Foot Mobility Measurement Using 3D Elevation Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to determine the relative mobility of different regions of a foot, which is crucial for understanding support needs and preventing foot instability and related injuries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring the elevation of a foot's shape under loaded and unloaded states using devices like optical scanners or gauge pins, with the difference in elevations indicating mobility, and using this data to recommend footwear, orthotics, and other support devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the ability to determine relative mobility of different foot regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foot is divided into multiple measurement regions (e.g., heel, midfoot, forefoot) with distinct mobility characteristics. The system measures each region independently by comparing elevation changes under loaded and unloaded states, allowing precise determination of relative mobility for each segment without requiring complex whole-foot analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D planar measurements to 3D elevation-based measurements. By measuring the vertical elevation change of the foot surface under different loading conditions, the system captures mobility information that cannot be obtained from conventional 2D methods, significantly improving mobility determination accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If detailed mobility measurement is performed, then footwear and orthotic recommendations become more accurate, but the measurement and analysis process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital 3D model (copy) of the foot's elevation profile under loaded and unloaded conditions. This digital representation allows rapid comparison and analysis of mobility characteristics without requiring repeated physical measurements or complex manual analysis, significantly reducing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement and visual analysis with automated optical scanning and computer processing. The optical scanner captures elevation data, and software automatically compares loaded vs. unloaded states to determine mobility, eliminating time-consuming manual procedures while improving measurement consistency and accuracy.
3Loss of information
If multiple measurement locations are analyzed, then the comprehensiveness of mobility assessment improves, but the complexity of data collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning system serves multiple functions: it captures 3D elevation data, identifies key foot regions, measures elevation changes under different loads, and generates mobility assessments for multiple locations simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive mobility assessment without requiring separate specialized measurements for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and measures mobility characteristics at multiple foot regions without requiring manual selection or complex processing. The software self-determines which regions to measure and how to interpret the data, reducing the operational complexity burden on the user while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
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
This approach allows for accurate determination of foot mobility, enabling proper footwear and orthotic recommendations, reducing the risk of foot, knee, and back injuries by providing personalized support.
Implementation Method 1
an optical scanner that incorporates a light source to determine the elevation, wherein the light source is selected from the group consisting of: a structured light, a laser light source and a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a mobility of foot comprising: measuring at least a portion of a shape of the foot under a first weight load; measuring the at least the portion of the shape of the foot under a second weight load; and comparing the measurement under the first weight load to the measurement under the second weight load, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of the foot.