FR3087098A1 - CONNECTED SHOE SUITABLE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH THE OUTSIDE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shoe (1) comprising an upper (2), a sole (3), a radio communication device (4) and a detection device (5), the detection device comprising at least one sensor (6 ) of movement and the radio communication device (4) comprising a geolocation module (14) capable of communicating with a first communication network (20) and a so-called external radio communication module (15) configured to communicate with a second network (21) communication. The detection device (5) is arranged in the sole (3) and the radio communication device (4) is arranged in the upper (2) of the shoe (1), and each device (4; 5) comprises a module (11; 9) for local communication, said local communication modules (11; 9) being configured to communicate with each other by wireless link.

Description

The invention relates to a so-called connected shoe capable of communicating with the outside.

It relates more particularly to a shoe comprising a upper, a sole, a radio communication device and a detection device, the detection device comprising at least one movement sensor and the radio communication device comprising a geolocation module capable of communicating with a first communication network and a radio communication module, said to be external, configured to communicate with a second communication network.

So-called connected shoes are known, as illustrated by international application WO2017 / 134388. However, the integration of electronics in such a shoe poses a problem in terms of reliability of communications with the outside and mechanical resistance so that the production on an industrial scale of such shoes has not developed.

An object of the invention is to provide a shoe of the aforementioned type, the design of which allows increased reliability and improved communication with the outside.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a shoe comprising a upper, a sole, a radio communication device and a detection device, the detection device comprising at least one movement sensor and the radio communication device comprising a module. geolocation capable of communicating with a first communication network and a so-called external radio communication module configured to communicate with a second communication network, characterized in that the detection device is arranged in the base and the radio communication device is arranged in the upper of the shoe, and in that each device comprises a local communication module, said local communication modules being configured to communicate with each other by wireless link. The absence of a wire connection between different modules inside the sole increases the reliability over time of the shoe. The integration of the radio communication device into the upper of the shoe provides an improved transmit / receive signal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection device comprises a control unit configured to detect a fall in the wearer of the shoe at least as a function of the information from the movement sensor and to control the emission of a signal of alert to the radio communication device via the local communication modules.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the detection device comprises a buzzer-type warning device capable of emitting a vibratory signal capable of being felt by the wearer of the shoe.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the detection device is configured to, after detection of a fall, control the activation of the vibrator, validate / invalidate the fall at least according to information from the sensor movement and control the emission of the alert signal to the radio communication device via the local communication modules if the fall is validated. The wearer of the shoe is thus alerted via the vibrator that a fall has been detected and may, depending on his reaction, in particular by executing movements of the foot, invalidate the fall and prevent the emission of the alert signal to the radio communication.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device comprises a control unit configured to, on receipt of an alert signal from the detection device, request location information and control the transmission of a message alert comprising position data via the external radio communication module.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the radio communication device is configured to receive an acknowledgment message of the transmission of the alert message and to transmit a message corresponding to the detection device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the detection device is configured to control the activation of the vibrator upon receipt of the acknowledgment of receipt of the alert message. The wearer of the shoe is thus informed that the alert message has indeed been transmitted.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device and the detection device each comprise an electrical supply.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least part of the radio communication device comprising the electrical supply of said device is removably mounted to allow recharging of said supply.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the external radio communication module is configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols LoRa, Sigfox, INGENU, WEIGHTLESS-N, SENSUS, TELENSA, LTEM, Cat-M1, NB -loT and in that the local radio communication modules are configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or any other protocol using the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device is arranged in the rod, at the level of the top face of the rod, in the part of the positionable rod with at least partial overlap of the neck-foot corresponding to the front and upper part of the foot and the detection device is arranged in the part of the sole forming the heel of said sole. The sole can thus be produced by injection and have a certain thickness. The radio communication device can be arranged at the level of a tongue fitted to the rod.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device comprises an ignition module capable of supplying information to the control unit of the radio communication device and the control unit of the radio communication device is configured to switch the radio communication device between standby mode and hibernation mode based on information from the ignition module.

The invention will be clearly understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents in the form of blocks a schematic view of the various constituent elements of the shoe and,

FIG. 2 represents a schematic view of a shoe in an exploded position of the elements.

As mentioned above, the shoe 1, object of the invention, comprises a upper 2 and a sole 3 to which the upper 2 is fixed. The sole 3 comprises a front or front part and a rear or rear part forming the heel of said sole. This heel may include a cavity inside which the detection device 5 described below can be housed.

It is also possible to drown the detection device 5 in the sole.

This sole 3 is generally produced by injection. The rod 2 may in turn comprise a tab or a Mexican tab at the top face in the part of the rod 2 which can be positioned with at least partial overlap of the instep corresponding to the front and upper part of the foot. This rod 2 provides an opening through which the foot is able to be introduced into the shoe 1.

The shoe 1 also comprises, in addition to the detection device 5, a radio communication device 4. Each of these devices can be externally in the form of a box.

As mentioned above, the detection device 5 is disposed in the sole 3, generally at the heel of the sole.

The detection device 5 comprises at least one motion sensor 6. This motion sensor 6 can comprise a single motion sensor 6 or a combination of motion sensors 6. Preferably, at least one of the motion sensors 6 is an accelerometer. The combination of movement sensors 6 can comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a presence sensor 6, such as a proximity or pressure sensor, disposed in the sole to detect the presence or absence of a foot inside the shoe. It is this combination which is retained in the example shown.

The detection device 5 also comprises a control unit 8 to which the information from the motion sensor 6 is supplied. The control unit is for example in the form of a processor and a data memory in which computer instructions executable by said processor are stored, or even in the form of a microcontroller.

In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (eg networks of programmable doors). In particular, the functions and steps operated by the control unit 8 or its modules can be performed by sets of instructions or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the FPGA type. or ASIC. It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

The control unit 8 is thus an electronic and / or computer unit. When it is specified that the unit or means or module of said unit are configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which make it possible to carry out said operation and / or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

The detection device 5 also comprises a local communication module 9. The control unit 8 is configured to allow the transmission of signals from said local communication module 9.

The detection device 5 also comprises a vibrator type warning device 7 capable of emitting a vibratory signal capable of being felt by the wearer of the shoe 1. Again, this vibrator 7 is connected to the control unit 8 which is configured to controlling the activation of the vibrator 7, in particular as a function of the information received from the motion sensor 6. The vibrator 7 thus serves as a means of communication (confirmation or sensory warning) for example to allow a caregiver to confirm to the wearer of the shoe that he has received a fall detection signal or also to warn that a detection signal fall will be issued, as will be described below.

The detection device 5 also comprises an electrical supply 10 connected at least to the control unit 8. This power supply 10 can be in the form of a button cell integrated into a support carrying the various electrical and / or electronic components mentioned above. The power supply 10 supplies these various components.

The radio communication device 4 carried by the upper 2 of the sole comprises a geolocation module 14 capable of communicating with a first communication network 20. This geolocation module 14 makes it possible to acquire the geographical position of the shoe, that is to say at least its latitude and longitude. This geographic position can then be transmitted by the radio communication device 4 to a remote receiver. This geolocation can be carried out by a GNSS type network for Global Navigation Satellite System (global navigation satellite system) choosing the satellite network emitting best among the following: Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, QZSS, IRNSS.

This geolocation module 14 can include a GPS chip connected to an antenna 141.

The radio communication device 4 also comprises a radio communication module 15, said to be external, configured to communicate with a second communication network 21. This radio communication module 15 makes it possible in particular to transmit the geolocation information to a remote receiver.

This external radio communication module 15 is preferably a module of the long-range radiocommunication chip type according to an LPWAN (for Low-Power Wide Area Network in English) technology, or else LTN (for Low Throughput Networks in English) or LPWN (for Low Power Wireless Network in English) as defined in particular by ETSI (for European Telecommunications Standards Institute in English). The use of such technology has the advantage of providing low-power communication with a maximum range limited to a few kilometers. This wireless outdoor radio communication module 15 is therefore configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols LORA, SIGFOX, INGENU, WEIGHTLESS-N, SENSUS, TELENSA, LTE-M, Cat-M1, NB-loT with l '' one of the following networks: LORA, SIGFOX, INGENU, WEIGHTLESS-N,

SENSUS, TELENSA, LTE-M, Cat-M1, NB-loT.

As a variant, the communication module 15 and the geolocation module 14 can be common as well as the first communication network 20 and the second communication network 21. In this case, the single module can include a triangulation location function based on the use of the position of transmission antennas. The radio communication device 4 can therefore comprise a so-called external radio communication module 15 common with the geolocation module 14 and configured to communicate with a single communication network, according to a communication protocol of the type described above for the outdoor radio communication module 15.

As a variant, again, the radio communication device 4 can comprise a geolocation module 14 performing geolocation by a GNSS type network and an external radio communication module 15 integrating a geolocation function. The use of this geolocation function is preferred for geolocation inside a construction while the use of the geolocation module 14 is preferred by a location outside a construction.

This radio communication device 4 also includes a control unit 12 connected to the external radio communication module 15 and to the geolocation module 14. In a similar way to what has been described above for the unit 8 for controlling the detection device 5, the unit 12 for example takes the form of a processor and a data memory in which are stored computer instructions executable by said processor, or in the form of a microcontroller.

In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (p.

ex. programmable door networks). In particular, the functions and steps operated by the control unit or its modules can be performed by sets of instructions or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the FPGA type or ASIC. It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

The control unit 12 is thus an electronic and / or computer unit. When it is specified that the unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which make it possible to carry out said operation and / or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

The radio communication device 4 also comprises a local communication module 11 configured to communicate, bidirectionally by wireless link, that is to say radio, with the local communication module 9 of the detection device 5. Each short-range communication module, in the examples shown, is a short-range radio communication chip, for example with a maximum range of less than 20 m. These local radio communication modules are configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols: ZIG BEE, low energy bluetooth (BLE) or any other protocol using the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

It should be noted that in the case where the local radio communication modules 9 and 11 fail to communicate with each other or in the case where the external radio communication module cannot communicate with the outside, the device 5 Detection device can be configured to communicate with an external device, such as a mobile phone, to establish a connection and use the external device to transmit an alert message.

The radio communication device 4 also comprises an electrical supply 13 capable of supplying the electrical or electronic components of the radio communication device 4.

In the examples shown, at least part of the radio communication device 4 comprising the electrical supply 13 of said device 4 is removably mounted to allow recharging of said supply 13. This supply is formed by a rechargeable battery, for example of the lithium type -ion-polymer. The housing constituting the radio communication device 4 can be equipped with an external magnetic connector for connection to a charger.

The radio communication device 4 also comprises an ignition module 16 capable of supplying information to the control unit 12 for controlling the radio communication device 4 and the control unit for the radio communication device is configured to switch the device 4 radio communication between a standby mode and a hibernation mode based on information from the ignition module 16.

In particular, this ignition module 16 comprises at least one movement sensor, such as an accelerometer, capable of transmitting a signal to the unit 12 for controlling the radio communication device 4 as soon as the movement sensor detects movement . The detection of this movement causes the radio communication device 4 to switch to standby mode. Switching to hibernation mode takes place when no movement is detected for a predetermined period of time.

Similarly, one of the sensors, such as the foot presence sensor of the combination of sensors constituting the motion sensor 6, is capable of supplying foot presence information to the unit 8 for controlling the device 5 detection and the unit 8 for controlling the detection device 5 is configured to switch the detection device 5 between a standby mode and a hibernation mode as a function of the information from the presence sensor.

Switching to standby mode takes place when a foot in the shoe is detected by the presence sensor.

The control unit of the radio communication device 4 and the control unit of the detection device 5 are configured to switch the associated device into active mode when a fall is detected.

As mentioned above, the communication device 4 is arranged in the upper 2 at the level of the upper face of the upper 2. This device can be inserted in a textile or leather pocket covering the top of the shoe at the level of the tongue of said shoe.

This radio communication device 4 can also be placed under the lacing zone when this zone exists. This positioning has the advantage of limiting possible discomfort from walking.

In practice, the operation of the communication and detection devices is as follows. The wearer of the shoe introduces his foot into the shoe. This presence of the foot in the shoe is detected at the level of the detection device 5 which switches to standby mode. In parallel, the radio communication device 4 which detects movement is also switched to standby mode. In this standby mode, the unit 8 for controlling the detection device is configured to detect a fall at least as a function of the information from the motion sensor 6. Indeed, the control unit 8 comprises a memory, making it possible to record the data supplied by the motion sensor, such as the combination formed by the accelerometer and the gyroscope, and a data processing module. This data processing module is configured to detect a fall according to detection parameters, such as the gyration speed, the maximum acceleration, the acceleration curve, the time during which an acceleration along one or more axes remains less at a predetermined threshold value, etc. The control unit 8 of the detection device 5 is configured to, after detection of the fall, control the activation of the vibrator 7. This activation of the vibrator 7 alerts the wearer of the shoe to the fact that an alert message is going to be issued. The wearer of the shoe can then, if he has not fallen, execute with his shoes predefined movements. These actions are detected by the motion sensor 6. The control unit of the detection device 5, to which the signals from the motion sensor 6 are supplied, is configured to validate or invalidate the fall as a function of the information from the motion sensor 6. If the fall is validated, that is to say if the wearer of the shoe does not execute, at the level of the shoe, an action corresponding to a signal for invalidating the fall, the control unit 8 of the detection device 5 is configured to control the emission of an alert signal M to the radio communication device 4 via the local communication modules 9 and 11. This alert signal M includes an identifier of the boot and an identifier of the communication network. These identifiers are pre-stored in the detection device 5. The unit 12 for controlling the radio communication device 4 is configured to, on receipt of the alert signal M from the detection device 5, request location information using the geolocation module 14 and control the transmission of 'an M + P alert message, that is to say comprising position data P via the external radio communication module 15. Once the M + P alert message has been sent, the unit 12 for controlling the radio communication device 4 is configured to receive an acknowledgment message of the emission of the M + P alert message and to transmit a message corresponding to the detection device 5. The unit 8 for controlling the detection device 5 is configured to control the activation of the vibrator 7 upon receipt of the acknowledgment of receipt of the M + P alert message. This action of the vibrator confirms to the wearer of the shoe that the alert message sent has been received and taken into account.

As a variant or in addition, the shoe can be provided with a light element, such as an LED, connected to the control unit 12 of the radio communication device 4 which can, similarly to the vibrator, give information to the bearer, for example information to acknowledge receipt or alert.

Claims (12)

1. Shoe (1) comprising a rod (2), a sole (3), a device (4) for radio communication and a device (5) for detection, the device (5) for detection comprising at least one sensor (6 ) of movement and the radio communication device (4) comprising a geolocation module (14) capable of communicating with a first communication network (20) and a so-called external radio communication module (15) configured to communicate with a second network (21) for communication, characterized in that the detection device (5) is placed in the sole (3) and the radio communication device (4) is placed in the upper (2) of the shoe (1), and in that each device (4; 5) comprises a local communication module (11; 9), said local communication modules (11; 9) being configured to communicate with each other by wireless link. 2. Shoe (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device (5) comprises a control unit (8) configured to detect a fall of the wearer of the shoe (1) at least according to information from the motion sensor (6) and controlling the emission of an alert signal (M) to the radio communication device (4) via the local communication modules (11; 9). 3. Shoe (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection device (5) comprises a buzzer type alarm (7) capable of emitting a vibratory signal capable of being felt by the wearer of the shoe (1). 4. Shoe (1) according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the unit (8) for controlling the detection device (5) is configured to, after detection of a fall, control the activation of the buzzer (7), validate / invalidate the fall at least according to the information from the motion sensor (6) and control the emission of the alert signal (M) to the radio communication device (4) via the modules (11; 9) of local communication if the fall is validated. 5. Shoe (1) according to claim 2, or one of claims 3 or 4 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the device (4) for radio communication comprises a control unit (12) configured for , upon receipt of an alert signal (M) from the detection device (5), request location information and order the emission of an alert message (M + P) comprising position data (P) via the external radio communication module (15). 6. Shoe (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the unit (12) for controlling the radio communication device (4) is configured to receive an acknowledgment message of the transmission of the message (M + P) alert and transmit a message corresponding to the detection device (5). 7. Shoe (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the unit (8) for controlling the detection device (5) is configured to control the activation of the vibrator (7) upon receipt of the acknowledgment of receipt. of the alert message (M + P). 8. Shoe (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device (4) for radio communication and the device (5) for detection each comprise an electrical supply (13; 10). 9. Shoe (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least part of the device (4) of radio communication comprising the power supply (13) of said device (4) is removably mounted to allow recharging of said power supply (13). 10. Shoe (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the module (15) of external radio communication is configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols LoRa, Sigfox, INGENU, WEIGHTLESS- N, SENSUS, TELENSA, LTE-M, Cat-M1, NB-loT and in that the local radio communication modules (9; 11) are configured to communicate according to at least one of the following protocols Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or any other protocol using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. 11. Shoe (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device (4) for radio communication is arranged in the upper (2), at the level of the face of the upper of the upper (2) , in the part of the rod (2) which can be positioned with at least partial overlap of the instep corresponding to the front and upper part of the foot and in that the detection device (5) is arranged in the part (1) of the sole (3) forming the heel of said sole (3). 12. Shoe (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, of the type in which the communication device (4) comprises a control unit (12), characterized in that the radio communication device (4) comprises a module (16) ignition capable of providing information to the control unit (12) of the radio communication device (4) and in that the control unit of the radio communication device (4) is configured to switch the device (4) for radio communication between a standby mode and a hibernation mode according to information from the ignition module (16).