Distributed system architecture for gait monitoring and methods of use
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Publication Number
US-12220230-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to system and techniques for receiving data from one or more sensors associated with a person and controlling the use and redistribution of that data so it is used in an intended manner. In particular, the data is related to a gait and/or mobility of the person.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to monitoring a gait of a person using a gait-altering device, where a gait-altering device comprises a gait-altering shoe. The gait-altering shoe includes a frame adapted to support at least one foot and at least one wheel supporting the frame above a walking surface, and the wheel has a radius that varies as a function of angular position of the wheel such that the wheel automatically rotates when weight is applied to the shoe.
A transferable housing is attached to and removed from the gait-altering device, and the transferable housing contains all of a plurality of wireless sensors that monitor a gait of the person. The method obtains first sensor data while the person is wearing the gait-altering device and transforms the first sensor data into one or more first gait parameters, including gait cycle duration, gait cadence, stride length, stride velocity, turning angle, stance, swing, loading, foot flat, pushing, double support, peak angular velocity, swing speed, strike angle, lift-off angle, swing width, 3D path length, and heel/toe clearance metrics.
The method further obtains second sensor data while the person is not wearing the gait-altering device and has the transferable housing attached to the at least one foot, and transforms the second sensor data into one or more second gait parameters including the same set of gait cycle, spatiotemporal, angular, and clearance metrics. The invention analyzes at least a portion of the first gait parameters and the second gait parameters by comparing them, and determines a treatment plan and/or a modification of an existing treatment plan for the person involving use of the gait-altering device.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are present. The first claim is a method using a transferable housing with wireless sensors to obtain worn and not-worn sensor data, transform the data into first and second gait parameters, compare the parameters, and determine a treatment plan and/or modification based on the analysis. The second independent claim is a corresponding system that includes the gait-altering shoe and transferable sensor housing and performs the same transformation, comparison, and treatment determination using processors.
Gait-altering shoe with variable-radius wheel
A gait-altering shoe comprising a frame adapted to support at least one foot of a person, and at least one wheel supporting the frame above a walking surface, the wheel having a radius that varies as a function of angular position of the wheel such that the wheel automatically rotates when weight is applied to the shoe.
Transferable housing with wireless sensors contained therein
A plurality of wireless sensors configured to monitor a gait of the person, wherein the plurality of wireless sensors are all contained within a transferable housing that is attachable to the gait-altering device and removable for attachment to the at least one foot when the person is not wearing the gait-altering device.
Transform sensor data into first and second gait parameters and compare
Transforming first sensor data obtained while the person is wearing the gait-altering device into one or more first gait parameters, and transforming second sensor data obtained while the person is not wearing the gait-altering device into one or more second gait parameters, wherein analyzing comprises comparing at least a portion of the first gait parameters and the second gait parameters.
Determine a treatment plan based on the comparison
Determining, based on the analysis, a treatment plan and/or a modification of an existing treatment plan for the person involving use of the gait-altering device.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage combines a gait-altering shoe with a variable-radius wheel, a transferable housing containing wireless sensors, transformation of worn versus not-worn sensor data into first and second gait parameters, comparison of those parameters, and determination of a treatment plan and/or modification involving use of the gait-altering device.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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