Intelligent electronic shoe system

Abstract

Smart electronic footwear with controller automation features, methods of manufacturing / using such footwear, and control systems for executing the automation features of the smart electronic footwear are provided. A smart electronic footwear (IES) includes an upper and a sole structure, the upper being attached to a user's foot and the sole structure being attached to the upper and supporting the user's foot thereon. A warning system, mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper, produces a predetermined output in response to an electronic command signal. The IES system further includes a wireless communication device in wireless communication with a remote computing node, and a footwear controller in communication with the wireless communication device and the warning system. The footwear controller receives location data indicative of the location of the user and the remote computing node, determines whether the location of the user is within a predetermined location / within a proximity to the location of the node, and if so, sends a command signal to the warning system to notify the user / vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of priority and related applications

[0002] This application is an international (PCT) application of U.S. Patent Application US16 / 220,403, filed December 14, 2018, which is now granted, and is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application US16 / 114,632, filed August 28, 2018 (now U.S. Patent US10,178,890B1), and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application US62 / 678,796, filed May 31, 2018. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wearable electronic devices. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for implementing automated features in smart electronic footwear and clothing. Background Technology

[0004] Footwear items, such as shoes, boots, slippers, and sandals, typically consist of two main elements: the upper that secures the foot to the user's foot; and the sole structure that provides underfoot support. The upper can be made from a variety of materials, including textiles, foams, polymers, natural leather, and synthetic leather, which can be sewn together or glued together to form a shell or bundle that securely holds the foot. For sandals and slippers, the upper can have an open toe or heel construction, or it can typically be limited by a series of straps extending along the instep, and in some designs, it can wrap around the ankle. In contrast, boots and shoes are designed with a full upper that has a closed toe or heel construction and an ankle opening that passes through the back of the upper, providing access to the interior of the foot and facilitating entry into or exit from the upper. Laces or straps can be used to secure the foot within the upper.

[0005] The sole structure is typically attached to the lower part of the upper, located between the user's foot and the ground. In many footwear items, including athletic shoes, the sole structure is a layered construction, usually combining an insole for enhanced comfort, a midsole for shock absorption, and an outsole for surface contact. The insole, which may be partially or entirely within the upper, is a thin, compressible component that provides the contact surface for the lower side of the user's foot. In contrast, the midsole is mounted beneath the insole, forming the middle layer of the sole structure. In addition to reducing ground reaction forces, the midsole helps control foot movement and provides stability. The outsole is attached to the underside of the midsole and forms the ground contact portion of the footwear. It is typically made of durable and abrasion-resistant materials that include features to improve traction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This paper presents a smart electronic shoe with accompanying control logic for realizing automated footwear functions, a method for manufacturing such footwear, a method for using such footwear, and a control system for providing automated features of the smart electronic shoe. By way of example, an Internet of Adaptive Apparel and Footwear (IoAAF) system is proposed that wirelessly communicates with the smart electronic shoe (IES) to automate communication between the shoe and the vehicle, i.e., footwear-to-vehicle (F2V) communication. For example, in a ride-sharing application, a registered driver is paired with a passenger via a web-based applet or dedicated mobile application (“app”) running on a personal smartphone or other handheld computing device. After pairing, the passenger (wearing the IES) can wait for the ride-sharing driver on the roadside. To help the driver identify waiting passengers, for example, in situations where the passenger is waiting in a crowd or on a busy sidewalk, the IES will automatically provide a call feature, which helps the driver locate their passenger. The IES specifically tracks the real-time location of passengers and the driver; when it determines that the passenger's location is within a predetermined position or close to the driver's location, the IES will automatically generate visual or auditory output sufficient to attract the driver's attention. For example, an IES processor built into the shoe midsole sends a command signal to the built-in shoe lighting system to illuminate, flash, change color, or a combination thereof. Optionally or alternatively, the IES processor can wirelessly send command cues to the vehicle control system to responsively generate visual or auditory output, such as activating the vehicle horn or vehicle lighting system to help passengers identify the driver.

[0007] To enable wireless communication between the IES and remote electronic devices (such as a car driven by a ride-sharing driver), the IES can support communication sessions established by a user's smartphone, handheld computing device, or other portable electronic device with wireless communication capabilities. Alternatively, the IES can operate as a standalone device along with a resident wireless communication device encapsulated within the shoe structure. Other peripheral hardware may include resident memory, a shortwave antenna, a rechargeable battery, a SIM card, etc., all housed within the shoe structure. The IES can be equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) that allows the user to interact with the footwear and / or the IoAAF system. For example, one or more electroactive polymer (EAP) sensors can be woven into or formed as patches mounted on the shoe structure and are operable to receive user input that allows the user to control operational aspects of the IES. Similarly, any accompanying operations for performing automated footwear features can be executed locally by the IES processor or can be performed in a distributed computing manner by a smartphone, handheld computing device, IoAAF system, or any combination thereof.

[0008] Alternatively, the execution of any one or more desired footwear features may initially require secure authentication of the user via the IES processor and / or the IoAAF system server computer. For example, a distributed array of sensors within the shoe structure communicates with the IES processor to perform biometric verification, such as confirming the user's weight (e.g., via pressure sensors), shoe size (e.g., via electrically adaptive reactive lacing (EARL)), footprint (e.g., via an optical fingerprint sensor), or other suitable methods. Extending this concept, any of the aforementioned sensing devices can act as a binary (ON / OFF) switch to confirm that the IES is actually on the user's foot when attempting to execute automated features. Once secure authentication is established, the smart electronic shoe can also be used as a means of making or receiving payments or as part of a commercial transaction.

[0009] Providing wireless data exchange to facilitate the execution of automated features may require registering the IES with the IoAAF system. For example, a user could use the IoAAF system to record an IES serial number, which would then issue a verification key to a personal account (e.g., a “digital vault” running on the user’s smartphone, tablet, PC, or laptop) to provide additional authentication. Registration can be completed manually by the user, or digitally, for example, via a barcode or Near Field Communication (NFC) tag on the shoe. Unique virtual shoes can be assigned to IES and stored in the digital vault; each virtual shoe could be powered by blockchain security technologies designed to help ensure uniqueness and authenticity, such as cryptographic hash functions, trusted timestamps, associated transaction data, etc. Once correctly verified, the IES can be used to authenticate a user’s identity to attend concerts, movies, sporting events, airplanes, other public transportation, etc. While footwear has been described as a representative application of the novel concept presented in this paper, it is foreseeable that many of the publicly available options and features can be applied to other wearable garments, including clothing, headwear, eyewear, wristbands, ties, leggings, etc.

[0010] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to networked control systems and accompanying logic for performing automated footwear features. For example, an intelligent electronic shoe system is proposed, comprising a footwear product having an upper and a sole structure, the upper being attached to a user's foot, and the sole structure being attached to and supporting the user's foot thereon. The sole structure includes an outsole defining the bottommost ground contact portion of the footwear article. An automated warning system, mounted to the sole structure and / or upper, can be used to generate visual, auditory, and / or tactile outputs in response to one or more electronic command signals. The IES system also includes a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with a remote computing node, and a system controller that communicates with the wireless communication device and the warning system. The controller can reside within or away from the footwear and is programmed to receive location data indicating the user's location and the location of the remote computing node. The controller uses this data to determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location. In response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or a predetermined proximity to the node location, the system controller automatically sends a command signal to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual, angular, and / or tactile warning, which can be perceived by the user and / or the vehicle, for example, thereby notifying one or both of them of the relative proximity / location between them.

[0011] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to methods for assembling any disclosed systems and devices and methods for operating any disclosed systems and devices. In one example, a method for manufacturing footwear articles for a user's foot is proposed. This representative method, in any order and in any combination with any of the features and options disclosed above or below, includes: providing an upper configured to receive and attach to a user's foot; providing a sole structure configured to support the user's foot thereon, the sole structure having an outsole defining a ground contact portion of the footwear; attaching the sole structure to the upper; mounting a controller-based automatic warning system to the sole structure and / or upper, the warning system configured to generate auditory, visual, and / or tactile outputs in response to command signals; mounting a wireless communication device to the sole structure and / or upper, the wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node; and mounting a residing controller to the sole structure and / or upper. The residing controller is operatively connected to the wireless communication device and the warning system. The resident controller is programmed to: receive user location data indicating the user's current location; receive node location data indicating the current location of a remote computing node; determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location; and respond to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location by automatically sending command signals to an alert system to generate a predetermined alert.

[0012] In another example, a method for implementing automated features of a smart electronic shoe is proposed. This representative method, in any order and in any combination with any of the features and options disclosed above or below, includes: receiving location data indicating a user's location via a dwelling or remote wireless communication device; receiving location data indicating a node location of a remote computing node via a wireless communication device; determining, via a dwelling or remote shoe controller, whether the user is within a predetermined location or within a predetermined proximity to the node location; and, in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, the shoe controller automatically sends a command signal to a dwelling controller automatic warning system to generate predetermined visual, auditory, and / or tactile warnings perceptible to the user and / or motor vehicle, for example, thereby notifying one or both parties of their relative proximity / location.

[0013] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to shoes with automatic lighting capabilities. For example, a footwear article includes an upper that receives, at least partially covers, and attaches to a user's foot. A sole structure, attached to the underside of the upper and supporting the user's foot thereon, includes an outsole defining the ground contact surface of the footwear. A dwell warning system is mounted to the sole structure and can be selectively actuated to generate visual, auditory, and / or tactile warnings in response to electronic command signals. A dwell wireless communication device is mounted within the sole structure and can be used to wirelessly communicate with remote computing nodes, such as motor vehicles, remote backend server computers, middleware nodes, dedicated software apps running on portable electronic devices, etc.

[0014] Continuing the example above, the footwear also features a dwell controller, which is installed within the sole structure and communicates with wireless communication devices and a warning system. This dwell controller is programmed to receive location data indicating the user's current location and the current location of a remote computing node. The dwell controller then determines whether the user's current location is within a predetermined location / proximity to the node's current location. If so, the dwell controller responsively sends one or more command signals to the warning system to generate a predetermined warning to notify the user / vehicle of their relative proximity.

[0015] For any disclosed system, method, and apparatus, a footwear controller may, for example, respond to a user's position being within a predetermined location / proximity to a node location, send command signals to the control system of a remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output. For example, the remote computing node may be a motor vehicle with a headlight system; in this case, the visual output caused by the footwear controller may include illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle's headlight system. Optionally, the footwear controller may be operable to coordinate the light output of the vehicle's headlight system with a predetermined light output of an IES warning system. Furthermore, the auditory output prompted by the footwear controller may include the auditory output of activating and / or modulating the horn system, infotainment system, or other vehicle subsystems capable of generating auditory output. Optionally, the footwear controller may be operable to coordinate the auditory output of the vehicle's audio system with a predetermined audio output of the IES warning system.

[0016] For any disclosed system, method, and device, the user may have a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, and / or smartwatch; a wireless communication device may be designed to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device and communicate wirelessly with a remote computing node via that connectivity. Alternatively, the warning system may include a tactile transducer mounted to the shoe structure. In this case, command signals from the shoe controller cause the tactile transducer to generate tactile cues, for example, notifying the user when their position is within a predetermined location / proximity to a node location. Similarly, the warning system may include an audio system mounted to the shoe structure. Command signals from the shoe controller cause the audio system to generate a predetermined sound output, for example, notifying the user when their position is within a predetermined location / proximity to a node location.

[0017] For any disclosed system, method, and apparatus, the remote computing node can be a central control unit for a residential or commercial security system. In this case, the footwear controller can send a deactivation (or activation) command signal to the security system when the user's location is entering (or leaving) a predetermined location or the proximity of the residence or building monitored by the security system. Similarly, the remote computing node can be a central control unit for a home automation system. In this case, the footwear controller can, for example, send command signals to the home automation system to lock or unlock doors, activate or deactivate indoor lighting, and / or increase or decrease the temperature of a thermostat in response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to a specific room in a house or house associated with the home automation system. The predetermined location or proximity can be depicted by a geofence generated by the footwear controller. In this case, a command signal is sent to the remote computing node or IES subsystem when a breach of the geofence is detected.

[0018] For any disclosed system, method, and apparatus, a pressure sensor can be mounted into the shoe structure and configured to detect the presence of a foot within the upper. For some applications, a command signal can only be sent to the IES warning system when the presence of a foot is detected within the upper. Foot presence sensing in footwear can be achieved through various methods, including pressure / force sensing, capacitive sensing, magnetic signal sensing, etc. Optionally, the pressure sensor can be mounted inside the sole structure and configured to detect the user's weight. Based on these sensor readings, the footwear controller can determine whether the detected current user weight falls within a predetermined range of verified user weights stored in memory (i.e., authenticating registered users). Once verified, the footwear controller transmits a command signal to the IES warning system.

[0019] For any disclosed system, method, and apparatus, the IES may include shoelaces attached to the upper and a shoelace motor mounted within the sole structure and operable to selectively switch the shoelaces / laces between a tensioned and untensioned state. A footwear controller may communicate with the shoelace motor to determine the current state of the shoelaces. In this case, a command signal may be sent to the IES warning system only when the shoelaces are in a tensioned state. For at least some configurations, the tension state may include multiple discrete tension positions; the IES system may include a shoelace sensor that detects the current discrete tension position for the current user. The footwear controller may communicate with the shoelace sensor to determine whether the current discrete tension position corresponds to an empirically validated shoelace tension position stored in memory (i.e., for authenticating a registered user). Once the current user is authenticated, the footwear controller initiates a command signal to the IES warning system. Further information regarding footwear with motorized lacing and gesture control capabilities can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publications US2016 / 0262485 and US2018 / 0020764, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. It is also foreseeable that user identification can be achieved through gait profiling and analysis, which can be determined from the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in the shoe, for example, to authenticate / verify the user (alone or in combination with authentication on a smartphone).

[0020] For any disclosed system, method, and device, the remote computing node may include an optical sensor, such as part of a digital camera. The predetermined output of the IES warning system may include personalized color and / or coded blink patterns, which can be detected by the optical sensor and designed to authenticate the user to the remote computing node. For at least some applications, wireless communication devices may include… Low Energy (BLE), Low Power, and Wide Area Category (CAT) M1 or Narrowband CAT-NB1 wireless interfaces. Alternatively, barcodes, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, or Near Field Communication (NFC) tags can be attached to the sole structure and / or upper; these features are designed to transmit secure authentication codes to remote computing nodes.

[0021] The foregoing summary is not intended to represent every embodiment or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary provides only examples of some novel concepts and features set forth herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and accompanying advantages, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims from the following detailed description of examples and representative modes for carrying out the invention. Furthermore, this disclosure expressly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the elements and features presented above and below. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an outer side view of a representative smart electronic shoe with automatic footwear features according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic bottom view of a representative smart electronic shoe.

[0024] Figure 3 During wireless data exchange with a representative IES system to perform one or more automated footwear features, wearing a pair of Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a representative user of the smart electronic shoe.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of an automated footwear feature protocol, which, based on aspects of the disclosed concept, can correspond to instructions stored in memory that are executed by resident or remote control logic circuits, programmable controllers, or other computer-based devices or device networks.

[0026] Figure 5 Adoption based on aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a pair of smart electronic shoes used to automatically deactivate security systems to allow access to representative users of a representative building.

[0027] Figure 6 Adoption based on aspects of this disclosure Figure 1 and 2 A pair of smart electronic shoes to automatically activate or deactivate a floor plan illustration of one or more subsystems controlled by a home automation system for a representative user.

[0028] This disclosure is adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, and some representative embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown in the drawings listed above. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, combinations, subcombinations, substitutions, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as covered by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This disclosure is readily practicable in many different forms. Representative embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood that these illustrated examples are provided as exemplary illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and not as limitations on the broad aspects of this disclosure. In this regard, elements and limitations described in the abstract, technical field, background, summary, and detailed description sections but not expressly set forth in the claims should not be incorporated, individually or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise.

[0030] For the purposes of this detailed description, unless otherwise stated: the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctions and antonymous conjunctions; the words “any” and “all” shall mean “any and all”; and “including,” “contains,” and “have” shall each mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, approximate words such as “approximately,” “almost,” “substantially,” “roughly,” etc., may be used herein in the sense of “near,” “within 0-5%,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof. Finally, directional adjectives and adverbs, such as before, after, inside, outside, proximal, distal, vertical, horizontal, front, back, left, right, etc., may, for example, relate to footwear articles worn on a user’s foot and operatively oriented such that the base of the sole structure lies on a flat surface.

[0031] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same features throughout several views. Figure 1The illustration shows a representative footwear item, generally designated 10, and depicted herein as a sneaker or "footwear" for discussion purposes. The illustrated footwear 10 (also referred to herein as a "smart electronic shoe" or "IES" for brevity) is merely an exemplary application, utilizing which the novel aspects and features of this disclosure can be practiced. Similarly, embodiments using this concept in wearable electronic devices worn on the human foot should also be understood as representative applications of the concepts disclosed herein. It will be understood that many aspects and features of this disclosure can be integrated into other footwear constructions and can be incorporated into any logically related type of wearable electronic device. As used herein, the terms "shoe" and "footwear," including their arrangement, are used interchangeably and synonymously to refer to any related type of clothing worn on the feet. Finally, the features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the specific and relative dimensions shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting.

[0032] Representative footwear items 10 Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall structure is described as a two-part structure, primarily consisting of an upper 12 that accommodates the foot, mounted on top of the lower sole structure 14. For ease of reference, the footwear 10 can be divided into three anatomical regions: the forefoot region (RFF), the midfoot region (RMF), and the heel region (RHF), as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. Footwear 10 can also be divided along the vertical plane into a lateral segment SLA (the distal half of shoe 10 furthest from the sagittal plane of the human body) and a medial segment SME (the proximal half of shoe 10 closest to the sagittal plane of the human body). According to accepted anatomical classification, the forefoot region RFF is located at the front of footwear 10 and generally corresponds to the phalanges (toes), metatarsals, and any interconnected joints. The midfoot region RMF is inserted between the forefoot and rearfoot regions RFF and RHF, which generally corresponds to the wedge-shaped, navicular, and cuboid bones (i.e., the arch region of the foot). Conversely, the heel region RHF is located at the rear of footwear 10 and generally corresponds to the talus and calcaneus. The lateral and medial segments SLA and SME of footwear 10 both extend through all three anatomical regions RFF, RMF, and RHF, and each corresponds to a corresponding lateral side of footwear 10. Although in Figure 1 and 2 Only a single shoe 10 for the user's left foot is shown, but a substantially identical mirror image for the user's right foot can be provided, such as... Figure 3 As shown. It can be recognized that the shape, size, material composition, and manufacturing method of shoe 10 can be changed individually or collectively to suit any practical conventional or unconventional application.

[0033] refer to Figure 1The upper 12 is depicted as having a closed toe and heel construction, typically defined by three interconnected sections: a toe box 12A covering and protecting the toes; an upper 12B extending behind the toe box and around the eyelets 16 and tongue 18; and a heel counter 12C behind the upper 12B and including the rear and sides of the upper 12 covering the heel. The upper 12 portion of the footwear 10 can be made of any one or a combination of various materials, such as textiles, foam, polymers, natural leather, and synthetic leather, which are stitched, adhesively bonded, or welded together to form internal voids for comfortable foot accommodation. The individual material elements of the upper 12 can be selected and positioned relative to the footwear 10 to selectively impart durability, breathability, abrasion resistance, flexibility, and comfort, for example. An ankle opening 15 in the heel counter 12C of the upper 12 provides access to the interior of the shoe 10. The circumference of the upper 12 can be altered using shoelaces 20, straps, buckles, or other conventional mechanisms to more securely hold the foot inside the shoe 10 and to facilitate entry and exit of the foot from the upper 12. The shoelaces 20 can pass through a series of eyelets in the upper 12; the tongue 18 can extend between the shoelaces 20 and the internal gaps of the upper 12.

[0034] The sole structure 14 is securely fixed to the upper 12, such that the sole structure 14 is positioned on the upper 12 and the supporting surface on which the user stands (e.g., Figure 3 The sole extends between the ground (GS1). In fact, the sole structure 14 acts as an intermediate support platform separating the user's foot from the ground. Besides reducing ground reaction forces and providing cushioning for the foot, Figure 1 The sole structure 14 also provides traction, imparts stability, and helps limit various foot movements, such as unintentional foot tilting and pronation. According to the illustrated example, the sole structure 14 is manufactured as a sandwich structure having an uppermost insole 22, a middle midsole 24, and a lowermost outsole 26. The insole 22 shown is partially located within the internal cavity of the footwear 10, securely attached to the lower part of the upper 12, such that the insole 22 is located near the plantar surface of the foot. Below the insole 22 is the midsole 24, which incorporates one or more materials or embedded elements that enhance the comfort, performance, and / or ground responsiveness of the footwear 10. These elements and materials may be used alone or in any combination and include polymeric foam materials (e.g., polyurethane or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)), padding materials, conditioning agents, inflatable air bladders, plates, support elements, or motion control components. The outsole 26, which may not be present in some constructions of the footwear 10, is attached to the lower surface of the midsole 24. The outsole 26 may be formed of a rubber material that provides a durable and abrasion-resistant surface for contact with the ground. Additionally, the outsole 26 may have a texture to enhance traction (i.e., friction) between the footwear 10 and the underlying support surface.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of an exemplary IES data network and communication system, generally designated 30, for providing wireless data exchange to perform one or more automated footwear features for a pair of smart electronic shoes 10 worn by a user or customer 13. Although a single user 13 is shown communicating with a single motor vehicle 32 via the IES system 30, it is conceivable that any number of users can communicate with any number of motor vehicles or other remote computing nodes suitable for wirelessly exchanging information and data. Figure 3 One or both of the IES 10s are communicatively connected to a remote host system 34 or a cloud computing system 36 via a wireless communication network 38. Wireless data exchange between the IES 10 and the IES system 30 can be direct, for example, in a configuration where the IES 10 is equipped as a standalone device, or indirectly, for example, by pairing the IES 10 and attaching it to a smartphone 40, a smartwatch 42, a wireless local area network (WiFi) node, or other suitable device. In this respect, the IES 10 can, for example, be connected via a short-range wireless communication device (e.g., The unit (or near-field communication (NFC) transceiver), dedicated short-range communication (e.g., DSRC) components, radio antennas, etc., communicate directly with the motor vehicle 32. Only selected components of IES 10 and IES system 30 are shown, and will be described in detail herein. However, the systems and devices discussed herein may include many additional and alternative features, as well as other available hardware and well-known peripheral components, for example, to perform the various methods and functions disclosed herein.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 3The host system 34 can be implemented as a high-speed server computing device or mainframe computer capable of handling batch data processing, resource planning, and transaction processing. For example, the host system 34 can operate as a host in a client-server interface to exchange and communicate with one or more "third-party" servers as necessary to complete a specific transaction. On the other hand, the cloud computing system 36 can be used as middleware for IoT (Internet of Things), WOT (Internet of Things), Internet of Adaptive Apparel and Footwear (IoAAF), and / or M2M (Machine-to-Machine) services, connecting various heterogeneous electronic devices with a service-oriented architecture (SOA) via a data network. As an example, the cloud computing system 36 can be implemented as a middleware node to provide different functions for dynamically loading heterogeneous devices, reusing data from each of these devices, and routing data for processing and transmission to one or more destination applications via reconfigurable processing logic. The network 38 can be any available type of network, including a combination of public distributed computing networks (e.g., the Internet) and secure private networks (e.g., LANs, WANs, VPNs). It may also include wireless and wired transmission systems (e.g., satellite, cellular networks, terrestrial networks, etc.). In at least some respects, most (if not all) of the data transaction functions performed by IES 10 can be performed on wireless networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs) or cellular data networks to ensure the freedom of movement of users 13 and IES 10.

[0037] Footwear 10 is equipped with various embedded electronic hardware to function as a hands-free, rechargeable, and intelligent wearable electronic device. The various electronic components of IES 10 are controlled by one or more electronic controller devices, such as a residing footwear controller 44 enclosed within the sole structure 14 of footwear 10. Figure 2The footwear controller 44 may include any one or more of the following: logic circuitry, a dedicated control module, an electronic control unit, a processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable integrated circuit device, whether resident, remote, or a combination of both. For example, the footwear controller 44 may include multiple microprocessors, including a master processor, slave processors, and auxiliary or parallel processors. As used herein, the controller 44 may include any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware disposed within and / or outside the shoe structure of the IES 10, configured to communicate with and / or control data transfer between the IES 10 and buses, computers, processors, devices, services, and / or networks. The controller 44 is generally operable to execute any or all of the various computer program products, software, applications, algorithms, methods, and / or other processes disclosed herein. During continuous use or operation of the controller 44, routines may be executed in real time, continuously, systematically, sporadically, and / or at regular intervals, such as every 100 microseconds, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 100 milliseconds.

[0038] The footwear controller 44 may include, or be able to communicate with, a resident or remote storage device, such as a resident footwear memory 46 encapsulated within the sole structure 14 of the footwear 10. The resident footwear memory 46 may include semiconductor memory, including volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or multiple RAMs) and non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or EEPROM), disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, etc. Remote communication capabilities with remotely networked devices may be provided through one or more or all of a cellular network chipset / component, a satellite service chipset / component, or a wireless modem or chipset / component. Figure 2 The common designation is 48. Short-range wireless connectivity can be provided via transceivers, RFID tags, NFC devices, DSRC components, or radio antennas, all of which are designated 50. A residing power source, such as a lithium-ion battery 52 with plug-in or cableless (inductive or resonant) rechargeable capability, can be embedded within the upper 12 or sole structure 14 of the footwear 10. Through implementation LowEnergy (BLE), Category (CAT) M1, or CAT-NB1 wireless interfaces can further facilitate wireless communication. The aforementioned communication devices can be configured to exchange data between devices as part of system or periodic beacon messages broadcast in footwear-to-vehicle (F2V) information exchange, footwear-to-everything (F2X) information exchange (e.g., footwear-to-infrastructure (F2I), footwear-to-pedestrian (F2P), or footwear-to-footwear (F2F)).

[0039] The position and movement of IES 10, and therefore user 13, can be tracked by a position tracking device 54, which may be located within the sole structure 14 or upper 12. The position can be determined using a satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS), iBeacons, BLUETOOTH, WiFi, or other suitable navigation system. In one example, the GPS system may use a cooperative group of orbiting GPS satellites to monitor the position of a person, vehicle, or other target object on Earth. This cooperative group communicates with a suitable GPS transceiver to generate a time-stamped series of data points in real time. In addition to providing data relating to the absolute latitude and longitude coordinates of the GPS receiver carried by the target object, the data provided by the GPS system can be modified and used to provide information about: the time elapsed during the execution of a specified action, the distance traveled, the altitude or height of a specific location, altitude changes within a specified time window, direction of movement, speed of movement, etc. The footwear controller 44 can use the aggregated set of the aforementioned GPS data to estimate the predicted route of user 13. The GPS system data can be used individually or collectively to supplement and optionally calibrate accelerometer-based or other pedometer-based speed and distance data. Therefore, information collected by the GPS satellite system can be used to generate correction factors and / or calibration parameters for use by the IES10 to help ensure accurate sensor data, thereby ensuring optimal system operation.

[0040] Even without a GPS receiver, the IES 10 can determine its location and movement information through a process called "trilateration" in cooperation with the cellular system. Cellular systems use towers and base stations to communicate radio signals and are arranged in a cellular network. Cellular devices such as the IES 10 can be equipped with low-power transmitters to communicate with the nearest tower, base station, router, or access point. When a user uses the IES 10 (e.g., moving from one cell to another), the base station monitors the strength of the transmitter signal. As the IES 10 moves toward the edge of a cell, the transmitter signal strength at the current reflector tower decreases. Simultaneously, the base station in the approaching cell detects an increase in signal strength. When the user enters a new cell, the reflector tower transfers the signal from one to another. The dwell foot controller 44 can determine the location of the IES 10 based on measurements of the transmitter signal, such as the approach angle to the (multiple) cellular reflectors, the time it takes for each signal to travel to the multiple reflectors, and the strength of each signal when it reaches its corresponding reflector tower. According to other aspects of this concept, one or more motion sensing devices can be integrated into the shoe structure to determine the dynamic motion (e.g., translation, rotation, velocity, acceleration, etc.) of the IES 10 relative to an established benchmark or reference (e.g., position, spatial orientation, reaction, force, velocity, acceleration, electrical contact, etc.) around or along one or more axes.

[0041] Common Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Footwear item 10 may be equipped with a dwell lighting system 56, which has one or more lighting devices controlled by a footwear controller 44 to selectively illuminate the shoe structure and its surrounding area. The lighting system 56 may employ different types of lighting devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), electroluminescent panels (ELPs), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), high-intensity discharge lamps, flexible and non-flexible organic LED displays, flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and other available types of lighting elements. Any number of lighting devices can be arranged on any part of the shoe 10; as shown, a first lighting device 58 is encapsulated within the sole structure 14 located within the midfoot region RMF of the footwear 10. The first lighting device 58 is adjacent to window 60 (…). Figure 1 The window 60 is positioned and sealed on the outer side of the shoe 10 through a frame hole extending through the peripheral wall of the sole structure 14. The lighting device 58 can operate in an illuminated or "on" state, an unilluminated or "off" state, a range of lighting intensities (e.g., low, medium, and high light output), various colors, and / or various lighting modes. With this arrangement, the first lighting device 58 selectively illuminates a portion of the upper 12, a portion of the sole 14, and a portion of the ground GS1 adjacent to the IES 10.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 4 The flowchart is used to perform actions for wearable electronic devices (such as...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The automation features of IES 10) (e.g., Figure 3 The improved methods or control strategies for the footwear features shown are described in whole as 100 according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4 Some or all of the operations shown and further described in detail below may represent algorithms corresponding to processor-executable instructions, which may be stored, for example, in main memory, secondary memory, or remote memory, and executed, for example, by a resident or remote controller, central processing unit (CPU), control logic circuitry, or other module or device, to perform any or all of the functions described above or below in connection with the disclosed concepts. It should be understood that the execution order of the illustrated operation blocks may be changed, additional blocks may be added, and some of the described blocks may be modified, combined, or eliminated.

[0043] Method 100 begins at end block 101 with processor-executable instructions for a programmable controller or control module or a similar suitable processor, such as... Figure 2 The resident footwear controller 44 is used to invoke controls for wearable electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1The initialization procedure for the protocol of the IES 10 operation. During the use of the smart electronic shoe 10, this routine can be called and executed in real-time, continuously, systematically, sporadically, and / or at regular intervals. See reference... Figure 3 The architecture of the IES data network and communication system 30, as Figure 4 In a representative implementation of the method described herein, the initialization process at block 101 can begin whenever user 13 activates the ride-sharing software application via smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42, or whenever user 13 pairs with a ride-sharing driver / vehicle 32 via the ride-sharing software application. Using a dedicated mobile application or web-based app running on one of the aforementioned portable computing devices, ride-hailing customer 13 interacts with the ride-sharing server system (e.g., [system name missing]). The system (represented by cloud computing system 36) pairs shared ride drivers (e.g., operators of motor vehicles 32) registered on it. The illustrated example depicts a single passenger (private) accepting transport from a single licensed driver (in the driver's private car—another private individual). However, it is foreseeable that the IES system 30 includes any anticipated passengers seeking rides from any number of registered drivers operating any logically related type of motor vehicle. In this respect, the available driver pool can consist of private individuals, salaried or contract employees, public transportation, private car or taxi services, autonomous vehicles, or any combination thereof.

[0044] To enhance security, transactions between IES 10 and IES system 30 can be enabled via an authentication process at predefined process block 103. Authentication can be performed by a primary or secondary source to verify the proper activation of the wearable electronic device and / or the valid identity of the device user. After manually entering user identification information (e.g., password, PIN, credit card number, personal information, biometric data, predefined key sequences, etc.), the user can access a personal account, for example, by entering the user's... A “digital vault” operates on a smartphone 40 registered via the Connect software application and the IoAAF middleware node. Transactions can therefore be made via, for example, a combination of personal identification input (e.g., mother's maiden name, social security number, etc.) and a secret PIN (e.g., a six- or eight-digit code), or a password (e.g., created by user 13) and a corresponding PIN (e.g., issued by host system 34), or a credit card input and a secret PIN number. Additionally or alternatively, barcodes, RFID tags, or NFC tags can be printed on or attached to the IES 10 shoe structure and configured to transmit a secure authentication code to the IES system 30. Other established authentication and security technologies, including blockchain cryptography, can be used to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts, for example, minimizing the impact of unauthorized access to user accounts or preventing unauthorized access to personal information or funds through user accounts.

[0045] As an alternative or supplementary option to manually inputting identification information in predefined process block 103, the safety precautions taken by user 13 can be automatically performed by the resident footwear controller 44. By way of a non-limiting example, a pressure sensor 62 with the properties of a binary contact sensor switch can be attached to footwear 10 (e.g., embedded within the midsole 24 of the sole structure 14). This pressure sensor 62 detects a calibrated minimum load on the insole 22, thereby determining the presence of a foot in the upper 12. Any future automation features of IES 10 may first require controller 44 to confirm the presence of a foot in the upper 12 via a command prompt to the binary pressure sensor 62, thus using footwear 10 to initiate automation operation before transmitting command signals. Although in Figure 2 Only a single sensor is shown, but it is conceivable that the IES10 could be equipped with a distributed sensor array, including pressure, temperature, humidity, and / or shoe dynamics sensors, packaged at discrete locations throughout the write structure. Similarly, foot presence sensing (FPS) can be determined using a variety of available sensing techniques, including capacitive, electromagnetic, etc. Further information regarding foot presence sensing can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publications US2017 / 0265584A1 and 2017 / 0265594A1 by Steven H. Walker et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

[0046] In addition to functioning as a binary (ON / OFF) switch, pressure sensor 62 can also be configured as a multi-mode sensor (e.g., a polyurethane dielectric capacitive biofeedback sensor) that detects any of a variety of biometric parameters, such as the magnitude of applied pressure exerted by the foot within the upper 12, and outputs one or more signals indicative of this. These sensor signals can be transmitted from pressure sensor 62 to a resident footwear controller 44, which then aggregates, filters, and processes the received data to calculate the current user's weight. The current user weight, calculated for the individual currently using IES 10, is compared to a previously verified, stored user weight (e.g., a registered user with an existing personal account). In this way, footwear controller 44 can determine whether the current user weight is equal to or within a predetermined threshold range for verifying user weight. Once the current user is verified, resident footwear controller 44 is able to send command signals to one or more subsystems within footwear 10 to automate their characteristics.

[0047] As part of the predefined process block 103, automatic security authentication of users can be implemented using other available techniques, including cross-referencing the characteristics of the current user's feet with previously verified characteristics of the feet of authenticated users. For example, it is shown that... Figure 2 The representative IES 10 features a motorized lacing system that utilizes a shoelace motor (M) 64 mounted on the footwear 10. This motor is selectively actuated to move the shoelaces 20 back and forth between an untensioned (loose) state and one or more tensioned (tightened) states. The shoelace motor 64 may be a bidirectional DC worm gear motor housed within the sole structure 14 and controlled by a dwelling footwear controller 44. Activation of the shoelace motor 64 can be initiated via a manual activation switch built into the shoe structure or via a soft key on an app on the user's smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42. Alternatively, for example, motor control can be automated via the dwelling footwear controller 44 in response to a sensor signal from a pressure sensor 62 indicating that the foot has been placed within the upper 12. During use of the IES 10, the shoelace tension can be actively adjusted by the controller 44 through controlled operation of the shoelace motor 64, for example, to better hold the foot in response to dynamic user movements. The foregoing functionality, as well as any other logically related options or features disclosed herein, can be applied to alternative types of wearable clothing, including but not limited to garments, headwear, eyeglasses, wristbands, ties, leggings, underwear, and the like. Furthermore, the shoelace motor 64 can be adapted to automate the tensioning and loosening of straps, latches, cables, and other commercially available mechanisms for securing shoes.

[0048] Similar to the pressure sensor 62 discussed above, the shoelace motor 64 can also function as a binary (ON / OFF) switch to effectively enable and disable the automatic functions of the IES10. That is, the resident footwear controller 44 can communicate with the shoelace motor 64 to determine whether the shoelaces 20 are tensioned or untensioned before executing an automation feature. If the latter, the resident footwear controller 44 can disable all automation features to prevent accidental activation of automation functions when the IES10 is not in use. Conversely, when it is determined that the shoelaces 20 are tensioned, the footwear controller 44 is allowed to send automation command signals.

[0049] During operation of the shoelace motor 64, the shoelaces 20 can be positioned in any of a plurality of discrete, tensioned positions to accommodate feet with different girths or users with different tension preferences. A shoelace sensor, which may be built into the motor 64 or encapsulated in the sole structure 14 or upper 12, can be used to detect the current tension position of the shoelaces 20 for a given user. Alternatively, real-time tracking of the position of the output shaft (e.g., a worm gear) of the bidirectional electric shoelace motor 64 or the position of a specific portion of the shoelaces 20 (e.g., a spool of shoelace thread cooperating with the motor's worm) can be used to determine the shoelace position. When the shoelaces 20 are tensioned, the residing footwear controller 44 communicates with the shoelace motor 64 and / or the shoelace sensor for the current user to identify the current tension position of the shoelaces 20. This current tension position is compared with a previously verified shoelace tension position stored in memory (e.g., authenticated to a registered user with an existing personal account). Through this comparison, the footwear controller 44 can determine whether the current tension position is equal to or within a predetermined threshold range of the verified tension position. After the current user is authenticated as a verified user, command signals can be transmitted via the resident footwear controller 44 to one or more subsystems within the footwear 10 to automate its features.

[0050] After the authentication process described in predefined process block 103 is completed, Figure 4 Method 100 proceeds via processor-executable instructions to input / output block 105 to retrieve sufficient data to identify the corresponding locations of the wearable electronic device and the remote computing node communicating with it. Figure 3As shown in the example, IES 10 can directly receive or receive location data from remote host system 34 and / or cloud computing system 36, indicating the current location of user 13 and vehicle 32, either through collaboration with smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42. User location can also be tracked via a ride-sharing app or route planning app running on the user's smartphone 40. The location and movement of IES 10, and therefore user 13, can also be determined, for example, via a satellite-based GPS navigation transceiver built into the upper 12 or sole structure 14. When paired and matched drivers are on a route, a background intermediary server, such as cloud computing system 36 acting as a middleware node, tracks the location of vehicle 32 in real time, for example, via an in-vehicle transmission device or via an app on the driver's personal computing device.

[0051] Figure 4 Method 100 continues to decision block 107 to determine whether the joint position of the wearable electronic device and the user is within a predetermined location or within a predetermined proximity of that node location. Continuing the example above, the user's smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42 can display the real-time location of IES 10 and vehicle 32 on a map using different graphics of each party (e.g., using corresponding graphic pins, symbols, avatars, animations, etc.), as well as the movement of IES 10 relative to vehicle 32 (e.g., through the placement and movement of these graphics). Simultaneously, IES 10 and / or IES system 30 can monitor the current proximity of IES 10 to the current location of vehicle 32 (e.g., feet, miles, minutes, etc.). Optional arrangements may limit the determination of decision block 107 to a user-selected or system-specified proximity (e.g., within 100 feet or less) and / or a user-selected or system-specified location (e.g., a designated ride-sharing pick-up / drop-off location, a user-selected parking lot, etc.). Alternatively, the predetermined location may include a virtual boundary or "geofence" dynamically generated by the stationary footwear controller 44. In the latter case, IES 10 and / or IES system 30 detect when the location-aware device of vehicle 32 breaks the geofence. When it is determined that the current locations of the user and the vehicle are not within each other's predetermined proximity / location (block 107 = No), method 100 can return to input / output block 105. In this regard, location tracking at block 105 and proximity assessment at block 107 can be performed in a continuous loop until a positive determination is returned.

[0052] In response to a node and / or user's determined location entering a predetermined location, or a node's location entering within proximity to a user's determined location (block 107 = Yes), or both, one or more command signals are sent to one or more subsystems to execute one or more automated features of the wearable electronic device. As generally indicated at processing block 109, for example, a first command signal is sent to a first subsystem to execute a first automated feature AF1 of the smart electronic shoe. Figure 3 As shown in the example, the parking shoe controller 44 can confirm that the vehicle 32 is now within 100 ft or other pre-specified distance of IES 10, and therefore, the user 13 is in the driver's field of vision. The parking shoe controller 44 automatically responds to this confirmation (i.e., without any user or external system prompt) by sending a command signal to the parking lighting system 56 to activate the lighting device 58, thereby producing a predetermined light output. This predetermined light output may include a personalized color (e.g., for vehicles with...). The passengers are light green, which is suitable for those with... The passengers were all wearing pink. The selected color and / or pattern can be green, blue, or green (e.g., strobe, user-specific or driver-specific flashing patterns, scripts selected in the Morse Code, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the selected color and / or pattern can be detected by a digital camera having optical sensors on the vehicle 32. Once detected, the ride-sharing app on the vehicle controller or the driver's smartphone can evaluate the personalized color / pattern to verify that the waiting user 13 of IES 10 corresponds to that user's current ride-sharing request. Alternatively, the system can employ light-based wireless optical authentication, such as using LiFi, to transmit user authentication data.

[0053] It is foreseeable that, as Figure 4 As part of method 100, any publicly disclosed connected wearable electronic device can automate additional or alternative features. In response to a node's determined location being within a predetermined location or within a predetermined proximity to a user-determined location (block 107 = Yes), a second command signal can be sent to a second subsystem to execute a second automated feature AF2 of the wearable electronic device, as shown in process block 111. As a non-limiting example, it is shown... Figure 2The IES10 is equipped with a tactile transducer 66, which is housed within the sole structure 14 for operative communication with the insole 22. To alert the user 13 of the IES10 that the shared vehicle 32 has arrived at a predetermined location and / or is within proximity to the user's current location, the residing footwear controller 44 sends a command signal to the tactile transducer 66 to generate a tactile cue (e.g., a perceptible vibration or a series of vibrational pulses), which is transmitted from the midsole 24 through the insole 22 to the user's foot. The operation of the tactile transducer 66 can be coordinated with the output of the vehicle 32.

[0054] Optional third automation feature AF3 may include operating the shoelace motor 64 as a haptic force feedback device, selectively activated by the footwear controller 44 to rapidly tension and release the shoelaces 20. Auditory, visual, or haptic feedback from the IES 10 can be used to notify the wearer of interactions with other computing devices, such as light or haptic feedback, to alert the user to an incoming call on their personal smartphone. Similarly, the IES 10 may operate in conjunction with the smartphone 40 (e.g., coordinated flashing of an LED camera light or an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) actuator), or an active clothing element 11 (e.g., coordinated activation of a built-in haptic device in the user's shirt), such as... Figure 3 As shown. Alternatively, haptic feedback can be used to provide the user with turning direction (e.g., vibrating the left or right foot with increased intensity and / or in a specified pulse pattern to indicate a left or right turn). Similarly, haptic feedback can be used in a similar manner to guide the user along a predetermined route or warn the user against taking a particular route (e.g., deeming it unsafe). Additional information regarding footwear and apparel with haptic feedback can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication US2017 / 0154505A1 by Ernest Kim, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] Optionally, the IES 10 can be equipped with an audio system. Figure 1 The sound is represented by a miniature audio speaker 68 attached to the heel counter 12C of the upper 12. When the user and / or node are confirmed to be within a predetermined location or close to each other, the resident footwear controller 44 automatically sends a command signal to the audio system speaker 68 to produce a predetermined sound output. Alternatively, the shoelace motor 64 can repeatedly tighten / loosen the shoelaces 20 as a signal / procedure, such as arrival, check-in, connection, etc. Alternatively, the IES 10 can be used by the user for location, self-authentication, and access to autonomous vehicles or vehicle rentals. Method 100 can then terminate at end block 113 and / or loop back to end block 101.

[0056] In addition to automating features in adaptive clothing and footwear, publicly available wearable electronic devices can also automate features on remote computing nodes. (See again...) Figure 3 In the representative embodiment shown, the dwelling footwear controller 44 can respond to the user / node's current location being within or near a predetermined position by transmitting command signals to the vehicle control unit 70. These command signals carry instructions for generating auditory or visual outputs that facilitate shared riding interaction between the passenger and driver. These instructions can cause one or both vehicle headlights 72 to illuminate, flash, increase the intensity of their light output, or a combination thereof, making the vehicle 32 more easily perceived by the user 13. Alternatively, the dwelling footwear controller 44 can coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlights 72 with the light output of the IES lighting system 56, for example, causing them to illuminate and / or flash uniformly. Additionally or alternatively, command signals received from the footwear controller 44 via the vehicle control unit 70 can cause activation and / or modulation of the vehicle's horn system 74 or other in-vehicle audio systems.

[0057] Another optional feature could be a “dance party” mode, where music interludes output from any vehicle audio component and a light show output from any vehicle lighting system can be triggered via IES 10. Sound (audio / music) output from vehicle 32 can be linked to one or more features and subsystems of IES 10. Coordinated activation of the shoelace motor 64, lighting device 58, and / or haptic transducer 66 can be provided to synchronize the automation of IES 10 with the sound and / or light output from vehicle 32. Audio output from a user’s personal electronic device (such as smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42) can also be synchronized in a similar manner. After verifying the current user’s security authentication, shoe-to-vehicle communication can also be used to allow IES 10 to lock or unlock doors or provide access to the passenger compartment. Similarly, an authenticated user can use their IES 10 as an electronic key fob to start the vehicle or automate one or more preset driver settings, such as desired seat position, desired steering wheel position, desired rearview mirror position, etc.

[0058] Communication between the footwear and infrastructure can be enabled, allowing the IES 10 to communicate with a networked "smart city" controller, which in turn can modulate changes in street lighting or traffic lights to improve the safety of pedestrians or runners. Conversely, the "smart city" controller can communicate with the IES 10 to warn users that they are walking on a crosswalk with a "Do Not Walk" sign, signaling that pedestrians must give way to oncoming vehicles. Illumination features built into the shoe can also be used during sporting events (e.g., coordinating with the colors of a user's favorite sports team) or during exercise (e.g., illuminating the road while running at night). Security features can also be installed to prevent the IES from being used by unauthorized parties. For example, if it is determined that the person wearing the IES 10 is an unauthorized user, the footwear controller 44 can disable the shoelace motor 64. Simultaneously, the controller 44 can send an electronic warning to the user's smartphone 40 or smartwatch 42 to notify them that the IES 10 may have been stolen or misused.

[0059] Optional configurations can provide smart electronic footwear or apparel suitable for instructional purposes. As an example, when helping to teach someone how to drive a car, a user or instructor can wear the IES 10. For instance, the IES 10 can be configured so that the instructor can press their foot firmly against the passenger compartment floor through the shoe to simulate pressing the brake pedal. A built-in pressure sensor 62 detects the instructor's foot gesture and outputs a corresponding signal to the footwear controller 44. The IES 10 then communicates with the vehicle's brake control module (BCM) 32 to activate the vehicle's braking. Alternatively, the IES 10 can communicate with a pair of smart electronic shoes worn by a student, sending instructions to provide sensory feedback to the student, informing them that they should press the brake pedal and thus apply the vehicle's braking system. In addition to teaching students how to drive, tactile, auditory, and / or visual feedback from the IES 10 can also be used to teach footwear wearers a series of steps in a dance routine, such as proper weight transfer when swinging a golf club or baseball bat, correct timing, gait, and the number of steps required to execute obstacles.

[0060] In addition to facilitating data exchange between wearable electronic devices and motor vehicles, many of the publicly disclosed concepts are similarly applicable to non-ride-sharing and non-automobile applications. For example, remote computing nodes can take alternative forms to those described above, such as central server computers or parallel HMIs for residential or commercial security systems. When user 13 of IES 10 enters a predetermined location (e.g., access passage, corridor, room, etc.) or is within a pre-selected proximity of the monitored facility (e.g., demarcated by an active geofence), Figure 2 The resident footwear controller 44 can send a deactivation command signal to the security system server computer or HMI, allowing user 13 to access the facility without manually deactivating the security system. For example, in Figure 5The diagram illustrates a representative user 213 approaching the front entrance of building 232, which is protected by a commercial security system (represented by a contactless, video-monitored entrance panel 234). One or both of the IES 10 worn by user 213 emit an invisible geofence 215 around user 213. Once user 213 is close enough to cause the video-monitored entrance panel 234 to break through or penetrate the geofence 215 generated by the IES, the IES 10 automatically sends a security authentication signal to the security system entrance panel 234, thereby granting user 213 permission to enter building 232 (depicted by the automatic opening of the leftmost security door at the entrance of building 232). Alternative system configurations may use other communication methods, including any of those described above and below, to facilitate interaction between the IES 10 and the security system 234.

[0061] As yet another example, the remote computing node can possess the characteristics of a home automation system (or "smart home") that controls the climate, lighting, blinds, appliances, etc., of a user's home. When a user of IES 10 enters or leaves a predetermined location (e.g., front door, garage, hallway, room, etc.) or enters or leaves a pre-selected proximity point of the residence controlled by the home automation system, the dwelling foot controller 44 can transmit any one or more command signals to the home automation system to lock or unlock doors, activate or deactivate indoor lighting, increase or decrease the temperature of the thermostat, or a combination of the above features. For example, in Figure 6 The illustration shows a representative user 313 wandering through a home 332 with various appliances, devices, and subsystems, all or partly controlled by a home automation system (represented by a WiFi-enabled touchscreen gateway panel 334). In response to user 313 moving from a first room to a second room (e.g., from the living room to the bedroom), IES 10 can automatically send a series of command signals as follows: (1) turn on the lights in the second room; (2) dim the lights in the first room; (3) turn off one or more devices (e.g., a television) in the first room; and (4) adjust the temperature in the second room.

[0062] It can be assumed that, Figure 2 The IES 10 is particularly useful for interacting with fully assisted or fully automated motor vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles classified as SAE Level 3, 4, or 5 vehicles). In addition to enabling controller authentication and automatic locking, unlocking, and motor start-up of the vehicle, the IES 10 can also communicate with the powertrain control module (PCM) or route planning module (RPM) to automatically coordinate the transportation of the IES 10 to a predetermined location by the user 13. In a specific example, Figure 3The vehicle 32 can transmit a unique geofence signal to pair with multiple users wearing compatible IES. If user 13 is within the boundary of the vehicle's geofence, IES 10 responds by automatically generating a first visual, auditory, and / or tactile output to notify user 13 that they have breached the geofence. User 13 can then launch a dedicated mobile app operating on their smartphone 40 to identify the current real-time location of vehicle 32, which can be displayed on a GPS or navigation map application. When user 13 is within a very close proximity of vehicle 32 (e.g., ten (10) meters or less), IES 10 can generate a second visual, auditory, and / or tactile output to notify user 13 that they are within a predetermined range of proximity to vehicle 32, and should therefore be able to visually identify vehicle 32.

[0063] Once user 13 locates vehicle 32, a two-way authentication process will occur between the resident footwear controller 44 of IES 10 and the server computer at the back end of the central electronic control unit (ECU) of vehicle 32 or the middleware node facilitating F2V operation. Upon successful authentication, vehicle 32 will signal to user 13 that they can choose to enter the vehicle's passenger compartment. The authentication key may be simultaneously issued to user 13 via the IoAAF system; user 13 can retrieve the key via the aforementioned smartphone app. If user 13 chooses to enter vehicle 32, they can be taken to a designated or undesignated location (“unlock location”) where the reserved product awaits them. Once user 13 reaches the unlock location, they may be required to enter the authentication key to access the reserved product.

[0064] In some embodiments, aspects of this disclosure may be implemented by a computer-executable instruction program, such as a program module, which is generally referred to as a software application or an application executed by any controller or controller variant described herein. In non-limiting examples, the software may include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. The software may form an interface to allow a computer to react to an input source. The software may also cooperate with other code segments to initiate various tasks in response to data received along with a received data source. The software may be stored on any of a variety of storage media, such as CD-ROM, magnetic disk, bubble memory, and semiconductor memory (e.g., various types of RAM or ROM).

[0065] Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure can be practiced using a variety of computer systems and computer network configurations, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices, minicomputers, mainframes, etc. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure can be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are executed by remote processing devices linked via communication networks. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote storage media, including memory storage devices. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in computer systems or other processing systems using a variety of hardware, software, or combinations thereof.

[0066] Any method described herein may include machine-readable instructions for execution by: (a) a processor, (b) a controller, and / or (c) any other suitable processing device. Any algorithm, software, protocol, or method disclosed herein may be embodied in software stored on tangible media (e.g., flash memory, CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk drive, digital versatile disc (DVD)) or other storage devices; however, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the entire algorithm and / or portions thereof may alternatively be executed by a device other than a controller and / or implemented in firmware or dedicated hardware in a known manner (e.g., by application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs), discrete logic, etc.). Furthermore, although a particular algorithm is described with reference to the flowcharts described herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many other methods for implementing the exemplary machine-readable instructions may alternatively be used.

[0067] The exemplary features and configurations described below are not intended to represent every embodiment or aspect of this disclosure. Rather, many features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following representative examples. In this regard, every disclosed system, method, device, protocol, etc., including those shown in the figures, may individually or in any combination include any features, options, and alternatives described herein with respect to other embodiments, unless expressly stated or logically prohibited.

[0068] This disclosure relates to an intelligent electronic shoe system for a user's foot. The IES system includes an upper configured to attach to a user's foot, and a sole structure attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot thereon. The sole structure has an outsole defining a ground contact portion of the IES. A lighting system mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper is configured to generate light in response to a command signal. A wireless communication device is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote computing node. The IES system also includes a resident or remote footwear controller operatively connected to the wireless communication device and the lighting system. The footwear controller is configured to receive one or more location datasets indicating a user's location and a node location of a remote computing node. The footwear controller determines whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location. In response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, the controller sends a command signal to the lighting system to generate a predetermined light output.

[0069] For any publicly disclosed IES system, the footwear controller can also be configured, for example, in response to a user's position being within a predetermined location / proximity to a node location, to send a second command signal to the control system of a remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output. The remote computing node can be a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system. In this case, the visual output can include illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system. The vehicle's auditory output can include activating and / or modulating the auditory output of the vehicle horn system. The footwear controller can also be configured to coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the IES lighting system.

[0070] For any publicly disclosed IES system, the wireless communication device of the IES system is also configured to wirelessly connect to a portable electronic device, thereby enabling wireless communication with a remote computing node. The IES system may include a tactile transducer attached to the sole structure and / or upper. The footwear controller may, for example, send a third command signal to the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue in response to the user's position being within a predetermined position / proximity to a node position. Alternatively, the IES system may include an audio system attached to the sole structure and / or upper. The footwear controller may, for example, send a fourth command signal to the audio system in response to the user's position being within a predetermined position / proximity to a node position to generate a predetermined sound output.

[0071] For any publicly available IES system, the remote computing node can be a security system; in this case, the footwear controller can, for example, send a deactivation command signal to the security system in response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location. Alternatively, the remote computing node can be a home automation system; in this case, the footwear controller can, for example, send a fifth command signal to the home automation system to lock or unlock a door, activate or deactivate indoor lights, and / or increase or decrease the temperature of a thermostat when the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

[0072] For any publicly disclosed IES system, the predetermined location may include a geofence defined by the footwear controller. A command signal to activate the lighting system can be sent upon detection that a remote computing node has breached the geofence. The IES system may also include pressure sensors mounted on the sole structure or upper; these pressure sensors are configured to detect the presence (or absence) of a foot within the upper. In this case, a command signal to activate the IES lighting system is sent, at least in part, in response to the detected presence of a foot within the upper. The pressure sensor may also (or alternatively) be configured to detect the user's weight. In this case, the footwear controller can receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the detected user weight, determine whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of verified user weights stored in memory, and only send a command signal to the IES lighting system if the detected weight is within the verified predetermined range of user weights.

[0073] In any publicly disclosed IES system, shoelaces are attached to the upper, and a shoelace motor is mounted inside the sole structure and configured to selectively switch the shoelaces between a tensioned and untensioned state. A footwear controller can communicate with the shoelace motor to determine whether the shoelaces are tensioned or untensioned. In response to the shoelaces being tensioned, a command signal for activating the IES lighting system is further sent. For at least some applications, tension states include multiple discrete tension positions; the IES system may include a shoelace sensor that detects the current tension position among these discrete tension positions for the user. In this case, the footwear controller can receive a sensor signal from the shoelace sensor indicating the user's current discrete tension position. Based on this data, the controller can determine whether the current discrete tension position corresponds to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in memory; an activation command signal for the IES lighting system can be sent in response to the current discrete tension position corresponding to the verified shoelace tension position.

[0074] For any publicly disclosed IES system, the remote computing node may include an optical sensor operable to detect a predetermined light output from the IES optical system. This light output may include personalized colors and / or flashing patterns configured to authenticate a user to the remote computing node. For at least some embodiments, the wireless communication device of the IES system includes BLE, CAT-M1, and / or CAT-NB1 wireless interfaces. The IES system may also include barcodes, RFID tags, and / or NFC tags attached to the sole structure / written on it, each configured to transmit a security authentication code to the remote computing node.

[0075] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing footwear articles for a user's foot. The method includes: providing an upper configured to receive and attach to a user's foot; providing a sole structure configured to support the user's foot thereon, the sole structure having an outsole defining a ground contact portion; attaching the sole structure to the upper; mounting an illumination system to the sole structure and / or the upper, the illumination system being configured to generate light in response to a command signal; mounting a wireless communication device to the sole structure and / or the upper, the wireless communication device being configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node; and mounting a dwell controller to the sole structure and / or the upper, the dwell controller being operatively coupled to the wireless communication device and the illumination system. The dwell controller is configured to: receive location data indicating a user's location; receive location data indicating a remote computing node's location; determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location; and, in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node, send a command signal to the illumination system to generate a predetermined light output.

[0076] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for implementing automated features of a smart electronic shoe. The IES includes an upper with an open or closed construction for attachment to a user's foot, a sole structure attached to the upper and defining a ground contact surface, and a lighting system operable in response to electronic command signals to generate light. The method includes receiving location data indicating the user's position and location data indicating the position of a remotely computed node via a wireless communication device from a resident footwear controller. The method further includes determining, via the footwear controller, whether the user's position is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node position. In response to the user's position being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node position, the footwear controller automatically sends a command signal to the lighting system to generate a predetermined light output.

[0077] For any disclosed method, the footwear controller can further respond to the user's position being within a predetermined location / proximity to the node location by transmitting a second command signal to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output. In some applications, the remote computing node may be a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system; in this case, the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system. Optionally, the footwear controller may coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the IES lighting system. The auditory output of the vehicle's command may include activating and / or modulating the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

[0078] For any disclosed method, the wireless communication device can be configured to wirelessly connect to a user's portable electronic device, thereby enabling wireless communication with a remote computing node. As a further option, the IES may include a tactile transducer attached to the sole structure and / or upper; in this case, the footwear controller may automatically send a third command signal to the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue in response to the user's position being within proximity to a predetermined position / node position. The IES may also include an audio system attached to the sole structure and / or upper; in this case, the footwear controller may automatically send a fourth command signal to the audio system to generate a predetermined sound output in response to proximity to the predetermined position / node position.

[0079] For any disclosed method, the remote computing node can be part of a residential or commercial security system. In this case, the footwear controller can send a deactivation (or activation) command signal to the security system in response to a user entering (or leaving) a predetermined location or proximity relative to a designated part of the residential or commercial building associated with the security system. Alternatively, the remote computing node can be part of a home automation system. In this case, the footwear controller can respond to a user entering or leaving the home (or part of the home) associated with the home automation system by sending a fifth command signal to the home automation system to lock or unlock doors, activate or deactivate indoor lights, and / or increase or decrease the temperature of a thermostat. The predetermined location or proximity can be defined at least in part by a geofence generated by the footwear controller. Upon detection of the remote computing node or IES user breaching the geofence, an activation or deactivation command signal is sent to the remote computing node or IES subsystem.

[0080] For any disclosed method, the IES described herein may include a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure and configured to detect the presence of a foot in the upper. The footwear controller may further send a command signal in response to the detection of a foot's presence in the upper. The pressure sensor mounted on the sole structure / upper may be configured to detect the user's weight. In this case, the footwear controller receives one or more sensor signals from the pressure sensor indicating the detected user weight. The controller then determines whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of verified user weights stored in memory. In response to the detected weight being within the predetermined range of verified user weights, a command signal may be sent to a remote computing node or the IES subsystem.

[0081] For any disclosed method, the IES may include shoelaces or straps attached to the upper, and a shoelace motor mounted to the sole structure and configured to selectively switch the shoelaces / straps between a tensioned and untensioned state. In this case, a residing footwear controller can determine whether the shoelaces are tensioned or untensioned, and if the shoelaces are tensioned, responsively send a command signal to activate the IES subsystem. The tension state can be described as multiple discrete tension positions. In this case, the residing footwear controller can identify which discrete tension position the shoelaces are in (e.g., using sensor signals received from shoelace sensors or by monitoring the position of the shoelace motor output shaft). In response to the current tension position of the shoelaces corresponding to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in memory, the footwear controller can send a command signal to a remote node or the IES subsystem.

[0082] For any disclosed method, the remote computing node may include an optical sensor; in this case, the predetermined light output of the IES lighting system may include personalized colors and / or flashing patterns, which can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to authenticate the user to the remote computing node. The IES wireless communication device may include BLE, CAT-M1, and / or CAT-NB1 wireless interfaces. The IES may be provided with barcodes, RFID tags, and / or NFC tags, which are attached to the sole structure and / or upper and configured to transmit a security authentication code to the remote computing node.

[0083] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a type of footwear for a user's foot. The footwear includes: an upper for receiving and attaching to the user's foot; and a sole structure attached to the upper to support the user's foot thereon. A lighting system and / or a sound system is mounted to the sole structure and configured to generate light / sound in response to a command signal. A wireless communication device is mounted within the sole structure for wireless communication with a remote computing node. A dwell controller, also mounted within the sole structure, is operatively connected to the wireless communication device and the lighting system. The dwell controller receives location data indicating the user's location and the location of the remote computing node. The dwell controller determines whether the user's location is within a predetermined location / proximity to the node location; if so, the dwell controller responsively sends one or more command signals to the lighting / sound system to generate a predetermined light / sound output.

[0084] Various aspects of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the precise construction and composition disclosed herein; any and all modifications, alterations, and variations apparent from the foregoing description are within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, this concept explicitly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the foregoing elements and features. Specifically:

[0085] An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system includes: an upper configured to attach to a user's foot; a sole structure attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot thereon, the sole structure defining a ground contact surface; a controller-automated warning system mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate visual, auditory, and / or tactile outputs in response to command signals; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node; and a footwear controller operatively connected to the wireless communication device and the warning system, the footwear controller being configured to: receive location data indicating the user's location, receive location data indicating the node's location, determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location; and, in response to whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, send command signals to the warning system to generate predetermined visual, auditory, and / or tactile warnings perceptible to the user and / or the remote computing node.

[0086] According to the IES system, the footwear controller is further configured to send a second command signal to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output in response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

[0087] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system, and the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system.

[0088] According to the IES system, the warning system includes a lighting system, and the footwear controller is further configured to coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the lighting system.

[0089] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle horn system, and the auditory output includes activation and / or modulation of the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

[0090] According to the IES system, the user has a portable electronic device, and the wireless communication device is further configured to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device, thereby communicating wirelessly with the remote computing node.

[0091] According to the IES system, the warning system includes a tactile transducer, and the command signal causes the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue.

[0092] According to the IES system, the warning system includes an audio system, and the command signal causes the audio system to produce a predetermined sound output.

[0093] According to the IES system, the predetermined location includes a geofence defined by the footwear controller, and the command signal is sent to the warning system when the remote computing node is detected to have breached the geofence.

[0094] According to the IES system, it also includes a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure and configured to detect the presence of a foot in the upper, wherein, in response to the detected presence of a foot in the upper, a command signal is also sent to the warning system.

[0095] According to the IES system, it also includes a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure and configured to detect the user's weight, wherein the footwear controller is further configured to: receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the user's detected weight; and determine whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in a memory, wherein, in response to the detected weight being within the predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in a memory, a command signal is sent to the warning system.

[0096] According to the IES system, it further includes: shoelaces attached to the upper; and a shoelace motor mounted inside the sole structure and configured to selectively switch the shoelaces between a tensioned state and an untensioned state, wherein the footwear controller is further configured to communicate with the shoelace motor and determine whether the shoelaces are in the tensioned state or the untensioned state, and wherein, in response to the shoelaces being in the tensioned state, a command signal is sent to the warning system.

[0097] According to the IES system, the tension state includes multiple discrete tension positions, the IES system further includes a shoelace sensor configured to detect the current tension position among the discrete tension positions for the user, and wherein the footwear controller is further configured to: receive a sensor signal from the shoelace sensor indicating the user's current tension position among the discrete tension positions; and determine whether the current tension position among the discrete tension positions corresponds to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in memory, wherein, in response to the current tension position among the discrete tension positions corresponding to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in memory, a command signal is transmitted to the warning system.

[0098] According to the IES system, the remote computing node includes an optical sensor, and the warning includes features that can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to verify the user's personalized color and / or flashing pattern to the remote computing node.

[0099] A method for implementing automated features of a smart electronic shoe (IES), the IES including an upper for attachment to a user's foot, a sole structure attached to the upper and defining a ground contact surface, and a warning system operable to generate visual, auditory, and / or tactile outputs in response to a command signal, the method comprising: receiving location data indicating the user's location via a wireless communication device via a residing footwear controller; receiving location data indicating the location of a node at a remote computing node via the wireless communication device via the residing footwear controller; determining, via the residing footwear controller, whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location; and, in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, sending a command signal via the footwear controller to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual, auditory, and / or tactile warning perceptible to the user and / or a motor vehicle.

[0100] According to the method, it further includes sending a second command signal via the footwear controller to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

[0101] According to the method, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system, and the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system.

[0102] According to the method, wherein the warning system includes a lighting system, the method further includes coordinating the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the lighting system.

[0103] According to the method, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle horn system, and the auditory output includes activation and / or modulation of the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

[0104] According to the method, the user has a portable electronic device, and the wireless communication device is further configured to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device to communicate wirelessly with the remote computing node.

[0105] According to the method, the warning system includes a tactile transducer, and the command signal causes the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue.

[0106] According to the method, the warning system includes an audio system, and the command signal causes the audio system to produce a predetermined sound output.

[0107] According to the method, the predetermined location includes a geofence defined by the footwear controller, and the command signal is sent to the warning system when the remote computing node is detected to have breached the geofence.

[0108] According to the method, it further includes receiving a sensor signal from a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure, the sensor signal indicating the presence of a foot in the upper, wherein a command signal is also sent to the warning system in response to the detected presence of a foot in the upper.

[0109] According to the method, the remote computing node includes an optical sensor, and the warning includes features that can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to verify the user's personalized color and / or flashing pattern to the remote computing node.

[0110] A smart electronic shoe (IES) for a user's foot includes: an upper configured to attach to a user's foot; a sole structure attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot thereon, the sole structure having a sole defining a ground contact surface; an illumination system mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate light in response to a control signal; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node; and a footwear controller operatively connected to the wireless communication device and the illumination system, the footwear controller being configured to: receive location data indicating the user's location, receive location data indicating the node's location, determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location; and, in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, send a command signal to the illumination system to generate a predetermined light output.

[0111] According to the IES system, the footwear controller is further configured to send a second command signal to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output in response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

[0112] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system, and the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system.

[0113] According to the IES system, the footwear controller can also be configured to coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the lighting system.

[0114] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle horn system, and the auditory output includes activation and / or modulation of the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

[0115] According to the IES system, the user has a portable electronic device, and the wireless communication device is further configured to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device, thereby communicating wirelessly with the remote computing node.

[0116] According to the IES system, it further includes a tactile transducer attached to the sole structure and / or the upper, wherein the footwear controller is further configured to transmit a third command signal to the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue in response to the user's position being within the predetermined position or within proximity to the node position.

[0117] According to the IES system, it further includes an audio system attached to the sole structure and / or the upper, wherein the footwear controller is further configured to transmit a fourth command signal to the audio system to generate a predetermined sound output in response to the user's position being within the predetermined position or within proximity to the node position.

[0118] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a security system, and the footwear controller is further configured to send a deactivation command signal to the security system in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

[0119] According to the IES system, the remote computing node is a home automation system, and the footwear controller is further configured to send a fifth command signal to the home automation system in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location to lock or unlock a door, activate or deactivate indoor lights, and / or raise or lower the temperature of a thermostat.

[0120] According to the IES, the predetermined location includes a geofence defined by the footwear controller, and the command signal is sent to the lighting system when the remote computing node is detected to have breached the geofence.

[0121] According to the IES, it also includes a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure and configured to detect the presence of a foot in the upper, and wherein, in response to the detected presence of a foot in the upper, a command signal is also sent to the warning system.

[0122] According to the IES, it also includes a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure and configured to detect the user's weight, and wherein the footwear controller is further configured to: receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the user's detected weight; and determine whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in a memory, wherein, in response to the detected weight being within the predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in a memory, a command signal is sent to the lighting system.

[0123] According to the IES, it further includes: shoelaces attached to the upper; and a shoelace motor mounted inside the sole structure and configured to selectively switch the shoelaces between a tensioned state and an untensioned state, wherein the footwear controller is further configured to communicate with the shoelace motor and determine whether the shoelaces are in the tensioned state or the untensioned state, and wherein, in response to the shoelaces being in the tensioned state, a command signal is sent to the lighting system.

[0124] According to the IES, wherein the tension state includes a plurality of discrete tension positions, the IES system further includes a shoelace sensor configured to detect the current tension position among the discrete tension positions for the user, and wherein the footwear controller is further configured to: receive from the shoelace sensor a sensor signal indicating the user's current tension position among the discrete tension positions; and determine whether the current tension position among the discrete tension positions corresponds to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in a memory, wherein, in response to the current tension position among the discrete tension positions corresponding to an empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in a memory, a command signal is transmitted to the lighting system.

[0125] According to the IES, the remote computing node includes an optical sensor, and the predetermined beam output includes a personalized color and / or flashing pattern that can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to verify the user's personalized color and / or flashing pattern to the remote computing node.

[0126] According to the IES, the wireless communication device includes Low Energy (BLE), Category (CAT) M1 or CAT-NB1 wireless interface.

[0127] According to the IES, it also includes a barcode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or near field communication (NFC) tag attached to the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to transmit a security authentication code to the remote computing node.

Claims

1. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system, comprising: The upper is configured to attach to the user's foot; A sole structure, attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot on the sole structure, the sole structure defining a ground contact surface; A controller-automated warning system is installed on the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate visual output in response to a command signal; A pressure sensor is mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper and is configured to detect the presence of a foot in the upper; A wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node, the remote computing node including an optical sensor; and A footwear controller, operably connected to the wireless communication device, the pressure sensor, and the warning system, is configured to: Receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the presence of a foot in the shoe upper; Receive location data indicating the user's location; Receive location data indicating the node location of the remote computing node; Determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within a certain proximity to the node location; and In response to the detection of the presence of a foot in the shoe upper and the user's position being within the predetermined position or within proximity to the node position, a command signal is sent to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual warning perceptible to the user and / or the remote computing node, wherein the predetermined visual warning includes personalized colors and / or flashing patterns that can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to verify the user's identity to the remote computing node.

2. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 1, wherein, The footwear controller is also configured to send a second command signal to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output in response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

3. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 2, wherein, The remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system, and the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system.

4. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 3, wherein, The warning system includes a lighting system, and the footwear controller is further configured to coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with a predetermined light output of the lighting system.

5. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 2, wherein, The remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle horn system, and the auditory output includes the activation and / or modulation of the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

6. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 1, wherein, The user has a portable electronic device, and the wireless communication device is also configured to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device, thereby communicating wirelessly with the remote computing node.

7. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 1, wherein, The warning system includes a tactile transducer, and the command signal causes the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue.

8. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 1, wherein, The warning system includes an audio system, wherein the command signal causes the audio system to produce a predetermined sound output.

9. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined location includes a geofence defined by the footwear controller, and wherein, when the remote computing node is detected to have breached the geofence, the command signal is sent to the warning system.

10. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is further configured to detect the user's weight and output a sensor signal indicating the user's weight to the footwear controller, and wherein, in further response to the user's detected weight being within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weight stored in the memory, the command signal is transmitted to the warning system.

11. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system, comprising: The upper is configured to attach to the user's foot; A sole structure, attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot on the sole structure, the sole structure defining a ground contact surface; A controller-automated warning system is installed on the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate visual output in response to a command signal; A pressure sensor is mounted to the sole structure and / or the upper and is configured to detect the user's weight; A wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node, the remote computing node including an optical sensor; and A footwear controller, operably connected to the wireless communication device, the pressure sensor, and the warning system, is configured to: Receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the user's detected weight; Determine whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in the memory. Receive location data indicating the user's location; Receive location data indicating the node location of the remote computing node; Determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within a certain proximity to the node location; and In response to the detected weight being within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weight stored in memory and the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, a command signal is sent to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual warning perceptible to the user and / or the remote computing node, wherein the predetermined visual warning includes personalized colors and / or flashing patterns that can be detected by the optical sensor of the remote computing node and configured to verify the user's personalized color and / or flashing pattern to the remote computing node.

12. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system, comprising: The upper is configured to attach to the user's foot; A sole structure, attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot on the sole structure, the sole structure defining a ground contact surface; A controller-automated warning system is installed on the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate visual output in response to a command signal; Shoelaces, attached to the shoe upper; A shoelace motor is installed within the sole structure and configured to selectively switch the shoelaces between a tensioned state and an untensioned state; A wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote computing node, the remote computing node including an optical sensor; and A footwear controller, operably connected to the wireless communication device, the shoelace motor, and the warning system, is configured to: Communicating with the shoelace motor to determine whether the shoelaces are in the tensioned state or the untensioned state; Receive location data indicating the user's location; Receive location data indicating the node location of the remote computing node; Determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within a certain proximity to the node location; and In response to the shoelaces being in the tensioned state and the user's position being within the predetermined position or within proximity to the node position, the command signal is sent to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual warning perceptible to the user and / or the remote computing node, wherein the predetermined visual warning includes personalized colors and / or flashing patterns that can be detected by the optical sensor and configured to verify the user's identity to the remote computing node.

13. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The tension state includes multiple discrete tension positions, and the IES system further includes a shoelace sensor configured to detect the current tension position among the discrete tension positions for the user. The footwear controller is also configured to: Receive a sensor signal from the shoelace sensor indicating the current tension position among discrete tension positions for the user; and Determine whether the current tension position in the discrete tension positions corresponds to the empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in memory. Furthermore, in response to the current tension position in the discrete tension positions corresponding to the empirically verified shoelace tension position stored in the memory, the command signal is transmitted to the warning system.

14. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The footwear controller is also configured to send a second command signal to the control system of the remote computing node to generate auditory or visual output in response to the user's location being within a predetermined location or within proximity to the node location.

15. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 14, wherein, The remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle headlight system, and the visual output includes illumination, flashing, and / or enhancement of the light output of the vehicle headlight system.

16. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 15, wherein, The warning system includes a lighting system, and the footwear controller is further configured to coordinate the light output of the vehicle headlight system with the light output of the lighting system.

17. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 14, wherein, The remote computing node is a motor vehicle with a vehicle horn system, and the auditory output includes the activation and / or modulation of the auditory output of the vehicle horn system.

18. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The user has a portable electronic device, and the wireless communication device is also configured to wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device, thereby communicating wirelessly with the remote computing node.

19. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The warning system also includes a tactile transducer, and the command signal causes the tactile transducer to generate a tactile cue.

20. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The warning system includes an audio system, wherein the command signal causes the audio system to produce a predetermined sound output.

21. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system according to claim 12, wherein, The predetermined location includes a geofence defined by the footwear controller, and wherein, when the remote computing node is detected to have breached the geofence, the command signal is sent to the warning system.

22. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system of claim 12, further comprising a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure, the pressure sensor being configured to detect the presence of a foot in the upper, and wherein, In further response to the detection of the foot's presence in the shoe upper, the command signal is sent to the warning system.

23. The intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system of claim 12, further comprising a pressure sensor mounted to the sole structure, the pressure sensor being configured to detect the user's weight, and wherein, The footwear controller is also configured to: Receive a sensor signal from the pressure sensor indicating the user's detected weight; as well as Determine whether the detected weight is within a predetermined range of empirically verified user weights stored in the memory. Furthermore, in response to the detected weight falling within a predetermined range of the empirically verified user weight stored in the memory, the command signal is sent to the warning system.

24. An intelligent electronic shoe (IES) system, comprising: The upper is configured to attach to the user's foot; A sole structure, attached to the upper and configured to support the user's foot on the sole structure, the sole structure defining a ground contact surface; An automated warning system is installed on the sole structure and / or the upper and configured to generate visual, auditory and / or tactile outputs in response to command signals; Wireless communication device, configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote computing node; and A footwear controller, operably connected to the wireless communication device and the warning system, is configured to: Receive location data indicating the user's location; Receive location data indicating the node location of the remote computing node; Determine whether the user's location is within a predetermined location or within a certain proximity to the node location; and In response to the user's location being within the predetermined location or within proximity to the node location, the command signal is sent to the warning system to generate a predetermined visual, auditory, and / or tactile warning, which is configured to verify the user's identity to a remote computing node. The remote computing node includes an optical sensor, and the warning includes a personalized color and / or flashing pattern that can be detected by the vehicle's optical sensor and configured to verify the user's identity to the remote computing node.

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