Mobile Gyroscope Gait Analysis with Turn-Based Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gait analysis methods require specialized equipment and trained professionals, limiting widespread application and delaying early diagnosis of conditions like Parkinson's disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device with a gyroscope is used to analyze gait parameters by segmenting linear and turn portions, enabling accurate assessment and automated diagnosis of medical conditions without the need for specialized equipment or professionals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional gait analysis methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegait parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gait analysis equipment with a mobile computing device that uses sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) to capture gait data. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and enabling widespread application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a data collection device, processing unit, and diagnostic tool. The device can perform gait analysis, identify turns and linear portions, calculate gait parameters, and detect medical conditions, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional gait analysis methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegait parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidrequirement for trained professionals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service gait analysis where patients can independently perform the ambulation test and receive automated assessment. The mobile device automatically processes gyroscope data, identifies turns, calculates gait parameters, and provides diagnostic results without requiring trained professionals to operate complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operation of specialized gait analysis equipment with automated electronic processing. The mobile computing device automatically captures, processes, and analyzes gait data using integrated sensors and software algorithms, eliminating the need for trained operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional gait analysis methods are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual gait analysis with automated electronic processing. The mobile device continuously captures gyroscope data during the ambulation test and immediately processes it to identify turns, calculate gait parameters, and detect medical conditions, significantly reducing diagnosis time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous gait data collection during the ambulation test without interruptions. The mobile device continuously monitors and processes gyroscope data in real-time, allowing for immediate identification of turns and calculation of gait parameters, thereby reducing the time required for complete analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 user-centric, non-intrusive gait analysis that improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces healthcare costs by allowing for automated patient assessment and treatment.

Implementation Method 1

Gyroscope data is obtained from a mobile device associated with a body of a user while the user performs an ambulation test

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS20250288222A1Analyzing patient gait to identify medical conditions

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A present invention embodiment analyzes gait of a patient. Gyroscope data is obtained from a mobile device associated with a body of a user while the user performs an ambulation test. The gyroscope data is analyzed to identify one or more turns in the ambulation test. The gyroscope data is segmented, based on the identified one or more turns, into linear portion data and turn portion data. The linear portion data and the turn portion data is analyzed to calculate one or more gait parameters for the user.