Hybrid Walking Analysis Apparatus for Fall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall risk assessment methods lack comprehensive evaluation of physical and psychological factors, particularly for the elderly, and are prone to errors due to subjective measurements and limited content, failing to effectively predict and prevent falls.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid walking analysis apparatus incorporating pressure sensors, 3D depth cameras, and a walking analysis module that synthesizes foot pressure and skeletal information to analyze walking states, combined with an integrated database and app management system for personalized fall prevention programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measurement methods are used to assess gait and balance, then the assessment process is simple and requires no complex equipment, but measurement errors occur due to subject will or motion during measurement and subjective opinions are excessively included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system using a depth camera to capture 3D skeletal information. This substitution eliminates subjective human judgment and motion artifacts associated with manual measurement, providing objective and precise gait and balance assessment through computer-based image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth camera as an intermediary device between the subject and the measurement process. This intermediary captures accurate 3D skeletal data without requiring direct physical contact or manual observation, thereby eliminating measurement errors caused by subject will or motion during manual assessment.
2Productivity
If one-sided measurement methods with limited content are used, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the system has limitations and does not meet the characteristics of the elderly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system that simultaneously captures 3D skeletal information, foot pressure data, and walking characteristics through a single integrated setup. The depth camera serves multiple purposes: capturing gait patterns, balance information, and skeletal motion, thereby providing comprehensive elderly-specific assessment without requiring multiple separate measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement system into specialized components (depth camera for skeletal analysis, pressure sensors for foot analysis) that each handle specific aspects of elderly walking characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to capture comprehensive data tailored to elderly needs while maintaining measurement efficiency through automated parallel processing.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive fall risk assessment including multiple factors is performed, then the assessment accuracy improves, but the complexity of the assessment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (3D skeletal capture, foot pressure measurement, gait analysis) into a single integrated system using a depth camera and pressure sensor array. This combination enables comprehensive fall risk assessment covering physical, psychological, and environmental factors simultaneously, improving assessment accuracy while managing system complexity through unified data processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides objective and comprehensive fall risk assessment, enabling accurate prediction and prevention of falls by integrating physical and psychological factors, and offering customized prevention programs tailored to individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
a walking analyzer (11) installed on a floor on which a subject of a fall prevention test walks, and provided with a plurality of pressure sensors for measuring a foot pressure during walking to provide foot pressure information
Implementation Method 2
a depth camera (12) installed to photograph the walking subject and providing a three-dimensional (3D) depth image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hybrid walking analysis apparatus for fall prevention and a fall prevention management system including same and, wherein the apparatus provides a measurement system based on an examinee's walking characteristic, and performs a customized analysis using collected information so as to enable fall prediction and prevention.