Smart Shoe Actuator Control via Posture Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart shoe technologies struggle to efficiently control vibration actuators based on user posture, leading to unnecessary power consumption and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The smart shoe incorporates a control module with sensors to estimate user posture through foot pressure and motion data, adjusting the actuator's vibration intensity accordingly to optimize power usage and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibration actuator is continuously activated to provide user assistance, then the user comfort and walking assistance are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator operation state based on real-time detection of user posture and motion. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and adaptively controls the actuator to operate only when needed (e.g., during walking) and remain inactive during other postures (e.g., sitting, standing still), thereby optimizing the balance between user comfort and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensor feedback mechanisms to detect user posture and motion state, which are then processed to determine the appropriate actuator control strategy. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to respond appropriately to user needs while minimizing unnecessary power consumption
2Ease of operation
If the actuator vibration intensity is increased to enhance walking assistance, then the user comfort is improved, but the user discomfort due to excessive vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vibration intensity parameter based on detected user motion state and posture. The processor modulates the actuator output to provide sufficient vibration for effective walking assistance while preventing excessive intensity that would cause discomfort, creating an adaptive balance between assistance effectiveness and user comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vibration parameter (intensity/amplitude) based on real-time detection of user state. By adjusting this critical parameter according to actual walking conditions and user response, the system optimizes the therapeutic effect while minimizing negative side effects of excessive vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
A shoe-type device and a control method of the shoe-type device are disclosed. A control method of a shoe-type device including an actuator and at least one sensor includes estimating a posture of a user wearing the shoe-type device based on sensor data output from the sensor, and controlling the actuator based on the estimated posture of the user.