Markerless Foot Size Estimation Using 3D Shape Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot measurement technologies require markers to estimate arch height, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes due to the need to identify the navicular head, resulting in potential human errors and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A markerless foot size estimation method using three-dimensional shape data and machine learning to extract foot shape characteristics, creating an estimation model that predicts arch height without the need for markers, allowing for accurate arch height estimation based on extracted features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If markers are attached to the navicular head for measurement, then measurement precision of arch height is improved, but the time and effort required for operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearch height measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for marker attachment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical marker attachment process with an optical/image processing system. The measurement system captures images of the foot and uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify the navicular head position and calculate arch height, eliminating the need for physical marker placement while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-identification of the navicular head position through automated image processing. The system independently locates anatomical landmarks and calculates measurements without requiring external manual intervention for marker placement, thereby reducing operational time and human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If markers are attached to the navicular head for measurement, then measurement precision of arch height is improved, but the complexity of the measurement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearch height measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical process of marker attachment and positioning with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses image capture and processing algorithms to automatically identify anatomical landmarks and calculate measurements, simplifying the overall measurement process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy or representation of the foot's anatomical features through image processing. By working with digital images and extracted features rather than physical markers, the system simplifies the measurement process while preserving the ability to accurately identify the navicular head position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If manual marker placement is used to identify the navicular head, then measurement precision may be affected by human error, but the method requires less advanced technology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidautomation level of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system performs self-identification of the navicular head position through automated image processing algorithms. The system independently locates anatomical landmarks and calculates measurements without requiring external manual intervention, eliminating human error while implementing high-level automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from captured images to automatically adjust and refine the identification of the navicular head position. By continuously processing image data and comparing it against expected anatomical patterns, the system reliably identifies landmarks without human intervention, improving measurement reliability through automated feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11647814B2Markerless foot size estimation device, markerless foot size estimation method, and markerless foot size estimation program

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 ASICS CORP

AI summary

In a markerless foot size estimation device 100, a shape data input unit 10 acquires three-dimensional shape data of a foot of a subject and stores the three-dimensional shape data in a shape data storage unit 20. A characteristic extraction unit 30 extracts foot shape characteristics from the three-dimensional shape data of a subject's foot stored in the shape data storage unit 20, and stores the foot shape characteristics in a shape characteristic storage unit 40. A machine learning unit 50 uses, as teacher data, foot shape characteristics and arch height stored in the shape characteristic storage unit 40 to create, through machine learning, an estimation model used to estimate arch height based on foot shape characteristics, and stores the estimation model in an estimation model storage unit 60. An estimation output unit 70 uses the estimation model stored in the estimation model storage unit 60 to estimate arch height based on extracted shape characteristics and outputs the arch height.