Posture and walking support devices

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For humans, walking is a way to embody their will and an important bodily function for moving around as an animal. However, as walking ability declines with age, people become more prone to falls, and the negative spiral caused by falls often leads to people needing assistance or nursing care.

[0003] For elderly people who are finding it difficult to walk, it is difficult for facility staff, physical therapists, and family members who support them to understand their own walking style and then instruct and support them in the appropriate walking style based on observation and experience alone.

[0004] Currently used methods include visual-spatial ones that show the position (line) of the foot to step, and visual ones that show the timing by flashing a light source. There are also auditory ones that show the timing like a metronome. 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 the desired walking style.

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

[0006] Specifically, as shown in Figure 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 independently feel the instructions and receive feedback using somatic sensations, which makes it difficult for the user to understand the sensations. Also, because the user must do this independently, 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 a posture and walking stability support device and method that eliminates the disadvantages 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 object, the invention of claim 1 provides a sensory transmission device that can be worn by both the user and the supporter, The aforementioned Sensation detection device that detects the user's foot pressure Or It consists of An information transmission device is connected to the sensation transmission device and the sensation detection device.The sensation transmission device includes a belt body, a plurality of vibrators arranged on the belt body, and a control unit that independently controls the vibrators. The sensation detection device includes a shoe body having an insole with a plurality of foot pressure sensors built in, and a control unit that independently controls the vibrators. Foot pressure a control unit for processing data from the sensor; The information transmission device vibrates the vibrators of the sensory transmission devices worn by the user and the supporter at the rhythm of the user's walking based on the data, allowing the user and the supporter to recognize the current state of the user's walking, and then vibrates the vibrators of the sensory transmission devices worn by the user and the supporter at a rhythm faster than the rhythm based on the data, allowing the user and the supporter to recognize an improvement in the user's walking speed, Supporter together It is characterized by enabling sensory understanding. do.

[0014] According to this invention, the received walking style is converted into vibrations and transmitted to the user, allowing them to experience it. Information (walking style) input from the pressure sensor in the insole is biofeedback to the user as vibration stimuli from the sensory transmission device (a belt with built-in vibrators). 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. Physiotherapists, facility staff, family members, caregivers, and others supporting 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 suit the individual. As an evaluation system, it is possible to see changes and growth. As an independent walking support system, it is possible to provide an original walking support method 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 the plantar pressure and left-right symmetry necessary for gait evaluation. It is possible to check the walking condition over time.

[0017] When wearing the sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) while standing or sitting, balance can be corrected by applying vibrations in response to body 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 can support 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. [Effects 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, allowing the user to feel them bodily, and the supporter to feel the same vibrations as the user and empathize with them.It is possible to confirm changes in posture and walking style in real time, and adjust the location and magnitude of vibrations to values ​​that are optimal for each individual, thereby making it possible to support the acquisition of correct posture and stabilization of walking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an assistance device for posture and walking stability of the present invention; [Figure 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. [Figure 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 stability support device of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A and 1B 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 state in which a supporter is being supported by an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B 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] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a system of an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a system of an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a system of an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support device of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a system of an embodiment of the posture and walking stability support 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. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the present invention, the term "user" refers to a person who uses the posture and walking stability support device and support method of the present invention to learn to walk in a desirable manner.

[0022] In the present invention, a support person refers to a person who supports a user who uses 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 learns to walk in a desirable manner.

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

[0024] In the present invention, biofeedback refers to converting a phenomenon that is difficult to recognize or control into a phenomenon that can be sensed by humans by detecting it with a sensor or the like.

[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 accompanying drawings.

[0026] 1. Configuration As shown in Figures 1 and 5, Example 1 of the posture and walking stability 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, Example 2 of the posture and walking stability 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, pressure sensor 72 inside the insole), and a control unit (inside the 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, the control unit (inside the belt with built-in vibrator) 12 has 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 the 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 using 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 for supporting posture and walking 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 by controlling the vibration of the corresponding part, the body's posture control function is trained. (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 the 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 center of gravity sway is as follows: (1) The subject should stand upright with both hands at their sides, mouth lightly closed, and the upper body in a comfortable position (if it is difficult to stand upright with the feet together, spread the feet 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, perform the eye-open measurement (eye-open measurement is performed while looking at a target 2 m in front of you, set at eye level). (4) After finishing, sit in 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, but for children and elderly people who have difficulty standing upright for 60 seconds, a measurement time of 30 seconds or less should be selected.

[0039] A posture / walking support method (posture control training) using a sensory 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 selected, the trajectory of the center of gravity sway is displayed as a line on the operating terminal, and the trajectory 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 vibration of the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 is used to convey the imbalance of the body to the subject, thereby improving the body's posture control system. 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, thereby training the user's sense of vibration.

[0043] The method of using the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is shown in Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 shows the state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used alone and calculates the amount of movement of the hips (center of gravity) and uses vibration to encourage posture control, Figure 5 shows the 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 used to encourage walking in accordance with the pitch, Figure 6 shows the state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used alone and vibrates in response to operation of an information transmission device (tablet) 80, and Figure 7 shows the state in which the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 is used (in the case of a shoe-mounted pressure sensor) using input from a sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 60 and vibrates the vibration motor in the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 attached to the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 in accordance with data from an in-insole pressure sensor 72 in an insole 70 with a built-in pressure sensor.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, vibration control with rhythm information presents a vibration pattern (pitch) of vibration time and vibration interval to the vibrating belt 10 from an information transmission device (tablet) 80, causing it to vibrate to encourage 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 duration when the right foot touches the ground (specified in ms), (3) left foot vibration interval (specified in ms), and (4) vibration duration when the left foot touches the ground (specified in ms).

[0046] Each piece of information can be calculated from the number of steps per minute, or from the 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 vibration when the pressure value changes above a threshold, such as when the heel strikes the ground or when pushing 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 matches 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 results based on the measured values.

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

[0051] When the user is standing or sitting, posture can be corrected by vibrating the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 based on the analysis results 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 motors) 13 built into the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrators) 10 are arranged in four locations: 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 based on data from the pressure sensor-equipped insole 70 of the sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60. The correspondence can be freely changed using the information transmission device (tablet) 80. As an example, for a person with reduced sensation in the back, pressure on the heel of the right foot can be 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 the movement of the center of gravity by analyzing the values ​​of the 3-axis acceleration sensor and gyro sensor built into the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator) 10 and the movement of the waist, and can correct balance by vibrating the vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 13 based on that movement.

[0054] Furthermore, 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 according to the pattern, and walking in time with the vibration, it is possible to improve walking.

[0056] It is possible to specify vibration at a constant rhythm. The current rhythm can be measured and a rhythm several percent faster than that can be presented to each side.

[0057] The specific effects of using the posture and walking stability 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 the user 2 to experience them. Information (walking style) input from the pressure sensor in the insole is biofeedback to the user 2 as vibration stimuli from the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrators) 10. This function allows the user 2 to experience the characteristics of their own walking style and recognize how they should improve it. (2) The support person 3 can feel the same vibration as the user 2 and empathize with them. Physiotherapists, facility staff, family members, caregivers, and other people supporting the elderly can also experience the same biofeedback by wearing a sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) 10. This empathy function further improves the quality of walking independence support. (3) Walking style can be checked in real time, and the location and magnitude of vibrations can be adjusted to suit the individual to support independent walking. As an evaluation system, changes and growth can be seen. As a walking assistance system, an original walking assistance method can be provided for each user2. Walking status can be checked in real time, and in addition, as an evaluation system, plantar pressure and left-right symmetry, which are necessary for gait evaluation, can be evaluated. Walking status can be checked over time. (4) When the sensory transmission device (a belt with a built-in vibrator) 10 is worn while standing or sitting, it vibrates in response to the swaying of the body, thereby correcting balance.

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

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

[0060] The sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 60 is composed of a shoe body 61, a pressure sensor-equipped insole, and a control unit (inside the shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 73. The shoe body 61 comes in sizes S (22.5 cm to 23.5 cm), M (24.0 cm to 25.5 cm), and L (26.0 cm to 27.0 cm). One pressure sensor is attached to each of the big toe, the ball of the second foot, the ball of the foot, and the heel. Furthermore, a control unit 73 is attached to each of the right and left shoe bodies 61. In this embodiment, a lithium-ion polymer battery (3.7 V, 110 mAh) is built in, and the built-in battery is charged via a USB cable.

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

[0062] As a first embodiment of the posture and walking stability 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 the belt with built-in vibrators) 12). (2) An information transmission device (tablet) 80, a sensation transmission device (vibrator-embedded belt) 10, and a sensation detection device (pressure sensor-embedded shoes) 60 are connected. (3) Launch the dedicated application software for the tablet 80. (5) Set the operation mode (select 10 for the sensory transmission device (belt with built-in vibrator), select 60 for the sensory detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensor), and select the measurement mode). (6) Gait 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, and left and right control units 73)

[0063] The operation of the tablet, which is the information transmission device 80 of this device, will be explained in detail below. The screens displayed by the dedicated application software can be broadly divided into three stages: (1) measurement screen (for taking 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 explained in detail below.

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

[0065] (1) The measurement screen (for taking measurements) will be explained. 1. User selection (select a user, display the 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 vibration of the vibration motor left rear, and turn motor vibration ON / OFF in test mode). 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, and turn motor vibration ON / OFF in test mode). 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 vibrating 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 elapsed time since the start of recording or rhythm mode). 10. Recording time selection (select the time to record or rhythm presentation). 11 Graph display (displays foot pressure (toes, heels) graphically). 12 Confirm the record (Proceed to the confirmation screen for the recorded information). 13. Camera image (displays camera image of tablet 80, saves image during startup) functions can be provided.

[0066] In the operation mode setting on the measurement screen, detailed settings for the operation of the sensory transmission device (vibrator built-in belt) 10 can be made. It can be equipped with the following functions: a 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, and selects the sensory transmission device (belts with built-in vibrators) 10 to be set); a 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 connect); an operation mode (selects the vibration mode); a selection of left foot pressure sensor (specifies whether or not to have a pressure sensor for the toes of the left foot (thumb, ball of the big toe, ball of the second toe) and a pressure sensor for the heel (heel)); a selection of right foot pressure sensor (specifies whether or not to have a pressure sensor for the toes of the right foot (thumb, ball of the big toe, ball of the second toe) and a pressure sensor for the heel (heel); a setting of rhythm mode (specifies the vibration time and pitch in rhythm mode); and an ON / OFF mode threshold (sets the 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), 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 using 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 results and report screen (for checking measurement results and reports) will be explained. The measurement results and 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 symmetry), measurement result display (displays the number of steps, peak values ​​of the heel and toes, and average values), graph display (displays a graph of foot pressure (toes and heels)), playback (converts foot pressure recorded during measurement and plays back 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 to create a PDF file by entering comments in the comment field and pressing the PDF output button, allowing 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 group and user management). The user management screen can have the following functions: group name (select a group), user name (select a user), information display (display selected user information), group information editing (edit existing group information), new group information registration (register new group information), user information editing (edit existing user information), and new user information registration (register new user information).

[0072] The group information editing screen, which is 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 can be accessed from the user management screen, has functions for editing information such as group selection (selecting a registered group), name (user name), furigana (user name furigana), 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 allowing supporters 3 (therapists, family members, and caregivers) to experience the "walking style" of user 2 in the same way, they can gain a correct understanding and propose a customized walking support method, building a deeper relationship of trust. The simple functions help learn the ideal walking style, preventing falls and improving walking ability. Learning the ideal walking style can prevent falls, and can help support independence and extend healthy lifespans.

[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, allowing the user 2 to feel them, and the support person 3 to feel the same vibrations as the user 2 and empathize with them.The device confirms changes in posture and walking style in real time, and the location and magnitude of the vibrations can be adjusted to values ​​optimal for each individual, making it possible to support the acquisition of correct posture and stabilization of walking. [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 built-in vibrator inside the belt) 13 Vibrator (with built-in vibration motor) 60 Sensation detection device (shoes with built-in pressure sensors) 61 Shoes 70 Pressure sensor insole 71 Insole body 72 Insole pressure sensor 73 Control unit (in shoes with built-in pressure sensor) 80 Information transmission device (tablet) 110 Walking rehabilitation support device (sensory detection and presentation device) 111 Sensory detection unit (sensory detection means) 113 Sensory Presentation Unit (Sensory Presentation Means) 115 Control Unit 118 Pressure Sensor 122 Stimulation device 132 Pressurizing body 160 Pressure measurement unit (sensation detection means) 162 Operation command unit (sensory presentation means) A. Forearm (surface of the body) H Patient (user) S sole V-belt

Claims

[Claim 1] An assist device for posture and walking stability, comprising a sensation transmission device that can be worn by both a user and a support person, and a sensation detection device that detects the foot pressure of the user, wherein an information transmission device is connected to the sensation transmission device and the sensation detection device, The sensation transmission device includes a belt body, a plurality of vibrators arranged on the belt body, and a control unit that independently controls the vibrators; The sensation detection device includes a shoe body having an insole with a plurality of foot pressure sensors built in, and a control unit that processes data from the foot pressure sensors, The information transmission device is Based on the data, the vibrators of the sensory transmission devices worn by the user and the support person are vibrated in rhythm with the walking rhythm of the user, thereby allowing the user and the support person to recognize the current state of the user's walking; Then, based on the data, vibrating the vibrators of the sensation transmission devices worn by the user and the support person at a rhythm faster than the rhythm, thereby making the user and the support person aware of an improvement in the user's walking speed; An assisting device for posture and walking stability, which allows the assisting person to have empathic understanding.

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