3D Foot Modeling for Precise Footwear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of manufacturing footwear in standard sizes is inefficient, as it often requires customers to try multiple pairs to find a proper fit, leading to time consumption and increased inventory costs for retailers, especially for individuals with uniquely shaped feet.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a camera to capture images of feet and a scaling object, processes them to generate a three-dimensional point cloud, and fits morphable models to determine accurate foot measurements, allowing for personalized footwear selection without physical trials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard sizes based on general foot length identification are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but footwear fit precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the single parameter approach (foot length) into a multi-parameter system capturing foot length, width, arch height, and girth measurements. This enables precise 3D foot modeling that maintains manufacturing efficiency while dramatically improving fit precision through comprehensive dimensional data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error fitting process with an optical measurement system using cameras and image processing. The system captures foot images, generates 3D point clouds, and creates digital foot models, eliminating the need for physical shoe trials while achieving superior fit precision
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple pairs of footwear are tried on to find proper fit, then footwear fit precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary digital fitting by creating accurate 3D foot models and comparing them against footwear last data before physical shoe selection. This preliminary virtual trial eliminates the need for multiple physical shoe trials, achieving precise fit determination in a single store visit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the customer's foot through 3D point cloud generation and morphable model fitting. These digital foot models serve as virtual replicas that can be compared against digital shoe models, replacing the need for physical shoe trials while maintaining accurate fit assessment
3Manufacturing precision
If a large inventory of shoes is maintained to accommodate various foot shapes, then footwear fit precision is improved, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables precise measurement of multiple foot dimensions (length, width, arch height, girth) that can be stored and compared against standardized footwear data. This allows retailers to maintain smaller inventories while achieving precise fits by matching measured parameters to appropriate shoe sizes and models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical inventory trial process with a digital matching system. By comparing digital foot models against footwear last data and size charts, the system determines appropriate shoe selections without requiring customers to physically try on multiple pairs from large inventory stock
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
Enables precise footwear selection by generating accurate three-dimensional models of feet, reducing the need for multiple trials and inventory, thereby saving time and resources for both customers and retailers.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, from a camera, a video feed depicting a pair of feet and a scaling object; capturing, with the camera, images of the feet and the scaling object based on the video feed
Implementation Method 2
determining camera positions for each captured image by triangulating the foot features
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of this disclosure is a method comprising: receiving, from a camera, a video feed depicting a pair of feet and a scaling object; capturing, with the camera, images of the feet and the scaling object based on the video feed; identifying foot features in each captured image; determining camera positions for each captured image by triangulating the foot features; generating a point cloud in a three-dimensional space by positioning each foot feature in the three-dimensional space based on the camera positions; scaling the point cloud based on the scaling object; segmenting the point cloud into at least a right-foot cluster and a left-foot cluster; fitting a first three-dimensional morphable model to the right-foot cluster according to first foot parameters; and fitting a second three-dimensional morphable model to the left-foot cluster according to second foot parameters. Related systems, apparatus, and methods also are described.