Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics
First Claim
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1. A method of gathering information regarding use of a prosthetic foot, comprising:
- providing a prosthetic foot having at least one flexible portion and at least one elongate deformable sensor associated therewith, wherein the elongate deformable sensor is configured to bend with said flexible portion and is positioned on a top portion of said flexible portion and extending along both sides of a bending axis of said flexible portion;
measuring with said elongate deformable sensor a performance characteristic of said prosthetic foot while in use by a user, wherein said performance characteristic comprises a plurality of bending force measurements of said prosthetic foot over a period of time;
storing data corresponding to said plurality of bending force measurements in a memory associated with said prosthetic foot; and
processing said plurality of bending force measurements to identify at least one gait dynamic of the user.
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Abstract
Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.
145 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of gathering information regarding use of a prosthetic foot, comprising:
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providing a prosthetic foot having at least one flexible portion and at least one elongate deformable sensor associated therewith, wherein the elongate deformable sensor is configured to bend with said flexible portion and is positioned on a top portion of said flexible portion and extending along both sides of a bending axis of said flexible portion; measuring with said elongate deformable sensor a performance characteristic of said prosthetic foot while in use by a user, wherein said performance characteristic comprises a plurality of bending force measurements of said prosthetic foot over a period of time; storing data corresponding to said plurality of bending force measurements in a memory associated with said prosthetic foot; and processing said plurality of bending force measurements to identify at least one gait dynamic of the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A prosthetic foot system, comprising:
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a prosthetic foot having at least one flexible portion configured to bend during locomotion by a user; at least one elongate deformable sensor adhered to a top surface of said flexible portion of the prosthetic foot, wherein the elongate deformable sensor is configured to bend with said flexible portion of the prosthetic foot to measure a performance characteristic of said prosthetic foot during locomotion by a user, wherein said measured performance characteristic comprises a plurality of bending force values of said flexible portion of the prosthetic foot over a period of time; a memory configured to store said plurality of bending force values measured by said elongate deformable sensor to compile a history of the measured performance characteristic of said prosthetic foot while in use; and a processor configured to evaluate said plurality of bending force values stored in said memory to identify at least one gait dynamic of the user. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification