Foot Arch Type Identification via Linear Geometric Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying foot arch type through footprint analysis are complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive calculations and failing to provide suitable insoles or shoes in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A method involving linear geometrical calculations to determine a foot type index (FTI) by measuring specific points on a footprint, such as ball and heel tangent points, and calculating the foot width and arch width, allowing for categorization of foot arch types as flat, normal, or high arch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex geometrical methods and integral calculations are used for footprint analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features from the complete footprint outline, specifically identifying five key points (lateral heel, lateral ball, medial heel, medial ball, and midfoot points) that are sufficient for arch type classification. This selective extraction avoids the need for complex integral calculations of the entire footprint area while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the footprint measurement process into discrete, measurable components by defining specific geometric segments (lateral and medial contours, tangent lines, and midfoot references). This segmentation transforms the complex continuous integral calculation into simple linear distance measurements between defined points, reducing computational complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If traditional footprint parameters and arch index calculations are used, then foot arch type can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and cannot provide timely results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary reference frames and measurement protocols before actual measurement, including pre-defining the lateral and medial contours, tangent lines, and midfoot reference points. This preliminary setup enables rapid measurement during actual foot arch assessment without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus reducing identification time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculation systems (integral geometry, area computation) with simpler linear measurement systems (distance between points, tangent line intersections). This substitution uses basic Euclidean geometry and linear algebra instead of complex analytical geometry, dramatically reducing computation time while preserving the ability to accurately classify foot arch types.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive footprint analysis is performed, then complete foot arch type identification is achieved, but the cost and complexity of measurement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement points and geometric relationships from comprehensive footprint analysis. By focusing on five specific points and their connecting lines, the method achieves sufficient accuracy for arch type classification without requiring measurement of the entire footprint outline or complex area calculations, thus simplifying the measurement process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by measuring only the essential geometric features needed for arch type identification rather than performing complete footprint analysis. This selective measurement approach provides adequate accuracy for clinical purposes while significantly reducing the time, cost, and complexity of the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of measuring and identifying foot arch type according to footprint data. The method includes: obtaining a static standing footprint having a foot contour including lateral and medial contours; obtaining a lateral ball and lateral heel tangent points of the footprint, and a medial ball and a medial heel tangent point of the footprint; obtaining a ball and a heel mid-point; obtaining a foot center axial line and a foot perpendicular bisector; obtaining the length of a foot width Lf as the length of the foot perpendicular bisector, and the width a foot arch La; and calculating a foot type index FTI by dividing the width of the foot arch La by the length of the foot width Lf (FTI=La/Lf), and identifying a foot arch type of the footprint by the foot type index FTI.