RESUMO
We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of an innovative low-cost wearable device for gait analysis. We have developed a sensorized sock equipped with 32 piezoresistive textile-based sensors integrated in the heel and metatarsal areas for the detection of signals associated with the contact pressures generated during walking phases. To build the sock, we applied a sensing patch on a commercially available sock. The sensing patch is a stretchable circuit based on the resistive matrix method, in which conductive stripes, based on conductive inks, are coupled with piezoresistive fabrics to form sensing elements. In our sensorized sock, we introduced many relevant improvements to overcome the limitations of the classical resistive matrix method. We preliminary evaluated the sensorized sock on five healthy subjects by performing a total of 80 walking tasks at different speeds for a known distance. Comparison of step count and step-to-step frequency versus reference measurements showed a high correlation between the estimated measure and the real one.
Assuntos
Análise da Marcha , Dispositivos Eletrônicos Vestíveis , Humanos , Tecnologia , Têxteis , CaminhadaRESUMO
A sensorized face mask could be a useful tool in the case of a viral pandemic event, as well as the Covid-19 emergency. In the context of the proposed project "RESPIRE", we have developed a "Smart-Mask" able to collect the signal patterns of body temperature, respiration, and symptoms such as cough, through a set of textile sensors. The signals have been analyzed by Artificial Intelligence algorithms in order to compare them with gold standard measurements, and to recognize the physiological changes associated with a viral infection. This low-cost prototype of a smart face mask is a reliable tool for the estimation of the individual physiological parameters. Moreover, it enables both personal protection and the early and rapid identification and tracking of potentially infected individuals.