Insoles and footwear

Abstract

To provide an insole that includes an electrical charge generating elastic body and can detect pressure.SOLUTION: An insole 200 includes sensor elements 10A, 10B that include: an electrical charge generating elastic body for generating an electrical charge against external stimulation; and a signal conversion part for converting the electrical charge into a predetermined output signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an insole and footwear. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique is known in which a charge generating element such as a piezoelectric element is provided in an insole to obtain electrical energy from vibration energy accompanying walking movements.

[0003] Also, footwear has been disclosed that has an element formed by laminating a first electrode, an intermediate layer, and a second electrode in this order (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional insoles equipped with charge generating elements cannot detect pressure.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an insole that is equipped with a charge generating elastic body and is capable of detecting a change in pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The insole according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: An insole including a sensor element, a power generation unit, and a power storage unit, wherein the sensor element is A charge generating elastic body that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus; before A signal conversion unit that converts the charge into a predetermined output signal. The power generation unit is The power generating element is made of a rubber or rubber composition and has a flexible intermediate layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The storage unit includes: The power generated by the power generation unit is stored The sensor element and the power generation unit are disposed on the heel side of the insole, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the insole, the sensor element overlaps with the power generation unit. The insole is attached to footwear, and the portion of the power generation unit that overlaps with the sensor element when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the insole is located between the footwear and the sensor element. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an insole that includes a charge generating elastic body and is capable of detecting a change in pressure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensor system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a first example of a signal conversion circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a configuration example, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an output signal. [Diagram 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a second example of a signal conversion circuit according to an embodiment, where FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration example, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of an output signal. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a third example of a signal conversion circuit according to an embodiment, where FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a configuration example, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of an output signal. [Diagram 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a fourth example of a signal conversion circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a configuration example, and FIG. [Figure 6] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing examples of detection methods using a detection unit according to an embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing a method using voltage value sampling, (b) is a diagram showing a method using a threshold voltage, (c) is a diagram showing a method using peak hold, and (d) is a diagram showing a method using a threshold differential voltage. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal conversion unit according to a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an output signal according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensor system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the sensor system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensor system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of voltage output characteristics of a secondary battery. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an insole according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15]11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of output data from the processing unit, in which (a) shows a case where the user steps on the spot, and (b) shows a case where the user takes one step forward. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of footwear according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In an embodiment, the insole is configured to include a sensor element having a charge generating elastic body that generates an electric charge in response to an external stimulus and a signal conversion unit that converts the electric charge from the charge generating elastic body into a predetermined output signal, thereby making it possible to detect pressure applied to the insole.

[0011] In the following, an example of a sensor system including a sensor element according to the embodiment will be described in the first to third embodiments, an example of an insole including a sensor element will be described in the fourth embodiment, and an example of footwear including a sensor element will be described in the fifth embodiment. In the following embodiments, a charge generating rubber is used as an example of the charge generating elastic body, but it is not limited to rubber and any elastic body capable of generating a charge in response to an external stress may be used. In the present invention, the term "elastic body" means a material that can be elastically deformed, and is not limited thereto, but examples thereof include elastomers such as rubber, gels such as hydrogel, and polymers such as polyurethane and polyester. The charge generating elastic body is preferably a charge generating elastomer, and more preferably a charge generating rubber.

[0012] [First embodiment] <Configuration example of sensor system 1> First, a sensor system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor system 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor system 1 includes a sensor element 10, a power source 20, a detection unit 30, and a calculation unit 40.

[0014] Of these, the sensor element 10 includes a charge generating rubber 11 and a signal conversion circuit 12, and converts the charge generated in response to an external stimulus such as pressure into a predetermined output signal S. A This output signal S A corresponds to a detection signal of pressure or the like by the sensor element 10.

[0015] The charge generating rubber 11 is a power generating rubber that generates electric charge by deforming in response to an external stimulus such as pressure. The charge generating rubber 11 is an example of a charge generating element, and generates electric charge due to an external force. However, the charge generating element is not limited to the charge generating rubber 11, and may be other elements such as a piezoelectric element as long as it is derived from an external force and can generate electric charge, for example, a piezoelectric element or an electret. However, since these charge generating elements have a high output impedance, there is a possibility that the maximum voltage value of the voltage waveform of the output power will exceed the maximum value of the dynamic range (effective voltage range). Examples of external forces include physical energy such as peeling force, friction force, vibration force, deformation force, etc., as well as light energy and thermal energy.

[0016] A signal S generated by the charge generating rubber 11 EH is input to the signal conversion circuit 12.

[0017] The signal conversion circuit 12 converts the signal S EH The output signal S with a given offset voltage and dynamic range (effective voltage range) is generated. A The signal conversion circuit 12 is an electric circuit that converts the output signal S A It can also function as an impedance matching circuit that converts the impedance of the

[0018] The signal conversion circuit 12 is composed only of passive elements, and is driven by a voltage VDD1 supplied from a power supply 20. In other words, the signal conversion circuit 12 is supplied with a driving force from the power supply 20.

[0019] The power supply 20 is a power supply that supplies power to the signal conversion circuit 12, and can be configured using a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, etc. As an example, the power supply 20 applies a voltage of 3.6 V to the signal conversion circuit 12 to supply power. In this case, the signal conversion circuit 12 converts the signal S EH Based on this, it generates a signal with an offset voltage of 1.8V and a dynamic range of 0V to 3.6V.

[0020] The signal conversion circuit 12 may set the offset voltage of the generated signal to a reference voltage of 0 V to 3.6 V, and converts the output signal S A and outputs the generated signal to the detection section 30. A specific configuration of the signal conversion circuit 12 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Here, the signal conversion circuit 12 is an example of a signal conversion section.

[0021] The detector 30 detects the output signal S, which is an analog signal input from the signal conversion circuit 12. A is converted to analog / digital form and the detected digital signal S D to the calculation unit 40. The detection unit 30 is driven by a voltage VDD2 supplied from an arbitrary power source. This voltage VDD2 is preferably equal to or higher than the voltage VDD1.

[0022] The calculation unit 40 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and calculates the digital signal S input from the detection unit 30. D Execute analysis on the analysis data S C The calculation unit 40 is driven by a voltage VDD3 supplied from an arbitrary power source. This voltage VDD3 is a digital signal S Dcan be adjusted to a voltage that can be input to the calculation unit 40, so may be set to an arbitrary voltage value.

[0023] Each of the detection unit 30 and the calculation unit 40 can be realized using an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer). Also, the sensor system 1 can be configured so that the calculation unit 40 has the function of the detection unit 30, or the detection unit 30 has the function of the calculation unit 40.

[0024] <Configuration example of signal conversion circuit 12> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the signal conversion circuit 12. Various configurations and arrangements using various passive elements that do not consume power can be applied to this signal conversion circuit 12, so four configuration examples will be described below with reference to each of Figs. 2 to 5.

[0025] (First configuration example) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a signal conversion circuit, where (a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of an output signal.

[0026] FIG. 2(b) shows an output signal when an external stimulus is applied to the charge generating rubber 11. More specifically, when a user (hereinafter referred to as the user) using the sensor system applies an external stimulus to the charge generating rubber 11 by stepping on the charge generating rubber 11 with his / her foot, the output signal shows when the charge generating rubber 11 is stepped on once to apply pressure, and then the foot is removed from the charge generating rubber 11 to reduce pressure. When the user repeatedly steps on the charge generating rubber 11, the output signal shown in FIG. 2(b) is repeatedly obtained according to the number of times the action is repeated. These points are the same in the other figures showing output signals below.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2( a ), the signal conversion circuit 12 includes a resistor R 1 , an output terminal 122 , and a GND terminal 123 .

[0028] The resistor R1 is connected in parallel to the charge generating rubber 11. One end of the resistor R1 is connected to the output terminal 122, and the other end is connected to the GND terminal 123. When the current (charge) output by the charge generating rubber 11 flows through the resistor R1, a voltage is generated in the direction of the current (charge) flow, with reference to the GND voltage connected to one end of the resistor R1.

[0029] Since the output voltage of the signal conversion circuit 12 in FIG. 2(a) is a positive voltage and a negative voltage with respect to the GND potential, the power supply of the detection unit 30 needs to be configured to be driven by positive and negative power supplies.

[0030] The output terminal 122 receives the output signal S A The GND terminal 123 is a ground terminal that serves as a reference for electric potential.

[0031] The charge generating rubber 11 includes a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, and an intermediate layer 113. The intermediate layer 113 is a flexible layer formed from rubber or a rubber composition. The charge generating rubber 11 is configured by laminating the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 with the intermediate layer 113 sandwiched therebetween.

[0032] A signal S is generated when the charge generating rubber 11 is deformed in response to an external stimulus. EH The relationship between charge and current in is expressed by the following equation (1). I EH =Q EH / t (1) Here, I in equation (1) EH represents the current, and Q EH represents the charge and t represents time.

[0033] current I EH flows in the direction indicated by the arrow 114 in FIG. 2(a), and the output terminal 122 outputs the output signal S A The direction opposite to the arrow 114 is the charge Q EH This corresponds to the direction in which the signal changes.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the output signal S A The GND voltage (0V) is the reference voltage S AB and the negative peak voltage S AV and the positive peak voltage S AP In the embodiment, the signal conversion circuit 12 acquires a signal having peaks in two directions, that is, in the positive direction and the negative direction, so that the direction in which the external stimulus is applied to the charge generating rubber 11 can be detected.

[0035] More specifically, when a user steps on the charge generating rubber 11 with his / her foot to apply an external stimulus to the charge generating rubber 11, a peak voltage S AV When the foot is released from the charge generating rubber 11, a positive peak voltage S AP Such an output signal S A This makes it possible to obtain information on the direction and magnitude of the external stimulus applied to the charge generating rubber 11.

[0036] Here, the peak voltage S in the positive direction AP is an example of an extreme value in the positive direction, and the peak voltage S AV is an example of an extreme value in the negative direction.

[0037] In addition, the arrow 115 in FIG. 2(b) indicates the peak voltage S AV The arrow 116 indicates the direction of current flow when the positive peak voltage S AP This indicates the direction of current flow when

[0038] (Second configuration example) Next, FIG. 3 shows a second example of the signal conversion circuit, where (a) shows an example of the configuration, and (b) shows an example of the output signal.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the signal conversion circuit 12a includes diodes D1 to D4, a resistor R2, and a capacitor C1.

[0040] The diodes D1 to D4 are arranged in a bridge configuration to form a full-wave rectifier circuit, which rectifies the negative voltage component of the input voltage to the signal conversion circuit 12a to generate a positive voltage.

[0041] The resistor R2 and the capacitor C1 are connected in parallel to the charge generating rubber 11, one end of which is connected to the output terminal 122 and the other end of which is connected to the GND terminal 123. The resistor R2 and the capacitor C1 perform noise processing and waveform shaping on the DC voltage after full-wave rectification by the diodes D1 to D4, and output the output signal S Aa Generate.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the output signal S Aa The GND voltage is connected to the reference voltage S AB The first peak voltage S AP1 and the second peak voltage S in the positive direction AP2 The signal contains two peak voltages in the positive direction, as the negative voltage is converted and rectified by the full-wave rectifier circuit into a positive voltage.

[0043] In addition, the arrow 115a in FIG. 3(b) indicates the first peak voltage S AP1 The arrow 116a indicates the direction of current flow when the second peak voltage S AP2 This indicates the direction of current flow when

[0044] By configuring the signal conversion circuit 12a to include a full-wave rectifier circuit in this manner, it is possible to reduce noise and adjust the output voltage level (dynamic range).

[0045] (Third configuration example) Next, FIG. 4 shows a third example of the signal conversion circuit, where (a) shows an example of the configuration, and (b) shows an example of the output signal.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the signal conversion circuit 12b includes a diode D5, a resistor R3, and a capacitor C2.

[0047] Diode D5 is connected in series with charge generating rubber 11 to form a half-wave rectifier circuit, and rectifies the AC current input from charge generating rubber 11 by allowing only one of the currents flowing in the positive and negative directions to flow.

[0048] The resistor R3 and the capacitor C2 are each connected to the charge generating rubber 11, one end of which is connected to the output terminal 122, and the other end of which is connected to the GND terminal 123. The resistor R3 and the capacitor C2 perform noise processing and waveform shaping on the DC voltage after half-wave rectification by the diode D5, and output the output signal S Ab Generate.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the output signal S Ab The GND voltage is connected to the reference voltage S AB and the peak voltage in the positive direction is S APb The signal contains a positive peak voltage S APb Only the following is obtained:

[0050] In addition, the arrow 115b in FIG. 4(b) indicates the peak voltage S APb The arrow 116a indicates the direction of current flow when the output signal S before half-wave rectification is A indicates the direction of current flow when the peak voltage is obtained.

[0051] By configuring the signal conversion circuit 12b in this manner so as to include a half-wave rectifier circuit, the signal conversion circuit can be configured with a small number of components.

[0052] By using a half-wave rectifier circuit, the charge generating rubber 11 generates a positive peak voltage S only when the charge generating rubber 11 is stepped on with a foot. AP The positive peak voltage S can be obtained only when the legs are separated. AP It is also possible to obtain information on the direction and magnitude of the external stimulus applied to the charge generating rubber 11.

[0053] (Fourth configuration example) Next, FIG. 5 shows a fourth example of the signal conversion circuit, where (a) shows an example of the configuration, and (b) shows an example of the output signal.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the signal conversion circuit 12c includes resistors R4 to R7, a capacitor C3, and a VDD terminal 124, and configures an RC circuit.

[0055] Of these, the resistor R4 is connected in series to the charge generating rubber 11, one end of the charge generating rubber 11 side is connected to the resistor R5, and the other end is connected to the capacitor C3. In addition, the resistor R5 and the capacitor C3 are each connected in parallel to the charge generating rubber 11.

[0056] The resistor R6 has one end connected to the VDD terminal 124 and the other end connected to the output terminal 122. The resistor R7 has one end connected to the output terminal 122 and the other end connected to the GND terminal 123.

[0057] The reference voltage S AB The output signal S based on Ac is generated.

[0058] The signal conversion circuit 12c outputs the output signal S Ac The signal conversion circuit 12c also functions as an impedance matching circuit that matches the output impedance of the signal conversion circuit 12c with the input impedance of the detection unit 30 so that the detection unit 30 can input the signal. The output impedance of the signal conversion circuit 12c can be adjusted by the resistance values ​​of the resistors R4 to R7 and the capacitance value of the capacitor C3.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the output signal S Ac is the reference voltage S AB The negative peak voltage S AVc and the positive peak voltage S APcThis signal has peaks in both the positive and negative directions, and is the output signal S A The same effect can be obtained.

[0060] Voltage S in Figure 5(b) AD corresponds to voltage VDD1, and voltage S AG corresponds to the GND voltage. Also, voltage S AG ~S AD The range of corresponds to the dynamic range, and the reference voltage S AB is the voltage S AG and voltage S AD It corresponds to a voltage value that is the intermediate value between

[0061] The dynamic range is adjusted to within a range that the detection unit 30 can input for A / D conversion by the resistance values ​​of the resistors R4 to R7 and the capacitance value of the capacitor C3. AB is adjusted within a range that can be input by the detection unit 30 for A / D conversion, depending on the combination of the resistance values ​​of the resistors R4 to R7.

[0062] In addition, the arrow 115c in FIG. 5(b) indicates the peak voltage S AVc The arrow 116c indicates the direction of current flow when the positive peak voltage S APc This indicates the direction of current flow when

[0063] <Example of detection method by detection unit 30> Next, a detection method by the detection unit 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The detection unit 30 can execute any of the four detection methods described below in Fig. 6(a) to (d). As the signal conversion circuit that supplies an output signal to the detection unit 30, any of the signal conversion circuits 12 and 12a to 12c can be applied, but the following description will be given as an example of a case where the signal conversion circuit 12 is applied.

[0064] Here, Figure 6 is a diagram explaining an example of a detection method by the detection unit 30, where (a) is a diagram explaining a method using voltage value sampling, (b) is a diagram explaining a method using threshold voltage, (c) is a diagram explaining a method using peak hold, and (d) is a diagram explaining a method using threshold differential voltage.

[0065] 6(a) to (d), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents voltage. The black dots in each graph represent the digital signal S detected by the detection unit 30. D The solid line represents the output signal S A It represents.

[0066] In the method of sampling the voltage value shown in FIG. 6(a), the detection unit 30 outputs an output signal S at a predetermined sampling interval Δt. A The voltage value va is sampled and A / D converted, and the voltage value is detected (acquired) in correspondence with the time data at that time.

[0067] Specifically, the detection unit 30 detects (ta0, va1), (ta0+Δt, va2), (ta0+2·Δt, va3), . . . , (ta0+n·Δt, van). Here, ta0 indicates the start time of sampling, va indicates the voltage value, n indicates the total number of samplings, and the subscript number of va indicates a counter. In this example, sampling is performed 1 to n times.

[0068] For time data, the start time ta0 is set as initial data, and the sampling interval Δt is added to this initial data each time sampling is performed, and detected. For voltage value, a voltage value van is detected in association with the time data.

[0069] Next, in the method using the threshold voltage of FIG. 6(b), the detection unit 30 detects the output signal S A When the voltage crosses a predetermined threshold voltage value, the voltage value is detected in association with the time data at that time.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the lower threshold voltage V th1 and the upper threshold voltage value V th2 is determined in advance. The output signal S A is the lower threshold voltage value V th1 The voltage value va1 when the line crosses the line va1 and the time data ta1 at that time are detected in correspondence with each other. A is the upper threshold voltage value V th2 The voltage value va2 at the time when the line crosses the line va2 and the time data ta2 at that time are detected in correspondence with each other.

[0071] In addition, although only two points of data are shown in Fig. 6(b), the lower threshold voltage value V th1 and the upper threshold voltage value V th2 The data is detected based on the number of times the line crosses any one of the lines.

[0072] Next, in the peak hold method of FIG. 6(c), the detection unit 30 detects the output signal S A When the voltage value at the point becomes smallest and when the voltage value at the point becomes largest, the voltage value is held and detected by associating the voltage value with the time data at that time.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 6(c), the minimum value V min The voltage value va1 at the time when the voltage reaches the maximum value V max The voltage value va2 at which this occurs and the time data ta2 at that time are detected in correspondence with each other.

[0074] Next, in the method using differential voltage in FIG. 6(d), a time differential value of a voltage value is detected.

[0075] In the example shown in Fig. 6(d), Δva1 (=va1-va1') is detected as a voltage change amount in an infinitesimal time dt corresponding to time data ta1 (a predetermined time). Also, Δva2 (=va2-va2') is detected as a voltage change amount in an infinitesimal time dt at a time corresponding to time data ta2.

[0076] By using Δva1 / ta1 and Δva2 / ta2, the strength of the foot push and the speed at which the foot is released can be determined, and the walking state can be known.

[0077] As described above, the detection unit 30 detects the output signal of the signal conversion circuit and outputs the detected digital signal S D can be output to the calculation unit 40.

[0078] <Effects of the First Embodiment> (Function and effect of the signal conversion circuit 12) Next, a description will be given of the function and effect of the signal conversion circuit 12 included in the sensor element 10. First, a signal conversion circuit 12X according to a comparative example will be described before describing the function and effect of the signal conversion circuit 12. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the signal conversion circuit 12X.

[0079] 7, the signal conversion circuit 12X includes a piezoelectric element 101, an integrating circuit 71, and an amplifying circuit 72. A signal generated in response to a charge generated by the piezoelectric element 101 serving as a charge generating element is input to the integrating circuit 71.

[0080] The integrating circuit 71 includes an integrating operational amplifier 108, and the voltage is accumulated in a charging capacitor 104 provided between the input and output of the integrating operational amplifier 108, and converted into an integrated voltage signal Vo1.

[0081] An amplifier circuit 72 is provided in the subsequent stage of the integrating operational amplifier 108, and a non-inverting amplifier circuit 107 is connected thereto for amplifying the voltage signal Vo1 output from the integrating operational amplifier 108. The non-inverting amplifier circuit 107 is also connected to a reference voltage source 106.

[0082] The reference voltage source 106 is for applying a predetermined bias voltage to the integrating operational amplifier 108 and the non-inverting amplifier circuit 107. The integrating operational amplifier 108, the non-inverting amplifier circuit 107, and the reference voltage source 106 are integrated together to form an integrated circuit.

[0083] The signal conversion circuit 12X has a function of converting a signal generated in response to the charge of the piezoelectric element 101 into a predetermined signal and outputting it. However, since the signal conversion circuit 12X performs signal conversion using the integrating circuit 71 and the amplifying circuit 72 as active elements, the power consumption for signal conversion may become large.

[0084] In contrast to such a comparative example, in this embodiment, the signal conversion circuit 12 is composed of only passive elements. Since a passive element consumes less power than an active element, the signal conversion circuit 12 reduces power consumption and generates a signal S according to the charge generated by the charge generating rubber 11. EH to a given output signal S A Among passive elements, high impedance passive elements are preferable rather than low impedance passive elements. Examples of high impedance passive elements include resistors, capacitors, and coils. By using high impedance passive elements, power consumption can be reduced more than when low impedance passive elements are used.

[0085] (Actions and Effects of Sensor System 1) The sensor system 1 according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 30 that detects the output signal of the sensor element 10. More specifically, the detection unit 30 detects the output signal S of the sensor element 10, which is an analog signal. A is converted to a digital signal S D This causes the sensor element 10 to detect and output an output signal S A It enables analysis by digital processing, and the data can be sent to an external device such as a PC as digital data or stored in a storage device.

[0086] The sensor system 1 also includes a calculation unit 40 that analyzes the output signal of the sensor element 10. The calculation unit 40 calculates, for example, the output signal S A The output signal S of the sensor element 10 is digitally processed and output as analysis data. A Based on this, various information can be obtained.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example of the sensor system 1 including both the detection unit 30 and the calculation unit 40 has been described, but the sensor system 1 may be configured to include either the detection unit 30 or the calculation unit 40.

[0088] [Second embodiment] Next, a sensor system 1a according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0089] Here, Fig. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the sensor system 1a. As shown in Fig. 9, the sensor system 1a includes a power source 20a.

[0090] The power supply 20a is a power supply that supplies power to both the signal conversion circuit 12 and the detection unit 30 in the sensor element 10. In other words, the power supply source for the signal conversion circuit 12 and the power supply source for the detection unit 30 are the same power supply 20a.

[0091] The power supply 20a supplies power by applying a voltage VDD4 to both the signal conversion circuit 12 and the detection unit 30. The power supply 20a can be configured by a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, or the like.

[0092] In this way, by using the same power supply 20a for the signal conversion circuit 12 and the detection unit 30, the signal conversion circuit 12 can convert the output signal S A In the dynamic range required for the detector 30 to input the output signal S A can be output.

[0093] 9 shows an example in which the power supply source of the signal conversion circuit 12 in the sensor system 1a and the power supply source of the detection unit 30 are the same power source 20a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sensor system 1a may be configured so that the power supply source of the signal conversion circuit 12 and the power supply source of the calculation unit 40 are the same power source. In this case, the signal conversion circuit 12 converts the output signal S A The dynamic range required for the calculation unit 40 to input the output signal S Acan be output.

[0094] The sensor system may be configured so that the signal conversion circuit 12, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40 all share the same power source. Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the sensor system 1b. The signal conversion circuit 12, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40 in this sensor system 1b all share the same power source.

[0095] 10, the sensor system 1b includes a power supply 20b that supplies power to all of the signal conversion circuit 12, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40. In other words, the power supply source for all of the signal conversion circuit 12, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40 is the same power supply 20b.

[0096] The power supply 20b supplies power by applying a voltage VDD5 to all of the signal conversion circuit 12, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40. The power supply 20b may be constituted by a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, or the like.

[0097] With this configuration, the dynamic ranges of the signal conversion circuit 12, the detection section 30, and the calculation section 40 in the sensor system 1b can be easily matched.

[0098] [Third embodiment] Next, a sensor system 1c according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11, which is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor system 1c.

[0099] 11, the sensor system 1c includes a secondary battery 21 as a power source for supplying power to the signal conversion circuit 12 in the sensor element 10. The secondary battery 21 is formed of a lithium ion battery, a lead storage battery, or the like.

[0100] Here, the secondary battery 21 has a voltage output characteristic (discharge characteristic) that reduces the voltage change of the output signal accompanying changes in the SOC (State Of Charge), which is the remaining capacity of the storage element, compared to other storage elements such as capacitors and condensers. In other words, the secondary battery 21 can suppress changes in the output voltage even when the SOC changes due to charging or discharging the secondary battery 21.

[0101] 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the voltage output characteristic of the secondary battery 21. The horizontal axis of FIG. 12 indicates the SOC of the secondary battery 21, and the vertical axis indicates the output voltage of the secondary battery 21. range indicates the range of power used by the signal conversion circuit 12 out of the power supplied by the secondary battery 21. range is the power usage range W range 4 shows the range of change in the output voltage corresponding to

[0102] As shown in Fig. 12, the voltage output characteristics of the secondary battery 21 have a region where the slope of the voltage change with SOC is small and flat. For example, in the example of Fig. 12, the range of SOC from 10% to 90% corresponds to the region where the slope of the voltage change with SOC is small and flat.

[0103] By using this region, the power usage range W range If the SOC range is set to 10% or more and 90% or less, the voltage change range V range This allows the output voltage to be kept within a narrow range of 3.5V or more and 3.7V or less. This makes it possible to suppress changes in output voltage due to the SOC. Here, the "range where the SOC is 10% or more and 90% or less" is an example of a "predetermined range."

[0104] If the output voltage of the power supply that supplies power to the signal conversion circuit 12 changes significantly, the drive voltage supplied to the signal conversion circuit 12 changes, which may cause the signal conversion circuit 12 to malfunction. In contrast, in this embodiment, a secondary battery 21 is used as the power supply, and the slope of the voltage change due to the SOC is small within the power usage range W rangeis set as the power usage range. range By using power in this manner, it is possible to suppress changes in output voltage due to the SOC and the like, and to allow the signal conversion circuit 12 to operate stably and normally.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the secondary battery 21 supplies power to the signal conversion circuit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sensor system 1c may be configured so that the secondary battery 21 supplies power to at least one of the detection unit 30 and the calculation unit 40 in addition to the signal conversion circuit 12. That is, the power supply 20a in FIG. 9 or the power supply 20b in FIG. 10 can be configured with the secondary battery 21. In this case, by suppressing the change in output voltage associated with the SOC, at least one of the detection unit 30 and the calculation unit 40 in addition to the signal conversion circuit 12 can be stably and normally operated.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signal conversion circuit 12 has been described as an example, but the same effects can be obtained when this embodiment is applied to the signal conversion circuits 12a to 12c.

[0107] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an insole 200 according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0108] Here, the insole refers to a resilient cushion used in footwear such as shoes, and is also called an inner sole. The insole can be made of materials including polyurethane, polyester, wool, leather, activated carbon, and the like.

[0109] <Overall configuration example of Insole 200> Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the insole 200 according to this embodiment. Note that the X direction shown in Fig. 13 corresponds to the short side direction (width direction) of the insole 200, and the Y direction corresponds to the long side direction of the insole 200. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 13, the insole 200 includes sensor elements 10A and 10B, a processing unit 50, and a power generation unit 60. In this configuration example, two elements 10A and 10B are used as sensor elements, but the number of sensor elements is not particularly limited as long as it is multiple. The toe side portion (hereinafter referred to as the toe portion) corresponding to the positive Y direction side of the insole 200 is composed of a material portion 70 made of the above-mentioned insole material. The heel side portion (hereinafter referred to as the heel portion) corresponding to the negative Y direction side of the insole 200 is composed of a power generation unit 60 (hatched portion). In addition, a processing unit 50 is provided between the material portion 70 and the power generation unit 60 in the Y direction so as to connect the material portion 70 and the power generation unit 60.

[0111] Each of the sensor elements 10A and 10B has the same function as the sensor element 10 described in the first to third embodiments, and is an element that converts electric charges generated in response to an external stimulus, in this embodiment, an external stress such as pressure, into a predetermined output signal and outputs the signal. The sensor element 10A outputs an output signal S A1 and the sensor element 10B outputs the output signal S A2 This output signal S A and S B corresponds to a detection signal of pressure, etc.

[0112] The sensor element 10A is installed on the surface of the power generation unit 60 at the heel of the insole 200 on the positive Z direction side. The sensor element 10B is installed on the surface of the material unit 70 at the toe of the insole 200 on the positive Z direction side. Here, the surface of the insole 200 on the positive Z direction side is the surface that comes into contact with the sole of the foot of the insole user (hereinafter referred to as the insole user) when the user wears footwear in which the insole 200 is attached. The surface of the insole 200 on the negative Z direction side is the surface that comes into contact with the footwear in which the insole 200 is attached.

[0113] The sensor element 10A can be installed in the insole 200 by fixing the sensor element 10A to the surface of the power generation unit 60. The sensor element 10B can be installed in the insole 200 by fixing the sensor element 10B to the surface of the material unit 70. This fixing can be performed with an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like.

[0114] The processing unit 50 is an electric circuit that receives the output signals of the sensor elements 10A and 10B and executes predetermined processing on the output signals. The configuration and functions of the processing unit 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0115] The power generating unit 60 includes a power generating rubber and generates electricity in response to an external stimulus. More specifically, the power generating unit 60 is made of rubber or a rubber composition, and is configured by laminating a plurality of power generating elements each having a flexible intermediate layer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The number of layers of the power generating element is, for example, 10.

[0116] The power generation unit 60 generates electricity when pressure is applied as the insole user walks, etc., and supplies the generated electricity to a secondary battery provided in the processing unit 50.

[0117] The arrangement of the components in the insole 200, such as the sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing unit 50, the power generation unit 60, etc., is not limited to that described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0118] For example, the portion where the sensor elements 10A and 10B are installed is not limited to the surface on the positive Z direction side of the insole 200, but may be the surface on the negative Z direction side of the insole 200, or may be inside the base material (material) of the insole 200. Furthermore, the sensor element 10A and the sensor element 10B may be installed in different portions of the insole 200, such as the sensor element 10A being installed on the positive Z direction side of the insole 200 and the sensor element 10B being installed inside the insole 200. However, it is preferable to match the portions to be fixed in order to match the detection conditions of the sensor element 10A and the sensor element 10B.

[0119] Alternatively, the entire insole 200 may be made of the material part 70, and at least one of the processing part 50 and the power generation part 60 may be placed on the surface or inside of the material part 70. The sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing part 50, and the power generation part 60 may be covered with a member that houses them. There are no particular limitations on the material, shape, size, and structure of the housing member, and they may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0120] <Configuration example of the processing unit 50> Next, the processing unit 50 will be described. Fig. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the processing unit 50 provided in the insole 200. As shown in Fig. 14, the processing unit 50 includes a power storage unit 51, a detection unit 30a, a calculation unit 40a, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53, and configures an electric circuit.

[0121] The sensor element 10A includes a charge generating rubber 11A that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus, and a signal conversion circuit 12A that converts the charge generated by the charge generating rubber 11A into a predetermined output signal. The sensor element 10B includes a charge generating rubber 11B that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus, and a signal conversion circuit 12B that converts the charge generated by the charge generating rubber 11B into a predetermined output signal.

[0122] The power storage unit 51 includes a secondary battery 21, stores the power generated by the power generation unit 60 in the secondary battery 21, and supplies the stored power to the sensor element 10A, the sensor element 10B, the detection unit 30a, the calculation unit 40a, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53.

[0123] The function of the power storage unit 51 to supply power to the sensor elements 10A and 10B, the detection unit 30a, and the calculation unit 40a is similar to the function of the power source 20b described in the second embodiment to supply power to the sensor element 10, the detection unit 30, and the calculation unit 40 (see FIG. 10). The function of the secondary battery 21 is similar to that described in the third embodiment (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0124] The power storage unit 51 can supply power to the sensor element 10A by applying a voltage VDD6, and can supply power to the sensor element 10B by applying a voltage VDD7. A VDD terminal through which the power storage unit 51 supplies power to the detection unit 30a, the calculation unit 40a, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 is omitted in FIG.

[0125] In addition to the secondary battery 21, the power storage unit 51 can also be configured to include a plurality of power storage devices such as capacitors, and a series-parallel switching unit that switches the connection state of the plurality of power storage devices between series and parallel. By including a plurality of power storage devices and a series-parallel switching unit, the power storage efficiency of the power storage unit 51 can be increased. Since publicly known techniques disclosed in JP 2019-161975 A and the like can be applied to such a configuration, further detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0126] The detector 30a detects the output signal S of the signal conversion circuit 12A. A1 is converted to a digital signal S D1 to the calculation unit 40, and the output signal S of the signal conversion circuit 12B is A2 is converted to a digital signal S D2 to the calculation unit 40.

[0127] The calculation unit 40a is composed of a CPU and the like, and calculates the digital signal S D1 and S D2 Execute analysis on the corresponding analysis data S C1 and S C2 to the storage unit 52 and the communication unit 53.

[0128] This analysis process is a process of calculating a heel-strike rate based on a detection signal by the sensor elements 10A and 10B of the pressure applied to the insole 200. Here, the heel-strike rate refers to the rate at which the heel lands on the ground while the insole user is walking.

[0129] A processor that operates the functions of the detection unit 30a and the calculation unit 40a at a low voltage and low current consumption can be used. An example of such a processor that operates at a low voltage and low current consumption is SOTB (Silicon on Thin Buried Oxide) (registered trademark). Since the use of such a processor can reduce power consumption for calculation, it is suitable for applying a sensor system including the insole 200, the sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing unit 50, etc. to IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

[0130] The storage unit 52 stores the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The storage unit 52 may be configured with a semiconductor memory or a portable memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. When configured with a portable memory, the stored analysis data S C1 and S C2 This is useful when transferring the image data to an external device such as a PC.

[0131] The communication unit 53 receives the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The communication unit 53 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) that wirelessly transmits signals and data to the smartphone 80. The communication unit 53 can also wirelessly receive signals and data from the smartphone 80. If the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) standard is used as the wireless communication protocol, power consumption for communication can be reduced, which is suitable for IoT applications. Here, the communication unit 53 is an example of a transmission unit.

[0132] The smartphone 80 receives the analysis data S from the insole 200. C1 and S C2 Based on this, an application has been installed to analyze how the weight of the insole user is placed on the soles of the feet when walking, running, standing, etc.

[0133] The insole user uses the smartphone 80 and the above application to collect analysis data S C1 and S C2 Based on this, it is possible to analyze characteristics such as how weight is distributed, how the person walks, how they run, etc.

[0134] The target device with which the communication unit 53 communicates is not limited to the above-mentioned smartphone 80, but may be an external device such as a PC, a server, or a display.

[0135] <An example of analysis data> Next, the analysis data S detected by the sensor elements 10A and 10B is output from the processing unit 50. C1 and S C2 This article explains:

[0136] Here, FIG. 15 shows the analysis data S C1 and S C2 1A is a diagram illustrating a case where an insole user steps on the spot, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a case where an insole user takes a step forward.

[0137] The horizontal axis of the graph indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates voltage. A solid line graph 151 indicates the output signal S of the sensor element 10a (heel portion). A1 Based on the analysis data S C1 The dashed graph 152 indicates the output signal S A2 Based on the analysis data S C2 This shows that.

[0138] When the insole user steps on the spot, the sole of the insole user's foot comes into contact with and separates from the ground at approximately the same time, and the force acting on the entire sole is approximately the same. Therefore, the heel and toe of the insole 200 are subjected to approximately the same pressure, so that the output signal S A1 and the output signal S of the sensor element 10b A2are almost the same. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15(a), graph 151 and graph 152 are almost overlapping. In the example of Fig. 15(a), five waveforms are repeatedly displayed for the voltage signal indicating the pressure in response to five repeated stepping movements.

[0139] On the other hand, when the insole user takes a step forward, when the insole user first lifts the foot, the toe of the sole applies pressure to the ground and the heel moves away from the ground. Then, when the lifted foot lands on the ground, the heel comes into contact with the ground first, and then the toe comes into contact with the ground.

[0140] According to such a behavior of the sole of the foot against the ground, when the insole user lifts the foot, pressure is applied to the toe part and pressure is reduced in the heel part. After that, when the lifted foot lands on the ground, pressure is increased in the heel part and then pressure is increased in the toe part. According to the difference in pressure applied to the heel part and the toe part, as shown in FIG. 15(b), graph 151 and graph 152 are displayed separately.

[0141] Such analytical data S C1 and S C2 Based on this, the smartphone 80 can analyze and analyse the way the insole user places their weight on the soles of their feet when walking, running, standing alone, etc., and the characteristics of their walking and running styles.

[0142] 13 to 15, the insole 200 is applied to one foot, but the same insole 200 can be applied to both feet. By acquiring analysis data of both feet of the insole user while walking, running, standing on their own, etc., it becomes possible to analyze and analyze the walking style, etc. in more detail.

[0143] <Functions and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the insole 200 includes a sensor element 10A having a charge generating rubber 11A that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus and a signal conversion circuit 12A that converts the charge generated by the charge generating rubber 11A into a predetermined output signal. As a result, the output signal S of the signal conversion circuit 12A is A1 Based on this, the pressure applied to the insole 200 can be detected, and an insole capable of detecting pressure can be provided.

[0144] In this embodiment, the sensor element 10A includes the charge generating rubber 11A. Since the charge generating rubber 11A is elastic and soft, the insole user can comfortably wear footwear equipped with the insole 200. Furthermore, the elasticity and softness of the charge generating rubber 11A make the sensor element 10A less likely to break, thereby suppressing failure or damage of the sensor element 10A and reducing the need to replace or repair the sensor element 10A, thereby improving maintainability.

[0145] Moreover, since the signal conversion circuit 12A is composed of only passive elements, the power consumption for signal conversion is very small. This allows the power consumption of the insole 200 to be suppressed. In the present invention, the term "passive element" refers to an element such as a resistor, a capacitor, or a coil that does not have an active function such as amplification or conversion of electric energy, and the term "active element" refers to an element such as an operational amplifier or a voltage follower that has an active function such as amplification or conversion of electric energy. Among passive elements, a high impedance passive element is preferable rather than a low impedance passive element. Examples of high impedance passive elements include resistors, capacitors, and coils. By using a high impedance passive element, power consumption can be suppressed more than when a low impedance passive element is used. In addition, by using a high impedance passive element, the impedance of the signal conversion circuit 12A can be increased, and even when a charge generating elastic body with a high output impedance such as a charge generating rubber is used, it is possible to easily include all of the voltage waveforms of the power output by the charge generating elastic body in the dynamic range (effective voltage range).

[0146] Furthermore, the sensor element 10A, the sensor element 10B, the detection unit 30a, the calculation unit 40a, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 in the insole 200 are supplied with driving power from the power storage unit 51 that stores the power generated by the power generation unit 60. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for an external power source for supplying driving power to each of the components.

[0147] The low power consumption and the lack of need for an external power source make the insole 200 particularly suitable for use in IoT applications and the like.

[0148] In this embodiment, two sensors, sensor element 10A and sensor element 10B, are provided at different positions on the insole 200, but by arranging more sensor elements at multiple positions, it is possible to perform more detailed analysis and analysis of the characteristics of the walking and running styles. This makes it possible to detect pressure changes applied to different positions on the insole 200, and to perform more detailed analysis and analysis of the way the weight is applied to the sole of the foot and the characteristics of the walking and running styles.

[0149] Of course, as described above, the number of sensor elements to be installed is not limited to two, but may be three or more. The more the number, the more detailed the analysis and analysis that can be performed.

[0150] In this embodiment, the sensor element 10A is provided on the heel side of the insole 200, and the sensor element 10B is provided on the toe side. This allows the analysis data S C1 and S C2 Since the pressure applied to the heel and toe sides differs when walking or running, the analysis data S C1 and S C2 By obtaining this information, it is possible to perform more detailed analysis of walking and running styles.

[0151] However, the locations where the sensor elements are installed on the insole 200 are not limited to the toe side and the heel side, and the sensor elements may be installed at any locations depending on the analysis data to be obtained.

[0152] In this embodiment, the output signals S of the sensor elements 10A and 10B A1 and S A2 Analysis data S obtained based on C1 and S C2 This provides an output signal S A1 and S A2 It is possible to execute desired processing on the digital data, and it is also possible to control each part such as the sensor elements 10A and 10B and the detection part 30a.

[0153] In this embodiment, the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The storage unit 52 stores the analysis data S C1 and S C2 It will be possible to save and retrieve saved data.

[0154] In this embodiment, the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The communication unit 53 wirelessly transmits the analysis data S C1 and S C2 It can provide analysis data S C1 and S C2 It will be possible to accumulate data and use external devices to perform detailed analysis of walking and running styles.

[0155] [Fifth embodiment] Next, footwear according to a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0156] Examples of footwear include sneakers, leather shoes, pumps, high heels, slip-ons, sandals, slippers, boots, hiking boots, sports shoes, indoor shoes, wooden clogs, sandals, tabi socks, and the like.

[0157] <Example of overall configuration of footwear 300> Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of footwear 300 according to this embodiment. Note that the X direction shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to the short side direction (width direction) of footwear 300, and the Y direction corresponds to the long side direction of footwear 300. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0158] 16, footwear 300 includes sensor elements 10A and 10B, a processing unit 50, and a power generation unit 60. Sensor element 10B is provided on the toe side of footwear 300, which corresponds to the positive Y direction. Furthermore, power generation unit 60 (hatched portion) and sensor element 10A are provided on the heel side of footwear 300, which corresponds to the negative Y direction. Furthermore, processing unit 50 is provided between sensor elements 10A and 10B in the Y direction.

[0159] The sensor element 10A is installed on the surface of the power generation unit 60 on the positive Z direction side of the inner sole at the heel of the footwear 300. The inner sole refers to the inside of the sole of the footwear 300. The sensor element 10B is installed on the inner sole at the toe of the footwear 300. The inner sole of the footwear 300 is the part that comes into contact with the sole of the footwear user (hereinafter referred to as the footwear user) when the footwear 300 is worn by the user. The outer sole of the footwear 300 is the part that comes into contact with the ground. The outer sole refers to the outside of the sole of the footwear 300.

[0160] By fixing the sensor element 10A to the surface on the positive Z direction side of the power generation unit 60, the sensor element 10A can be installed in the footwear 300, and by fixing the sensor element 10B to the inner sole, the sensor element 10B can be installed in the footwear 300. This fixing can be performed with an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc.

[0161] The arrangement of each component, such as sensor elements 10A and 10B, processing unit 50, power generation unit 60, etc., in footwear 300 is not limited to that described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0162] For example, the portion on which sensor elements 10A and 10B are installed is not limited to the inner sole of footwear 300, but may be the outer sole of footwear 300, or may be inside the base material (material) that constitutes the sole of footwear 300.

[0163] Furthermore, sensor element 10A may be installed on the inner sole of footwear 300, and sensor element 10B may be installed on the inner sole of footwear 300, for example, so that sensor element 10A and sensor element 10B may be installed on different parts of footwear 300. However, in order to match the detection conditions of sensor element 10A and sensor element 10B, it is preferable to match the parts where they are fixed.

[0164] The sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing unit 50, and the power generation unit 60 may be covered with a member that houses them. The material, shape, size, and structure of the housing member are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0165] Moreover, by attaching the insole 200 described in the fourth embodiment to the footwear 300, the sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing unit 50, and the power generation unit 60 can also be installed in the footwear 300.

[0166] The configurations and functions of the sensor elements 10A and 10B, the processing unit 50, and the power generation unit 60, as well as the output signals and analysis data, are similar to those described in the fourth embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0167] <Functions and Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the footwear 300 is configured to include a sensor element 10A having a charge generating rubber 11A that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus and a signal conversion circuit 12A that converts the charge generated by the charge generating rubber 11A into a predetermined output signal. A1 Based on this, pressure applied to the footwear 300 can be detected, and footwear 300 capable of detecting pressure can be provided.

[0168] In this embodiment, the sensor element 10A includes the charge generating rubber 11A. The charge generating rubber 11A is elastic and soft, so that a footwear user can wear the footwear 300 comfortably. The elasticity and softness of the charge generating rubber 11A also make the sensor element 10A less likely to break, thereby suppressing failure or damage of the sensor element 10A and reducing the need to replace or repair the sensor element 10A, thereby improving maintainability.

[0169] Furthermore, since the signal conversion circuit 12A is composed only of passive elements, the power consumption for signal conversion is very small, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the footwear 300. The definition and significance of the passive elements are the same as those described in the fourth embodiment.

[0170] Further, the sensor element 10A, the sensor element 10B, the detection unit 30a, the calculation unit 40a, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 in the footwear 300 are supplied with driving power from the power storage unit 51 that stores the power generated by the power generation unit 60. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for an external power source that supplies driving power to each of the components.

[0171] The low power consumption and the lack of need for an external power source make the insole 200 particularly suitable for use in IoT applications and the like.

[0172] In this embodiment, a plurality of sensors (two in this case) of the sensor element 10A and the sensor element 10B are provided at different positions on the footwear 300, but by disposing even more sensor elements at multiple locations, it is possible to perform a more detailed analysis and analysis of the characteristics of the walking and running styles. This makes it possible to detect pressure changes applied to different positions on the footwear 300, and to perform a more detailed analysis and analysis of the way the weight is applied to the sole of the foot and the characteristics of the walking and running styles.

[0173] Of course, as described above, the number of sensor elements to be installed is not limited to two, but may be three or more. The more the number, the more detailed the analysis and analysis that can be performed.

[0174] In this embodiment, the sensor element 10A is provided on the heel side of the footwear 300, and the sensor element 10B is provided on the toe side. This makes it possible to obtain analysis data indicating the pressure applied to both the heel side and the toe side of the sole of the footwear user. Since the pressure applied to the heel side and the toe side differs when walking or running, obtaining this data allows for more detailed analysis of the walking style, running style, etc.

[0175] However, the locations where the sensor elements are installed on the footwear 300 are not limited to the toe side and the heel side, and the sensor elements may be installed at any location depending on the analysis data to be obtained.

[0176] In this embodiment, the output signals S of the sensor elements 10A and 10B A1 and S A2 Analysis data S obtained based on C1 and S C2 This provides an output signal S A1 and S A2 It is possible to execute desired processing on the digital data, and it is also possible to control each part such as the sensor elements 10A and 10B and the detection part 30a.

[0177] In this embodiment, the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The storage unit 52 stores the analysis data S C1 and S C2 It will be possible to save and retrieve saved data.

[0178] In this embodiment, the analysis data S C1 and S C2 The communication unit 53 wirelessly transmits the analysis data S C1 and S C2 It can provide analysis data S C1 and S C2 It will be possible to accumulate data and use external devices to perform detailed analysis of walking and running styles.

[0179] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments of the present invention described in the claims.

[0180] The functions of the detection unit and the calculation unit described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. This "processing circuit" includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and a conventional circuit module designed to execute the functions of the detection unit and the calculation unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1 Sensor System 10, 10A, 10B Sensor element 11 Charge generating rubber (an example of a charge generating elastomer) 111 1st electrode 112 2nd electrode 113 Middle Class 12 Signal conversion circuit (an example of a signal conversion section) 122 Output terminal 123 GND terminal 124 VDD pin 20 Power supply 21 Secondary battery (an example of a storage element) 30 Detection unit 40 Arithmetic section 50 Processing section 51 Power storage unit 52 Storage area 53 Communications Department 60 Power Generation Division 70 Materials Section 80 Smartphone 200 Insoles 300 Footwear SA Output Signal S AP Positive peak voltage (an example of a positive extreme value) S AV Negative peak voltage (an example of a negative extreme value) S AB Reference Voltage S EH Charge Signal S D Digital Signal S C Analysis Data VDD1~VDD7 voltage R1~R7 resistance C1~C3 capacitors D1~D5 Diodes W range Power Usage Range V range Voltage Change Range [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0182] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-220349 A

Claims

1. An insole comprising a sensor element, a power generation unit, and a power storage unit, The sensor element includes a charge generating elastic body that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus; a signal conversion unit that converts the electric charge into a predetermined output signal; the power generating unit has a power generating element formed of rubber or a rubber composition and configured by sandwiching a flexible intermediate layer between a pair of electrodes, The power storage unit stores the power generated by the power generation unit, the sensor element and the power generation unit are disposed on a heel side of the insole, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the insole, the sensor element overlaps with the power generation unit, The insole is attached to footwear, The portion of the power generating unit that overlaps with the sensor element when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the insole is located between the footwear and the sensor element. insole.

2. A plurality of the sensor elements are provided, The sensor elements are provided on the toe side and the heel side. The insole according to claim 1.

3. a processor for outputting analysis data obtained based on the output signal of the sensor element. The insole according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The analysis data is further stored in a storage unit. The insole according to claim 3.

5. The analysis data is further transmitted by a transmitting unit. The insole according to claim 3 or 4.

6. At least one of the signal conversion unit and the processor is supplied with power from the power storage unit.

6. The insole according to claim 3 .

7. The power storage unit includes a secondary battery. The insole according to claim 6.

8. Footwear comprising a sensor element, a power generation unit, and a power storage unit, The sensor element includes a charge generating elastic body that generates a charge in response to an external stimulus; a signal conversion unit that converts the electric charge into a predetermined output signal; the power generating unit has a power generating element formed of rubber or a rubber composition and configured by sandwiching a flexible intermediate layer between a pair of electrodes, The power storage unit stores the power generated by the power generation unit, the sensor element and the power generation unit are disposed on an inner sole, which is an inner portion of a sole of the footwear, on a heel side of the footwear; When viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the inner bottom portion, the sensor element overlaps with the power generation portion, The portion of the power generating section that overlaps with the sensor element when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the inner bottom portion is a portion between the inner bottom portion and the sensor element. footwear.

9. A plurality of the sensor elements are provided, The sensor elements are provided on the toe side and the heel side. Footwear according to claim 8.

10. a processor for outputting analysis data obtained based on the output signal of the sensor element. Footwear according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The analysis data is further stored in a storage unit. Footwear according to claim 10.

12. The analysis data is further transmitted by a transmitting unit. Footwear according to claim 10 or 11.

13. At least one of the signal conversion unit and the processor is supplied with power from the power storage unit. Footwear according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The power storage unit includes a secondary battery. Footwear according to claim 13.

Images