METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING, EVALUATING AND SIMULATING A SHOE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for measuring and evaluating the functions and shape of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe such as a running or ski boot. The invention also relates to a method for generating data for the production of a shoe individually adapted to a person. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for simulating a shoe, which can be used to generate data for the production of shoes. In addition, the invention relates to a shoe simulation device comprising the system and by means of which the method can be carried out.

[0002] It is known to place pressure sensors inside a shoe to record the varying pressures generated by the sole of the foot. The pressure sensors are located either in the upper part of the shoe or in a shoe insole. To obtain the desired measurements, it is necessary to equip the shoes or shoe insoles with sensors. This is not only complex to manufacture, but also changes the shape and dimensions of the shoe to such an extent that usable measurement results are almost impossible to achieve.

[0003] In the manufacture of shoes, processes are increasingly being used that allow individual shoe components to be customized to a person, thus improving the fit of the resulting shoes. In particular, molded parts can be precisely designed using 3D printing techniques.

[0004] It is known to adapt certain shoe parts to a person's individual needs based on measured values. For example, DE 102016 009 980 A1 discloses adapting a foam molded part, in particular the sole of a sports shoe, to a person by measuring the pressure distribution of at least one person's foot using a pressure measuring plate and spatially adjusting the material properties of the foam material based on the determined pressure distribution. US 2016 / 135537 A1 relates to systems and methods for designing and manufacturing customized shoes.

[0005] When manufacturing parts based solely on measurements, the wearer only has the opportunity to experience how the shoe feels after it has already been manufactured. In particular, the wearer has no direct influence on the final product. As a result, the wearer may be dissatisfied with the finished shoe because it differs from their desired design.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and system that is as simple and practical as possible and that can be used in a retail store and makes it possible to generate data on the basis of which a shoe can be produced that corresponds to the person's wishes.

[0007] It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for measuring and assessing the functions and shape of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, by means of which measured values ​​of shoes, in particular sports shoes, are achieved without having to change the shoes / sports shoes.

[0008] The invention is described in the appended set of claims.

[0009] The shape, dimensions and / or materials of the shoe sole are determined based on the recorded pressure values.

[0010] Furthermore, the shape and dimensions of the shoe upper can be determined based on the recorded pressure values.

[0011] This allows each shoe to be measured, assessed, and optimally manufactured without the need for sensors. The following characteristics can be detected and taken into account for each type of shoe: Does the shoe fit the shape of the respective foot? Does the shoe suit the individual movement of the user? Does the user walk / run incorrectly? What shape and dimensions should the shoe sole have, particularly its tread and / or upper? What mechanical properties should the shoe sole and / or upper have? What materials should be used for the shoe sole and / or upper? How does the shoe wear?

[0012] In the measuring step, the pressure distribution of the shoe is first determined using a pressure distribution measuring device, whereby the pressure distribution can be measured statically, i.e. standing, or dynamically, i.e. walking or running.

[0013] Based on the determined pressure distribution, the shoe simulation device is then adjusted. To perceive the properties of a shoe that exhibits the adjusted properties, the person uses the shoe simulation device by applying pressure to the shoe sole or the shoe insole. The pressure on the shoe simulation device can be static, i.e., while standing, or dynamic, i.e., while walking or running. With the help of the shoe simulation device, the person perceives the shoe sole with the properties that a shoe exhibits after production. This advantageously ensures that the person is familiar with the properties when purchasing the shoe, thus avoiding incorrect purchases.

[0014] To simulate a shoe, the shoe simulation device has a shoe sole, which in turn has a plurality of support sections, wherein the support sections can be individually controlled in terms of height and at least one physical property. By changing the height of the individual support sections, the profile of the shoe sole can be individually adjusted. Based on the pressure distribution, for example, it can be determined which sections of the shoe sole are subjected to greater stress by the person, so that a lower height is set for these sections. The support sections are designed so that the mechanical properties for each of the support sections can be individually and independently adjusted. In this way, a shoe sole can be simulated that has comparable mechanical properties to the manufactured shoe.

[0015] Alternatively, the shoe simulation device can also comprise a shoe insert that, during intended use, is inserted into a shoe of a specific type and that has a plurality of adjustable support sections. In this way, a customized shoe insert can be produced for a specific shoe. A customized shoe insert as a component of a shoe allows for the creation of a customized shoe.

[0016] The controllable mechanical properties of the support sections of the shoe sole and the shoe insole are hardness, flexibility, and elasticity. Controlling the hardness is particularly preferred.

[0017] One embodiment of the method is characterized by the fact that it includes an additional assessment step in which the person assesses whether the locally set values ​​of the shoe simulation device correspond to the personal optimum or desired setting. If the desired setting is not achieved due to the currently set values ​​for the height and / or the mechanical properties of the support sections, a further adjustment step is carried out with modified set values. The person and / or a third party, for example a store employee, can enter whether the settings correspond to the personal optimum using an operating unit on the computer unit. Preferably, a mobile input device connected to the computer unit via radio can be used for this purpose.The calculation of new, modified values ​​for the height and / or mechanical properties is performed by the computer unit, whereby newly adjusted values ​​are calculated for essentially all support sections, replacing the existing set values. Preferably, preset parameters can be selected, allowing the user to choose between an overall softer or harder setting for the support sections. The selection can preferably be made via the input device.

[0018] The shoe simulation device is preferably designed so that the person uses it during the adjustment step, i.e., by placing weight on the shoe sole. The advantage of performing the adjustment step with the shoe sole under load is that the person immediately perceives the change and can thus better assess whether a change in the desired direction is taking place.

[0019] Manufacturing, measurement and evaluation are significantly improved when the data / measurement data of a known optimal shoe are collected and this data is compared and used with the data measured by one of the above methods.

[0020] In one embodiment of the method, an optimization step is carried out in which the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support sections are each adjusted locally using an input device. In this way, the person or a third party, for example a store employee, is able to make local adjustments to the values ​​of the individual support sections using an input device and thus individually modify the shoe sole. The input device can be a mobile device with a program application which exchanges data with the computer unit via radio. The shoe simulation device can also be used during the optimization step, i.e. the shoe sole can be loaded, or not used, i.e. the shoe sole can be unloaded.The adjustable local modification of the properties of the support sections is particularly beneficial for individuals who require a local change in the height profile and / or mechanical properties for orthopedic or medical reasons. This can be beneficial, for example, for people with neurological disorders, such as diabetes, to apply specific stimuli to the sole of the foot to improve their own perception of body movement (proprioception).

[0021] The method preferably uses at least one holding means which is provided in the simulation device for fixing the person's foot to the shoe sole, the length of which is adjusted in order to adapt to the anatomy of the respective person. This means that the shoe simulation device can simulate not only the shoe sole or the shoe insole but also the shoe upper, so that the person perceives the simulated shoe as a coherent unit. The exact design of the holding means can vary depending on the type of shoe. Preferably, at least one of the holding means has a contraction unit, the length of which can be adjusted to a desired value using the computer unit, the input device and / or manually. In this way, the length of the respective holding means can be specifically controlled and specifically maintained for the respective person.Controlling the length of the contraction unit using the input device has the advantage that the user can specifically control the length of the support elements, preferably when using the shoe simulation device, i.e., when placing pressure on the shoe sole or the shoe insole. This allows the user to directly experience the effect of changing the lengths of individual support elements. In particular, in combination with local changes to the values ​​for the height and / or the mechanical properties of the support sections, this method allows individually optimized settings to be found to meet the user's needs. Advantageously, an orthopedic effect can be achieved by specifically adjusting the lengths of the support elements.

[0022] One embodiment of the method is characterized in that the values ​​considered optimal by the person for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support sections and / or the length of the holding means are stored in a memory unit. In this way, the optimal settings for a person can be recorded and reproduced at any location and at any time. For example, a shoe simulation device located elsewhere can be controlled using the stored values ​​so that the setting can be experienced by a person at a different location. In addition, the person can perceive the simulated shoe at a later time, for example if the person only decides to make a purchase or a purchasing decision at a later time.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the stored values ​​are used as data for the production of individually fitted shoes. The data stored as values ​​for the height and / or at least one mechanical property of the support sections and / or the length of the retaining means make it possible to produce the shoe deemed optimal at a different location. This eliminates any differences between the produced shoe and the simulated shoe, except for manufacturing tolerances. This advantageously prevents incorrect purchases.

[0024] Preferably, in the underlying method, the spatial shape of the person's foot is additionally determined using at least one scanning device as part of the measuring step. The use of a scanning device provides additional information that can be used directly to determine the heights of the support sections, or for the profile of the shoe sole or shoe insole. Commercially available 3D scanners can be used as scanning devices. Preferably, the shape of the foot is measured when the foot is freely positioned in space, i.e., when not under load. In a preferred embodiment of the method, when using the shoe simulation device, a display unit visually suggests to the person that they are wearing a shoe with an external shape (design, color, symbolism) that the person selects or has selected.A screen can be used as the display unit, which the person looks at and on which a specific shoe is superimposed at the location of the feet. The display unit is preferably virtual reality glasses, with the shoes being superimposed at the location where the person's feet are located. This improves immersion, i.e. the perception of the simulated environment as reality, and achieves a perception of the simulated shoe as a real shoe. Preferably, an external appearance of the shoe can be displayed that the customer has designed or is designing themselves, so that individualization is also feasible and perceptible with regard to the external shape.

[0025] The invention also relates to a system for simulating a shoe in the production of a shoe individually adapted to a person, comprising a pressure distribution measuring device which is intended to determine a pressure distribution of at least one shoe, a computer unit which is intended to evaluate the determined pressure distribution, and a shoe simulation device which has a shoe bottom or a shoe insole with a plurality of support sections, the height and / or at least one mechanical property of which can be individually controlled by means of the computer unit on the basis of the determined pressure distribution.

[0026] Such a system can be used to implement the process described above and thus be used in the production of a shoe that is individually tailored to a person. The system features components that have a small footprint, making it ideal for use in retail stores.

[0027] The pressure distribution measuring device of the system is preferably a pressure plate, a pressure measuring film, or a sensitive insole. A pressure plate is preferred because it has spatial resolution and pressure sensitivity, which allows the pressure distribution of the sole of the foot to be determined both statically (i.e., while standing) and dynamically (i.e., while walking or running). Capacitive pressure plates are particularly preferred.

[0028] One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the system comprises at least one scanning device designed to determine the spatial shape of the foot. Using scanning systems, the shape of the foot can be easily determined. The data obtained in this way can be used directly to determine the values ​​for the heights of the support sections, or for the profile of the shoe sole.

[0029] Preferably, the system comprises an input device designed to adjust the height and / or at least one mechanical property of the support sections depending on the location. In this way, the values ​​can be changed and optimized locally by the person or a third party. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the input device is designed to perform a parameter selection during the adjustment step.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a display unit designed to give the user the impression that they are wearing a shoe of a specific type or design. The design can preferably be selected by the user, so that a desired version of the shoe can also be simulated with regard to the external design. Preferably, the user can design the external appearance themselves.

[0031] The system preferably comprises a movably mounted shoe simulation device. This allows the shoe simulation device to track the corresponding foot during a natural walking movement or weight shift. This advantageously creates a realistic feeling. The simulation device is particularly preferably designed to be mobile, allowing the person to walk or run around wearing it. In this case, it is preferred that the shoe simulation device be wirelessly connected to the computer unit.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shoe simulation device is detachable from the system, while retaining the adjusted values ​​for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property. This is particularly preferred if the shoe simulation device comprises a shoe insole. In this case, it is possible for the person to continue using a shoe insole with optimally adjusted values ​​for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property. This is particularly advantageous if the shoe insole is inserted into a shoe during adjustment that the person subsequently wishes to continue using.

[0033] The disclosure also relates to a shoe simulation device designed to accommodate a person's foot. The shoe simulation device has a shoe bottom or a shoe insert that has a plurality of support sections, the height and / or at least one mechanical property of which can each be individually controlled. The support sections can have any basic shape. In one embodiment, the individual support sections form a grid in which all support sections have the same basic shape, for example, squares or circles. In an alternative embodiment, the support sections have ergonomically adapted shapes that replicate individual foot zones, for example, an elliptical shape for the heel area or a kidney shape for the ball of the foot. This allows for a better adaptation of the values ​​for the mechanical properties of the support sections to the respective function.

[0034] The shoe simulation device preferably comprises at least one holding means that is adjustable in length and is designed to encompass the person's foot and fix it to the shoe sole. This allows, in particular, the upper structure of the shoe to be simulated and made perceptible to the person. In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one holding means comprises at least one contraction element, the length of which can be adjusted by means of a computer unit and / or an input device and / or manually.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support sections of the shoe simulation device each have sensors designed to determine a force exerted on the respective support section. In this way, it is possible to use the shoe simulation device itself as a sensor unit with which the setting of the height and / or mechanical properties and / or length of the holding means can be checked. For example, load peaks in a specific support section can be identified by measuring a force that is higher than that of the surrounding support sections. This allows automatic monitoring of the set values ​​during the simulation step, assessment step, and / or optimization step.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1: a representation of the system according to the invention, Fig. 2: a front view of a shoe simulation device according to the invention loaded with a person's foot, Fig. 3a: a top view of a shoe simulation device loaded with a person's foot with a grid of square support sections, and Fig. 3b: a top view of a shoe simulation device loaded with a person's foot with support sections whose shape is adapted to selected foot zones.

[0037] In Fig. 1 represents a system for simulating a shoe, which can be used to generate data for the production of shoes or shoe insoles individually adapted to a person. The system comprises a pressure distribution measuring device 6, which is intended to determine a pressure distribution of at least one sole of the person's foot, wherein the pressure distribution measuring device 6 is a pressure measuring plate, a pressure measuring film, or a sensitive insole. The measured pressure distribution is evaluated by means of a computer unit 7. In addition, the system has a shoe simulation device 1, which is intended to simulate a shoe. For this purpose, the shoe simulation device 1 has according to Fig. 2 a shoe bottom 2 or a shoe insole with a plurality of support sections 3, the height H and / or at least one mechanical property of which can be individually controlled by means of the computer unit 7 on the basis of the determined pressure distribution.

[0038] To determine the spatial shape of at least one of the person's feet, the system preferably has two scanning devices 10 and 11. This allows the profile of the shoe sole 2, or the heights of the individual support sections 3, to be directly determined. Optical 3D scanners are preferably used for this purpose. The scanning devices 10 and 11 are connected to the computer unit via cable or radio for data exchange.

[0039] The system also includes an input device 8, which is designed to adjust the height and / or at least one mechanical property of the support sections 3 depending on the location. In this way, the person can locally optimize the settings of the simulation device 1 to achieve the desired properties.

[0040] The system also has a display unit 12 designed to give the person the impression that they are wearing a specific shoe. This is preferably a pair of virtual reality glasses 12 that the person wears while using the simulation device 1 and that gives the impression that the person is wearing a specific shoe. The displayed shoe can be a shoe of a specific type or design. In particular, a shoe that the person has selected or designed themselves can be displayed. In this way, the external appearance of the shoe can also be simulated and customized.

[0041] The computer unit 7 has a storage unit 9, which is intended to store the set values ​​for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support sections 3 and / or the length of a holding means 4. In particular, the values ​​considered optimal or desired by the person are stored. These values ​​can then be used to reproduce a specific, in particular desired, setting. In particular, the stored values ​​considered optimal are used as data for the production of an individually fitted shoe, wherein the manufactured shoe has the same properties as the shoe simulated by the simulation device 1.

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention not shown, the shoe simulation devices 1 are movably mounted. Preferably, the simulation device is designed to be mobile, so that the person can walk or run around with it.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the shoe simulation device 1 in use, i.e., loaded, state, with the person standing on the shoe sole 2. The values ​​for the height H of the individual support sections 3 are set so that the height profile of the shoe sole 2 corresponds to the spatial shape of the sole of the foot. The different textures of the individual support sections 3 indicate that the support elements 3 each have different mechanical properties. For example, the outer support sections 3 have less elasticity to provide better support to the foot under load.

[0044] The shoe simulation device 1 has at least one holding means 4, which is intended to enclose the person's foot and fix it to the shoe sole 2. The holding means is, for example, a flat band, which is attached at the end points to the shoe sole 2. The length of the illustrated holding means 4 can be changed by means of a contraction element 5. The length is set by means of a computer unit 7 and / or by an input device 8 or manually. The length can be set by the person or a third party. The length of the contraction unit 5 of a simulated shoe is preferably stored in the computer unit 7 so that the length can be reproduced at a different location and at a different time.

[0045] In addition, the support sections 3 each have sensors 13 designed to measure a force exerted on the respective support section 3. Thus, the shoe simulation device 1 has a sensor unit that allows the set values ​​to be directly checked in the loaded state. Undesired force peaks or pressure peaks can thus advantageously be directly recorded.

[0046] The support sections 3 of the shoe bottom 2 of the shoe simulation device 1 can have any shape. Fig. 3a is shown a design in which the individual support sections 3 form a grid, in which all support sections 3 have the same square basic shape. The person's foot is shown as a dashed line. The different textures of the individual support sections 3 schematically show that the individual support sections have different mechanical properties that can be adjusted independently of one another. The outer support sections 3 have a lower elasticity to support the foot. Fig. 3bAn alternative design is shown in which the support sections 3 have ergonomically adapted shapes that mimic individual foot zones. For example, the support sections 3 have an elliptical shape in the heel area and a kidney shape in the ball area. This allows for a better adaptation of the values ​​for the mechanical properties of the support sections 3 to the respective function.

[0047] The method according to the invention also uses a measuring surface or measuring plate which has a large number of sensors arranged closely next to one another in a grid. The sensor surfaces or sensor surface sections are arranged in a matrix in the x and y directions. If this measuring surface is touched by a shoe with its underside, i.e. with its tread (shoe sole), a large number of pressure sensors are touched and subjected to a greater or lesser pressure. Each pressure sensor converts the physical quantity of pressure into an electrical quantity (voltage). These electrical values / signals are recorded and stored by a computer. A computer program displays the recorded values ​​graphically and in color, so that it is possible to see which parts of the shoe's tread exert a greater and which lesser pressure on the measuring surface.

[0048] Both when a user stands with his shoe(s) on the measuring surface and when walking or running on the measuring surface, valuable measurement results are created in the form of graphic images and films, which lead to the above-mentioned effects and advantages.

[0049] A wide variety of pressure sensors can be used, including both passive and active pressure sensors. Piezoresistive and piezoelectric pressure sensors are preferred.

[0050] The measuring surface / measuring plate is preferably not square, but rather has a greater length than width, allowing walking / running along its length. In this case, the measuring surface is two-dimensional. Alternatively, the measuring surface can be curved / arched three-dimensionally to simulate a natural running path. The measuring surface can also represent an incline by forming an inclined plane.

[0051] The data required for assessment and production are further improved by collecting the data / measurement data of a known optimal shoe and comparing and utilizing this data with the data measured by one of the above methods.

Claims

1. Method for measuring and assessing the functions and shape of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe such as a running shoe or ski boot, wherein the user of the shoe, while wearing the shoe on the foot without the shoe being provided with sensors, stands on a measuring surface and / or walks or runs over a measuring surface, said measuring surface comprising a plurality of pressure sensors whose pressure values recorded in relation to the measured shoe are evaluated by a computer program, and wherein the shape, the dimensions and / or the materials of the bottom part of the shoe are determined according to the recorded pressure values, and a shoe is produced on the basis of the generated data.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shape and dimensions of the upper part of the shoe are determined according to the recorded pressure values.

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - a measurement step in which a pressure distribution of at least one sole of the person is measured on a measuring surface by means of a pressure distribution measuring apparatus (6), - a setting step in which a shoe simulation apparatus (1) comprising a bottom part of the shoe (2) or an insole having a plurality of support portions (3), the height and / or at least one mechanical property of which can in each case be individually controlled, is set locally by in each case setting the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support portions (3) to values that are determined by a computer unit (7) on the basis of the measured pressure distribution, and - a simulation step in which the person puts weight on the bottom part of the shoe (2) in order to perceive the characteristics of a shoe comprising the set values.

4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that it includes an assessment step in which the person reports whether the locally set values of the shoe simulation apparatus (1) correspond to their personal optimum, or whether a further setting step with modified set values is required.

5. Method according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it includes an optimization step in which the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support portions (3) are in each case set locally by means of an input apparatus (8).

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one holding means (4), which comprises the simulation apparatus (1) for the purpose of securing the foot to the bottom part of the shoe (2), is changed in terms of its length, preferably by means of a contraction unit (5).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the values for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property of the support portions (3) and / or the length of the holding means (4) considered by the person as optimal are stored in a memory unit (9).

8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the stored values are used as data for the production of individually adapted shoes.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the measurement step the spatial shape of the foot of the person is additionally determined by means of at least one scanning apparatus (10, 11).

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display unit (12) of the shoe simulation apparatus (1) in use by the person is used to optically suggest to said person that they wear a shoe of a certain type or a certain design, in particular a self-generated design.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data / measurement data of a known optimal shoe are recorded and said data are compared and utilized with the data measured by one of the above methods.

12. System for simulating a shoe for generating data for the production of a shoe individually adapted to a person using one of the above methods, comprising - a pressure plate (6), having a spatial resolution and pressure sensitivity, with which a pressure distribution of a shoe can be determined both statically and dynamically when walking or running, - a computer unit (7) that is provided to evaluate the determined pressure distribution, and - a shoe simulation apparatus (1) comprising a bottom part of a shoe (2) or an insole having a plurality of support portions (3), the height and / or at least one mechanical property of which can in each case be individually controlled by the computer unit (7) on the basis of the determined pressure distribution.

13. System according to Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one scanning apparatus (10, 11) that is provided to determine the spatial shape of the foot.

14. System according to either of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one input apparatus (8) that is provided to set, in each case in spatially dependent fashion, the height and / or at least one mechanical property of the support portions (3).

15. System according to any of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one display unit (12) that is provided to give the person the impression that they are wearing a certain shoe.

16. System according to any of Claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the shoe simulation apparatus (1) is movably mounted.

17. System according to any of Claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the shoe simulation apparatus (1), in particular the insole (2), is separable from the system, and the set values for the height and / or the at least one mechanical property are maintained.