Digital Imaging for Custom Compression Garment Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting compression garments are inaccurate and inefficient, leading to poorly fitting garments that may not provide the intended compression therapy, especially for patients with complex body morphologies, resulting in discomfort, reduced compliance, and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A method involving digital imaging to generate precise shape descriptions of a patient's body part or area, allowing for the creation of compression garments with tailored compression gradients and geometric features that match the individual's morphology, reducing pinching and chafing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tape measure methods are used for fitting compression garments, then the process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and garment fit accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tape measure methods with a digital imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures multiple images of the patient's body part and uses computational methods to generate accurate shape descriptions, eliminating the need for manual tape measurements while improving both precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or replica of the patient's body part geometry through photogrammetry. By capturing multiple images from different angles and processing them computationally, the system generates an accurate digital model of the body surface, which can then be used to create custom compression garments without physical contact with the patient's body.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard size compression garments are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the fit accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness deteriorate for patients with complex body morphologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables custom compression garments to be manufactured with locally optimized properties for each patient's specific body morphology. The digital shape description allows the garment to be tailored with varying compression levels and geometric features at different locations on the body, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This ensures optimal fit and therapeutic effectiveness for each individual patient.
3Loss of time
If compression garments are made without accurate shape descriptions, then manufacturing time and cost are reduced, but the garment fit and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary digital imaging and shape description generation before garment manufacturing begins. By capturing all necessary measurement data through digital imaging in advance, the system eliminates the need for multiple fitting sessions and adjustments. The digital model is then used to create the final garment pattern, ensuring accurate fit from the first manufacture while reducing overall time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods of generating a shape description from digital image acquisition for 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 shape descriptions are also included herein.