Plantar Pressure Line Inference Using Inertial Motion Without Fragile Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining plantar pressure lines require expensive and fragile equipment, limiting their accessibility and accuracy in identifying abnormal gaits.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using inertial units to infer plantar pressure lines from movement data, eliminating the need for pressure sensors and enabling real-time, dynamic analysis of foot movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to determine plantar pressure lines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with an inertial measurement system. Instead of using pressure sensors to directly measure plantar pressures, the invention uses inertial units (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to measure foot movements and infers plantar pressure line positions through correlation models that relate foot kinematics to pressure distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inertial units as an intermediary between the foot and the measurement system. These inertial units capture foot movement data which then serves as input to correlation models that indirectly determine plantar pressure line positions, eliminating the need for direct pressure measurement while maintaining analytical capability.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are integrated into soles, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile pressure sensor systems with robust inertial measurement units that are less susceptible to damage. The inertial units measure foot kinematics rather than directly sensing pressure, making them more durable and reliable for continuous wear during various activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the plantar pressure line determination through computational modeling. Instead of relying on physical pressure sensors that can fail, the system uses correlation models that process inertial data to infer pressure line positions, providing a more reliable and repeatable measurement approach.
3Measurement precision
If traditional pressure analysis methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to professional expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform plantar pressure line determination using built-in inertial units and correlation models. The system self-processes foot movement data and generates pressure line analyses without requiring manual intervention or specialized expertise from healthcare professionals, making the technology more accessible to general users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual analysis methods with automated computational processing. Instead of requiring healthcare professionals to manually interpret pressure sensor data, the system uses algorithms that automatically process inertial measurement data and generate plantar pressure line determinations, simplifying operation while maintaining precision.
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 affordable, robust, and real-time determination of plantar pressure lines, expanding use cases and improving the identification of abnormal gaits without the need for costly or fragile equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inertial unit coupled to the foot of the individual, said inertial unit being configured to generate movement data for a plurality of instants of a support phase of the foot
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (1), a device or a system for inferring a plantar pressure line (30), the solution comprising: loading (200) a correlation model, said correlation model defining a relationship between a plurality of data obtained from plantar pressure sensors and a plurality of foot angle values relative to a predetermined standard; calculating (400) foot angle values relative to the predetermined standard, based on movement data generated by an inertial measurement unit 21 at at least two moments of a bearing phase of the foot of said individual; and inferring (500) a plurality of pressure centres to form the plantar pressure line (30) of the foot of the individual, based on angle values calculated at the at least two moments of the bearing phase of the foot and on the correlation model.