Foot Size and Shape Measurement via Image Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current shoe manufacturing methods only classify foot size at 5 mm intervals without considering foot shape, leading to poorly fitting shoes that can cause foot deformities like hallux valgus.
Innovation Solution
A method using image processing to measure foot size and shape by capturing an image of the foot alongside a standardized item, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic calculation of foot dimensions and shape information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D scanning technology is used to measure foot shape, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a photograph (optical copy) of the foot instead of complex 3D scanning hardware. The image processing system creates a 2D representation that can be transformed into dimensional measurements, replacing expensive and complex 3D scanners with a simple camera and computational algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical 3D scanning systems with a 2D image-based measurement system. By using photographing and image processing algorithms, the system substitutes complex physical measurement devices with a simpler optical-capture-and-compute approach.
2Measurement precision
If professional 3D scanning equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to perform their own foot measurements using their smartphone cameras without requiring professional equipment or expertise. The automated image processing and algorithmic transformation enable ordinary users to obtain accurate measurements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
By using readily available smartphone cameras to capture foot images instead of requiring specialized scanning equipment, the system makes measurement accessible to ordinary users while maintaining accuracy through computational methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If only foot size classification is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments foot measurements into multiple dimensional parameters (length, width, height, arch, toe length, instep height) rather than using a single size classification. This segmentation allows for more precise shoe fitting while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized measurement categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the traditional single-dimensional shoe size classification into multi-dimensional foot shape parameters. By measuring and categorizing multiple dimensional attributes of the foot, the system enables better shoe adaptability while providing manufacturers with structured data for production.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring information of a foot, the method includes: acquiring an image captured by simultaneously photographing a user's foot and an item having a standardized size; and calculating information of the user's foot from the image. The calculating the information of the user's foot from the image includes: calculating positions of vertices of the item from the image; and calculating a region where the user's foot is located in the image. The calculating the positions of the vertices of the item from the image includes: calculating one or more feature points corresponding to a corner in the image; and selecting the vertices of the item among the one or more feature points, and the one or more feature points are calculated by using brightness values of pixels in the image.