Wearable Gait Analysis System Using Real-Time Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gait analysis methods, such as camera-based motion capture systems, are expensive and not widely available, limiting their accessibility for clinical use, while auditory and tactile cueing methods require practitioner involvement and do not allow for independent patient exercise.

Innovation Solution

A wearable gait analysis and training system comprising footwear modules with embedded sensors and a processing unit that provides real-time auditory and vibrotactile feedback, allowing for autonomous gait analysis and training, especially beneficial for individuals with reduced lower limb functionality or balance issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If camera-based motion capture systems are used for gait analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegait analysis precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical camera-based motion capture systems with a simplified wearable sensor system consisting of force sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and microcontrollers integrated into footwear and body wear. This mechanical/electronic substitution maintains gait analysis precision while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy of laboratory-grade gait analysis functionality through wearable sensors that replicate the measurement capabilities of expensive motion capture systems. The wearable system copies the essential gait parameters (stride length, cadence, symmetry) using affordable sensors, making clinical gait analysis accessible outside specialized laboratories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If auditory and tactile cueing methods are used for gait training, then gait regulation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to practitioner requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegait regulation effectivenessVSAvoidindependence of exercise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service gait training by equipping patients with autonomous wearable devices that provide real-time auditory and tactile feedback without practitioner intervention. The system automatically monitors gait parameters through sensors and delivers corrective feedback, enabling patients to perform rehabilitation exercises independently at home while maintaining reliable gait regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs real-time feedback mechanisms where wearable sensors continuously monitor gait parameters and immediately provide auditory or tactile feedback to the patient. This closed-loop feedback system enables self-regulation of gait patterns, allowing patients to correct their own walking mechanics without constant practitioner supervision, thus improving both independence and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If wearable sensor systems are used for gait analysis, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of gait analysisVSAvoidgait analysis precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor types (force sensors in the footwear sole, inertial measurement units in the footwear and on the body) into an integrated wearable system. This combination of sensors compensates for individual sensor limitations and maintains measurement precision while preserving the ease of operation and accessibility of wearable technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 detailed, quantitative gait analysis at a lower cost than camera-based systems, providing subjects with autonomous feedback to regulate their gait, improve balance, and reduce fall risk, facilitating independent exercise and rehabilitation.

Implementation Method 1

The sole portion may have a plurality of piezo-resistive pressure sensors and a plurality of vibrotactile transducers. Each piezo-resistive sensor may be configured to generate a sensor signal responsively to pressure applied to the sole portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezo-resistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

Each vibrotactile transducer may be configured to generate vibration responsively to one or more feedback signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The heel portion may have a multi-degree of freedom inertial sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS20240041349A1Gait Analysis Devices, Methods, and Systems

Publication Date: 2024.02.08 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A quantitative gait training and/or analysis system employs instrumented footwear and an independent processing module. The instrumented footwear may have sensors that permit the extraction of gait kinematics in real time and provide feedback from it. Embodiments employing calibration-based estimation of kinematic gait parameters are described. An artificial neural network identifies gait stance phases in real-time.