Pressure Sensing Running Shoe

Abstract

What is disclosed is a wearable such as a running shoe that allows pressure exerted by a user's foot to be measured and employed for various purposes, including monitoring indicating improvement in technique, providing suggestions to a user, and other recommendations. The wearable includes sensors that may be employed to monitor pressure exerted on various parts of a user's foot.

1 . An apparatus for measuring pressure exerted by a user's foot, comprising:
 a matrix of piezoresistive sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to detect pressure;   a flexible substrate on which said matrix is disposed, said substrate being shaped to conform to a shoe's insole;   a microcontroller in electronic communication with said matrix, wherein said microcontroller is configured to receive and process signals from each sensor of said matrix to determine pressure distribution across the user's foot;   a wireless communication module in electronic communication with said microcontroller, configured to transmit said pressure distribution data; and   an encapsulating layer covering said matrix, said microcontroller, and said wireless communication module, wherein said encapsulating layer is composed of a waterproof and bacteria-resistant material.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said piezoresistive sensors are configured in a grid pattern with a resolution of approximately 1 cm between adjacent sensors. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said microcontroller uses multiplexing techniques to address individual sensors within said matrix. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery source, wherein said battery source is a thin-film battery. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said wireless communication module employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for transmitting data. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said encapsulating layer is made of medical-grade silicone. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate is designed as a removable insole. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a feedback mechanism, wherein said feedback mechanism provides real-time feedback to the user about pressure distribution across the foot. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning mechanism chosen from the group consisting of: a UVC light source, a removable cover, and an alcohol spray mechanism, for disinfecting the apparatus between uses. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the cleaning mechanism is a UVC light source, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a compartment for housing said UVC light source to allow for disinfection of the apparatus when not in use. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the cleaning mechanism is a removable cover, said cover being disposable and replaceable.