Walking mat and walking condition determination method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a walking mat and a walking state determination method using the same, and more particularly, to a walking mat capable of determining a user's walking state and a walking state determination method using the same. A walking state determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a modem that receives and outputs sensing information from a connected walking mat, a memory that stores one or more of predetermined correct walking information and correct standing information, and a processor. The memory may store program instructions executable by the processor that update the correct walking information or the correct standing information when sensing information is received and determine whether an emergency situation exists when sensing information is not received. In this case, the walking mat may generate sensing information through a pressure sensor formed therein and transmit it to the walking state determination device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking mat and a walking condition determination method using the same, and more particularly to a walking mat that can determine a user's walking condition and a walking condition determination method using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Human postural adjustment occurs through a mutual balance between sensory information and movement. The motor process is the harmonization of the postural coordinated response of the trunk muscles and lower limb muscles, while the sensory process is the process of organizing information input from the somatosensory (touch, proprioception), vision, and vestibular system. However, these senses gradually weaken with age, leading to frequent falls among the elderly. People whose senses have weakened due to accidents are also at risk of falling.

[0003] To prevent falls in the elderly and the frail, simple exercises that can develop a sense of balance are recommended. However, exercise alone has limitations in preventing falls in the elderly and the frail. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can immediately provide specific information to the elderly and the frail regarding whether they are standing with good balance at a level where walking is possible, and whether there is a risk of falling while walking.

[0004] Meanwhile, as we enter an aging society, the number of elderly people living alone is increasing. Elderly people living alone may not be able to receive prompt assistance even in the event of a minor fall, which can lead to serious injury or, in the worst case, death. Robbery cases in which burglars break into the homes of elderly people living alone to steal their money and valuables are also on the rise. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can automatically recognize accidents involving elderly people living alone and immediately request assistance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a walking mat that automatically recognizes accidents involving elderly people living alone and enables them to quickly request assistance, and a method for determining walking conditions using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a walking state determination device is disclosed, which includes: a modem that receives sensing information from a connected walking mat and outputs the same; a memory that stores one or more of predetermined correct walking information and correct standing information; and a processor; wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor that update the correct walking information or the correct standing information when the sensing information is received, and determine whether an emergency situation exists when the sensing information is not received; and the walking mat generates and transmits the sensing information through a pressure sensor formed therein.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program instructions for determining whether an emergency situation exists by comparing the unrecognized cumulative time with a preset threshold time when the sensing information is not received.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the memory stores program instructions for generating and transmitting a confirmation signal to the walking mat when the accumulated time is equal to or greater than the threshold time, and the walking mat may output a user confirmation request when the confirmation signal is received.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the memory stores program instructions for determining that a non-emergency situation exists when a response message is received, and the walking mat can transmit the response message to the modem when a user operation is input after the output of the user confirmation request.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program commands for transmitting an emergency message to a preset contact if a response message is not received within a preset time period after the transmission of the confirmation signal.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program instructions for generating one or more of foot weight information, stride length information, and walking speed information using a predetermined method when the sensing information is received and a foot is recognized, and then using the generated information to determine whether the information is related to a legitimate user.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program instructions for generating first user information using the following Equation 1 and comparing the first user information with the legitimate gait information to determine whether the user is a legitimate user: [Number 1] U1=α1P1+β1W+γ1V where U1 is the first user information, α1, β1, and γ1 are predetermined coefficients and positive real numbers, P1 is the foot weight information, W is the stride length information, and V is the walking speed information.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program commands for outputting an invalid user notification when a difference between the first user information and the legitimate walking information exceeds a predetermined error range, and updating an average value of the legitimate walking information using the first user information when a legitimate user notification is input by a user operation in response to the invalid user notification output, and changing α1, β1, and γ1 so that the first user information becomes equal to the updated legitimate walking information.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program commands for transmitting an emergency situation message to a pre-defined contact when the authorized user notification is not input.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program instructions for generating one or more of two foot weight information, foot size information, and foot width information in a predetermined manner using the sensing information when one foot is not recognized within a predetermined time after two feet are recognized, and then using the generated information to determine whether the information is related to a legitimate user.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program instructions for generating second user information using the following Equation 2 and comparing the second user information with the valid standing information to determine whether the user is valid: [Number 2] U2 = α2P2 + β2S + γ2B where U2 is the second user information, α2, β2 and γ2 are predetermined coefficients and are positive real numbers, P2 is the two foot weight information, S is the foot size information, and B is the foot width information.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the memory may store program commands for outputting an invalid user notification when a difference between the second user information and the valid standing information exceeds a predetermined error range, and updating an average value of the valid standing information using the user information when a valid user notification is input by a user operation in response to the invalid user notification output, and changing α2, β2, and γ2 so that the user information becomes equal to the updated valid standing information.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the memory may transmit an emergency situation message to a pre-defined contact if the authorized user notification is not input. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a walking mat that automatically recognizes an accident involving an elderly person living alone and enables immediate assistance to be requested, and a method for determining the walking condition using the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a walking condition determination system using a walking mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of the physical configuration of a walking mat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of the physical configuration of a walking mat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the logical configuration of a walking condition determination device using a walking mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a walking state determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The technical concept of the present invention can be variously modified and can have various embodiments, and therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention to the specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the technical concept of the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0022] In explaining the technical concept of the present invention, if a detailed description of the related prior art is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, numbers (e.g., 1, 2, etc.) used in the description of this specification are merely identification symbols for distinguishing one component from another.

[0023] Furthermore, in this specification, when a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but may also be coupled or connected via another component in between, unless otherwise specified.

[0024] In addition, the terms "module," "device," "subsystem," etc. used in this specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this is embodied in hardware or software, such as a processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerate Processor Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0025] It should be understood that the division of components in this specification merely represents a division according to the main function of each component. That is, two or more components described below may be combined into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components according to further subdivided functions. It goes without saying that each component described below may perform some or all of the functions of other components in addition to its own main function, and that some of the main functions of each component may be exclusively performed by other components.

[0026] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a walking condition determination system using a walking mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 1, a walking state determination system 100 includes one or more walking mats 110, and walking state determination devices 120 such as a mobile terminal 120-1, a personal computer 120-2, and a server 120-n. The walking mats 110 and the walking state determination devices 120 may be connected via a wired or wireless network 130. The network 130 may be any type of network that can connect the walking mats 110 and the walking state determination devices 120. For example, the network 130 may be a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Alternatively, the network 130 may be a long-range communication network such as the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0029] The walking state determination system 100 can determine whether a legitimate user has stepped on the walking mat 110 when the user has stepped on it. This is because the walking mat 110 may be stepped on by an outsider who has invaded a residential area of ​​an elderly person living alone. Therefore, the walking state determination system 100 can sense the pressure of the two feet of the user who has stepped on the walking mat 110, and then compare the pressure with information about the legitimate user to determine whether a legitimate user has stepped on the walking mat 110. Furthermore, the walking state determination system 100 can determine whether an emergency situation has occurred if the user has not stepped on the walking mat 110 for a certain period of time or more.

[0030] The above-described operation of the walking condition determination system 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0031] 2 and 3 are diagrams of the physical configuration of a walking mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] First, with reference to FIG. 2, the physical configuration of a walking mat 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] The plurality of walking mats 110 are electrically connected to each other. For example, a connecting terminal is formed on each of the first walking mat 110-1 and the second walking mat 110-2. The connecting terminal of the first walking mat 110-1 and the connecting terminal of the second walking mat 110-2 are connected directly or via a cable, etc., to electrically connect the first walking mat 110-1 and the second walking mat 110-2.

[0034] In addition, lighting units 210-1 and 210-2 are formed on both sides of the walking mat 110. For example, a first lighting unit 210-1 is formed on the left side of the upper surface of the walking mat 110, and a second lighting unit 210-2 is formed on the right side of the upper surface. When a user is standing on the walking mat 110 in a state where they can walk, the first lighting unit 210-1 and the second lighting unit 210-2 emit light of the same color, allowing the user to visually recognize that they are in a state where they can walk. On the other hand, when the user is standing in a state where they are about to fall while walking, the first lighting unit 210-1 and the second lighting unit 210-2 emit light of different colors, allowing the user to visually recognize that they are in a state where they cannot walk.

[0035] Furthermore, when a user is walking normally on the upper surface of the walking mat 110, the first lighting unit 210-1 and the second lighting unit 210-2 emit light of the same color, allowing the user to visually recognize that the user is walking normally. On the other hand, when a user is walking abnormally on the upper surface of the walking mat 110, the first lighting unit 210-1 and the second lighting unit 210-2 emit light of different colors, allowing the user to visually recognize that the user is walking abnormally. Furthermore, if the cause of the abnormal walking is the left foot, the first lighting unit 210-1 emits light of a first color, allowing the user to visually recognize that the user is walking abnormally due to the left foot. Similarly, if the cause of the abnormal walking is the right foot, the second lighting unit 210-2 emits light of a first color, allowing the user to visually recognize that the user is walking abnormally due to the right foot.

[0036] Meanwhile, while Fig. 2 illustrates an example in which lighting units are formed on both sides of the walking mat 110, the lighting units may be formed anywhere as long as they are visually recognizable by the user while standing or walking. Fig. 3 illustrates an example in which a number of individual lighting units (hereinafter referred to as "210") are formed in a matrix on the top of the walking mat 110. In this case, the individual lighting units 210 are mapped to pressure sensors 220 (described later), and when the user steps on the walking mat 110, the lighting unit 210 at the position where the pressure is sensed emits light, allowing the user to intuitively align their center of gravity with the illuminating lighting unit 210.

[0037] 2 again, a pressure sensor 220 is formed on the walking mat 110. For example, the pressure sensor 220 is formed inside the walking mat 110. The pressure sensor 220 can be applied regardless of shape and type as long as it is a sensor that can sense pressure applied to the upper surface of the walking mat 110. Therefore, when the user stands anywhere on the walking mat 110, the pressure sensor 220 can sense the pressure of two or one of the user's feet.

[0038] In addition, a communication modem (not shown) and a processor (not shown) are formed in the walking mat 110. The communication modem (not shown) of the walking mat 110 is a device for transmitting information generated by the pressure sensor 220 (hereinafter referred to as "sensing information") to the walking state determination device 120 or for receiving information transmitted from the walking state determination device 120. In addition, the processor (not shown) of the walking mat 110 processes the information generated by the pressure sensor 220 of the walking mat and transmits it to the walking state determination device 120, and processes the information received from the walking state determination device 120 to perform a corresponding function.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the logical configuration of a walking condition determination device using a walking mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, the walking state determination device 120 includes a modem 410, a memory 420, a processor 430, and a display 440.

[0041] The modem 410 is a communication device that electrically connects the walking state determination device 120 and the walking mat 110. That is, the walking state determination device 120 can be connected to the network 130 through the modem 410.

[0042] The memory 420 is a data storage medium such as a magnetic disk (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory 420 stores program commands executable by the processor 430. In particular, the memory 420 stores sensing information received from the walking mat 110. The memory 420 may also store program commands that can determine whether a valid user is on the walking mat 110 using the sensing information.

[0043] The processor 430 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and / or a corresponding computing device that can control the overall operation of the walking state determination device 120, and in particular, can automatically determine whether a valid user is present on the walking mat 110 using the sensing information and program instructions stored in the memory 420.

[0044] The display 440 is a device that outputs text, images, pictures, etc. input from the processor 430 to allow the user to visually recognize necessary information, and includes an LED, LCD, etc.

[0045] Although not shown, the walking state determination device 120 may further include an input device (not shown) such as a touchpad or a keypad that can generate a signal in response to a user's operation and output the signal to the processor 430.

[0046] The operation of processor 430 will now be described in more detail.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a walking state determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, a walking state determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Each step described below is performed by the processor 430 of the walking state determination device 120 executing program commands stored in the memory 420. However, for ease of understanding and description, each step will be described as being performed by the processor 430.

[0049] In step S510, the processor 430 can determine whether sensing information has been received. When the user steps onto the walking mat 110, the walking mat 110 can generate "information regarding pressure due to the user's weight" (i.e., sensing information) recognized by a pressure sensor formed therein and transmit the information to the walking state determination device 120. Therefore, the processor 430 can determine whether the modem 410 has received sensing information from the walking mat 110.

[0050] In step S520, the processor 430 can determine whether a predetermined threshold time t0 or more has elapsed without receiving sensing information from the walking mat 110. If the walking mat 110 remains powered on and unused for a long period of time, it is possible that an emergency has occurred to the user. Therefore, the processor 430 can compare the cumulative time counted from immediately after the last sensing information was received with the predetermined threshold time.

[0051] In step S522, the processor 430 may continue to count the accumulated time if the accumulated time is less than the threshold time.

[0052] In step S525, if the accumulated time is equal to or greater than the threshold time, the processor 430 recognizes the user's emergency situation and generates a confirmation signal to reconfirm whether the emergency situation exists. The processor 430 also transmits the generated confirmation signal to the walking mat 110. The processor 430 can also control the confirmation signal to be output through the display 440. When the walking mat 110 receives the confirmation signal, it can illuminate the provided illumination unit 210 to request confirmation from the user. Hereinafter, the illumination of the illumination unit 210 in response to the confirmation signal will be referred to as a "user confirmation request." The user can visually confirm the confirmation signal through the display 440 and / or the walking mat illumination unit 210.

[0053] In step S530, the processor 430 may check whether a user operation is input within a predetermined time after the generation of the confirmation signal. If the user successfully acknowledges the confirmation signal via the display 440 and / or the walking mat illuminator 210, it is deemed that there is no emergency. In this case, the user stands on the walking mat 110 or operates a separately provided input device (not shown), and the walking mat 110 generates a response message and transmits it to the modem 410. The modem 410 outputs the response message to the processor 430. As a result, the processor 430 recognizes that there is no emergency. Alternatively, the user may acknowledge the displayed confirmation signal and then operate an input device (not shown) of the walking state determination device 120 to generate a response message. As a result, the processor 430 also recognizes that there is no emergency.

[0054] In step S535, if the processor 430 recognizes from the response message that the situation is not an emergency, it initializes the cumulative time to zero.

[0055] In step S540, if the processor 430 does not receive a response message within a predetermined time after transmitting the confirmation signal, the processor 430 transmits an emergency message to the guardian informing the guardian that an emergency situation has occurred to the user. At this time, the guardian's contact information should be pre-stored in the memory 420. For example, the processor 430 transmits an emergency message (SMS, Short Message Service) stating "The user has encountered an emergency situation" to the guardian's mobile phone.

[0056] Meanwhile, in step S550, when the processor 430 receives sensing information from the walking mat 110, it analyzes the received sensing information to determine whether it is information about the user's two feet, in order to determine whether the user is standing upright on the walking mat 110 with two feet or walking.

[0057] In step S560, if a plurality of pieces of sensing information sequentially input from the walking mat 110 relate to one foot, the processor 430 recognizes walking information using the same. That is, if there is only one "pressure recognized position" included in a single piece of sensing information, the processor 430 determines that the user is currently walking. For example, assume that first to third sensing information have been received. At this time, each piece of sensing information may include the following information:

[0058] (1) Unique number of the walking mat 110 (when multiple walking mats are electrically connected) (2) The position where the pressure was detected (2D coordinate value) (3) Pressure intensity (pressure intensity by coordinate in (2))

[0059] Therefore, the processor 430 can generate information related to the user's stride length, walking speed, user weight, etc., using the first position and first intensity included in the first sensing information, the second position and second intensity included in the second sensing information, and the third position and third intensity included in the third sensing information. For example, the processor 430 extracts the center point of the first position (e.g., the center of gravity of the recognized coordinate values), extracts the center point of the second position, and extracts the center point of the third position to generate information related to the user's stride length (hereinafter referred to as "stride length information"). The stride length information corresponds to the distance between the first position and the third position.

[0060] In another example, the processor 430 uses the first pressure, the second pressure, and the third pressure to generate information about the pressure applied to the ground when the user walks (e.g., an average value of the pressure values ​​corresponding to the first position, hereinafter referred to as "foot weight information").

[0061] In yet another example, the processor 430 also generates information about the walking speed of the user based on the reception times of the first to third sensing information and the movement distance of the center point (hereinafter referred to as "walking speed information").

[0062] The processor 430 can generate the first user information using the stride length information, the foot weight information, the walking speed information, and the predetermined Equation 1.

[0063] [Number 1] U1=α1P1+β1W+γ1V Here, U1 is the first user information, α1, β1, and γ1 are predetermined coefficients that are positive real numbers, P1 is foot weight information, W is stride length information, and V is walking speed information.

[0064] Because a user's stride length changes over time, their weight increases or decreases, and their walking speed is not always maintained constant, the processor 430 can normalize the information about the user's walking and generate the first user information as a single value.

[0065] The processor 430 may also compare the first user information with predetermined valid walking information to determine whether the sensing information relates to a valid user. For example, the processor 430 may determine that the sensing information relates to an invalid user if the difference between the first user information and the valid walking information exceeds a predetermined error range. Here, the valid walking information is information pre-stored in the memory 420. The valid walking information is a value automatically set based on information regarding the user's foot weight, walking speed, and / or stride length input during initial setup of the walking mat 110. At this time, the initial α1, β1, and γ1 may be preset values ​​as defaults. As will be described later, α1, β1, and γ1 may change depending on the subsequently generated first user information.

[0066] Meanwhile, although the operation of generating the first user information using three pieces of sensing information has been described above, the first user information may be generated using more pieces of sensing information, and in this case, P and W used in the first user information may be averages of corresponding values ​​recognized by each piece of sensing information. Also, when reception of sensing information related to one foot is completed, sensing information received up to that point may be used to generate the first user information. This is because elderly and weak people walk while repeatedly stopping and walking.

[0067] In step S570, the processor 430 outputs an invalid user notification if the difference between the first user information and the valid walking information exceeds a predetermined error range. For example, the error range is set to 5[%] of the valid walking information. In this case, the processor 430 determines that the first user information is information about a valid user if the difference between the first user information and the valid walking information is within 5[%] of the pre-stored valid walking information. On the other hand, the processor 430 outputs an invalid user notification if the difference between the first user information and the valid walking information exceeds 5[%] of the pre-stored valid walking information.

[0068] The processor 430 also transmits the generated invalid user notification to the walking mat 110. The processor 430 can also control the invalid user notification to be output via the display 440. When the walking mat 110 receives the invalid user notification, it can illuminate the provided illumination unit 210 to request confirmation from the user. The user visually confirms the invalid user notification via the display 440 and / or the walking mat illumination unit 210.

[0069] The processor 430 checks whether a user operation is input within a predetermined time after generating the unauthorized user notification. The authorized user acknowledges the unauthorized user notification through the display 440 and / or the walking mat illuminator 210 and responds that they are using the walking mat 110. To this end, the user operates a separately provided input device (not shown), and the walking mat 110 generates an authorized user notification and transmits it to the modem 410. The modem 410 outputs the authorized user notification to the processor 430. This allows the processor 430 to recognize that the first user information relates to an authorized user. Alternatively, the user may acknowledge the displayed unauthorized user notification and then operate an input device (not shown) of the walking state determination device 120 to generate an authorized user notification. This also allows the processor 430 to recognize that the first user information relates to an authorized user.

[0070] Furthermore, when a valid user notification is received, the processor 430 can update the average value of the valid walking information using the first user information that exceeds the error range. The processor 430 also changes α1, β1, and γ1 so that the first user information becomes the same as the updated valid walking information. For example, the updated valid walking information should have increased or decreased by about half the difference value from the first user information. Therefore, the processor 430 can change α1, β1, and γ1 so that the first user information becomes the same as the updated valid walking information. At this time, there may be several combinations of α1, β1, and γ1 that make the first user information the same as the updated valid walking information. In this case, the processor 430 selects the combination with the largest α1 value from the several combinations.

[0071] In step S580, if the processor 430 does not receive a valid user notification within a predetermined time after transmitting the invalid user notification, it determines that an emergency situation has occurred in the current user's security and transmits an emergency situation message to a pre-defined contact. This allows the guardian to be notified that an emergency situation has occurred for the user. In this case, the guardian's contact information should be stored in memory 420 in advance, and the processor 430 transmits an emergency situation message (SMS) stating "An emergency situation has occurred for the user" to the guardian's mobile phone.

[0072] In step S590, if it is determined that the user is standing upright on two feet based on the result of determining the sensing information received from the walking mat 110 in step S550, the processor 430 recognizes upright information using the sensing information. That is, if there are two "pressure recognized positions" included in the sensing information, it is determined that the user is currently standing upright. When the user is standing upright, sensing information is not input sequentially, but only one piece is received until a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the processor 430 can generate upright information including the user's weight, foot size, foot width, etc., using the two pressure positions included in the sensing information.

[0073] For example, the processor 430 recognizes the average pressure magnitude of the coordinates included in the sensing information as the foot weight information. The processor 430 also recognizes information about the size of the user's two feet based on the area and / or length where the pressure included in the sensing information is recognized (hereinafter referred to as "foot size information"). The processor 430 also recognizes information about the width of the user's two feet based on the area and / or width where the pressure included in the sensing information is recognized (hereinafter referred to as "foot width information").

[0074] Furthermore, the processor 430 may generate the second user information using the following Equation 2:

[0075] [Number 2] U2 = α2P2 + β2S + γ2B Here, U2 is second user information, α2, β2, and γ2 are predetermined coefficients and are positive real numbers, P2 is two foot weight information, S is foot size information, and B is foot width information.

[0076] The user's weight may increase or decrease, and the foot size and / or foot width may not change significantly, but may be perceived differently depending on the usage of the walking mat 110. Therefore, the processor 430 can normalize the information regarding the user's standing upright and generate second user information as a single value.

[0077] The processor 430 also compares the second user information with predetermined valid standing information to determine whether the sensing information relates to a valid user. For example, if the difference between the second user information and the valid standing information exceeds a predetermined error range, the processor 430 determines that the sensing information relates to an invalid user. Here, the valid standing information is information pre-stored in the memory 420. The valid standing information is a value automatically set based on information regarding the user's two foot weights, foot size, and / or foot width input during initial setup of the walking mat 110. At this time, the initial α2, β2, and γ2 may be preset default values.

[0078] The initially set values ​​of α2, β2, and γ2 may change depending on the second user information that is subsequently generated. That is, when the difference between the second user information and the valid standing information exceeds a predetermined error range, the processor 430 outputs an invalid user notification. The processor 430 transmits the generated invalid user notification to the walking mat 110 or outputs it via the display 440. If a valid user notification is received within a predetermined time after the processor 430 transmits the invalid user notification to the walking mat 110 or outputs it via the display 440, the processor 430 updates the average value of the valid standing information using the second user information that exceeds the error range.

[0079] The processor 430 also changes α2, β2, and γ2 so that the second user information is the same as the updated valid upright information. For example, the updated valid upright information should have increased or decreased by half the difference value from the second user information. Therefore, the processor 430 can change α2, β2, and γ2 so that the second user information is the same as the updated valid upright information. At this time, there may be several combinations of α2, β2, and γ2 that result in the second user information being the same as the updated valid upright information. In this case, the processor 430 selects the combination with the largest α2 value from the several combinations.

[0080] If the processor 430 does not receive a valid user notification within a predetermined time after transmitting an invalid user notification, it recognizes that an emergency situation has occurred regarding the current user's security and transmits an emergency situation message to a pre-defined contact.

[0081] As described above, according to the present invention, the walking mat can be used to help the elderly and the weak walk, and furthermore, accidents involving elderly people living alone can be automatically recognized and help can be automatically requested from guardians.

[0082] The walking state determination method according to the present invention may be embodied as computer-readable code in memory 420, which is a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all recording media in which data read by a computer system is stored. For example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed among computer systems connected via a computer communication network and stored and executed as readable code in a distributed manner. Thus, the processor 430 may execute the program instructions (code) stored in memory 420 to perform the walking state determination operation.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications and alterations may be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a modem that receives sensing information from the connected walking mat and outputs the information; a memory in which at least one of predetermined correct walking information and correct standing information is stored; a processor; Including, The memory is executable by the processor. When the sensing information is received, the normal walking information or the normal standing information is updated, and when the sensing information is not received, a program command for determining whether an emergency situation exists is stored; The walking mat generates and transmits the sensing information through a pressure sensor formed inside the walking mat.

2. The memory includes: The walking state determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a program command for determining whether the emergency situation exists by comparing an unrecognized cumulative time with a predetermined threshold time when the sensing information is not received.

3. The memory includes: storing program commands for generating and transmitting a confirmation signal to the walking mat when the accumulated time is equal to or greater than the threshold time; The walking condition determination device according to claim 2 , wherein the walking mat outputs a user confirmation request when the confirmation signal is received.

4. the memory stores program instructions for determining a non-emergency situation when a response message is received; 4. The walking condition determination device according to claim 3, wherein the walking mat transmits the response message to the modem when a user operation is input after the user confirmation request is output.

5. The memory includes: The walking state determination device of claim 3, further comprising: a program command for transmitting an emergency message to a preset contact when no response message is received within a predetermined time period after the transmission of the confirmation signal.

6. The memory includes:

2. The walking state determination device of claim 1, wherein, when the sensing information is received and a foot is recognized, the device generates one or more of foot weight information, stride length information, and walking speed information using the sensing information in a predetermined manner, and then stores program commands for determining whether the information is information about a legitimate user using the generated information.

7. The memory includes: The following formula 1: [Equation 1] U1=α1P1+β1W+γ1V Generate first user information using storing a program command for comparing the first user information with the legitimate walking information to determine whether the user is a legitimate user; where U1 is the first user information, α1, β1, and γ1 are predetermined coefficients and are positive real numbers, P1 is the foot weight information, W is the stride information, The walking state determination device according to claim 6 , wherein V is the walking speed information.

8. The memory includes: outputting an invalid user notification when a difference value between the first user information and the valid walking information exceeds a predetermined error range; 8. The walking state determination device of claim 7, wherein, when a valid user notification is input by a user operation in response to the output of the invalid user notification, the average value of the valid walking information is updated using the first user information, and a program command is stored to change all of α1, β1, and γ1 so that the first user information becomes equal to the updated valid walking information.

9. The memory includes: The walking state determination device according to claim 8 , further comprising: a program command for transmitting an emergency message to a preset contact when the legitimate user notification is not input.

10. The memory includes: If two pairs of feet are recognized and one pair is not recognized within a predetermined time, 2. The walking state determination device of claim 1, wherein the device generates one or more of two-leg weight information, foot size information, and foot width information by a predetermined method using the sensing information, and then stores program commands for determining whether the information is information about a valid user using the generated information.

11. The memory includes: The following formula 2: [Equation 2] U2=α2P2+β2S+γ2B Generate second user information using storing program instructions for comparing the second user information with the valid standing information to determine whether the user is a valid user; where U2 is the second user information, α2, β2, and γ2 are predetermined coefficients and are positive real numbers, P2 is the biped weight information, S is the foot size information, The walking condition determination device according to claim 10 , wherein B is the foot width information.

12. The memory includes:

12. The walking state determination device of claim 11, wherein an invalid user notification is output when a difference between the second user information and the valid upright information exceeds a predetermined error range, and when a valid user notification is input by a user operation in response to the invalid user notification output, an average value of the valid upright information is updated using the user information, and program commands for changing α2, β2, and γ2 so that the user information becomes equal to the updated valid upright information are stored.

13. The memory includes: The walking state determination device of claim 12 , further comprising: a program command for transmitting an emergency situation message to a pre-set contact when the legitimate user notification is not input.

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