Digital Compression Garment Fitting for Accurate Body Shape Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting compression garments are inaccurate, leading to improper fit and reduced therapeutic effectiveness, especially for individuals with complex body shapes or conditions like lymphedema, resulting in discomfort, noncompliance, and potential irreversible damage due to inadequate compression.
Innovation Solution
A method using digital imaging to generate precise shape descriptions and measurements of body parts, allowing for the selection and customization of pre-fabricated compression garments that closely match individual body morphologies, ensuring accurate compression therapy and improved patient compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual measurement methods are used for fitting compression garments, then the process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and fitting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (tape measures, calipers) with a digital imaging system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to automatically capture and analyze body part geometry. This substitution eliminates human error in reading measurements and provides more precise, repeatable data for garment fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (3D model or 2D image representation) of the patient's body part that can be measured, stored, and reused for multiple purposes including garment fitting, monitoring changes over time, and generating custom patterns. This digital replica preserves exact geometric information without the limitations of physical measurement tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-fabricated compression garments are used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but adaptability to individual body shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different regions of the compression garment to have different compression levels and material properties based on the specific anatomical features and medical needs of each body region. The digital measurement system identifies varying circumferences, lengths, and shape characteristics at different locations, allowing customization of compression gradients and garment geometry to match local anatomical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an adaptable fitting system that can accommodate changes in body shape over time through repeated digital imaging and measurement. The system can generate updated garment specifications as the patient's anatomy changes, allowing the garment to dynamically adapt to new body configurations rather than relying on static pre-fabricated sizes.
3Reliability
If compression garment fitting is not accurate, then manufacturing and availability are improved, but therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where digital measurements of the patient's body part are continuously obtained, compared against ideal or previous measurements, and used to adjust or select the appropriate compression garment. This feedback mechanism ensures the garment provides the correct compression level for therapeutic effectiveness and allows monitoring of treatment progress and garment fit over time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods of fitting for pre-fabricated compression garments via digital imaging of a wearer body part and measurement of body part circumferences and, optionally, lengths therefrom. The present invention also relates to methods of generating a shape description derived from digital imaging of a patient body part or body area of interest and use of such shape description. Such shape description includes geometric information from which measurement information can optionally be derived. Included herein are methods for diagnosing and monitoring edema and other conditions in patients using shape descriptions acquired from a patient in need of such diagnosis and monitoring. The invention also includes use of the generated shape descriptions to make compression garments specifically configured for a patient's body part or body area. Compression garments generated from the generated shape descriptions are also included herein.