A device for monitoring user movement to measure lumbar load in real time.

Real-time lumbar load measurement device combining inertial sensors and camera footage

This technology is a device that calculates lumbar load in real time based on joint angles, torsion, and captured footage. It utilizes an inertial sensor-based motion measurement unit attached to both sides of the user's major joints, a gimbal-stabilized camera, and integrated lighting. The control unit consists of modules for inertial sensor analysis, image analysis, camera/lighting control, and lumbar load calculation.

In developing work protocols for factories where cobots and humans work together, or in developing gait rehabilitation robots, it is crucial to understand the load placed on the worker's or patient's lumbar spine. However, there has been a lack of equipment capable of quickly and accurately measuring lumbar load with a simple configuration, limiting on-site assessment.

This technology utilizes both joint angle data from wearable inertial sensors and camera image analysis to calculate lumbar load instantly without the need for large-scale measurement facilities. It can be applied to ergonomic work assessments in industrial settings and the development of gait rehabilitation robots and wearable assistive devices, enabling rapid prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and validation of rehabilitation equipment design.

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Key Features:

• Multiple motion measurement units attached to both sides of the user's major joints to measure joint angles and torsion
• Motion measurement unit configuration, each equipped with an inertial sensor, a communication module for connecting with the control unit, and a battery for power supply
• Imaging unit including a camera module, a lighting control module, a gimbal to keep the camera module level, and a communication module
• Lumbar load calculation module that calculates the user's lumbar load in real time based on the results from the inertial sensor analysis module and the image analysis module

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This invention was developed with support from the Small and Medium Business Administration for the kinematic analysis of gait posture for gait rehabilitation robot development.

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