Sensorized shoelace-tensioning system and method
Inventors
Shen, Xiangrong • Sazonov, Edward • Haque, Md Rejwanul
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12121366-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to systems and devices for measuring motion of a shoe and tension in the shoelace of the shoe.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a sensorized shoe-based system and method for measuring shoe motion and shoelace tension. The shoe comprises two parallel rows of eyelets configured to receive a single shoelace such that the shoelace can be used to apply tension to the shoe when threaded between the two parallel rows of eyelets and tightened.
The lace-tensioning system includes an inertia measurement unit (IMU) mounted proximate a foot of a person to measure one or more parameters related to movement of the foot. The lace-tensioning device is located between the two parallel rows of eyelets and measures tension in the shoelace when the shoelace is tightened and threaded through the eyelets, and comprises a female coupler, a male coupler, at least one force sensor connected between the female coupler and the male coupler, and a plurality of lace-tensioner assemblies connected to the couplers.
A computing device in communication with the lace-tensioning system receives the measured movement-related parameters and the tension in the shoelace of the shoe worn on the foot. The measured parameters and measured lace tension are used by the computing device executing computer-readable instructions to make a determination about the person and/or communicate a message to the person, including activity mode classification and other determinations related to movement and risk scenarios.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive coverage centers on measuring foot movement with an IMU mounted proximate a foot, measuring shoelace tension with a lace-tensioning device located between two parallel rows of eyelets, and using the combined measurements in a computing device to determine about the person and/or communicate a message.
Imu- and lace-tension-based determination for shoe motion and shoelace tension
A method of measuring shoe motion and shoelace tension comprising providing a shoe with two parallel rows of eyelets receiving a single shoelace; providing a lace-tensioning system with an IMU mounted proximate a foot to measure one or more parameters related to movement of the foot; providing a lace-tensioning device located between the two parallel rows of eyelets that measures tension in the shoelace and comprises a female coupler, a male coupler, at least one force sensor connected between the female coupler and the male coupler, and a plurality of lace-tensioner assemblies connected to the couplers and to the shoelace; and receiving by a computing device the measured movement parameters and the measured shoelace tension and using them to make a determination about the person and/or communicate a message to the person.
System for measuring activity modes using IMU and lace tension
A system for measuring activity modes of a person comprising a lace-tensioning system with at least an IMU and a lace tensioning device located between two parallel rows of eyelets of a shoe configured to receive a single shoelace that applies tension when threaded and tightened; the IMU mounted proximate a foot and measuring one or more parameters related to movement of the foot; the lace-tensioning device measuring tension in the shoelace and comprising a female coupler, a male coupler, at least one force sensor connected between the female coupler and the male coupler, and a plurality of lace-tensioner assemblies connected to the couplers and to the shoelace; and a computing device receiving the measured movement parameters and tension and using them to make a determination about the person and/or communicate a message to the person.
Coupler-based shoelace tension measurement with imu movement parameters
A system for measuring tension in a shoelace comprising a first assembly with a first lace tensioner attached to the shoelace and a female coupler; an IMU comprising one or more sensors, a processor in communication with the one or more sensors, and a transmitter that measures one or more parameters related to movement of a foot; a second assembly with a second lace tensioner and a male coupler attached to the shoelace such that tension in the shoelace pulls the first lace tensioner and the second lace tensioner in opposite directions; one or more force sensors with at least one force sensor connected between the female coupler and the male coupler to measure tension in the shoelace; wherein the first assembly and the second assembly are located between two parallel rows of eyelets configured to receive the shoelace so the shoelace can apply tension to the shoe when threaded between the rows of eyelets and tightened.
Across the independent claims, the repeated requirements are an IMU proximate a foot to measure movement-related parameters, a lace-tensioning device between two parallel rows of eyelets that measures shoelace tension via force sensing between female and male couplers with lace-tensioner assemblies, and use of the combined measurements by a computing device to make determinations about a person and/or communicate a message.
Stated Advantages
Improved activity recognition using lace tensioning compared with shoe monitors without lace tensioning.
Reproducible lace-tension trajectories across motions.
Distinguishable walking profiles across participants and across different shoes.
A system architecture that enables determinations about the person and/or communication of messages based on combined IMU movement parameters and measured lace tension.
Ability to estimate risk of fall and support determinations/messages related to gait quality and unexpected gait events.
Documented Applications
Activity mode classification and monitoring using measured movement parameters and lace tension.
Gait quality monitoring, including detection of unexpected gait events.
Energy expenditure estimation.
Sit-to-stand intent cues and monitoring of transitions between postures such as sit-to-stand/stand-to-sit.
Fall-risk estimation for frail older adults and individuals with neuromuscular pathologies (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s).
Support for adaptive control of wearable assistive devices such as prostheses/exoskeletons using measurements of healthy-side leg movements.
Quantifying athlete performance.
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