Mobile LiDAR Robot for Non-Contact Gait Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gait analysis methods are expensive, require sensors attached to the body, and are limited to controlled environments, making them inaccessible and impractical for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with at least two rotary LiDARs protruding from its sides, rotating in opposite directions, scans foot movements to analyze gait without body attachments, allowing continuous analysis in various environments.
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 significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (load-measuring mattresses, high-speed cameras with multiple sensors) with a LiDAR-based optical scanning system. The LiDAR sensor unit scans the target's lower body movements and the controller generates gait analysis data based on the scanned information, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensor attachments while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function needed for gait analysis - tracking lower body movements - and implements it using a simplified LiDAR scanning system. By focusing only on the critical movement parameters and using optical scanning instead of full-body sensor attachment, the system achieves accurate gait measurement with reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to the target's body for gait analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to preparation time and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensor attachment with non-contact optical scanning using LiDAR. The LiDAR sensor unit scans the target's lower body movements from a distance, eliminating the need for sensor attachment while maintaining measurement precision. This makes the system easier to operate as no preparation or body attachment is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LiDAR optical scanning as an intermediary between the measurement system and the target. Instead of direct sensor-to-body contact, the LiDAR scans the target's movements through emitted and received light, providing accurate gait data without physical attachment or preparation.
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 makes the measurement system dynamic and mobile rather than fixed in a controlled environment. The mobile robot with LiDAR sensor unit can move to different locations and scan targets in various environments (outdoors, indoors, different terrains), maintaining measurement precision while adapting to diverse locations and real-world conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal gait analysis system that can operate in multiple environments and locations. The LiDAR-based mobile robot can perform gait analysis in laboratories, outdoor areas, parks, and other spaces, making the system adaptable and versatile while maintaining measurement precision across different settings.
4Device complexity
If single LiDAR is used for gait measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for fast-walking targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple LiDAR sensor units (first LiDAR and second LiDAR) that scan different aspects of the target's lower body movements. Each LiDAR focuses on specific movement parameters, and the controller integrates their data to achieve precise tracking of fast-walking targets while keeping individual sensor units relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple LiDAR sensor units to scan and measure foot movements with excessive coverage, ensuring that fast-walking targets are captured accurately. By having multiple sensors scanning from different angles and positions, the system guarantees precise measurement even when targets move quickly, then processes only the necessary data for gait analysis.
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 accurately tracking foot movements of fast-walking targets, providing comprehensive gait data for health assessments.
Implementation Method 1
a gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit which is installed to protrude forward from a side of the main body and which includes at least two rotary LiDARs that measure foot movements of the target
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a mobile robot for gait analysis using a rotary LiDAR which includes a main body, a driving unit for moving the main body, a front LiDAR sensor unit mounted on the main body to scan a front side, a controller for controlling the driving unit to follow a target to be measured with a preset distance maintained, by using scanning information of the front LiDAR sensor unit, a gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit being installed to protrude forward from a side of the main body and being composed of at least two rotary LiDARs of measuring the foot movements of the target to be measured, and a gait analysis unit for analyzing a gait of the target to be measured, by using the foot movements measured by the gait measurement LiDAR sensor unit.