A gait detection apparatus includes a microphone for picking up low-frequency-band
sounds which are transmitted through the body of a pedestrian while walking and
an analyzer for performing analysis. Accordingly, the gait of the pedestrian is
detected. It is also possible to distinguish the gait pattern on the basis of the
stance-phase time of a foot sole, the signal intensity, etc. The gait detection
apparatus can accurately estimate the step length on the basis of a detected gait
cycle, the height of the pedestrian, and signals detected during walking. On the
basis of low-frequency-region sounds picked up by the microphone while the pedestrian
is walking, the pedestrian can be identified.