Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for improving a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving motion information associated with the gait of the user; generating a foot orientation indicator for the foot based on a foot acceleration and a foot angular velocity provided in the motion information; determining a foot condition based on at least the foot orientation indicator and the foot acceleration; and adjusting signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the foot condition. The foot condition can indicate a gait quality of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal is applied to the user to adjust an orientation of the foot when the gait quality of the user requires improvement.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for facilitating a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving a foot orientation indicator for a foot of the user; receiving a body inclination indicator for the user; determining a motion state based on the foot orientation indicator and the body inclination indicator; and defining signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the motion state. The motion state can indicate a movement status of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal can be applied to the user for facilitating the gait of the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a cuff unit that may be used with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) orthotic system. One example embodiment includes a flexible housing that is releasably mountable on a user including a frame and a plurality of panels entirely contained within the frame. A battery module having one or more batteries is contained within a one or more of the panels. A stimulation module is coupled to the battery module and contained in one or more of the panels is operable to generate stimulation signals to be applied to the user. At least two contact members that are coupled to the frame and in electrical communication with the stimulation module are operable to apply the stimulation signals to the user.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system and method for generating a stimulation signal for at least two electrodes coupled to a body part in a functional electrical stimulation system. One example embodiment includes a controller unit operable for receiving stimulation parameters and a trigger signal, and in response to receiving the trigger signal, outputting control signals based on the stimulation parameters. A voltage conversion module coupled to the unit receives the control signals and converts a supply voltage based on the received control signals. A switch receives the converted supply voltage at a first terminal and outputs a simulation signal at a second terminal. Outputting of the converted supply voltage at the second terminal by the switch is controlled by a driver module based on the received control signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a cuff unit that may be used with a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) orthotic system. One example embodiment includes a flexible housing that is releasably mountable on a user including a frame and a plurality of panels entirely contained within the frame. A battery module having one or more batteries is contained within a one or more of the panels. A stimulation module is coupled to the battery module and contained in one or more of the panels is operable to generate stimulation signals to be applied to the user. At least two contact members that are coupled to the frame and in electrical communication with the stimulation module are operable to apply the stimulation signals to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for facilitating a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving a foot orientation indicator for a foot of the user; receiving a body inclination indicator for the user; determining a motion state based on the foot orientation indicator and the body inclination indicator; and defining signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the motion state. The motion state can indicate a movement status of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal can be applied to the user for facilitating the gait of the user.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system and method for generating a stimulation signal for at least two electrodes coupled to a body part in a functional electrical stimulation system. One example embodiment includes a controller unit operable for receiving stimulation parameters and a trigger signal, and in response to receiving the trigger signal, outputting control signals based on the stimulation parameters. A voltage conversion module coupled to the unit receives the control signals and converts a supply voltage based on the received control signals. A switch receives the converted supply voltage at a first terminal and outputs a simulation signal at a second terminal. Outputting of the converted supply voltage at the second terminal by the switch is controlled by a driver module based on the received control signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for improving a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving motion information associated with the gait of the user; generating a foot orientation indicator for the foot based on a foot acceleration and a foot angular velocity provided in the motion information; determining a foot condition based on at least the foot orientation indicator and the foot acceleration; and adjusting signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the foot condition. The foot condition can indicate a gait quality of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal is applied to the user to adjust an orientation of the foot when the gait quality of the user requires improvement.