Multi-Height LiDAR Gait Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait analysis methods are expensive, require multiple sensors attached to the body, and are typically conducted in controlled laboratory settings, limiting their accessibility and practicality for everyday gait analysis.
Innovation Solution
A gait measurement system using multiple LiDAR sensors installed at different heights (foot, knee, and torso) along a walking path, allowing for non-invasive, cost-effective, and accessible gait analysis by detecting and analyzing movement patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gait analysis methods using load-measuring mattresses or high-speed cameras are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor attachment systems with optical LiDAR scanning. Instead of attaching physical sensors to the subject's body, the system uses laser ranging technology to non-contactly measure the positions of body parts (feet, knees, hips, shoulders) and calculate gait parameters, thereby eliminating the complexity of sensor attachment while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the subject's body movements through LiDAR scanning. Multiple LiDAR sensors capture the spatial positions of key body points by emitting laser beams and measuring reflection times, generating a digital representation of gait patterns without physical contact, thus avoiding the need for mechanical sensor attachments
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are attached to the subject's body for gait analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the operation of attaching multiple physical sensors to the subject's body with a non-contact optical scanning process. The LiDAR sensors automatically scan and track body parts through laser reflection, eliminating the manual preparation steps of sensor attachment while achieving the same measurement precision through optical detection of key anatomical points
3Measurement precision
If gait measurement is performed in a controlled laboratory environment, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal gait measurement system that can function in multiple environments (laboratories and daily life settings) by using LiDAR technology that does not require controlled conditions. The system measures gait parameters through optical scanning that works in various lighting and spatial conditions, making it adaptable to different environments while maintaining measurement precision through consistent laser-based detection methods
4Measurement precision
If conventional gait analysis equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LiDAR sensors that are relatively cost-effective compared to conventional gait analysis equipment like load-measuring mattresses or high-speed camera systems. The system uses multiple affordable LiDAR units positioned at different heights to capture gait data, providing precise measurements at a lower cost by replacing expensive specialized equipment with more accessible optical sensing technology
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
Enables accurate recognition of foot, knee, and torso movements during walking, providing valuable information for rehabilitation medicine, such as center of gravity movement, and aiding in the detection of conditions like scoliosis or changes in prognosis before and after surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a first LiDAR sensor configured to collect first scanning data by scanning, on a floor at the side of the walking path, a plane at foot height of the measurement subject
Implementation Method 2
a LiDAR sensor device including a first LiDAR sensor for scanning at foot height, a second LiDAR sensor for scanning at knee height, and a third LiDAR sensor for scanning at torso height
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a gait measurement system and method using multiple LiDARs of different heights. The system includes a walking path for a measurement subject to walk, a LiDAR sensor device including first, second, and third LiDAR sensors, installed at a side of the walking path, and configured to scan a direction of the walking path, and a gait analysis part configured to use signals detected by the LiDAR sensor device to analyze a gait of the measurement subject walking on the walking path. The method includes collecting scanning data obtained by the LiDAR sensor device scanning the walking path on which the measurement subject is walking, analyzing the scanning data to specify foot positions, knee positions, and a torso position of the measurement subject, and combining the specified positions of the measurement subject to analyze at least one selected from a group of body distortion and gait instability during walking.