Walking Motion Visualization with Sensor Alignment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating walking posture using acceleration sensors attached to the waist lack reliability as they do not ensure correct attachment, leading to unreliable evaluation of walking motion and posture.
Innovation Solution
A walking motion visualization apparatus that determines whether the acceleration sensor is correctly attached on the median line of the body by analyzing stationary and walking acceleration data, and uses this information to analyze and display a walking motion model image, providing feedback on joint angles and posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acceleration sensor is attached to evaluate walking posture, then walking motion can be measured, but measurement reliability is low due to incorrect attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment determination by analyzing acceleration data patterns before actual walking motion measurement. The alignment determination unit checks whether the sensor is correctly positioned on the median line by examining characteristic patterns in the acceleration data, and only proceeds with measurement when proper alignment is confirmed, thus ensuring measurement reliability from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors acceleration data during measurement and uses the alignment determination unit to provide feedback on sensor positioning. By analyzing the characteristics of acceleration data in real-time, the system can detect misalignment and prompt the user to correct sensor placement, thereby maintaining measurement reliability throughout the measurement process
2Measurement precision
If acceleration sensor is used for walking evaluation, then walking posture can be assessed, but evaluation accuracy is insufficient without proper alignment verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment verification methods with signal processing analysis. By examining characteristic patterns in the acceleration data (such as gravitational components and motion patterns), the alignment determination unit can infer sensor positioning accuracy without requiring mechanical alignment tools or complex verification procedures, thus maintaining evaluation accuracy while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor itself provides the information needed for alignment verification. The system analyzes the acceleration data generated during normal sensor operation to determine whether the sensor is correctly positioned on the median line, eliminating the need for separate alignment verification tools or procedures and keeping the overall system simple while ensuring measurement accuracy
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
Enables reliable measurement and visualization of walking motion, allowing users to recognize and improve their walking posture, reducing the risk of injury and promoting correct walking techniques.
Implementation Method 1
stationary state acceleration data for determining a direction of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A walking motion visualization apparatus includes an acceleration data acquire for acquiring, from an acceleration sensor disposed on a median line that is a center line between left and right sides of a body of a subject, stationary state acceleration data for determining a direction of gravity in a state where the subject is stationary and determination acceleration data that is acceleration data when the subject is walking in order to determine whether the acceleration sensor is in a directly opposing state with respect to the median line or not, a determiner for determining whether the acceleration sensor is in a directly opposing state with respect to the median line or not, based on the acquired stationary state acceleration data and determination acceleration data, a walking acceleration data acquire for acquiring walking acceleration data from the acceleration sensor while the subject is walking when the determiner determines that the acceleration sensor is in a directly opposing state with respect to the median line, a walking motion analyzer for analyzing a walking motion of the subject, based on the acquired walking acceleration data, and a display controller for displaying a walking motion model image of the subject, based on an analysis result of the walking motion analyzer.