Shoe Wearable Weight Estimation via Time-Integrated Load Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weight measurement systems, such as those disclosed in Patent Literature 1, require further improvement in measurement accuracy for estimating user weight using shoe-type wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that acquires load information from a load measurement device on a user's sole and extracts a feature amount indicating weight by time-integrating time series data, allowing for high-accuracy weight estimation through a system comprising a weight estimation device, an information communication terminal, and a server, which processes and analyzes data to provide accurate weight monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If weight measurement is performed using a shoe-type wearable device with force sensor and acceleration sensor, then measurement location flexibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement location flexibilityVSAvoidweight measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the weight measurement approach by changing from direct force measurement to time-integrated load measurement. By accumulating load information over time during walking cycles, the system extracts weight characteristics that are more accurate than instantaneous force readings, resolving the contradiction between wearable flexibility and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous load measurement throughout the walking cycle rather than relying on instantaneous readings. By continuously integrating load information over multiple walking cycles, the system accumulates sufficient data to accurately determine weight, maintaining both the portability of wearable devices and the precision of weight measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Speed

If instantaneous force measurement is used for weight estimation, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidweight estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces instantaneous measurement with continuous load integration over time. By accumulating load data throughout the walking cycle and across multiple cycles, the system achieves accurate weight estimation without sacrificing measurement speed, as the integration process continuously processes available data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary integration of load information during the walking cycle itself, rather than requiring separate post-processing. The weight estimation is derived from accumulated load data that has already been processed during normal walking, enabling rapid weight determination without additional measurement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12098947B2Information processing device, weight estimation device, weight estimation system, information processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 NEC CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device including an acquisition unit configured to acquire load information based on a load applied to a load measurement device from a sole of a user and a feature amount extracting unit configured to extract a feature amount indicating weight of the user by time-integrating time series data included in the load information.