes with internal pressure sensors comprise a shoe body, an insole with internal pressure sensors, and a control unit, and is directed to an assistance device for posture and walking stability.

[0012] The invention of claim 3 is directed to a method of supporting posture and walking stability, characterized by comprising the steps of issuing posture and walking instructions from an information transmission device operated by a support person, a step of a sensory transmission device used by the user receiving the posture and walking instructions from the information transmission device, and a step of the user improving the posture and walking instructions based on the posture and walking instructions.

[0013] The invention of claim 4 is directed to a method of supporting posture and walking stability, characterized by comprising the steps of: a step of a sensation detection device sensing information about a user's posture and walking; a step of an information transmission device operated by a support person receiving and analyzing the sensed information; a step of the sensation transmission device used by the user receiving posture and walking instructions from the information transmission device; and a step of the user improving his or her posture and walking based on the posture and walking instructions.

[0014] According to the present invention, the received walking style is converted into vibration and transmitted to the user, allowing the user to experience it. Information (walking style) input from the pressure sensor in the insole is biofeedback to the user as vibration stimulation from the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator). This function allows the user to experience the characteristics of their own walking style and recognize how they should improve it.

[0015] Supporters can feel the same vibrations as the user and empathize with them. Physical therapists, facility staff, family members, caregivers, and others who support the elderly can also experience the same biofeedback by wearing a sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator). This empathy function further improves the quality of walking independence support.

[0016] It is possible to support independent walking by checking the walking style in real time and adjusting the vibration location and magnitude to the optimum value for the individual. As an evaluation system, it is possible to see changes and growth. As a method of independent walking support, it is possible to provide an original method of independent walking support for each user. It is possible to check the walking condition in real time, and in addition, as an evaluation system, it is possible to evaluate plantar pressure and left-right symmetry, which are necessary for evaluating walking. It is possible to check the walking condition over time.

[0017] When the sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) is worn while standing or sitting, balance can be corrected by applying vibrations in response to the body's swaying.

[0018] This device converts the user's walking style into vibrations that can be felt by the user, and the support person can feel the same vibrations as the user and empathize with them. It is possible to provide a device that supports independent walking by checking the user's walking style in real time and adjusting the location and size of the vibrations to suit each individual. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, the posture and walking stability support device and method of the present invention converts changes in posture and walking style into vibrations and transmits them to the user, allowing the supporter to feel the same vibrations as the user and empathize with them. It makes it possible to support the acquisition of correct posture and stabilization of walking by checking changes in posture and walking style in real time and adjusting the location and magnitude of vibrations to optimal values ​​for each individual. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an assistance device for posture and walking stability of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a control unit (in a belt with a built-in vibrator) in the configuration of an embodiment of an assistance device for posture and walking stability of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of information in a control unit (in a belt with a built-in vibrator) in the configuration of an embodiment of an assistance device for posture and walking stability of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of a supporter using an embodiment of the posture and walking stabilization support device of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which a user is using an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a support situation of a supporter using an embodiment of the posture and walking stabilization support device of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which a user is using an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the embodiment of the posture and walking stability assistance device of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the embodiment of the posture and walking stability assistance device of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the embodiment of the posture and walking stability assistance device of the present invention. [Figure 11]4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system of the embodiment of the posture and gait stability assistance device of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the center of gravity sway of an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In the present invention, a user refers to a person who uses the posture and walking stabilization support device and support method of the present invention to master a desirable walking style.

[0022] In the present invention, a support person refers to a person who supports a user who is using the posture and walking stabilization support device and support method of the present invention by wearing the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) of the present invention when the user acquires a desirable walking style.

[0023] In the present invention, vibration control refers to control of ON / OFF, vibration intensity, and vibration time of the left and right, abdominal, and back vibration motors.

[0024] In the present invention, biofeedback refers to replacing a phenomenon that is difficult to recognize or control with a phenomenon that can be detected by a sensor or the like and sensed by a human being.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the posture and walking stability support device and support method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] 1. Configuration As shown in Figures 1 and 5, embodiment 1 of the posture and walking stabilization support device 1 of the present invention is composed of a sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 and an information transmission device (tablet) 80.

[0027] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, embodiment 2 of the posture and walking stabilization support device 1 of the present invention is composed of a sensation transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10, a sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60, and an information transmission device (tablet) 80.

[0028] The sensory transmission device (vibrator-embedded belt) 10 is composed of a belt body 11, a control unit (inside the vibrator-embedded belt) 12, and a vibrator (with a built-in vibration motor) 13.

[0029] The sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60 comprises a shoe body 61, a pressure sensor built-in insole 70 (insole body 71, in-insole pressure sensor 72), and a control unit (inside shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 73.

[0030] The vibrator 13 has a built-in vibration motor and is installed on the belt body 11 .

[0031] The vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 is fixed to the body side of the belt body 11 with a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows adjustment of the fixing position of the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13. In this embodiment, a total of four vibrators are provided on the left and right abdominal sides and the left and right back sides.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, a control unit (inside a belt with a built-in vibrator) 12 includes a wireless communication function, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and vibrator control (4ch).

[0033] In this embodiment, a tablet is used as the information transmission device 80, but a smartphone, a smart watch, etc. may also be used.

[0034] 2.Operation / How to use The operation of the posture and walking stability support device 1 of the present invention is as follows. (1) Wear a sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) 10 so that the vibrator (with a built-in vibration motor) 13 comes into contact with the body. (2) The type of vibration is set on the information transmission device (tablet) 80. (3) When a mode using feedback from a pressure sensor is selected, a sensation detection device (shoes with a built-in pressure sensor) 60 is worn (Example 2, FIG. 7).

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit (inside the vibrator-embedded belt) 12 of the sensory transmission device (vibrator-embedded belt) 10 is composed of a wireless communication device, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a vibration motor control. As shown in Fig. 3, the selection of the path of the vibration calculation unit of the function is based on a command from the information transmission device (tablet) 80.

[0036] There are four methods of posture and walking support based on the type of vibration function: (1) The three-axis acceleration sensor and gyro sensor in the control unit (inside the belt with built-in vibrator) 12 measure the center of gravity sway value (Figure 12), and the vibration of the corresponding part is controlled to train the body's posture control function. (2) Vibration is manually controlled using the information transmission device (tablet) 80, and sensory training is performed using vibration. (3) By controlling vibration with rhythmic information, walking training is performed by presenting vibration cueing. (4) Walking training is performed by vibrating according to the pressure value from a sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60.

[0037] The center of gravity sway measurement refers to a function that measures the sway of the waist position as center of gravity sway using a three-axis acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor in the control unit (inside the belt with a built-in vibrator) 12.

[0038] The method for measuring the center of gravity sway is as follows. (1) The subject should stand upright with both hands at their sides and mouth lightly closed, with the upper body in a comfortable position (if it is difficult to stand upright with the feet together, spread the legs as far apart as possible to stand upright). (2) Wait approximately 5 to 8 seconds until the transient disturbance disappears, and then start recording. (3) First, an open-eye measurement is performed (open-eye measurement is performed while looking at a target 2 m in front of you, set at eye level). (4) After finishing, sit on a chair and take a break. (5) Perform closed-eye measurement (look at the target and then close your eyes in the same position). (6) Measurements are generally taken for 60 seconds. However, for children, elderly people, and others who have difficulty standing upright for 60 seconds, a measurement of 30 seconds or less should be selected.

[0039] A posture / walking support method (posture control training) using a sensation transmission device (vibration belt) 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] Normally, when standing upright, the body sways slightly. There is a righting reflex that tries to return the body to its original position when it is about to fall (bias), so posture is maintained by repeating the bias and righting reflex (postural control system). However, as the function of the postural control system declines with age, it affects the sway of the center of gravity when standing upright. As the sway of the center of gravity increases, the risk of falling also increases.

[0041] Therefore, the posture and walking stability support device 1 of the present invention has the following functions. (1) Center of gravity sway display: When the center of gravity sway mode is switched on, the trajectory of center of gravity sway is displayed as a line on the operation terminal, and the user is evaluated based on the length of the line (trajectory length) and its area. (2) Posture control training: According to the magnitude and direction of the center of gravity sway, the subject's body's imbalance is conveyed to the subject by the vibration of the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13, and the posture control system of the body is improved. Specifically, the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 on the opposite side is vibrated in the direction of the imbalance.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 10, vibration is manually controlled for the sensory transmission device (vibration belt) 10. A support person 3 specifies the vibration position and intensity for the sensory transmission device (vibration belt) 10 of the user 2 via an information transmission device (tablet) 80, and vibrates the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13, training the sensation of vibration.

[0043] The method of using the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used alone and the movement amount of the hips (center of gravity) is calculated and posture control is encouraged by vibration, Fig. 5 shows a state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used alone and a vibration pattern (pitch) is presented from an operation terminal and vibration is caused to encourage walking according to the pitch, Fig. 6 shows a state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used alone and vibration is caused by operation of an information transmission device (tablet) 80, and Fig. 7 shows a state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used (in the case of a shoe-built-in pressure sensor) by input from a sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60 and a vibration motor in a vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 attached to the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is vibrated according to data from an in-insole pressure sensor 72 in an insole with built-in pressure sensor 70.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, vibration control with rhythmic information presents a vibration pattern (pitch) of vibration time and vibration interval to a vibrating belt 10 via an information transmission device (tablet) 80, causing the belt to vibrate in a way that encourages walking in accordance with the pitch.

[0045] The function of the pitch rhythm vibration calculation unit is shown in Figure 9. The vibration patterns are (1) right foot vibration interval (specified in ms), (2) vibration time when the right foot touches the ground (specified in ms), (3) left foot vibration interval (specified in ms), and (4) vibration time when the left foot touches the ground (specified in ms).

[0046] Each piece of information can be calculated from the number of steps taken per minute, or from walking information of the user 2 (calculated results of the movement of the hips (center of gravity), data from the pressure sensor in the sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60).

[0047] The function of the manual calculation unit is shown in Figure 10. The vibration pattern can be selected by turning on / off the vibration motor in the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 of each part.

[0048] There are three ways to present vibration: (1) A method of presenting vibration by changing the vibration intensity according to the pressure value. (2) A method of presenting a vibration when the pressure value changes above a threshold, such as when the heel strikes the ground or pushes off. (3) A method of presenting a vibration when the pressure value exceeds a set threshold.

[0049] There are two ways to present rhythm: (1) A presentation method that is tailored to the number of steps per minute, such as a rhythm of 80 steps per minute. (2) A method of measuring the current state of user 2 and presenting the state based on the measured values.

[0050] Specifically, the rhythm is presented by having the subject walk for about 10 seconds at first, measuring the walking rhythm of the left and right sides of the subject from data from the pressure sensor-embedded insole 70 at that time, and presenting the vibration of that rhythm to the subject while standing or sitting, thereby making the subject aware of the current situation. Next, the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 is vibrated at a rhythm several percent faster than the current walking speed, encouraging the subject to walk in accordance with that rhythm, thereby enabling an improvement in walking speed.

[0051] When the user is in a standing or sitting position, posture can be corrected by vibrating the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 based on the analysis of data from a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor built into the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10.

[0052] The vibrators (with built-in vibration motor) 13 built into the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 are arranged in four locations, on the left and right sides of the ventral side and the left and right sides of the back, and correspond to the left and right heels and toes according to data from the pressure sensor-embedded insole 70 of the sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60. The correspondence can be freely changed using the information transmission device (tablet) 80. As an example, for a person who has lost sensation on the back side, pressure on the heel of the right foot is made to correspond to the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 on the right ventral side.

[0053] 3.Effects The posture and walking stability support device 1 of the present invention detects movement of the center of gravity from movement of the waist by analyzing the values ​​of a three-axis acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor built into a sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10, and corrects balance by vibrating a vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 based on that movement.

[0054] Also, the vibration element (with a built-in vibration motor) 13 can be vibrated based on the pressure value from the sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60, thereby improving walking.

[0055] Furthermore, by presenting a walking rhythm pattern, vibrating the vibrator (with a built-in vibration motor) 13 in accordance with the pattern, and walking in time with the vibration, it is possible to improve walking.

[0056] It is possible to specify vibration at a certain rhythm. The current rhythm can be measured, and a rhythm several percent faster than that can be presented to the left and right.

[0057] Specific effects obtained when using the posture and walking stabilization support device 1 of the present invention are as follows. (1) The received walking style is converted into vibrations and transmitted to the user 2, allowing it to be experienced by the user 2. Information (walking style) input from the pressure sensor in the insole is biofeedback to the user 2 as vibration stimulation from the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10. This function allows the user 2 to experience the characteristics of his or her own walking style and recognize how to improve it. (2) The support person 3 can feel the same vibration as the user 2 and empathize with him / her. Physical therapists, facility staff, family members, caregivers, and other people who support the elderly can also experience the same biofeedback by wearing a sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10. This empathy function further improves the quality of walking independence support. (3) Walking style can be confirmed in real time, and the location and magnitude of vibration can be adjusted to optimal values ​​for each individual to support independent walking. As an evaluation system, changes and growth can be seen. As a walking assistance, an original walking assistance method can be provided for each user2. Walking status can be confirmed in real time, and in addition, as an evaluation system, plantar pressure and left-right symmetry, which are necessary for evaluating walking, can be evaluated. Walking status can be confirmed over time. (4) When the sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) 10 is worn in a standing or sitting position, the device vibrates in response to the swaying of the body, thereby correcting balance.

[0058] 4. Working Example The specific configuration, method of use, and operation of the posture and walking stabilization support device 1 according to the present invention are as follows.

[0059] The sensory transmission device (transducer-embedded belt) 10 is composed of a belt body 11, four transducers (with built-in vibration motors) 13, a control unit (inside the transducer-embedded belt) 12, and a mobile battery (4000mAh). The corresponding waist circumference is 50cm to 80cm for M size and 70cm to 120cm for L size, and the total weight is about 200g.

[0060] The sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60 is composed of a shoe body 61, an insole with a pressure sensor, and a control unit (inside the shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 73. The shoe body 61 is available in sizes S (22.5cm to 23.5cm), M (24.0cm to 25.5cm), and L (26.0cm to 27.0cm). The pressure sensors are attached to the big toe, the ball of the second toe, the ball of the foot, and the heel. In addition, a control unit 73 is attached to each of the right and left shoe bodies 61. In this embodiment, a lithium ion polymer battery (3.7V110mAh) is built in, and charging is performed by charging the built-in battery via a USB cable.

[0061] An information transmission device (tablet) 80 has dedicated application software installed.

[0062] As a first embodiment of the posture and walking stabilization support device 1 and support method of the present invention, the flow of operations from start to finish when using a tablet as the information transmission device 80 is as follows. (1) Start: Turn on the power (sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60, left and right control units 73, and control unit (inside belt with built-in vibrator) 12). (2) An information transmission device (tablet) 80, a sensation transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10, and a sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60 are connected. (3) Launch the dedicated application software on Tablet 80. (5) Set the operating mode (select the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10, select the sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60, and select the measurement mode). (6) Walking training measurements are performed. (7) End: Turn off the power (control unit (inside the belt with built-in vibrator) 12, sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60, left and right control units 73)

[0063] The operation of the tablet, which is the information transmission device 80 of this device, will be described in detail below. The screens displayed by the dedicated application software are roughly divided into three stages: (1) measurement screen (for performing measurements), (2) measurement result / report screen (for checking measurement results and reports), and (3) user management screen (for managing groups and users). Each screen will be described in detail below.

[0064] The term "vibration motor" described below refers to the "vibration motor" built into vibrator 13 (with built-in vibration motor).

[0065] (1) The measurement screen (for performing measurements) will be explained. 1. User selection (select a user, display user selection screen). 2 Vibration motor left front setting (select whether to enable or disable vibration of the vibration motor left front. In test mode, turn motor vibration ON / OFF). 3 Vibration motor left rear setting (select whether to enable or disable the vibration of the vibration motor left rear, and in test mode turn the motor vibration ON / OFF). 4 Vibration motor right front setting (select whether to enable or disable vibration of the vibration motor right front. In test mode, turn motor vibration ON / OFF). 5 Vibration motor right rear setting (select whether to enable or disable vibration of the vibration motor right rear. In test mode, turn motor vibration ON / OFF). 6 Vibration Intensity (select the vibration intensity of the vibration motor from 1-5). 7 Operation mode (displays the operation mode setting screen). 8 Start / Stop (Clicking the Start button will start saving images and measurement data if the operation mode is other than rhythm, and will stop at the time specified in the Recording Time or at the end. In rhythm mode, will start vibration at the specified pitch, the vibration time can be any length but as an example we will use 30 seconds). 9 Elapsed time (displays the time elapsed since the start of recording or rhythm mode). 10 Recording time selection (select the time to record or present rhythm). 11 Graph display (displays foot pressure (toes, heels) in a graph). 12 Confirm the record (Proceed to the confirmation screen for the recorded information). 13. Camera image (displaying the camera image of the tablet 80, saving the image during startup).

[0066] In the operation mode setting on the measurement screen, detailed settings for the operation of the sensation transmission device (transducer built-in belt) 10 can be made. The device may be provided with the following functions: list of sensory transmission devices (belts with built-in vibrators) 10 (displays a list of connected sensory transmission devices (belts with built-in vibrators) 10; selects the sensory transmission device (belts with built-in vibrators) 10 to be set); selection of sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60 (selects the sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60 (S, M, L) to be connected); operation mode (selects the vibration mode); left foot pressure sensor selection (specifies whether or not to have a pressure sensor for the left toe (thumb, ball of the big toe, ball of the second toe) and a pressure sensor for the heel (heel)); selection of right foot pressure sensor (specifies whether or not to have a pressure sensor for the right toe (thumb, ball of the big toe, ball of the second toe) and a pressure sensor for the heel (heel); rhythm mode setting (specifies the vibration time and pitch in rhythm mode); and ON / OFF mode threshold (sets a threshold for determining whether or not to have foot pressure in ON / OFF mode).

[0067] During operation mode setting on the measurement screen, the operation mode (selecting the vibration mode) can have the following functions: normal mode (vibrates when stepping down), linear mode (vibrates according to foot pressure), ON / OFF mode (vibrates at a vibration intensity set above a threshold value), rhythm mode (vibrates a specified part of the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 at a specified pitch; specify the vibrating motor with the motor vibration setting button on the measurement screen and execute with the start button), and test (check the vibration of the vibration motor; vibrate when the motor vibration setting button on the measurement screen is turned ON).

[0068] (2) The measurement result / report screen (for checking measurement results and reports) will be explained. The measurement results / report screen can have the following functions: video display (displays images recorded during measurement), report (displays a window for graphically displaying the average foot pressure of the left and right feet and left-right symmetry), measurement result display (displays the number of steps, peak values ​​of the heel and toes, and average values), graph display (graphically displays foot pressure (toes and heel)), playback (converts foot pressure recorded during measurement and plays images), and slider (allows you to move to any time during playback).

[0069] The report confirmation screen, which is accessed from the measurement result confirmation screen, has a function that allows you to create a PDF file by entering comments in the comment field and pressing the PDF output button. This allows you to check the information in PDF format.

[0070] The measurement results and report screen can have the following functions: group selection (select a group), user selection (select a user), date selection (select the date of measurement), and time selection (select the time of measurement to check the measurement results (transition to the measurement results confirmation screen)).

[0071] (3) Explain the user management screen (for managing groups and users). The user management screen can have the following functions: group name (select a group), user name (select a user), display information (display selected user information), edit group information (edit existing group information), register new group information (register new group information), edit user information (edit existing user information), and register new user information (register new user information).

[0072] The group information editing screen accessed from the user management screen has functions for editing the group name, email address, contact information, and memos.

[0073] The user information editing screen, which is accessed from the user management screen, has functions for editing information such as group selection (selecting a registered group), name (user name), pronunciation (user name pronunciation), date of birth, gender, height, stride length, and weight. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] User 2 can correctly understand his / her own "posture" and "walking style" by experiencing the vibrations, learn the ideal posture and walking style, and easily correct them.

[0075] By experiencing the "walking style" of the user 2, the supporter 3 (therapist, family member, caregiver) can gain a correct understanding and propose a custom-made walking support method, building a deeper relationship of trust. The simple functions help learn the ideal walking style, preventing falls and improving walking ability. By learning the ideal walking style, falls can be prevented, and the aim is to support independence and extend a healthy lifespan.

[0076] The posture and walking stability support device 1 and support method of the present invention convert changes in posture and walking style into vibrations and transmit them, which the user 2 can feel, and the supporter 3 can also feel the same vibrations as the user 2 and empathize with them.It makes it possible to support the acquisition of correct posture and stabilization of walking by checking changes in posture and walking style in real time and adjusting the location and magnitude of vibrations to optimal values ​​for each individual. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Posture and walking support devices 2 User 3 supporters 10 Sensory transmission device (vibrator-embedded belt) 11 Belt body 12 Control unit (with vibrator inside belt) 13 Vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 60 Sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 61 Shoes body 70 Pressure sensor insole 71 Insole body 72 Insole pressure sensor 73 Control unit (with pressure sensor inside the shoe) 80 Information transmission device (tablet) 110 Walking rehabilitation support device (sensory detection and presentation device) 111 Sensation detection unit (sensation detection means) 113 Sensory presentation unit (sensory presentation means) 115 Control Unit 118 Pressure Sensor 122 Stimulating device 132 Pressing body 160 Pressure measurement unit (sensation detection means) 162 Operation command unit (sensory presentation means) A Forearm (body surface) H Patient (user) S Sole V-belt

Claims

1. It is a device consisting of a sensory transmission device and an information transmission device. The sensory transmission device consists of a belt with a built-in vibrator. The information transmission device is a tablet or a smartphone, The transducer-embedded belt consists of a belt body, a control unit, and a transducer. A posture and walking stability support device.

2. A device consisting of a sensory transmission device, a sensory detection device, and an information transmission device, The sensory transmission device consists of a belt with a built-in vibrator. The sensation detection device is a shoe with a built-in pressure sensor. The information transmission device is a tablet or a smartphone, The transducer-embedded belt consists of the belt body, a control unit, and a transducer. The shoes with built-in pressure sensors consist of the shoe body, the insole with built-in pressure sensors, and the control unit. A posture and walking stability support device.

3. issuing posture and walking instructions from an information transmission device operated by a support person; A step in which a sensory transmission device used by a user receives posture and walking instructions from an information transmission device; A step in which the user improves posture and walking according to posture and walking instructions; A method for supporting posture and walking stability, comprising:

4. A sensation detection device detects posture and walking information of a user; A step of receiving and analyzing the sensed information by an information transmission device operated by a supporter; A step in which a sensory transmission device used by a user receives posture and walking instructions from an information transmission device; A step in which the user improves posture and walking according to posture and walking instructions; A method for supporting posture and walking stability, comprising:

Citation Information

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