18571200. FALL RISK ASSESSMENT DEVICE simplified abstract (The University of Hong Kong)
Contents
FALL RISK ASSESSMENT DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jiaming Chen of Hong Kong (CN)
FALL RISK ASSESSMENT DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18571200 titled 'FALL RISK ASSESSMENT DEVICE
The human balance sensor described in the patent application consists of a transparent glass plate with a latex sheet on top, a light source injecting light into the edge of the glass plate, and a high-resolution camera below the plate to capture diffused light when pressure is applied by the user's foot.
- The sensor utilizes the principle of Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) to detect pressure points on the glass plate when the user stands on it, allowing for the analysis of the user's balance and risk of falling over time.
- By eliminating total internal reflection at pressure points, diffused light passes through the glass plate from the bottom surface, creating a haptic image of the contact area of the user's feet.
Potential Applications: - Medical devices for assessing balance and fall risk in patients. - Sports equipment for monitoring athletes' stability and performance. - Rehabilitation tools for tracking progress in physical therapy.
Problems Solved: - Provides a non-invasive way to assess balance and fall risk. - Offers real-time feedback on the user's stability and weight distribution.
Benefits: - Early detection of balance issues to prevent falls. - Customized rehabilitation plans based on individual balance assessments. - Improved monitoring of athletes' performance and injury prevention.
Commercial Applications: Title: "Innovative Human Balance Sensor for Medical, Sports, and Rehabilitation Industries" This technology can be used in medical clinics, sports training facilities, and rehabilitation centers to enhance patient care, athlete performance, and injury prevention strategies.
Prior Art: Further research can be conducted in the field of balance assessment technologies, including pressure-sensitive mats and force plates used in biomechanics research.
Frequently Updated Research: Stay informed about advancements in sensor technology, medical device regulations, and sports science research related to balance assessment and fall prevention.
Questions about the Human Balance Sensor: 1. How does the sensor differentiate between pressure points and distribute weight on the glass plate? 2. What are the potential limitations of using this sensor in different environments or with varying user demographics?
Original Abstract Submitted
A human balance sensor for assessing the risk of the user falling includes a transparent glass plate, a latex sheet located on the top surface of the glass plate, a light source located so as to inject light into edge of the glass plate and a high resolution camera located below the glass plate so as to capture light diffused from the glass plate when pressure is applied thereto by the user's foot. Based on the principle of Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR), when user stands with his feet on the glass plate a condition of total internal reflection is eliminated at pressure locations due to the pressure from the feet, and diffused light passes from the bottom surface of the glass plate and forms a haptic image of the contact area of the feet which can be analyzed over time to determine the user's ability to balance, and hence their risk of a fall.
