SMART APPARATUS FOR GAIT MONITORING AND FALL PREVENTION

• US 20090216156A1
• Filed: 05/05/2009
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: University of Denver
• Original Assignee: University of Denver
• Inventors: Lengsfeld, Corinne S., Shoureshi, Rahmat A.
• Application Number:
  US12/435,529
• Publication Number:
  US 20090216156A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/595
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait

Abstract

Provided is a system for monitoring gait. More particularly, the system comprises: one or more pressure sensors; an algorithm which compares the data from the pressure sensor(s) to a stability profile, and provides a feedback value; means for communicating the feedback value; and a power source. Also provided is a method for gait analysis comprising: collecting signals from one or more pressure sensors located in pressure proximity to a foot, generating a test profile; comparing the test profile to a stability profile; generating a feedback signal; and communicating the feedback signal. The system may also comprise one or more accelerometers.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring gait comprising:

(a) a pressure sensor;

(b) neuro-fuzzy inference algorithm which computes and generates monotonic nonlinear membership function parameters and provides a feedback value;

(c) means for communicating the feedback value; and

(d) a power source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for communicating the feedback value is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more accelerometers.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pressure sensors.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising pressure sensors at different parts of the foot.

7. The system of claim 1, comprising less than 10 pressure sensors.

8. The system of claim 1, comprising more than 2 pressure sensors.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

12. A system for monitoring gait comprising:

(a) a plurality of sensors which generate a signal;

(b) a circuit means electrically connected to the plurality of sensors whereby said signal is collected;

(c) a transmission means to transmit the signal;

(d) a power source electrically connected to said plurality of sensors, circuit means, and transmission means;

(e) a computer memory storing an executable program for receiving the transmitted signal and using neuro-fuzzy inference logic to compute and generate monotonic nonlinear membership function parameters from the transmitted signal and generating a feedback signal;

(f) a feedback means which transmits the feedback signal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensors comprise a plurality of pressure sensors and optionally one or more accelerometers.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the feedback means is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensors are located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the pressure sensors are located at different parts of the foot.

17. The system of claim 12, comprising less than 10 pressure sensors.

18. The system of claim 12, comprising more than 2 pressure sensors.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

22. A method for gait analysis comprising:

collecting signals from one or more sensors;

using a neuro-fuzzy inference algorithm to compute and generate monotonic nonlinear membership function parameters;

generating a feedback signal;

communicating the feedback signal.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensors comprise a plurality of pressure sensors located in pressure proximity to a patient'"'"'s foot and optionally one or more accelerometers.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the comparing step is performed by fuzzy logic.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the communicating step is one or more of:

visual, tactile, and audible.