Generation of Control Signal for Electric Assist Walker by Leg Motion

Abstract

Wheelchair is well known as one of the popular moving aids. However, use of wheelchair causes the decrease in ability of walking motion control and strength of lower limbs. In this study, an electric assist walker driven by the user's walking motion while supporting the user's body weight was proposed. The subject is to detect the user's walking motion easily and to generate the control signal of the walker. A method which detects movement of markers attached the user's foot by digital camera and estimates the desirable motion of the walker was adopted. Using the left and right foot movement, to generate a stable control signal was generated.