Projection mapping by gait measurement robot for evaluating long-distance dual-task performance

In this paper, we propose a long-distance gait evaluation system using projection from a mobile robot. Falling is a common problem in the growing elderly population. Fall-risk assessment systems have proven to be helpful in community-based fall prevention programs. One of the risk factors of falling is the deterioration of a person's dual-task performance. For example, gait training, which enhances both motor and cognitive functions, is a multi-target stepping task (MTST), in which participants step on assigned colored markers. Gait measurements during community health activities, however, are often carried out by observation, which is difficult to evaluate quantitatively. Thus, a low-cost, easy-to-use gait measurement system would be useful to measure a participant's natural gait as observed in a long-distance task. To evaluate the dual-task performance during MTST, a gait measurement system using a laser range sensor has been proposed. In addition, a gait measurement robot (GMR) has been proposed as a moving gait measurement system for a long-distance walk tests. The GMR leads the participants from the start to the end of the walk test while maintaining a safe distance from the participant. Projection mapping is used to evaluate the longdistance dual-task performance, where MTST marker images are displayed on the floor by the moving GMR.