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WO2022129647A1 - Chaussures intelligentes à récupération d'énergie et guidage géolocalisé avec alphabet d'orteils - Google Patents

Chaussures intelligentes à récupération d'énergie et guidage géolocalisé avec alphabet d'orteils Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022129647A1
WO2022129647A1 PCT/EP2021/086915 EP2021086915W WO2022129647A1 WO 2022129647 A1 WO2022129647 A1 WO 2022129647A1 EP 2021086915 W EP2021086915 W EP 2021086915W WO 2022129647 A1 WO2022129647 A1 WO 2022129647A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shoe
wireless circuit
circuit
wireless
sensors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2021/086915
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sidina Wane
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ev Technologies
Original Assignee
Ev Technologies
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ev Technologies filed Critical Ev Technologies
Priority to EP21843695.4A priority Critical patent/EP4262466A1/fr
Publication of WO2022129647A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022129647A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
    • A43B3/44—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with sensors, e.g. for detecting contact or position
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/122—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the outsole or external layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
    • A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
    • A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
    • A43B3/38—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with power sources
    • A43B3/42—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with power sources where power is generated by conversion of mechanical movement to electricity, e.g. by piezoelectric means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
    • A43B3/48—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with transmitting devices, e.g. GSM or Wi-Fi®

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to connected devices , and in particular to footwear such as walking shoes equipped with sensors and other devices .
  • Walkers and j oggers are often in need of a manner for receiving information, or communicating information, without relying on handheld devices such as smartphones .
  • handheld devices such as smartphones .
  • those who are blind or visually impaired may benefit from assistance for walking, such receiving directions , help in cross ing roads , etc .
  • Joggers may wish to receive directions , or other information concerning their route , without needing to rely on cumbersome handheld devices such as mobile telephones or smart phones , which can easily be dropped and break .
  • a wireless circuit for implanting into a shoe comprising : energy harvesting circuitry for harvesting thermal and/or kinetic energy; and one or more sensors positioned and configured to detect movement of one or more toes of a user wearing the shoe , and/or positioned and configured to vibrate in proximity with one or more toes of the user in order to convey information to the user such as directions , warning of approaching dangers , or the like .
  • the wireless circuit is capable of wireless communications with one or more other wireless circuits.
  • the wireless circuit further comprising a geo-localization circuit.
  • the energy harvesting circuitry comprises a piezo-electric material.
  • the energy harvesting circuitry is configured to extract energy from a thermal gradient, the energy harvesting circuit for example being capable of operating in a first mode during which energy is extracted from a positive energy gradient across the energy harvesting circuit, and a second mode during which energy is extracted from a negative energy gradient across the energy harvesting circuit.
  • the wireless circuit further comprises a memory, wherein the wireless circuit is configured to store in the memory a history of geolocalization data and/or walking signature data and/or pairing information exchanged with one or more further wireless devices within the vicinity of the wireless device.
  • a shoe comprising the above wireless circuit.
  • the shoe further comprises one or more actuators, for example implemented by the one or more sensors, and configured to provide vibration and/or heat signals to one or more toes of a wearer of the shoe, for example the wireless circuit being configured to selectively control the one or more actuators based on information to be conveyed to the wearer of the shoe, whereby an alphabet is for example defined by individual or combinations of such signals in order to allow the wireless circuit to convey information to the wearer of the shoes , such as information to guide the wearer, for example to a given address , or to follow another wireless circuit detected within the vicinity of the wireless circuit .
  • the wireless circuit being configured to selectively control the one or more actuators based on information to be conveyed to the wearer of the shoe, whereby an alphabet is for example defined by individual or combinations of such signals in order to allow the wireless circuit to convey information to the wearer of the shoes , such as information to guide the wearer, for example to a given address , or to follow another wireless circuit detected within the vicinity of the wireless circuit .
  • the shoe further comprises one or more sensors , such as pressor sensors , formed for example of a piezo-electric material , positioned within the sole of the shoe , wherein the wireless circuit is configured to determine one or more signatures of the sole of the foot of the user during walking activity based on one or more signals from the one or more sensors .
  • sensors such as pressor sensors , formed for example of a piezo-electric material , positioned within the sole of the shoe , wherein the wireless circuit is configured to determine one or more signatures of the sole of the foot of the user during walking activity based on one or more signals from the one or more sensors .
  • a system for aiding displacement of a user comprising : at least one , and preferably a pair, of the above shoe ; and an in-ear or on-ear audio aid configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe , and/or a mobi le communications device such as a mobile telephone or smart phone configured to wireles sly communicate with the wireles s circuit of the at least one shoe .
  • the system further comprises a thermal and/or visual camera in communication with the wireless circuit .
  • the system further comprises one or more mobile communications devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe , the mobile communications devices for example include an interconnected watch or bracelet and/or an interconnected ring .
  • the system further comprising a walking stick comprising a wireless communications circuit configured to communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe , and at least one proxemic sensor configured to detect approaching obstacles , and to communicate obstacle detection data to the wireless circuit , wherein the wireless circuit is configured to cause the at least one sensor to vibrate in response to a detected ob j ect .
  • a wireless circuit for implanting into a shoe comprising : energy harvesting circuitry for harvesting thermal and/or kinetic energy; and one or more wireles s communications circuits for communicating with one or more other wireless circuits .
  • a system for aiding displacement of a user comprising : at least one , and preferably a pair, of the above shoe ; and an in-ear or on-ear audio aid configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe , and/or a mobi le communications device such as a mobile telephone or smart phone configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe .
  • the system further comprises a thermal and/or visual camera in communication with the wireless circuit .
  • Figure 1 illustrates a shoe for smart autonomous walking according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 illustrates sensor placement in an inner sole of the shoe of Figure 1 according to an example embodiment
  • Figure 3 illustrates a system for autonomous walking including a pair of the smart autonomous walking shoes of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a system of interconnected devices, including an interconnected watch, bracelet and ring.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a shoe 100 for smart autonomous walking according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure .
  • the shoe 100 for example comprises one or more energy harvesting means, in order to avoid the use of disposable batteries, or batteries that require connection to an exterior power supply such as the mains supply via a wall socket.
  • the shoe 100 comprises one or more solar cells 102 mounted in an upper portion of the shoe, such as on surfaces other than the sole, that are exposed to light during use .
  • the shoe 100 includes one or more energy harvesting modules 106 for harvesting thermal and/or kinetic energy.
  • Each energy harvesting module 106 for example comprises an energy harvesting mechanism, and capacitive energy storage, for example in the form of 3D super-capacitors, for storing electrical energy recuperated via the energy harvesting mechanism.
  • the energy harvesting mechanism is for example based on a piezo-electric material position in the sole of the shoe, and configured to flex as the user of the shoe walks or runs, thereby generating electrical energy.
  • the energy harvesting mechanism for example comprises energy harvesting circuitry that is configured to extract energy from a thermal gradient, resulting for example at least partially from a temperature different between the foot of the user inside the shoe, and an exterior ambient temperature outside the shoe.
  • the energy harvesting module is for example positioned within a sidewall or sole of the shoe, such that it is subjected to at least some of this temperature difference.
  • the exterior temperature may be lower than the foot temperature, while in other environments, the exterior temperature may be higher than the foot temperature.
  • the energy harvesting module is capable of operating in a first mode during which energy is extracted from a positive energy gradient across the energy harvesting module , and a second mode during which energy is extracted from a negative energy gradient across the energy harvesting circuit
  • the shoe also for example comprises a wireless circuit 108 configured for wireless communications with one or more other devices .
  • the wireless circuit 108 is for example positioned in the sole of the shoe close to the heel portion .
  • the wireless circuit 108 is capable of receiving locali zation signals and of performing geolocali zation of the shoes based on these signals .
  • the wireless circuit further comprises a memory, wherein the wireless circuit is configured to store in the memory a history of geo-locali zation data and/or walking signature data and/or pairing information exchanged with one or more further wireless devices within the vicinity of the wireless device .
  • the geo-locali zation data for example includes positions of the shoe captured at regular intervals , such as every t seconds , where t is for example equal to between 10 and 600 .
  • the geo-locali zation function is activated only when a sensor 110 in the shoe detects that the shoe is being worn or in movement .
  • the sensor 110 is a pressure sensor, or movement sensor such as an accelerometer, coupled to the wireless circuit 108 .
  • Thi s permits energy saving, as geo-locali zation is only performed when useful , and furthermore , energy harvesting is likely to be available at such times .
  • the walking signature data for example indicates the location of one or more pressure points amount the sensors , which can be indicative of non-optimal walking techniques or unbalanced posture .
  • the shoe for example comprises a support layer 112 , positioned under the sole and including for example a tread for gripping with the ground .
  • the support layer 112 is for example coupled to the sole via a support interface 114 .
  • the shoe 100 incorporates , in an inner sole (not visible in the view of Figure 1 ) , sensors and/or actuators for permitting measurements and/or communications with the wearer of the shoe , as will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 .
  • Figure 2 illustrates sensor placement in an inner sole of the shoe 100 of Figure 1 according to an example embodiment
  • the inner sole of the shoe 100 includes one or more sensors 202 , which are for example MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems ) vibrators that are capable of being activated to vibrate , and also to perform pressure or movement detection under the foot .
  • sensors 202 are for example MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems ) vibrators that are capable of being activated to vibrate , and also to perform pressure or movement detection under the foot .
  • a single shoe of a user may be equipped as described herein, or alternatively both shoes of the pair may be equipped, like in the example of Figure 2 .
  • a sensor 202 is positioned in the inner sole in a contact zone with a toe of the user when the user' s foot is inside the shoe 100 .
  • Figure 2 illustrates an example in which a sensor 202 is positioned under a tip of each toe , the tip for example corresponding to the part opposite the nail . Indeed, a user is for example able to apply pressure using a toe at these locations .
  • sensors 202 are present only in contact zones o f the big toes , which are generally the easiest of the toes to move in a controlled manner by a user .
  • the inner sole also for example comprises a smart soft-material positioned for example in a zone 204 in contact with the ball of the foot, and a zone 206 in contact with a heel of the foot.
  • This material is for example capable of detecting pressure or movement applied by the foot.
  • the smart soft-material is an advanced soft material, or soft fabric sensor, or a layer including a piezo-electric material, capable of generating an electric signal as a function of movement or pressure.
  • the wireless circuit 108 is for example coupled to each other sensors 202, and in some cases to the zones 204 and 206 of soft smart material.
  • the circuit 108 is for example capable of supplying a signal, respectively labelled SI, S2, S3, S4 and S5, to each of the toe sensors 202 from the biggest to smallest, and/or of receiving a signal SI, S2, S3, S4 and S5 from each of the toe sensors 202.
  • the sensors 202 also for example form actuators configured to provide vibration and/or heat signals to one or more toes of a wearer of the shoe.
  • the wireless circuit is configured to selectively control the one or more actuators based on information to be conveyed to the wearer of the shoe.
  • an alphabet is for example defined by individual or combinations of such signals in order to allow the wireless circuit 108 to convey information to the wearer of the shoes, such as information to guide the wearer, for example to a given address, or to follow another wireless circuit 108 in another shoe detected within the vicinity of the wireless circuit 108.
  • sensors 202 are configured to act only as sensors, and others are replaced by actuators.
  • a sensor 202 and an actuator is placed under each toe.
  • the wireless circuit 108 is configured to determine one or more signatures of the sole of the foot of the user during walking activity based on one or more signals from the one or more sensors 202.
  • the wireless circuit 108 is for example formed of an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array) , and may in some embodiments include one or more processing units, and an instruction memory 212, such as a flash memory, storing instructions, such as software or firmware (FM) , executed by the one or more processing units 210 in order to control the functions of the wireless circuit 108.
  • the wireless circuit 108 comprises the geo-localization circuit (GEO-LOC) 214 and a memory 216 storing data.
  • GEO-LOC geo-localization circuit
  • the smart shoe 100 of Figure 1, or a pair of such smart shoes can for example be integrated into a wireless interconnection system, such as an autonomous walking system, or the like, as will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
  • a wireless interconnection system such as an autonomous walking system, or the like
  • Figure 3 illustrates a system 300 for autonomous walking including a pair of the smart autonomous walking shoes of Figure 1.
  • the system 300 for example comprises a smart walking stick, or smart-stick 302.
  • the smart walking stick for example comprises one or more proxemic sensors 304 incorporated therein, and a wireless communications circuit 306 coupled to the proxemic sensors 204 and permitting wireless communications between the walking stick 302 and the wireless circuit 108 of either or both of the smart shoes 100.
  • the proxemic sensors 204 are for example configured to detect approaching obstacles , and to communicate obstacle detection data to the wireless circuit 108 of the shoes .
  • the wireless circuit 108 is for example configured to cause one or more of the sensors 202 to vibrate in response to the detection of an approaching obj ect in order to warn the user to change course .
  • the system 300 for example comprises one or a pair of in-ear or on-ear earphones or audio aids 306 capable o f wirelessly communicating with the wireless circuit 108 of one or both of the shoes 100 .
  • this permits audio instructions to be provided to the user .
  • the ear phones/aids 306 may comprise one or more microphones 307 for capturing speech of the user, such as audio commands spoken by the user .
  • the system 300 also for example comprises a thermal camera and/or a visual camera , which are for example mounted on glasses 308 .
  • a thermal camera and/or a visual camera are for example mounted on glasses 308 .
  • Such cameras are for example described in the patent application published as W02012 /240019 , the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by the law .
  • Figure 4 illustrates a system 400 of interconnected devices , including one or more mobile communications devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless circuit of the at least one shoe 100 .
  • the devices include an interconnected watch, or smart watch, 403 , and interconnected bracelet or smart bracelet (not illustrated) , which is for example similar to the watch 402 , and an interconnected ring, or smart ring, 404 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne un circuit destiné à être implanté dans une chaussure (100), le circuit comprenant : un circuit de récupération d'énergie (106) pour récupérer l'énergie thermique et/ou cinétique ; et un ou plusieurs capteurs (202) positionnés et conçus pour détecter un mouvement d'un ou plusieurs orteils d'un utilisateur portant la chaussure.
PCT/EP2021/086915 2020-12-18 2021-12-20 Chaussures intelligentes à récupération d'énergie et guidage géolocalisé avec alphabet d'orteils Ceased WO2022129647A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21843695.4A EP4262466A1 (fr) 2020-12-18 2021-12-20 Chaussures intelligentes à récupération d'énergie et guidage géolocalisé avec alphabet d'orteils

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20306604 2020-12-18
EP20306604.8 2020-12-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022129647A1 true WO2022129647A1 (fr) 2022-06-23

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PCT/EP2021/086915 Ceased WO2022129647A1 (fr) 2020-12-18 2021-12-20 Chaussures intelligentes à récupération d'énergie et guidage géolocalisé avec alphabet d'orteils

Country Status (2)

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EP (1) EP4262466A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022129647A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012024019A1 (fr) 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Caterpillar Inc. Préoxydation de soupapes de moteur et sièges rapportés pour durée de vie améliorée
US20150068069A1 (en) * 2013-07-27 2015-03-12 Alexander Bach Tran Personally powered appliance
US20150272263A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2015-10-01 Futurific, Inc. Energy-Saving Wearable Piezoelectric Transportation Device
WO2016196186A1 (fr) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-08 Nike Innovate C.V. Générateur d'énergie cinétique multi-condensateur
US20190134396A1 (en) * 2016-04-29 2019-05-09 Lifelens Technologies, Llc Monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012024019A1 (fr) 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Caterpillar Inc. Préoxydation de soupapes de moteur et sièges rapportés pour durée de vie améliorée
US20150068069A1 (en) * 2013-07-27 2015-03-12 Alexander Bach Tran Personally powered appliance
WO2016196186A1 (fr) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-08 Nike Innovate C.V. Générateur d'énergie cinétique multi-condensateur
US20150272263A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2015-10-01 Futurific, Inc. Energy-Saving Wearable Piezoelectric Transportation Device
US20190134396A1 (en) * 2016-04-29 2019-05-09 Lifelens Technologies, Llc Monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4262466A1 (fr) 2023-10-25

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