Dynamic 3D Foot Modeling for Athletic Footwear Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting footwear fail to account for both static and dynamic properties of the human foot, leading to poor fit confidence and high return rates, especially in online shopping, as they do not accurately capture the changing dimensions and shape of feet during dynamic activities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves acquiring a static 3D scan of the feet, generating a dynamic 3D model simulating activity-specific changes, and comparing it to digital shoe lasts to identify the best matching footwear, using techniques such as soft-body deformations and activity simulation to account for weight distribution and motion mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional 2D length and width sizing is used for mass-produced footwear, then manufacturing cost and availability are improved, but fit accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D foot measurements (length and width) to comprehensive 3D foot scanning and modeling. This dimensional expansion captures the complex geometry of the foot including arch height, toe shape, and overall volume, enabling accurate matching with 3D digital shoe lasts while maintaining mass production capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures and analyzes multiple geometric parameters of the foot (length, width, height, girth, arch characteristics) rather than relying on single dimensional measurements. This multi-parameter approach transforms the sizing system from simple 2D metrics to a comprehensive 3D parameter set that accurately represents foot geometry for precise footwear matching.
2Ease of operation
If virtual 3D fitting rooms with static foot models are used, then online shopping convenience is improved, but fit confidence deteriorates due to inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic simulation that models foot deformation during various activities (walking, running, jumping). The system applies force vectors and simulations to show how the foot changes shape under different loads and movements, transforming static foot models into dynamic representations that reflect real-world usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary virtual trying-on simulations before purchase by pre-calculating how the customer's specific foot geometry will interact with the shoe interior under various activity conditions. This advance simulation provides fit confidence data including pressure point analysis and deformation patterns, allowing customers to make informed decisions without physical trials.
3Device complexity
If footwear is selected based on static foot dimensions only, then fitting process simplicity is improved, but reliability during dynamic activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional fitting system that evaluates footwear performance across multiple activity types (walking, running, jumping, standing) simultaneously. The dynamic simulation framework can assess various movements and load conditions within a single comprehensive analysis, providing universal fit reliability data for different activities rather than requiring separate evaluations for each.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining best fitting footwear includes acquiring a static 3D scan of a user's feet; generating a static 3D model of the user's feet; modifying the static 3D model to generate a dynamic 3D model that corresponds to changed shape of the user's feet when performing an athletic activity; identifying a footwear that best matches the dynamic model; and informing the user of the footwear that best matches the dynamic model. Optionally, the static 3D scan is retrieved from a database, or generated on the fly, or based on images from a mobile device. Optionally, the dynamic model takes into account a type of athletic activity, a weight distribution of the user, a load on the feet of the user, and a motion mechanism and strike type. Optionally, the dynamic model modifies a foot length, a foot width at ball, and a foot width at bottom.