Running Style Analysis Through Multi-Speed Cadence Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

There are no clear, objective criteria for determining whether a runner's running style is high cadence or long stride, relying on subjective judgment, which complicates the selection of appropriate running shoes.

Innovation Solution

A running style analysis device that acquires cadences at different running speeds and judges the running style type based on the difference in cadence changes with respect to speed changes, using objective criteria to distinguish between high cadence and long stride types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subjective judgment is used to determine running style type, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy and objectivity of the determination is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidanalysis method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the subjective judgment problem into an objective parameter-based determination by measuring cadence at multiple running speeds and calculating the rate of change. The judgment is made based on whether the cadence increase per speed increase exceeds a threshold, converting qualitative assessment into quantitative parameter comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the human subjective judgment mechanism with an automated computational system that calculates cadence differences and applies predetermined criteria. This substitution eliminates human bias and subjectivity while providing consistent, objective determination of running style types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If cadence is measured at multiple running speeds, then the determination accuracy improves, but the measurement time and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunning style determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures cadence at multiple running speeds (excessive action) to ensure accurate determination of running style type. By collecting more data points than a single measurement would provide, the system achieves reliable differentiation between high cadence and long stride types, accepting the time investment as necessary for precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined judgment criteria and threshold values before the actual measurement process. These preliminary preparations include defining the cadence difference thresholds that distinguish running style types, allowing the actual determination to proceed efficiently once data is collected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4327898B1Running style analysis device, running style analysis method, and running style analysis program
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ASICS CORP
  • EP4327898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4327898B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4327898B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

In a running style analysis device, a first cadence acquirer 76 acquires, with regard to running of a subject, a cadence at a first running speed as a first cadence. A second cadence acquirer 77 acquires, with regard to running of the subject, a cadence at a second running speed that is different from the first running speed, as a second cadence. A judgment unit 80 makes judgment as to which of multiple running style types, which include a long stride type and a high cadence type, running of the subject falls under, based on the difference between the first cadence and the second cadence with respect to the difference between the first running speed and the second running speed. A result output unit 92 outputs a result of the judgment.