TWI495849B - Pedometer with shoe mounted sensor and transmitter - Google Patents

Description

Pedometer for installing sensors and conveyor shoes

The present invention relates to a pedometer for measuring a pedestrian's footstep count and calculating a walking distance. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pedometer that includes a footwear system for obtaining walker performance data and transmitting the calculated results to a separate display unit.

Professional and amateur fitness enthusiasts are increasingly using pedometers as an aid to monitoring and evaluating routine sports. By using a pedometer, various data parameters such as the number of steps, walking distance, speed, and calories burned can be measured and recorded. These parameters are used to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of a particular fitness program. In addition, the pedometer can provide a means of tracking the level of daily physical activity of the user, and is used as an incentive device, and a higher activity level target can be set accordingly. In many instances, the use of a pedometer has motivated many users to significantly increase their level of physical activity, resulting in lower blood pressure, weight loss, and better overall health.

It is known that several different types of pedometers are currently available on the market. These conventional pedometers use some count to determine the number of steps and distance. A classical type of conventional pedometer is a mechanical device that uses a pendulum to detect body movement and then convert the movement into steps. The user typically wears the mechanical pedometer on its waistband in a substantially vertical orientation. As the user walks, his buttocks will swing into the pedometer, which in turn causes the weighted pendulum to move within the pedometer housing. The inertia of the pendulum is sensed using a ratchet mechanism or mechanical stop, thereby advancing a mechanical counter. Although the pedometer using the pendulum detection step is useful, it often records "false steps" or erroneous movements such as bending and leaning. In addition, pendulum-driven pedometers are sensitive to proper vertical alignment and typically require mechanical adjustment in a manner related to the user's gait/stride for accurate recording The pace, and the number of steps is converted to a distance value.

Other types of conventional pedometers use electromechanical systems to detect and record the number of steps. One such pedometer performs step counting using one or more electromechanical switches that are embedded in the shoe. When the user steps, the switch opens or closes, producing an electrical signal that will be used to increment an electronic counter. Although this type of pedometer is more accurate in use than a pendulum type pedometer, when the user moves his weight from one foot to the other, a false pace is often recorded. Moreover, placing the switches in the shoe such that the switches reliably sense each step is a very trivial task. In addition, the switches are prone to soiling in situ and are susceptible to damage in harsh environments.

More complex electromechanical pedometers use one or more accelerometers and some microprocessors that are properly programmed to detect the pace of the walker. These pedometers typically have 1, 2, or 3-axis accelerometers that measure acceleration and produce an electrical signal that corresponds to body movement. The software in the microprocessor then processes the acceleration electronic signal to determine the number of steps, the pace frequency, and the stride length. While this type of pedometer is practical and may be more accurate at high frequency steps than pendulum-based and switch-based pedometers, false movements and erroneous distances may occur at low speeds. In addition, incorrect axial alignment of the pedometer during use may adversely affect these pedometers.

An accelerometer is connected to one of the conventional accelerometer type pedometers, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,145,389, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. A shoe, and a microprocessor uses the signal generated by the accelerometer to calculate the stride length. The pedometer requires careful alignment of the accelerometer such that the acceleration measuring axis is substantially aligned with the direction in which the foot of the walker travels. Likewise, if an incorrect axial alignment of the accelerometer occurs during use, incomplete and inaccurate measurements may be obtained.

An inertial device is installed in another conventional accelerometer type pedometer described in U.S. Patent No. 6,175,608, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Go to the user's waist, chest, or leg to determine the number of steps. The inertial device of the pedometer detects coarse body movement in a manner similar to a pendulum type pedometer. While this type of pedometer is useful, it may record a false pace or unrelated movement such as bending and tilting as a step. Further, since the inertial device determines the number of steps in accordance with the acceleration, the pace of the low speed may not be accurately obtained. Moreover, incorrect alignment of the inertial device during use may adversely affect the accuracy of these pedometers.

To date, efforts to provide a pedometer without these disadvantages have not been successfully implemented.

The present invention comprises a pedometer that does not have the above disadvantages, the pedometer substantially reduces false step readings and provides high accuracy at low speeds, and the pedometer is easier to wear on existing feet Implemented in the item.

In one broadest aspect, the present invention comprises a pedometer having: a first signal generator carried by a first portion of a first shoe; and a second portion of the first shoe Carrying a second signal generator, the first and second signal generators are separated by a fixed distance; and coupled to a sensor assembly of a second shoe, the sensor assembly includes a sense Detecting signals generated by the first and second signal generators and generating a corresponding one of the electrical signals, and a microprocessor unit having a sensor coupled to the sensor to receive the corresponding One of the electrical signals is input, and the corresponding electrical signals are converted into pedestrian performance data. Preferably, when the first and second shoes are worn by the user, the first and second signal generators and the sensor are aligned in a facing relationship on the first and second shoes so as to The sensor detects a range of signals from the first and second signal generators to be maximized.

Preferably, the first and second signal generators are mounted adjacent the inner edge of the first shoe, and preferably the sensor is mounted adjacent the inner edge of the second shoe. Preferably, the fixed separation distance between the first and second signal generators extends generally along the longitudinal direction of the first shoe.

The first and second signal generators and the sensor can be implemented alternatively by various techniques. In a magnetic technology embodiment, the first and second signal generators comprise permanent magnets; and the sensor comprises a device such as a Hall effect sensor or a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor. The magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets is converted into a corresponding electrical signal. In an embodiment of the optical technology, the first and second signal generators comprise an optical radiation source such as a light emitting diode; and the sensor comprises means for converting the optical radiation generated by the optical radiation sources into corresponding One of the electrical signals. In an embodiment of the radio frequency technology, the first and second signal generators comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for generating a radio frequency signal of a known frequency; and the sensor includes means for receiving from the RFID tag The RF signal is converted to an RFID reader device that is one of the corresponding electrical signals. The RFID signal generator tags can include active or passive RFID tags.

The pedometer can further include a transmitter coupled to the microprocessor unit for transmitting the pedestrian performance data to a receiver/display unit to provide instant user feedback.

A pedometer manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is readily incorporated into a foot wearing item at the point of manufacture, or can be used as a commodity in the aftermarket of the aftermarket at a lower cost. Such a pedometer can provide accurate walker performance data such as travel speed, number of steps, walking distance, cadence, and many other performance parameters that the user may be interested in.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a typical two-leg walking cycle 100. As shown in the figure, a typical human or two-legged walking cycle 100 that moves generally linearly includes a right foot curved path 101 and a left foot curved path 102. When the right and left foot bending paths 101, 102 are combined, a two-legged walking cycle 100 that produces a substantially straight forward movement is achieved. In order to begin a walking cycle 100, a forefoot 104 receives most of the weight of the person. The rear foot 106 is then raised and moved in a generally forward direction as indicated by the directional arrows. As the rear foot 106 moves toward the forefoot 104, the path of the rear leg 106 moves inwardly along the curve toward the forefoot 104 to form an arched path. When the starting forefoot 104 and the starting hind foot 106 reach a minimum separation distance, the minimum separation distance 108 between the two legs 104, 106 is defined. At this point in the walking cycle 100, the starting hind foot 106 is typically not subjected to any weight and the starting forefoot 104 is subjected to the entire weight of the person. The starting rear foot 106 then exits the starting forefoot 104 along the curve and contacts the ground at a location 110 generally in front of the starting forefoot 104 and reaches a maximum separation distance 112. When the starting rear foot 106 supports ground contact, the weight of the person is distributed between the starting forefoot and the starting hind foot 104, 106.

As shown in Fig. 1, the walking cycle 100 is repeated for the starting forefoot 104 in a manner similar to that described above but in the opposite direction of the action of the foot. Thus, in the event that the foot 106 is subjected to a substantial portion of the person's weight, the foot 104 is then raised and moved in a generally forward direction as indicated by the directional arrows. As the foot 104 moves toward the foot 106, the path of the foot 104 moves inwardly along the curve toward the foot 106 to form an arched path. When the foot 104 and the foot 106 reach a minimum separation distance, the minimum separation distance 108 between the two legs 104, 106 is defined. At this point in the walking cycle 100, the foot 104 is typically not subjected to any weight and the foot 106 is subjected to the entire weight of the person. The foot 104 then exits the foot 106 along the curve and contacts the ground at a location generally in front of the foot 106 and reaches a maximum separation distance 112. When the foot 104 is in contact with the ground in support, the weight of the person is distributed between the feet 104, 106.

The exact form of the right and left curved paths 101, 102 is typically the result of body mechanics such as hip rotation, weight transfer, and many other posture alignments required for foot movement. The minimum separation distance 108 is less than 0.5 inches and is generally dependent on the body structure and other attributes of the person walking. The maximum separation distance 112 is typically about the shoulder width of a person, but can vary depending on the gait and stride of the person.

Due to the proximity of the feet at a minimum separation distance 108, some shoe-mounted signal generators and a proximity sensor can be implemented to detect when the feet pass each other during the walking cycle. Detection of the passing foot will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG.

Referring now to Figure 2, which is a front elevational view of one of the pedometers, generally designated by the code 200, the pedometer 200 includes one of the ready-to-wear performance data that can be obtained during walking of the pedestrian. system. As shown in FIG. 2, the pedometer 200 is mounted to a right shoe 204 and a corresponding left shoe 206. The right and left shoes 204, 206 generally constitute a shoe that is suitable for wearing and is used for one of a pair of walking movements such as walking, running, and jogging. A first signal generator 208 and a second signal generator 210 are mounted on the right shoe 204. The first signal generator 208 is positioned adjacent a forward position 212 of the right shoe 204 and the second signal generator 210 is positioned adjacent a rearward position 214 of the right shoe 204. Preferably, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 are positioned along the inner edge of the right shoe 204 such that the first and second signal generators 208, 210 are closest to the corresponding left shoe 206 and are adjacent to the right shoe. One of the upper areas 213. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet material is separately fabricated. The first and second signal generators 208, 210 generate a magnetic field sufficient to reach a region of the left shoe 206 that is provided with a sensor 202. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, materials such as ferromagnetic materials (e.g., cobalt and nickel), ferrimagnetic materials, and such as Alnico, Ticonal, and powdered iron oxide and barium carbonate can be used. Many different types of magnet materials such as sintered composite materials of strontium carbonate ceramics. A signal generator longitudinal separation distance 216 defines a fixed distance between the first and second signal generators 208, 210 along a substantially longitudinal axis of the right shoe 204. In one embodiment, the longitudinal separation distance 216 is approximately five inches; however, it is contemplated that other fixed dimensions of the longitudinal separation distance 216 can be used depending on the relative size and configuration of the footwear. In one embodiment, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 are embedded within a sole (not shown) to form a portion of the right shoe 204. It should be understood that the first and second signal generators 208, 210 can be incorporated into other components of the right shoe 204 by molding or adhesive, or in a fastener tape material such as that sold under the trademark Velcro. Any suitable joining technique mechanically couples the first and second signal generators 208, 210 to an appropriate portion of the right shoe 204.

A sensor and conveyor assembly 202 at a fixed position of the left shoe 206 is mounted on the left shoe 206. In an embodiment, the sensor and transmitter assembly 202 includes at least one proximity sensor capable of sensing magnetic field signals generated by the first and second generators 208, 210 mounted on the right shoe 204 (eg, Hall effect sensor), a microcontroller unit, and a transmitter. These elements will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. Considering that the sensor and transmitter assembly 202 is embedded in a sole (not shown), It forms part of the left shoe 206. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor and transmitter assembly 202 can be coupled to other components and regions of the right shoe 204. Although the first and second signal generators 208, 210 have been described in relation to the right shoe, and the sensor and transmitter assembly 202 has been described in relation to the left shoe 206, this item Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that it is also possible to reverse the structure of the right and left shoes.

Figure 3 is a pedometer shown in Figure 2 with shoe-mounted first and second signal generators 208, 210, a shoe-mounted sensor and transmitter assembly 202, and an associated independent display unit 300. One of the block diagrams. As shown in FIG. 3, a proximity sensor 302 is positioned within an operable range between the first and second signal generators 208, 210 such that there is relative movement between the right and left shoes 204, 206. The magnetic pulse signals are induced in the sensor 302 when the first and second signal generators 208, 210 pass the region of the left shoe 206 within the operational range of the proximity sensor 302. In the magnetic embodiment described, proximity sensor 302 is preferably a Hall effect sensor (part number: A1395SEHLT) supplied by Allegro Microsystems Inc. Alternatively, proximity sensor 302 may be a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor supplied by Honeywell Microelectronics (part number: HMC1001).

The proximity sensor 302 is operatively coupled to a microcontroller unit (Microcontrollcr Unit; MCU for short) 304 such that the magnetic pulse signals received by the proximity sensor 302 are converted to electrical signals, and the electrical signals are coupled to The MCU 304 is used for various signal processing functions (which will be described in further detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6). The MCU 304 is operatively coupled to the transmitter 306 to present the processed pedestrian performance data to The wireless transmission to the display unit 300. Performance data may include: total pace, pace per minute, instantaneous travel speed, average travel speed, stride frequency, total travel distance, distance per stride, calories burned, and other parameters generated by the MCU 304. Preferably, the MCU 304 and transmitter 306 are combined with the AT3 type wafer set of the SensRcore part number nRF24LO1 supplied by ANT of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. The transmitter 306 communicates with the display unit 300 in a wireless manner, and transmits the performance data and the step information to the display unit 300 unidirectionally or bidirectionally. It is considered that the display unit 300 may be a third-party performance monitoring device or a fitness computer such as an Edge 705 unit (part number 010-00555-20) supplied by Garmin Ltd. In an alternate embodiment, transmitter 306 can be configured to communicate with other electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, or other portable display devices, and communicate performance data to such other electronic devices.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication protocol used between transmitter 306 and display unit 300 is one of the wireless sensors commonly referred to as "ANT" (supplied by Dynastream Innovation, Inc. of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada). Network protocol. Some of the features of the ANT protocol include low power consumption, low cost overhead, and the ability of multiple transceivers to coexist near other transceivers. The ANT protocol has an estimated efficiency of approximately 47% due to various stylized configuration settings used to reduce power consumption in the standby state. However, those who have a general knowledge of this technology can easily understand that other types of wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth or Zigbee (based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.15.4) can be used. Promoting data transmission between the transmitter 306 and the display unit 300 give away.

A suitable DC power source, such as a battery (not shown), is used to power the system component proximity sensor 302, MCU 304, and transmitter 306 shown in FIG. In this alternative embodiment, the first signal generator 208, the second signal generator 210, when combined with a coil and DC rectifier circuit included in the assembly 202, can be used as an energy source. This configuration does not require a battery replacement when the local is exhausted by the late available energy. The display unit 300 is provided with an independent power source such as a battery.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, wherein FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of a representative portion of the two-leg walking cycle 100, and FIG. 5 is a graph showing sensor signals versus time. The pedometer of the present invention produces a step count and a step time when one shoe passes another shoe. For example, in FIG. 4, when the right shoe 204 follows the right foot and right foot bending path 101, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 are sequentially brought into proximity to the sensor and transmitter assembly 202. At a minimum separation distance 108, and as the first signal generator 208 passes the proximity sensor within the assembly 202, the proximity sensor 302 (Fig. 3) produces a first pulse signal 500 (Fig. 5), And the maximum value of the first pulse signal occurs at a point where the first signal generator 208 is closest to the proximity sensor 302. The first pulse signal is coupled to the MCU 304 (Fig. 3) in the sensor and transmitter assembly 202. When the right shoe 204 is moved forward by an additional distance equal to one of the fixed longitudinal separation distances 216, the second signal generator 210 passes the proximity sensor within the assembly 202 and produces a second pulse signal to be received by the MCU 304. 502. The first and second pulse signals 500, 502 of the pair are isolated for a first time interval "t", while the first and second signal generators 208 are known. At the separation distance of 210, the MCU 304 can determine the first time interval "t". When the left shoe 206 travels to the next step in the walking cycle 100, when the proximity sensor 302 included in the sensor and transmitter assembly 202 moves to the vicinity of the second signal generator 210, in a second A third pulse signal 504 is generated over the time interval. Once the third pulse signal 504 is generated, the MCU 304 can determine the value of a parameter referred to as the step time "T".

After obtaining the instant walker data "t" and "T" described above, various other performance parameters such as pitch, speed, and total walking distance can be calculated. The pedometer step frequency is calculated by dividing the total number of steps by the total step time. Standard time conversion can then be applied, and the step frequency value can be converted to various units such as the pace per minute. For the total walking distance, refer to Figure 6, first determining the average travel speed V1 of the first time interval "t". The average travel speed is calculated using the fixed separation distance between the first and second signal generators 208, 210 and the first time interval "t". In one embodiment, the longitudinal distance separating the first and second signal generators 208, 210 is 5 inches, and the travel speed defined in the first time interval "t" is V1 per second. 5/t miles. In the second step, a coefficient "K" is used to proportionally scale the average travel speed V1 to the average travel speed V2. The coefficient K can be determined in a calibrated manner according to the actual user step length, or the coefficient K can be determined in a manner that combines an average step length table according to a standard body attribute that associates the step length with the height of the person. Once "K" is determined, the equation for the pace speed is defined as V2 = KV1. Third, multiply V2 by "T" to determine the step length "d", d = V2T. The total number of steps "N" is determined by accumulating the total number of step times "T". Finally, in order to get the total walking distance "D", Multiply the total number of steps "N" by the step length "d", that is, D = Nd. All of the above algorithms can be implemented in MCU 304 easily using standard techniques.

The obtained performance data determined by the MCU 304 can be stored in the memory of the MCU 304 for subsequent analysis, and the transmitter 306 can also transmit the performance data to the display unit 300 to provide real-time performance data feedback for use. By.

Although the foregoing steps are performed in the magnetic field, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 and proximity sensors 302 can also be implemented using other techniques, such as optical and radio frequency techniques. For example, in one embodiment using optical techniques, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 can include some Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for generating a light beam having a known wavelength, And proximity sensor 302 can include a light sensor for sensing light radiation at the wavelength of the LED. In this embodiment, the LED first and second signal generators 208, 210 must be powered by an electrical energy source such as a battery. Similarly, in one embodiment using radio frequency technology, the first and second signal generators 208, 210 can include some RFID tags used to generate radio frequency signals at a known frequency, and the proximity sensor 302 can include An RFID reader/querier capable of sensing one of the radio frequency signals at the known frequency. These RFID tags can include active or passive RFID tags. If an active RFID tag is used, it must be powered by an electrical energy source such as a battery. If a passive RFID tag is employed, the RF tag will be powered by the RF query signal from proximity sensor 302, and the first and second signal generators 208, 210 need not have separate power supplies. A suitable passive RFID tag The selection is an Atmel number ATA5577 RFID tag supplied by Atmel Corporation of San Jose, California. One suitable option for the RFID reader/querier is the Atmel number ATA5577 device also supplied by Atmel Corporation of San Jose, California.

It should be understood that the pedometer manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present invention provides advantages over the accuracy and convenience of conventional pedometers. First, the use of shoe-mounted proximity sensors and signal generators provides better accuracy in determining the number of steps. This preferred accuracy results from the generation of a pulse signal whenever the shoes pass each other. Moreover, the pedometer manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present invention reduces the number of "false steps" recorded as it does not rely on mechanical movement and axial alignment of the accelerometer. In addition, by using a shoe-mounted sensor and a transmitter that wirelessly communicates with a separate display, better user convenience than a pedometer with an integral display unit is obtained. Finally, by using the proximity sensor and signal generator configurations shown in Figures 2-5, high step count accuracy can be achieved at very low walking speeds.

While the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, various modifications, alternative structures, and equivalents may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although certain circuit components have been disclosed, other equivalent units may be employed as desired. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the invention, but the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧foot walking cycle

101‧‧‧right foot bending path

102‧‧‧ Left foot curved path

104‧‧‧Front foot

106‧‧‧ hind feet

108‧‧‧ Minimum separation distance

110‧‧‧ position

112‧‧‧Maximum separation distance

200‧‧‧ pedometer

204‧‧‧right shoes

206‧‧‧ Left shoes

208‧‧‧First signal generator

210‧‧‧Second signal generator

212‧‧‧front position

214‧‧‧Lower position

213‧‧‧Shoe area

202‧‧‧Sensor and transmitter assembly

216‧‧‧ longitudinal separation distance

300‧‧‧ display unit

302‧‧‧ proximity sensor

304‧‧‧Microcontroller Unit (MCU) 304

306‧‧‧transmitter

500‧‧‧ first pulse signal

502‧‧‧second pulse signal

504‧‧‧ third pulse signal

In each figure, the same code is usually referenced in all the different figures. The same part. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, the In the above description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one of the two-leg walking cycles; and FIG. 2 is a shoe-mounted step according to the present invention. a front view of one of the devices; Figure 3 is a block diagram of a pedometer having a shoe mounted signal generator, a sensor and transmitter, and an associated independent walker parameter display unit; It is an enlarged schematic diagram of one of the typical two-leg walking cycles; Figure 5 is a graph of the relationship between the sensor signal and time; and Figure 6 is a graph of the relationship between the traveling speed and time.

200. . . Pedometer

204. . . Right shoe

206. . . Left shoe

208. . . First signal generator

210. . . Second signal generator

212. . . Front position

214. . . Rear position

213. . . Upper area

202. . . Sensor and transmitter assembly

216. . . Longitudinal separation distance

Claims (13)

A pedometer comprising: a first signal generator carried by a first portion of a first shoe for generating a first signal radiating substantially toward the exterior of the first shoe; and a second by the first shoe Partially carrying a second signal generator for generating a second signal radiating substantially toward the exterior of the first shoe, the first and second signal generators being separated from each other substantially along a longitudinal direction of the first shoe a fixed distance; and a sensor assembly coupled to a second shoe, the sensor assembly including means for directly sensing the first signal and the second signal radiating substantially toward the exterior of the first shoe And generating a sensor of the corresponding electrical signal, and a microprocessor unit having an input coupled to the sensor to receive the corresponding electrical signal, and using the corresponding The electrical signal and the value of the fixed distance are used to generate pedestrian performance data. The pedometer of claim 1, wherein when the first and second shoes are worn by the user, the first and second signals are aligned in a facing relationship on the first and second shoes Generator and the sensor. The pedometer of claim 1, wherein the first shoe has an inner edge; and wherein the first and second signal generators are mounted adjacent the inner edge of the first shoe. A pedometer of claim 3, wherein the second shoe has an inner edge; and wherein the sensor is mounted adjacent the inner edge of the second shoe. Such as the pedometer of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein the first and the first The two signal generators comprise permanent magnets; and wherein the sensor includes means for converting the outwardly radiating magnetic fields generated by the permanent magnets into corresponding electrical signals. A pedometer as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor device. A pedometer according to claim 5, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor device. The pedometer of claim 1, wherein the first and second signal generators comprise a plurality of optical radiation sources; and wherein the sensor comprises outwardly radiating light radiation for generating the optical radiation sources A device that converts to one of the corresponding electrical signals. A pedometer as claimed in claim 8 wherein the sources of optical radiation are light emitting diodes. The pedometer of claim 1, wherein the first and second signal generators comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for generating an outwardly radiated radio frequency signal of a known frequency; and wherein the sensor comprises An RFID reader device for converting radio frequency signals received from the RFID tags into corresponding electrical signals. A pedometer as claimed in claim 10, wherein the RFID tags are active RFID devices. A pedometer as claimed in claim 10, wherein the RFID tags are passive RFID devices. A pedometer as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a transmitter coupled to the microprocessor unit for performing the pedestrian performance The material is delivered to a receiver/display unit to provide instant user feedback.