Smart Shoes: Motion & Balance Detection - Research & Economic Development - The University of Alabama

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
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

The University of Alabama Research Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) is a non-profit corporation that is responsible for commercializing University of Alabama technologies and for supporting University research. At OIC, we seek parties that are interested in learning more about our technologies and commercialization opportunities, and we welcome any inquiries you may have.
 

Patent Information:

For Information, Contact:

Nghia Chiem
The University of Alabama
nchiem@ua.edu

Inventors:

Seon Jeong
Zachary Choffin
Edward Sazonov
Michael Callihan
Savannah Olmstead
Keywords: