Quadruped Gait Analysis via Chest Acceleration Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating body characteristics in quadrupeds, such as horses, are inadequate for detecting injuries like bowed tendons, relying heavily on experience and instinct, and require large recording devices to analyze movement patterns, making it difficult to quantify and prevent injuries effectively.
Innovation Solution
A body characteristic measurement method using a multi-axis acceleration sensor attached to the quadruped's chest to determine gait and assess injury risk based on acceleration waveforms, specifically identifying risks during gallop or canter movements by analyzing the positive half-wave region of acceleration in the movement direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large recording device is installed to record images of horses moving at high speeds, then the ability to confirm horse form and motion is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging system (cameras and large recording devices) with an accelerometer-based measurement system. The accelerometer sensor detects motion characteristics through physical acceleration measurements, eliminating the need for complex optical recording equipment while achieving accurate gait analysis and injury risk assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device attached to the horse's chest that indirectly measures motion characteristics. Instead of directly recording images, the accelerometer captures acceleration data that reflects gait patterns, allowing inference of motion characteristics through signal processing without requiring large recording equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If image recording is used to evaluate body characteristics, then motion analysis capability is improved, but quantitative evaluation ability deteriorates due to reliance on experience and instinct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective image-based evaluation with objective accelerometer-based measurement. The system quantifies gait characteristics through numerical acceleration data, calculating specific parameters like vertical acceleration amplitude and frequency to provide objective, quantifiable metrics for body characteristic assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative motion analysis into quantitative parameter measurement by extracting specific numerical features from acceleration signals. Key parameters include vertical acceleration amplitude, frequency, and integrated values that objectively represent gait characteristics, replacing subjective visual assessment with measurable data
3Measurement precision
If acceleration measurement is used to determine gait and injury risk, then quantitative evaluation capability is improved, but the ability to detect subtle injuries like bowed tendons may worsen without proper waveform analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized waveform analysis by focusing on specific segments of the acceleration signal, particularly the positive half-wave region corresponding to the stance phase. By analyzing local characteristics of acceleration waveforms rather than overall patterns, the system can detect subtle abnormalities indicative of injuries like bowed tendons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an injury risk determination system that provides feedback based on analyzed acceleration waveforms. The system compares measured waveform characteristics against established criteria to generate injury risk assessments, creating a feedback loop that enables continuous monitoring and early detection of developing injuries
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
This approach allows for objective and quantitative evaluation of body characteristics, enabling early detection of injury risks and preventing bowed tendons by providing accurate assessments of the horse's flexibility and identifying potential lameness issues.
Implementation Method 1
determining a gait of a quadruped based on accelerations, acquired from a multi-axis acceleration sensor attached to the chest of the quadruped, in multiple axial directions
Implementation Method 2
determining, if the determined gait is gallop or canter, an injury risk of the quadruped based on a waveform of a positive half-wave region of acceleration in a movement direction of the quadruped
Data Source
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AI summary
A body characteristic measurement method causing a computer to execute a process, the process includes: determining a gait of a quadruped based on accelerations, acquired from a multi-axis acceleration sensor attached to the chest of the quadruped, in multiple axial directions; and determining, if the determined gait is gallop or canter, an injury risk of the quadruped based on a waveform of a positive half-wave region of acceleration in a movement direction of the quadruped in the case where an increase in the acceleration in the movement direction of the quadruped is defined as positive.