Footwork training system and method

• US 9,028,432 B2
• Filed: 04/05/2012
• Issued: 05/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Woo, Helen, Schrock, Allan M.
• Primary Examiner(s): EISEMAN, ADAM JARED
• Application Number:
  US13/440,553
• Publication Number:
  US 20120191229A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• Field of Search: 600/587, 600/592, 600/595, 434/247, 434/250, 434/255, 482/8, 482/9, 463/4, 463/8
• US Class Current: 600/595
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0247 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/046 in a matrix array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1122 of movement trajectories
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6805 Vests
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6807 Footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6828 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6892 Mats
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/068 Input by voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 : Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 : Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2244/22 : Dancing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 : Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 6/00 : Mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping, gymnastics or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0015 : Dancing
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/361 : Recording/reproducing of accompaniment for use with an external source, e.g. karaoke systems
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/368 : displaying animated or moving pictures synchronized with the music or audio part
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/40 : Rhythm
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2210/091 : for performance evaluation, i.e. judging, grading or scoring the musical qualities or faithfulness of a performance, e.g. with respect to pitch, tempo or other timings of a reference performance
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/321 : Garment sensors, i.e. musical control means with trigger surfaces or joint angle sensors, worn as a garment by the player, e.g. bracelet, intelligent clothing
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/336 : Control shoe or boot, i.e. sensor-equipped lower part of lower limb, e.g. shoe, toe ring, sock, ankle bracelet or leg control attachment
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/395 : Acceleration sensing or accelerometer use, e.g. 3D movement computation by integration of accelerometer data, angle sensing with respect to the vertical, i.e. gravity sensing

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating an activity includes an article of clothing provided with a sensor capable of detecting the impact of the article of clothing, such as a shoe, on a surface. A system receives and interprets the pattern of impacts made during the performance of the activity. The system compares these impacts with those of a target routine. Iterations of the same performance may be stored in the system so that ongoing progress may be measured. The system may be used to enhance class teaching, in the home, or for Internet competition. The activity may include dance, yoga, martial arts, or similar activities.

Claims

1. A system for evaluating a performance of a footwork-based activity, the system comprising:

a sensor system including a first sensor disposed in a first article of footwear and a second sensor disposed in a second article of footwear;

an evaluation module including a processor configured to communicate with the first sensor and the second sensor;

a target routine comprising a first set of footstrike data received from the first sensor, the target routine being accessible by the processor, wherein the target routine is associated with a first user wearing the first article of footwear;

an evaluation routine comprising a second set of footstrike data received from the second sensor, the evaluation routine being accessible by the processor, wherein the evaluation routine is associated with a second user wearing the second article of footwear;

wherein the evaluation module is configured to generate evaluation information comparing the evaluation routine to the target routine; and

wherein the first set of footstrike data and the second set of footstrike data each comprise a plurality of left and right footstrikes associated with a timing between successive footstrikes.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of left and right footstrikes are repetitive such that the timing between successive footstrikes is periodic.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation information includes a graphical comparison of the first set of footstrike data and the second set of footstrike data.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the footwork-based activity is running;

and

wherein the first set of footstrike data and the second set of footstrike data are associated with running a predetermined distance.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the footwork-based activity is dancing.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation module is configured to generate evaluation information comparing the evaluation routine to the target routine in real-time.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation module further comprises a memory module.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the target routine and the evaluation routine is stored in the memory module.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the first set of footstrike data, the second set of footstrike data, and the evaluation information are stored in the memory module.