System and method for monitoring a runner'S gait
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Publication Number
US-9993181-B2
Publication Date
2018-06-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sensor system for performing gait analysis of a person includes a sensor system that includes a pair of sensor insoles that include a plurality of force sensors, an accelerometer, and a transmitter for transmitting data to a portable electronic device. A monitoring program operably installed on the portable electronic device performs the following steps: receiving a desired cadence; receiving the data from the sensor insoles; determining an actual cadence of the person's footsteps based upon the data received; and comparing the actual cadence with the desired cadence.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a sensor system for gait analysis of a person by monitoring movement of the person's feet and forces of the person's feet against a ground while running. The sensor system uses a pair of sensor insoles, each shaped to be worn adjacent one foot, and each insole includes a plurality of force sensors and an accelerometer with a transmitter for transmitting data to a portable electronic device. A monitoring program receives the transmitted data and performs gait analysis for each foot based on the received sensor data.
The monitoring program receives data from the accelerometers regarding movements of the sensor insoles and receives data from the force sensors to periodically determine a force exerted by the person's feet against each sensor insole. The gait analysis is determined based upon the received data and includes, for each foot, a flight time, a ground contact time, and a sequential force strike analysis of how each foot strikes the ground. The program then reports the gait analysis.
In certain variations, the monitoring program determines an acceleration/force-based waveform using total acceleration and/or a waveform based on the force sensors. The program calculates an average peak-to-peak time of the waveform and extrapolates the average peak-to-peak time over a period of time to determine an actual cadence, and compares the actual cadence to a desired cadence and reports the results. The broader gait analysis can further include sequential force strike characteristics and temporal gait characteristics such as flight time, ground contact time, and step time, including bilateral equivalence between the two feet.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. The independent claim set covers a pair of sensor insoles with force sensors and, in one case, accelerometers, data transmission to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring program that performs per-foot gait analysis including sequential force strike analysis, and in one claim further including flight time and ground contact time.
Paired sensor insoles with force sensors and accelerometer transmit gait data
A pair of sensor insoles each comprises a substrate layer shaped to be worn adjacent one of the person's feet, the substrate layer having a plurality of force sensors and an accelerometer, and a transmitter for transmitting data from the plurality of force sensors and the accelerometer.
Portable electronic device receives transmitted sensor data and runs monitoring program
A portable electronic device has a computer processor and computer memory for receiving the data transmitted from the transmitters of the sensor insoles, and includes a monitoring program operably installed in the computer memory for performing receiving and processing of the data.
Per-foot gait analysis with flight time, ground contact time, and sequential force strike analysis
The monitoring program receives the accelerometer data and force sensor data to periodically determine a force exerted by the person's feet against each sensor insole, determines a gait analysis for each foot including flight time, ground contact time, and a sequential force strike analysis of how each foot strikes the ground, and reports the gait analysis.
Paired force-sensing insoles determine sequential force strike analysis without accelerometer
A pair of sensor insoles includes substrate layers shaped to be worn adjacent each foot, each substrate layer having a plurality of force sensors and a transmitter for transmitting data from the force sensors to a portable electronic device.
Per-foot gait analysis based on force data reports sequential force strike analysis
The monitoring program receives the data from the force sensors to periodically determine a force exerted by the person's feet against each sensor insole, determines a gait analysis including for each foot a sequential force strike analysis of how each foot strikes the ground, and reports the gait analysis.
Overall, the independent claims cover a sensor-insole system that transmits force and, optionally, accelerometer data to a portable electronic device where a monitoring program determines per-foot gait analysis. One independent claim further specifies including flight time and ground contact time together with sequential force strike analysis.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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