System and method for measuring power generated during legged locomotion
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-8744783-B2
Publication Date
2014-06-03
Expiration Date
2029-08-27
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Abstract
A system and method is provided for calculating power generated by a body during legged locomotion. The system includes at least one accelerometer to measure acceleration of the body during legged locomotion, at least one force sensor to measure a plurality of propulsive force impulses created by the body during legged locomotion, and a processor configured to calculate the power generated by the body during legged locomotion using output signals from both the at least one accelerometer and the at least one force sensor.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for calculating power generated by a body during legged locomotion by using at least one accelerometer to measure acceleration and at least one force sensor to measure a plurality of propulsive force impulses created by the body during legged locomotion. A processor is configured to calculate the power generated using output signals from both the accelerometer and the force sensor, applying a power equation where power equals force times distance over time.
The problem solved by this invention addresses limitations of conventional activity monitoring systems, which typically measure speed, distance, or heart rate but are affected by external factors like hydration, recovery state, slope, or environmental conditions. Conventional systems, including accelerometers or force sensors located in footwear, do not measure power generated during activity. This invention overcomes those limitations by combining force and acceleration data to provide a more useful and direct measurement of power exerted by the body.
The system may be applied to humans, animals, or legged machines such as robots. It includes configurations where sensors are placed in footwear, either in one or both shoes, and data can be processed locally or remotely. The method involves detecting propulsive forces during the drive phase of walking or running and calculating the power by integrating acceleration data to determine distance and timing between force impulses. Additional software processes running style, stride detection, and calibration to adjust power calculations.
Claims Coverage
The claims include multiple inventive features covering methods and systems for calculating power during legged locomotion using accelerometers and force sensors, incorporating running style determination, calibration, and communication with remote devices.
Method for calculating power using accelerometer and force sensors during drive phase
Measuring acceleration of the body during legged locomotion using at least one accelerometer and measuring a plurality of propulsive force impulses during the body's foot contact forces in the drive phase, then calculating power using output signals from both, applying the equation P = (F * d) / t.
Determining running style based on foot force wave forms
Accessing a database of foot force wave forms, comparing measured propulsive forces to determine walking or running stride, and adjusting the power result based on the running style determination.
Power indication and output communication
Providing an indication related to calculated power via graphical display, audible, visual, or vibration indicators, and transmitting power signals to remote locations or computing devices.
Use of multiple accelerometers and force sensors in spaced arrays
Using three accelerometers measuring acceleration in X, Y, and Z axes or single accelerometers, with force sensors arranged in spaced apart arrays located in footwear or in an insole to collect force impulses.
Calibration based on body weight
Calibrating the force sensors using the weight of the body to correct measurements and determine when the body is in motion.
Summing power from sensors on multiple legs
Providing accelerometers and force sensors on each leg, calculating power generated by each leg, and summing the results for total power during legged locomotion.
Remote processing of sensor data
Transmitting accelerometer and force sensor output signals to a remote computing device which performs the power calculation instead of local processing in the footwear device.
The claims cover a method and system combining accelerometer and force sensor data to calculate power generated during legged locomotion, including adjustments for running style, calibration, communication of results, and configurations for one or multiple legs, with both local and remote processing.
Stated Advantages
Power generated is a more useful factor to monitor than speed, acceleration, or force.
The system allows monitoring of power generated by humans, animals, or robots during legged locomotion.
Power data can be transmitted wirelessly to remote display or recording devices for real-time feedback or post-exercise analysis.
Calibration and detection algorithms improve accuracy by accounting for running or walking stride differences and running style variations.
The system can integrate with existing physiological sensors such as heart rate, lactate, and blood oxygen sensors for comprehensive exercise analysis.
Wireless communication and compact integration within footwear provide a non-intrusive and flexible measurement system.
Documented Applications
Measuring physical effort and work exerted during walking or running for uses in physical therapy, medicine, athletics, and physiological research.
Use by humans, animals (such as equine athletes), or legged robots for dynamic performance data acquisition.
Exercise monitoring devices including watch-type devices, eyeglasses with integrated display, or other wearable display or recording devices.
Post-workout analysis using PC software suites including symmetry analysis, efficiency analysis, and physiological analysis modules.
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