Dynamic Walking Information Calculation for Elderly Health Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for accurately measuring walking information, particularly for elderly individuals, face challenges in calculating step length and walking distance, especially in indoor environments and for those with small step lengths, as conventional methods are not dynamic and struggle with indoor GPS positioning.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that utilizes a device with sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GNSS to analyze user behavior and calculate walking information by setting consecutive position sections based on behavior analysis, allowing for accurate step length and distance calculation, even indoors, through interpolation and external environment data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pedometer methods using fixed step length (height×0.45) are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of walking information deteriorates for elderly persons with small step lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewalking information accuracyVSAvoidcalculation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed step length calculation (height×0.45) to a dynamic step length calculation that adapts to the user's actual walking behavior. The system continuously monitors acceleration data, detects walking states, and calculates step length based on actual movement patterns rather than static formulas, enabling accurate measurement for elderly persons with varying step lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical formula-based calculation (height×0.45) with an sensor-based detection system using accelerometers. The system uses acceleration data to detect walking states, calculate step lengths, and determine walking distance, substituting the mechanical calculation approach with electronic sensing and computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If GPS is used for position measurement, then the measurement precision of outdoor walking distance is improved, but the reliability of position information deteriorates indoors where GPS signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidposition information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acceleration sensors as an intermediary measurement tool to bridge the gap when GPS is unavailable. The system uses acceleration data to calculate walking distance through sensor fusion, serving as a mediator that maintains position measurement capability indoors where GPS signals are blocked, thereby ensuring continuous and reliable position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from GPS-based absolute position to acceleration-based relative displacement. By integrating acceleration data over time and distance, the system calculates position changes without relying on GPS signals, enabling reliable indoor position tracking through parameter transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If behavior analysis is performed continuously to detect specific behaviors, then the measurement precision of walking state detection is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates due to constant processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebehavior detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by performing behavior analysis at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system monitors acceleration data continuously but performs detailed behavior analysis and step length calculation only when walking states are detected or at predetermined time intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by focusing behavior analysis only on relevant segments of data. Instead of analyzing all acceleration data continuously, the system identifies walking episodes and performs detailed analysis only during those periods, applying processing power selectively to when it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240344849A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system that enables walking information of an elderly person to be more accurately acquired. The information processing apparatus calculates walking information indicating a walking state of a user by using position information of a consecutive section set on the basis of behavior analysis information of the user. The present technology can be applied to a walking information providing system of the user.