Computerized Shoes

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to kinesthetic learning. More specifically, the present invention facilitates movement-based learning with a pair of computerized shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coordination conditioning is typically a long and demanding process. Depending on the age and physical status of an individual, learning how to dance may come easy or take time. In order to aid the learning process, various visual and auditory aids may be used.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to facilitate the learning process for coordination while providing a fun environment for a user. The present invention is a method of playing a song based on footwork. The present invention connects not only each note of a song with a movement, but melody of a song with the overall dance of a user. A song is only emitted with the correct movement and correct timing of the movement of a user, specifically the feet of the user. The present invention allows teaches a user how to move according with the tempo of a song and guides the footwork of a user in order to compose a fun dance and performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system diagram for a method of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system diagram for a corresponding left computerized shoe and a corresponding right computerized shoe of the method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system diagram for a sequence of steps for the method of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the overall process for the method of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for determining a matching grade for an arbitrary user account.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for displaying the sequence of steps with a corresponding PC device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting an audible portion for a correct left step and an audible portion for an incorrect left step.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting an audible portion for a correct right step and an audible portion for an incorrect right step.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting a first color for the correct left step and a second color for the incorrect left step.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting a first color for the correct right step and a second color for the incorrect right step.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for resetting a specific lesson.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for determining a correct left step based on a proper range of left-shoe spatial -positioning-and-orientation and an incorrect left step based on an improper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for determining a correct right step based on a proper range of right-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation and an incorrect right step based on an improper range of right-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for executing a group synchronization of a specific lesson with an arbitrary account and at least one partner account.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for determining a correct left step, an incorrect left step, a correct right step, and an incorrect right step based on a desired tempo. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for demoing a resultant audiovisual product.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for generating a musical composition. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting a learning word in a first language and a related word in a second language.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting a right positive notification if a correct answer is received with the corresponding right computerized shoe and a wrong negative notification if an incorrect answer is received with the corresponding right computerized shoe.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for outputting a left positive notification if a correct answer is received with the corresponding left computerized shoe and a wrong negative notification if an incorrect answer is received with the corresponding left computerized shoe.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess for applying a user modification with a corresponding remote controller.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a system and method of movement-based learning with a pair of computerized shoes. The present invention facilitates the learning of a song and dance through physical activity. The physical activity is preferably dance such as ballet. However, the present invention may also facilitate learning through simple physical movements such as a stomp or tap of the foot. Furthermore, the present invention preferably teaches a user how to dance to a desired song. The present invention actively monitors and corrects a user throughout a dance. Thus, the physical system used to implement the method for the present invention includes at least one remote server, which is used to manage a plurality of user accounts (Step A), as seen in FIG. 1. Each of the plurality of user accounts is associated to a corresponding left computerized shoe, a corresponding right computerized shoe, and a corresponding personal computing (PC device). A plurality of step-based lessons is also stored on the corresponding PC device of each user account (Step B). Any data associated with each of the plurality of user accounts is stored on the at least one remote server. Such data may include preferred audio preferences, completed step-based lessons, progress reports, and so on. The corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe are footwear that is worn on the left foot and the right foot, respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe are sneakers. However, it is understood that the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe may be various types of footwear that is provides support and comfort for a user while dancing. Furthermore, the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe preferably generate a complete song with the completion of a step-based lesson of the plurality of step-based lessons. The plurality of step-based lessons includes preprogrammed songs and melodies, developmental lessons for languages, developmental quizzes for various subject matter, and so on. The corresponding PC device may be, but is not limited to, a computerized mobile phone (i.e. a “smartwatch”), a laptop, a tablet PC, a desktop, or a computerized watch (i.e. a ‘smartwatch”). In some embodiments of the present invention, the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe each comprise a microcontroller and a wireless communication module that are integrated into the shoe body so that the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe are in directly communication with each other. Furthermore, a set of controller buttons may be externally mounted into either the corresponding left computerized shoe or the corresponding right computerized shoe so that both the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe can be operated by the user.

The overall process for the method of the present invention includes the following steps that are implemented amongst the at least one remote server, the corresponding PC device, the corresponding left computerized shoe, and the right computerized shoe. In order for a user to learn through physical activity with the user, the overall process begins by prompting each use account to select at least one specific lesson with the corresponding PC device, wherein the specific lesson is from the plurality of step-based lessons (Step C). A selection for the specific lesson is then relayed from the corresponding PC device of an arbitrary account to the corresponding left computerized shoe and the right corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if the specific lesson is selected by the arbitrary account (Step D). The arbitrary account is any account from the plurality of user accounts. The specific lesson is therefore installed with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. The user is tested by the specific lesson as the specific lesson is then executed with the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding right computerized shoe, and the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account (Step E).

During the execution of Step E, a left positive notification is outputted with the corresponding left computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if a correct left step from the specific lesson is detected by the corresponding left computerized shoe (Step F). This positively reinforces the correct left step, thereby facilitating learning through physical activity and guided movements. The left positive notification is a preprogrammed sound corresponds to the specific lesson. For example, if the specific lesson is a song, the left positive notification is a note of a song. Furthermore, the left positive notification may further include a color-coded light that visually indicates the correct left step. Conversely, a left negative notification is outputted with the corresponding left computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if an incorrect left step from the specific lesson is detected by the corresponding left computerized shoe (Step G). The left negative notification is a sound that indicates the incorrect left step such as a beep. Furthermore, the left negative notification may further include a color-coded light that visually indicates the incorrect left step. Similarly, a right positive notification is outputted with the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if a correct right step from the specific lesson is detected by the corresponding right computerized shoe (Step H). This positively reinforces the correct right step, thereby facilitating learning through physical activity and guided movements. The right positive notification is a preprogrammed sound corresponds to the specific lesson. For example, if the specific lesson is a song, the right positive notification is a note of a song. Furthermore, the right positive notification may further include a color-coded light that visually indicates the correct right step. A right negative notification is outputted with the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if an incorrect right step from the specific lesson is detected by the corresponding right computerized shoe (Step I). The right negative notification is a sound that indicates the incorrect right step such as a beep. Furthermore, the right negative notification may further include a color-coded light that visually indicates the incorrect right step.

In order to rate the accuracy of a user and the progress of the user, a plurality of performance grades is provided and stored on the corresponding PC device of each user account. The plurality of performance grades is a plurality of percentage ranges that designate levels of skill with the present invention. A performance score of the specific lesson is assessed with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account by tallying a number of iterations for Step F through Step I. The performance score of the specific lesson is the accuracy of completion by the user with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe for the specific lesson. The user is able to determine a current level of skill as the performance score is compared to each performance grade with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account in order to identify a matching grade from the plurality of matching grades. The matching grade is then outputted with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account for viewing of the user.

In order for the user to visually preview the specific lesson, each step-based lesson is provided with a sequence of steps. The sequence of steps is a visual representation that a user is able to review during an attempt is made with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe to complete a specific lesson. The sequence of steps is a complete set of steps required to correctly complete the specific lesson. For example, if the specific lesson is a dance, in order to generate a song with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe, the sequence of steps presents each step for the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe in the correct order. The sequence of steps is displayed in real-time with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary user account during Step E for the viewing of the user.

In order for the sound to be emitted directly from the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding left computerized shoe is provided with a left speaker. The left speaker emits a sound, a note of a song, or an audible message or word that corresponds to the left positive notification or the left negative notification. More specifically, an audible portion of the left positive notification is outputted with the left speaker of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step F, alerting the user of a correct left step. Likewise, an audible portion of the left negative notification is outputted with the left speaker of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step G, alerting the user of an incorrect left step. Similarly, the corresponding right computerized shoe is provided with a right speaker in order for the sound to be emitted directly from the corresponding right computerized shoe. The right speaker emits a sound, a note of a song, or an audible message or word that corresponds to the right positive notification or the right negative notification. More specifically, an audible portion of the right positive notification is outputted with the right speaker of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step H, alerting the user of a correct right step. Likewise, an audible portion for the right negative notification is outputted with the right speaker of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step I, alerting the user of an incorrect right step.

Similar with the left speaker, the corresponding left computerized shoe is provided with a left illumination device in order to visually alert the user of a correct left step and an incorrect left step. The left illumination device is preferably a small bulb externally mounted into the corresponding left computerized shoe that illuminates upon the completion of a correct left step or an incorrect left step. A first color for the left positive notification is outputted with the left illumination device of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step F, while a second color of the left negative notification is outputted with the left illumination device of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step G. The first color and the second color for the corresponding left computerized shoe visually contrast with each other in order to visually distinguish the difference between a correct left step and an incorrect left step. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first color is green to indicate a correct left step, and the second color is red to indicate an incorrect left step. Similarly, the corresponding right computerized shoe is provided with a right illumination device in order to visually alert the user of a correct right step and an incorrect right step. The right illumination device is preferably a small bulb externally mounted into the corresponding right computerized shoe that illuminates upon the completion of a correct right step or an incorrect right step. A first color for the right positive notification is outputted with the right illumination device of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step H, while a second color of the right negative notification is outputted with the right illumination device of the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step I. The first color and the second color displayed by the corresponding right computerized shoe visually contrast with each other in order to visually distinguish the difference between a correct right step and an incorrect right step. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first color is green to indicate a correct right step, and the second color is red to indicate an incorrect right step.

In order for a user to readily restart the specific lesson, the arbitrary account is prompted to reset the specific lesson with the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding right computerized shoe, or the corresponding PC device during Step E. The user may restart the specific lesson in order to maintain a desired performance grade. The user may also restart if the user was distracted. The specific lesson is reset with the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding right computerized shoe, and the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account during Step E, if the specific lesson is selected to be reset by the arbitrary account, thereby starting from the beginning of the specific lesson. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a reset button may be externally mounted with either the corresponding left computerized shoe or the corresponding right computerized shoe. Once the reset button is pressed, a restart command is relayed to the corresponding PC device. The restart command is then executed by the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the user may be prompted to select a reset command directly with the corresponding PC device. The present invention further facilitates the learning rate of the user with physical activity by further specifying the type of movement required to achieve a correct left step as the corresponding left computerized shoe is provided with a left inertial measurement unit (IMU). The left IMU determines the angle of movement with the corresponding left computerized shoe. The correct left step with the left IMU is further defined by a proper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation, and the incorrect left step with the left IMU is further defined by an improper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and- orientation. The proper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation is a range of degrees that a user may angle the corresponding left computerized shoe, whereas the improper range of the left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation is out of the proper range. In order to associate the step taken with the corresponding left computerized shoe with a correct left step, a left-shoe-step datum is received with the left IMU during Step E. The left-shoe-step datum is designated as the correct left step with the corresponding left computerized shoe, if the left-shoe-step datum is within the proper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation in order to associate the step taken with the corresponding left computerized shoe with a correct left step. Conversely, the left-shoe- step datum is designated as the incorrect left step with the corresponding left computerized shoe, if the left-shoe-step datum is within the improper range of left-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation in order to associate the step taken with the corresponding left computerized shoe with an incorrect left step. Similarly, the corresponding right computerized shoe is provided with a right IMU. The right IMU determines the angle of movement with the corresponding right computerized shoe. The correct right step is further defined by a proper range of right-shoe spatial-positioning- and-orientation. The incorrect right step is further defined by an improper range of right- shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation. The proper range of right-shoe spatial- positioning-and-orientation is a range of degrees that a user may angle the corresponding right computerized shoe, whereas the improper range of the right-shoe spatial- positioning-and-orientation is out of the proper range. In order to associate the step taken with the corresponding right computerized shoe with a correct right step, a right-shoe- step datum is received with the right IMU during Step E. The right-shoe-step datum is designated as the correct right step with the corresponding right computerized shoe, if the right-shoe-step datum is within the proper range of right-shoe spatial-positioning-and- orientation in order to associate the step taken with the corresponding right computerized shoe with a correct right step. Conversely, the right-shoe-step datum is designated as the incorrect right step with the corresponding right computerized shoe, if the right-shoe-step datum is within the improper range of right-shoe spatial-positioning-and-orientation in order to associate the step taken with the corresponding right computerized shoe with an incorrect right step.

The present invention accommodates group learning and facilitates teamwork building skills as multiple users may participate in the production of a song or lessons. In order to include multiple users in the completion of a specific lesson, the arbitrary account is prompted to select at least one partner account for a group synchronization of the specific lesson with the corresponding PC device, wherein the partner account is from the plurality of user accounts. The group synchronization associates the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account and each partner account with a specific lesson. The partner account is able to confirm the request of the arbitrary account as the partner account is prompted to accept or deny the group synchronization of the specific lesson with the corresponding PC device. The group synchronization of the specific lesson is executed with the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding right computerized shoe, and the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account and with the corresponding left computerized shoe, the corresponding right computerized shoe, and the corresponding PC device of the partner account during Step E, thereby creating an orchestra-like performance with the present invention. The group synchronization requires a correct left step and a correct right step from the arbitrary account and each partner account in order to complete a song or a test.

In order to enhance the performance or speed of the user for a specific lesson, each step-based lesson is provided with a desired tempo. The desired tempo is a designated pace that a user must respond in order for a correct left step and a correct right step to register with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe, respectively. For example, if a completed specific lesson generates a song, the desired tempo mirrors the melody of the song and prevents the user from lagging while executing each step. If the completed specific lesson is a test, the desired tempo may require the user to respond with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe within a limited amount of time. In order to determine if each step is executed at a desired pace for the specific lesson, a plurality of rest intervals is tracked with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account, wherein the plurality of rest intervals occurs amongst a plurality of iterations for Step F through Step I. The plurality of rest intervals is the time between each step taken with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. An actual tempo is extrapolated from the plurality of rest intervals with the corresponding PC device of the arbitrary account. The actual tempo is the overall pace of the user account over a specific amount of time. In order for the user to keep up with the desired tempo, the incorrect left step is detected from the specific lesson with the corresponding left computerized shoe of the arbitrary account during Step G, if the actual tempo does not match the desired tempo of the specific lesson. Moreover, the incorrect right step is detected from the specific lesson with the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account during Step I, if the actual tempo does not match the desired tempo of the specific lesson.

The user is able to complete a specific lesson at the desired tempo as each step- based lesson is provided with a resultant audiovisual product. An audible preview of a completed specific lesson is emitted with the resultant audiovisual product, the audible preview being the correct version of a song. The arbitrary account is prompted to demo the resultant audiovisual product of the specific lesson with the corresponding PC device to generate the completed specific lesson with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. The resultant audiovisual product is then demoed with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe, if the resultant audiovisual product is selected to be demoed by the arbitrary account.

In order to generate a song with a specific lesson, each step-based lesson is provided with a sequence of steps, and each step is associated with a note or a sound from a song associated with the specific lesson. A musical composition is generated with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe by executing a plurality of iterations of Step G and Step I in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The musical composition is a song and the sequence of steps define a performance associated with the song.

In order to learn a language with the present invention, each step-based lesson is provided with a sequence of steps, and each step is associated with a word or a phrase in a given language. A learning word in a first language is outputted as the left positive notification during Step F in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The learning word is preferably a word or a phrase in the first language, which is a language understandable by the user. A related word in a second language is outputted as the right positive notification during Step H in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson, wherein the learning word in the first language translates to the related word in the second language. The related word is the same word or the same phrase in the second language, a language the user does not readily understand.

In order to be tested with the present invention regarding a specific subject matter, each step-based lesson is provided with a sequence of steps, and each pair of left-right steps is associated with a question and answer. The specific subject matter may include, but is not limited to, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and history. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a question is outputted as the left positive notification during Step F in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The question is related to the specific subject matter and tests the user on the information related to the specific subject matter. A plurality of multiple-choice answers for the question is outputted with the corresponding right computerized shoe in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The plurality of multiple-choice answers presents options for a user to select as the answer for the question. If a correct answer is received with the corresponding right computerized shoe during the sequence of steps from the specific lesson, Step H is executed, wherein the correct answer is from the plurality of multiple- choice answers. If a wrong answer is received with the corresponding right computerized shoe during the sequence of steps from the specific lesson, Step I is executed, wherein the wrong answer is from the plurality of multiple-choice answer. The user therefore is tested on the specific subject matter and learns if the selection of the multiple-choice answers is correct and the information is reinforced with physical activity. Similarly, if the user prefers to respond with the corresponding left computerized shoe, a question is outputted as the right positive notification during Step F in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The question is related to the specific subject matter and tests the user on the information related to the specific subject matter. A plurality of multiple-choice answers for the question is outputted with the corresponding left computerized shoe in accordance to the sequence of steps of the specific lesson. The plurality of multiple-choice answers presents options for a user to select as the answer for the question. If a correct answer is received with the corresponding right computerized shoe during the sequence of steps from the specific lesson, Step F is executed, wherein the correct answer is from the plurality of multiple- choice answers. If a wrong answer is received with the corresponding left computerized shoe during the sequence of steps from the specific lesson, Step G is executed, wherein the wrong answer is from the plurality of multiple-choice answer. Likewise, the user is tested on the specific subject matter and learns if the selection of the multiple-choice answers is correct and the information is reinforced with physical activity.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the user is able to remotely manage the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. Each user account is provided with a corresponding remote controller, wherein the corresponding remote controller modifies the audio and visual properties of the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe. In order to customize the audio and visual properties according to the preferences of the user, the arbitrary account is prompted to enter at least one user modification for the left positive notification, the left negative notification, the right positive notification, and/or the right negative notification with the corresponding remote controller. The at least one user modification may include, but is not limited to, a combination of illumination and sound emission, volume level, types of sounds such as instruments and voices, and power control. The user modification is relayed from the corresponding remote controller of the arbitrary account to the corresponding left computerized shoe of the arbitrary account and/or to the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, if the user adjustment is entered by the arbitrary account. The corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe is then able to process the user modification. The user modification is applied to the left positive notification, the left negative notification, the right positive notification, and/or the right negative notification with the corresponding left computerized shoe of the arbitrary account and/or to the corresponding right computerized shoe of the arbitrary account, thereby reflecting the modifications selected with the corresponding remote controller for each step taken with the corresponding left computerized shoe and the corresponding right computerized shoe.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.