Abstract: According to one embodiment of a management system for damage risk of tissue pressure, at least one pressure sensor is deployed on at least one pressure-withstanding location on a body surface of a user, and detects a plurality of extremity pressure signals from the at least a pressure-withstanding location. An information processing device uses the plurality of extremity pressure signals to compute and store at least one risk assessment index, uses a plurality of features of the plurality of extremity pressure signals to compute at least one risk adjustment factor, and then uses the at least one risk adjustment factor to calibrate the at least one risk assessment index.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing the gait of an individual are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can be configured to acquire data from a first array and a second array of sensors that are configured to be placed in a left and/or right shoe, respectively. The acquired data can be collected or separated into at least two separate gait phases for each array, compared to a baseline condition for each gait phase and categorized into one of at least two uniformity categories for each gait phase. Examples of collected and/or calculated data include pressure values, shear stress values and torque values. The analysis can be focused on both feet of a person, or focused on one foot. A graphical output showing at least one entire gait cycle based on the uniformity categories can then be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display system and method for measuring and displaying ground reaction forces of a human. The system comprising comprises a measurement plate having at least one sensor device for detecting ground reaction forces, which is connected to an evaluation device connected to the measurement plate and a projection device, and the invention also relates to a method for displaying ground reaction forces on a human body. The display system and the method are suitable in particular for measuring the human body and/or prosthetic or orthotic fit components in their relative position to the human body, and for improving the adjustment of a prosthesis set up.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the size of body parts treated by a compression therapy device. Either the volume or circumference of the body part may be measured. The methods may include evacuating an inflatable compression sleeve to a known pressure, inserting the body part into the compression sleeve, inflating the sleeve to a pre-set condition, and then measuring one or more inflation related parameters. The pre-set conditions may include a pre-determined pressure, volume, or size of the inflatable cells comprising the sleeve. The inflation related parameters may include the time to fill the cell to a pre-set pressure, the pressure attained after a pre-set time of inflation, or the measured volume of a cell after a pre-set amount of air is introduced into it. The methods may also include deflating the cells from the known inflation state to a second inflation state and measuring similar parameters.

Abstract: A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing the gait of an individual are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can be configured to acquire data from a first array and a second array of sensors that are configured to be placed in a left and/or right shoe, respectively. The acquired data can be collected or separated into at least two separate gait phases for each array, compared to a baseline condition for each gait phase and categorized into one of at least two uniformity categories for each gait phase. Examples of collected and/or calculated data include pressure values, shear stress values and torque values. The analysis can be focused on both feet of a person, or focused on one foot. A graphical output showing at least one entire gait cycle based on the uniformity categories can then be generated.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for monitoring a pressure exerted on a tissue site are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressure switch adapted for placement adjacent the tissue site. The pressure switch includes an antenna operable to receive a first signal, a diode disposed adjacent the antenna, and a membrane covering the antenna and the diode. The membrane is movable from an unpressed position to a pressed position when a force is exerted on the membrane to cause electrical communication between the antenna and the diode. The antenna is operable to send a second signal when the membrane is in the pressed position. The apparatus may also include a transmitter operable to emit the first signal to the antenna. The transmitter may output an alert when the transmitter receives the second signal.

Abstract: A foot correcting and balancing shoe assembly includes at least one sole unit having an imaginary transverse line dividing the sole unit into front- and rear-half regions. The rear-half region includes left and right rear-half sections, and a heel area spanning rear portions of the left and right rear-half sections. A foot arch correction device is mounted detachably to the sole unit. At least one balancing pad is mounted detachably within the sole unit below the foot arch correction device, and at a predetermined location in at least one of the left and right rear-half sections to maintain foot balance for a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for helping corrective footwear professionals determine a need for corrective footwear comprises using an electronic scanner to determine a first area of the sole of the foot in contact with the scanning equipment within an area of interest and a second area of the sole of the foot not in contact with the scanning equipment within an area of interest. The percentage of the first area to the sum of the first and second areas is used to calculate a pronation/stability index. The pronation/stability index may be used by the corrective footwear professionals to determine the need for corrective footwear.

Abstract: Smart footwear includes: a film type insole sensor measuring a change of force applied by a user's foot, as a resistance value; an acceleration sensor measuring an acceleration value according to a change in the motion of the user's foot; and a microcontroller estimating the user's current condition and the quantity of motion based on the resistance value and the acceleration value, and generating user condition information and quantity of motion information.

Abstract: A shoes system for walk diagnosis using an insole sheet for walk diagnosis includes shoes for walk diagnosis including a PCB installation groove having a stepped groove at one upper side of an insole to mount a system for detecting a gait, a cover attached onto the insole, a pressure detection sheet placed on the cover to generate a switching signal corresponding to a pressure applied by a walker, and a circuit unit that is installed in the PCB installation groove, is connected to a connecting unit of the pressure detection sheet, accumulates and manages signals detected from the connecting part for each time slot, supplies wireless power to the system, and wirelessly transmits data corresponding to walk information, and a charging stage including a mounting panel for mounting the shoes for walk diagnosis.

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting viral infection. In some aspects, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for identifying antiviral compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for providing information to an athlete concerning the efficiency with which the athlete is using energy in moving relative to the ground or some other surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors that are associated with a shoe and generate pressure related data. The system further includes a processing system that processes the pressure data produced by the sensors to determine energy efficiency related information and make this information available to the wearer of the shoe so that the wearer can, if needed or desired, takes steps to improve their energy efficiency.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes a pad of electrically insulative material having a through aperture and electrode plates secured to its top and bottom surfaces at least partially covering the aperture. An electrical contactor in the aperture responds to a compressive force applied across the pad thickness to electrically interconnect the electrodes and close a circuit that permits an alarm to be actuated. The sensor is disposed in footwear worn by a patient being rehabilitated from a lower limb surgery or injury. The stiffness/compressibility of the pad determines the applied patient weight or compressive force required to permit the contactor to close the circuit between the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of detecting a risk of occurrence of a plantar ulcer includes the following steps: monitoring at least the temperature and pressure of the sole of at least one foot; as soon as one of the temperature and pressure parameters exceeds a threshold value, opening a first time window for monitoring the first parameter; if at the end of the first time window the first parameter still exceeds the threshold value, monitoring the second parameter during a second time window; and assigning a coefficient of risk to the event encountered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sock with integrated biometric monitoring. The invention includes a biometric sensor system integrated into a sock with the ability to process and store the biometric data collected in order to provide useful information to the user, relating the user's biometric data to performance parameters of physical effort. The invention includes sensing integrated, on suitable supports (2), in the textile structure of the sock including temperature (1), heart beating and blood pressure (5) exerted by the foot of its user, to a processor (10, 11), signaling means (13) and interaction (14), to be interpreted and sent (12) to a mobile device (15) that stores data and allows the visualization of data. The invention includes textile integration of biometric monitoring devices through conductive yarns (3, 4, 6, 7) knitted with own sock and their connections to sensors, terminals (8, 9) and encapsulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for assessment of walking and miming gait in human. The method is preferably based on the fusion of a portable device featuring inertial sensors and several new dedicated signal processing algorithms: the detection of specific temporal events and parameters, 5 optimized fusion and de-drifted integration of inertial signals, automatic and online virtual alignment of sensors module, 3D foot kinematics estimation, a kinematic model for automatic online heel and toe position estimation, and finally the extraction of relevant and clinically meaning-full outcome parameters. Advantageously including at least one wireless inertial module attached to foot, the system provides common spatio-temporal parameters (gait cycle time, stride length, and stride velocity), with the 10 advantage of being able to work in unconstrained condition such as during turning or running.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to monitoring the force or pressure applied to a portion of the human body, including in the neck region of a patient during a medical procedure, such as tracheal intubation, to ensure that the medical personnel are applying the desired level of force, and in regions of bony prominences to monitor and prevent the formation of pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. In particular, the systems and methods described herein include piezoresistive elements connected to signal processing circuitry for measuring the force or pressure.

Abstract: A sensor system and method configured to take multiple channels of sensors, and based on context and user behavior reflected in the signals, identifies specified channels for sensing according to a sensing policy. The sensing policy is used to reduce the amount of data sampled, such that it is possible to reconstruct the values of the non sampled sensors efficiently. The sensing policy is influenced by user and system's behavior and can be assigned either offline or in real time.

Abstract: A human body balance signals measuring system and the method of analysis thereof that has a measuring device, a filter amplifier, an A/D convertor (analog to digital convertor), a signal receiving module, and a data analyze module. The measuring device is linked with the filter amplifier. The filter amplifier can detect and collect the voltage signals caused by pressure change and then filter and amplify the signals. The signals are send to the A/D convertor to convert the analog circuit signals into digital signals for the receiving module to use these voltage change values for human body center of gravity offset evaluation to obtain the COP (center of pressure) offset and COP offset velocity. The data analyze module uses the measured body center of gravity offset for MSE (multiscale entropy) to quantitative the dynamic of human body center of gravity and verify the accuracy of this measuring system.

Abstract: An expandable platform for measuring plantar pressures includes a multiplicity of modules (1) for measuring plantar pressures, each having mutually orthogonal sides and including its own array of sensors able to measure plantar pressure, and a control computer provided with a software for the treatment of the information coming from the sensors, able to display the static, postural and dynamic examination of the plantar pressures. The array of plantar sensors of each module (1) is connected with the control computer through an interface (2) positioned inferiorly to the measuring module (1) in such a way that each measuring module (1) is individually connectable for the transmission of data with the control computer, and is electronically and mechanically joined to other measuring modules (1) positioned adjacent to its own mutually orthogonal sides.

Abstract: A sensor device has an insole, a sensor body abutting the insole, pressure sensors operably mounted on the sensor body for generating a pressure data signal, and an accelerometer mounted on the insole for generating a movement data signal indicating the measuring movement of the insole. A transmitter is used for transmitting the pressure data signal and the movement data signal to a reporting device having a receiver for receiving the pressure data signal and the movement data signal. The reporting device further has a processor and a computer-readable medium for storing the pressure data signal and the movement data signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological age of the companion animal. A companion animal ambulates from a first region to a second region of a pressure detection unit and the footfall data is utilized in the determination of the biological age of the companion animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying pressures and forces on a part of the skeleton such as the feet which relate to movements of the human or animal body, especially movements of the lower skeleton, e.g. foot, ankle, knee or hip; as well as to a method of displaying these movements based on the measured pressures and forces on the feet. The present invention also includes apparatus for displaying these pressures and forces and/or movements and software for use in the apparatus. In particular eversion or inversion motion of the foot is displayed.

Abstract: A management program for the benefit of a companion animal can maintain, enhance or improve the health and well-being of the companion animal. The management program can include recommendations for dietary modification, supplement administration, weight loss/management plans, physical activity recommendation, veterinary intervention and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A console for measuring plantar foot pressure includes a support case and at least two temperature sensitive pads, disposed in the case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of the soles of their feet without assistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods of analyzing the distribution of weight of animals, including a base member, a plurality of sensor regions connected to the base member to respectively receive feet of the animal when the animal is standing, each sensor region having a plurality of sensors to generate signals indicative of weight applied by each foot to a respective sensor region, at least a portion of the sensors being located between the base member and the sensor regions and spaced apart proximate perimeter portions of each sensor region, and a control unit to generate an output indicative of the weight applied by each foot to the respective sensor regions based on an aggregation of the generated signals.

Abstract: Pressure sensing methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting and monitoring pressure in selectable areas of interest include a sensing system to determine in-sole foot pressure of a user in sports training and monitoring applications.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus is provided for calculating a risk of falls from pressure measurements. Pressure data may be measured by a pressure sensor matrix, such as a pressure mat. Multiple snapshots of pressure data may be generated, each with a plurality of pressure points corresponding to coordinates in the pressure sensor matrix. Pressure-based metrics, including center of mass and center of pressure, may be derived from the pressure measurements. The plurality of centers of pressure and other pressure-related parameters may be used to generate a statistical model that predicts the risk of falls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring human movement of a test subject during a standard coordination and balance test. The test subject is placed in a selected test position, e.g. standing on one leg for a selected test period. A sensor device is attached to at least one body member of the test subject. The sensor generates and transmits a signal representative of movement of the body member during the test (hereinafter “the test”). The test subject is viewed through a viewfinder of a visual recorder. The recorder and sensor device are activated and generate image and sensor signals which are transmitted to an analyzer for determining the movement of the body members during the test. A coordination and balance score is calculated from the test based on the body movement, body member location and test time. The score is compared a standard associated with the test, and provides an indicator of the test subject's coordination and balance skill.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a gait pattern includes: measuring, by a plurality of force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors, foot pressure values, and outputting the measured foot pressure values, respectively; searching for a maximum pressure local area in which the sum of the output values from the FSR sensors included in each of a plurality of pressure local areas is maximized; calculating a center of pressure (COP) with respect to the detected maximum pressure local area; and analyzing a gait pattern by adding the calculated COP to the trajectory of COPs.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing gait and balance to determine visual spatial distortion including a treadmill having a movable tread, at least a weight bearing sensor for measuring weight bearing pressure in right, left, front and rear directions provided under said tread and an analyzer for analyzing lean coupled to output of said weight bearing sensor.

Abstract: A multipurpose, lower extremity, examination stool, has at least one light set in integral cooperation with at least one mirror to facilitate an examination of a foot by a person, a clinician, or a doctor. The foot examination stool preferably has a top mirror and a slide mirror. The slide mirror is slidably mounted below the top mirror and has a set of lights, to illuminate both the slide mirror and the lower extremity being tested or examined. The top mirror is illuminated by two sets of lights hingedly or rotatably mounted adjacently thereto and perpendicular to the slide mirror.

Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring whether a user is wearing and/or using a tagged device such as prescribed footwear, a walking aid, a brace or other orthotics. The system may detect whether the user is using a tagged device and can, in some embodiments, alert the user or the user's caregivers if the user ambulates without using the tagged device.

Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for dynamically fitting an insole to a patient, the apparatus comprising: a first fitting panel, comprising: a virtual model of desired strains on the plantar surface of a foot; a plurality of fitting units deployed on the first panel, each fitting unit comprising: (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit; and (b) an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point; a processing unit, for instructing the elevating unit to adjust the elevation of the top point of the fitting unit towards a position wherein the strain of the foot, as measured by the strain sensor, corresponds to the strain of the virtual model.

Abstract: It is intended to feed back any somatic sensation information on given body surface portion in easily understandable form without the use of special sensations, such as visual and auditory sensations. Walking rehabilitation supporting apparatus (10) comprises sensation detection unit (11) for detecting the sole pressure of patient (H); sensation presentation unit (13) for imparting given stimuli to the patient (H); and control unit (15) for controlling the behavior of the sensation presentation unit (13) so as to impart stimuli corresponding to the sole pressure detected by the sensation detection unit (11). The sensation detection unit (11) is disposed so as to be capable of detecting the sole pressure on a paralyzed side, and the sensation presentation unit (13) is fitted to a body surface portion of sensation superior to that of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention presents a shoe or insole fitting navigation system including a set of foot sole pressure measuring sensors for measuring foot sole pressure distributions; a set of TV cameras for taking foot images; a processor; and a monitor screen. The present system acquires right and left foot sole pressure data, acquires right and left foot images, computes a foot sole gravity center position of each foot, computes an outer dimension of each foot, and determines bias in gravity center balance of each foot accurately based on the foot sole gravity center position of each foot and the outer dimension of each foot. In addition, the present system determines an abnormal foot symptom of each foot, and selects a shoe or insole of each foot based on the determined bias in gravity center balance and the determined foot symptom.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a horse's tendons and ligaments includes a base plate and a rotatable plate with a guide member for receiving and positioning one of a horse's hooves thereon. A rod or lever is provided for manually rotating the rotatable plate up to and include an angle of 55° and a scale or indicator is provided for indicating the angle of rotation. A method for testing the horse's tendons and ligaments is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.

Abstract: The orthosis (10) comprises: a foot portion (12); a leg portion (14) exerting a therapeutic compression textile pressure on the leg; and a rib-knitted end portion (16) locally exerting a holding textile pressure for preventing the terminal portion from sliding downwards under the effect of the elastic return force. (F) from the leg portion that is stretched in the longitudinal direction. The method comprises obtaining data representative of: morphological characteristics of the limb; rheological characteristics of the leg portion of the orthosis; friction characteristics at the interface between the limb and the leg portion of the orthosis; rheological characteristics of the end portion of the orthosis; and friction characteristics at the interface between the limb and the end portion of the orthosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing the gait of an individual are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can be configured to acquire data from a first array and a second array of sensors that are configured to be placed in a left and/or right shoe, respectively. The acquired data can be collected or separated into at least two separate gait phases for each array, compared to a baseline condition for each gait phase and categorized into one of at least two uniformity categories for each gait phase. Examples of collected and/or calculated data include pressure values, shear stress values and torque values. The analysis can be focused on both feet of a person, or focused on one foot. A graphical output showing at least one entire gait cycle based on the uniformity categories can then be generated.

Abstract: A device for acquiring data and diagnosing a musculoskeletal injury. The device includes a semi-flexible housing, at least one ultrasonic transducer, a positional localizer, and a transmission system. The semi-flexible housing is positioned proximate a portion of the musculoskeletal system of a patient and supports the at least one ultrasonic transducer and the positional localizer. The at least one ultrasonic transducer is configured to acquire an ultrasonic data indicative of a bone surface. The positional localizer is positioned at a select location relative to the at least one ultrasonic transducer and tracks movement of the housing. The transmission system transmits the ultrasonic data of the at least one ultrasonic transducer and the movement data of the positional localizer to a data analyzer for analysis and diagnosis.

Abstract: A force bearing monitor apparatus for sports shoes includes a first accelerometer module located at a rear end of a sole of a shoe and a second accelerometer module located at a front end of the sole to measure alterations of a first acceleration and a second acceleration borne by the shoe when a user is stridden and stepped during running. Through generation sequence of the alterations of the first and second accelerations, an exercise mode is determined. And through processing of a first signal processing unit and an interrelation processing unit, a first reacting force and a second reacting force are derived, and the ratio of the first and second reacting forces is obtained to serve as a control factor to adjust softness and hardness of the sole. According to the exercise mode, the softness and hardness of the sole can be made in response to the ground.