Foot contour digitizer

Abstract

Apparatus for determining a contour of the underside of a person's foot includes an array of gauge pins supported by a first support structure and disposed in spaced relation for independent, guided movement along their longitudinal axes. An inflatable diaphragm elevates the gauge pins into extended positions until they contact the underside of the foot. A camera, forward of the gauge pin array, is pointed towards the gauge pin array. An initial reference image is captured of the gauge pins in their retracted position. The person's foot is then placed on the first support structure and the gauge pins are elevated (by means of the diaphragm). The gauge pins are locked in place; the foot is removed and an image of the conforming gauge pin array is acquired by the camera, using ambient light. The image is sent to a processor which analyzes the image and compares it to the reference image to determine the new location of the tops of the gauge pins. The apparatus also allows measurement of the top surface of the foot, including the heel. This is accomplished via an optical scanning system which makes use of a light bar projector in conjunction with a camera to first scan the top of the gauge element array to acquire a reference image for each light bar position. Then, a person's foot is placed on the gauge pin array and the entire foot is scanned. The resulting images enable the processor to determine the contour of the upper portion of the foot.