EP1487549A1

EP1487549A1 - Apparatus and method for measuring speed of ski, rollerskate of the like

Info

Publication number: EP1487549A1
Application number: EP03709667A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Poul Hakon Poulsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-07
Filing date: 2003-03-06
Publication date: 2004-12-22
Also published as: AU2003214022A1; WO2003074138A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (100, 200) adapted for sensing movement and an apparatus in combination with a footwear-mounted device (101) and a footwear item (102), wherein the footwear-mounted device is adapted for footwear being mounted thereon by means of coupling elements, movement in relation to support and preferably being in contact with the support. The apparatus comprises means (100, 500) for measuring at least one movement parameter. The suggested apparatus distinguishes itself from the prior art in that the means for measuring at least one movement parameter comprises a housing (103) adapted for being fastened between a lower face of the fitted footwear item and an upper face of the footwear-mounted device by means of the coupling devices; and wherein the means for measuring at least one movement parameter is adapted for transmission of movement parameters. Hereby an apparatus is obtained that can be mounted without a need for modifications to ski or binding. The apparatus exhibits great measuring accuracy, is ensured good adhesion to snow and does not constitute an element of risk.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING SPEED OF SKI , ROLLERSKATE OR THE LIKE

An apparatus for the measurement of movement parameters

The invention relates to an apparatus of the kind defined in the preamble to claim 1. Furthermore the invention relates to an apparatus in combination 5 with a footwear-mounted device and in combination with a footwear item as defined in the preamble to claim 8. Besides, the invention relates to a method as taught in the preamble to claim 10.

US patent No. 4,860,585 teaches a measuring and indicating device for a 0 snow skier, said device including a rotatable roller attached to the rear of a ski and adapted to rotate in rolling contact with _. the underlying snow, comprising an indicator unit positioned remote of the roller, such as upon the wrist of the skier. The device further includes elements supported adjacent the roller for sensing the rotation thereof and generating signals 5 corresponding to the sensed rotation. The indicator unit includes a calculator for receiving the signals generated by the sensing elements and calculating a predetermined characteristic, such as speed or distance of travel by the snow skier corresponding to the received signals. The indicator unit further includes a display for displaying the calculated characteristic in the form of a 0 numerical value. The device further includes a connecting mechanism interposed between the roller and the ski permitting pivotal movement of the roller between a raised and lowered condition in relation to the rear of the ski and a spring for biasing the roller from the raised condition to the lowered condition, so that if the rear end of the ski were to be raised an appreciable 5 distance above the surface of the snow, the roller is maintained in rolling engagement with the underlying snow for measurement calculations. The device is suitable for accurately measuring a predetermined characteristic of travel even if the ski is tipped upon one side or the other.

0 However, the roller of the device is located in a housing in which occlusion readily occurs, thereby causing the roller to stop rotating. The calculated characteristics hereby become entirely unreliable. The speed of the skier will moreover be adversely influenced by the very wide roller being pressed down into the snow by a powerful spring. This condition is further aggravated if the roller shield is occluded whereby the roller is caused to drag behind the ski. Since the roller of the device is mounted to the rear of the one ski, there is also a risk of the skis becoming off-balanced, thereby easily bringing about a fall. In case of skiing on slopes the roller will also cut into the snow, thereby causing the roller housing to block easily with the result that the roller ceases to rotate. The indicator being attached to the sensed elements via a cord that will, during its passage close by fencing, trees and the like that easily catch objects, there is also a risk that the cord will be caught. Hereby the device can be damaged, and in a worst-case-scenario, it may result in a fall.

It is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus that can be used as ski-computer without necessitating any modifications to skis or bindings, wherein said apparatus possesses a high degree of measuring accuracy and the apparatus does not constitute an element of risk to a skier.

This is obtained as featured in the characterising part of claims 1 , 8 and 10.

Hereby an apparatus is obtained that can be mounted without a need for modifications to the ski or the binding. The apparatus is also easy to use.

Moreover, an apparatus is obtained that, with a high degree of measuring accuracy due to the rollers being located freely (unshielded) and in close proximity to the skier, good adhesion to the snow is obtained. A high degree of reliability is also obtained due to the rollers not being located in a housing with shield that can easily be occluded. Therefore the apparatus is also very robust. Also the smallest possible friction between apparatus and support is obtained due to the wheels not being pressed down into the snow by a spring. Finally, the apparatus does not constitute an element of risk to the skier since the means for measuring at least one movement parameter is located near the skier and therefore it does not contribute to warping. Also, the apparatus offers measurement and calculation of a very wide range of movement parameters. The term "shoe-mounted device" is intended to comprise such devices as: Skis, skates, roller skates, skateboards and the like devices that can be mounted on the feet.

The term "preferably being in contact with a support" is intended to denote that the contact to the support is maintained for most of the time, but that the contact will intermittently be interrupted eg due to a leap or a cavity in the support.

The term "peripheral part of a flexible material" is intended to comprise a ring of bristles or a ring of an elastic material, such as eg rubber (optionally cellular rubber) or soft plastics.

The term "movement parameters" is intended to comprise such parameters as: instantaneous speed, average speed, highest speed, lowest speed, instantaneous acceleration, average acceleration, highest acceleration, lowest acceleration, instantaneous deceleration, average deceleration, highest deceleration, lowest deceleration, distance travelled on intermediate distance, distance travelled on intermediate distances - summated, time interval, end time, current position and emergency calls. Movement parameters can thus in their most simple form be count pulses.

The term "cordless communication" is intended to designate communication without the use of cords between the communicating units. The cordless communication will typically be electromagnetic communication. The electromagnetic communication may further use a modulation, such as eg amplitude demodulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or phase modulation (M) or combinations thereof. Cordless communication may further operate in the ultraviolet or infrared range. For instance the communication form may be Bluetooth technology.

The term "command parameters" is intended to designate such parameters as: activation or deactivation of one or more means for measuring at least one movement parameter, resetting of one or more movement parameters, coding or deleting identification parameters and coding or deleting priority.

The term "external receiver" is intended to designate a signal receiver which is capable of receiving movement parameters by means of cordless communication and which is typically at a standstill in relation to the support. The external receiver may be mounted eg along a track.

The term "means for dumping memory" is to be understood as an interface on the apparatus that enables the transfer of stored data in the memory of the apparatus to an external unit (eg a computer).

The term "mounting on an arm, preferably on a wrist" is intended to designate that the mounting may can be anywhere around an arm, but that mostly a wrist will be chosen as point of mounting.

The term "distance" of a housing is to be understood as the thickness between an (upper) first face and a (lower) second face.

When the maximal distance between the first face and the second face is less than 35 mm, it is possible to arrange the housing between footwear and the footwear-mounted device.

When the distance between the first face and the second face is adjustable, it is possible to adapt the housing to a given space between footwear and the footwear-mounted device (for instance a ski). The distance-adjustable qualities may be provided eg by the housing having an upper face and a lower face that can be adjusted outwardly or inwardly to a desired distance. The distance-adjustable qualities of the housing can eg follow the same principle that is used in a jacking beam. Alternatively the distance-adjustable qualities can be accomplished by the sensor unit being built integrally with a housing of a flexible material, such as eg rubber, plastics or foamed plastics. Finally the sensor unit can be built into an airball. When the wheel comprises:

- a rigid disc and

- a peripheral part of a flexible material, wherein the peripheral part is connected to at least a first side of the rigid disc; and wherein a second side of the rigid disc faces towards the housing, a wheel is accomplished that, due to its flexibility, is able to yield to irregularities in the support. Hereby good adhesion to the support is ensured without a risk of the wheel digging into the support (that may be eg snow). Simultaneously the rigid disc ensures that the wheel is unable to enter below the footwear-mounted device (such as eg a ski).

When the means for mounting at least one movement parameter comprises means for cordless communication, it is possible to use cordless communication between the means for measuring at least one movement parameter and an indicator (or an external computer).

When the apparatus comprises means for indicating at least one movement parameter, wherein the means for indicating at least one movement parameter

- are separated from the means for measuring at least one movement parameter;

- comprise means for cordless communication;

- are adapted for mutual communication with the means for measuring at least one movement parameter; it is possible to show the movement parameters. Besides, it is possible to arrange the means for indicating at least one movement parameter within the field of vision of a user (eg on the user's arm). Moreover, it is possible to use a cordless communication between the means for indicating at least one movement parameter and the means for measuring at least one movement parameter. When the apparatus is adapted for transmission of the movement parameters to an external receiver, it is possible to transmit the movement parameter to the operating centre of a sports event via one or more stationary signal receivers. Furthermore, a user of the apparatus who has suffered an injury, eg a fall, is able to transmit an emergency call by pressing a button (switch) located on the means for indicating at least one movement parameter. Identification of the user of the apparatus is accomplished by registration of the associated identification parameter.

When:

- a first face of the housing (103) in combination with a lower face of a footwear item (102) comprises a coefficient of friction larger than zero; and

- a second face of the housing (103) in combination with an upper face of a footwear-mounted device (101) comprises a coefficient of friction larger than zero, a sensor unit is accomplished that does not so easily slide out of the space between footwear and the footwear-mounted device. This is a major advantage, if the lower face of footwear or the top face of the footwear- mounted device is smooth.

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows means for measuring at least one movement parameter in the form of a sensor unit mounted in the binding between a ski and a boot; and

Figure 2 shows means for indicating at least one movement parameter in the form of a display unit for being mounted on a wrist; and

Figure 3 shows a flexible wheel; and Figure 4 shows a block diagram of means for indicating at least one movement parameter; and

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of means for measuring at least one movement parameter; and

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a flexible wheel.

Figure 1 shows an apparatus 100 with means for measuring at least one movement parameter in the form of a sensor unit built integrally with a housing 103 with two flexible wheels 104 protruding on opposite sides of the housing 103. Only the one flexible wheel 104 is shown in the figure. The housing 103 is joumalled in a "sole" arranged in the binding between ski 101 and boot 102 with the flexible wheels 104 protruding on opposite sides of the ski 101. The housing 103 is located between ski 101 and boot 102. When the boot 102 is fastened to the ski 101 , the housing 103 is fixated. The sensor unit in the housing 103 transmits movement parameters and receives command parameters from means for indicating at least one movement parameter by means of cordless communication. When the ski 101 is moved relative to a support, the flexible wheels 104 will rotate. A tachometer in the housing 103 that is in communication with the two flexible wheels 104, will simultaneously sense the movement. Alternatively the movement is sensed by a coil in the housing 103 by movement of a magnet mounted in the flexible wheel 104. According to an alternative embodiment, the housing 103 is fixated on top of the ski 101 by means of a brace (a fitting). The housing 103 is located between the brace and the ski 101, and the brace holds on to the ski 101. In this embodiment, the housing 103 and brace are mounted in front of or behind the binding, typically right in front of or right behind the boot 102.

Figure 2 shows a part of the apparatus 200 with means for indicating at least one movement parameter in the form of a menu-oriented indicator 212. The indicator 212 is mounted on an arm (typically on a wrist) on top of skiwear by means of a wristband 210, 211. The wristband 210, 211 can be eg a Velcro® band. The indicator 212 shows the movement parameter on a display 215. With a leaf switch 214 (scroll button) the reading on the display 215 can be changed to show the desired movement parameters. For instance the speed can be read along the way. Average speed, maximum speed, distance travelled, etc., can be read subsequently, eg on one's way up, in the lift, but it may also be read currently. A more protracted pressure on the leaf switch 214 is used for turning the apparatus 200 on and off. With a set-up button 123 (preset button) parameters can be changed, optionally in combination with the leaf switch 124. Change of parameters may comprise resetting of movement parameters, entering/deleting identification parameters, shifting between use of means for measuring at least one movement parameter on a ski and use of means for measuring at least one movement parameter on two skis, respectively, connecting/disconnecting cordless communication to/from an external signal receiver and connecting/disconnecting GPS interface. Upon selection of emergency-call menu and a simultaneous pressure applied on a leaf switch 214 and set-up switch 213, an emergency call is generated that is transmitted to an external signal receiver. The indicator 212 transmits command parameters and receives movement parameters from the means for measuring at least one movement parameter by means of cordless communication.

Figure 3 shows a flexible wheel 300. The flexible wheel 300 comprises a rigid disc 321. In the disc 321 a magnet is arranged. Onto the outside of the first side of the disc 321 , a peripheral part 320 of a flexible material, eg cellular rubber, is glued, that allows the peripheral part 320 to be deformed in case of powerful heeling on a hard support. The other side of the disc 321 faces towards the ski. The disc 321 prevents the flexible wheel 300 from being pressed underneath the ski in case of sideways load.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of means for indicating at least one movement parameter 400. An antenna 437 which is in connection with a GPS interface 431 receives GPS data, and the GPS interface 431 translates the received GPS data into digital data for a computer 434. The GPS interface 431 is in connection with the computer 434 via a first set of electrical connections 439. An antenna 438 which is in connection with a transmitter/receiver interface 432 receives movement parameters and transmits command parameters. The transmitter/receiver interface 432 translates command parameters from the computer 434 to transmittable command parameters, and the transmitter/receiver interface 432 translates received movement parameters into digital data for the computer 434. The transmitter/receiver interface 432 is in connection with the computer 434 via a second set of electrical connections 440. A switch interface 433 translates switch pressure into commands for the computer 434. The switch interface 433 is in connection with the computer 434 via a third set of electrical connections 441. An interface switch 435 for use for a PC is in connection with the computer 434 via a fourth set of electrical connections 42. The interface switch 435 is able to transmit stored movement parameters to a PC. A display 436 shows digital data (movement parameters) received from the computer 434. The display 436 is in connection with the computer 434 via a fifth set of electrical connections 443.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of means for measuring at least one movement parameter 500. A sensor unit 551 being in communication with a computer 552 senses movement (rotation of wheels) and translates the sensed movement into digital data for the computer 552. The sensor unit 551 is in connection with the computer 552 via a first set of electrical connections

554. An antenna 556 being in connection with a transmitter/receiver-interface 553 receives command parameters and transmits movement parameters.

The transmitter/receiver interface 553 translates movement parameters from the computer 552 to transmittable movement parameters; and the transmitter/receiver interface 553 translates received command parameters into digital data for the computer 552. The transmitter/receiver interface 553 is in connection with the computer 552 via a second set of electrical connections 555. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a flexible wheel 600. 660 is a rigid disc. In the disc, there is an aperture 661 for mounting of the disc 660 on a shaft (not shown). Along the edge of the disc a peripheral part is mounted in the form of alternatingly bristles 664 and bristles 665. The bristles 664 are mounted so as to protrude from the end of the disc 660 at an angle which is typically zero degrees relative to the plane of the disc. The bristles 665 are mounted so as to protrude from the end of the disc 660 at an angle which is typically 45 degrees relative to the plane of the disc. The bristles 664 are secured to the disc 660 by means of binder thread 663 that is wound around the end of the bristles 664 at apertures 662 in the disc 660. The bristles 665 are correspondingly secured to the disc 660 by means of binder thread wound around the end of the bristles 665 at apertures (not shown) in the disc 660.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 100, 500 for measuring at least one movement parameter are adapted for mounting in the binding between footwear 102 and the footwear-mounted device 101 , mounting of the means for measuring at least one movement parameter is enabled without an ensuing need for modification on ski or binding and without use of additional mounting utensils of any kind.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 100, 500 for measuring at least one movement parameter are adapted for mounting in proximity of the binding between a brace and the footwear- mounted device 101 , mounting of the means for measuring at least one movement parameter is enabled without an ensuing need for modification on ski or binding.

If the housing is of a type that does not comprise means for adjustment of the distance between the first face on the housing and the second face on the housing, the adaptation to a given space between footwear and the footwear- mounted device can be accomplished by use of an adapter. The adapter can be eg a hollowed rubber block that has outer dimensions that correspond to the space between footwear and ski, and internal dimensions that correspond to the housing. Optionally the rubber block may be cut through transversally to one of the sides, whereby it is possible to "open" the block while the housing is arranged in the cavity. It is an option to manufacture the adapter in a number of varieties with different thicknesses in order to make allowance for a large (distance) interval.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter is adapted for cordless communication 432, 438 and that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter is adapted for receiving movement parameters from the means 500 for measuring at least one movement parameter by means of the cordless communication 432, 438, 553, 556, an apparatus is obtained that does not constitute an element of risk to a user of the apparatus, due to the means for measuring at least one movement parameter communicating with the means for indicating at least one movement parameter without the use of a cable connection. Thus, there is no cable that can be caught by a tree, fencing or the like.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 500 for measuring at least one movement parameter is adapted for receiving at least one command parameter from the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter by means of the cordless communication 432, 438, 553, 556, it is possible to switch on (start) and switch off (stop) the means for measuring at least one movement parameter. If, furthermore, the apparatus comprises duplicated means for measuring at least one movement parameter for right and left footwear-mounted devices, respectively, it will also be possible to switch on (start) and switch off (stop) each of the means for measuring at least one movement parameter independently of each other or simultaneously. Finally, it will be possible to switch off the entire apparatus, ie also the means for indicating at least one movement parameter. Furthermore, it is possible to reset one or more movement parameters by means of respective command parameters that are transmitted from the means for indicating at least one movement parameter. Besides, it will be possible to enter and delete identification parameters that can be used, eg in a sports event for identifying a user of the apparatus in connection with an external accumulation of movement parameters. If the apparatus comprises duplicated means for measuring at least one movement parameter for right and left footwear-mounted devices, respectively, it will be possible to enter and delete priorities for each of the means for measuring at least one movement parameter, whereby the apparatus is able to currently select the means for measuring at least one movement parameter to which the most reliable values are ascribed.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the apparatus 100, 200 is adapted for receiving 431 , 437 of the Global Positioning System (GPS) data for determination of positions, it is possible to currently register the user's position on the apparatus. If, furthermore, the apparatus communicates with one or more external signal receivers, it is possible to register the user's position in eg the operating centre of a sports event. In connection with an emergency call, time will also be saved in locating the user which means that assistance will reach the user without delay.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter are configured as an indicator 212 and a wristband 210, 211 for mounting on an arm, preferably a wrist, it is possible that the user can, on his way, read the movement parameters.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter are configured as a pair of spectacles with a transparent display built into a spectacle lens, it is possible for the user to read the movement parameter on his way with the least possible distraction. If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter is configured as an indicator unit adapted for mounting on a footwear-mounted device 101 , it is possible to eliminate the need for mounting the indicator unit on a user. This may be advantageous if the user does not need to follow intermediate results or current parameters (such as eg current speed and the like). The indicator unit can, in those cases, be mounted on the footwear-mounted device 101 (that may be eg a ski) by means of coupling elements on the indicator unit and/or on the footwear-mounted device 101. Typically, the indicator unit will comprise a display for displaying stored movement parameters. In case the footwear-mounted device is a ski, the indicator unit will typically be mounted on the ski, in front of or behind the piece of footwear 102.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the apparatus 100, 200 comprises means 434, 552 adapted for estimating at least one movement parameter during a time period when the apparatus is in use, and wherein the apparatus 100, 200 does not sense movement, it is possible that the apparatus can display (and transmit) the most likely movement parameters based on estimates.

Hereby the optimal movement parameters are ensured during the period when the user performs eg a leap.

If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the apparatus 100, 200 comprises duplicated means 500 for measuring at least one movement parameter, and that the means 400 for indicating at least one movement parameter are adapted for receiving movement parameters from the duplicated means 500 for measuring of at least one movement parameter, it is possible for the apparatus to receive movement parameters from the means for measuring at least one movement parameter in case of right and left footwear-mounted devices, respectively. If the apparatus 100, 200 is configured in such a manner that the apparatus 100, 200 comprises means 435 for dumping memory to an external computer, it is possible to transfer movement parameters to eg a PC. The interface will typically be an outlet on the apparatus that provides access to the memory of the apparatus by means of a piece of software that is installed, on the one hand, in the apparatus and, on the other, is installed on the computer. In case of transfer of movement parameters, the apparatus will typically be connected to a computer by means of a cable connection, following which the software is activated - either on the apparatus or on the computer.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. An apparatus (100, 200) for being located between a footwear item (102) having a lower face and a footwear-mounted device (101 ) having an upper face, wherein the apparatus (100, 200) comprises:

- a housing (103) with a first face and an opposite second face;

- at least one wheel (104, 300, 600) rotatably joumalled relative to the housing (103) corresponding to an axis essentially parallel with at least one of said first and said second faces;

- a sensor unit (551 ) adapted for registration of rotation of said at least one wheel (104; 300; 600);

- means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter on the basis of the rotation of the at least one wheel (104, 300, 600);

characterised in

- that the first face is adapted for abutment on the lower face of the piece of footwear; and - that the second face is adapted for abutment on the upper face of the footwear-mounted device (101).

2. An apparatus (100, 200) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the maximum distance between the first face and the second face is less than 35 mm.

3. An apparatus (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the distance between the first face and the second face is adjustable.

4. An apparatus (100, 200) according to at least one of claims 1 through 3, characterised in that the wheel (104, 300, 600) comprises:

- a rigid disc (321 , 660); and

- a peripheral part (320; 664; 665) of a flexible material; wherein the peripheral part (320; 664; 665) is connected to at least a first side of the rigid disc (321 , 660), and wherein a second side of the rigid disc (321 , 660) faces towards the housing (103).

5. An apparatus (100, 200) according to at least one of claims 1 through 4, characterised in that the means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter comprises means for cordless communication (553, 556).

6. An apparatus (100, 200) according to at least one of claims 1 through 5, characterised in the apparatus (100, 200) comprises means (400) for indicating at least one movement parameter, wherein the means (400) for indicating at least one movement parameter:

- are separated from the means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter; - comprise means for cordless communication (432, 438);

- are adapted for mutual communication with the means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter.

7. An apparatus (100, 200) according to at least one of claims 1 through 6, characterised in that the apparatus (100, 200) is adapted for transmission

(432, 438, 553, 556) of movement parameters to an external receiver.

8. An apparatus (100, 200) in combination with a footwear-mounted device (101) and a footwear item (102), wherein: - the footwear-mounted device (101 ) comprises coupling means for fitting of footwear (102); and wherein

- the footwear-mounted device is adapted for preferably being in contact with a support; and wherein

- the footwear-mounted device (101) is adapted for movement in relation to the support; wherein the apparatus (100, 200) comprises means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter, characterised in that the means (500) for measuring at least one movement parameter comprises a housing (103) adapted for being fastened by means of the coupling devices between a lower face of the fitted footwear (102) and a lower face of the footwear-mounted device (101 ), and wherein the means (500) for measurement of at least one movement parameter is adapted for transmission of movement parameters.

9. An apparatus (100, 200) in combination with a footwear-mounted device

(101 ) and a footwear item (102) according to claim 8, characterised in - that a first face of the housing (103) in combination with a lower face of a footwear item (102) comprises a coefficient of friction larger than zero; and - that a second face of the housing (103) in combination with an upper face of a footwear-mounted device (101) comprises a coefficient of friction larger than zero.

10. A method of arranging an apparatus (100, 200) between a footwear item

(102) having a lower face and a footwear-mounted device (101) having an upper face, wherein an apparatus (100, 200) is provided comprising a housing (103), a footwear item (102), and a footwear-mounted device (101) comprising coupling means for fitting of footwear (102) thereon, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- locating the apparatus (100, 200) between the footwear item (102) with the lower face and the footwear-mounted device (101) with the . lower face;

- fastening the housing (103) by means of the coupling elements between the lower face of the fitted footwear item (102) and the upper face of the footwear-mounted device (101);

- performing measurement (500) of at least one movement parameter,

characterised in - that the first face abuts on the lower face of the footwear item (102); and

- that the second face abuts on the upper face of the footwear-mounted device.