Heel Position Estimation Using Foot Contour Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot length measurement technologies require precise alignment of the heel end with the foot placement sheet, limiting measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A heel position estimation device and method that extracts a contour shape from a one-foot image, determines the type of contour shape, and estimates the heel point position, reducing the influence of capturing conditions and individual foot shape variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the measurement subject manually aligns the heel end with the foot placement sheet, then the measurement process can be completed, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to manual alignment errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of measurementVSAvoidheel position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and estimates the heel point position by analyzing the contour shape of the foot in the image, eliminating the need for manual alignment by the measurement subject. The automated contour extraction and heel position estimation algorithms perform the measurement function independently, improving both ease of operation and measurement precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with an automated image processing system that uses contour extraction algorithms and mathematical calculations to determine heel position. The system substitutes manual physical alignment with computational geometry analysis of the foot contour in the captured image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated heel position estimation is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheel position accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated estimation system is divided into distinct functional modules: contour extraction module, contour type determination module, and heel position estimation module. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the complex system manageable and easier to implement. The contour extractor handles image processing, the determination unit classifies contour types, and the estimation unit calculates heel positions based on the classified types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250014307A1Heel position estimation device, heel position estimation method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 ASICS CORP

AI summary

In a heel position estimation device, a contour extractor extracts, from a one-foot image of a measurement subject, a contour shape of a foot part that includes at least part of a heel portion. A determination unit determines the type of the contour shape. A heel estimation unit estimates a heel point position in the contour shape, based on the type of the contour shape determined.