Insole Sensor Data Aggregation Reducing Power Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insole-type electronic devices face limitations in using pressure-sensitive sensors connected via cables and wireless communication units with high power consumption, restricting their use away from a control unit.

Innovation Solution

An insole-type electronic device configuration featuring a first insole with a sensor and data transmission means, and a second insole with data reception and processing capabilities, utilizing short-range wireless communication to aggregate and process data, reducing power consumption and enabling use away from a control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless communication unit is provided on each insole to enable use away from control unit, then mobility and usability in distant locations are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data processing function into a single insole (second insole) while the first insole only performs data acquisition and transmission. This consolidation reduces the total number of wireless communication units needed from two to one, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments functions between two insoles: the first insole handles only sensor data acquisition and wireless transmission, while the second insole handles data reception, processing, and analysis. This functional segmentation allows the first insole to use a low-power transmission-only mode rather than full bidirectional communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If pressure-sensitive sensors are connected via cable to control means, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but mobility and usability in distant locations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless communication system. Sensor data from the first insole is transmitted wirelessly to the second insole, eliminating the physical cable constraint and enabling free movement while maintaining data transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two wireless communication units are provided on each insole for long-range communication, then usability in distant locations is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability in distant locationsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data processing functionality into a single insole unit, eliminating the need for dual independent wireless communication systems. This reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to operate away from control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11871814B2Insole-type electronic device and control method for insole-type electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 NEC CORP

AI summary

To provide an insole-type electronic device that can be used in a location distant from a control unit and has small power consumption, the insole-type electronic device includes a first insole including a first sensor and a second insole including a second sensor. The first sensor acquires first sensor data relating to a biological activity of a first foot and the second sensor acquires second sensor data relating to a biological activity of a second foot. The first insole includes a first-sensor-data transmitter transmitting the first sensor to the second insole. The second insole includes a first-sensor-data receiver receiving the first sensor data, and a data processor processing the first sensor data and the second sensor data.