System for monitoring running steps
DCFirst Claim
1. A system for monitoring running steps, the system comprising:
- a shoe; and
a step analyzing apparatus, comprising;
a first sensor located within the shoe, the first sensor being configured to transmit a first signal when a heel of a foot wearing the shoe causes a heel of the shoe to land against a surface;
a second sensor located within the shoe, the second sensor being configured to transmit a second signal when a midfoot of a foot wearing the shoe causes a midfoot of the shoe to land against a surface;
an indicator configured to generate a notice when activated; and
a processor in electrical communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the indicator, the processor being configured to activate the indicator when the processor determines, based on the first and second signals, that for a given step of the shoe the heel of the shoe has landed prior to the midfoot of the shoe.
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Abstract
Systems and methods of monitoring a running step and signaling the runner when a correction is desired. In one aspect, the portion of the foot that contacts the ground first is monitored to determine if a correction is desired. To monitor the running step, a step analyzing apparatus can be used that is positioned within a shoe. The step analyzing apparatus can include sensors that are positioned at the midfoot and the heal when the apparatus is within the shoe. To signal the runner, an indicator can be used that is positioned within the shoe or outside the shoe. The step analyzing apparatus can also be used in a ski boot to monitor proper ski form. Running cadence can also be monitored to determine if a correction is desired.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring running steps, the system comprising:
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a shoe; and a step analyzing apparatus, comprising; a first sensor located within the shoe, the first sensor being configured to transmit a first signal when a heel of a foot wearing the shoe causes a heel of the shoe to land against a surface; a second sensor located within the shoe, the second sensor being configured to transmit a second signal when a midfoot of a foot wearing the shoe causes a midfoot of the shoe to land against a surface; an indicator configured to generate a notice when activated; and a processor in electrical communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the indicator, the processor being configured to activate the indicator when the processor determines, based on the first and second signals, that for a given step of the shoe the heel of the shoe has landed prior to the midfoot of the shoe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of monitoring running steps, the method comprising:
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sensing through a first sensor when a heel of a foot wearing a shoe causes a heel of the shoe to land against a surface; sensing through a second sensor when a midfoot of the foot wearing the shoe causes a midfoot of the shoe to land against the surface; processing, through an electrical processor, inputs from the first sensor and the second sensor to determine, for a given step of the shoe, whether the heel of the shoe lands on the surface prior to the midfoot of the shoe; and activating an indicator to generate a notice if, for the given step, the heel of the shoe lands prior to the midfoot of the shoe and the heel of the shoe has landed prior to the midfoot of the shoe on a predetermined number of consecutive steps immediately preceding the given step. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of monitoring running steps, the method being performed by a processor positioned in a shoe, the method comprising:
repeating for each running step; receiving inputs from a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor being configured to indicate when a heel of a foot wearing the shoe causes a heel of the shoe to land against a surface and the second sensor being configured to indicate when a midfoot of the foot wearing the shoe causes a midfoot of the shoe to land against a surface; determining, based on the inputs, when a first one of the heel or the midfoot of the shoe has landed against a surface, and which portion of the shoe has landed first; outputting a signal to an indicator to generate a notice if, including the present running step, the number of consecutive running steps the heel of the shoe has landed first is greater than or equal to a predetermined number; and waiting and ignoring the inputs for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
Specification