Pressure Sensor Pad Gait Analysis for Animal Lameness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait analysis systems for animals, particularly four-legged animals like dogs, face challenges in accurately detecting and quantifying lameness due to limitations in data collection, space requirements, and the ability to compensate for lameness, leading to inadequate scoring and reporting of lameness and its changes during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a processor and pressure sensor pad with multiple sensors to collect gait-related data at various speeds, computing a gait lameness score based on paw pressure ratios and breed-specific mean pressure, enabling accurate and objective evaluation of lameness and compensation across multiple gait cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a relatively short over-the-ground pad is used for gait analysis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is insufficient because it collects a limited number of paw prints requiring multiple passes
Solution Approach 1:
The walkway is divided into multiple sensor zones (forelimb support zone, hindlimb support zone, mid-stance zone) with different sensor densities and types. This segmentation allows each zone to capture specific gait parameters optimally, achieving complete gait cycle data collection in a single pass without requiring multiple passes over a short pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from collecting discrete paw print locations to capturing continuous pressure distribution data across multiple spatial zones. By adding the pressure dimension and temporal dimension (force plates at multiple locations), the system obtains complete gait cycle information in a single pass, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a longer walkway is used to capture multiple consecutive gait cycles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the area of stationary object increases and data collection consistency becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the walkway are equipped with different sensor types and densities matched to local functional requirements. Force plates are positioned at specific zones where paw contact occurs, rather than uniformly distributing sensors throughout a long walkway. This local optimization achieves complete gait cycle capture in a compact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with sensor zones positioned to capture complete gait cycles at anticipated animal speeds. The sensor activation thresholds and data collection parameters are pre-set to trigger automatically when an animal enters the walkway, ensuring consistent data collection without requiring precise velocity control during the actual measurement.
3Measurement precision
If 3D video systems with markers are used for lameness detection, then the measurement precision may be improved, but the device complexity increases and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex 3D video tracking with a simpler force plate-based mechanical sensing system. Pressure sensors and force plates directly measure paw contact forces and timing, eliminating the need for optical markers, cameras, and complex video analysis algorithms while maintaining measurement precision for lameness detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies which paw is being measured based on the spatial location and timing of force plate activations, eliminating the need for elaborate test methods to identify paws. The animal's own gait pattern provides the information needed for automatic paw identification and lameness scoring.
4Measurement precision
If force plates are used for lameness detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ability to identify which paw is being measured becomes problematical
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement system is segmented into multiple independently positioned force plates corresponding to different paw contact zones. Each force plate is associated with a specific anatomical location, allowing automatic identification of which paw is being measured based on which force plate is activated, eliminating the identification problem while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces spatially distributed force plates as intermediaries between the animal's paws and the measurement system. Each force plate acts as a localized sensor that automatically identifies paw contact through its position and activation timing, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement precision and paw identification.
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
The system provides a reliable and repeatable method for evaluating lameness in animals, improving accuracy and granularity of lameness reporting, and facilitating tracking of treatment progress through a breed-specific gait lameness scale (GLS) that accounts for off-loading and over-loading, allowing for effective communication of lameness and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The gait-related test data are collected in relation to a pressure sensor pad having a plurality of sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method, system and computer readable-medium to evaluate lameness in a four-legged animal. The method includes selecting a gait analysis test. Test data associated with the animal is collected for a plurality of gait cycles at a speed associated with the test. The test data is collected in relation to a pressure sensor pad having a plurality of sensors. A plurality of paws and associated paw pressure of the animal are identified in association with each of the cycles in relation to the sensor pad. A gait lameness score is computed in association with a paw based on a ratio of, a total paw pressure for the paw in the plurality of gait cycles divided by total pressure for the plurality of paws in the plurality gait cycles, and a mean paw pressure for the paw that is expected by a breed of the animal.