Control systems and methods for prosthetic or orthotic devices

摘要

Geomagnetic methods and systems are used for monitoring the directionality of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Certain methods may include measuring multiple data points over a particular time interval to identify orientation information with respect to a prosthetic or orthotic device and/or used in the real-time control of the prosthetic or orthotic device. In certain examples, multiple points may be further compared with stored orientation data associated with predefined unsafe gait patterns. Control instructions and/or alerts based on the geomagnetic measurements can then be generated for the prosthetic or orthotic device, such as if the orientation data information matches one of the predefined unsafe gait patterns.

主权项

1. A motion-controlled prosthetic or orthotic device comprising:
a first upper member; a second lower member moveable relative to the first upper member at a location generally corresponding to a location of a natural human joint location, wherein the first upper and second lower members are articulated about the joint location with respect to each other; at least one geomagnetic sensor disposed on the motion-controlled prosthetic or orthotic device, wherein the at least one geomagnetic sensor is configured to monitor the geomagnetic directionality of the prosthetic or orthotic device with respect to the earth's magnetic field, and to provide associated geomagnetic directionality data; and a processor, wherein the processor processes the geomagnetic directionality data to compare the geomagnetic directionality data with predefined unsafe gait patterns related to a change in geomagnetic direction and outputs a command based at least in part on the geomagnetic directionality data matching one of the predefined unsafe gait patterns, wherein the command comprises at least one of an alert command or an instruction to control or restrict movement of the prosthetic or orthotic device, wherein when the geomagnetic sensor provides geomagnetic directionality data indicative of a turn greater than 20 degrees while walking, the processor is configured to output a command comprising at least one of an alert command or an instruction to control or restrict movement of the prosthetic or orthotic device to provide a safer response to the turn.