WO1994023605A1 - Three-dimensional profile gauge - Google Patents

Three-dimensional profile gauge Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994023605A1
WO1994023605A1 PCT/GB1994/000698 GB9400698W WO9423605A1 WO 1994023605 A1 WO1994023605 A1 WO 1994023605A1 GB 9400698 W GB9400698 W GB 9400698W WO 9423605 A1 WO9423605 A1 WO 9423605A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
probe
locking
measuring
foot
members
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1994/000698
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan Crew
Abdul Daya
Michael Dewar
Original Assignee
University College London
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by University College London filed Critical University College London
Publication of WO1994023605A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994023605A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/1077—Measuring of profiles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D1/00—Foot or last measuring devices; Measuring devices for shoe parts
    • A43D1/02—Foot-measuring devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/1036—Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies

Definitions

  • Three-dimensional profile gauge This invention relates to three-dimensional profile measurement and, in particular to apparatus adapted for the production of customised insoles for shoes. It is concerned with the measuring of the foot and its purpose is to measure the shape and pressure distribution under the foot.
  • apparatus for the measurement of the profile of a three-dimensional object comprising a plurality of transducers arranged 1n a two-dimensional matrix, each transducer comprising displacement measuring means including probe means adapted to make contact with a surface under test, and locking means elastically coupled to said probe means and having releasible clamping means connectable thereto to retain it in a fixed position with respect to said locking means.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric drawing Illustrating apparatus 1n accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a transducer suitable for use with the apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the transducer of Figure 2.
  • one embodiment of the invention comprises a rectangular area 1 composed of a plurality of measuring rods 2 arranged vertically in a regular matrix within a supporting framework 3. The top ends of the rods are sufficiently close together that they can be considered to form a surface. Each rod is instrumented in such a way that two measurements can be made from it - its vertical position and the vertical load applied to the top end.
  • the vertical position of the rods is initially made the same, so that their tops form a flat horizontal surface.
  • the shape of this surface can be changed either by the tops of the rods being pushed down or by the bottoms of the rods being pushed up 5.
  • This shape may be the undersurface of a foot, or 1t may be any other shape.
  • the device In its second mode - pressure measurement - the device measures the distribution of pressure applied to the top surface by measuring the vertical load on each rod.
  • Both sets of measurements are transmitted electronically to a computer, where they may be displayed graphically or sent to a computerised numerical control machine for a solid replica to be machined.
  • a patient's foot is lowered into the matrix, reproducing the shape of the underside.
  • the surface 1s then locked, the patient stands on the surface and the pressure distribution is recorded.
  • the surface is unlocked and is locally adjusted 1n specified regions, sometimes by lowering the rods in those regions, sometimes by raising them.
  • Each measuring rod ( Figure 2) comprises two parts a locking member 7 and a probe 6 which are connected by an elastic member 8.
  • the top surface 9 of the probe makes contact with a patient's foot.
  • the probe is coupled to a linear potentiometer 10.
  • the potentiometer gives an electrical signal proportional to the vertical displacement of the probe 6.
  • the locking member 7 passes through a releasible clamp 11 by which its vertical movement can be prevented. With the clamp in released mode the probe and locking member are free to move together in response to an adjusting force applied to the top or bottom. When the adjusting force is removed, the position of the probe and locking member is maintained by friction. In the locked mode, the probe is free to move relative to the locking member by compressing an elastic member 8 that links them. This movement is monitored by the transducer, and, the elastic member having been previously calibrated is converted to applied load.

Abstract

A method of measuring shape and pressure distribution under a foot comprising urging a plurality of displacement transducers each (6) having a locking member (7) elastically coupled to a probe member (9) into contact with a surface of the foot, measuring the displacement of the probe members (9), clamping said locking members (7), urging said probe members (9) into contact with the surface of the foot again and clamping said locking members (7) a second time.

Description

Three-dimensional profile gauge This invention relates to three-dimensional profile measurement and, in particular to apparatus adapted for the production of customised insoles for shoes. It is concerned with the measuring of the foot and its purpose is to measure the shape and pressure distribution under the foot.
According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for the measurement of the profile of a three-dimensional object comprising a plurality of transducers arranged 1n a two-dimensional matrix, each transducer comprising displacement measuring means including probe means adapted to make contact with a surface under test, and locking means elastically coupled to said probe means and having releasible clamping means connectable thereto to retain it in a fixed position with respect to said locking means.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric drawing Illustrating apparatus 1n accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention,
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a transducer suitable for use with the apparatus of Figure 1 and Figure 3 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the transducer of Figure 2. Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the invention comprises a rectangular area 1 composed of a plurality of measuring rods 2 arranged vertically in a regular matrix within a supporting framework 3. The top ends of the rods are sufficiently close together that they can be considered to form a surface. Each rod is instrumented in such a way that two measurements can be made from it - its vertical position and the vertical load applied to the top end.
In its first mode - shape measurement - the vertical position of the rods is initially made the same, so that their tops form a flat horizontal surface. The shape of this surface can be changed either by the tops of the rods being pushed down or by the bottoms of the rods being pushed up 5. This shape may be the undersurface of a foot, or 1t may be any other shape.
In its second mode - pressure measurement - the device measures the distribution of pressure applied to the top surface by measuring the vertical load on each rod.
To switch from the shape measuring mode to the pressure-measuring mode the vertical position of the rods is locked, and vice versa. Both sets of measurements are transmitted electronically to a computer, where they may be displayed graphically or sent to a computerised numerical control machine for a solid replica to be machined.
In a specific application a patient's foot is lowered into the matrix, reproducing the shape of the underside. The surface 1s then locked, the patient stands on the surface and the pressure distribution is recorded. The surface is unlocked and is locally adjusted 1n specified regions, sometimes by lowering the rods in those regions, sometimes by raising them. The surface 1s locked and the patient stands on it again. The effect of the changes of pressure distribution is noted.
Each measuring rod (Figure 2) comprises two parts a locking member 7 and a probe 6 which are connected by an elastic member 8. The top surface 9 of the probe makes contact with a patient's foot. The probe is coupled to a linear potentiometer 10. The potentiometer gives an electrical signal proportional to the vertical displacement of the probe 6. The locking member 7 passes through a releasible clamp 11 by which its vertical movement can be prevented. With the clamp in released mode the probe and locking member are free to move together in response to an adjusting force applied to the top or bottom. When the adjusting force is removed, the position of the probe and locking member is maintained by friction. In the locked mode, the probe is free to move relative to the locking member by compressing an elastic member 8 that links them. This movement is monitored by the transducer, and, the elastic member having been previously calibrated is converted to applied load.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3 functionally equivalent components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Claims
Claims 1. Apparatus for the measurement of the profile of a three-dimensional object comprising a plurality of transducers arranged in a two-dimensional matrix characterised in that each 5 transducer 6 comprises measuring means including probe means 9 adapted to make contact with a surface under test, and locking means 7 elastically coupled to said probe means and having releasible clamping means 11 connectable thereto to retain it in a fixed position with respect to said locking means. 102. Apparatus for the measurement of the profile of a three-dimensional object according to claim 1 characterised in that said measuring means includes transducer means 10 to measure displacement of the probe means 9.
3. Apparatus for the measurement of the profile of a 15 three-dimensional object according to claim 1 characterised in that said measuring means includes a spring member 8 elastically to couple said locking means 7 to said probe means 9.
4. A method of measuring shape and pressure distribution under a foot comprising urging a plurality of displacement transducers 0 each having a locking member elastically coupled to a probe member into contact with a surface of the foot, measuring the displacement of the probe members, clamping said locking members, urging said probe members into contact with the surface of the foot again and clamping said locking members a second 5 time.
PCT/GB1994/000698 1993-04-05 1994-03-31 Three-dimensional profile gauge WO1994023605A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9307105.8 1993-04-05
GB939307105A GB9307105D0 (en) 1993-04-05 1993-04-05 Three-dimensional profile guage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994023605A1 true WO1994023605A1 (en) 1994-10-27

Family

ID=10733375

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1994/000698 WO1994023605A1 (en) 1993-04-05 1994-03-31 Three-dimensional profile gauge

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB9307105D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1994023605A1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997042860A1 (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-11-20 Semap S.A.R.L. Apparatus for positioning a human body
EP1371300A1 (en) * 2002-06-10 2003-12-17 Golden Dragon Orthotics Limited A contacted three dimensional footsole measurer
WO2007079462A2 (en) * 2006-01-03 2007-07-12 Zimmer Technology, Inc. Device for determining the shape of an anatomic surface
US8036768B2 (en) * 2004-03-08 2011-10-11 Craig Lowe System and method for creating orthotics
US8231634B2 (en) 2006-03-17 2012-07-31 Zimmer, Inc. Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone
US9179983B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2015-11-10 Zimmer, Inc. Method of determining a contour of an anatomical structure and selecting an orthopaedic implant to replicate the anatomical structure
US9552915B2 (en) 2014-03-01 2017-01-24 Maieutic Enterprises Inc. Polymorphic surface systems and methods
US11585715B2 (en) 2020-03-31 2023-02-21 Toyota Research Institute, Inc. Calibration device and calibration procedure for fluid filled sensor
WO2023057283A1 (en) 2021-10-08 2023-04-13 Verinnogen Ltd Surface profiler

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2378039A (en) * 1942-04-30 1945-06-12 Abraham W Schenker Device for measuring pressures exerted by certain body portions on a support therefor
US3696456A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-10-10 Intern Nominees Bahamas Ltd Custom shoe construction system
DE2821247A1 (en) * 1978-05-16 1979-11-22 Precitec Gmbh Three=dimensional foot sole measuring device - has spring loaded pins in grid pattern in tread surface to follow foot contour
EP0284922A2 (en) * 1987-03-31 1988-10-05 Amfit, Inc. Improved apparatus, system and method for forming custom-made shoe inserts
WO1988009147A1 (en) * 1987-05-21 1988-12-01 Peter Seitz Process and device for manufacturing interlinings and similar
DE9211631U1 (en) * 1992-08-29 1992-11-05 Reuter, Peter, 7801 Ehrenkirchen, De

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2378039A (en) * 1942-04-30 1945-06-12 Abraham W Schenker Device for measuring pressures exerted by certain body portions on a support therefor
US3696456A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-10-10 Intern Nominees Bahamas Ltd Custom shoe construction system
DE2821247A1 (en) * 1978-05-16 1979-11-22 Precitec Gmbh Three=dimensional foot sole measuring device - has spring loaded pins in grid pattern in tread surface to follow foot contour
EP0284922A2 (en) * 1987-03-31 1988-10-05 Amfit, Inc. Improved apparatus, system and method for forming custom-made shoe inserts
WO1988009147A1 (en) * 1987-05-21 1988-12-01 Peter Seitz Process and device for manufacturing interlinings and similar
DE9211631U1 (en) * 1992-08-29 1992-11-05 Reuter, Peter, 7801 Ehrenkirchen, De

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997042860A1 (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-11-20 Semap S.A.R.L. Apparatus for positioning a human body
EP1371300A1 (en) * 2002-06-10 2003-12-17 Golden Dragon Orthotics Limited A contacted three dimensional footsole measurer
US8036768B2 (en) * 2004-03-08 2011-10-11 Craig Lowe System and method for creating orthotics
WO2007079462A2 (en) * 2006-01-03 2007-07-12 Zimmer Technology, Inc. Device for determining the shape of an anatomic surface
WO2007079462A3 (en) * 2006-01-03 2007-12-13 Zimmer Tech Inc Device for determining the shape of an anatomic surface
US8231634B2 (en) 2006-03-17 2012-07-31 Zimmer, Inc. Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone
US9504579B2 (en) 2006-03-17 2016-11-29 Zimmer, Inc. Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone
US9179983B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2015-11-10 Zimmer, Inc. Method of determining a contour of an anatomical structure and selecting an orthopaedic implant to replicate the anatomical structure
US10881462B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2021-01-05 Zimmer, Inc. Method of determining a contour of an anatomical structure and selecting an orthopaedic implant to replicate the anatomical structure
US9552915B2 (en) 2014-03-01 2017-01-24 Maieutic Enterprises Inc. Polymorphic surface systems and methods
US11585715B2 (en) 2020-03-31 2023-02-21 Toyota Research Institute, Inc. Calibration device and calibration procedure for fluid filled sensor
WO2023057283A1 (en) 2021-10-08 2023-04-13 Verinnogen Ltd Surface profiler

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