Smart Shoes: Motion & Balance Detection

The Problem:

Current state-of-the-art body motion systems, including camera, optical markets, CT, X-ray's, and IMU, are not feasible for daily use due to the complex set-up process and mechanical instability of units in motion. Little has been studied for real-time prediction of human motion and body balance with comfortable, natural, unnoticeable, and non-invasive mobile sensors.

The Solution:

This invention proposes a novel design of an insole sensor and method of detecting human motion and body balance with 1) only a footwear pressure sensor, or 2) reduced wearable sensor count with the aid of a machine learning algorithm. Compared to the existing IMU or camera-based technology, the proposed footwear based plantar system with six pressure sensors allows for a comfortable, natural, and unnoticeable experience. In addition, the non-invasive shoe-based sensor can be easily and widely commercialized.

^{Shoe-based pressure sensor system model}

Benefits:

• Non-invasive shoe-based pressure sensors (six) to measure human body motion
• Sensor allows real-time monitoring of risk factors and ground reaction force, and enables preventative feedback
• No special equipment required for use
• Comfortable, natural, and unnoticeable wearing experience
• Ease of fabrication and low material cost to produce sensors

Publications:

• "Lower Body Joint Angle Prediction Using Machine Learning and Applied Biomechanical Dynamics"
• "Ankle Angle Prediction Using a Footwear Pressure Sensor and a Machine Learning Technique"
• "Empirical Study on Human Movement Classification Using Insole Footwear Sensor System and Machine Learning"

Patent Pending:

US-2023-0263469-A1

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