Biometric System with Floor Reaction Force Vector Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric systems struggle to effectively visualize and communicate the direction of foot pressure during walking, making it difficult for caregivers to provide stable walking support and balance instructions, especially with the use of devices like canes.
Innovation Solution
A biometric system that combines a camera for capturing subjects, pressure sensors for collecting foot pressure data, and algorithms to calculate and display both the skeleton direction vector and floor reaction force vector, allowing for synchronized visualization of these elements to enhance understanding and balance feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If foot pressure information is displayed to show balance status, then balance correction function is provided, but the direction of foot pressure application during walking becomes difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the foot pressure information from a two-dimensional pressure distribution map into a three-dimensional floor reaction force vector. By calculating the force vector with directional components (Fx, Fy, Fz), the system adds the dimension of directionality, enabling visualization of not only where pressure is applied but also the direction in which the force is applied during walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the floor reaction force vector as an intermediary representation between the raw pressure sensor data and the visual display. This force vector serves as a mediator that translates complex pressure distribution information into a more intuitive directional representation, making it easier to understand foot pressure direction during walking.
2Ease of operation
If verbal instructions are used for balance correction, then communication is simple, but the instructions become difficult to understand and provide insufficient visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback system that displays the floor reaction force vector and skeleton direction vector in real-time during walking. This feedback mechanism provides immediate visual information about balance status and pressure direction, enabling patients to understand their balance state without complex verbal instructions and allowing therapists to provide more effective guidance.
3Reliability
If cane is used for walk training, then walking support is provided, but the balance technique with the device becomes difficult to verbally explain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays the floor reaction force vector specifically for the cane contact point, providing visual feedback about the force direction and magnitude. This enables therapists and patients to understand the balance technique with the cane visually, showing how the cane contributes to support and stability during walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the cane pressure information into a directional force vector, adding the dimension of directionality to the visual display. This allows clear visualization of how the cane is positioned and oriented during walking, making the balance technique with the assistive device easily understandable.
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric system includes: a camera that captures a subject; a pressure information collection unit that detects a pressure value of at least one sole of the subject; a skeleton direction vector calculation unit that calculates a skeleton direction vector of the subject captured by the camera; a floor reaction force vector calculation unit that calculates a floor reaction force vector on a basis of information on pressure from the pressure information collection unit; and an analysis result output unit that displays, in a superimposing manner, the skeleton direction vector calculated by the skeleton direction vector calculation unit and the floor reaction force vector calculated by the floor reaction force vector calculation unit.