Gait measurement with 3-axes accelerometer/gyro in mobile devices

• US 20150230734A1
• Filed: 02/16/2015
• Published: 08/20/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hong Kong Baptist University
• Original Assignee: Hong Kong Baptist University
• Inventors: CHEUNG, Jeffery Tai Kin
• Granted Patent: US 10,307,086 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1123 Discriminating type of movement, e.g. walking or running A61B5/1116, A61B5/112 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6898 Portable consumer electronic devices, e.g. music players, telephones, tablet computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7235 Details of waveform analysis A61B5/349 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7242 using integration
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 15/00 Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of gait measurement using tri-axial accelerometer/gyro in mobile devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of gait measurement using tri-axial accelerometer/gyro in mobile devices for monitoring and improving the physical movement of a moving subject.

Claims

1. A method for characterizing the movement of a subject, comprising:

using a tri-axial accelerometer to formulate;

a signature based on measurements of walking, heaving and lateral movements of said subject; and

a quantitative indicator indicating the power level dispensed by said subject to keep balance during motion.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

locating the tri-axial accelerometer at the center of gravity of said subject.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said subject is a human or an animal.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in monitoring, diagnosing and improving movement performance of said subject.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in monitoring progress of physical rehabilitation and/or physical well-being of said subject via the movement of said subject.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in designing and/or fitting of prosthesis for said subject.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used as a biometric identifier of said subject.

8. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used as an indicator for physical impairment analysis of said subject.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used as an identifier for selecting subjects with better form of movement.

10. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in designing footwear for said subject.

11. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used as an indicator in fitting and selecting footwear for said subject.

12. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in designing an exercise equipment for said subject.

13. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in designing backpacks and other forms of carry luggage for said subject.

14. The method according to claim 1 wherein said signature is used in diagnosing kinesthetic problems for animals.

15. The method according to claim 1 wherein said method is implemented in software.

16. The method according to claim 1 wherein said method is implemented in hardware.