Mobile Gait Analysis Robot Using Side LiDAR Foot Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gait analysis methods are expensive, require attaching sensors to the body, and are limited to controlled environments, making them inaccessible and impractical for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit that protrudes from its side to measure foot movements without attaching sensors, allowing continuous gait analysis in various environments by maintaining a preset distance from the subject using front LiDAR scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gait analysis methods use load-measuring mattresses or high-speed cameras, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (load-measuring mattresses, high-speed cameras) with a mobile robot equipped with LiDAR sensors that use optical scanning to detect foot positions and gait parameters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot acts as an intermediary between the subject and the measurement system, carrying the LiDAR sensor to continuously track and measure gait parameters in natural environments without requiring complex fixed infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the subject's body for gait analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to preparation time and subject burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the subject's body by using a mobile robot with external LiDAR sensors that track foot movements from a distance, eliminating the need to attach sensors to the subject while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot autonomously follows the subject and performs measurements without requiring subject cooperation for sensor attachment, making the system easier to operate and reducing preparation time
3Measurement precision
If gait analysis is performed in controlled laboratory environments, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to location restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static laboratory measurement system into a dynamic mobile robot that can move with the subject through various environments, enabling gait analysis in natural settings while maintaining measurement precision through continuous tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot provides universal gait measurement capability across multiple environments (home, clinic, outdoor) rather than being restricted to laboratory settings, enhancing adaptability while maintaining measurement quality
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 simple, cost-effective, and unrestricted gait analysis by tracking and measuring foot movements, providing comprehensive gait evaluation and disease prediction through AI models, suitable for diverse settings beyond laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
a front LiDAR sensor unit mounted on the main body to scan the front side
Implementation Method 2
a gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit that is installed to protrude forward from the side of the main body and measures the movements of the feet
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a mobile robot for gait analysis wherein the robot includes a main body, a driving unit for moving the main body, a front LiDAR sensor unit being mounted on the main body and scanning the front side, a controller that controls the driving unit to follow a subject to be measured with a preset distance maintained by using scanning information of a front LiDAR sensor unit, a gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit that is installed to protrude forward from the side of the main body and measures the movement of the foot of the subject to be measured, and a gait analysis unit that analyzes the gait of the subject to be measured by using the movement of the foot measured in the gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit.