Shoe Last Data Correction Using Foot Shape and User Preferences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Custom-made shoes manufactured using shoe last data generated from foot shape measurements may not provide a fitting feeling that satisfies the user, as the information measured is limited to foot size and shape.

Innovation Solution

A data generating apparatus that receives foot shape data and additional user-specific information, such as preferences for shoe shape, to correct specific portions of the shoe last data, ensuring a better fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If shoe last data is generated based only on foot shape data from measuring apparatus, then the manufacturing process is simple and efficient, but the fitting feeling of the shoe cannot satisfy the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting feelingVSAvoiddata collection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data collection process into two distinct parts: basic foot shape data collected by the measuring apparatus, and additional user-specific information collected separately through user input. This segmentation allows the system to gather comprehensive data for better fitting while maintaining a simple and efficient measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the data collection by incorporating user input information beyond the three-dimensional foot shape measurements. This additional dimension of subjective user preferences and requirements enables the system to generate shoe last data that satisfies both objective measurements and subjective fitting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If only foot shape information is used for shoe last data generation, then the data processing is simple and fast, but the shoe cannot accommodate user preferences for shape and fit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by collecting and storing user input information about shoe shape preferences and fitting requirements in advance, before the actual shoe last data generation process. This allows the system to quickly retrieve and apply pre-collected preference data during processing, reducing the time required for comprehensive data analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that processes and integrates user input information with the measured foot shape data. This intermediary layer efficiently combines objective measurement data with subjective preference data, enabling comprehensive adaptability without significantly increasing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive user information is collected to improve shoe fit, then the fitting satisfaction increases, but the information collection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshoe fit accuracyVSAvoidinformation collection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to directly input their own preference information about shoe shape and fit requirements. This eliminates the need for complex interviewer-based data collection processes, making the information gathering simple and user-friendly while still obtaining comprehensive data for accurate shoe fitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of information collection from complex physical measurements to simple user preference selections. By transforming the data collection into parameter-based user inputs (such as preferred shoe shape characteristics), the system maintains high fit accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12285080B2Data generating apparatus, shoe last producing system and data generating method
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 ASICS CORP
  • US12285080B2 patent drawing
  • US12285080B2 patent drawing
  • US12285080B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data generating apparatus generates shoe last data for manufacturing a shoe from measured foot shape data. The data generating apparatus includes: an input unit that receives the foot shape data; a processor that computes the shoe last data from the foot shape data received by the input unit; and an output unit that outputs the shoe last data computed by the processor. The input unit further receives selected additional information. The processor specifies a portion of the shoe last data to be corrected, based on the additional information, and calculates an amount of correction of the specified portion based on the additional information.