Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/KR101914824B1/en
Timestamp: 2019-09-17 01:51:59
Document Index: 376530332

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 13', 'Application No. 11', 'Application No. 13', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 2010', 'Application No. 12', 'Application No. 13', 'Application No. 13', 'Application No. 12']

KR101914824B1 - Apparel having sensor system - Google Patents
KR101914824B1
KR101914824B1 KR1020157018772A KR20157018772A KR101914824B1 KR 101914824 B1 KR101914824 B1 KR 101914824B1 KR 1020157018772 A KR1020157018772 A KR 1020157018772A KR 20157018772 A KR20157018772 A KR 20157018772A KR 101914824 B1 KR101914824 B1 KR 101914824B1
KR1020157018772A
KR20150093837A (en
제임스 씨 메쉬터
티나 엠 카실라스
리차드 엘 왓킨스
2012-12-13 Priority to US13/713,967 priority
2013-12-13 Application filed by 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이. filed Critical 나이키 이노베이트 씨.브이.
2013-12-13 Priority to PCT/US2013/075130 priority patent/WO2014093888A2/en
2015-08-18 Publication of KR20150093837A publication Critical patent/KR20150093837A/en
2018-11-02 Publication of KR101914824B1 publication Critical patent/KR101914824B1/en
A sensor system configured for use with an article of clothing includes one or more sensors formed of a polymeric material with conductive particle material dispersed therein and a conductive lead for connecting the sensor to the port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particle material is dispersed. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor (s) at a first dispersion density, and the conductive material is dispersed in the lead at a second dispersion density higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when subjected to pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity such that the leads are configured to conduct electronic signals between each sensor and the port in any deformed state.
APPAREL HAVING SENSOR SYSTEM [0001]
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 713,967, filed December 13, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and as part of this application.
The present invention relates generally to apparel having a sensor system and more particularly to an apparel article having an extruded sensor system with a sensor connected to a communication port operatively associated with the sensor member and the garment article of apparel.
Garment articles incorporating sensor systems are known. The sensor system tracks movement and collects performance data, and movement and execution data can be accessed for later use such as analysis purposes. In certain systems, the sensor system is sometimes complicated or unreliable due to the bending of the garment at the wearer's joints. In addition, data may only be accessed or used using a particular operating system. Therefore, the use of the collected data may be unnecessarily limited. Accordingly, although certain garment articles having sensor systems provide numerous advantageous features, they have certain limitations. The present invention overcomes certain of these limitations and other shortcomings of the prior art and aims to provide novel features that were not previously available.
The present invention relates generally to garment articles having a sensor system. Aspects of the present invention relate to a sensor system comprising one or more sensors formed of a polymeric material with conductive particle material dispersed therein, and a conductive lead connected to the sensor. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particle material is dispersed. The sensor and the lead may have the same or different polymeric material and / or conductive particle material. In one embodiment, the conductive material is dispersed in the sensor (s) at a first dispersion density, and the conductive material is dispersed in the lead at a second dispersion density higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured such that when the sensor is deformed under pressure, the resistance is increased, or in other words, the sensor has a first resistance in non-deformed conditions and a second resistance in deformation conditions, Is higher than the first resistance. In a configuration including a conductive material in which leads are dispersed, the second dispersion density is made such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity such that the leads are configured to conduct electronic signals between the respective sensors and ports in any deformed state.
According to one aspect, the garment article further includes a communication port operably connected to the sensor, such that the lead connects the sensor to the port. In one embodiment, the communication port is configured to transmit data relating to the force detected by each sensor in a universally readable format. The port may also be configured for connection to an electronic module to enable communication between the sensor and the module.
According to another aspect, an article of clothing includes an electronic module that communicates with the sensor, which is configured to collect data from the sensor. The module may be connected to the sensor via a communication port and may be located in a cavity associated with the garment article. In one embodiment, the module is also configured to transmit data to an external device for further processing.
According to another aspect, an article of clothing may comprise a housing configured to removably receive an electronic module. The housing may include a well for receiving the module therein and may have a communication port connected to the sensor and configured for communication with the module. The housing may further have a retaining structure configured to retain the module within the housing.
According to a further aspect, the polymer material and the conductive particle material of each sensor and each conductive lead are co-extruded.
According to a further aspect, each lead includes an insulating coating dispersed around the conductive core, and both the insulating coating and the conductive core are formed of a polymeric material. The insulative coating is substantially free of conductive particulate material, and the conductive core comprises a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a second dispersion density. Each sensor may additionally or alternatively include an insulating coating distributed around the core, wherein both the insulating coating and the conductive core are formed of a polymeric material. The insulating coating is substantially free of conductive particulate material, and the core comprises a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density.
According to a further aspect, at least one sensor of the sensors includes a plurality of generally parallel branches, which have one or more bridges extending across the branches to connect the branches together. Such sensor (s) may have three or more branches arranged in a zigzag pattern.
According to a further aspect, the sensor may be formed by a first polymeric paint in which the conductive particle material is dispersed with a first dispersion density, and the leads are dispersed within the conductive particle material at a second dispersion density And the second polymer coating material. Both the first polymer paint and the second polymer paint may be silicone-based paints.
According to a further aspect, the conductive particle material comprises at least one particulate material selected from the group consisting of nickel, silver, carbon, and aluminum.
According to a further aspect, at least one sensor of the sensors includes a thinned segment having a reduced width relative to other portions of the sensor.
According to a further aspect, each sensor has two leads connecting the sensor to the port, each sensor and the two leads connected thereto are a single extruded sensor segment having a sensor segment forming the sensor and a conductor segment forming the lead Are formed integrally as members. The sensor segments may be formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particle material is dispersed within a first dispersion density and the conductor segments may be formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particle material is dispersed within the second dispersion density.
A further aspect of the invention relates to an article of clothing comprising a sensor system as described above. The garment article may be a shirt, which may have a sensor located at least in the elbow area, shoulder area, and / or the armpit area of the shirt, and may have a port located in the upper back area or the chest area. The garment item may be a pair of pants (including shorts), which may have at least a sensor located in the knee and back regions of the pants and may have ports located in the front or back region of the waist region of the pants . The garment article may also be a full bodysuit having one or more sensors and ports located in one of the positions described above with respect to the shirt and pants. The garment article may also be a tracksuit or similar dress with distinct shirts and pants members. The sensor system of the shirt and pants may share a single port, or may have separate ports capable of communicating with each other and / or with a common external device. Other apparel articles may also be used.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a garment article comprising a clothing member in which a sensor system is disposed. The sensor system includes an extruded silicon member connected to the sensor segment and the sensor segment and having a sensor segment and a subsequent conductor segment. The sensor segment has a conductive particle material contained within a first concentration path and the conductor segment has a conductive particle material contained within a second concentration path, the second concentration being greater than the first concentration. The sensor segments and conductor segments may each form one or more sensors and leads, as described above.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising an apparel article and / or a sensor system as described above together with an electronic module coupled to the sensor system. The system may further comprise an external device configured to communicate with the electronic module. The module is configured to receive data from the sensor and to transmit data to the external device, wherein the external device is configured for additional processing of the data.
According to one aspect, the system also includes an attached device coupled to the external device configured to enable communication between the electronic module and the external device. The accessory device may also be configured for connection to a second external device to enable communication between the electronic module and the second external device.
According to another aspect, the data delivered to the external device may be used in one or more different applications. Such applications may include, among other things, using data as a control input for a program executed by an external device, such as a game program, or for athletic performance monitoring. Exercise performance monitoring includes, among other things, speed, distance, lateral movement, acceleration, jump height, weight shift, foot strike pattern, balance, pronation or supination, loft time measurement during running, , One or more execution metrics such as contact time, pressure center, arm throwing speed / force, kicking speed / force, weight distribution, and / or impact force.
Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a garment article comprising a sensor system as described above. Such a method may include receiving data from a sensor in an electronic module and transmitting data from the module to a remote external device for further processing that may include use in one or more applications. The method may also include removing or disconnecting the first electronic module from the sensor system and connecting a second module configured for another operation in place. The method may further comprise processing the data for use in one or more applications and / or using the data as a control input to the external device. The method may also include an external device receiving data and utilizing and / or further processing the data in various manners, including control inputs for motion monitoring or modeling and other such uses. Aspects of the present invention may also include a computer-readable medium comprising instructions for performing one or more of the methods and / or for using the shoes and systems described above.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system including at least one shoe article having a sensor system comprising at least one sensor communicating with a port as well as at least one garment article having a sensor system as described above. An electronic module can be coupled to the sensor system, and each electronic module is configured to transfer data received from the sensor to an external device. Data from different sensor systems can be processed together, for example, by modules and / or external devices, and used in any of the applications described above. The system may use one of several different communication modes.
1 is a rear view of one embodiment of a shirt-like garment article having a sensor system.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the shirt of Fig. 1;
3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing of the shirt of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of Fig. 2 with the housing removed to show in detail;
Fig. 5 is a rear view of Fig. 1 with an alternative housing attached to the shirt; Fig.
7 is a rear view of another embodiment of a garment article in the form of pants having a sensor system.
8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the trousers of Fig. 7;
Figure 9 is an enlarged view of Figure 8, with an alternative housing attached to the pants.
Figure 10 is a front view of the trousers of Figure 7;
11 is a rear view of yet another embodiment of a garment article in the form of a body suit with a sensor system.
12 is a front view of the body suit shown in Fig.
Figure 13 is a rear view of another embodiment of a garment article in the form of a track chute comprising the shirt shown in Figure 1 and the trousers shown in Figure 7;
14 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic module that communicates with an external electronic device and can be used with a sensor system.
15 is a schematic diagram of the electronic module of Fig. 14 communicating with an external game device;
16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor of one embodiment of a sensor system according to an aspect of the present invention in which a lead is connected to the sensor.
Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor of Figure 16 in the tensioned state.
18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor of another embodiment of a sensor system according to an aspect of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor of Figure 18 in the tensioned state.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a shoe article in communication with the sensor system of the article of Figure 1 and including a sensor system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
While this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad scope of the invention to the illustrated and described embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of numerous and different embodiments, Preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
Aspects of the present invention may be applied to a garment member, for example, a shirt-like garment member 10 as shown in Figures 1-6, a pair of pants (as shown in Figures 7 to 10) 50, a body suit 60 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, or a glove, footwear (including socks, shoes, etc.), other types of shirts (including short sleeves or sleeveless shirts) Pants (including shorts), hats or other headgear, a coat or other outer garment, an arm or leg band, a belt, or any other type of garment that covers / covers or is configured to be worn on, May be used in conjunction with the garment article 100 that includes the garment. Typically, the garment article has a sensor system 12 connected thereto and / or connected thereto, which includes a port 14 adapted to connect to the electronic module 16 or other device, one or more sensors 20, And one or more sensor leads (22) connecting the sensor (20) to the port (14).
The garment member 10 is constructed as a mouthpiece to the wearer's upper body and includes a trunk portion 30 as illustrated in Figure 1 with a sleeve 31 extending from both sides of the trunk portion 30, At least partially. The trunk portion 30 has a back region 32 configured to at least partially cover the back of the user, and a bust region 33 configured to at least partially cover the user's bust. The sleeve (31) has an elbow region (34) configured to at least partially cover the user &apos; s elbow. Shoulder region 35 and side region 36 are configured to connect sleeves 31 to trunk portion 30 and at least partially cover the shoulders and underarms, respectively, of the user. Although the port 14 can be positioned in various positions without departing from the present invention, in one embodiment, the port 14 avoids or minimizes contact and / or irritation with the user &apos; s body during, for example, And / or are otherwise structured. The positioning of the port 14 of Figures 1 to 6 illustrates one such example. In this embodiment, the port 14 is located in the upper portion of the back region 32 of the garment member 10, but in other embodiments it may be located elsewhere, for example the bust region 33, the trunk portion 30, , Or in one of the sleeves (31). Port 14 and / or garment member 10 may include additional structures to increase comfort for the user.
One exemplary embodiment of the sensor system 12 is illustrated in Figs. 1-6. Generally, the sensor system 12 includes one or more sensors 20 connected to the garment member 10. The sensor 20 is formed of a flexible insulating matrix material in which conductive particle material is dispersed. The flexible material may be an insulating polymeric material such as silicon in one embodiment and may alternatively be another polymeric material such as polyurethane or other flexible material. The conductive particle material can be carbon or other conductive material, as well as metallic materials such as nickel, silver, gold, copper, aluminum, or other conductive metallic materials (including alloys thereof) . The conductive particle material may be in the form of any particles, including powders, flakes, needles, or the like, or combinations of these forms. 16 and 17 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sensor 20 showing a flexible polymer matrix material 23 in which a conductive material 24 is dispersed in a polymeric material 23.
The sensor 20 has conductivity (and resistance) that varies based on deformation and applied force, and can be considered to be a force-sensitive resistance material. The mechanism by which this occurs is to increase or decrease the spacing between the particles of the conductive material 24 due to deformation of the matrix material 23, which changes the resistance or conductivity of the material. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the matrix material 23 is stretched (e.g., tensile strain), the spacing between the particles of the conductive material 24 increases, Thereby increasing the resistance of the sensor 20 to the same sensor 20 and reducing the conductivity. The concentration or the dispersion density of the conductive material in the sensor 20 can be made sufficiently large that the resistance change due to the normal deformation of the sensor 20 can be accurately measured. This density may depend on the identity of the conductive material 24 and / or the matrix material 23.
In one embodiment, the sensor 20 has a plurality of connected branches 46 extending across a common pressure point (e.g., a flex point as described below) . As shown in Figure 1, in the elbow region 34, the branches 46 may be oriented parallel or generally parallel to each other, and in one embodiment may be alternating or " zig- quot; zag " configuration and has one or more bridges 47 extending transversely between the branches to connect adjacent branches 46 together. Other configurations and orientations may be used in other embodiments. In this configuration, the plurality of branches 46 all share a single pair of leads 22 and operate as a single sensor 20. If any branch 46 is sufficiently deformed, the module 16 will register the deformation with the sensor. As a result, the detection of the sensor 20 can be more consistent, since different motions can deform the different branches 46 of the sensor 20. The sensor 20 may also include a sensor 20 that is configured to sense the position of the wearer in relation to the user's joints due to wear of the wearer 10 in a somewhat different configuration, slippage of the wearer's piece 10 in use, size / anatomical differences between different people, Lt; / RTI &gt; The plurality of branches 46 of the sensor 20 enable motion detection in any such situation. This consistency also allows the article 100 to be sold commercially in a single effective configuration for multiple users and avoids the need for expensive customization.
The sensor 20 may also include one or more thinned portions or segments 29 having a width that is less than the width of the other portion of the sensor 20 and / The sensor 20 as shown in FIG. 1 includes this thinned segment 29. The reduced thickness of the thinned segment 29 is such that the sensor 20 is positioned at the entire width of the sensor 20 in order to produce a consistent resistance change across the width of the sensor 20 and thereby create a better coherence in motion detection. Lt; / RTI &gt; In an alternate embodiment, the entire sensor 20 may have a reduced width for this purpose, including a reduced width relative to the width of the leads 22.
The sensor system 12 includes a sensor lead 22 connecting the sensor 20 to the port 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-6, the leads 22 are also formed of a flexible insulating matrix material 25 into which conductive particle material 26 is dispersed. Any of the materials listed above in connection with the sensor 20 may be used for the lid 22 as well. In one embodiment, the matrix material 23 and the conductive material 24 of the sensor 20 are the same as the materials 25 and 26 of the lead 22. In another embodiment, one or both of the conductive material 26 and the matrix material 25 of the leads 22 may be different from the materials 23 and 24 of the sensor 20. The sensor system 12 may include a combination of different sensors 20 and / or leads 22, including different known and / or conductive materials that may be used to achieve different functions. The lead 22 may be formed in a different configuration, such as a conductive wire or a conductive plated (e.g., silvered) thread in another embodiment. Such wires or threads may be woven in the fabric of the garment member 10 in one embodiment.
Generally, the lead 22 has a greater conductivity than the sensor 20 and is capable of conducting electronic signals between the sensor 20 and the port 14 in substantially any deformation state (other than severe deformation such as a fracture) It has sufficient conductivity. In the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the concentration or dispersion density of the conductive material 26 in the leads 22 may be increased by increasing the conductivity of the sensor 20, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, Is greater than the dispersion density at. The dispersion density of the conductive material 26 in the leads 22 can be such that a normal or normal deformation of the leads 22 does not cause a substantial or measurable reduction in conductivity. This density may depend on the conformation of the conductive material 26 and / or the matrix material 25.
1, each sensor 20 has two leads 22 connecting the sensor 20 to the port 14, one of which serves as a power lead One of which serves as return or ground. The embodiment of Figure 1 also includes a single ground lead 22A (or alternatively, a single power lead) connected to a plurality of different sensors 20 and the sensor 20 is connected to an individual power lead 22 (Individual ground leads). In a further embodiment, two or more of the sensors 20 may share a pair of leads 22 and a single " loop " with a pair of leads connecting the sensor 20 to the port 14 Lt; / RTI &gt; These sensors 20 may be considered to be a " set &quot; For example, in one embodiment, each of the branches 46 in an alternate sensor 20 configuration as shown in FIG. 1 may be configured as an individual sensor 20 and a bridge 47 in the form of an auxiliary lead, Connect the individual sensors 20 and have higher conductivity, so that the sensor 20 shares a pair of main leads 22 and is arranged in a set. In this configuration, the set of sensors 20 will be arranged in series, while in another embodiment more than one sensor 20 can be arranged in parallel. Additional configurations of the sensor 20 and the lead 22 can be conceived.
In one embodiment, the sensor 20 and the lid 22 can be applied in a flowable form and then applied as a paint or similar material that can be solidified (e.g., through drying, curing, etc.) May be formed and connected to the garment member (10). The sensor 20 and the leads 22 are connected to a first paint with a conductive material at a lower dispersion density and a second paint with a conductive material at a higher dispersion density to form a lead 22, , &Lt; / RTI &gt; as different types of coatings. In one embodiment, a primer, adhesive, or other bonding material may be used to enhance the connection between the paint and the garment member. In addition, the use of a paint or the like to apply the sensor 20 and the lid 22 may facilitate customization of the article 100 for a particular user, Patterns, or configurations.
In yet another embodiment, the sensor 20 and the lid 22 may be formed by extrusion. The sensor matrix material 23 may be doped with the sensor conductive material 24 at a suitable dispersion density, loaded into the extrusion device, and extruded to form the sensor 20. Likewise, the lead matrix material 25 may be doped with the lead conductive material 26 with a suitable dispersion density, loaded with an extrusion apparatus, and extruded to form the leads 22. [ In one embodiment, the extruded sensor 20 and lid 22 can be connected to the garment member 10 by pushing the sensor 20 and lid 22 directly into the garment member 10 in a desired pattern. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, a primer, adhesive, or other bonding material may be used to enhance the connection between the extruded material and the garment member. Other forming methods may be used in other embodiments.
In one embodiment, the sensor 20 and lid 22 may be formed together as a continuous member formed of a matrix material 23, 25 in one embodiment, and a different segment may be formed between the sensor 20 and the lid 22 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; of &lt; / RTI &gt; Co-extrusion, other extrusion techniques, or other effective methods may be used to create the continuous member. In one exemplary embodiment, each sensor 20 or sensor set 20, and leads or leads (not shown) that connect sensor (s) 20 to port 14, as shown in Fig. 22 may be a single continuous member formed of a single known material (e.g., silicon) having at least one sensor segment 27 and at least one conductor segment 28 continuous with each other. The sensor segment 27 has a conductive material 24 dispersed therein at a suitable concentration to form the sensor 20 and the conductor segment 28 is electrically conductive material 28 dispersed therein at a suitable concentration to form the lead 22. [ (26). It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the conductive material 24, 26 of the sensor 20 and the lid 22 can be the same or different materials. In another embodiment, different known materials 23 and 25 may be used for sensor segment 27 and conductor segment 28, provided that such material 23 and 25 can be sufficiently bonded to form a single continuous member .
In yet another embodiment, the sensor 20 and / or the lid 22 as described above may have an insulating coating 21 as illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19. The insulating coating 21 may be formed of the same material as the known material (s) 23, 25 of the sensor 20 and / or the lid 22 in one embodiment and, in a further embodiment, Extruded or otherwise integrally formed with the sensor 20 and / or the lid 22 and / or the lid 22, respectively. Alternatively, the insulating coating 21 may be made of one or more different materials, or may be formed of the same material as the matrix material (s) 23, 25, but formed separately. Figure 19 illustrates the tensile deformation of the sensor 20, which increases the resistance of the sensor 20 according to the same mechanism described above.
Figures 1-6 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of an article 100, showing the positioning of the sensor 20. The sensor 20 may be located at or near a flex point on the article 100, which is configured to be positioned on a body part of the user where movement is concentrated (e.g., joints). 1, the sensor 20 is located in each of the elbow areas 34 and a lid 22 extending from the sensor 20 to the port 14 is provided in the back area 32 of the garment member 10. [ Respectively. These sensors 20 deform when the user's elbow is bent. A further sensor 20 is located on the rear side of each of the shoulder areas 35 of the garment member 10 and in each side area 36 and the leads 22 are positioned on the respective side of the port 14 ). These sensors 20 deform as the user's arm moves up and down or moves back and forth. As described above, the deformation of these sensors 20 changes the resistance of the sensor 20, which is detected by the module 16 via communication through the leads 22 and the port 14. As shown, all sensors 20 and leads 22 are connected to the outer surface of the garment member 10. In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor 20 and / or the lid 22 may be connected to the inner surface of the garment member 10, or may be embedded in the garment member 10, Lt; / RTI &gt; It should be appreciated that in other embodiments article 100 may include additional sensors 20 and / or sensors at other locations.
The port 14 is configured for connection to the lid 22 using a plurality of connectors or connection pins 13 that may or may be metallic (e.g., silver) threads or other conductors. The port 14 also includes an interface 18 configured to communicate with the interface 17 of the module 16. Each of the interfaces 17,18 may comprise a plurality of electrical contacts (not shown) or other connections. In one embodiment, the interfaces 17,18 include respective electrical contacts corresponding to the leads 22, respectively. The harness member 11 supports the connecting pin 13 with respect to the lead 22 and consolidates the pins 13 together to connect to the interface 18. [ The harness member 11 can be made of a sheet-like polymeric material and the pins 13 are at least partly embedded therein. The frame member 19 is provided to support the harness member 11 and provide a point for connection to the garment member 10 and to cover the connection between the lid 22 and the pin 13, And can be located around the harness member 11. The frame member 19 may be formed of a polymer foam or other suitable material.
The housing 40 is connected to the garment member 10 adjacent the port 14 and is positioned and configured to hold the module 16 relative to the port 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-6, do. In one embodiment, the housing 40 is formed of a rigid shell, such as a rigid polymer or metallic shell, defining a well 41, as illustrated in Figures 1-3. In this embodiment, the housing 40 is formed of inner and outer members 45A, 45B that are snapped together by snap fit, interference fit, or other mechanical connection, And is connected to the garment member 10 by clamping a portion of the garment member 10 between the inner member 45A and the outer member 45B as illustrated. 3, the inner member 45A includes a bottom wall that supports the module 16, but in other embodiments, the housing 40 is annular or partially annular and has an outer edge &lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; And the intermediate space may allow a portion of the garment member 10 to form a bottom wall of the housing 40. In one embodiment, In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the housing 40 may be formed of leather or similar material (including synthetic) and is connected to the garment member 10 by stitching the marginal portion. The housing 40 may alternatively be formed of a metallic material or another material having some degree of structural stability, such as a polymeric material (including a polymer-matrix composite). In addition, the housing 40 may be connected to the garment member 10 in another manner, including adhesive or other bonding material, mechanical fasteners, and the like. In another embodiment, the housing 40 may have a different configuration, size, structure, or positioning on the garment member 10, or may be positioned on the port 14, such as when the port 14 is configured to use a wireless interface May not have a housing associated therewith.
The housing 40 may have a well 41 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the module 16 therein and may further include a retention structure to retain the module 16. The retention structure may be complementary to the retention structure on the module 16. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the housing 40 has a retaining structure in the form of a flange 42 around the well 41, Has a peripheral groove (43) that receives the flange (42) to retain the module (16) in the housing. The housing 40 of Figures 3 and 5 further includes a receiver 44 at one end of the well 41 that receives the end of the module 16 including the module interface 17, As shown in Fig. Port interface 18 is at least partially exposed in receptacle 44 so that when module 16 is received in receptacle 44 the interfaces 17 and 18 are positioned between port 14 and module 16, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; communication. &Lt; / RTI &gt; In other embodiments, the housing 40 and / or module 16 may include different types of retention structures, including retention tabs or other releasable retention structures. For example, the port 14 and / or the module 16 may be constructed using a variety of techniques, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 416,458, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 401,918, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0260421, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 483,824, published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0063778, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 483,828, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 399,778, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 399,935, 18 and / or retention structures similar to those shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 542,303, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and form part of the present invention.
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of a garment article 500 that includes a garment member 50 in the form of a trousers to which the sensor system 12 is connected. The garment member 50 is configured as a panting to wear on the user's lower body and includes a waist portion 51 as shown in Figure 7 and a leg 52 extending downwardly from the waist portion 51, At least partially covering the legs of the legs. The waist portion 51 has a back region 53 configured to at least partially cover the back side of the user and the legs 52 have knee regions 54 configured to at least partially cover the user's knees. The sensor system 12 includes the same general features as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1-6, including the sensor 20 and the lid 22 connecting the sensor 20 to the port 14 But includes any variation or alternative embodiment. The port 14 may include a housing 40 as shown in Figures 1-3 and as described above or as shown in Figure 5 or may be located adjacent the port 14, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 16 &lt; / RTI &gt; 7 to 10, the port 14 is located in the center of the back region 53 (e.g., in the tail bone region) of the garment member 50, but in other embodiments, Or may be located elsewhere, such as a belt buckle area. Additionally, the garment member 50 includes a sensor 20 positioned in the knee area 54 that deforms when the user's knee flexes, and a sensor 20 located in the back area 53, which deforms when the user's knees and thighs are raised. And has two sensors 20. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments article 500 may include additional sensors 20 and / or sensors 20 in other locations. It should also be appreciated that the garment member 50 and / or the sensor system 12 may comprise any variation or alternative arrangement described above.
11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a garment article 600 that includes a garment member 60 in the form of a body suit to which the sensor system 12 is connected. The garment member 60 is configured as a mouth body suit to cover the wearer's entire body and includes a trunk portion 61 and a leg portion 61 extending downwardly from the waist portion 61 as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, (62) is configured to at least partially cover the user &apos; s legs, as well as the sleeves (62) extending from the sides of the trunk portion (61) at least partially cover the user's arms. The trunk portion 61 has a lower back region 64 configured to at least partially cover the lower portion of the user such as the back side and hip, and an upper back region 65 configured to at least partially cover the upper portion of the user . The leg 62 has a knee area 66 configured to at least partially cover the user &apos; s knee. The sleeve 63 has an elbow region 67 configured to at least partially cover the user's elbow. The shoulder region 68 and side region 69 are configured to connect the sleeves 63 to the trunk portion 61 and at least partially cover the shoulders and armpits, respectively, of the user. The sensor system 12 includes not only the same general features as described above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10 but also including the sensor 20 and the lid 22 connecting the sensor 20 to the port 14 , Any variation or alternative embodiment. The port 14 may include a housing 40 as described above for holding the electronic module 16, or another type of housing, which may be located adjacent the port 14. 11 and 12, the port 14 is located in the center of the upper back region 65 of the garment member 60, but in other embodiments it is located in the lower portion of the trunk portion 61 For example, in the front and back waist regions). Additionally, the garment member 60 may include a sensor 20 located in the elbow region 67, which deforms when the user's elbow flexes, a sensor located in the knee region 66, which deforms when the user's knee flexes 20 and two sensors 20 located in the lower back region 64, which deforms when the user's knees and thighs are raised. Additional sensors 20 are located on the back side of each of the shoulder regions 68 and in the respective armpit area 69 of the garment member 60 so that the lid 22 is positioned between each sensor 20 and the port 14 ). These sensors 20 deform as the user's arm moves up and down or moves back and forth. It should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment article 600 may include additional sensors 20 and / or sensors 20 in other locations. It should also be appreciated that the garment member 60 and / or the sensor system 12 may comprise any variation or alternative arrangement described above.
Figure 14 shows a garment member 70 in the form of a track chute, comprising individual garment members in the form of a shirt 10 and pants 50 as shown in Figures 1 to 10 and described above, to which the sensor system 12 is connected &Lt; / RTI &gt; of the garment article 700 of the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 14 the article 700 comprises two ports 14 with two electronic modules 16 arranged and positioned as described above with respect to the garment members 10, ). In this embodiment, the two modules 16 can be configured to communicate simultaneously with separate electronic devices 71 and can additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate with each other. In another embodiment, the article 700 may include a single port 14 connected to a single module 16. The port 14 is located in the upper portion of the back region 32 of the shirt member 10 similar to the article 600 of Figures 11 and 12 and the lid 22 from the sensor 20 of the pants member 50 Extends from the pants member 50 to the shirt member 10. As shown in Fig. This can be accomplished by the use of a bridging connection 72 such as a releasable electronic connection, for example, any of a variety of plugs, computer connectors, and the like. It is also to be appreciated that the garment member 70 and / or the sensor system 12 may comprise any variations or alternative arrangements described above.
The port 14 is configured for communication of data collected by the sensor 20 to the outer source in one or more known ways. In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, port 14 is a general purpose communication port configured for communication of data in a universally readable form. As described above, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-13, the port 14 has a connection to the electronic module 16, shown relative to the port 14 in Figs. 3 and 14 and 15, Gt; 18 &lt; / RTI &gt; In the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the interface 18 may take the form of an electrical contact. As also described above, the sensor leads 22 of Figs. 1-13 form an interface 18 at their terminal ends for connection to the port 14, as shown in more detail in Fig. To be consolidated. In one embodiment, the leads 22 may be individually connected to the port interface 18, for example, via the connection pin 13 described above. In yet another embodiment, the sensor leads 22 may be integrated to form an external interface, such as a plug type interface or another configuration, It can form a non-consolidated interface with its own sub-interface. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, and FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensor leads 22 may be assembled into a single location to form an integrated interface. The module 16 may have an interface 17 for connection to the port interface 18 and / or the sensor lead 22, as also described below.
The port 14 is adapted for connection to a variety of different electronic modules 16, which may be as simple as a memory component (e.g., a flash drive), or may include more complex features. The module 16 may be a complex component such as a personal computer, mobile device, server, or the like. The port 14 is configured to transmit the data collected by the sensor 21 to the module 16 for storage and / or processing. Although port 14 is illustrated as an electronic contact forming interface 18 for connection to a module, in other embodiments port 14 may include one or more additional or alternative communication interfaces. For example, the port 14 may contain or include a USB port, a Firewire port, a 16-pin port, or some other type of physical contact based connection, or may include or may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, May include a wireless or contactless communication interface, such as an interface for Energy, Zigbee, or other wireless communication technology, or an interface for infrared or other optical communication technology.
Module 16 may additionally have one or more communication interfaces for connecting to one or more external devices 110 to transmit data for processing, as shown in Figure 14 and described below. Such an interface may include any of the contact or non-contact interfaces described above. In one embodiment, module 16 is configured to connect to external device 110 using a wireless connection technique as described above. In this embodiment, the module 16 may be configured for wireless communication with the external device 110, which allows the device 22 to remain connected to the port 14. In a wireless embodiment, the module 16 may be coupled to an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be shaped, sized and positioned for use with a suitable transmission frequency for the selected wireless communication method. Additionally, the antenna may be located either internally in the module 16 or external to the module. In addition, the module 16 may be configured for contact or non-contact connection to a mobile device such as a watch, cell phone, portable music player, and the like. In yet another embodiment, the module 16 additionally or alternatively includes a physical connector, such as a retractable USB connection, for connection to the external device 110. Module 16 may be configured to be disconnected from port 14 and connected directly to external device 110 for data transfer, e.g., by the foldable USB connection described above. In one embodiment, the module 16 may be permanently mounted to the garment member 10, or alternatively may be optionally removable by the user and may remain attached to the garment member 10, if desired . Additionally, as described further below, the module 16 may be removed and replaced with another module 16 that is programmed and / or configured to collect / collect or use data from the sensor 20 in other ways. have. When the module 16 is permanently mounted to the garment member 10, the sensor system 12 may further include an external port to enable data transfer and / or battery charging, such as a USB or Firewire port. It should be appreciated that module 16 may be configured for both contact and contactless communications.
14 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic module 16 that includes data transmission / reception capabilities through a data transmission / reception system 106 that may be used in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention. 14 exemplifies a data transmission / reception system (TX-RX) 106 integrated into the electronic module structure 22, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, for data transmission / reception purposes, It should be appreciated that separate components may be included as part of the structure or other structure of the article 100 and / or that the data transmission / reception system 106 need not be fully contained in a single housing or a single package in all of the examples of the present invention will be. Rather, various components or elements of the data transmission / reception system 106 may be separated from one another, in another housing, on another board, and / or in a variety of different ways without departing from the present invention, 100) or other device. Various examples of other possible mounting structures are described in greater detail below.
In the example of FIG. 14, the electronic component 16 may include a data transmission / reception component 106 for transmitting and / or transmitting data to and / or from one or more remote systems. In one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 106 is configured to communicate over the port 14, for example, by the contact or non-contact interface described above. 14, the module 16 includes an interface 17 configured for connection to the port 14 and / or the sensor 20. In the module 16 illustrated in FIG. 14, the interface 17 has a contact that is complementary to the contact of the interface 18 of the port 14 to connect with the port 14. In another embodiment, as described above, port 14 and module 16 may include different types of interfaces 17,18 that may be wired or wireless. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments module 16 may interface with port 14 and / or sensor 20 via TX-RX element 106. Thus, in one embodiment, the module 16 may be external to the article 100 and the port 14 may include a wireless transmitter interface for communication with the module 16. [ The electronic module 16 of this embodiment further includes a processing system 202 (e.g., one or more microprocessors), a memory system 204, and a power source 206 (e.g., a battery or other power source) .
Speed and / or distance information of a pedometer type, other speed and / or distance data sensor information, temperature, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and the like, although the connection to one or more sensors may be achieved via the TX- Data relating to the angular orientation and angular orientation changes (such as gyroscope-based sensors), humidity, GPS data, accelerometer output or data, heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, EKG data, EEG data, (Not shown) may be provided to sense or provide data or information regarding various different types of parameters, such as the use of a user or physical or physiological data associated with a user, Stored and / or used by, for example, the transmission / reception system 106 for transmission to some remote location or system. The additional sensor (s), if present, may also detect a change in direction during walking (e.g., to sense jump height, directional changes, etc.), such as for speed and / or distance information of a pedometer type, An accelerometer.
Electronic module 16 as shown in FIG. 14 may include an activation system (not shown). The activation system or a portion thereof may be coupled to the article 100 (or other device), either with or separately from the module 16 and / or other parts of the electronic module 16. The activation system may be used to selectively activate at least some functions (e.g., data transmission / reception functions, etc.) of electronic module 16 and / or electronic module 16. A wide variety of different activation systems may be used without departing from the present invention, and these various systems will be described in more detail below with respect to the various figures attached hereto. In one example, the sensor system 12 can be activated and / or deactivated by activating the sensor 20 in a specific pattern, such as continuous or alternating arm or leg bending. In another example, the sensor system 12 may be located on the module 16, on the garment member 10, or on an external device communicating with the sensor system 12, Button or switch. In any of these embodiments, the sensor system 12 may include a " sleep " mode in which the system 12 may be deactivated after a set inactivity period. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor system 12 may operate as a low power device that does not activate or deactivate.
Module 22 may also communicate with external device 110 as described above, which may be an external computer or computer system, mobile device, game system, or other type of electronic device, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. [ . The exemplary external device 110 shown in Figures 14 and 15 includes a processor 302, a memory 304, a power source 306, a display 308, a user input 310, and a data transmission / . The data transmission / reception system 108 may be coupled to the transmission / reception system 106 of the module 16 via any type of known electronic communication, including contact and non-contact communication methods described above and elsewhere herein. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 16 &lt; / RTI &gt; It should be appreciated that module 16 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of external devices, including electronic devices of a wide variety of different types and configurations. Additionally, the transmit / receive system 106 of the module 16 may be configured for a plurality of different types of electronic communications. It should further be understood that the shoe 100 may include a separate power source for operating the sensor 20, such as a battery, a piezoelectric element, a solar power source, or other power source, if desired. The sensor 20 also receives power simply through a connection to the module 16.
The operation and use of the sensor system 12 is described below with respect to the sensor system 12 shown in Figs. 1-6, and the operating principle of the sensor system 12, including all embodiments and variations thereof, It should be understood that the present invention is applicable to other embodiments of the sensor system 12. In operation, the sensor 20 collects data and transfers data to the port 14 according to its function and design. The port 14 then allows the electronic module 16 to interface with the sensor 20 to collect data for later use and / or processing. In one embodiment, the data is collected, stored and transmitted in a universally readable form, so that the data can be accessed and / or downloaded by a plurality of users into a variety of different applications for use in a variety of different purposes have. In one example, data is collected, stored and transmitted in XML format.
In a different embodiment, the sensor system 12 may be configured to collect different types of data. In one embodiment (described above), the sensor (s) 20 are capable of collecting data at points around the sensor 20, for example, reflecting movement of the body at the user &apos; s joint in one embodiment have. For example, the sensor 20 may gradually increase in resistance as the deformation of the sensor 20 changes due to a different degree of bending or movement. From this data, information about the user's movement, such as the degree of motion, the speed of movement, and other information, as well as the number, order, and / or frequency of motions can be gathered. In yet another embodiment, the sensor 20 may be a binary on / off type sensor rather than a qualitative sensor. Such data can not detect the degree of motion of the user, and other aspects of the user's movement, such as frequency, order, frequency, etc., can be detected. In a further embodiment, the sensor (s) 20 can measure the rate of change of bending, bending, or other deformation, and / or other temporarily dependent parameters. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the sensor 20 may require a certain threshold force or deformation before registering the data.
As described above, since the data is provided to the module 16 in a format that is universally readable via the universal port 14, the number of applications, users, and programs that can use the data is almost unlimited. Port 14 and module 16 are thus configured and / or programmed as desired by the user and port 14 and module 16 receive input data from sensor system 12, And the like. In many applications, data is further processed by module 16 and / or external device 110 prior to use. In the configuration in which the external device 110 further processes data, the module 16 can transfer the data to the external device 110. [ This transferred data may be transmitted in the same format that is universally readable or may be transmitted in another format, and the module 16 may be configured to change the format of the data. Additionally, the module 16 may be configured and / or programmed to collect, utilize and / or process data from the sensor 20 for one or more specific applications. In one embodiment, the module 16 is configured to collect, use and / or process data for use in a plurality of applications. Examples of such uses and applications are given below. As used herein, the term " application " refers generally to a particular use and not necessarily to what is used in a computer program application, such as is used in the computer arts. Nevertheless, a particular application may be implemented entirely or partially in a computer program application.
In addition, the module 16 may be removed from the garment member and replaced with a second module 16 configured to operate unlike the first module 16. In the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the replacement is accomplished by disconnecting the first module 16 from the port 14 and removing the first module 16 from the well 41, Is achieved by inserting the module 16 and connecting the second module 16 to the port 14. The second module 16 may be programmed and / or configured differently from the first module 16. In one embodiment, the first module 16 may be configured for use in one or more specific applications, and the second module 16 may be configured for use in one or more different applications. For example, the first module 16 may be configured for use in one or more game applications, and the second module 16 may be configured for use in one or more exercise performance monitoring applications. Additionally, module 16 may be configured for use with different types of applications of the same type. For example, the first module 16 may be configured for use with one game or exercise performance monitoring application, and the second module 16 may be configured for use with other games or exercise performance monitoring applications. As another example, module 16 may be configured for different uses within the same game or performance monitoring application. In another embodiment, the first module 16 may be configured to collect one type of data, and the second module 16 may be configured to collect other types of data. Examples of these types of data are described herein, including quantitative force measurements, relative force measurements (i.e., sensor 20 relative to each other), weight shift / movement, impact sequence (such as a stride pattern) And the like. In a further embodiment, the first module 16 may be configured to use or process data from the sensor 20 in a manner different from the second module 16. For example, the module 16 may be configured for collection, storage and / or transmission of data only, or the module 16 may be configured for, for example, organizing data, changing the form of data, Likewise, it may be configured to further process the data in some manner. In another embodiment, the module 16 may be configured to communicate differently, such as being configured to communicate with different external devices 110, having different communication interfaces. Module 16 may include aspects of both structural and functional aspects such as, for example, using a different power source, or may include additional or different hardware, such as, for example, the above described additional sensors (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, etc.) Including components, may function differently in different aspects.
One use that may be contemplated for the data collected by the system 12 is to use motion of the user's bend involving joints used in a wide variety of athletic activities such as elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips / RTI &gt; and / or &lt; / RTI &gt; As described above, the information about the user's movement that can be gathered from the data includes the number of times, order and / or frequency of motion, degree of motion, speed of motion, and other information. It should be appreciated that based on the intended use of the data collected thereby, more expensive or cheaper, and more complex or less complex sensor systems 12 may be designed. The data collected by the system 12 may be used to measure various other motion performance characteristics. For example, speed and distance monitoring may be performed, which may include a pedometer based measurement. As another example, the motion information may be used to model the user's motion (e.g., by the external device 110). Such movements that can be modeled include, but are not limited to: running, running, throwing (e.g., baseball, soccer, softball, cricket etc.), basketball shooting, paralleling, swinging Etc.), a kicking form (e.g., a soccer or soccer), an ice skating or roller skating form, a jumping form, a climbing form, a weight lifting or other fixed exercise form, a posture, and other such movements.
The data or measurements derived therefrom may be useful for exercise training, including improving speed, power, immediacy, consistency, skills, and the like. The port 14, the module 16, and / or the external device 110 may be configured to provide valid real-time feedback to the user. In one example, port 14 and / or module 16 may be arranged to communicate with a computer, mobile device, or the like to deliver results in real time. In addition, the data may be compared to the motion of the user, such as comparing the motion to the user's previous motion to show its consistency, improvement, or deficiency, or comparing the motion of the user with the motion of another person, such as a professional golfer's swing Can be used. The system 12 may also be used to record biomechanical data for a &quot; signature &quot; motion movement of an athlete. This data may be provided elsewhere for use in duplicating or simulating motion, for example in a gaming application or for use in a shadow application that overlays motion over a user &apos; s similar motion.
The system 12 may also be configured for " all day activity " tracking to record various activities the user performs over the course of a day. System 12 may include, for example, a special algorithm for this purpose in module 16, external device 110 and / or sensor 20.
System 12 may also be used for control applications rather than data collection and processing applications. In other words, the system 12 may be adapted for use in controlling an external device 110, such as a computer, television, video game, etc., based on user movement detected by the sensor 20, Can be incorporated into other garment members. In practice, a garment having a coherent sensor 20 and a lead 22 extending to the universal port 14 allows the garment to operate as an input system, and the electronic module 16 is connected to an input Programmed and adapted to use the input data in any desired manner as a control input to an exemplary remote system. For example, a shoe with a sensor control can be used to determine whether a particular movement, gesture, etc. (e.g., horizontal or vertical hand or arm shaking, stretch, etc.) Control for a computer-like or computer-executed program, such as a mouse, which can control undo, copy, cut, paste, save, close, etc. Or as an input device. Software may be provided for this purpose to assign various gestures to different computer function controls. It is contemplated that an operating system may be configured to receive and recognize control inputs from the sensor system 12. Television or other external electronic devices may be controlled in this manner. The article 100, 500, 600, 700, including the system 12, may also be a Nintendo Wii controller, which may be used to assign a particular function to a particular motion and / or to create a virtual representation of a user's action on the display screen. A game application or a game program similar to that of FIG. The system 12 may be used as a dedicated controller of a game or other computer system or as an alternate controller.
Additionally, the system 12 may be configured to communicate directly with the external device 110 and / or with a controller for an external device. As described above, Fig. 14 illustrates one embodiment for communication between electronic module 16 and an external device. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 15, system 12 may be configured to communicate with external game device 110A. The external game device 110A includes components similar to the exemplary external device 110 shown in Fig. The external game device 110A also includes at least one game medium 307 (e.g., a cartridge, CD, DVD, Blu-ray, or other storage device) And at least one remote controller 305 configured to communicate via wired and / or wireless connection through the remote controller. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 305 complements the user input 310, but in one embodiment the controller 305 may function as the only user input. Such as a wireless transmitter / receiver with a USB plug-in configured to connect to external device 110 and / or controller 305 to enable communication with module 16. In this embodiment, Device 303 as shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the ancillary device 303 may be configured to be connected to one or more additional controllers and / or external devices of the same and / or the same type as the controller 305 and the external device 110. It should be appreciated that where the system 12 includes other types of sensors as described above (e.g., an accelerometer), such additional sensors may also be integrated into controlling games or other programs on external devices.
An external device 110, such as a computer / gaming system, may include other types of software to interact with the system 12. For example, the game program may be configured to change an attribute of a character in a game based on the user &apos; s actual activity, which may encourage exercise or active activity by the user. In another example, the program may be configured to display an avatar of a user associated with or operating in accordance with user activity collected by the shoe's detection system. In such a configuration, the avatar may appear vigorous and vigorous when the user is active, and may appear to be idle, lazy, etc. if the user is inactive. The sensor system 12 may also be configured to detect more precisely to record data describing a &quot; characteristic shift &quot; of an athlete, which may then be used for a variety of purposes, such as in a gaming system or modeling system.
A single article 100 including the sensor system 12 as described herein may be used alone or may be used alone or in combination with sensors &lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 100, &lt; Can be used with the second article 100 having the system 12. In one embodiment, one of the articles 100 described above has a sensor system 12 that communicates with or otherwise cooperates with the sensor system 82 of the shoe article 80, as illustrated in FIG. Wherein the sensor system 82 of the shoe 80 communicates with the sensor system 12 of the shirt article 100. 20, the shoe article 80 includes a port 81, one or more sensors 83 coupled to the port 81, and a module 83 coupled to the port 81 to receive data from the sensor 83 84). &Lt; / RTI &gt; The sensor system 82 of the shoe article 80 may utilize an FSR sensor and may be constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 401,918, And are part of the present invention. Additional embodiments of the sensor and sensor system, as well as footwear articles and sole structures and members utilizing the same, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 483,824, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0063778, And U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 13 / 399,778 and 13 / 399,935, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety Thereby forming a part of the present invention. 20 illustrates modules 16 and 84 that communicate with each other, and it should be understood that one or more intermediate devices may participate in such communication. In one embodiment, data from the sensor system 12 of the garment article 100 may be integrated, combined, and / or otherwise used with data from the sensor system 82 of the shoe 80. This integrated data can provide a more detailed description of the user's movements and can be used for any application as described herein or in the aforementioned patent applications as well as for other purposes. Data integration may be performed by modules 16 and 84 after receiving data from both sensor systems 12 and 82 or may be performed by external device 110. [ The device 110 may also generate visual, audible, or other output of the consolidated data, which may include an execution indicator.
Various communication modes may be used to integrate data from the plurality of sensor systems 12, 82, and any of the communication modes described in the aforementioned patent applications may be used. 20, in one embodiment, the module 16 of the sensor system 12 may communicate directly with the module 84 of the shoe sensor system 82 and / or both modules &lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 16, and 84 may communicate with the external device 110. In yet another embodiment, only a single module 16 can be used in both sensor systems 12, 82. For example, the port 81 of the shoe sensor system 82 or the port 14 of the clothing sensor system 12 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the module 16 to enable such use. As another example, one or more of the individual sensors 20, 83 of the sensor system 12, 82 may have a dedicated antenna or other communication device for communicating with other components and / or devices described herein. Other uses and applications of data collected by the system 12 may be considered within the scope of the present invention and may be recognized by those skilled in the art.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure, various aspects described herein may be implemented as a method, data processing system, or computer program product. Accordingly, these aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining hardware and software aspects. These aspects may also take the form of a computer program product stored by one or more tangible computer-readable storage media or storage devices having computer-readable program code or instructions embodied in or on the storage medium . Any suitable type of computer readable storage medium may be used, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and / or any combination thereof. In addition, various intangible signals representing data or events as described herein may be transmitted over a metal wire, an optical fiber, and / or a wireless transmission medium (e.g., air and / or space) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; and / or &lt; / RTI &gt;
As described above, aspects of the present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer and / or its processor. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Such program modules may be included in a type of computer readable medium as described above. Aspects of the present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are connected through a communications network. Program modules may be stored in memory such as memory 204 of module 16 or memory 304 of external device 110 or in a game medium Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 &gt; 307 &lt; / RTI &gt; It should be appreciated that module 16, external device 110, and / or external media may include complementary program modules for use together, such as in a particular application. A single processor 202,302 and a single memory 204,304 are shown and described in module 16 and external device 110 for the sake of brevity and the processors 202,302 and the memories 204,204, 304 may each include a plurality of processors and / or memory and may comprise a system of processors and / or memory.
Various embodiments of the sensor system described herein, as well as other structures incorporating apparel articles and sensor systems, offer superior advantages and advantages over existing techniques. For example, many of the sensor embodiments described herein provide relatively low cost and durable options for the sensor system, such that the sensor system can be integrated into the article of clothing with little additional cost and good reliability. Consequently, regardless of whether or not the consumer ultimately wants to use the sensor system, a garment having an integrated sensor system can be manufactured without significantly affecting the cost. In addition, the apparel can be manufactured as thin and light clothes that provide performance tracking without affecting the user &apos; s exterior appearance and style, and which beneath the user &apos; s ordinary garments. As another example, the sensor system may be used for a wide variety of applications, including a wide range of applications, including games, fitness, athletic training and improvement, substantial control over computers and other devices, Functionality. In one embodiment, a third party software developer may develop software configured to execute using inputs from a sensor system including games and other programs. The ability of a sensor system to provide data in a universally readable format greatly expands the scope of third party software and other applications in which the sensor system can be used.
Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the features of the particular embodiments and possible combinations and variations of the components. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that any of the embodiments may be provided in any combination with the other embodiments described herein. It should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, these examples and embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details described herein. The terms " first ", " second ", " upper ", " lower ", and the like used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term " plurality " as used herein refers to any number from infinity to infinity, as needed, but disjunctively or conjunctively. Also, " providing " an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly to making an article available or accessible so that subsequent operations can be performed on the article, Does not imply that the party that manufactures, produces, supplies, or supplies the article has the ownership and control of the article. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications could be made without substantially departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
In a sensor system,
A plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having conductive particle material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density;
A port configured for communication with the electronic module; And
A plurality of conductive leads formed of a polymeric material having conductive particle material dispersed therein at a second dispersion density,
The conductive leads being connected between the sensors and the port,
Each of the sensors being configured to increase resistance when deformed under pressure,
Wherein each of the conductive leads has a conductivity such that the conductive leads have sufficient conductivity to be configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in an arbitrary deformation state such that the second dispersion density is higher than the first dispersion density Lt; / RTI &gt;
The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the polymer material of each sensor and each conductive lead and the conductive particle material are co-extruded.
The method of claim 1, wherein each conductive lead comprises an insulating coating disposed around the conductive core, wherein both the insulating coating and the conductive core are formed of a polymeric material, the insulating coating does not comprise a conductive particle material, Wherein the conductive core comprises a conductive particle material dispersed within the second dispersion density.
The method of claim 1, wherein each sensor comprises an insulating coating disposed around the core, wherein the insulating coating and the core are both formed of a polymeric material, the insulating coating does not comprise a conductive particulate material, And a conductive particle material dispersed within said first dispersion density.
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one sensor of the sensors includes a plurality of parallel branches, the branches having one or more bridges extending across the branches to connect the branches together , Sensor system.
6. The sensor system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor comprises three or more branches arranged in a zigzag pattern.
The sensor system of claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the port, the housing having a retaining structure configured to retain the electronic module therein.
The method of claim 1, wherein the sensors are formed by a first polymeric paint in which the conductive particle material is dispersed at the first dispersion density, and wherein the conductive leads are in contact with the conductive particle material at the second dispersion density Wherein the first polymer coating material is formed by dispersing a second polymer coating material.
The sensor system according to claim 8, wherein both the first polymer paint and the second polymer paint are silicone-based paints.
The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the conductive particle material comprises at least one particulate material selected from the group consisting of nickel, silver, carbon, and aluminum.
The sensor system of claim 1, wherein at least one sensor of the sensors comprises a thinned segment having a reduced width relative to other portions of the sensor.
The sensor of claim 1, wherein each sensor has two conductive leads connecting the sensor to the port, wherein each sensor and two conductive leads connected thereto form a sensor segment forming the sensor and a conductor Wherein the sensor segments are formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particle material is dispersed within the first dispersion density and wherein the conductor segments are coated with a conductive particulate material at the second dispersion density, Is formed of a polymeric material dispersed within.
A sensor formed of a first polymeric material in which a first conductive particle material is dispersed within a first dispersion density;
The conductive leads formed of the second polymeric material contained in the second conductive material
The conductive lead being connected between the sensor and the port,
Wherein the second conductive material is a second conductive particle material dispersed in a second polymeric material at a second dispersion density greater than the first dispersion density,
Wherein the sensor has a first resistance in a non-deformed condition and a second resistance in a deformation condition, the second resistance is higher than the first resistance,
Wherein the second dispersion density imparts sufficient conductivity to the conductive leads such that the conductive leads are configured to conduct electronic signals between the sensor and the ports in any deformation state.
14. The sensor system according to claim 13, wherein the first polymeric material is the same as the second polymeric material.
14. The sensor system of claim 13, wherein the conductive lead comprises an insulating coating formed of the second polymeric material and disposed about the conductive core.
16. The sensor system of claim 15, wherein the insulating coating does not comprise the second conductive material, and the conductive core comprises the second conductive particle material dispersed within the second dispersion density.
16. The sensor system of claim 15, wherein the second conductive particle material is different from the first conductive particle material.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the sensor comprises an insulating coating disposed around the core, wherein both the insulating coating and the core are formed of the first polymeric material, and wherein the insulating coating comprises the first conductive particle material And wherein the core comprises the first conductive particle material dispersed therein.
14. The sensor system of claim 13, wherein the sensor has a pair of conductive leads connecting the sensor to the port.
14. The sensor system of claim 13, further comprising a housing connected to said port, said housing having retaining structure configured to retain said electronic module therein.
14. The sensor system of claim 13, wherein the first conductive particle material and the second conductive particle material each comprise at least one particulate material selected from the group consisting of nickel, silver, carbon, and aluminum.
In an article of apparel,
A clothing member configured to wear on the body of the user;
A sensor coupled to the garment member in a first position, the sensor configured to be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particle material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, the sensor configured to deform during wear of the wearer during wear;
A port configured for communication with the electronic module and connected to the garment member at a second location remote from the first location; And
And a conductive lead connected to the garment member,
The conductive lead being connected between the sensor and the port and extending along the garment member between the sensor and the port,
The conductive leads are formed of a polymeric material in which a conductive particle material is dispersed with a second dispersion density,
The conductive lead has a second dispersion density higher than the first dispersion density and has a conductivity higher than the first dispersion density so that the conductive lead has sufficient conductivity to be configured to conduct an electronic signal between the sensor and the port,
Wherein the sensor is configured to increase resistance when deformed under pressure.
23. The garment article of claim 22, wherein the garment article is a shirt, the sensor is located in an elbow region of the shirt, and the elbow region is configured to at least partially cover a user's elbow.
23. The garment article of claim 22, wherein the garment article is a pant, the sensor is located in a knee area of the pant, and the knee area is configured to at least partially cover a user &apos; s knee.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: a second garment member configured to be placed on a body of the user at a different location than the garment member; and a second conductive lid connected to the second garment member, Wherein the second sensor is formed of a polymeric material in which conductive particulate material is dispersed and wherein the second sensor is adapted to deform upon movement of the user while wearing the second garment member, Wherein the second conductive lead is formed of a polymeric material having conductive particle material dispersed therein and the second conductive lead is connected between the second sensor and the port and between the second sensor and the port And extends from the second garment member to the garment member.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the conductive leads comprise an insulating coating disposed around the conductive core, wherein the insulating coating and the conductive core are both formed of a polymeric material, wherein the insulating coating does not comprise a conductive particle material, Wherein the conductive core comprises the conductive particulate material dispersed therein.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor comprises an insulating coating disposed around the core, wherein both the insulating coating and the core are formed of a polymeric material, the insulating coating does not include a conductive particle material, &Lt; / RTI &gt; wherein said conductive particulate material is dispersed.
23. The garment article of claim 22, further comprising a housing coupled to the garment member, the port being connected to the housing, the housing having retention structures configured to retain the electronic module therein.
A second sensor connected to the garment member at a third location remote from the first and second locations, the second sensor being formed of a polymeric material having the conductive particle material dispersed therein at the first dispersion density, The second sensor being configured to deform upon movement of the user; And
A second conductive lead connected to the garment member, the second conductive lead being connected between the second sensor and the port, the second conductive lead extending along the garment member between the second sensor and the port,
Wherein the second sensor is configured to increase resistance when deformed under pressure,
Wherein the second conductive lead is configured to conduct a second electronic signal from the second sensor to the port in any deformation state.
In an athletic performance monitoring system,
CLAIMS 1. An article of clothing comprising a garment member configured to fit on a user's body;
A sensor coupled to the garment member, the sensor configured to be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particle material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, the sensor configured to deform during wear of the wearer during wear;
A housing coupled to the garment member and having a retaining structure;
An electronic module detachably mounted within the housing, the retaining structure of the housing being configured to releasably retain the electronic module, and the electronic module is configured for communication with an external electronic device, ;
A port connected to the housing and in communication with the electronic module; And
A conductive lead connected to the garment member, the conductive lead being formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a second dispersion density, connected between the sensor and the port, Said conductive leads extending from said conductive leads,
Wherein the sensor is configured to increase resistance when deformed under pressure,
Wherein the conductive leads have a conductivity such that the conductive leads have sufficient conductivity to be configured to conduct electronic signals from the sensor to the electronic module through the ports in any deformed state, the second dispersion density is higher than the first dispersion density ,
Wherein the electronic module is configured to receive the electronic signal, detect movement of the user through detection of an increased resistance of the sensor, and communicate data indicative of movement of the user to an external device Monitoring system.
32. The exercise performance monitoring system of claim 30, wherein the garment article is a shirt, the sensor is located in an elbow region of the shirt, and the elbow region is configured to at least partially cover a user's elbow.
32. The exercise performance monitoring system of claim 31, wherein the housing is located in an upper rear region of the shirt.
31. The exercise performance monitoring system of claim 30, wherein the garment article is a pant, the sensor is located in a knee area of the pant, and the knee area is configured to at least partially cover a user's knee.
In an article of clothing,
Wherein the sensor system comprises a garment member disposed above,
The sensor system comprising a sensor segment and an extruded silicon member connected to the sensor segment and having a sensor segment followed by a conductor segment,
The sensor segment having a conductive particle material contained in a first concentration path and the conductor segment having a conductive particle material contained therein,
Wherein the sensor segment is configured to increase resistance when deformed under pressure so that the conductor segment has sufficient conductivity to be configured to conduct the electronic signal from the sensor segment in any deformation state, 2 concentration is greater than the first concentration.
A motion exercise monitoring system comprising:
A first sensor system coupled to the garment member,
A sensor connected to the garment member, the sensor configured to be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particle material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, configured to deform during wear of the wearer while wearing the garment member, The sensor,
A first port connected to said garment member,
Wherein the conductive leads are formed of a polymeric material in which the conductive particulate material is dispersed at a second dispersion density, the conductive leads being arranged such that the conductive leads are in any deformed state Wherein the second dispersion density is higher than the first dispersion density so as to have sufficient conductivity to be configured to conduct an electronic signal between the sensor and the first port at a second interface,
A first electronic module configured for connection to the first port and configured to detect an increase in resistance of the sensor and to collect data from the sensor via the first port,
The first sensor system;
A shoe article configured to wear on the foot of the user;
A second sensor system coupled to the shoe article,
An FSR sensor coupled to the shoe article and configured to detect pressure on the FSR sensor by a user's foot,
A second port coupled to the shoe article and operatively connected to the FSR sensor to receive input from the FSR sensor,
A second electronic module configured for connection to the second port and configured to collect data from the FSR sensor via the second port,
The second sensor system; And
And an external device configured for communication with the first and second modules and configured to receive data from the first and second modules and to integrate data from the first and second modules, system.
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