Prosthetic Feedback Control via GPS and Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic and orthotic devices lack the ability to recognize dynamic environmental conditions, leading to movement instability, high energy expenditure, and potential safety hazards, especially in moving vehicles, due to limited sensor capabilities that only respond to immediate micro-environmental information.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a global positioning system (GPS) sensor and other sensors that communicate with a remote transmitting source to detect movement and adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device's operation, such as initiating automatic shut-off or changing modes, based on velocity and environmental data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If basic sensor systems (proximity, load, accelerometers, tactile sensors, pressure sensors) are used in prosthetic or orthotic devices, then the device can respond to immediate micro-environmental information, but the device cannot recognize macro-environmental conditions such as movement in vehicles, leading to movement instability and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (GPS receiver, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) into an integrated sensor system that merges macro-environmental positioning data with micro-environmental motion data. This fusion of sensors at different scales enables the device to simultaneously recognize both vehicle movement and user limb position, resolving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS technology as an intermediary that provides macro-environmental context (vehicle movement, location, speed) which then mediates the control of the prosthetic device. The GPS data acts as an intermediary layer that translates large-scale environmental conditions into actionable control parameters for the device.
2Device complexity
If conventional passive prosthetic or orthotic devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device exhibits movement instability and high energy expenditure due to lack of dynamic environmental adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the device from a passive static structure to an active dynamic system that continuously adapts to environmental conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts device parameters based on real-time GPS position data, accelerometer readings, and gyroscope information, enabling the device to maintain stability across varying macro-environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where sensor data (GPS position, acceleration, orientation) is continuously fed back to the control system, which then adjusts device actuation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the device to compensate for vehicle movement and maintain stable operation.
3Ease of operation
If basic controllers that artificially mobilize joints without user interaction are used, then the device can generate basic motions, but the device cannot adapt to dynamic environmental conditions, leading to high energy expenditure by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to serve itself by using environmental sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope) to automatically detect and adapt to macro-environmental conditions without requiring user input. The control system independently processes sensor data and adjusts device operation, freeing the user from the burden of adapting to environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by proactively detecting environmental conditions (vehicle movement, terrain changes) before they require user response. The GPS and motion sensors anticipate environmental changes and pre-adjust device parameters, allowing the user to passively benefit from environmental adaptation rather than actively responding to it.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are used for monitoring a global position or location of a prosthetic or orthotic device and to provide feedback control of the device. Certain methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to recognize when a prosthetic or orthotic device user is in a moving vehicle and, therefore, initiate automatic shut-off, driving mode, or relaxed mode. Other methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to identify the global position of the prosthetic or orthotic device, compare the global position to a stored terrain mapped database and output feedback control instructions and/or alerts to the prosthetic or orthotic device based at least in part on the stored terrain mapping information.