Measuring assembly and method for multidimensionally measuring feet

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring assembly (10) for multidimensionally measuring feet. The measuring assembly (10) comprises a measuring device (12) having at least two mechanical slides (26) and a plurality of optical markings (34, 36), of which at least one marking (34) is on one of the mechanical slides (26) and one marking (36), which serves as a reference, is apart from of the mechanical slide (26). The mechanical slides (26) can be pushed to different contact points of a foot (32) such that the geometric distance between the marking (36) serving as a reference and the at least one marking (34) which is on one of the mechanical slides (26) changes. The measuring assembly (10) furthermore comprises a terminal device (14) having a camera (38) for capturing the optical markings (34, 36), and a processor (16) which is configured to calculate the resulting foot measurements based on the captured positions of the optical marking (34, 36). The invention also relates to a method for multidimensionally measuring feet.

Description

[0001] Measuring arrangement and method for multidimensional measurement of

[0002] feet

[0003] The invention relates to a measuring arrangement and a method for multidimensional measurement of feet.

[0004] When buying shoes, the first step is usually to measure the feet to find the right fit. Since people's feet constantly change, for example, due to age, time of day, or physical changes, feet must be measured repeatedly as precisely and efficiently as possible.

[0005] Typically, mechanical measuring devices are used for this purpose. The feet are placed on them, and then mechanical sliders are pushed towards the feet. The shoe size can then be read using a scale attached to the measuring device. Depending on the measuring device, foot width can also be determined using such a measuring device. However, the accuracy of such a measurement depends on how accurately a person reads the scale. In any case, the measurement is quick and inexpensive. Furthermore, this does not guarantee that a shoe will actually fit, as shoe models typically vary from one another despite having the same size.

[0006] Alternatively, a multi-dimensional model of the foot can be created by scanning and measuring the foot using multiple sensors or a single sensor in multiple measuring positions. Such a measuring device involves complex electrical and data connections and is expensive to purchase. Furthermore, creating such a model is comparatively time-consuming and takes too long for most people. Using the multi-dimensional model of the foot, a shoe can be individually fitted or a suitable shoe can be selected. However, due to the high costs of the measuring device and the time required, such a method is only used in a few exceptions, for example when selecting shoes for high-performance athletes. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for quickly, easily and inexpensively measuring feet in multi-dimensional terms in order to find a suitable shoe.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a measuring arrangement for the multidimensional measurement of feet. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device with mechanical sliders and a plurality of optical markings, of which at least one marking is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders. A marking that serves as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders. The mechanical sliders can be moved to different contact points of a foot so that the geometric distance between the marking serving as a reference and the at least one marking arranged on one of the mechanical sliders changes. Furthermore, the measuring arrangement comprises a terminal with a camera for capturing the optical markings and a processor that is configured to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical marking.

[0008] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a mechanical measuring device for measuring feet, wherein the optical markings enable more precise measurement of the feet, in particular by determining the geometric distance between two or more of the optical markings. It is therefore not necessary for any measurements to be read manually from a scale, which could lead to inaccuracies. Furthermore, it is ensured that the data is available directly in digital form, allowing for easy further processing, since the markings are optically recorded. Therefore, there is no need to manually read and enter the measurement data, which is available in digital form.Furthermore, digital recording provides the calculated foot measurements in various size systems, such as UK, US, EU, JP, or Mondopoint, as well as according to various manufacturers' size charts, eliminating the need for manual conversion. The device preferably includes a screen so that the calculated foot measurements can be output or displayed directly on the device.

[0009] Furthermore, the mobile device is preferably a smartphone or tablet. The device can already include the processor that calculates the foot measurements based on the recorded positions. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted to a separate processor, for example, a server, which then calculates the foot measurements. An application runs on the device itself, communicating with the server, which performs the actual calculations.

[0010] This makes the measurement system relatively inexpensive to purchase, as only the mechanical device with the optical markings needs to be purchased. Typically, a mobile device with a camera for capturing the optical markings is already available, especially since it can be a standard smartphone or tablet. Therefore, only a corresponding application would need to be installed. Furthermore, the measurement system is simple and straightforward to operate, which speeds up the process of measuring the feet.

[0011] The measuring device can further comprise an identification mark, for example, a QR code, which is scanned before the optical markings are captured to access a corresponding website provided by a server. However, as already described, it is also possible for the optical marking to be captured via an application installed on the end device. The QR code can also provide a link to this application.

[0012] In addition, the optical markings can differ from one another, so that it is clearly recognizable which marking is involved.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the measuring device comprises three mechanical sliders, one of which serves as a length slider for determining the length of the feet, and two of which serve as width sliders for determining the width of the feet. In particular, the two width sliders are mounted independently of one another and relative to one another, as well as relative to the length slider on the length slider. This ensures that the foot width can be determined individually and independently of one another for both feet. The individually movable mechanical sliders allow for more precise foot measurements, allowing for faster, well-fitting shoes to be found.

[0014] For example, each of the width slides and / or the longitudinal slides has at least one optical marking. Preferably, however, more optical markings are provided, since a larger number of optical markings provides multiple measuring points, allowing multiple calculations to be performed to determine the foot dimensions with increased accuracy. In particular, at least six optical markings are provided, namely three markings on the measuring device to define the plane of the measuring device, and one marking on each of the mechanical slides.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, the measuring device has four mechanical sliders, two of which are designed as length sliders for determining the length of each foot, and the other two as width sliders for determining the width of each foot. Thus, the length sliders can be moved independently of each other. Furthermore, the width sliders can also be moved independently of each other. This allows each foot to be measured individually for length and width. Accordingly, differences in both length and width between the feet can be taken into account.

[0016] Preferably, the optical markings differ from one another, so that each optical marking is unique. This makes it possible to assign each optical marking to one of the mechanical sliders or the reference point in order to unambiguously determine the width and / or length of the feet.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the processor is integrated into the terminal device, so that the terminal device is configured to calculate the resulting foot measurements. With an integrated processor in the terminal device, the data captured by the terminal device's camera does not have to be transmitted to a server or the like to calculate the foot measurements. This represents a high level of data protection, if desired. Furthermore, potential data transmission difficulties are avoided.

[0018] The measuring device can have a base, wherein the mechanical sliders are movable relative to the base. The base can have a deformable surface and / or a positioning element. The positioning element is in particular a marking or a mechanical device. The positioning element enables the foot to be placed on the measuring device or base in the best possible and, above all, defined manner, whereby the foot measurements can be determined with greater accuracy. For example, the heel is aligned with the marking or the mechanical device by the heel resting against the mechanical device. The deformable surface also makes it possible to leave a footprint on the base, which can also be used for multi-dimensional measurement of the feet, as information about the sole of the foot can also be determined.The deformable surface and the footprint left on it can be used to determine, among other things, the arch of the foot, which influences the best possible shoe fit. It can also be used to identify a suitable insole. The footprint on the deformable surface is not a permanent footprint, so the measurement setup can be used for multiple measurement processes. In other words, the deformable surface is reversibly deformable, as it returns to its original state.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, a film can be provided on the base with which a footprint can be measured. Measuring the footprint is particularly crucial for determining insoles. The film can be, for example, a thermosensitive film, so that the film can be used for multiple footprint measurements. Alternatively, the film can be changed after each measurement. Alternatively, instead of a deformable surface or a film, an ink pad can be provided under a rubber mat on the base of the measuring device, so that a blue imprint can be made, which can be used to measure the footprint.

[0020] Basically, the measuring system is designed to determine a footprint using the base. For this purpose, the surface of the base can be deformable or a foil can be provided. An ink pad can also be placed under a rubber mat on the base, which can be used to determine the footprint.

[0021] Preferably, the reference marker, which is located away from the mechanical sliders, is mounted on the base. This prevents the reference from being displaced and ensures it remains at a known position throughout, simplifying the calculation of the geometric distance between the individual markers. It is therefore a fixed reference with respect to the measuring arrangement.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the measuring arrangement comprises a memory in which a library of shoe data, for example shoe categories, shoe manufacturers and shoe models, is stored. The processor is configured to access the memory so that the processor can output at least one recommended shoe model, at least one recommended shoe manufacturer and / or at least one recommended shoe category, in particular several shoe models, shoe manufacturers and / or shoe categories, based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. This enables a type of virtual try-on, whereby a preselection can be made based on the recommended models. If the terminal device comprises a screen, images of the recommended shoe models can be displayed on the terminal device.

[0023] A potential problem area can also be highlighted if, based on the calculated foot measurements and shoe data, at least one spot is identified that lies within a certain tolerance. This means that the shoe in question fits, but may be tight. If the user has subjectively experienced a problem area in the past, they can determine early on that the shoe may not be a good fit, even if this is objectively the case.

[0024] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for multidimensionally measuring feet using a measuring device, in particular a measuring arrangement as described above. The measuring arrangement comprises a terminal with a camera and a measuring device that includes at least two mechanical sliders and a plurality of optically detectable markings. At least one marking is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders. Furthermore, a marking serving as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders.The method comprises the following steps: a) positioning the feet on the measuring device; b) moving the mechanical sliders so that the mechanical sliders come into contact with at least one foot or assume a known distance from the at least one foot, so that the geometric distance between the reference mark and the at least one mark arranged on one of the mechanical sliders changes; c) detecting the position of the optical mark using the camera of the terminal device; and d) calculating the foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical marks using a processor.

[0025] The mechanical sliders can therefore be moved until they come into (direct) contact with at least one foot. Alternatively, the mechanical sliders can have a spacer element, so that the sliders can only be moved up to a known or predefined distance from at least one foot. This known or predefined distance is then taken into account when calculating the foot dimensions.

[0026] Thanks to the measuring setup and the use of a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, this is a simple method that can determine foot measurements with high accuracy, as it eliminates the need to manually read a scale. Regarding the advantages, please also refer to the previously mentioned advantages of the measuring setup.

[0027] According to one variant, a first mechanical slider is a length slider that can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the foot, and a second mechanical slider and a third mechanical slider are designed as width sliders that can be moved independently of each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foot. Each of the mechanical sliders is moved to a point of contact with the feet. The method thus enables individual and precise measurement of both feet, allowing differences between the two feet to be recorded.

[0028] The foot measurements calculated by the method can be saved. Alternatively or additionally, a memory containing a library of shoe data from shoe models can be accessed, so that at least one recommended shoe model can be output based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. This enables virtual try-on, which shortens the shoe-finding process. This can also highlight a potential problem area on the shoe model where the shoe objectively fits but is tighter, which could be subjectively perceived as annoying.

[0029] In particular, the determined foot measurements can also be saved in a customer account via the end device and / or the data can be made available to the customer for storage.

[0030] According to one variant, additional mechanical sliders can be used to measure other dimensions of the foot. This allows for a more precise and comprehensive measurement method. For example, the relationship between the ball of the foot and the arch and / or the heel area can be determined, allowing a shoe recommendation to be further personalized. This method can also, in principle, determine foot height, but two scans of the markings are required to capture a third dimension.

[0031] Furthermore, a footprint can be optically captured using a deformable surface of a base of the measuring device or a film attached to the base, in particular a thermosensitive film, and the camera. Upon stepping onto the measuring device, in particular the base, the deformable surface is deformed or the film is activated by the body heat of the foot, leaving a footprint. This footprint can be optically captured using the camera to obtain data regarding the sole of the foot, for example, the arch of the foot, which is particularly required for insoles.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a measuring device;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile terminal; and

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement 10 comprising a measuring device 12, a terminal 14 and a processor 16. An embodiment of the measuring device 12 is shown in detail in Figure 2.

[0038] The measuring device 12 comprises a base 18 having a deformable surface 20 and a positioning element 22.

[0039] In the embodiment of the measuring device 12 shown here, the positioning element 22 is implemented by a marking 24. Alternatively, the positioning element 22 can also be a mechanical device, for example, for the respective heel of the foot. Furthermore, the measuring device 12 has several mechanical sliders 26. In principle, the measuring device 12 comprises at least two mechanical sliders 26 in order to measure one foot. Preferably, however, and as shown in the embodiment shown, the measuring device 12 comprises three mechanical sliders 26 in order to measure two feet simultaneously.

[0040] The three mechanical sliders 26 shown in Figure 2 are a length slider 28 and two width sliders 30. The length slider 28 is provided for determining the foot length L, and the width sliders 30 for determining the foot width B. In the simple embodiment, which is not shown, one length slider 28 and only one width slider 30 could also be provided.

[0041] In order to determine the foot dimensions as accurately as possible, the mechanical sliders 26 are displaceable relative to the base 18, in particular up to a contact point P with an associated foot 32.

[0042] An optical marking 34 is applied to each of the mechanical slides 26, i.e., to the length slide 28 and both width slides 30. Alternatively, several optical markings 34 can be applied to each of the mechanical slides 26.

[0043] However, it may also be sufficient if an optical marking 34 is arranged only on the respective width slider 30, since the width slider 30 is adjusted in terms of length with the length slider 28.

[0044] At least one further optical marking 36, which serves as a reference (stationary with respect to the measuring device 12), is arranged on the base 18.

[0045] These optical markings 34, 36 can be detected by the terminal device 14, which has a camera 38. The optical markings 34, 36 can be codes, illuminants, e.g., LEDs, or similar.

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the terminal 14 is shown in Figure 3.

[0047] The terminal 14 comprises a screen 40 so that the foot measurements determined with the measuring device 12 can be directly output or displayed.

[0048] The terminal 14 may, for example, be a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone or tablet.

[0049] The measuring arrangement 10 also includes the processor 16, which is configured to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical markings 34, 36. The processor 16 can be integrated into the terminal device 14. Alternatively, the terminal device 14 can also transmit the detected data to a processor 16, e.g., a server, which then calculates the foot measurements. It can also be provided that the terminal device 14 merely transmits the image or images to the separately designed processor 16, which, based thereon, first determines the positions of the optical markings 34, 36, in particular the relative position of the optical markings 34 with respect to the optical marking 36. The foot measurements can then be calculated.

[0050] In addition, the measuring arrangement 10 has a memory 42, which can also be integrated into the terminal device 14. Alternatively, the memory 42 can be formed separately, wherein the memory 42 can be accessed via the processor 16. For this purpose, a corresponding communication connection can be provided, for example, between the terminal device 14 and a server on which the memory is provided.

[0051] A library of shoe data for shoe models is stored in memory 42. Furthermore, the determined foot measurements for a specific customer can be stored in memory 42.

[0052] For multidimensional measurement of a customer's feet with the previously described measuring arrangement 10, the feet 32 ​​are first placed on the measuring device 12.

[0053] For optimal positioning of the feet 32, the markings 24 are used, with the heels in particular being aligned with the marking 24. Even easier positioning of the feet 32 ​​is possible if the positioning element 22 is a mechanical device instead of a marking 24. In particular, with a mechanical device, the customer can be instructed to properly position their feet themselves.

[0054] Subsequently, the mechanical sliders 26 are moved to different contact points P of the foot 32. In particular, the width sliders 30 can be moved independently of each other and relative to the length slider 28.

[0055] The contact point for the length slider 28 is usually the big toe of the longer foot, while the contact points for the width slider 30 are usually formed by the balls of the feet.

[0056] The length of the longer foot 32 is determined using the length slider 28 and the respective width of both feet 32 ​​is determined using the width slider 30.

[0057] By moving the mechanical sliders 26, the optical markings 34 also move, so that the geometric distance between the further optical marking 36 serving as a reference and the optical markings 34 attached to the mechanical sliders 26 changes.

[0058] Once the mechanical sliders 26 have been properly positioned, the feet 32 ​​can be removed from the measuring device 12.

[0059] However, due to the deformable surface 20 of the base 18, a footprint remains on the measuring device 12.

[0060] As an alternative to the deformable surface 20 of the base 18, a film 46 (see Figure 4), in particular a thermosensitive film, or a blueprint device may be provided on the base 18 in order to measure the footprint.

[0061] Optionally (in a next step), an identification mark 44, preferably a QR code, can be scanned. Scanning the identification mark 44 can access the website where the foot measurements are calculated.

[0062] Alternatively, an app can be stored on the terminal device 14, which is used to calculate the foot measurements.

[0063] Next, the optical markings 34, 36 are captured by the camera 38 of the terminal device 14.

[0064] For this purpose, an image can be captured in which the optical markings 34, 36 are visible, and the image is subsequently processed. Alternatively, the optical markings 34, 36, in particular their positions, can be extracted using an application installed on the terminal device 14.

[0065] An additional image of the footprint on the deformable surface 20 of the base 18 can also be taken.

[0066] The corresponding data, for example the image data, are then made available to the processor 16.

[0067] The foot measurements are then calculated by the processor 16 based on the detected positions of the optical markings 34, 36.

[0068] The footprint left on the deformable surface 20 can also be used to determine the arch height.

[0069] If the processor 16 is not integrated in the terminal device 14, the captured (image) data are first transmitted from the terminal device 14 to the processor 16.

[0070] In addition to determining the foot measurements, processor 16 accesses memory 42 and the library stored there and compares the calculated foot measurements with the shoe data of various shoe models. Based on this comparison, processor 16 recommends at least one shoe model. Thus, processor 16 enables a kind of virtual try-on.

[0071] If the terminal 14 includes a screen 40, both the calculated foot measurements and the at least one recommended shoe model are displayed or output on the terminal 14. Furthermore, a code, e.g., a QR code or a letter and / or number code, can be displayed on the screen 40, via which a customer can view and / or save the calculated foot measurements.

[0072] In addition, it is also possible to store the calculated foot measurements and other data in a customer account in the memory 42.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment of the measuring device 12, in which more than three mechanical sliders 26 are present, other dimensions of the foot 32 can also be measured, for example the height of the foot 32. However, the actual measuring method remains unchanged.

[0074] Thus, in the embodiment of the measuring device 12 shown in Figure 4, four mechanical sliders 26 are provided. In addition to the two width sliders 30, not only one length slider 28, as was the case in Figure 1, but two length sliders 28 are provided, which can be moved independently of one another.

[0075] In addition, it can be seen in Figure 4 that the optical markings 34 can differ from one another, so that one of the optical markings 34 can be clearly assigned to each of the mechanical sliders 26.

[0076] Thus, the measuring device 12 shown in Figure 4 allows for an individual measurement of the length and width for each foot 32, so that any differences between the right and left foot 32 can also be taken into account. Based on the (unambiguously identifiable) optical markings 34, it is possible to determine which slider 26 is in which position, particularly in relation to the reference marking 36.

[0077] In other words, the (unambiguously assignable) optical markings 34 ensure in a simple manner that the optical marking 34 can be assigned to the corresponding slider 26. If, on the other hand, all optical markings 34 are the same, a basic arrangement pattern of the optical markings 34 must be used in order to determine the relationship of the individual optical markings 34 to the reference marking 36. A further difference between the measuring device 12 shown in Figure 4 and the measuring device according to the embodiment in Figure 2 is that a thermosensitive film 46 is attached to the base 18 in the area of ​​the feet, so that the footprint remaining after the person has dismounted can also be measured.

[0078] In general, the features additionally shown in the measuring device 12 according to Figure 4 can also be provided individually in the measuring device 12 according to Figure 1 or vice versa.

[0079] Further mechanical sliders 26 can also be provided, by means of which the relationship between the ball of the foot area and the arch of the foot area and / or the heel area can be additionally determined.

[0080] By detecting the optical marking 34, 36 a second time, it is also possible to determine the foot height. However, this requires two separate detection processes to capture the third dimension, i.e., the foot height.

[0081] In principle, the measuring arrangement 10 can be configured to determine a footprint of the respective foot, i.e. in particular of both feet, by means of the base 18.

[0082] In addition to the length and width of the foot, further information can be obtained, for example information about the ball of the foot, the arch area, the heel area or the height of the foot.

[0083] Reference symbol

[0084] 10 Measuring arrangement

[0085] 12 Measuring device

[0086] 14 end device

[0087] 16 processor

[0088] 18 Base

[0089] 20 deformable surface

[0090] 22 Positioning element

[0091] 24 Marking

[0092] 26 mechanical slider

[0093] 28 length sliders

[0094] 30 width sliders

[0095] 32 feet

[0096] 34 optical marking

[0097] 36 additional optical markings

[0098] 38 Camera

[0099] 40 screen

[0100] 42 storage

[0101] 44 Identification marking

[0102] 46 Slide

[0103] P contact point

[0104] B Foot width

[0105] L foot length

Claims

Patent claims 1. A measuring arrangement (10) for multidimensionally measuring feet, comprising: a measuring device (12) with mechanical sliders (26) and a plurality of optical markings (34, 36), of which at least one marking (34) is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) and a marking (36) serving as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders (26), wherein the mechanical sliders (26) are displaceable to different contact points of a foot (32) so that the geometric distance between the marking (36) serving as a reference and the at least one marking (34) arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) changes, a terminal (14) with a camera (38) for detecting the optical markings (34, 36), and a processor (16) which is configured to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical markings (34, 36).

2. Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring device (12) comprises three mechanical sliders (26), wherein one mechanical slider (26) is designed as a length slider (28) for determining the foot length L of the feet and two mechanical sliders (26) are designed as width sliders (30) for determining the width B of the feet, in particular wherein the two width sliders (30) are mounted on the length slider (28) independently of one another and movable relative to the length slider (28).

3. Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that each width slide (30) has at least one optical marking (34) and / or the length slide (28) has at least one optical marking (34).

4. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (12) comprises four mechanical sliders (26), wherein two mechanical sliders (26) are designed as length sliders (28) for determining the length L of the feet (32) and two mechanical sliders (26) are designed as width sliders (30) for determining the width B of the feet (32), in particular wherein the mechanical sliders (26) are each mounted independently of one another and movable relative to one another.

5. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical markings (34, 36) differ from one another, in particular wherein each optical marking (34, 36) is unique.

6. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor (16) is integrated in the terminal (14) so ​​that the terminal (14) is configured to calculate the resulting foot measurements.

7. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (12) has a base (18), wherein the mechanical sliders (26) are displaceable relative to the base (18), and wherein the base (18) has a deformable surface (20) and / or a positioning element (22), in particular a marking (24) or a mechanical system.

8. Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the marking (36) serving as a reference, which is arranged away from the mechanical slides (26), is arranged on the base (18).

9. Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the measuring arrangement (10) is designed to determine a footprint by means of the base (18), in particular wherein a film (46), for example a thermosensitive film, is arranged on the base (18), by means of which the footprint can be determined.

10. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring arrangement (10) comprises a memory (42) in which a library of shoe data of shoe models is stored, and wherein the processor (16) is configured to have access to the memory (42) so that the processor (16) is configured to output at least one recommended shoe model based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data present in the library.

11. A method for multidimensionally measuring feet using a measuring arrangement (10) which has a terminal (14) with a camera (38) and a measuring device (12) which comprises at least two mechanical sliders (26) and a plurality of optically detectable markings (34, 36), of which at least one optical marking (34) is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) and a further optical marking (36) is arranged away from the mechanical sliders (26) and serves as a reference, the method comprising the following steps: a) positioning the feet on the measuring device (12);b) moving the mechanical sliders (26) so that the mechanical sliders (26) come into contact with at least one foot (32) or assume a known distance from the at least one foot, so that the geometric distance between the optical marking (36) serving as a reference and the at least one optical marking (34) arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) changes; c) detecting the positions of the optical markings (34, 36) by means of the camera (38) of the terminal device (14); and d) calculating the foot dimensions based on the detected positions of the optical markings (34, 36) by means of a processor (16).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that a first mechanical slider (26) is a length slider (28) which is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the foot, and a second mechanical slider and a third mechanical slider (26) are designed as width sliders (30) which are displaceable independently of one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foot, each of the mechanical sliders (26) being displaced up to a point of contact P with the feet.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the calculated foot measurements are stored and / or that a memory (42) is accessed in which a library of shoe data of shoe models is stored, and wherein at least one recommended shoe model is output based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data present in the library.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that further dimensions of the foot (32) are also measured using additional mechanical sliders (26).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the measuring device (12) comprises a base (18), wherein the base (18) comprises a deformable surface or a film (46), in particular a thermosensitive film, so that the foot dimensions are calculated by the processor (16) based on the detected positions of the optical markings (34, 36) and a footprint left on the base (18).

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