Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a footwear and particularly to a smart footwear for identifying and managing a stress level of a person.
Description of Related Art
[002] Footwear is an outfit accessory that is worn by a person on their feet. The footwear protects the sole of the feet from micro-level sharp objects. It also acts as a barrier safeguarding the feet from extreme temperatures conducted from the ground to the sole of the feet of the user. Further, footwear allows the person to get a better grip on uneven terrains, facilitating the movement of the person and reducing accidents. There are different types of footwear available according to one’s individual needs.
[003] In today's fast-paced and stressful world, managing stress has become a prime concern for individuals. Stressful lifestyles, demanding work environments, social pressures, and other factors contribute to an increase in stress levels experienced by people. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical well-being, leading to various health issues such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, and more. There is a critical need for innovative solutions that not only address physical comfort and protection, as traditional footwear does, but also take into account the impact of stress on an individual's overall health and well-being.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced smart footwear that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide smart footwear. The footwear comprising: a base of the footwear adapted to receive a foot of a person; pressure sensors arranged at detection points on the base, and configured to sense values of pressure exerted by the foot of the person on the detection points; a control unit connected to the pressure sensors, characterized in that the control unit is configured to: receive the sensed values of pressure from the pressure sensors; analyze a pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using an artificial intelligence algorithm; evaluate a stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution; and transmit data of the evaluated stress level to a user device.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for evaluating stress levels in a person wearing the smart footwear. The method includes steps for receiving values of pressure sensed by pressure sensors arranged at detection points on the base of the footwear by a control unit; analyzing a pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using an artificial intelligence algorithm integrated into the control unit; evaluating a stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution; and transmitting data of the evaluated stress level to a user device.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart footwear.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart footwear that enables a precise alignment of a foot on the footwear.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart footwear that is attractive and devised for evaluating stress without impacting an aesthetic impression of a wearer.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart footwear that is easy to use, and easy to maintain by young and elder persons.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart footwear that is cost-effective and sustainable.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a smart footwear, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the smart footwear, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for evaluating stress levels in a person wearing the smart footwear, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a smart footwear 100 (hereinafter referred to as the footwear 100) for managing stress, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the footwear 100 may enable a person to identify a stress level by evaluating a pressure distribution on the footwear 100. The footwear 100 may indicate wrong and/or incorrect placement of a foot of the person. The footwear 100 may identify anomalies in the pressure distribution, suggesting improper foot positioning or incorrect distribution of weight on the foot, thus allowing for corrective actions to be taken.
[0023] According to embodiments of the present invention, the person may be of any age group and any gender group. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the person may be a toddler and/or a kid of a very early age who may be in their learning phase. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the person. In an embodiment of the present invention, the footwear 100 depicted in the FIG. 1 may be a right pair of the footwear 100 that may be worn by the person on their right foot. Further, there may be a left pair (not shown in the figures) of the footwear 100 that may be worn by the person on their left foot, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the components in the left pair of the footwear may be same as components in the right pair of the footwear 100.
[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, the footwear 100 may comprise a base 102, a strap 104, a heel 106, pressure sensors 108a-108n (hereinafter individually referred to as the pressure sensor 108, or collectively referred to as the pressure sensors 108), a control unit 110, and a power supply unit 112. The footwear 100 may be capable of transmitting data to a user device 114, according to the embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the base 102 of the footwear 100 may be adapted to receive a foot of the person. According to embodiments of the present invention, the base 102 of the footwear 100 may be manufactured with any material such as, but not limited to, a silicone material, a leather material, a fabric material, a plastic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the manufacturing of the base 102 of the footwear 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the strap 104 may be attached to the base 102 of the footwear 100. The strap 104 may be configured to secure the foot of the person inside of the footwear 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heel 106 may be adapted to provide a dynamic and responsive cushioning to the footwear 100. The cushioning may absorb and dissipate impact forces experienced during walking, running, or other activities, enhancing comfort and reducing the stress on the foot and lower leg.
[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, the pressure sensors 108 may be arranged at the detection points on the base 102, in a distributed manner. The detection points may be distributed on the base 102 to be close to a toe to a foot heel of the person. The pressure sensor 108 may be configured to sense values of pressure exerted by the foot of the person on the detection points. According to embodiments of the present invention, the values of the pressure exerted by the foot the person may be in a range from 10 Kilo-Pascal (kPa) to 950 Kilo-Pascal (kPa).
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any values of the pressure that may be exerted by the foot of the person, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the values of pressure exerted may be measured in units such as, but not limited to, Kilo-Pascal (kPa), Pascal (Pa), torr, bar, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any unit for the measurement of the pressure exerted by the pressure sensors 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be communicatively connected to the pressure sensors 108. The control unit 110 may be configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to generate an output relating to the footwear 100 stored in a memory (not shown). The control unit 110 may receive the sensed values of pressure from the pressure sensors 108. The control unit 110 may further analyze a pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using an artificial intelligence algorithm. The control unit 110 may further evaluate the stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution. The control unit 110 may further transmit data of the evaluated stress level to the user device 114. The control unit may further provide a personalized feedback or recommendations to the person based on the evaluated stress level. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may identify abnormalities in foot pressure patterns of the person based on the received values of pressure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 110 may prompt the person to seek a professional advice and/or to take preventive measures upon identifying the abnormalities or when the stress level exceeds a threshold level of stress.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, a Raspberry Pi, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the memory, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 110 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, components of the control unit 110 may be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2. According to embodiments of the present invention, the memory may be, but not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random-Access Memory (RAM), an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a hard drive, a removable media drive for handling memory cards, and so forth.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may be connected to the control unit 110. The power supply unit 112 may supply operational power to the control unit 110, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may provide power from a battery. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power may be supplied from a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 112 may be adapted to charge the battery embedded in the footwear 100 using a kinetic energy generated while walking or running of the person. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery embedded in the footwear 100 may be chargeable using an external power supply.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the power may be supplied from a non-rechargeable battery. According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery for power supply may be of any composition such as, but not limited to, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, a Zinc-Carbon battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any composition of the battery, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 114 may be a device utilized by the users. The user device 114 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a consumer device, and alike. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the personal computer may be, but not limited to, a desktop, a server, a laptop, and alike. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the personal computer including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the consumer device may be, but not limited to, a tablet, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the consumer device including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 110 of the footwear 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 110 may include an activation module 200, a data receiving module 202, a data analysis module 204, and a transmission module 206.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the person may actuate an activation button (not shown) by placing the foot heel in the footwear 100 and may enable the activation module 200 to generate an activation signal to activate the components of the footwear 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the person may deactivate the activation button by removing or uplifting the foot heel from the heel 106 of the footwear 100.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 202 may be configured to receive the values of pressure exerted by the person on the specific points from the pressure sensors 108. Further, the received values of pressure exerted may be transmitted to the data analysis module 204.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data analysis module 204 may be configured to receive the values of pressure exerted, from the data receiving module 202. The data analysis module 204 may be configured to analyze the pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using the artificial intelligence algorithm integrated into the control unit 110. The artificial intelligence algorithm may trained with extensive datasets of pressure distributions to accurately evaluate the stress level. The data analysis module 204 may evaluate the stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution. The artificial intelligence algorithm may consider factors, referring but not limited to, a magnitude, a duration of pressure, a rate of change in pressure, and a deviation from typical pressure patterns. These factors may provide a quantitative assessment of the stress experienced by the person. The stress level may be evaluated using an equation E1.
Stress Level=w1×M+w2×D+w3×R+w4×P —- (E1)
[0038] where: w1, w2, w3, and w4 are weights assigned to each factor based on their relative importance in stress assessment (these weights would be determined through thorough analysis and calibration of the AI model).
[0039] “M”, “D”, “R”, and “P” may be normalized values representing a magnitude, a duration, a rate of change, and a deviation in the values of pressure, respectively.
[0040] The data analysis module 204 may further compare the evaluated stress level with threshold level of stress prestored in the memory (not shown). The data analysis module 204 may transmit a precaution signal to the transmission module 206, when the stress level exceeds the threshold level of stress. The data analysis module 204 may further identify abnormalities in foot pressure patterns of the person based on the received values of pressure. The data analysis module 204 may transmit an abnormality identification signal to the transmission module 206 based on the identified abnormalities in the foot pressure patterns.
[0041] Upon detecting the stress level or identifying the abnormalities in the foot pressure patterns, the data analysis module 204 may transmit signals selected from an activation signal, the precaution signal, or the abnormality identification signal to the transmission module 206. In an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission module 206 may be activated upon receipt of the activation signal, the precaution signal, or the abnormality identification signal from the data analysis module 204.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the transmission module 206 may be configured to transmit data based on the received activation signal, the received precaution signal, or the received abnormality identification signal to the user device 114. The transmission module 206 may further transmit an alert message to prompt the person to seek professional advice and/or take preventive measures upon identifying the abnormalities in the foot pressure patterns or when the stress level exceeds the threshold level of stress.
[0043] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for evaluating stress levels in the person wearing the footwear 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] At step 302, the footwear 100 may receive the values of pressure sensed by the pressure sensors 108a-108n arranged at the detection points on the base 102 of the footwear 100 by the control unit 110.
[0045] At step 304, the footwear 100 may analyze the pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using the artificial intelligence algorithm integrated into the control unit 110.
[0046] At step 306, the footwear 100 may evaluate the stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution.
[0047] At step 308, the footwear 100 may transmit the data of the evaluated stress level to the user device 114.
[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0049] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , C , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A smart footwear (100), the footwear (100) comprising:
a base (102) of the footwear (100) adapted to receive a foot of a person;
pressure sensors (108a-108n) arranged at detection points on the base (102), and configured to sense values of pressure exerted by the foot of the person on the detection points; and
a control unit (110) connected to the pressure sensors (108a-108n), characterized in that the control unit (110) is configured to:
receive the sensed values of pressure from the pressure sensors (108a-108n);
analyze a pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using an artificial intelligence algorithm;
evaluate a stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution; and
transmit data of the evaluated stress level to a user device (114).
2. The footwear (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to provide a personalized feedback or recommendations to the person based on the evaluated stress level.
3. The footwear (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to identify abnormalities in foot pressure patterns of the person based on the received values of pressure.
4. The footwear (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to prompt the person to seek a professional advice and/or to take preventive measures upon identifying the abnormalities or when the stress level exceeds a threshold level of stress.
5. The footwear (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a power supply unit (112) is configured to supply operational power to the control unit (110).
6. The footwear (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the artificial intelligence algorithm is trained with extensive datasets of pressure distributions to accurately evaluate the stress level.
7. A method (300) for evaluating stress levels in a person wearing the smart footwear (100) of claim 1, the method (300) comprising:
receiving values of pressure sensed by pressure sensors (108a-108n) arranged at detection points on the base (102) of the footwear (100) by a control unit (110);
analyzing a pressure distribution based on the received values of pressure using an artificial intelligence algorithm integrated into the control unit (110);
evaluating a stress level of the person based on the analyzed pressure distribution; and
transmitting data of the evaluated stress level to a user device (114).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of providing personalized feedback or recommendations to the person based on the evaluated stress level.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of identifying abnormalities in foot pressure patterns of the person based on the received values of pressure.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of prompting the person to seek professional advice and/or take preventive measures upon identifying abnormalities in foot pressure patterns or when the stress level exceeds a threshold level of stress.
Date: October 11, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant