Footwear liner with electronic tag

Abstract

An article of footwear, system, and method includes a sole structure, an upper, and a liner. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and forms a cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. And a liner configured to be inserted into the cavity and extend along the sole structure, and comprising: a structure configured to cushion a foot of a wearer; a sensor positioned in the structure, the sensor configured to determine a characteristic of a foot of the wearer; an electronics module configured to communicatively couple to the sensor, the electronics module positioned in the structure; and a flexible electronic tab operably coupled to the electronic module, the flexible electronic tab configured to protrude from the structure and extend upwardly along a side of the upper.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 465,969, filed May 12, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 465,972, filed May 12, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 465,976, filed May 12, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 465,977, filed May 12, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 465,980, filed May 12, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic components have been incorporated into footwear for a variety of purposes. In various cases, sensors have been positioned within the footwear to provide information about the user and how the wearer uses the footwear. Control electronics (such as controllers or processors) process the data from these sensors, while antennas allow communication with external devices, and power supplies power the various electronic components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Previous examples of incorporating electronic components into footwear have typically been footwear-specific. For instance, pressure sensors might be placed within the sole structure of a footwear item, becoming integrated with it and difficult to remove. This inherently limits the types of footwear that can contain electronic components (because the footwear must be designed and built into the electronics from the outset) and restricts the scenarios in which these components can be used (because when the footwear is not being worn, these components obviously cannot be used with any other footwear). Consequently, when the footwear is discarded, these electronic components are necessarily discarded as well. While footwear can be relatively easily recycled, either wholly or partially, the electronic components within it are often difficult (or even impossible) to remove, making recycling more challenging and increasing the likelihood of electronic waste.

[0005] A system has been developed that places electronics for footwear as part of an easily removable and insertable lining, such as a sock lining, orthotic insert, or boot cover. By making the electronics independent of the footwear itself, they can be easily moved between footwear or removed from the footwear when ready for disposal or recycling. Furthermore, such electronics can then be provided with configurations advantageous to their high efficiency, allowing antennas to extend, for example, into a location more conducive to communication than conventional antenna and electronics placement within the footwear. Moreover, the electronics will not be limited to footwear specifically designed for such devices, but can be incorporated into any footwear configured to receive replacement linings, which are expected to constitute a large proportion of all footwear produced. Therefore, the benefits of removable and insertable electronics within the lining of footwear can mitigate or completely eliminate the various challenges associated with electronics embedded in footwear.

[0006] Specifically, a liner has been developed comprising an electronic module for various electronic devices and a flexible electronic patch extending from the electronic module. The electronic module includes an internal antenna and a ground plane extending outward from the housing and along the flexible electronic patch. The extended ground plane provides enhanced communication efficiency and range between the internal and external antennas. Therefore, the electronics within this liner can provide communication efficiency comparable to that of electronics integrally positioned within footwear.

[0007] Furthermore, the lining may include electronic modules and flexible electronic tabs for various electronic devices, the flexible electronic tabs extending from the electronic modules and upwards along one side of the footwear upper. In doing so, antennas or electronic connectors can be positioned on the flexible tabs, providing the antenna with better performance than would be offered if the components were entirely contained within the lining's structure, or allowing for better user access to the connector. Thus, the advantages that could be provided by positioning the electronic components more extensively within the footwear can still be achieved while keeping the electronics only as part of a removable lining.

[0008] Furthermore, the lining may include electronic modules for various electronic devices and flexible electronic contacts extending from the electronic modules and upward along one side of the footwear upper. The flexible electronic contacts include a charging antenna configured to be electrically coupled to an external charging system. The flexible electronic contacts may also include a securing mechanism, such as a magnet, to secure components of the external charging system to the footwear, helping to establish and maintain alignment between the charging antenna and the external charging system. Therefore, the benefit of charging the lining, for example, with a rechargeable power source can be conveniently and adaptably provided to any suitable footwear into which the lining can be inserted.

[0009] Furthermore, the lining may include electronic modules for various electronic devices, including one or more sensors. These electronic modules include an internal antenna configured to communicate with an external antenna of a remote device. The remote device includes a processor for receiving data from the sensors and a user interface configured to present information to a user of the system. Such a system may be particularly useful in situations where, for example, multiple users who may have different footwear (e.g., within a team or organization) can still exchange or replace linings between footwear items, thus allowing each wearer to wear their own footwear while still being able to transmit sensor data to a remote source.

[0010] Furthermore, the liner can include electronic modules for various electronic devices configured to communicate and integrate with a larger system. The outputs of sensors included in the liner can be combined with the outputs of other sensors in other devices within the system (e.g., smartwatches, game controllers, mixing systems, haptic feedback devices, adaptive and adjustable fixation systems, and other interactive technologies) to provide an integrated user interface system that allows the user to control the system's outputs (e.g., audiovisual outputs or any other suitable outputs) based on the user's movement or other interactions with the system's devices. The system provides a specific user interface that allows the user to customize the information sources utilized, how the outputs of various sources are combined to identify events, and how the outputs of these events are combined to generate actions for the system to take. Therefore, this integrated user interface system has the ability to allow the user to broadly or fully customize which sensor outputs are utilized, how these outputs are utilized, and what actions are triggered, thereby allowing the user to finely and broadly control the system's outputs. Such fully integrated, customizable, and controllable user interface sensor systems, worn on the body and connected to "wear-on and remove-from-the-body" technologies, can create entirely new digital and physical ("phygital") experience platforms for users. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To facilitate identification of any discussion of a particular element or action, the highest significant digit in the reference numerals refers to the reference numeral that first introduces the element.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a depiction of an integrated user interface system in an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a depiction of an integrated user interface system used by different users in different environments in the embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3This is a system-level description of the integrated user interface system in the example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the footwear product in the example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a system diagram including footwear articles in an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a pair of linings configured to be inserted into a pair of footwear articles in an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 The illustration depicts a lining being inserted into a cavity of one of a pair of footwear articles in an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a charging system for the pair of footwear products in an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a depiction of the use of the charging system relative to the pair of footwear articles in an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic module and flexible electronic patch in the example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of an electronic module in an exemplary embodiment, and of the use of an electronic module relative to a wider range of electronic devices used for lining.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a depiction of a liner configured to provide a wired connection to an electronic module in an example embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a depiction of the modular use of the electronic module in a pair of liners in an example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14 This is an alternative electronic module with electronic contacts in the example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15 In the example embodiment, there is an electronic module with an alternative electronic patch.

[0027] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are, respectively, an exploded view and a top view of the lining in the example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 17A and Figure 17B These are perspective and top views of the lining in the example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a simplified flowchart in the example embodiment for receiving and evaluating sensor data and triggering actions based on that data.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a depiction of a user interface in an example embodiment that allows users to configure sources, filters, events, and actions of an integrated user interface system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The example methods and systems relate to access control systems, devices, and methods. Examples represent only possible variations. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components and functions are optional and can be combined or subdivided, and operations can vary in sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without these specific details.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a depiction of an integrated user interface system 100 in an example embodiment. The integrated user interface system 100 allows a user 102 to utilize various devices equipped with a variety of sensors (such as pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, and conventional user interface artifacts such as buttons, touchscreens, keyboards, mice, etc.) to provide a range of sensor data. The sensor data can then be combined according to various user-configurable conditions to identify one or more user-defined events. Based on the identification of user-defined events, the integrated user interface system 100 can take one or more user-defined actions to generate output, such as audiovisual output. Given the sensors provided by the devices of the integrated user interface system 100, the user 102 can thereby cause the integrated user interface system 100 to provide such output based on a range of natural user movements, ranging from macroscopic movements (such as movements of the whole body or limbs) to microscopic movements (as subtle as the weight of a single part of a foot). Therefore, the integrated user interface system 100 can allow the user to control the output within a range from barely perceptible movements to full-body movements (such as dancing or other macroscopic movements).

[0033] As illustrated, a user 102 of the integrated user interface system 100 is wearing a pair of footwear 104 as disclosed herein, which is included in the integrated user interface system 100. The integrated user interface system 100 may also optionally include one or more peripheral devices 106 (such as smartwatches, activity trackers, etc.), and / or handheld devices (such as video game controllers). The integrated user interface system 100 may also optionally include a remote system 108, such as a mixing system, a DJ station, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or any other suitable audiovisual equipment.

[0034] Some or all of the various components of the integrated user interface system 100 include sensors and electronics that allow the components to process and wirelessly transmit information from the sensors throughout the integrated user interface system 100. As will be disclosed in detail herein, at least one of the footwear articles 104 includes a lining with integrated sensors (such as pressure sensors, etc.) that are sensitive to pressure applied, for example, by the foot or parts of the foot or toes of the user 102 while the user 102 is wearing the footwear article 104. Furthermore, the footwear article 104 may include other sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, etc.) that allow the determination of further information, such as the relationship of the footwear article 104 to the ground or a predetermined object. Other devices of the integrated user interface system 100 may similarly include sensors known in the art (including accelerometers, gyroscopes, buttons, touchscreens, keyboards, etc.) that allow the devices to provide sensor outputs indicative of movement of the user 102 or other engagement with the device. Thus, for example, peripheral device 106 may provide sensor outputs indicative of the physical orientation of the arm of peripheral device 106. As shown in the figure, the remote system 108 includes a keyboard 110 and a touch screen 112, and the user 102 can interact with the touch screen 112.

[0035] The devices of the integrated user interface system 100 also include the ability to transmit sensor data between various devices of the integrated user interface system 100. Thus, for example, footwear 104, peripheral device 106, and remote system 108 all include wireless transceivers configured to communicate according to wireless communication modes (e.g., but not limited to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard). Therefore, footwear 104 and peripheral device 106 are configured to wirelessly transmit sensor data to remote system 108, which can utilize this sensor data to identify events and trigger actions, such as audiovisual output, typically originating from the integrated user interface system 100, and specifically from, for example, the display 114 and / or speaker 116 of remote system 108 or a display 114 and / or speaker 116 connected to remote system 108. In various instances, the sensor data can be recorded and / or stored for later use, such as by a guidance system to develop training plans, recovery plans, etc., to achieve specific goals, as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 625,814, filed January 26, 2024, entitled “Estimate Metrics from Sensors of a Wearable Article,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any of the footwear article 104, peripheral device 106, and remote system 108 can store such sensor data. Additionally, the sensor data can be visually presented on a user interface, for example, that of remote system 108. The sensor data may be presented in a graphical format (such as a chart, drawing, award logo, or aesthetic image) or otherwise integrated into a graphical format (such as a chart, drawing, award logo, or aesthetic image), for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,328,308, filed October 31, 2017, entitled "Visualization of Athletic Activity," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] Therefore, the integrated user interface system 100 is configured to receive input from user 102 and / or any other person who may contribute to providing input to the integrated user interface system 100, and to provide output based on these inputs corresponding to certain conditions. As will be disclosed in detail herein, user 102 is able to adjust what inputs are used to provide output, how these inputs are interpreted, and what outputs are provided. As can be seen, user 102 provides input by performing dance movements, wherein the movements themselves, the sequence of these movements, the intensity of these movements, etc., can be used to cause the touchscreen 112 or any other system or device coupled to the integrated user interface system 100 to provide certain predetermined outputs.

[0037] As in Figure 1 As can be seen in the example, user 102 is performing macroscopic movements that cause the weight of one foot to be typically on the back or heel, while the weight of the other foot is typically on the forefoot or toes. User 102 also raises one arm at or above the user's head, while lowering the other arm close to the user's waist. Therefore, a footwear item 104 will be positioned at the heel 706 ( Figure 7 High voltage is output on the footwear 104, while another footwear product 104 will output high voltage on the forefoot 602 ( Figure 6 The system outputs a high voltage, while one peripheral device 106 increases the output and another peripheral device 106 decreases the output. The specific sensor output value associated with each of these events can be context-dependent, for example, depending on the user 102's weight, the force required for movement, height, etc. Therefore, the integrated user interface system 100 can be calibrated for the user 102, for example, by the user 102 performing a predetermined calibration action, and the result can be saved by the integrated user interface system 100.

[0038] Each of these states, or transitions to these states, can constitute a state that is typically to be recognized by the integrated user interface system 100 (and in Figure 1 In specific instances, events are identified by the remote system 108. Furthermore, the degree to which these events occur can be distinguished (e.g., pressure in a specific area of ​​the foot) for the purpose of identifying the event. Additionally, event sequences can be distinguished to identify larger events. Therefore, time elements can be included as events or as filters of events; for example, some events may need to occur within a specific amount of time and / or in a specific order.

[0039] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a depiction of an integrated user interface system 100 used by different users 102 in different environments in the embodiments. Figure 2A As shown in the image, multiple users (102) are running, but Figure 1The principles of open dancing also apply to user 102 participating in running activities. As illustrated, the integrated user interface system 100 includes footwear 104, peripheral devices 106 (as shown, a handheld or wearable weight), and a remote system 108 (as shown, a pair of headphones), and a mobile device (such as a smartphone placed in a pocket around the waist). Other components of the integrated user interface system 100 are envisioned, including but not limited to walking aids, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 444,340, filed August 31, 2023, entitled "Electromechanical Ambulatory Assumption EVICE"; and temperature regulation devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 529,402, filed July 28, 2023, entitled "Footwear Structures Providing Compression and Thermal Treatment". All of these patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as disclosed in the "TREATMENT"; and as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 554,515, filed February 16, 2024, "Smart Electromagnetic Reactive Airbag System and Method" ("IoAAF"), or assisted and adaptive clothing and footwear internet of things ("IoAAF"). Additionally, in instances where user 102 is part of an organized or semi-organized activity (such as a running club), each user 102's integrated user interface system 100 may individually allow communication between integrated user interface systems 100, including sharing sensor data, music, and other inputs. In various instances, user 102 may be prompted to grant authorization to share such inputs between integrated user interface systems 100.

[0040] like Figure 2BAs illustrated, user 102 is not engaged in strenuous physical activity but is instead conducting a presentation, such as an audiovisual slideshow. In the illustrated example, user 102 is wearing footwear 104 but does not have the peripheral device 106 included in the integrated user interface system 100. The integrated user interface system 100 includes a remote system 108 configured to display an audiovisual presentation. The integrated user interface system 100 in the illustrated example can be configured to respond to micro-movements of user 102, such as movement of the user's toes or shifts in the user's center of gravity, for example, from one foot to the other or from the front of the foot to the back of the foot, and other possible movements. Therefore, user 102 can control the operation of the audiovisual presentation, for example, by moving forward or backward in the slideshow, increasing or decreasing the volume, starting or stopping video or audio tracks, etc.

[0041] Therefore, the integrated user interface system 100 should be understood as a fully adaptable and configurable system that can utilize any number of suitable devices, receive sensor input from any suitable device within the integrated user interface system 100, and generate output (such as audiovisual output) on any suitable device. The integrated user interface system 100 can operate in any environment, not limited to the environment presented herein. For example, the integrated user interface system 100 may include a video game device, and footwear 104 and peripheral device 106 may be combined to provide multidimensional video game input in response to microscopic or macroscopic movements of any body part of user 102 (the device is attached to user 102 or held by user 102).Additional conditions or environments for using the integrated user interface system 100 to control or interact with other digital environments may include U.S. Patent No. 11,308,184, issued April 19, 2022, by Andon et al., entitled “VIDEO GAME INTEGRATION OF CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY SECURED DIGITAL ASSETS”, and U.S. Patent No. 11,122,852, issued September 21, 2021, by Andon et al., entitled “Intelligent Electronic Footwear and Logic for Navigation Assistance by Authenticated Tactile, Audio, and Visual Feedback”. The patents granted on October 18, 2022, include: US Patent No. 11,475,449 to Andon et al., entitled "MULTI-LAYER DIGITAL ASSSET ARCHITECTURE FORVIRTUAL AND MIXED REALITY ENVIRONMENTS"; US Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0157844 to Andon, entitled "MOTION-BASED MEDIA CREATION"; and US Patent No. 11,051,574 to Andon, entitled "INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC FOOTWEAR AND CONTROL LOGIC FOR AUTOMATEDPEDESTRIAN COLLISION"; and US Patent No. 11,051,574 to Andon, entitled "INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC FOOTWEAR AND CONTROL LOGIC FOR AUTOMATEDPEDESTRIAN COLLISION". All those conditions and circumstances disclosed in “AVOIDANCE” are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0042] Figure 3This is a system-level depiction of an integrated user interface system 100 in an example embodiment. The integrated user interface system 100 is configured herein for a video game environment, wherein footwear 104, a video game controller as a peripheral device 106, virtual reality (VR) goggles or augmented reality (AR) glasses and a full-body haptic suit, and a mobile device as a remote system 108 are all connected to a network 304 via a wireless connection 302. The network 304 may be a local network, the Internet, or any suitable centralized or distributed network. Furthermore, although network 304 is illustrated, it should be recognized and understood that in various instances, the various devices may communicate directly with each other or directly with a central device (e.g., remote system 108).

[0043] Thus, network 304 can allow each footwear item 104, peripheral device 106, and remote system 108 to transmit sensor information to and / or receive sensor information from each other device in the integrated user interface system 100. However, it should be emphasized that in some instances, certain devices (e.g., one or more of the peripheral devices 106) can be configured to transmit sensor information only and not receive sensor information. For example, remote system 108 can be configured to receive sensor information only and not transmit sensor information.

[0044] In various instances, one or two footwear articles 104 serve as a hub or master device for sensor information generated by footwear articles 104 and auxiliary devices (e.g., peripheral devices 106). In such instances, one or two footwear articles 104 act as a controller to receive all sensor information from all other responders of the integrated user interface system 100 (including footwear articles 104 and peripheral devices 106 of the integrated user interface system 100) via network 304. Footwear articles 104 may consolidate and format the sensor information as appropriate and forward it to a remote system 108 in a predetermined and predictable flow, which can then process the information and perform actions based on the sensor information as disclosed herein. The principles described regarding the use of footwear articles 104 as hubs also apply to the use of one or more peripheral devices 106 as hubs to collect sensor data from the entire integrated user interface system 100. Using footwear 104 or peripheral device 106 as a hub can depend on factors such as the amount of sensor data generated, the data speed of network 304, and the processing power of various devices in the integrated user interface system 100.

[0045] Therefore, one or more of the footwear items 104 can be used individually or in combination with other devices of the integrated user interface system 100 to control the functionality of the remote system 108. In such cases, the user 102 can control the functionality of the remote system 108, partially or entirely, by manipulating one or more of the footwear items 104. Pressing or tapping a toe can serve as a selection of an application. Shifting weight to the front, back, inside, or outside of the foot can simulate cursor movement on a menu or desktop environment to allow selection of applications, menu items, documents, etc. Manipulating the right footwear item 104 (e.g., tapping the toe in the right footwear item 104) can advance a slideshow presentation or play a video forward, while manipulating the left footwear item 104 (e.g., tapping the toe in the left footwear item 104) can return a slideshow presentation to a previous slide or play a video in reverse.

[0046] Furthermore, the relatively more complex combinations of manipulations of footwear 104 allow for further control of the remote system 108 via footwear 104. As will be disclosed herein, user 102 can specify any determinable combination of sensor outputs to produce any desired action by the remote system 108 or by the entire integrated user interface system 100. Thus, a certain combination of manipulations by user 102 of one or more of footwear 104 can launch or open an application, cause the application to do specific things, close the application, trigger, stop, or modify audiovisual outputs from the remote system 108, etc. The integrated user interface system 100 is thereby able to provide both macroscopic and microscopic control over the remote system 108 and the audiovisual outputs of the entire integrated user interface system 100.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of footwear article 104 in an example embodiment. Footwear article 104 includes an upper 402 attached to a sole structure 404, forming a cavity 406 between the upper 402 and the sole structure 404 to receive the wearer's foot. A liner 408 is inserted into the cavity 406 and generally extends along the length of the sole structure 404. The liner 408 may be a sock liner, an insole insert, or any other suitable article. The liner 408 may provide cushioning for the wearer's foot, as well as other functions detailed herein.

[0048] Liner 408 includes structure 410, which provides cushioning and support for other components of lining 408. Structure 410 may include conventional foam, polymer / polyurethane, rubber, or any other suitable material to cushion the wearer's foot of footwear article 104 and provide structure for other components detailed herein. Liner 408 also includes electronic module 412 and flexible electronic tab 414. Flexible electronic tab 414 is operatively coupled to electronic module 412 and, as illustrated, extends upward from electronic module 412 and along upper 402. As illustrated, flexible electronic tab 414 extends upward along outer side 416 of upper 402, but in various alternative instances, flexible electronic tab 414 may extend upward along inner side 418 of upper 402 or along any other suitable side of upper 402.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a system diagram including footwear article 104 in an example embodiment. As illustrated, footwear article 104 wirelessly communicates with remote system 108 and peripheral device 106. The remote system 108 may be a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. The peripheral device 106 may be a smartwatch or other wearable electronic device. Although remote system 108 and peripheral device 106 are described, it should be recognized and understood that any remote device including the necessary wireless communication, processing, and user interface 504 can be used to perform the operations described herein. Furthermore, although both remote system 108 and peripheral device 106 are shown as wirelessly communicating with footwear article 104, in various instances, only one remote device may wirelessly communicate with footwear article 104.

[0050] Footwear article 104 includes a sensor 502 positioned along a lining 408. As illustrated, the sensor 502 is positioned on the top and bottom of structure 410; however, it should be recognized and understood that in various instances, the sensor 502 may be positioned on one side of structure 410 and not on the other side. Furthermore, in the various instances illustrated herein, the sensor 502 is positioned within and enclosed by structure 410.

[0051] In various instances, some or all of the sensors 502 are pressure sensors or other force sensors configured to be sensitive to pressure or force applied by external objects, such as pressure or force applied by the wearer's foot when the footwear 104 is on or being placed on the wearer's foot. Using multiple such pressure sensors arranged along the length of the lining 408 provides sensitivity to forces applied to the lining 408 at different times and in different amounts. Therefore, the positioning of the sensors 502 allows for determinations such as whether the wearer has put on or taken off the footwear 104, where the sequence of application and release of pressure on the different sensors 502 indicates whether the footwear 104 has been put on or taken off. The positioning of the sensors 502 can also provide information about the nature of the forces applied to the lining 408 by the foot and by external forces at different times during wear. Therefore, for example, since the impact force on the forefoot area of ​​footwear 104 is relatively greater during a step, it can be expected that the force recorded by sensor 502 located in the forefoot of footwear 104 will be greater than the force recorded by sensor near the heel of footwear 104. These differences in force can be used to identify the nature of the activity being performed by the wearer of footwear 104, or otherwise record different movements of the wearer as reflected by the movement of the wearer's foot.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a pair of linings 408 configured to be inserted into a pair of footwear articles in an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, each lining 408 includes a pair of sensors 502 located in the forefoot region 602 of the lining 408, a sensor 502 located in the rearfoot region 604 of the lining 408, and an electronic module 412 located in the midfoot region 606 of the lining 408. Each sensor 502 is operatively coupled to the electronic module 412 via wires. A flexible electronic patch 414 extends outward from the outer side 416 of the structure 410.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a depiction in an exemplary embodiment of inserting a lining 408 into a cavity 406 of a pair of footwear articles 702. The forefoot 602 region (not depicted) of the lining 408 is first inserted into the cavity 406 and extends downward to the toe 704 of the footwear article 104. The rearfoot 604 is then inserted downward to the heel 706.

[0054] Figure 8This is a charging system 802 for the pair of footwear articles 702 in an example embodiment. The charging system 802 includes a pair of charging units 804, each configured to correspond to one of the footwear articles 104 in the pair of footwear articles 702. Each charging unit 804 is connected to a power source 808 via a connector 806 (e.g., via a plug and wall socket), as illustrated, but optionally via any suitable power source, such as a battery or other external power source. In various embodiments, the charging unit 804 may additionally or alternatively include an integrated power source (such as a battery), and in some such embodiments, may be wireless or otherwise exclude a wired connection to an external power source. The connector 806 allows the charging unit 804 to be removably coupled to the power source 808 and allows replacement with an alternative or substitute charging unit 804. In the illustrated example, the charging system 802 includes a Y-shaped splitter 810 to allow two charging units 804 to access a single power source 808, while still keeping each charging unit 804 close to the other for ease of use. However, it should be recognized and understood that each charging unit 804 may be directly coupled to the power source 808.

[0055] Each charging unit 804 includes at least one main charging antenna, such as an induction coil, electrically coupled to a power source 808. Each main charging antenna is configured to wirelessly (e.g., inductively) power an auxiliary or internal charging antenna in the footwear 104, as will be shown herein. The synthesized current in the auxiliary charging antenna can then be directed to, for example, a rechargeable power source within the footwear 104 to charge that power source. Each charging unit 804 may also optionally include an attachment mechanism to facilitate alignment with an auxiliary or internal charging antenna of the footwear 104. This attachment mechanism may be a magnet, an ferrous material configured to attract a magnet included in the footwear 104, and / or a mechanical attachment mechanism (such as a hook-and-loop fastener, snap, or any other suitable mechanical attachment mechanism) to attach the charging unit 804 to that side of the footwear 104. Alternatively, the charging unit 804 may be configured to be disposed within the footwear 104 (e.g., within cavity 406) to be positioned near the auxiliary charging antenna.

[0056] Figure 9This is a depiction of the use of the charging system 802 relative to the pair of footwear articles 702 in an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated example, each charging unit 804 is fixed to the outer side 416 of each footwear article 104. In the illustrated example, each charging unit 804 is removably fixed near a mark 902, in various examples where a flexible electronic patch 414 may extend to the mark 902. The mark 902 may provide alignment marks for placing the charging unit 804 relative to an auxiliary charging antenna. In such examples, the flexible electronic patch 414 may include an auxiliary charging antenna for wireless coupling to the main charging antenna of the charging unit 804. However, it should be recognized and understood that the mark 902 may arise incidentally from the placement of the charging unit 804, and the mark 902 may optionally be omitted entirely or positioned at another location on the footwear article 104, independent of the placement of the charging unit 804.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, sign 902 may include an illumination element, such as a light-emitting device, a light tube, or any illumination element or combination of illumination elements that may be desired. In such instances, specifically sign 902 or more generally footwear article 104 may include a mechanism for powering the illumination element of sign 902 to cause sign 902 to illuminate. This mechanism may be a passive power supply to the illumination of sign 902 from charging unit 804, i.e., the illumination of sign 902 may be entirely derived from the power of charging unit 804, rather than from the rest of footwear article 104. Illumination of sign 902 may be an indication that charging unit 804 is properly aligned with the auxiliary charging antenna and that charging has begun; may provide an indication that charging unit 804 is only partially or suboptimally aligned with the auxiliary charging antenna; may provide a status of the power of the rechargeable power supply of footwear article 104; may provide an aesthetic illumination feature and / or any other illumination effect or combination of illumination effects that may be desired.

[0058] Figure 10A and Figure 10BThis is a cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic module 412 and flexible electronic patch 414 in the example embodiment. The electronic module 412 includes a housing 1002 containing various electronic devices 1004, which may include, but are not limited to, processors or controllers, power supplies such as rechargeable power supplies, sensors, and wireless transmitters / receivers / transceivers. As discussed herein, the flexible electronic patch 414 includes an auxiliary charging antenna 1006 positioned on a flexible substrate 1008 (such as a flexible printed circuit board or other suitable flexible substrate). The flexible electronic patch 414 may also optionally include an external wireless antenna 1010, which is at least partially positioned on the flexible substrate 1008 and operatively coupled to the electronic device 1004 and its included wireless transceivers. The external wireless antenna 1010 may be configured to communicate according to any suitable wireless mode, including but not limited to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mode.

[0059] In various instances, housing 1002 has a thickness of four (4) millimeters or less. In various instances, housing 1002 represents the maximum thickness of all electronic components and flexible electronic contacts 414 of electronic module 412. Furthermore, a thickness of four (4) millimeters or less can be applied to all various alternative instances of the electronic module disclosed herein.

[0060] The processor or controller can be any suitable device. In this example, the processor is or can be part of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) having, for example, a data rate of 833 Hz. The rechargeable power supply can be configured to provide at least four hours of battery life, and in various instances, sufficient for seven (7) days of use for four (4) hours without recharging. The values ​​presented herein are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, and any suitable values ​​or components may be utilized depending on the needs of the environment in which they are used.

[0061] Figure 11A and Figure 11BThis is a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of electronic module 1102 in the exemplary embodiment and its use relative to a wider range of electronics used in the liner. Electronic module 1102 is similar to electronic module 412 because it includes a printed circuit board 1104 and an internal wireless communication antenna 1106 positioned within a housing 1108, as well as other electronics not depicted herein but disclosed. However, instead of the flexible electronic patch 414, electronic module 1102 includes a connector 1110 configured to create a wired electronic connection between electronic module 1102 and other electronics not included in electronic module 1102. Connector 1110 can be any suitable electronic connector known in the art, or an industry standard (such as various Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards, such as USB-C, etc.), or can be specifically designed for the purposes of electronic module 1102.

[0062] like Figure 11B As illustrated, connector 1110 can be used to provide a wired connection between electronic module 1102 and liner electronics 1112, which is not related to the wider structure of liner 408 illustrated herein. In the illustrated example, liner electronics 1112 includes a flexible printed circuit board 1114, a sensor 502 (such as a pressure sensor), and an electronic patch 1116 including a charging electrode 1118. In the illustrated example, charging electrode 1118 includes a central electrode 1120 and an annular electrode 1122, wherein the charging connector is capable of coupling over the central electrode 1120 and the annular electrode 1122 over substantially the entire circular outline of the charging electrode 1118. Therefore, the connector on the charging electrode 1118 will not need to be coupled to the charging electrode 1118 in a specific orientation, but can be coupled to the charging electrode 1118 in any orientation, such that one contact contacts the central electrode 1120 and another contact contacts the annular electrode 1122.

[0063] In another example, the electronic module 1102 may be removed from the footwear 104 and / or lining 408 and inserted into an external device for data transmission, charging a rechargeable power source, etc. Alternatively, the electronic module 1102 may remain in the footwear 104, and the cable may be adapted to engage with a connector 1110 inserted into the footwear 104 and be inserted into the connector 1110 and the external device to perform the aforementioned functions. In addition to or as an alternative to those mechanisms described herein, any suitable mechanism that creates a wired electronic connection between the electronic module 1102 and the external device may be utilized. Furthermore, the presence of the wired connector 1110 may complement one or more wireless communication modes described herein with respect to the internal antenna 1106.

[0064] In various instances, the internal antenna 1106 is an onboard stamped metal antenna. This internal antenna 1106 can be relatively reliable and is simpler to manufacture. In various instances, the internal antenna 1106 can be approximately twenty-eight millimeters long and includes a three-millimeter kill zone.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a depiction of a liner 1202 configured to provide a wired connection to an electronic module 1102 in an example embodiment. A recess 1204 is formed in a structure 1206 of the liner 1202. The size of the recess 1204 is set to receive the electronic module 1102. A liner connector 1208 is positioned within the recess 1204 in a location configured to allow a connector 1110 to establish an electrical connection with the liner connector 1208. The recess 1204 and / or the liner connector 1208 may be configured to removably hold the electronic module 1102 within the recess 1204, such as via friction engagement or a bracket, to maintain contact between the connector 1110 and the liner connector 1208 until subjected to external force (e.g., a user intentionally removing the electronic module 1102 from the liner 1202).

[0066] Liner 1202 includes an electronic contact 1210. In the illustrated example, the electronic contact 1210 includes a charging connector 1212, which includes a more conventional array of linear contacts compared to the charging electrodes 1118. Liner 1202 may additionally include Figure 11B The illustrated lining electronics 1112 include, but are not limited to, sensors 502, etc., but these components are obscured by the top main surface 1214 of the lining 1202.

[0067] Figure 13This is a depiction of the modular use of electronic module 1102 in the context of a pair of liners 1302, as illustrated in an example embodiment. The pair of liners 1302 includes a liner 1202 and a charging liner 1304. The charging liner 1304 is configured in a similar manner to the liner 1202, including a recess 1204 and a liner connector 1208. However, unlike the sensor 502 included in the liner 1202, the charging liner 1304 includes a charging antenna 1306 positioned in a structure 1206, as illustrated, near the heel 706 of the charging liner 1304. The recess 1204 and the liner connector 1208 are thus configured to allow a single electronic module 1102 to be placed alternately in one liner of the pair of liners 1302 and then in the other liner, for example, to enable sensor 502 to operate in liner 1202 and then wirelessly charge it in the charging liner 1304. Therefore, the electronic module 1102 can be configured to operate interchangeably with the two liners in the pair of liners 1302. Furthermore, while a single electronic module 1102 can be switched between the pair of liners 1302, each of the pair of liners 1302 can suitably have its own dedicated electronic module 1102.

[0068] Figure 14 This is an alternative electronic module 1402 with electronic patch 1404 in the example embodiment. The electronic module 1402 includes a housing 1406 that contains electronic components 1408, including processors or controllers, printed circuit boards, rechargeable power supplies, and wireless antennas, as disclosed herein with respect to other electronic modules. However, in contrast, the electronic module 1402 also includes a ground plane 1410 that is partially located within the housing 1406 but also extends outward from the housing 1406 along the electronic patch 1404.

[0069] Ground plane 1410 is electrically coupled to the wireless antenna positioned within the housing. The size of ground plane 1410 directly affects the range and communication efficiency of the wireless antenna. By extending ground plane 1410 to the outside of housing 1406 and along electronic patch 1404, the size of ground plane 1410 is significantly increased, exceeding the possible size when completely contained within housing 1406. Furthermore, extending ground plane 1410 to the outside of housing 1406 reduces interference from other components of electronic module 1402 and / or the wearer's feet, thereby further improving the range and connection efficiency of the wireless antenna.

[0070] Figure 15In the example embodiment, an electronic module 1402 has an alternative electronic contact 1502. The electronic contact 1502 includes a ground plane 1410 extending outward from the housing 1406. The electronic contact 1502 also includes a charging antenna 1504 (an induction coil as illustrated), and a component positioned within the charging antenna 1504 to facilitate communication with the charging unit 804. Figure 8 The aligned magnet 1506. Typically, the electronic patch 1502 is used to illustrate components from other examples disclosed herein that can be combined with the concept of the external ground plane 1410 to provide enhanced wireless communication and any other functionality that may be included on the electronic patch 1502.

[0071] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are exploded and top views of the lining 1602 in the exemplary embodiment. The lining 1602 includes a lining structure 1604, a shoe core 1606, and electronics positioned and enclosed between the lining structure 1604 and the shoe core 1606. These electronics include an electronic module 1402, a charging antenna 1504, and a ground plane extension 1608, wherein the charging antenna 1504 and the ground plane extension 1608 form an electronic patch 1502. The ground plane extension 1608 may be identical to and / or operate according to the same principles as the ground plane 1410. Compared to other linings depicted herein, the electronic patch 1502 inserted into the lining 1602 extends rearward toward the heel 706 portion of the lining 1602. The electronic module 1402 is disposed in an electronics recess 1610 formed in the shoe core 1606 and is then enclosed by the lining structure 1604. An optional antenna recess 1612 formed in the shoe core 1606 can further house a charging antenna 1504. The shoe core 1606 can be formed of plastic, polymer, metal or other elastic material, which can provide structural support for the footwear 104 and help protect the electronics of the lining 1602 from damage.

[0072] The electronic connector 1502 can be designed to be robust enough for a user to grip, facilitating the removal of the electronic module 1402 from the lining 1602 and the entire footwear 104. In such an example, the electronic connector 1502 and its components can be constructed robust enough for a strong grip by a user and to resist forces (including lateral and shear forces) expected to be applied by the user, overcoming normal frictional forces that might tend to hold the electronic module 1402 within the electronics recess 1610. This can be achieved by normal structural reinforcement of the electronic connector 1502, including components that are thicker and more flexible than those required for normal operation of the electronic connector 1502.

[0073] In various instances, the electronic patch 1502 may be encapsulated with a polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other suitable polymers, to reinforce the structure of the electronic patch 1502 and provide at least some isolation from environmental conditions such as moisture, sweat, dirt, etc. The combined electronic module 1402 and electronic patch 1502 may be further integrated with a rigid-flex PCB, which is rigid within the electronic module 1402 and flexible along the electronic patch 1502. The rigid portion of this PCB may be stacked within a housing 1406 to provide an efficient supply of the electronic components included thereon.

[0074] Figure 17A and Figure 17B These are perspective and top views of the lining 1702 in the example embodiment. The construction and other aspects of the lining 1702 are the same as those of the lining 1602, and it includes the same parts, including the lining structure 1604, the shoe core 1606, the electronic module 1402, and the charging antenna 1504. However, the lining 1702 does not include the ground plane extension 1608 as in the lining 1602.

[0075] Figure 18 This is a simplified flowchart 1800 in an example embodiment for receiving and evaluating sensor data and triggering actions based on it. Each sensor 502 in the footwear 104, as well as various sensors in the peripheral device 106 and / or remote system 108, can transmit sensor data, which can be received as individual sensor data 1802. Filtering conditions 1804 can be applied individually to one or more of the sensor data 1802. Based on the application of filtering conditions 1804, events 1806 can be identified. Based on the identification of one or more events 1806, one or more corresponding actions 1808 can be implemented.

[0076] Each sensor data frame 1802 may correspond to the output of a specific sensor 502 or other sensor in the integrated user interface system 100. Therefore, each individual pressure sensor 502 may correspond to a discrete sensor data frame 1802, and each accelerometer, gyroscope, etc., in the integrated user interface system 100 may similarly correspond to an individual sensor data frame 1802, and so on. For the purpose of simplification, the number of sensor data frames 1802 illustrated has been reduced. For example, in the case of bidirectional communication with associated sensors, the sensor data 1802 may be updated continuously, periodically, or on demand.

[0077] Each filter condition 1804 is associated with the output of one or more sensor data 1802. A given filter condition 1804 can specify, for example, values ​​and relationships (e.g., Boolean relationships) to be satisfied for the sensor data 1802 before it meets an associated event 1806. Thus, for example, a filter condition 1804 associated with sensor data 1802 from a pressure sensor 502 of footwear 104 can specify minimum pressure, maximum pressure, pressure range, specific pressure, rate of change of pressure, etc. A filter condition 1804 associated with sensor data 1802 from an accelerometer can specify maximum acceleration, minimum acceleration, acceleration range, or specific acceleration, etc. As illustrated, multiple filter conditions 1804 can be applied to a single sensor data 1802. Thus, for example, if sensor data 1802 is associated with a pressure sensor, a first filter condition 1804 can specify minimum pressure, while a second filter condition 1804 can specify the maximum rate of change of pressure detected within a predetermined time.

[0078] Furthermore, as illustrated, multiple sensor data 1802 can be associated with a single filter condition 1804. Therefore, for example, both pressure sensors 502 may need to meet a minimum pressure value to satisfy filter condition 1804. This can be used, for example, to distinguish between pressure applied by a single toe 704 and pressure applied by the entire forefoot. Additionally, as illustrated, a single sensor data 1802 is not associated with any filter condition 1804, event 1806, or action 1808. Therefore, this sensor data 1802 can be collected without further utilization.

[0079] Event 1806 can be identified based on filter condition 1804. In various instances, event 1806 can be identified based on any suitable operation, including comparison with predetermined conditions, thresholds, etc. Additionally or alternatively, a trained machine learning model can be used to identify event 1806. As illustrated, a given filter condition 1804 can trigger a single event 1806 (e.g., a toe tap), or multiple events 1806 (e.g., a toe tap and a forefoot tap). Furthermore, multiple filters can trigger one or more events 1806; for example, pressure sensor output and accelerometer output can be interpreted as a stomping motion.

[0080] Finally, event 1806 triggers action 1808. As mentioned above, action 1808 can be any output from the integrated user interface system 100, such as audiovisual output, control of a video game, etc. Therefore, event 1806 corresponding to a foot tap can appropriately increase or decrease the volume, a toe tap can advance a slide in a presentation, a fist pump celebration can flash lights, and so on. As illustrated, multiple events 1806 can correspond to a single action 1808. For example, a stomp and a fist pump celebration that are close to each other in time can produce an action 1808 that is different from the action produced by a stomp or a fist pump celebration alone. A stomp and a fist pump celebration alone may or may not have their own individual action 1808.

[0081] Figure 19 This is a depiction of a user interface 1902 in an example embodiment, used to allow a user to configure sources, filters, events, and actions of the integrated user interface system 100. The user interface 1902 provides drag-and-drop configuration to allow users to create, delete, move, connect, disconnect sensor data 1802, events 1806, and actions 1808, and set filtering conditions. In the illustrated example, these filtering conditions 1804 are not instantiated individually, but are implemented within the context of each sensor data 1802.

[0082] As illustrated, given sensor data 1802 can be instantiated multiple times under different filtering conditions. Therefore, source 1 is shown as being instantiated twice, once with a filtering condition and once without. Thus, for example, in the case where source 1 is a pressure sensor, the presence of any pressure may trigger an identification event 1806 and initiate a corresponding action, while the presence of pressure satisfying a specific filtering condition (e.g., minimum pressure) may be utilized by two different events 1806 (i.e., event 1 and event 3).

[0083] Similarly, event 1 is instantiated twice, once based on a single sensor data 1802 input, and once based on multiple sensor data 1802 (i.e., source 1 and source 3). The output from the event 1 instance based solely on source 1 proceeds to action 1, while the output from the event 1 instance based on both source 1 and source 3 proceeds directly to action 1 and together with the outputs of events 2 and 3, proceeds to action 2. Thus, while action 1 can be based solely on the output of event 1, action 2 may require each of events 1, 2, and 3 to occur before action 2 occurs (e.g., within a specified time frame or in the absence of a specified time frame).

[0084] Therefore, users can designate local sensors such as sensor 502, external sensors such as those from peripheral device 106 or remote system 108, or fused sensors (i.e., multiple individual sensors) as sensor data 1802. Users can also specify filtering conditions, including filtering conditions 1804 applied to the sensor data 1802, and the parameters and / or algorithms of the filtering conditions 1804. Users can also specify events 1806, including the sensor data 1802 and filtering conditions 1804 applied to the event, the type of the event, and the parameters of the event (maximum value, minimum value, threshold, etc.). Users can also specify actions 1808, including the type of output and the parameters of the output (intensity, length, etc.).

[0085] Example sensor data 1802, filter condition 1804, event 1806, and action 1808 are provided herein by way of illustration rather than limitation. Example sensor data 1802 for the source may include: a sensor 502 providing pressure information based on the toe 704 of user 102; heel pressure; medial foot pressure; lateral foot pressure; an accelerometer sensitive to x-axis acceleration; y-axis acceleration; and z-axis acceleration; a gyroscope sensitive to orientation on the x, y, or z axis; and a fusion of any or all such sensors. Example filter condition 1804 may include: specifying the average pressure over a two (2) second rolling period; when the toe pressure is in the range of 3,000 units to 6,000 units; when the x-axis acceleration is above 3,000 units; when the heel pressure is below 3,000 units; or when the toe pressure is outside the range of 3,000 units to 6,000 units. Such filter condition 1804 may be described in natural language (prose) or using Boolean operators. Example action 1808 could be playing MIDI notes from A2 to A4; flashing one or more lights individually, sequentially, or in a predetermined pattern; playing an audiovisual sequence; and so on.

[0086] Example 1 is a footwear article comprising: a sole structure; an upper connected to the sole structure and forming a cavity configured to receive a wearer's foot; a lining configured to be inserted into the cavity and extend along the sole structure, the lining including: a structure configured to cushion the wearer's foot; a sensor positioned in the structure and configured to determine characteristics of the wearer's foot; an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensor and positioned in the structure; and a flexible electronic tab operatively coupled to the electronic module and configured to protrude from the structure and extend upward along one side of the upper.

[0087] In Example 2, the subject matter according to Example 1 includes an electronic patch comprising an antenna configured to be communicatively coupled to an external antenna.

[0088] In Example 3, the subject matter according to Example 2 includes an electronic module comprising a rechargeable power supply, and wherein the antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate current based on an external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power supply.

[0089] In Example 4, the subject matter according to Example 3 includes an antenna that is an induction coil.

[0090] In Example 5, the subject matter according to Examples 2 to 4 includes an electronic module comprising a wireless transceiver, wherein the antenna is a radio frequency antenna operatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to transmit data to and receive data from an external antenna.

[0091] In Example 6, the subject matter according to Example 5 includes, wherein the antenna is a first antenna, and wherein the flexible electronic patch further includes a second antenna; wherein the electronic module includes a rechargeable power supply; and wherein the second antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate current based on an external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power supply.

[0092] In Example 7, the subject matter according to Examples 2 through 6 includes a flexible electronic patch comprising an electrode configured to be operatively coupled to an external contact.

[0093] In Example 8, the subject matter according to Example 7 includes an electronic module comprising a rechargeable power supply, and wherein the electrode is a charging electrode configured to be operatively coupled to an external power supply via external contacts and to supply current to the rechargeable power supply.

[0094] In Example 9, the subject matter according to Example 8 includes a charging electrode configured to contact an external contact in a predetermined orientation.

[0095] In Example 10, the subject matter according to Examples 8 to 9 includes a charging electrode configured to contact an external contact across a circular orientation range.

[0096] In Example 11, the subject matter according to Example 10 includes, wherein the charging electrode comprises: a central electrode; and a circular electrode substantially surrounding the central electrode.

[0097] Example 12 is a system comprising: a footwear article including: a sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a cavity configured to receive a wearer's foot; a lining configured to be inserted into the cavity and extend along the sole structure, the lining including: an electronic module positioned within the structure and including a rechargeable power source; and a flexible electronic tab operatively coupled to the electronic module, the flexible electronic tab being configured to protrude from the structure and extend upward along one side of the upper, and including an internal charging antenna; and a charging system including a charging unit electrically coupled to the power source, the charging unit including an external charging antenna configured to be wirelessly coupled to the internal charging antenna to induce current in the internal charging antenna; wherein the footwear article includes a fixing mechanism for removably fixing the charging unit to that side of the upper.

[0098] In Example 13, the subject matter according to Example 12 includes a fixing mechanism that aligns the external charging antenna with the internal charging antenna.

[0099] In Example 14, the subject matter according to Example 13 includes an internal charging antenna and an external charging antenna that are induction coils, and current is generated in the internal charging antenna by induction.

[0100] In Example 15, the subject matter according to Example 14 includes a fixing mechanism comprising a magnet configured to attract the charging unit to the shoe upper by magnetic force.

[0101] In Example 16, the subject matter according to Example 15 includes a fixing mechanism comprising an iron core for an internal charging antenna.

[0102] In Example 17, the subject matter according to Examples 15 and 16 includes a charging unit comprising an external magnet configured to be magnetically attracted to a magnet in the footwear article.

[0103] In Example 18, the subject matter according to Examples 13 to 17 includes, wherein the fixing mechanism is a mechanical fixing mechanism.

[0104] In Example 19, the subject matter according to Examples 12 to 18 includes a footwear article being a first footwear article and a charging unit being a first charging unit, and wherein the system further includes: a second footwear article including an upper and a lining; and wherein the charging system includes a second charging unit configured to removably attach the first charging unit and the second charging unit to the uppers of the first footwear article and the second footwear article respectively, and simultaneously induce current in a rechargeable power source.

[0105] Example 20 is a system comprising: a footwear article including: a sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a cavity configured to receive a wearer's foot; a lining configured to be removably inserted into the cavity and extending along the sole structure, the lining including: a structure configured to cushion the wearer's foot; a sensor configured to determine characteristics of the wearer's foot; an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic module being positioned within the structure, including an internal wireless transceiver configured to transmit information based on data received from the sensor regarding the characteristics of the foot; and an internal antenna operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver, the internal antenna being configured to wirelessly transmit information from the wireless transceiver; a remote system including: an external antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with the internal antenna; a processor configured to receive and process information from the footwear article; and a user interface configured to present the information processed by the processor.

[0106] In Example 21, the subject matter according to Example 20 includes a housing configured to enclose an electronic module, wherein the liner includes recesses for removably housing the housing within the liner.

[0107] In Example 22, the subject matter according to Example 21 includes an enclosure that further encloses the sensor.

[0108] In Example 23, the subject matter according to Example 22 includes, wherein the sensor is a first sensor, and also includes a second sensor located within the liner and configured to be operatively coupled to the electronic module.

[0109] In Example 24, the subject matter according to Example 23 includes a first sensor being an orientation sensor and a second sensor being a pressure sensor, wherein the orientation sensor is configured to determine the orientation of the footwear article.

[0110] In Example 25, the subject matter according to Examples 22 to 24 includes an internal antenna that is further enclosed by the housing.

[0111] In Example 26, the subject matter according to Examples 21 to 25 includes an electronic module that further includes a rechargeable power supply for powering the electronic module.

[0112] In Example 27, the subject matter according to Example 26 includes, wherein the housing further includes a charging mechanism for charging a rechargeable power source.

[0113] In Example 28, the subject matter according to Examples 21 to 27 includes a recess located at the midfoot position of the lining, the midfoot position being configured to be close to the arch of the wearer's foot.

[0114] In Example 29, the subject matter according to Examples 20 to 28 includes an electronic module positioned at the midfoot location of the lining, the midfoot location being configured to be close to the arch of the wearer's foot.

[0115] In Example 30, the subject matter according to Example 29 includes a sensor located in one of the forefoot and hindfoot within the lining.

[0116] In Example 31, the subject matter according to Example 30 includes, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0117] In Example 32, the subject matter according to Example 31 includes: a plurality of pressure sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors is located in the forefoot and at least one of the plurality of sensors is located in the hindfoot.

[0118] In Example 33, the subject matter according to Example 32 includes an orientation sensor configured to identify the orientation of footwear.

[0119] In Example 34, the subject matter according to Example 33 includes an orientation sensor that is a component of an electronic module.

[0120] In Example 35, the subject matter described according to Examples 20 to 34 includes, wherein the remote device is a wearable article.

[0121] In Example 36, the subject matter described according to Examples 20 to 35 includes, wherein the remote device is a mobile device.

[0122] In Example 37, the subject matter described in Examples 20 through 36 includes the remote device being accessible by a user different from the wearer.

[0123] In Example 38, the subject matter according to Example 37 includes an interface further configured to receive commands from a user, and a processor further configured to transmit the commands to an electronic module.

[0124] Example 39 is a lining configured to be inserted into a cavity of footwear, the lining comprising: a lining structure; a sensor configured to determine characteristics of a wearer's foot; a housing at least partially disposed within the lining structure; an electronic module coupled to the sensor and located within the housing, the electronic module including an internal wireless transceiver configured to transmit information based on data received from the sensor regarding foot characteristics; an internal antenna located within the housing and operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver, the internal antenna configured to wirelessly transmit information from the wireless transceiver; and a ground plane operatively coupled to the internal antenna, the ground plane extending to the outside of the housing and along the lining structure, the ground plane being configured to extend the effective range of the internal antenna.

[0125] In Example 40, the subject matter according to Example 39 includes a ground plane positioned on a flexible substrate that extends along the liner structure to the outside of the housing.

[0126] In Example 41, the subject matter according to Example 40 includes: a rechargeable power supply located within a housing and operatively coupled to an electronic module; and a charging antenna operatively coupled to the rechargeable power supply, the charging antenna being located on a flexible substrate outside the housing.

[0127] In Example 42, the subject matter according to Example 41 includes a charging antenna comprising a magnet configured to align an external charging antenna with the charging antenna.

[0128] In Example 43, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 42 includes a sensor contained within a housing.

[0129] In Example 44, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 43 includes a sensor that is at least partially contained within the lining structure.

[0130] In Example 45, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 44 includes a housing located near the midfoot area of ​​the lining structure, and the ground plane extending toward the heel portion of the lining structure.

[0131] In Example 46, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 45 includes a ground plane that is at least partially contained within the lining structure.

[0132] In Example 47, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 46 includes a ground plane configured to be located on the main surface of the lining structure.

[0133] In Example 48, the subject matter according to Examples 39 to 47 includes a shoe core configured to enclose a housing and an electronic module using a lining structure.

[0134] Example 49 is an integrated user interface system comprising: a footwear article including: a sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a cavity configured to receive a wearer's foot; a lining configured to be inserted into the cavity and extend along the sole structure, the lining including: a structure configured to cushion the wearer's foot; a plurality of sensors positioned in the structure, the plurality of sensors configured to determine characteristics of the wearer's foot; and an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensors, the electronic module being positioned in the structure and including a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit sensor data from the sensors; and a wireless receiver. The device is configured to receive wireless signals from a wireless transmitter; a user interface configured to allow a user to specify: sensor sources associated with the plurality of sensors; filtering conditions associated with one or more of these sensor sources; events, each event associated with one or more sensor sources satisfying one or more filtering conditions; and actions, each action associated with one or more events; a processor operatively coupled to the wireless receiver and the user interface, the processor being configured to process the sensor sources, filtering conditions, events, and actions specified on the user interface; and an audiovisual output operatively coupled to the processor, wherein these actions specify one of a variety of effects to be performed by the audiovisual output.

[0135] In Example 50, the subject matter according to Example 49 includes a peripheral device comprising: a peripheral device sensor configured to output sensor conditions to be applied by a processor as a sensor source; and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the sensor conditions to a wireless receiver.

[0136] In Example 51, the subject matter according to Example 50 includes, wherein the peripheral device sensor is one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0137] In Example 52, the subject matter described in Examples 49 to 51 includes: a remote device that includes a wireless receiver, a user interface, and a processor.

[0138] In Example 53, the subject matter according to Examples 49 to 52 includes, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a plurality of pressure sensors.

[0139] In Example 54, the subject matter according to Example 53 includes, wherein the plurality of sensors further includes at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0140] Example 55 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement any one of Examples 1 to 54.

[0141] Example 56 is an apparatus that includes devices for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 54.

[0142] Example 57 is a system for implementing any one of Examples 1 through 54.

[0143] Example 58 is a method that implements any one of Examples 1 through 54.

[0144] Some portions of this specification are presented in the form of algorithms, or as symbolic representations of operations performed on data stored in machine memory (e.g., computer memory) as bit or binary digital signals. These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the art of data processing to communicate the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an "algorithm" is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing that produces a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical operations on physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities can take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that can be stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. Primarily for common usage, it is sometimes more convenient to use terms such as "data," "content," "bit," "value," "element," "symbol," "character," "item," "number," or "digital" to refer to such signals. However, these terms are merely convenient labels and will be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

[0145] Unless otherwise specified, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “calculating,” “operating,” “determining,” “presenting,” and “displaying” herein can refer to the actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms “a” or “an” are used herein (as is common in patent literature) to include one or more instances. Finally, unless otherwise specified, the conjunction “or” as used herein refers to a non-exclusive “or.”

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a void configured to receive a foot of a wearer; a liner configured to be inserted into the void and extend along the sole structure, the liner comprising: a structure configured to cushion the foot of the wearer; a sensor positioned in the structure, the sensor configured to determine a characteristic of the foot of the wearer; an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic module positioned in the structure; and a flexible electronic tab operably coupled to the electronic module, the flexible electronic tab configured to protrude from the structure and extend upward along a side of the upper.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the electronic tab comprises an antenna configured to be communicatively coupled to an external antenna.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source, and wherein the antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate a current based on the external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power source.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the antenna is an inductive coil.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the electronic module comprises a wireless transceiver, and wherein the antenna is a radio frequency antenna operably coupled to the transceiver and configured to transmit data to and receive data from the external antenna.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the antenna is a first antenna, and wherein the flexible electronic tab further comprises a second antenna; wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source; and wherein the second antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate a current based on the external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power source.

7. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the flexible electronic tab comprises an electrode configured to be operably coupled to an external contact.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source, and wherein the electrode is a charging electrode configured to be operably coupled to an external power source through the external contact and provide a current to the rechargeable power source.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the charging electrode is configured to contact the external contact in a predetermined orientation.

10. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the charging electrode is configured to contact the external contact across a circular range of orientations.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the charging electrode comprises: a central electrode; and a circular electrode substantially surrounding the central electrode.

12. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure and forming a void configured to receive a foot of a wearer; a liner configured to be inserted into the void and extend along the sole structure, the liner comprising: a structure configured to cushion the foot of the wearer; a sensor positioned in the structure, the sensor configured to determine a characteristic of the foot of the wearer; an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic module positioned in the structure; and a flexible electronic tab operably coupled to the electronic module, the flexible electronic tab configured to protrude from the structure and extend upward along a side of the upper. a liner configured to be inserted into the cavity and extend along the sole structure, the liner comprising: a structure configured to cushion the foot of the wearer; a sensor positioned in the structure, the sensor configured to determine a characteristic of the foot of the wearer; an electronic module configured to be communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic module positioned in the structure; and a flexible electronic tab operably coupled to the electronic module, the flexible electronic tab configured to protrude from the structure and extend upward along a side of the upper.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic tab comprises an antenna configured to be communicatively coupled to an external antenna.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source, and wherein the antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate a current based on the external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power source.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the antenna is an inductive coil.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the electronic module comprises a wireless transceiver, and wherein the antenna is a radio frequency antenna operably coupled to the transceiver and configured to transmit data to and receive data from the external antenna.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the antenna is a first antenna, and wherein the flexible electronic tab further comprises a second antenna; wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source; and wherein the second antenna is a charging antenna configured to generate a current based on the external antenna and provide the current to the rechargeable power source.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein flexible electronic tab comprises an electrode configured to be operably coupled to an external contact.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the electronic module comprises a rechargeable power source, and wherein the electrode is a charging electrode configured to be operably coupled to an external power source through the external contact and provide a current to the rechargeable power source.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the charging electrode is configured to contact the external contact in a predetermined orientation.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the charging electrode is configured to contact the external contact across a circular range of orientations.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the charging electrode comprises: a central electrode; and a circular electrode substantially surrounding the central electrode.

Images