A system and method are described for profiling a distribution of forces transferred from the body weight and the residual limb of a wearer of a prosthetic socket through the socket. The system may include a prosthetic socket, a sensor network comprising multiple sensors coupled with the prosthetic socket in a pattern defining multiple internal regions within the prosthetic socket, and a processor coupled with the sensor network and configured to receive sensed data from the sensor network, divide the sensed data into groups corresponding to the multiple internal regions within the prosthetic socket, and process the sensed data to provide force distribution profile data corresponding to the force distribution profile.

A computer-implemented method, and related system, for monitoring the wellbeing of an individual by providing eyewear that includes at least one sensor for monitoring the motion of the user. In various embodiments, the system receives data generated by the at least one sensor, uses the data to determine the user's movements using the received data, and compares the user's movements to previously established movement patterns of the user. If the system detects one or more inconsistencies between the user's current movements as compared to the previously established movement patterns of the user, the system may notify the user or a third party of the detected one or more inconsistencies. The system may similarly monitor a user's compliance with a medical regime and notify the user or a third party of the user's compliance with the regime.

Eyewear, according to various embodiments, comprises at least one biometric sensor that is adapted for taking a biometric reading from the wearer when the wearer is operatively wearing the eyewear and for transmitting the results of the biometric reading to one or more computer processors for use in determining whether the wearer is a particular individual. The eyewear may also include a wireless communications device for transmitting a signal (e.g., to a remote computing device) that confirms the identity of the wearer as the particular individual. A remote computing device, or other device, or individual, may then, based at least in part on receiving the signal, grant wearer access to a computer program, computing system, and/or a particular physical space.

In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque.

In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step by using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined.

In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque.

Eyewear, according to various embodiments, comprises at least one biometric sensor that is adapted for taking a biometric reading from the wearer when the wearer is operatively wearing the eyewear and for transmitting the results of the biometric reading to one or more computer processors for use in determining whether the wearer is a particular individual. The one or more processors may be embodied within the eyewear, and the eyewear may also include a wireless communications device for transmitting a signal (e.g., to a remote computing device) that confirms the identity of the wearer as the particular individual. A remote computing device, or other device, or individual, may then, based at least in part on receiving the signal, grant wearer access to a computer program, computing system, and/or a particular physical space.

The present invention relates to joint simulators, and in particular, to methods and systems for controlling joint simulators by using a haptic mapping technique. A joint simulator is used to closely approximate the conditions within the body, particularly with respect to human and animal joints, and can be used to test and evaluate prosthetics for use in various parts of a human or animal body. The haptic mapping technique improves the rate of convergence of the actual testing forces to the prescribed forces during repetitive performance and life testing. The method is used in conjunction with an impedance-mode servo controller.

Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

A pre-prosthetic training device is provided. The device provides an interim prosthetic device that aids in the standing, weight bearing, and balancing exercises during post-surgery rehabilitation therapy that are required before a prosthesis fitting. The device includes a residual limb support for receiving the residual limb of an amputee, an adjustable pylon for adjusting the height of the residual limb support, and a support base including a plurality of support legs for providing support to the pylon and residual limb support. The residual limb support includes a cushion having a recessed portion sized to receive the distal end of the residual limb of an amputee and for providing comfort and stability thereto. The residual limb support further includes an upper open end and a sidewall including a tapering portion that provides vertical and lateral access, respectively, of a residual limb into the residual limb support.