Compact Foot Imaging Mirror Assembly for Portable Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot measurement and imaging technologies are either cumbersome or difficult to use, making them unsuitable for easy and portable applications, particularly in the athletic shoe industry where customization is needed for multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A compact foot imaging and measurement apparatus featuring a housing with a plate for users to stand on, equipped with a compact mirror assembly and camera system that includes angled mirrors to reflect and capture images of the feet, allowing for efficient and accurate measurements and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical foot measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in correct usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with an optical imaging system using cameras and mirrors. The foot measurement is achieved through optical capture and digital processing rather than mechanical contact points and physical scales, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the foot using cameras and mirrors instead of direct mechanical measurement. This allows the foot shape to be captured and analyzed digitally, making the device easier to operate while preserving accurate measurement functionality
2Measurement precision
If electrical foot measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but portability deteriorates due to cumbersome design
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a compact housing containing only essential components (cameras, mirrors, processing unit). This modular approach allows the system to maintain high measurement precision through sophisticated optical and computational components while minimizing physical size and weight for improved portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical reflection through mirrors to capture foot images from multiple angles simultaneously within a compact space. This dimensional approach allows accurate 3D foot mapping without requiring a large physical device, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and portability
3Measurement precision
If electrical foot measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image capture, processing, and analysis without requiring user intervention. The cameras and mirrors automatically capture foot images when the user places their foot on the platform, and the processing unit automatically analyzes the images to provide measurements, enhancing both measurement capability and ease of use
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides easy, efficient, and accurate foot measurements and imaging, enabling improved shoe fit customization and is portable for use with multiple users, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror disposed along a longitudinal direction of the housing, the first mirror oriented at a first angle from a bottom surface of the housing such that the first mirror is facing towards the plate
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror disposed along a lateral direction of the housing, the second mirror being substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and oriented at a second angle from a rear panel of the housing such that the second mirror is facing towards the first mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for obtaining an image and measurements of a foot is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing holding a plate with a top surface to allow a user to stand on the apparatus. Within the interior of the housing is a compact mirror assembly arrangement that includes a plurality of mirrors to reflect the image of the foot from the top surface of the plate to at least one camera within the interior of the housing. The compact mirror assembly includes a top-facing mirror running along the longitudinal direction of the housing at an angle to the bottom surface. The top-facing mirror reflects the image of the foot from the top surface towards an angled mirror. The angled mirror is perpendicular to the bottom surface and is angled facing the top-facing mirror. The angled mirror reflects the image of the foot reflected from the top-facing mirror towards the camera.