Capacitive Shoe Sole Electrodes for Ground Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately and reliably determine multiple types of subsurfaces for pedestrians, which is essential for precise identification and differentiation of various materials such as asphalt, turf, wood, stone, and others, using sensors worn on the foot.
Innovation Solution
A method employing capacitive sensors integrated into the shoe sole, where electrodes determine capacitance values and time profiles to identify subsurfaces by distinguishing between different capacitances formed between the electrode and the ground or the foot, incorporating multiple electrodes for enhanced accuracy and user-specific gait pattern analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive sensors are used to detect subsurface types, then the ability to identify different materials is improved, but the reliability and precision of determination remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capacitive sensing system into multiple independent electrodes arranged in specific patterns on the shoe sole. Each electrode independently measures capacitance to ground, allowing the system to segment the detection task into multiple measurements that can be combined to improve reliability and distinguish between different subsurface materials more accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point capacitance measurement to multi-point spatial distribution measurement by arranging electrodes in specific geometric patterns on the shoe sole. This adds a spatial dimension to the detection, enabling the system to differentiate between subsurface materials based on the pattern and distribution of capacitance values across multiple measurement points.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are arranged in the shoe sole for enhanced detection, then the precision of subsurface identification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple simple electrodes rather than using a single complex sensor. Each electrode performs a simple capacitance measurement to ground, and the combined data from multiple segmented measurements provides enhanced precision for subsurface identification while keeping individual sensor elements simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electrode array system to perform multiple functions: identifying different subsurface materials, detecting ground moisture, determining ground strength, and potentially identifying user gait patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by providing comprehensive subsurface analysis from a single sensor array.
3Measurement precision
If capacitance values are determined with high sampling frequency for accurate identification, then the precision of subsurface detection is improved, but the data processing requirements and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of capacitance data by comparing measurements against pre-established reference profiles for different subsurface materials. This preliminary action of having reference data ready allows for rapid identification without requiring extensive real-time analysis of all captured measurements, reducing time consumption while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sampling frequency of 30 Hz with analysis windows of 0.5 to 4 seconds, which provides sufficient data points for accurate subsurface detection without continuously processing every possible measurement. This partial action approach captures the essential information needed for precise detection while avoiding unnecessary processing of excessive data that would increase time consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick, reliable, and precise identification of subsurfaces and users, with a sampling frequency of 30 Hz and time intervals of 0.5 to 4 seconds, allowing for effective detection of live or moist undergrounds and adjustment of shoe properties for improved grip.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitance value of at least one electrode is determined, with the electrode being arranged in the area of a shoe sole of a shoe
Implementation Method 2
the capacitance value results here as a function of various capacitances, in particular as a function of a capacitance that is formed between the electrode and the ground and/or as a function of a capacitance that is formed between the sole of the user's foot and the electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a ground (4) type, in which at least one capacitance value of at least one electrode (1) is determined, the electrode (1) being arranged in the region of a sole (2) of a shoe (8), and the ground (4) type being determined depending on the capacitance value or a time curve of the capacitance value.