Device for measuring deterioration condition of shoes

Abstract

In various examples, there is an apparatus for measuring a deterioration condition of a shoe, the apparatus comprising at least one Hall effect sensor located proximate a first surface of a sole of the shoe; at least one magnet positioned proximate a second surface of a sole of the shoe; and a communication component in electronic communication with the or each Hall effect sensor via a conductive connector. The communication component is operable to transmit data from the Hall effect sensor to an external device. Figure 3 is attached when published.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Shoes deteriorate over time. Some deterioration is visible and obvious to the user, such as external damage. However, some deterioration is less noticeable and can only be determined using measuring equipment.

[0002] For some shoes, especially those designed for strenuous exercise, deterioration can severely impact the protection they provide. For example, some shoes are designed to cushion the repeated impacts on the feet and knees when running on hard surfaces. Once a shoe deteriorates beyond a certain point, it can no longer provide adequate protection, and running in such shoes could lead to joint injuries. Utility Model Content

[0003] This summary aims to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In various examples, there exists an apparatus for measuring shoe deterioration, comprising at least one Hall effect sensor located near a first surface of the shoe sole; at least one magnet located near a second surface of the shoe sole; and a communication component that electronically communicates with the Hall effect sensor, or each Hall effect sensor, via a conductive connector. The communication component is operable to transmit data from the Hall effect sensor to an external device. Therefore, an accurate, practical, and efficient method exists for measuring the thickness of the shoe sole. The Hall sensor is highly accurate and capable of outputting measurement results in a digital form compatible with downstream processes. The Hall effect sensor's ability to transmit digital output to the communication component along the conductive connector provides an efficient and robust way to output measurement data from the shoe.

[0005] Preferably, the communication component is a near-field communication (NFC) component. By using an NFC component, a compact and lightweight layout can be achieved.

[0006] Preferably, the external device is an NFC-enabled device, thus enabling a simple, secure, and efficient way to transfer data from the shoe to the external device.

[0007] Preferably, the external device is a smartphone.

[0008] Preferably, in use, the first surface of the shoe sole is the upper surface adjacent to the user's foot, and the second surface of the shoe sole is the lower surface adjacent to the ground.

[0009] Preferably, the communication component is further operable to receive power from an external device. In this way, the shoe itself enhances security because the shoe itself does not need a power source.

[0010] Preferably, the Hall effect sensor or the electronic communication between each Hall effect sensor and the communication component uses the I2C protocol (Inter-Integrated Circuit Protocol).

[0011] Preferably, the data transmitted between the Hall effect sensor or each Hall effect sensor and an external device includes a measurement of the distance between at least one Hall effect sensor and at least one magnet.

[0012] Preferably, the device comprises only two Hall effect sensors and only two magnets.

[0013] Preferably, the Hall effect sensor or each Hall effect sensor is positioned vertically above the magnet or each magnet.

[0014] Preferably, the device includes a local power source that communicates electronically with the Hall effect sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the device includes a charging port that communicates electronically with a Hall effect sensor.

[0016] Preferably, the device includes a wireless technology module that communicates electronically with the Hall effect sensor.

[0017] Preferably, the wireless technology module is operable to provide communication between the Hall effect sensor and a remote cloud server.

[0018] Preferably, the wireless technology module includes one or more of the following technologies: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless communication technology), LoRa (Long Range Radio), LiFi (Light Fidelity), harvesting power from ambient radio waves, and / or ZigBee.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a method for measuring the deterioration of shoes, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] The magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the magnet is detected by a Hall sensor located near the first surface of the shoe sole, and the magnet is located near the second surface of the shoe sole.

[0021] Hall effect sensors are used to determine the distance between the first surface of the shoe sole and the second surface of the shoe sole; and

[0022] The determined distance is transmitted from the Hall sensor to the communication component via a conductive connector.

[0023] Preferably, the method includes the following steps: transmitting the determined distance from the communication component to an external device.

[0024] Preferably, the determined distance is transmitted from the Hall sensor to the NFC component using the I2C protocol.

[0025] Preferably, the method includes sending the determined distance from the Hall sensor to a remote cloud server.

[0026] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that preferred features can be suitably combined and can be combined with any aspect of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of this utility model will be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This refers to shoes equipped with degraded sensor equipment.

[0029] Figure 2 The sensor components are shown;

[0030] Figure 3 The sensor assembly integrated into the sole of the shoe is shown; and

[0031] Figure 4 An alternative sensor component integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 Another sensor assembly with two Hall effect sensors is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown for measuring supination, pronation, and sole absorbency.

[0034] Figure 7 Another sensor component integrated into the sole of the shoe is shown for measuring sole absorbency.

[0035] All figures use common reference numerals to indicate similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Embodiments of this utility model are described by way of example only. These examples are the best ways known to the applicant to practice this utility model, although they are not the only ways to achieve this. This specification sets forth the function of the examples and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the examples. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different examples.

[0037] The inventors have recognized that measuring devices are useful for measuring the deterioration of shoe soles, but obtaining accurate measurements in a robust and practical manner is difficult. Any measuring devices included in a shoe will add weight, which may be undesirable. Measuring devices included in a shoe may also negatively impact the wearer's comfort or safety. Any measuring devices in a shoe can be affected by dirt, sweat, temperature changes, pressure variations, and other factors, making it challenging to measure shoe characteristics in a robust and accurate manner.

[0038] Another challenge involves how to transfer measurement data from the measuring equipment inside the shoe to external devices, since it is often impractical for the shoe wearer to read the measurement results directly from the shoe.

[0039] Figure 1 This refers to a shoe 104 equipped with degraded sensing equipment. The degraded sensing equipment includes a Hall effect sensor 105, a magnet 110, and a communication component 115.

[0040] In the first example, the communication component 115 provides a dual function: receiving power from the external device 102 and transmitting digital signals, including measurements from the Hall effect sensor 105, to the external device 102. In this case, the external device 102 acts as both a digital signal receiver and a power source (i.e., providing power to the Hall effect sensor 105 and the communication component 115 within the shoe). In this first example, the shoe itself does not require a power source. The absence of a power source for the shoe improves safety, especially in cases where the shoe may become wet or damp. The absence of a power source also reduces weight within the shoe and allows for a more even weight distribution, rather than concentrating weight in specific parts of the shoe as with discrete power sources (such as fuel cells).

[0041] In the second example, the degraded sensing equipment also includes a power source 106 within the shoe, which is used in conjunction with or in lieu of power received from the external device 102. Integrating the power source 106 within the shoe itself enables the use of a wider range of types of external devices 102.

[0042] The communication component 115 receives digital signals from the Hall effect sensor 105 and transmits these signals to an external device 102, which is a computing device such as a desktop computer, smartphone, smartwatch, wearable computer, or any other computing device capable of receiving digital signals.

[0043] The communication component 115 transmits digital signals from the Hall effect sensor wirelessly or via a wired connection to the external device 102. In the case of a wired connection, examples include incorporating a physical port such as a USB port or a magnetic connector within the shoe as part of the communication component 115. In these cases, the user removes the shoe and inserts the corresponding port cable into the shoe to connect the communication component 115 within the shoe to the external device 102 and obtain measurement data from the Hall effect sensor 105.

[0044] As an alternative to the Hall effect sensor 105, an inductive-capacitive circuit can be used, wherein the inductive-capacitive circuit resonates at a resonant frequency related to the distance between the inductive-capacitive circuit and the magnet 110. In this case, specialized reading equipment is required to scan the frequency range to measure the resonant frequency of the inductive-capacitive circuit. The determined resonant frequency is an analog measurement result, which must be converted into digital form if it needs to be processed by a downstream digital processing mechanism. To accomplish such scanning, analog measurement, and conversion to digital signal output, a dedicated reader device can be used. In one example, the wearer of the shoe containing the inductive-capacitive circuit removes the shoe and inserts the reader device into a slot in the sole of the shoe. The reader device scans the resonant frequency, converts it from analog to digital form, and transmits the digital output to a device such as a smartphone. The inventors have recognized that this is a cumbersome arrangement involving the device in the shoe, the dedicated reader device, and the smartphone—three separate objects operated by a person. Including a dedicated reader device in the shoe increases the number of components in the shoe, which increases costs and may compromise the comfort and performance of the shoe. When a dedicated reader is attached to a shoe, the user may have difficulty attaching the reader correctly, and the reader's robustness may be reduced as moisture and dirt may seep into it.

[0045] The inventors have recognized that the Hall effect sensor 105 is a discrete component, its size and shape designed to be incorporated into the shoe during manufacturing without causing any noticeable uneven weight distribution within the shoe. The Hall effect sensor outputs a digital signal, thus eliminating the need to scan the resonant frequency or convert it to a digital signal. Therefore, no dedicated reader device is required, and the user can operate the technology using only the shoe itself and an external device 102 such as a smartphone (i.e., two objects manipulated by a person). Because the Hall effect sensor provides a digital signal as its output, accuracy is improved compared to scanning the resonant frequency of an inductive-capacitive circuit. Scanning the resonant frequency is susceptible to interference from nearby conductive objects or electromagnetic fields in the environment, which is less likely to affect the Hall effect sensor 105. The process of converting the resonant frequency from an analog signal to a digital signal also introduces noise.

[0046] Since the Hall effect sensor 105 is a power-required component, its use within a shoe is not straightforward. As mentioned above, there are issues with including a power source 106 within the shoe itself. The inventors have recognized that the Hall effect sensor 105 within the shoe can be powered using power wirelessly transmitted from an external device 102 to the shoe 104. Further details on how this can be technically achieved will be provided later in this document.

[0047] Figure 2 A sensor assembly 100 is shown, which includes a Hall effect sensor 105, a magnet 110, a conductive connector 125, a communication component 115, and an antenna 120. The Hall effect sensor 105 is aligned with the magnet 110. The Hall effect sensor 105 (also referred to as Hall sensor 105) can detect the presence and extent of a magnetic field generated by the magnet 110. The Hall effect sensor 105 can be used to accurately measure the distance between the Hall effect sensor 105 itself and the magnet 110. Detecting a weaker magnetic field from the magnet 110 means that the magnet 110 is farther from the Hall effect sensor 105, while detecting a stronger magnetic field means that the magnet 110 is closer to the Hall effect sensor 105. The Hall effect sensor 105 is an active sensor and therefore can actively transmit signals carrying measurement data in digital form.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In this example, antenna 120 takes the form of a flexible printed circuit on a laminated substrate. In this example, the antenna is a loop antenna suitable for near field communication (NFC).

[0049] exist Figure 2In this arrangement, the Hall effect sensor 105 communicates electronically with the communication component 115 via a conductive connector 125. One or more examples of the conductive connector 125 are printed metal strips (not shown). These printed metal strips are supported by a laminated dielectric substrate, which is optionally integrated with the substrate of the antenna 120. That is, in some cases, the substrates of the antenna 120 and the conductive connector 125 are cut from the laminate as single pieces to reduce manufacturing costs and enable a specified spatial relationship between the antenna and the Hall effect sensor 105. Because the antenna 120 is a printed track on a laminated substrate, the antenna can be included in the heel or body of the shoe, or it can be adhered to the inner surface of the shoe. Figure 2 In the example, antenna 120 is incorporated into the heel of the shoe (not shown for clarity).

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the example, Hall effect sensor 105 outputs digital signals to communication component 115 using an inter-integrated circuit protocol (i2C protocol) transmitted along a printed metal strip. In this case, communication component 115 is configured to use the i2C protocol. Using the i2C protocol is advantageous because it allows complex digital data to be transmitted between Hall effect sensor 105 and communication component 115 in a fast and accurate manner (i.e., with minimal introduction of noise or data loss). This is a significant benefit compared to transmitting analog signals such as resonant frequencies. However, using the i2C protocol is not mandatory, as other digital communication protocols are also available, such as Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Single Wire Protocol, or Controller Area Network (CAN) Protocol.

[0051] The communication component 115 includes an NFC chip and passive circuitry to control communication with the Hall sensor 105, as well as circuitry for controlling NFC communication via the antenna 120 to harvest power from the external device 102 and provide in-package memory for setting the Near Field Communication Data Exchange Format (NDEF) and buffering data.

[0052] In one example, antenna 120 is controlled by communication component 115 to enable near-field communication (NFC) with external device 102. In this case, antenna 120 is used to communicate with NFC-enabled external devices (such as smartphones). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) Receives and sends data. External devices ( Figure 1 (102) can issue instructions such as "read command" and receive data from the memory of communication component 115.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, antenna 120 can be used to receive signals from external devices ( Figure 1102) Wirelessly receiving power. Wireless power transmission methods may include one or more of the following: collecting NFC power from an external device, using open interface standards (such as Qi or other wireless inductive power transmission), and / or collecting general power from ambient light. General power can be collected from ambient radio light using thumbnail-sized tags, which can also be communicated using encrypted or plaintext data transmission.

[0054] Power can be received through one or more of the methods cited herein, and the NFC component can then transmit the data to an external device. As part of the near-field communication process, power acquisition and data communication occur essentially simultaneously.

[0055] If component 100 is installed in the sole of the shoe, the shoe's weight can be reduced compared to an alternative arrangement of power sources, such as batteries within the shoe itself. This weight reduction minimizes the impact on user performance and comfort. The cost of producing such shoes can also be reduced if a local battery is not required, as battery-free components are easier to integrate into the shoe manufacturing process due to the fewer parts needed.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor assembly 100 may use a local power source (i.e., within the shoe) that communicates electronically with one or more of the electronic components of the sensor assembly 100. This local power source may include one or more of the following: battery cells, rechargeable batteries, and / or capacitors. In one or more examples, solar energy or other light energy conversion technologies may be used in conjunction with solar panels to provide local power.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor assembly 100 may receive power from hardware connections such as wires, connectors, and / or probe pins.

[0058] Figure 3 A sensor assembly 100 integrated into the sole 205 of a shoe is shown. Users of shoes (e.g., training shoes) wish to protect themselves from injuries caused by sports activities or daily use. This protective function is primarily provided by the shoe's sole, which has the ability to cushion and absorb impact. With use and over time, the sole ages and wears down. This wear can also be affected by the shoe's storage conditions. Therefore, the protection provided changes over time.

[0059] exist Figure 3 In this example, sensor assembly 100 is used to measure the thickness of sole 205. In this example, Hall effect sensor 105 is located near a first surface of sole 205. The first surface of sole 205 may be a surface located near the user's foot when the shoe is in use. Hall effect sensor 105 may be embedded in or adhered to the first surface of sole 205.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In the example, magnet 110 is located near the second surface of sole 205. The second surface of sole 205 can be a surface that is near the ground when the shoe is in use. Magnet 110 can be embedded in or adhered to the surface of the second surface of sole 205.

[0061] The distance between the Hall effect sensor 105 and the magnet 110 corresponds to the thickness of the sole 205. Because the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105 are aligned, the magnet 110 is positioned substantially vertically below the Hall effect sensor 105 during use. The sensor assembly 100 is calibrated such that when installed in a new sole 205, the detection of the magnetic field emitted from the magnet 110 corresponds to the thickness of the sole 205 before degradation occurs. With wear and tear on the shoe, the cumulative effect of the user's foot inside the shoe will cause the sole 205 to flatten. Therefore, the Hall effect sensor 105 will detect a stronger magnetic field from the magnet 110 and thus determine that the distance between the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105 has decreased.

[0062] The distance between the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105, determined by the Hall effect sensor 105, is electronically transmitted to the communication component 115 via the conductive connector 125. Using an antenna 120, this distance can then be received digitally via an external device such as a smartphone. Once the thickness of the sole 205 is reduced by more than a predetermined value, such as 50% of its original thickness, transmitting this distance via the antenna 120 to an external device may be accompanied by a warning that the shoe is no longer safe for its intended use. In one example, a 30% compression measured when the shoe is idle indicates that the shoe is no longer safe to use because its absorption capacity is close to zero. It should be noted that the 30% compression value is not intended to be limiting; other percentage compression values ​​or ranges are used in some cases. The user can then choose to purchase a replacement instead of continuing to train with equipment that is no longer suitable for its intended purpose. Therefore, the user can avoid injuries such as joint pain while running.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105, as determined by the Hall effect sensor 105, is electronically transmitted to the communication component 115 via the conductive connector 125 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 This communication component uses wireless technology to transmit wireless communication signals to external devices. The wireless technology may include one or more of the following: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth (trademark), harvesting power from ambient radio waves, Wi-Fi, the proprietary physical radio communication “LoRa” (trademark), Li-Fi, and / or “ZigBee” (trademark), and other communication protocols.

[0064] Once the communication component 115 has received data regarding the distance between the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105, the wireless technology can transmit this data to an external device, which is a remote server, optionally a cloud-based server. For example, a Wi-Fi module integrated into the sole 205 can receive data regarding the thickness of the sole 205. If the thickness of the sole 205 is less than a predetermined value, the sole 205 may no longer provide sufficient support for the user. The Wi-Fi module is operable to wirelessly transmit this information to the user's smartphone via a remote server. The user is then alerted to the potential risk and can take remedial measures, such as changing the shoes.

[0065] Figure 4 An alternative sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown. In this arrangement, multiple magnets 110, 110', 110'' are used in conjunction with multiple corresponding Hall effect sensors 105, 105'. In this example, three Hall effect sensors 105, 105', 105'' and three magnets 110, 110', 110'' are used. However, it should be understood that any number of Hall effect sensors and magnets can be used, wherein each Hall effect sensor has a magnet substantially aligned with the axis of that Hall effect sensor.

[0066] In such Figure 4 In the example shown, Hall effect sensor 105 detects the magnetic field strength of magnet 110 (the nearest magnet). Hall effect sensor 105' detects the magnetic field strength of magnet 110'. Hall effect sensor 105'' detects the magnetic field strength of magnet 110''. In this way, each Hall effect sensor 105, 105', 105'' is arranged to detect only the magnetic field strength of the magnet 110, 110', 110'' closest to it. The magnets and Hall effect sensors are positioned relative to each other, so there is no significant interference between them.

[0067] Three Hall effect sensors 105, 105', 105'', 105''' and as described above and as Figure 4The illustrated magnet pairing. A first Hall effect sensor magnet pair 105, 110 is located in the heel of the shoe to measure the thickness of the sole in an area where compression may occur when in contact with the wearer's heel. The first Hall effect sensor is located on a flexible substrate, which is elongated and extends from the midpoint of the heel to the rear of the shoe where the antenna 120 is located. The flexible substrate extends along the outer edge of the sole until it reaches the area beneath the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe. The flexible substrate rotates beneath the foot and extends to a second edge of the sole. In this way, the flexible substrate is generally L-shaped. A second Hall effect sensor 105'' and a third Hall effect sensor 105'' are located on this flexible substrate so that they fall approximately beneath the wearer's foot. One of the second and third Hall effect sensors is located on the right side of the shoe, and the other on the left side. The substrate supports a conductive track that enables the transmission of digital signals between the Hall effect sensor and magnet pair and the communication component 115 at the rear of the shoe. In use, each of the Hall effect sensors 105, 105', and 105'' is positioned approximately vertically above the corresponding magnets 110, 110', and 110''.

[0068] By detecting the magnetic field strength of the magnets 110, 110', 110'' closest to each of the Hall effect sensors 105, 105', 105'', each of the Hall effect sensors 105, 105', 105'' can determine a distance representing the thickness of the sole at a specific location in the sole 205. In this example, three different thicknesses of the sole 205 are measured.

[0069] It has been discovered that, Figure 4 The use of three pairs of Hall effect sensors and magnets in the design allows for useful and accurate measurement of sole thickness without compromising wearer comfort. This is particularly useful for wearers with uneven gait or posture, as these variations can affect sole pressure during use.

[0070] Related to other examples described herein, data collected by Hall effect sensors 105, 105', 105'' related to the thickness of the sole 205 at three different points can be used to determine the overall effectiveness of the shoe, and thus the overall safety of the shoe. In one example, the average thickness of the sole 205 can be determined over all three distances. If the average thickness of the sole 205 is below a predetermined value, the shoe needs to be replaced. In another example, different weights can be assigned to the different thicknesses of the sole 205 measured by multiple Hall effect sensors. For example, the portion of the sole 205 near the user's heel that experiences more compression may be sufficient to warrant a replacement, but the portion of the sole 205 near the user's toes that experiences similar compression may not require a replacement. In yet another example, the Hall effect sensor that gives the largest measurement result is selected, and its measurement is compared to a threshold that triggers a prompt.

[0071] Measurement data from the Hall effect sensors is transmitted to the communication component 115. In some cases, each Hall effect sensor includes an identifier for digital measurement data of its output, and the communication component 115 uses the identifier to determine which measurement data comes from which Hall effect sensor.

[0072] In some cases, this communication component transmits measurement data to external devices without any aggregation. Figure 5 In the example, there are two Hall effect sensor and magnet pairs 105, 110 and 105', 110'. The first Hall effect sensor and magnet pair 105, 110 is located in the heel of the shoe sole, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown. A second Hall effect sensor and magnet pair 105', 110' are located in the sole of the shoe so that they are positioned under the wearer's foot during use. A flexible substrate in the form of an elongated track extends along one side of the shoe sole between the Hall effect sensor and magnet pair. This substrate supports a conductive track that enables the transmission of digital signals between the Hall effect sensor and magnet pair and a communication component 115 at the rear of the shoe. Measurement results are transmitted from the Hall effect sensor along with an identifier. The communication component 115 receives the measurement results and can transmit them to an external device via antenna 120.

[0073] It has been discovered that, due to having only two pairs of Hall effect sensors and magnets... Figure 5 The arrangement is compact, lightweight, and robust, making it particularly useful. If one Hall effect sensor fails, the other Hall effect sensor may still function, and the arrangement continues to operate to provide measurement data to external devices.

[0074] Figure 3A sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown for measuring sole absorbency. Sole absorbency is a measure of a shoe's sole's ability to absorb forces from the shoe's external surfaces, such as when the wearer is running or walking. Figure 3 This illustrates how to use a sensor assembly to measure sole absorbency. Sole absorbency is measured by the ratio between the current thickness of the sole and the thickness of the sole when the shoe was first manufactured. See reference... Figure 3 As explained, the distance between the Hall effect sensor 105 and the magnet 110 corresponds to the thickness of the sole 205, because the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105 are aligned such that, during use, the magnet 110 is substantially vertically positioned below the Hall effect sensor 105. The sensor assembly 100 is calibrated such that, when installed in a new sole 205, the detection of the magnetic field emitted from the magnet 110 corresponds to the thickness of the sole 205 before degradation occurs. With wear and tear, the cumulative effect of the user's foot within the shoe causes the sole 205 to flatten. Therefore, the Hall effect sensor 105 will detect a stronger magnetic field from the magnet 110 and thus determine that the distance between the magnet 110 and the Hall effect sensor 105 has decreased. As the sole thickness decreases after manufacturing and / or due to sole aging, the sole's absorbency decreases. Figure 3 In the arrangement, the sensor components can monitor the cushioning capacity of the sole (one sensor is sufficient to achieve this function).

[0075] Figure 5 The image shows a sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe for measuring drop. Drop measurement is the measurement of the angle between the upper surface of the sole and the floor, an angle that encourages the wearer to walk forward when the shoe is worn. Figure 5 This demonstrates how to measure drop using two sensors: one located in the heel of the shoe's sole, and the other at the toe position. The thickness of the shoe's sole is measured by both sensors. The difference between the measurements is related to the angle between the upper surface of the sole and the ground.

[0076] Figure 6 A sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown for measuring pronation, supination, and sole absorbency. Figure 6 In the example, there are two sensors. This arrangement is consistent with... Figure 4 The arrangement is the same, except that the sensor in the heel of the shoe sole is omitted, and the substrate terminates at the curved portion 800 that is joined to the antenna 120. Figure 6In this example, multiple magnets 110', 110'' are used in conjunction with multiple corresponding Hall effect sensors 105', 105''. In this example, two Hall effect sensors 105', 105'' and two magnets 110', 110'' are used. Each Hall effect sensor has a magnet substantially aligned with the axis of that Hall effect sensor.

[0077] In such Figure 6 In the example shown, Hall effect sensor 105' detects the magnetic field strength of magnet 110'. Hall effect sensor 105'' detects the magnetic field strength of magnet 110''. In this way, each Hall effect sensor 105', 105'' is arranged to detect only the magnetic field strength of the magnet 110', 110'' closest to it. The magnets and Hall effect sensors are positioned relative to each other, so there is no significant interference between them.

[0078] The two Hall sensors are located on a flexible substrate, which is elongated and extends from the rear of the shoe where the antenna 120 is located. The flexible substrate extends along the outer edge of the sole until it reaches the area beneath the wearer's foot when wearing the shoe. The flexible substrate rotates beneath the foot and extends to a second edge of the sole. In this way, the flexible substrate is typically L-shaped. Hall sensors 105'', 105' are located on this flexible substrate so that they fall approximately beneath the wearer's foot. One of these Hall sensors is located on the right side of the shoe, and the other on the left side. The substrate supports a conductive track that enables the transmission of digital signals between the Hall effect sensors and magnets and the communication component 115 at the rear of the shoe. Each of the Hall effect sensors 105', 105'' is positioned approximately vertically above its corresponding magnet 110', 110'' during use.

[0079] By detecting the magnetic field strength of the magnets 110', 110'' closest to each of the Hall effect sensors 105', 105'', each of the Hall effect sensors 105', 105'' can determine a distance representing the thickness of the sole at a specific location in the sole 205. In this example, two different thicknesses of the sole 205 are measured. The difference between the thicknesses measured by these two different Hall effect sensors is the result of a supination or pronation measurement. The sum of the thicknesses measured by these two different Hall effect sensors is the result of a measurement of the sole's absorption capacity.

[0080] Figure 7 Another sensor component integrated into the sole of the shoe is shown for measuring sole absorbency. This indicates that the antenna 120 can be placed anywhere in the shoe, not just at the rear. Figure 7In this example, magnet 110 is located in the heel of the shoe sole and is positioned vertically below Hall effect sensor 105. The Hall effect sensor is situated on a flexible substrate that is elongated and extends from the sensor toward one side of the shoe sole, such that when the wearer stands, the flexible substrate rests against one side of the sole, and when the wearer stands with their heels together, that side contacts the other heel. The flexible substrate follows a path including one or more creases or corrugations 900, where the creases or corrugations create loops within the flexible substrate that protrude toward the bottom of the shoe sole. These creases or corrugations help secure the components within the sole and allow for flexibility due to movement of the sole when the wearer wears the shoe. The creases or corrugations 900 are not mandatory. The flexible substrate is connected to antenna 120 and communication component 115. In one example, after shoe production is complete, antenna 120 and communication component are added to the shoe as, for example, accessories.

[0081] Figure 4 A sensor assembly integrated into the sole of a shoe is shown for measuring supination, pronation, drop, and sole absorbency. Figure 4 This illustration demonstrates how a sensor assembly with three sensors can measure pronation, supination, and sole absorbency. Two sensors in the forefoot region of the sole measure the sole thickness. The difference between the thickness measurements from these two sensors gives the measurement of pronation or supination. The difference between the thickness measurement from the sensor in the heel region of the sole and any of the thickness measurements from the other two sensors gives the measurement of drop. The difference between the thickness measurement from the sensor in the heel region of the sole and the sum of the thickness measurements from the other two sensors also gives the measurement of drop. Thickness measurements from any one or more of these three sensors give the measurement of sole absorbency.

[0082] In one example, the user removes his or her shoes (which contain Hall effect sensors) and places a smartphone near the sole of the shoe, such as within 5 centimeters of the back of the shoe (the position of the Hall effect sensor and antenna can be adjusted according to technical requirements). The shoe harvests power from the smartphone (or any smart device), and the Hall effect sensor uses the harvested power to measure the thickness of the shoe sole when it is not being worn. Communication components in the shoe use the harvested power to transmit the digital signals received from the Hall effect sensor to the smartphone (or any smart device). By repeating this process over time, a simple, low-cost, and accurate method can be used to measure the degradation of the shoe sole.

[0083] In one example, the device described herein is arranged to measure the shoe's deterioration without contact with the shoe's external surface. In one example, a person wearing the shoe sits in a chair with one foot raised, the shoe still on. Because the shoe is raised and suspended in the air, and without contact with the shoe's external surface, the Hall effect sensor is able to measure the state of the shoe's sole in a dormant state, similar to a state where the shoe is not worn (i.e., not being worn). This is because the force on the foot inside the shoe is reduced due to the raised foot and lack of contact with the shoe's external surface. The person sits in a chair, raises their foot, and brings a smartphone or other external device close to the shoe to power the Hall effect sensor and measure the shoe's sole. The person does not necessarily have to be sitting in a chair, as in some cases, they may be standing on one leg or leaning against a wall.

[0084] In the example, the shoe is raised so that the outer surface of the sole is not in contact with the ground as it would during normal use. The user may or may not be wearing the shoe during this raising process. The user can measure shoe deterioration by raising the shoe while wearing it, or alternatively by raising the shoe away from the outer surface contact area.

[0085] In one example, there is a method for measuring the deterioration of a shoe without contact with the shoe's external surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0086] Using an NFC communication component, power is harvested from an NFC-enabled external device at the shoe, which does not come into contact with the shoe. The shoe includes a Hall effect sensor located near the first surface of the sole.

[0087] The Hall effect sensor uses the collected electricity to detect the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by a magnet located near the second surface of the sole of the shoe.

[0088] The Hall effect sensor is used to determine the distance between the first surface of the sole and the second surface of the sole of the shoe;

[0089] The determined distance is transmitted from the Hall effect sensor to the NFC communication component via a conductive connector; and

[0090] The determined distance is transmitted from the NFC communication component to the external device.

[0091] Because there is no contact between the shoe and its external surfaces, the measurement results are independent of the forces exerted on the shoe by other external surfaces. However, if the shoe is in contact with the floor, external forces due to gravity and friction will affect the measurement results of the Hall effect sensor. For example, this method can be used to measure the deterioration of unworn shoes.

[0092] In the example, the method includes switching the NFC communication component from a sleep mode to a command mode based on a trigger received from the external device; and during the command mode, configuring the Hall effect sensor and reading from the Hall effect sensor. During the sleep mode, the NFC communication component is in a sleep state and does not draw power from the Hall sensor or acquire read content. During the command mode, the NFC communication component draws power from the external device and acquires read content from the Hall sensor. The trigger from the external device is a message transmitted from the external device to the NFC communication component using NFC.

[0093] In the example, the NFC communication component is configured to perform one or more of the following actions based on commands from the external device without an intermediate microcontroller: Hall effect sensor configuration setting, Hall effect sensor measurement control, interpreting reads from the Hall effect sensor, and interpreting commands from the external device. Each of these actions uses a different command. That is, the external device uses NFC to send a command to the shoe to trigger the Hall effect sensor configuration setting. It sends different commands to trigger the NFC communication component in the shoe to interpret reads from the Hall effect sensor. The NFC communication component in the shoe knows the different commands it may receive from the external device and how to respond to each of these commands. Therefore, no intermediate microcontroller is needed.

[0094] In the example, the Hall effect sensor and the magnet are paired vertically by being roughly aligned with the same axis perpendicular to the sole of the shoe.

[0095] An apparatus for measuring the condition of a shoe without contact with the outer surface of the shoe, the apparatus comprising:

[0096] At least one Hall effect sensor is located near the first surface of the sole of the shoe;

[0097] At least one magnet, the at least one magnet being located near the second surface of the sole of the shoe; and

[0098] A near-field communication (NFC) communication component that communicates electronically with the Hall effect sensor or each Hall effect sensor via a conductive connector;

[0099] The NFC communication component is operable to transmit data from the Hall effect sensor to an external device and receive power from the external device, wherein the external device supports NFC and is not physically connected to the shoe.

[0100] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the described problems or embodiments that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages.

[0101] Any reference to “one” item refers to one or more of those items. The term “comprising” as used herein means including an identified method block or element, but such block or element does not include an exclusive list, and a method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0102] The steps of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks of any method within this approach may be removed without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Without losing the desired effect, aspects of any example above may be combined with aspects of any other example described to form further examples.

[0103] It should be understood that the above description of preferred embodiments is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described above with some degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the deterioration of a shoe without contact with the surface of the exterior of said shoe, characterized in that, The apparatus comprises: at least one Hall effect sensor located proximate a first surface of a sole of the shoe; at least one magnet located proximate a second surface of the sole of the shoe; and a communication component in electronic communication with the or each Hall effect sensor via a conductive connector; wherein the communication component is operable to transmit data from the Hall effect sensor to an external device and to receive power from the external device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The communication component is a near field communication, NFC, component.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The external device is an NFC-enabled device.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The external device is a smartphone.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, In use, the first surface of the sole of the shoe is an upper surface proximate a user's foot and the second surface of the sole of the shoe is a lower surface proximate the ground.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The apparatus is for measuring shoe degradation of a shoe that is not being worn.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electronic communication between the or each Hall effect sensor and the communication component uses an I2C protocol.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The data transmitted between the or each Hall effect sensor and an external device includes a measurement of a distance between the at least one Hall effect sensor and the at least one magnet.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The apparatus comprises only two Hall effect sensors and only two magnets.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, In use, the or each Hall effect sensor is vertically located above the or each magnet.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The apparatus comprises a local power source in electronic communication with the Hall effect sensor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The apparatus comprises a charging port in electronic communication with the Hall effect sensor.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The apparatus comprises a wireless technology module in electronic communication with the Hall effect sensor.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The wireless technology module is operable to provide communication between the Hall effect sensor and a remote cloud server.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The wireless technology module comprises one or more of the following technologies: RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa, LiFi, harvesting power from ambient radio waves and / or ZigBee.

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