DE102023120034B3 - Measuring arrangement and method for multidimensional measurement of feet - Google Patents

Abstract

A measuring arrangement (10) for multidimensionally measuring feet is shown. The measuring arrangement (10) comprises a measuring device (12) with at least two mechanical sliders (26) and a plurality of optical markings (34, 36), of which at least one marking (34) is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) and a marking (36) which serves as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders (26). The mechanical sliders (26) can be moved to different contact points of a foot (32) so that the geometric distance between the marking (36) serving as a reference and the at least one marking (34) which is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26) changes. Furthermore, the measuring arrangement (10) comprises a terminal (14) with a camera (38) for detecting the optical markings (34, 36) and a processor (16) which is configured to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical marking (34, 36).
In addition, a method for multidimensional measurement of feet is described.

Description

The invention relates to a measuring arrangement and a method for multidimensional measurement of feet.

When buying shoes, the first step is usually to measure the feet in order to find the right shoes. Since people's feet are constantly changing, for example due to their age, the time of day or a physical change, the feet must be measured again and again as precisely and efficiently as possible.

Mechanical measuring devices are usually used for this purpose, on which the feet are placed and then mechanical sliders are pushed towards the feet. The shoe size can then be read using a scale attached to the measuring device. Depending on the measuring device, the width of the foot can also be determined using such a measuring device. Such measuring devices are known, for example, from the DE 24 27 514 A1 or the WO 93/25 109 A1 known. However, the accuracy of such a measurement depends on how accurately a person reads the scale. In any case, the measurement is quick and inexpensive. In addition, this does not guarantee whether a shoe really fits, since shoe models typically differ from one another despite having the same size.

In the US 2018 / 0 035 762 A1 In contrast, a measuring device is shown which has a patterned base and a slider with an opening so that the foot dimensions can be calculated based on the section of the pattern visible through the opening, which is captured by a camera. In this respect, it is ensured that the accuracy of the measurement is improved.

Alternatively, a multi-dimensional model of the foot can be created by scanning and measuring the foot using multiple sensors or one sensor in multiple measurement positions. Such a measuring device involves complex electrical and data connections and is expensive to purchase. Furthermore, creating such a model requires a relatively long time and takes too long for most people. Using the multi-dimensional model of the foot, a shoe can be individually adjusted or a suitable shoe can be selected. However, due to the high costs of the measuring device and the time required, such a procedure is only carried out in a few exceptions, for example when selecting shoes for high-performance athletes.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a possibility for a quick, simple and inexpensive multi-dimensional measurement of feet in order to find a suitable shoe.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a measuring arrangement for multidimensionally measuring feet. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device with at least three mechanical sliders, one mechanical slider being designed as a length slider for determining the length of the feet and two mechanical sliders being designed as width sliders for determining the width of the feet, and a large number of optical markings. Each width slider has at least one optical marking. The length slider also has at least one optical marking. A marking that serves as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders. The mechanical sliders can be moved to different contact points of a foot, so that the geometric distance between the marking serving as a reference and the at least one marking arranged on one of the mechanical sliders changes. The measuring arrangement also comprises a terminal with a camera for detecting the optical markings and a processor that is set up to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical marking.

The basic idea of the invention is to provide a mechanical measuring device for measuring feet, wherein the optical markings enable a more precise measurement of the feet, in particular by determining the geometric distance between two or more of the optical markings. It is therefore not necessary for any measurements to be read manually from a scale, which can lead to inaccuracies. In addition, it is ensured that the data is available directly in digital form so that it can be easily processed further, since the markings are optically recorded. It is therefore unnecessary to read and enter the measurement data manually, so that it is available in digital form. In addition, the digital recording provides the calculated foot measurements in various size systems, for example UK, US, EU, JP or Mondopoint, but also according to various size tables from manufacturers, so that manual conversion is not necessary.

Preferably, the terminal device comprises a screen so that the calculated foot measurements can be output or displayed directly via the terminal device.

In addition, the mobile device is preferably a smartphone or tablet. The device can already contain the processor that calculates the foot measurements based on the recorded positions. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted to a separately designed processor, which then calculates the foot measurements, for example to a server. An application runs on the device itself that communicates with the server, which carries out the actual calculation work.

This means that the measuring device is relatively inexpensive to purchase, as only the mechanical device with the optical markings needs to be purchased. A mobile device with a camera for capturing the optical marking is usually already available, especially since it can be a standard smartphone or tablet. All that is needed is to install a corresponding application. Furthermore, the measuring device is easy and uncomplicated to operate, which speeds up the measurement of the feet.

The measuring device can also have an identification marking, for example a QR code, which is scanned before the optical markings are recorded in order to access a corresponding website provided by a server. However, as already described, it is also possible for the optical marking to be recorded via an application installed on the end device. The QR code can also provide a link to this application.

According to one embodiment, the two width sliders are mounted independently of each other and relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal slider on the longitudinal slider. This ensures that the foot width for both feet can be determined individually and independently of each other. The individually movable mechanical sliders allow a more precise measurement of the feet, so that well-fitting shoes can then be found more quickly.

Preferably, however, there are more optical markings than just one optical marking per mechanical slider, since a larger number of optical markings means that there are several measuring points, so that several calculations can be carried out in order to be able to determine the foot dimensions with increased accuracy. In particular, at least six optical markings are provided, namely three markings on the measuring device to define the plane of the measuring device, and one marking on each of the mechanical sliders.

According to one embodiment, the processor is integrated in the terminal device, so that the terminal device is set up to calculate the resulting foot measurements. With an integrated processor in the terminal device, the data captured by the camera of the terminal device does not have to be transmitted to a server or the like in order to calculate the foot measurements there. This represents a high level of data protection, if this is desired. In addition, potential data transmission difficulties are avoided.

The measuring device can have a base, with the mechanical sliders being movable relative to the base. The base can have a deformable surface and/or a positioning element. The positioning element is in particular a marking or a mechanical system. The positioning element allows the foot to be placed on the measuring device or base in the best possible and, above all, defined manner, which allows the foot measurements to be determined with greater accuracy. For example, the heel is aligned with the marking or the mechanical system by the heel resting on the mechanical system. The deformable surface also makes it possible to leave a footprint on the base, which can also be used for multi-dimensional measurement of the feet, as information about the sole of the foot can also be determined. The deformable surface and the footprint left on it can therefore be used, among other things, to determine the arch of the foot, which has an influence on the best possible shoe fit. A suitable insole can also be determined in this way. The footprint on the deformable surface is not a permanent footprint, so the measuring arrangement can be used for multiple measuring processes. In other words, the deformable surface is reversibly deformable because it returns to its original state.

Preferably, the reference mark, which is arranged away from the mechanical slides, is arranged on the base. This means that the reference cannot be moved and is always in a known position, which simplifies the calculation of the geometric distance between the individual marks. It is therefore a fixed reference in relation to the measuring arrangement.

According to a further embodiment, the measuring arrangement comprises a memory in which a library of shoe data, for example shoe categories, shoe manufacturers and shoe models dents. The processor is set up to access the memory so that the processor can output at least one recommended shoe model, at least one recommended shoe manufacturer and/or at least one recommended shoe category, in particular several shoe models, shoe manufacturers and/or shoe categories, based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. This makes it possible to have a kind of virtual try-on, whereby a pre-selection can be made based on the recommended models. If the terminal device has a screen, images of the recommended shoe models can be displayed on the terminal device.

A potential problem area can also be highlighted if at least one spot is identified that is within a tolerance based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data. This means that the corresponding shoe fits, but may be tight. If the user has had the subjective experience in the past that the corresponding spot is problematic, he can determine early on that the shoe may not be suitable for him, even if this is objectively the case.

1. a) Positionieren der Füße auf der Messvorrichtung;
2. b) Verschieben der mechanischen Schieber, sodass die mechanischen Schieber mit zumindest einem Fuß in Berührung kommen oder einen bekannten Abstand zu dem zumindest einen Fuß einnehmen, sodass sich der geometrische Abstand zwischen der als Referenz dienenden Markierung und den weiteren optischen Markierungen, die auf den mechanischen Schiebern angeordnet sind, verändert;
3. c) Erfassen der Position der optischen Markierung mittels der Kamera des Endgeräts; und
4. d) Berechnen der Fußmaße basierend auf den erfassten Positionen der optischen Markierungen mittels eines Prozessors.

In addition, the object is achieved with a method for multidimensional measurement of feet with a measuring device, in particular a measuring arrangement as described above. The measuring arrangement comprises a terminal with a camera and a measuring device that comprises at least three mechanical sliders and several optically detectable markings. One mechanical slider is designed as a length slider for determining the length of the feet and two mechanical sliders are designed as width sliders for determining the width of the feet, with each width slider having at least one optical marking and the length slider having at least one optical marking. In addition, a marking that serves as a reference is provided away from the mechanical sliders. The method comprises the following steps:

1. a) Positioning the feet on the measuring device;
2. b) moving the mechanical sliders so that the mechanical sliders come into contact with at least one foot or are at a known distance from the at least one foot, so that the geometric distance between the reference marking and the other optical markings arranged on the mechanical sliders changes;
3. c) detecting the position of the optical marker using the camera of the terminal device; and
4. d) Calculating the foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical markings using a processor.

The mechanical sliders can therefore be moved until they (directly) touch at least one foot. Alternatively, the mechanical sliders can have a spacer element so that the sliders are only moved up to a known or predefined distance from at least one foot. The known or predefined distance is then taken into account when calculating the foot dimensions.

The measuring arrangement and the use of a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, make this an easy-to-implement procedure that can determine foot measurements with a high degree of accuracy, as it is not necessary to read a scale manually. With regard to the advantages, reference is also made to the advantages of the measuring arrangement already mentioned.

According to one variant, the length slider, which can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the foot, and the width slider can be moved independently of one another, with the width slider being able to be moved perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foot. Each of the mechanical sliders is moved to a point of contact with the feet. The method therefore enables individual and precise measurement of both feet, so that differences between the two feet can be recorded.

The foot measurements calculated by the method can be saved. Alternatively or additionally, a memory can be accessed in which a library of shoe data from shoe models is stored, so that at least one recommended shoe model can be issued based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. This enables virtual trying on, which shortens the shoe-finding process. This can also highlight a possible problem area on the shoe model where the shoe objectively fits, but is tight(er), which could be subjectively perceived as annoying.

In particular, the determined foot measurements can also be saved in a customer account via the end device and/or the data can be made available to the customer for storage.

According to one variant, additional dimensions can be achieved with additional mechanical sliders of the foot. This means that additional mechanical sliders can be used to provide a more precise and comprehensive measurement method. For example, the relationship between the ball of the foot and the arch area and/or the heel area can be determined, so that a recommendation for a shoe model can still be personalized.

In principle, this method can also be used to determine the height of the foot, but two scans of the markings are required to capture a third dimension.

Furthermore, a footprint can be optically recorded using a deformable surface of a base of the measuring device and the camera. When stepping on the measuring device, in particular the base, the deformable surface is deformed so that a footprint is left behind. This can be optically recorded using the camera in order to obtain data regarding the sole of the foot, for example the arch of the foot.

• - 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Messanordnung;
• - 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Messvorrichtung; und
• - 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines mobilen Endgeräts.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the drawings to which reference is made. In the drawings:

• - 1 a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement according to the invention;
• - 2 a schematic representation of a measuring device; and
• - 3 a schematic representation of a mobile device.

1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring arrangement 10 comprising a measuring device 12, a terminal 14 and a processor 16. An embodiment of the measuring device 12 is shown in 2 shown in detail.

The measuring device 12 comprises a base 18 having a deformable surface 20 and a positioning element 22.

In the embodiment of the measuring device 12 shown here, the positioning element 22 is realized by a marking 24. Alternatively, the positioning element 22 can also be a mechanical system, for example for the respective heel of the foot.

Furthermore, the measuring device 12 has several mechanical sliders 26. In principle, the measuring device 12 comprises at least two mechanical sliders 26 in order to be able to measure one foot. Preferably, however, and as shown in the embodiment shown, the measuring device 12 comprises three mechanical sliders 26 in order to be able to measure two feet at the same time.

The three mechanical slides 26, which are in 2 can be seen, there is a length slider 28 and two width sliders 30. The length slider 28 is intended to determine the foot length L and the width slider 30 to determine the foot width B. In the simple embodiment, which is not shown, one length slider 28 and only one width slider 30 could also be provided.

In order to determine the foot dimensions as accurately as possible, the mechanical sliders 26 can be moved relative to the base 18, in particular up to a point of contact P with an associated foot 32.

An optical marking 34 is applied to each of the mechanical slides 26, i.e. on the length slide 28 and both width slides 30. Alternatively, several optical markings 34 can be applied to each of the mechanical slides 26.

However, it may also be sufficient if an optical marking 34 is arranged only on the respective width slide 30, since the width slide 30 is adjusted in terms of length with the length slide 28.

At least one further optical marking 36, which serves as a reference (stationary with respect to the measuring device 12), is arranged on the base 18.

These optical markings 34, 36 can be detected via the terminal 14, which has a camera 38. The optical markings 34, 36 can be codes, lighting devices, e.g. LEDs or similar.

A preferred embodiment of the terminal 14 is shown in 3 The terminal 14 comprises a screen 40 so that the foot measurements determined with the measuring device 12 can be directly output or displayed.

The terminal 14 may, for example, be a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone or tablet.

The measuring arrangement 10 also comprises the processor 16, which is designed to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the recorded positions of the optical markings 34, 36. The processor 16 can be integrated in the terminal 14. Alternatively, the terminal 14 can also send the recorded data to a process sensor 16, e.g. a server, which then calculates the foot measurements. It can also be provided that the terminal 14 only transmits the image or images to the separately designed processor 16, which based on this initially determines the positions of the optical markings 34, 36, in particular the relative position of the optical markings 34 in relation to the optical marking 36. The foot measurements can then be calculated.

In addition, the measuring arrangement 10 has a memory 42, which can also be integrated in the terminal 14. Alternatively, the memory 42 can be designed separately, wherein the memory 42 can be accessed via the processor 16. For this purpose, a corresponding communication connection can be present, for example between the terminal 14 and a server on which the memory is provided.

A library of shoe data from shoe models is stored in the memory 42. In addition, the determined foot measurements for a specific customer can be stored in the memory 42.

For multi-dimensional measurement of a customer's feet with the previously described measuring arrangement 10, the feet 32 are first placed on the measuring device 12.

The markings 24 are used for optimal positioning of the feet 32, with the heels in particular being aligned with the marking 24.

An even simpler positioning of the feet 32 is possible if the positioning element 22 is a mechanical system instead of a marking 24. In particular, in the case of a mechanical system, the customer can be instructed to position his feet correctly himself.

The mechanical sliders 26 are then moved to different contact points P of the foot 32. In particular, the width sliders 30 can be moved independently of one another and relative to the length slider 28.

The contact point for the length slider 28 is usually the big toe of the longer foot, while the contact points for the width slider 30 are usually formed by the balls of the feet.

The length of the longer foot 32 is determined using the length slider 28 and the respective width of both feet 32 is determined using the width slider 30.

By moving the mechanical sliders 26, the optical markings 34 also move, so that the geometric distance between the further optical marking 36 serving as a reference and the optical markings 34 attached to the mechanical sliders 26 changes.

Once the mechanical sliders 26 have been properly positioned, the feet 32 can be removed from the measuring device 12.

However, due to the deformable surface 20 of the base 18, a footprint remains on the measuring device 12.

Optionally (in a next step) an identification marking 44, preferably a QR code, can be scanned. By scanning the identification marking 44, the website can be called up via which the foot measurements are calculated.

Alternatively, an app can be stored on the terminal device 14, which is used to calculate the foot measurements.

Next, the optical markings 34, 36 are captured by the camera 38 of the terminal device 14.

For this purpose, an image can be taken on which the optical markings 34, 36 can be seen, with the image then being processed. Alternatively, the optical markings 34, 36, in particular their positions, can be extracted and captured using an application installed on the terminal 14.

An additional image of the footprint on the deformable surface 20 of the base 18 can also be taken.

The corresponding data, for example the image data, are then made available to the processor 16.

The foot measurements are then calculated by the processor 16 based on the detected positions of the optical markings 34, 36.

The footprint left on the deformable surface 20 can also be used to determine the arch height.

If the processor 16 is not integrated in the terminal device 14, the captured (image) data are first transmitted from the terminal device 14 to the processor 16.

In addition to determining the foot measurements, the processor 16 accesses the memory 42 and the library stored there and compares the calculated foot measurements with the shoe data of various shoe models. Based on this comparison, the processor 16 recommends at least one shoe model. The processor 16 thus enables a type of virtual try-on.

If the terminal 14 comprises a screen 40, both the calculated foot measurements and the at least one recommended shoe model are displayed or output on the terminal 14.

Furthermore, a code, e.g. a QR code or a letter and/or number code, can be displayed on the screen 40, via which a customer can view and/or save the calculated foot measurements.

In addition, it is also possible to store the calculated foot measurements and other data in a customer account in the memory 42.

In an alternative embodiment of the measuring device 12, in which more than three mechanical sliders 26 are present, other dimensions of the foot 32 can also be measured, for example the height of the foot 32. However, the actual measuring method does not change.

The relationship between the ball of the foot area and the arch of the foot area and/or the heel area can also be determined by using more mechanical sliders 26.

By detecting the optical marking 34, 36 a second time, it is also possible to determine the foot height. However, this requires two separate detection processes in order to detect the third dimension, i.e. the foot height.

reference sign

10

measuring arrangement

12

measuring device

14

device

16

processor

18

base

20

deformable surface

22

positioning element

24

mark

26

mechanical slider

28

length slider

30

width slider

32

Foot

34

optical marking

36

further optical marking

38

camera

40

Screen

42

memory

44

identification marking

P

point of contact

B

foot width

L

foot length

Claims (10)

Measuring arrangement (10) for multidimensional measurement of feet, comprising: - a measuring device (12) with at least three mechanical sliders (26), wherein one mechanical slider (26) is designed as a length slider (28) for determining the foot length L of the feet and two mechanical sliders (26) are designed as width sliders (30) for determining the width B of the feet, and a plurality of optical markings (34, 36), wherein each width slider (30) has at least one optical marking (34) and the length slider (28) has at least one optical marking (34), and a marking (36) which serves as a reference is arranged away from the mechanical sliders (26), wherein the mechanical sliders (26) can be moved to different contact points of a foot (32), so that the geometric distance between the marking (36) serving as a reference and the at least one marking (34) which is arranged on one of the mechanical sliders (26), changed, - a terminal (14) with a camera (38) for detecting the optical markings (34, 36), and - a processor (16) which is set up to calculate resulting foot measurements based on the detected positions of the optical markings (34, 36). Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the two width sliders (30) are mounted on the length slider (28) independently of one another and movable relative to the length slider (28). Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the processor (16) is integrated in the terminal (14) so that the terminal (14) is configured to calculate the resulting foot measurements. Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (12) has a base (18), wherein the mechanical sliders (26) are displaceable relative to the base (18), and wherein the base (18) has a deformable surface (20) and/or a positioning element (22), in particular a marking (24) or a mechanical system. Measuring arrangement (10) according to claim 4 , characterized in that the reference marking (36), which is arranged away from the mechanical slides (26), is arranged on the base (18). Measuring arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring arrangement (10) has a memory (42) in which a library of shoe data of shoe models is stored, and wherein the processor (16) is configured to have access to the memory (42) so that the processor (16) is configured to output at least one recommended shoe model based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. Method for multidimensionally measuring feet with a measuring arrangement (10) which has a terminal (14) with a camera (38) and a measuring device (12) which comprises at least three mechanical sliders (26) and several optically detectable markings (34, 36), wherein one mechanical slider (26) is designed as a length slider (28) for determining the foot length L of the feet and two mechanical sliders (26) are designed as width sliders (30) for determining the width B of the feet, wherein each width slider (30) has at least one optical marking (34) and the length slider (28) has at least one optical marking (34), and wherein a further optical marking (36) is provided away from the mechanical sliders (26) which serves as a reference, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) positioning the feet on the measuring device (12); b) moving the mechanical sliders (26) so that the mechanical sliders (26) come into contact with at least one foot (32) or assume a known distance from the at least one foot, so that the geometric distance between the optical marking (36) serving as a reference and the further optical markings (34) arranged on the mechanical sliders (26) changes; c) detecting the positions of the optical markings (34, 36) by means of the camera (38) of the terminal device (14); and d) calculating the foot dimensions based on the detected positions of the optical markings (34, 36) by means of a processor (16). procedure according to claim 7 , characterized in that the length slider (28) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the foot, and the width sliders (30) are displaceable independently of one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foot, wherein each of the mechanical sliders (26) is displaced up to a point of contact P with the feet. procedure according to claim 7 or 8 , characterized in that the calculated foot measurements are stored and/or that a memory (42) is accessed in which a library of shoe data of shoe models is stored, and wherein at least one recommended shoe model is output based on the calculated foot measurements and the shoe data available in the library. Method according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that further dimensions of the foot (32) are also measured using further mechanical sliders (26).

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