Abstract—We have conducted sequential studies to develop promising systems that address nursing challenges, and have developed applied sensing systems to solve the difficulties faced to advanced support systems for physically challenged and elderly people. In this study, our main aim was to present the utilities of the immediate and distant measurement systems by presenting qualitative and quantitative timeline data from one user of a typical Japanese walking support System. We suggested a physical analysis system using four bar-shaped metal load cells, Arduino microcomputers, and set specialized integrating and amplifying circuit boards on the arm rest to obtain data of the added weight of users on the front point of the machine. Additionally, we developed a physical analysis system, which uses two video cameras to obtain visual data of a subject simulating using programs written in Visual C++ and OpenCV packages, including the libraries and header files. Finally, we presented the multiple output values of the physical measurements obtained from various viewpoints, and examined the characters of timeline data and their kinematic parameters. We believe these mixed methodologies could be of practical use in providing alternative supports and useful directions for developers and care managers to assess and treat users’ conditions.

Index Terms—Safe technology measurement, load cell, OpenCV, characteristic point, walking support system.

The authors are with National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Department of Information Technology and Human Factors, Robot Innovation Research Center 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8560 Japan (email: s.kawakura@aist.go.jp).

Cite: Shinji Kawakura, Kiyoshi Fujiwara, "Added Force-Based Methods Using Load Cells to Evaluate Walking and Tumbling with a Japanese Walking Support System," International Journal of Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 68-78, 2018.