Optical Balance Mat Assessment With Consistent Light-Based Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balance assessment tools are expensive, require specialized training, or yield inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a light source, light guide (optical fibre mat), and light detector for assessing balance by measuring light intensity variance over time, which is easy to use and provides consistent results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force plates and balance boards are used to assess balance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force plates and balance boards with a simple optical system consisting of a light guide and light detector. The light guide contains multiple light sources that illuminate the subject's feet, and the light detector measures reflected light intensity to determine balance, thereby substituting mechanical measurement with optical measurement to reduce device complexity while maintaining assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying principles where light reflects off the subject's feet and returns to the detector, creating an optical signature of the balance state. This optical copy of the physical position allows for simplified measurement without requiring complex mechanical sensors
2Measurement precision
If specialised equipment with software is used to calculate Centre of Pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to specialised training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be self-explanatory and easy to operate without specialised training. The light guide visually indicates the assessment area, and the system automatically processes the light detector output to generate balance assessment results, making the device accessible to non-experts while maintaining measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If simple equipment is used for balance assessment, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the light detector continuously monitors light intensity variations and the processor analyzes these signals to provide real-time balance assessment. This feedback loop ensures consistent and reliable measurements while keeping the operation simple for the user
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 consistent, cost-effective balance assessment without specialized training, capable of distinguishing between good and poor balance, and facilitating further analysis of balance disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide; the light source is arranged to introduce light into the light guide; the light guide is arranged to be stood upon by a subject
Implementation Method 2
the light detector is arranged to detect light emanating from the light guide to thereby facilitate an assessment of the balance of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assessing balance is described comprising a light source; a light guide; and a light detector. The light source is arranged to introduce light into the light guide; the light guide is arranged to be stood upon by a subject; the light detector is arranged to detect light emanating from the light guide to thereby facilitate an assessment of the balance of the subject standing upon the light guide.