Abstract

A self-contained system for measuring forces applied to the foot of a user includes a force sensor array positioned within the user's shoe between the foot and the inner sole of the shoe, the force sensor array including a multiplicity of individual force sensors arranged in a pattern that covers the entire area of contact between the sole of the user's foot and the inner sole of the shoe, an electronic circuit module removably attached to the side of the shoe, and a flat interconnecting cable for electrically coupling the force sensor array to the electronic circuit module. The electronic circuit module includes a central processing unit, read-only memory, random access memory, and scanning circuitry for electronically continuously scanning the force sensor array to obtain information indicative of an instantaneous force sensed by each one of the multiplicity of individual force sensors of the force sensor array, for processing that information to obtain force data, and for storing the force data in the random access memory. An annunciator audibly signals the user when a force on the foot greater than a predetermined threshold force is sensed.

Other References

• "Leg Load Warning System for the Orthopedically Handicapped," Medical and Biological Engineering (May, 1974) by Donald Endicott et al
• S. Miyazaki and H. Iwakura, "Foot-Force Measuring Device for Clinical Assessment of Pathological Gait," Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing (Jul., 1978)
• G. A. Spolek and F. G. Lippert, "An Instrumented Shoe--A Portable Force Measuring Device," J. Biomechanics (Great Britain, Jun., 1976)
• John A. Purbrick, "A Force Transducer Employing Conductive Silicon Rubber," First Robot Vision and Sensors Conferences, Stratford-on-Avon, England (Apr., 1981