A load measurement device includes an acquisition unit, a first extraction unit, a second extraction unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires measurement information output from a load distribution sensor that detects a load distribution received from a sole of a subject. The first extraction unit extracts a region having a load value equal to or larger than a first threshold value as a first region based on the measurement information, and detects the first region as a sole region. The second extraction unit extracts a second region having a load value equal to or larger than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value from a re-extraction target region defined with the first region as a reference, and adds the second region to the sole region. The output unit outputs information related to a load distribution of the sole region.

A gait state measurement device measures a gait state of a subject who is walking on a walking surface formed on a belt that runs along a circulation track. The gait state measurement device includes an acquisition unit, a position estimation unit, and a warning control unit. The acquisition unit acquires measurement information of a load distribution sensor that detects the load of the subject through the belt. The position estimation unit estimates the position of the sole of the subject based on the measurement information. The warning control unit performs a different type of warning depending on a relationship between the position of the sole of the subject and each of target areas that are defined according to an installation area of the load distribution sensor.

In some examples, an apparatus comprises a platform having an upper surface to contact a plantar surface of a human foot positioned on the platform, a first pressure sensor to sense a pressure applied to the upper surface by a heel of the human foot, and a first probe extending through an opening in the platform and movable vertically upward through the opening to probe an adipose layer on a bottom of the heel. The apparatus also comprises a first actuator to displace the first probe upwardly against the adipose layer with a predetermined force, and a linear displacement sensor to sense a vertical displacement of the first probe.

An apparatus for determining balance compensation includes a platform, sensors and a processor. The platform is configured for a person to stand on the platform. The sensors are coupled to the platform and measure at least one of a weight and a pressure. The processor determines a balance of the person based on the measurements of the sensors.

In some aspects, a device is disclosed for monitoring load bearing of a foot. The device can include a housing, a transmitter, and a pressure sensor. The housing can be positioned under a foot of a patient and attach to the foot. The transmitter can wirelessly transmit an indication that a portion of the foot is supporting at least a threshold weight. The pressure sensor can wake up from a sleep mode responsive to the portion supporting at least the threshold weight, cause the transmitter to transmit the indication, and return to the sleep mode.

Wearable ergonomics improvement systems and related methods are disclosed. An example ergonomics improvement system includes a membrane including a first frame having a plurality of first cutouts defining a first pattern. The system includes a sensor coupled to the membrane and includes a second frame having a plurality of second cutouts defining a second pattern. The first pattern is complementary to the second pattern.

A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes an exit detection system that utilizes an occupant motion parameter to determine whether to issue an alert or not. The motion parameter may be based on the weight and motion of the occupant. Successive positions of the occupant are determined in order to calculate a velocity of the occupant. In some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the occupant is used to determine if an alert should be issued. Objects positioned on the person support apparatus may also be detected and tracked. Auto-zeroing of a built-in scale, as well as automatic recognition of the removal, movement, and/or addition of objects is also provided.

A heart monitoring system (100) comprises an array of force-sensitive resistors (10) spanning a sensor surface (50). Each resistor (10) is configured to change a respective resistance value (R) in accordance with an amount of static pressure (P) exerted on the sensor surface (50) at a respective location of the force-sensitive resistor (10) by a subject (200). An array of piezoelectric transducers (20) is interspersed among the array of force-sensitive resistors (10). Each transducer (20) is configured to generate 10 a respective time-dependent electrical signal (S) in accordance with respective vibrations (F) exerted on the sensor surface (50) at a respective location of the transducer (20) by the subject (200). A controller (30) is configured to determine a heart rate (H1) of the subject (200) based on a combination of the measured resistance values (R) of the force-sensitive 15 resistors (10) and the time-dependent electrical signals (S) of the piezoelectric transducers (20).

An orthopedic system to monitor a parameter related to the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The orthopedic system includes electronic circuitry, at least one sensor, and a computer to receive measurement data in real-time. The orthopedic system comprises a first plurality of shims of a first type, a second plurality of a second type, a measurement module, and the computer. The measurement module houses the electronic circuitry and at least one sensor. The measurement module is adapted to be used with the first plurality of shims and the second plurality of shims. The measurement module has a medial surface that differs from a lateral surface by shape, size, or contour.

A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.