Smart shoe with integrated antenna structure, self-charging WLAN / Mesh communication unit, individual router and signal booster function, extensive sensors, as well as emergency and satellite communication.

Abstract

Smart shoe comprising a flexible antenna metal network integrated into the upper, a waterproof encapsulated electronic unit in the sole or heel containing a microcontroller, a WLAN / Mesh / Bluetooth chip, a battery, and a motion-based energy harvesting generator in the form of a threaded magnetic coil, a temperature-controlled heating function integrated under the insole, and sensors for movement via a three-axis accelerometer, for position via a gyroscope, for temperature, humidity, and pulse, as well as a GPS module and other health and safety parameters.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to intelligent footwear with integrated wireless communication infrastructure (WLAN / Mesh / Satellite), self-sufficient power supply, multifunctional sensors, and emergency and safety functions. In particular, the invention enables the establishment of local wireless networks independent of existing infrastructure and their expansion by multiple networked shoes. State of the art

[0002] Individual components such as heated insoles, wearable signal modules, mesh Wi-Fi systems, or motion generators are known. However, a modular integration of these functions into a shoe infrastructure capable of assuming various roles within a network is lacking. In particular, no solution is known in which shoes function specifically as routers, signal amplifiers, or energy boosters while simultaneously enabling emergency and satellite communication. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an intelligent shoe system that: • sets up local wireless and mesh networks independently of existing infrastructure, • replaces mobile connection points in underserved regions, • intelligent energy and signal distribution enables, • extensive integrated sensors and safety functions, • and ensures emergency communication via optical, acoustic and satellite-based channels. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention provides that each shoe within a network can assume different roles: • Router shoe: central access point with WLAN / Mesh electronics and optional satellite module. • Signal amplifier shoe: functions as a mesh repeater to extend the range. • Battery booster shoe: supplies other shoes with energy via inductive or wired interfaces.

[0005] The network is automatically established using mesh protocols and can utilize satellite communication if needed. Emergency calls are relayed bidirectionally and transmitted via paired smartphones or satellite channels. Designs

[0006] The shoes contain the following components: • Power supply: Motion generator (magnetic coil) with integrated battery. • Antenna structure: conductive metal mesh in the outer material for WLAN / Mesh / satellite communication. • Electronic unit: microcontroller, WLAN / Mesh / BLE chip, battery, sensors. • Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature / humidity sensors, pulse sensor, compass, GPS, barometric sensor, optional distance and magnetic field sensor. • Emergency functions: visual signals (LEDs), acoustic signals (piezo / speaker), automatic or manual triggering. Advantages of the invention • Self-sufficient energy supply without an external power source. • Establishment of local radio networks in remote regions. • Increased safety through comprehensive sensor technology and emergency communication. • Improved comfort thanks to automatic heating function. • Modular, robust design for outdoor use. • Modular design with robust IP67 / IP68 protection. Image description: Fig. shows a smart shoe with the components as depicted in the attached description. Fig. shows several smart shoes that are networked together in a WLAN / Mesh system.

Claims

[1] Smart shoe comprising a flexible antenna metal network integrated into the upper, a waterproof encapsulated electronic unit in the sole or heel containing a microcontroller, a WLAN / Mesh / Bluetooth chip, a battery and a motion-based energy harvesting generator in the form of a threaded magnetic coil, a temperature-controlled heating function integrated under the insole and sensors for motion by means of a three-axis accelerometer, for position by means of a gyroscope, for temperature, humidity and pulse as well as a GPS module and other health and safety parameters. [2] Shoe according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electronic unit is configured so that at least one shoe acts as a router and other shoes act as signal amplifiers (repeaters) or battery boosters in the WLAN / Mesh network, with the connection being wireless and / or wired. [3] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an integrated LED signal module at the toe of the shoe is provided for visual SOS signaling and an acoustic signaling unit in the form of a piezo speaker for emitting emergency tones. [4] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an automatic switch between communication mode, heating mode and charging or energy saving mode takes place, controlled depending on the current energy state and activity profile of the wearer. [5] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the router unit enables satellite communication, which automatically establishes a satellite link in the event of a lack of terrestrial network coverage to forward emergency calls and location data. [6] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an interface for coupling and communication with mobile phones is provided, which enables local or cross-network data transmission and notification. [7] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all electronic components are at least IP67 / IP68 certified and therefore protected against water and dust. [8] Shoe network comprising at least one smart shoe according to one of the preceding claims, which acts as a router, and several other smart shoes as signal amplifiers and battery boosters, wherein the shoes automatically form a mesh network for wireless communication and emergency transmission.

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