Prosthetic limb monitoring system
First Claim
1. A method for collecting, processing, and employing data indicative of kinetic parameters experienced by a prosthesis while a user fitted with the prosthesis engages in activities, comprising the steps of:
- (a) attaching one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors to the prosthesis to monitor forces experienced by the prosthesis as a result of the user wearing the prosthesis while engaging in the activities, each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensor developing a charge indicative of a kinetic parameter experienced by prosthesis;
(b) amplifying the charge produced by each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors, producing a corresponding output signal indicative of the parameter experienced by the prosthesis, the output signal from each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors being used to produce the data indicating the kinetic parameters; and
(c) processing the data to determine the kinetic parameters experienced by the prosthesis and for evaluating conditions related to use of the prosthesis by the user, wherein the step of processing the data includes the steps of;
(i) segmenting the data into equal duration data segments by dividing the data by a predetermined interval of time, wherein a duration of the predetermined interval of time is selected to match features of interest needed to carry out a desired analysis of the data;
(ii) determining an applied force or moment for each of the data segments over the duration of the data segment;
(iii) characterizing each of the data segments into groups based on a difference between a maximum and a minimum of the applied force or moment of the data segment in comparison to the applied force or moment measured by the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Parameters related to use of a prosthesis by a patient with a limb amputation are monitored using a tool that includes one or more piezoelectric force sensors. The resulting data are processed for use both in short and long term management of amputee patients. The sensor is a small modular unit that fits within or between traditional prosthetic components, e.g., below a prosthesis socket. The data produced by the tool are collected, processed, and stored. Optionally, the data are periodically communicated to a remote site via a network, e.g., over the Internet. The device and associated software used to process the data can be used to characterize activities conducted by a prosthesis user, to determine pistoning or threatening interface stress distributions between the limb and socket, mal-alignment of the socket, use of improper components, and other possibly undesired conditions that the amputee patient using the prosthesis may be experiencing.
79 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method for collecting, processing, and employing data indicative of kinetic parameters experienced by a prosthesis while a user fitted with the prosthesis engages in activities, comprising the steps of:
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(a) attaching one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors to the prosthesis to monitor forces experienced by the prosthesis as a result of the user wearing the prosthesis while engaging in the activities, each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensor developing a charge indicative of a kinetic parameter experienced by prosthesis; (b) amplifying the charge produced by each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors, producing a corresponding output signal indicative of the parameter experienced by the prosthesis, the output signal from each of the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors being used to produce the data indicating the kinetic parameters; and (c) processing the data to determine the kinetic parameters experienced by the prosthesis and for evaluating conditions related to use of the prosthesis by the user, wherein the step of processing the data includes the steps of; (i) segmenting the data into equal duration data segments by dividing the data by a predetermined interval of time, wherein a duration of the predetermined interval of time is selected to match features of interest needed to carry out a desired analysis of the data; (ii) determining an applied force or moment for each of the data segments over the duration of the data segment; (iii) characterizing each of the data segments into groups based on a difference between a maximum and a minimum of the applied force or moment of the data segment in comparison to the applied force or moment measured by the one or more pre-loaded piezoelectric sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification