Wearable IMU Gait Analysis System for Mobility and Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gait analysis methods are cumbersome, expensive, and limited in mobility, providing insufficient and time-constrained data, which hinders thorough and robust analysis of human movement and posture.
Innovation Solution
A system of wearable devices, including arm sleeves, gloves, leg sleeves, and socks equipped with sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, that collect and transmit bio-mechanical data wirelessly for analysis, allowing for prolonged and varied activity monitoring without the need for lab-based settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lab-based gait analysis with high speed cameras and force plates is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (high speed cameras, force plates) with inertial measurement units (IMUs) that use microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. These IMUs contain accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers that measure motion parameters directly, eliminating the need for complex optical and mechanical infrastructure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses luminescent markers that can be tracked by cameras, creating a simplified optical tracking system. The markers serve as visual copies or indicators of body position that can be detected without requiring complex force measurement infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while preserving gait analysis functionality.
2Measurement precision
If lab-based gait analysis is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mobility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable IMU system is self-contained and does not require external lab infrastructure to function. The sensors autonomously collect motion data from the user's body segments, and the portable nature of the system allows users to perform gait analysis anywhere without needing to travel to a specialized laboratory, thereby improving ease of operation and mobility.
3Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to limited monitoring duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple IMUs placed at different body segments (excessive placement beyond a single point) to simultaneously capture comprehensive motion data. This distributed sensor array enables continuous monitoring of various body parts concurrently, allowing for extended data collection periods without requiring sequential measurements, thereby reducing total time loss while maintaining precision.
4Measurement precision
If luminescent markers are used for tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of motion tracking from complex marker systems and implements it through simple, lightweight luminescent markers attached to body segments. By removing unnecessary components and focusing only on the core tracking function, the system achieves measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity and cost compared to traditional mechanical or optical motion capture systems.
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 comprehensive, accurate, and continuous bio-mechanical data collection and analysis, facilitating remote consultation and providing detailed feedback on user movements, fatigue, and performance, while reducing costs and enhancing mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
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AI summary
A portable, wearable multi-component measurement and analysis device can be utilized for collecting and analyzing bio-mechanical and human gait analysis data while performing any physical activity. This device may be constructed with one or more sensors that are placed on the various localities of human body to collect bio- mechanical data. This data may be transmitted over a network to a server, where it is analyzed, and feedback may be provided in real time on the bio-mechanical and gait parameters experienced by the user's body while performing any particular activity. The device further may allow specialists and experts located anywhere in the world to analyze this real time data and give feedback.