Wearable Gait Index Estimation Using Walking Speed and Step Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current walking assistance devices lack effective methods to accurately estimate and provide feedback on a user's gait index, which is crucial for rehabilitation and exercise, especially for individuals with mobility issues or aging populations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a communication module, processor, and display module that receives sensor data from a wearable device to estimate a user's gait index by using a walking speed estimation model, calculating step time, and providing physical ability information, including gait indices such as walking speed, step time, and stride length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If walking assistance devices are used to help users with mobility issues, then walking ability is improved, but accurate estimation of gait index is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with sensor-based detection systems. Acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, and other electronic sensors are used to detect motion data, which is then processed to estimate gait indices. This substitution enables accurate measurement of walking parameters without requiring complex mechanical measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the gap between simple sensor data collection and accurate gait index estimation. The processor analyzes sensor data using algorithms to calculate walking speed, step length, and other gait parameters, serving as an intermediary that transforms raw sensor signals into meaningful gait assessment information.
2Measurement precision
If sensor data is collected from wearable device, then gait index estimation is enabled, but real-time processing and feedback is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing and analyzing sensor data in real-time as it is collected during walking. The system continuously processes acceleration and angular velocity data to maintain up-to-date gait index estimates, rather than waiting until the end of the measurement period. This enables immediate feedback on walking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous processing of sensor data throughout the walking activity. The system maintains continuous estimation of gait indices by continuously analyzing sensor inputs, providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on walking speed, step length, and other parameters throughout the entire exercise session.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a walking index of a user, and/or an electronic device and a wearable device for performing the same. The electronic device may include: a communication module for receiving sensor data including movement information of a user wearing the wearable device from the wearable device; a processor(s) for estimating a walking index indicating a walking state of the user on the basis of the sensor data; and a display module for outputting physical ability information including the walking index. The processor(s) may estimate the user's walking speed by using a walking speed estimation model which takes the sensor data as an input, and may estimate the user's step time on the basis of the sensor data, and estimate another walking index on the basis of the walking speed and the step time.