Foot Age Estimation System from Walking Dynamics Based on Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

This paper describes a foot-age estimation system based on fuzzy logic. The foot-age is one of age related indexes, and it shows the degree of aging by the gait condition. The system estimates the foot-age from sole pressure distribution change during walking. The sole pressure distribution is acquired by a mat-type load distribution sensor. Our estimation system extracts four gait features from sole pressure data, and calculates fuzzy degrees for young age, middle age and elderly age groups from these gait features. The foot-age of the walking person on the sensor is calculated by fuzzy MIN-MAX center of gravity method. In our experiment, we employed 93 male and 132 female volunteers, and the system estimated their foot-ages with low mean absolute error for their true ages. Additionally, we developed a diagnosis system based on estimated foot-age.