BACKGROUND

[0001] Characteristics of feet are sometimes measured to gather data that may be utilized to identify corrective orthotics and to form customized footwear. Such data may also be utilized by the podiatrist community to diagnose and quantify injuries and diseases, such as osteoporosis, muscular atrophy and diabetes, that may impact the foot or that are symptomatic in the foot.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Figure 1 is a top schematic diagram illustrating portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[0003] Figure 2 is a side schematic diagram illustrating portions of the example foot data acquisition apparatus of Figure 1.

[0004] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of an example foot data acquisition method.

[0005] Figure 4 is a top schematic diagram illustrating portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[0006] Figure 5 is a side schematic diagram illustrating portions of the example foot data acquisition apparatus of Figure 4.

[0007] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[0008] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of portions of the example foot data acquisition apparatus of Figure 6. [0009] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an example foot data acquisition method.

[00010] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00011] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00012] Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00013] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00014] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[00015] Disclosed herein are example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods that facilitate enhanced measurement of foot characteristics. The example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods acquire foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person may be standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods independently sense loads placed upon a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed load values, control the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. For purposes of this disclosure, the direction“downward” refers to a direction towards a person’s feet and towards at least one pressure sensor underlying each of the person’s feet, such that force being applied in the“direction” corresponds to the“direction” in which pressure is measured by the at least one pressure sensor. In one implementation, the downward“direction” corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[00016] In one implementation, the downward force applied to the left side of the person and the right side of the person is asymmetric such that a person’s weight is more evenly balanced between the left foot and the right foot while such data is being acquired. As a result, the example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods automatically accommodate any leaning of the person during data measurement.

[00017] In one implementation, the downward force applied to the left side of the person and the right side of the person simulates the larger loads experienced by the feet during activities such as running. As a result, static measurements of foot deformation may yield foot data corresponding to foot deformation during such activities. In one implementation, the downward force or loading applied to each of the left side of the person and the right side of the person is such that the left foot experiences a load of at least 1.5 times the body mass or weight of the person being measured and the right foot also experiences a load of at least 1.5 times the body mass or weight of the person being measured. In another implementation, the downward force applied to each to the left side of the person and the right side of the person is such that each of the left foot and the right foot experiences a load of at least two times the body mass or weight of the person being measured. In another implementation, the downward force applied to each of the left side of the person and the right side of the person is such that each of the left foot and the right foot experiences a load at least three times the body mass or weight of the person being measured. Each of the different applied forces may simulate different activities and the different loads experienced by the feet during such activities.

[00018] The load placed upon the left foot (the left foot load) and the load placed upon the right foot (the right foot load) are functions of the distribution of the person’s body weight or mass to the two feet. The left foot load and the right foot load may further be supplemented by additional downward forces exerted upon or placed upon the person which are transmitted to the person’s feet. The magnitude of the left foot load and the right foot load may be determined using at least one pressure sensing element that underlies substantially all underlying surfaces of the respective foot.

[00019] In one implementation, the load upon the left foot may be determined based upon signals from a single large sensing element that extends beneath an entirety of the left foot, wherein the load corresponds to the sensed force sensed by the single sensing element. The right foot load may be similarly sensed and determined. In another implementation, the load upon the left foot may be determined based upon signals from multiple sensing elements or an array of sensing elements underneath each foot, wherein the individual left foot load and the individual right foot load are each determined by summing the force sensed by each of the sensing elements below the foot, wherein the total force output by the elements beneath the left foot corresponds to the left foot load and the total force output by the elements beneath the right foot corresponds to the right foot load. The force of each sensing element corresponds to the pressure sensed by the sensing element multiplied by the area of the individual sensing element.

[00020] Although spacing between the sensing elements of the array upon which the person’s foot is resting may introduce a slight error in the load determination, this error may be reduced by reducing the spacing between the sensing elements. Moreover, in particular implementations where the left foot load and the right foot load are both measured using a similar array of sensing elements, this error is deminimus or not impactful. For example, in

implementations where forces are applied to reduce any differences between the left foot load and the right foot load or to make such loads equal, because the left foot load and the right foot load are both sensed using a similar array of sensing elements, any error introduced to the left foot load will be substantially equal to the error introduced to the right foot load. As a result, such introduced errors do not impact the balancing of loads between the left foot and the right foot.

[00021] In implementations where supplemental forces based upon the persons weight or mass are applied to simulate an activity such as walking or running, such introduced errors may also have little or no impact. In particular, the same error that occurs during the sensing of the left foot load and the right foot load by the array of sensing elements also occurs when the person’s weight or total mass is being sensed by the same array of sensing elements. As a result, the proportionality between the sensed weight of the person and the sensed left foot load and right foot load is maintained despite the introduced errors. In some implementations where the person’s weight is obtained in other fashions, a correlation factor may be employed that correlates the sensed left foot load and the sensed right foot load to actual left foot load or actual right foot load based upon empirical correlation data.

[00022] The example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods may utilize various mechanisms to apply a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person. In one implementation, left and right force applicators may each comprise a take-up reel, a line wrapped about the take-up reel, a force interface extending from an end of the line to apply force of the person and a motor to selectively wind and unwind the take-up reel in place the line in controllable amounts of tension. [00023] In one implementation, the left and right force applicators may each comprise a rigid bar, a force interface coupled to the bar to engage the person and an actuator to raise and lower the force interface. For example, in one implementation, the rigid bar may comprise a pair of telescopic segments that are selectively extended and retracted by the actuator to raise and lower the force interface. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator such as an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly, a hydraulic cylinder- piston assembly or other forms of linear actuators.

[00024] In such implementations, the force interfaces for the two force applicators may comprise a pair of handles connected to their respective lines or bars, wherein the person grasps the handles as the lines are differentially or asymmetrically placed in tension or as the bars are differentially or asymmetrically lowered. In another implementation, the force interfaces of the two force applicators may comprise a belt that wraps around the waist of the person, wherein opposite portions of the belt are connected to the two lines or the two bars which are asymmetrically placed in tension or asymmetrically lowered. In yet another implementation, the force interfaces may comprise at least one shoulder strap or harness that extends over the person’s shoulders, wherein the two lines or the two bars are asymmetrically placed in tension or asymmetrically lowered to differentially apply force to the left shoulder and right shoulder of the person so as to asymmetrically apply force to the left foot and the right foot.

[00025] During the application of force to the left foot and the right foot, foot data is acquired. In one implementation, each of the left foot pressure sensing region and the right foot pressure sensing region is formed by an array of sensing elements that acquire pressure data from multiple distinct regions or pressure points of the person’s foot. As a result, the data may reflect the deformation response of different portions of a person’s foot to multiple different applied loads. In one implementation, the left foot pressure sensing region and the right foot pressure sensing region may comprise separate and distinct regions. In yet another implementation, the left foot pressure sensing region and the right foot pressure sensing region may be provided by a single continuous panel of pressure sensing elements, accommodating a continuous spectrum of different foot positioning and stances of a person being measured.

[00026] In one implementation, the disclosed example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods may utilize a foot dimensional sensor. For example, in one implementation, the foot dimensional sensor may comprise a three-dimensional optical sensing device, such as a three-dimensional infrared sensing or scanning device. In yet other implementations, foot dimensional sensors may be utilized such as those that utilize technologies including, but not limited to structure light, time of flight, laser line, modulated light, and photogrammetry. In some implementations, the foot dimensional sensor may use contact (using (linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) probes to capture the foot profile, for example), and also volumetric techniques (computerized tomography(CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). In some implementations, the example foot data acquisition apparatus and methods may utilize both the foot dimensional sensor in combination with signals from arrays of pressure sensing elements form each of the left foot and the right foot pressure sensing regions to acquire data regarding the left foot and the right foot.

[00027] Disclosed herein is an example foot data acquisition apparatus that may include a left foot pressure sensing region to output first signals indicating left foot load, a right foot pressure sensing region to output second signals indicating right foot load from a person standing upon the foot pressure plate, a left force applicator to exert a downward force on a left side of the person while the person is standing upon the foot pressure plate, a right force applicator to exert a downward force on a right side of the person while the person is standing upon the foot pressure plate and a controller to control application of force by the left force applicator and the right force applicator based upon the first signals and the second signals.

[00028] Disclosed herein is an example foot data acquisition method that involves the reception of signals indicating a right foot pressure and a left foot pressure of a standing person, the exertion of a left downward force with a left force applicator on a left side of the standing person and a right downward force with a right force applicator on a right side of the standing person based on the signals.

[00029] Disclosed herein is an example foot data acquisition apparatus that may comprise a left foot pressure sensing region to output first signals indicating left foot load, a right foot pressure sensing region to output second signals indicating right foot load from a person standing upon the foot pressure plate, a left force applicator to exert a downward force on a left side of the person while the person is standing upon the foot pressure plate, a right force applicator to exert a downward force on a right side of the person while the person is standing upon the foot pressure plate, a foot dimensional sensor and a controller. The controller is to receive signals indicating a right foot load and a left foot load of a standing person in an absence of force applied by the left force applicator and the right force applicator and to output control signals causing the left force applicator and the right force applicator to apply a left downward force and a right downward force different than the left downward force based upon the signals such that the right foot load and the left foot load are within a predetermined difference range while the left downward force and the right downward force are being applied to the standing person. Upon receiving signals from the left foot pressure sensor and the right foot pressure sensor indicating that the left foot load and the right foot load are within the predetermined difference range, the controller is to further output second control signals causing the left force applicator and the right force applicator to equally increment the left downward force and the right downward force, respectively, such that left foot load and the right foot load, as determined based upon signals from the left foot sensing region the right foot sensing region, are each at least 1 .5 times a weight of the standing person. In response to the left foot load and the right foot load being at least 1.5 times the weight of the standing person, as indicated by the signals from the left foot pressure sensing region and the right foot pressure sensing region, the controller is to capture dimensions of a left foot and a right foot of the person standing with the foot dimensional sensor.

[00030] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus 20. Foot data acquisition apparatus 20 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person may be standing, walking or running. Examples of such foot data include, but are not limited to, an arc height, adipose layer robustness or resiliency, pronation characteristics and the like. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 20 independently senses pressure of a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed pressure values, control the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 20 comprises left and right foot pressure sensing regions (LFPSR, RFPSR) 24A and 24B, respectively (collectively referred to as regions 24), left and right force applicators (LFA, RFA) 28A and 28B, respectively (collectively referred to as applicators 28) and controller 40.

[00031] Pressure sensing regions 24 comprise sensors that sense pressure being concurrently applied by a person’s left and right feet against such sensors. Left pressure sensing region 24A senses a downward pressure being exerted by a person’s left foot. Right pressure sensing region 24B senses a downward pressure being exerted by a person’s right foot. Regions 24 output signals indicating pressure values to controller 40. The pressure values are utilized by controller 40 to determine a right foot load and a left foot load. [00032] In one implementation, each of the regions 24 is formed by a single sensing area that provides a single signal indicating the load of the respective foot. In another implementation, each of the left foot pressure sensing region 24A and the right foot pressure sensing region 24B is formed by an array of sensing elements that acquire pressure data from multiple distinct regions of the person’s foot. As described above, each of the left foot load and the right foot load may be determined by summing the force experienced by each sensing element, wherein the force of each sensing element corresponds to a pressure reading of the sensing element multiplied by a surface area of the sensing element.

[00033] In one implementation, the left foot pressure sensing region 24A and the right foot pressure sensing region 24B may comprise separate and distinct regions. In yet another implementation, the left foot pressure sensing region 24A and the right foot pressure sensing region 24B may be provided by a single continuous panel of pressure sensing elements, accommodating a continuous spectrum of different foot positioning and stances of a person being measured.

[00034] Force applicators 28 apply a downward force to different sides of the person whose feet are being measured. In some implementations, the downward force is a multiple of the body mass or weight of the person whose feet are being measured so as to simulate deformation of the feet during an active activity such as walking, running or the like.

[00035] In one implementation, force applicators 28 differentially or asymmetrically apply forces to the left and right sides of the person and to the left and right feet of the person whose feet are being measured. In such an implementation, the force is asymmetrically applied to the left and right sides of the person are based upon the different signals representing the different pressures sensed by sensing regions 24 as the person is statically standing on such regions 24. In such an implementation, the forces are asymmetrically applied to the left and right sides of the person, and left and right feet such that a person’s weight is more evenly balanced between the left foot and the right foot while put data is being acquired. As a result, the force applied by the left force applicator 28A and the different force that is concurrently applied by the right force applicator 28B automatically accommodate any leaning of the person during data measurement for potentially more accurate foot data measurement.

[00036] Force applicators 28 may take a variety of different forms for concurrently and applying a first downward force to the left side of the person and a second, potentially different, downward force the right side of the person. In one implementation, left and right force applicators 28 may each comprise a take-up reel, a line wrapped about the take-up reel, a force interface extending from an end of the line to apply force of the person and a motor to selectively wind and unwind the take-up reel to place the line in controllable amounts of tension.

[00037] In one implementation, the left and right force applicators 28 may each comprise a rigid bar, a force interface coupled to the bar to engage the person and an actuator to raise and lower the force interface. For example, in one implementation, the rigid bar may comprise a pair of telescopic segments that are selectively extended and retracted by the actuator to raise and lower the force interface. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator such as an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly, a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly or other forms of linear actuators.

[00038] In such implementations, the force interfaces for the two force applicators 28 may comprise a pair of handles connected to their respective lines or bars, wherein the person grasps the handles as the lines are differentially or asymmetrically placed in tension or as the bars are differentially or asymmetrically lowered. In another implementation, the force interfaces of the two force applicators 28 may comprise a belt that wraps around the waist of the person, wherein opposite portions of the belt are connected to the two lines or the two bars which are asymmetrically placed in tension or asymmetrically lowered. In yet another implementation, the force interfaces may comprise at least one shoulder strap or harness that extends over the person’s shoulders, wherein the two lines or the two bars are asymmetrically placed in tension or asymmetrically lowered to differentially apply force to the left shoulder and right shoulder of the person so as to asymmetrically apply force to the left foot and the right foot.

[00039] Controller 40 controls the application of force by the left force applicator 28A and the right force applicator 28B based upon first and second signals from the left foot pressure sensing region 24A and the right foot pressure sensing region 24B. Controller 40 comprises a processing unit 44 and a computer-readable medium or memory 46. For purposes of this disclosure, the term“processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed computing hardware that executes sequences of instructions contained in the non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory 46. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 40 may be embodied as part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.

[00040] In the example illustrated, memory 46 contains instructions that direct processing unit 44 to carry out the example method 100 described with respect to Figure 3. Method 100 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person may be standing, walking or running. Although method 100 is described and the context of being carried out by apparatus 20, it should be appreciated that method 100 may likewise be carried out with any of the foot data acquisition apparatus described in this disclosure or similar foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00041] As indicated by block 104, controller 40 receives signals from regions 24 indicating a right foot pressure and a left foot pressure of a standing person or patient. The signals indicate the pressure being individually applied by the left foot and the pressure being individually applied by the right foot. In implementations where regions 24 each comprise an array of sensor elements, the signals may indicate pressure readings from each of the sensor elements, wherein the readings may be summed to yield a total pressure applied to each of the individual sensing regions by the person’s feet.

[00042] As indicated by block 108, based upon the signals from the different regions 24, controller 40 outputs control signals causing left force applicator 28A to exert a left downward force on a left side of the standing person and causing right force applicator 28B to exert a right downward force on a right side of the standing person. In one implementation, the forces applied by the force applicators may be asymmetric based upon the signals indicating that the right foot load and the left foot load are unequal or are different from one another by greater than a predetermined threshold. In such an implementation, the applied forces may reduce or eliminate the differences between total forces or loads exerted by the left foot and the right foot as a result of the person leaning more heavily on one foot versus the other foot.

[00043] In some implementations, the applied forces may alternatively or additionally apply a sufficient amount of force such that the signals indicate that the left foot load and the right foot load are each experiencing a load that is a multiple of the person’s body weight or mass. For example, in one implementation, the applied forces may be increased or ramped up until signals from sensing regions 24 indicate that each foot is experiencing a load of at least 1.5 times the weight of the standing person (simulating walking). In one implementation, the applied force may be increased or ramped up until signals from sensing regions 24 indicate that each foot is experiencing a load of at least two times and, in some implementations, up to three times the weight of the standing person (simulating running). Such exerted loads cause each of the feet to deform, wherein data regarding the profile or other characteristics of each foot may be acquired during such deformation using sensing elements of regions 24 and/or dimensional sensors, such as three- dimensional optical (infrared) scanners.

[00044] Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate portions of an example foot data acquisition apparatus 120. Apparatus 120 is similar to apparatus 20 described above except that apparatus 120 additionally comprises foot dimensional sensor 130. Those remaining components of apparatus 120 which correspond to components of apparatus 20 are numbered similarly.

[00045] Foot dimensional sensor 130 comprise at least one sensing device that outputs signals that indicate various characteristics, such as dimensions, of the feet of the person standing on sensing regions 24 while such feet are under deformation due to loading due to the weight of the person standing and the forces being applied by force applicators 28. In one implementation, the foot dimensional sensor 130 may comprise a three- dimensional optical sensing device, such as a three-dimensional infrared sensing or scanning device that emits a structured light, wherein deformation of the structured light by the foot profile is sensed. In yet other

implementations, foot dimensional sensor 130 may comprise other sensors such as those that utilize technologies including, but not limited to structure light, time of flight, laser line, modulated light, and photogrammetry. In some implementations, the foot dimensional sensor may use contact (using (linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) probes to capture the foot profile, for example), and also volumetric techniques (computerized tomography(CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). In some implementations, apparatus 120 may utilize signals from both the foot dimensional sensor 130 in combination with signals from arrays of pressure sensing elements forming each of the left foot and the right foot pressure sensing regions 24 to acquire or formulate data regarding the left foot and the right foot.

[00046] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example foot data acquisition apparatus 220 upon which an example patient or person 221 is standing as foot measurements are being taken by apparatus 220. Foot data acquisition apparatus 220 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person may be standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 220 independently senses loads experienced by a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such left and right foot load values, controls the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 220 comprises pressure plate 224, left and right force applicators 228A and 228B, respectively (collectively referred to as applicators 228), foot dimensional sensors 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D (collectively referred to as sensors 230), monitor 236 and controller 40.

[00047] Pressure plate 224 comprises a single sensing plate formed by an array 225 of individual sensing elements 226 (shown in Figure 7) that forms or provides a left sensing region to sense pressures exerted by the left foot of person 221 and a right sensing region to sense pressures exerted by the right foot of the person 221. The individual sensor elements 226 forming such regions or that are utilized for pressure readings may vary depending upon the size of the feet of person 221 and the positioning of the feet upon plate 224. In one implementation, each sensor element has a surface area of 4 mm x 4 mm, wherein the individual sensing elements 226 of the array 225 are spaced from one another by less than 2 mm and nominally less than 1 mm. [00048] Those individual sensor elements 226 that that underlie the feet of the standing person output signals indicating the pressures being concurrently applied by a person’s left and right feet against such sensor elements. Signals output by individual sensor element 226 and provided to controller 40 may reflect the deformation response of different portions of a person’s foot to multiple different applied loads. Pressure plate 224 provides a continuous uninterrupted surface or area of sensor elements to accommodate a continuous spectrum of different foot positioning and stances of a person 221 being measured. In other implementations, pressure plate 224 may be replaced with two distinct sensing regions. In one implementation, each of sensor elements 226 comprises a pressure sensitive resistive element. In other implementations, other forms of sensor elements may be utilized.

[00049] Force applicators 228 apply a downward force to different sides of the person whose feet are being measured so as to apply force to the left and right feet. In some implementations, the downward force is a multiple of the body mass or weight of the person whose feet are being measured so as to simulate deformation of the feet during an active activity such as walking, running or the like.

[00050] In one implementation, force applicators 228 differentially or asymmetrically apply forces to the left and right sides of the person and to the left and right feet of the person whose feet are being measured. In such an implementation, the force is asymmetrically applied to the left and right sides of the person are based upon the different signals representing the different pressures sensed by the left and right sensing regions of pressure plate 224 as the person is statically standing on pressure plate 224. In such an implementation, the forces are asymmetrically applied to the left and right sides of the person, and a left and right feet such that a person’s weight is more evenly balanced between the left foot and the right foot while put data is being acquired. As a result, the force applied by the left force applicator 228A and the different force that is concurrently applied by the right force applicator 228B automatically accommodate any leaning of the person during data measurement for potentially more accurate foot data measurement.

[00051] Figure 7 illustrates portions of foot data acquisition apparatus 220, illustrating force applicators 228 in more detail. Force applicators 228A, 228B concurrently apply a first downward force F1 to the left side of the person and a second, potentially different, downward force F2 to the right side of the person, respectively. As shown by Figure 7, in the example illustrated, left and right force applicators 228 each comprise a take-up reel 250, a flexible line 252, such as a cable or rope, wrapped about the take-up reel 250, a force interface 254 extending from an end of the line 252 to apply force of the person and a motor 256 to selectively wind and unwind the take-up reel 250 to place the line 252 in controllable amounts of tension. In the example illustrated, each of force interfaces 254 comprises a handle 255 which may be grasped by the person left and right hands. The length of line 252 extending from take-up reel’s 250 may be adjusted by motor to 560 to accommodate individuals of different heights. In other implementations, force interfaces 254 may interact with person 221 to apply downward force to person 221 in other fashions.

[00052] As shown by Figure 6, foot dimensional sensors 230 comprise multiple sensors spaced are located about pressure plate 224 and positioned so as to capture dimensional information pertaining to the left and right feet of person 221 as the feet are undergoing deformation in response to loading caused by the weight of person 221 as well as any additional loading provided by force applicators 228. In the example illustrated, foot dimensional sensors 230 are located at each corner of pressure plate 224 and focus inwardly to capture dimensional information pertaining to the front, rear and sides of each of the feet of person 221. In one implementation, foot dimensional sensors 230 each comprise a three-dimensional sensor to capture three-dimensional information regarding the feet. In one implementation come foot dimensional sensors 230 each comprise a three-dimensional infrared scanning sensor. Sensors 230 output signals to controller 40 which captures the received data and stores the received data and/or utilizes information from such signals to determine and store other data regarding the feet being measured.

[00053] Although apparatus 220 is illustrated as having four spaced foot dimensional sensors 230, in other implementations, apparatus 220 may have a fewer or greater number of such sensors. Such sensors may be

symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned about pressure plate 224.

Although sensors 230 are illustrated as being at the same vertical height, in other implementations, different sensors 230 may be at different heights. In other implementations, sensors 230 may comprise other forms of sensors that output signals indicating dimensional information regarding the feet being measured as they are undergoing deformation. In some implementations, foot dimensional sensors 230 may be omitted such as where the data being acquired is derived from the individual sensor elements 226.

[00054] Monitor 236 comprise a display supported alongside pressure plate 224. Monitor 226 presents user prompts pursuant to control signals received from controller 40. In some implementations, monitor 226 may provide additional information to the person 221 standing on pressure plate 224. In some implementations, monitor 236 may serve as a user input device, such as where monitor 236 comprise a touchscreen. In such an

implementation, monitor 236 may facilitate the entry of input or commands that may alter settings or modes for the operation of apparatus 220. In other implementations, monitor 236 may have other forms or may be omitted. In some implementations monitor 226 may be provided by a tablet, a laptop computer, a smart phone or the like, wherein controller 40 wirelessly communicates with the tablet, laptop computer, smart phone or the like.

[00055] Controller 40 is described above. In the example illustrated, controller 40 additionally output control signals to communicate with person 221 using monitor 236. Memory 46 contains instructions that direct processing unit 44 to carry out the example method 300 described with respect to Figure 8. Method 300 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person may be standing, walking or running. Although method 300 is described and the context of being carried out by apparatus 220, it should be appreciated that method 300 may likewise be carried out with any of the foot data acquisition apparatus described in this disclosure or similar foot data acquisition apparatus.

[00056] As indicated by block 304, the person or patient 221 steps on pressure plate 224 and grasps tension handles 255 which serve as force interfaces 254. During such time, lines 252 force applicators 228 do not apply downward force to person 221. In one implementation, controller 40 may output signals causing monitor 236 to prompt the person to step onto pressure plate 224 and grasp such tension handles 255. Controller 40 may additionally instruct person 221 as to the positioning of his or her feet, the extension of his or her arms and the like.

[00057] As indicated by block 306, controller 40 outputs control signals to motors 256 causing motors 256 to drive their respective take-up wheels 250 so as to take up any slack in lines 252 serving as tension ropes. As indicated by block 308, controller 40 further output control signals causing motors 256 to rotate and take-up line 252, windup line 252 by selected amounts so as to asymmetrically add tension to lines 252 and to tension handles 255 so as asymmetrically exerted downward force upon left and right sides of person 221. The asymmetric force exerted upon the person or patient 221 is such that the pressure signals received by controller from pressure plate 224, indicating the left foot load and the right foot load, are equal or are different by no greater than a predefined threshold amount. In some implementations, one of force applicators 228 may apply a downward force while the other of force applicators does not apply any downward force. In other implementations, both of force applicators 228 apply a downward force, but wherein the forces being applied are different from one another. In one implementation, the control signals (1) cause the left force applicator 228A to apply first force and the right force applicator 228B to apply a second force greater than the first force in response to the left foot pressure being greater than the right foot pressure and (2) cause the right force applicator 228B to apply a third force and the left force applicator 228A to apply fourth force greater than the third force in response to the right foot pressure being greater than the left foot pressure.

[00058] As indicated by block 310, controller 40 further outputs control signals to motors 2562 cause motors to 562 further take-up additional line 252 to symmetrically add additional force to both of handles 255. The additional force equally applied to both of handles 255 may be such that the left and right feet experience a load (as determined by controller 40 based upon signals from pressure plate 224) that corresponds to the downward load experienced by such feet during active motion such as when the patient 221 is walking, running or landing from a jump. For example, in one

implementation, the additional force applied in block 310 may be such that the left and right feet each concurrently exert a downward load on pressure plate 224 that is at least 1.5 times the weight of person 221 (simulating walking). In one implementation, the weight may be determined by controller 40 at the time that block 304 is carried out using pressure sensors 224 or may be input using monitor 236 as an input device. In another implementation, the additional force applied in block 310 may be such that the left and right feet each concurrently exert downward load on pressure plate 224 that is at least 2 to 3 times the weight of person 221 (simulating running). In other implementations, the additional force applied in block 310 may simulate other actions, such as a patient landing upon one’s feet from a jump or fall. In one implementation, the amount of force applied in block 310 may be set by person 221 using monitor 236 as an input device. In one implementation, the person 221 may select a particular mode such as a walking measurement mode, a running measurement mode, a landing measurement mode or the like using monitor 236 as an input device or using another input device, wherein controller 40 automatically selects the amount of additional force to be symmetrically applied in block 310 to the left and right sides of person 221 and to the left and right feet.

[00059] As indicated by block 312, once a selected or target amount of force applied to each of the feet has been achieved as indicated by signals received by controller 40 from pressure plate 224, controller 40 may take measurements or capture foot information or foot data from pressure plate 224 and from dimensional sensors 230. In the example illustrated, the different pressure values from the array 225 of pressure sensing elements 226 is captured, indicating different pressure readings at different points beneath each of the feet. This information alone may indicate dimensional information for the feet. In the example illustrated, the foot measurement is provided by dimensional sensors 230 provide 3-D scan information or 3-D measurements regarding dimensions of the foot as it is undergoing deformation. Such data to be stored in memory 46 by controller 40 or may be communicated to remote destinations for storage and/or analysis.

[00060] In particular modes of operation, foot data acquisition apparatus 220 may acquire multiple sets of foot data at multiple different foot loading pursuant to method 300 so as to analyze the effect that such different foot loading or forces have upon deformation of the person’s feet. As indicated by block 314 (shown in broken lines), in some implementations, controller 40 may additionally output control signals to motors 256 to symmetrically adjust the different forces being symmetrically applied by force applicators 228, wherein pressure plate and 3-D scan measurements are once again captured by controller 40. For example, after a first set of readings taken in block 312, controller 40 may increase or decrease the amount of force being

symmetrically applied and once again take pressure plate and 3-D scan measurements of the feet under deformation. In some implementations, the pressure plate and 3-D scan measurements taken block 312 serve as part of a controlled close loop feedback to identify and apply most appropriate amount of force for more accurate or more relevant data measurement. Such multiple readings may further indicate how the feet response to the different forces. Overall, such information may be valuable in identifying corrective orthotics and forming customize footwear. Such data may also be valuable to a podiatrist diagnosing and quantifying injuries and disease, such as osteoporosis, muscular atrophy and diabetes.

[00061] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example foot data acquisition apparatus 420 upon which an example patient or person 221 is standing as foot measurements are being taken by apparatus 420. Foot data acquisition apparatus 420 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person is standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 420 independently senses loading of a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed pressure values, controls the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 420 is similar to foot data acquisition apparatus 220 described above except that foot data acquisition apparatus 420 additionally comprises force applicators 228A’ and 228B’ (collectively referred to as force applicators 228’). Those remaining components of apparatus 420 which correspond to components of apparatus 220 are numbered similarly.

[00062] Force applicators 228’ are each similar to force applicators 228. Each of force applicators 228’comprises a take-up reel 250 (shown in Figure 7), a line 252, a force interface 254 in the form of a handle 255, and a motor 256 (shown in Figure 7). As with force applicators 228, force applicators 228’are located on opposite sides of pressure plate 224 for exerting a downward force on opposite sides of person or patient 221. Force applicators 228’are rearwardly offset respect to force applicators 228. Force applicator 228A’ is rearward of force applicator 228A while force applicator 228B’ is rearward of force applicator 228B. Force applicators 228’may be placed in various states of tension to apply selected levels of downward force under the control of controller 40.

[00063] In one implementation, the additional force applicators 228’may facilitate additional data acquisition modes. Such modes may be selected by the patient 221 or by a physician or other person acquiring such data using monitor 236 as an input device or using a separate input device or control. In one mode of operation, the patient 221 may be instructed or prompted to place his or her feet in sideways alignment on pressure plate 224 while grasping the handles 255 of either of force applicators 228 or force applicator 228’. In another mode of operation, the patient 221 may be instructed or prompted to place one of his or her feet rearward of the other of his or her feet on pressure plate 224 while grasping the handles 255 of those force applicators closest to his or her feet. For example, patient 221 may be instructed to place the left foot forward of the right foot, wherein the person is to concurrently grasp the handles 255 of force applicator 228A and 228B’. Patient 221 may be instructed to place the right foot forward of the left foot, or the person is to concurrently grasp the handles 255 of force applicator 228B and force applicator 228A’.

[00064] Although foot data acquisition apparatus 420 is illustrated as comprising four force applicators having a symmetrical arrangement with respect to and about pressure plate 224, in other implementations, apparatus 420 may comprise three force applicators or more than four force applicators. In other applications, the force applicators may have an asymmetrical arrangement with respect to pressure plate 224. In other implementations, apparatus 420 may comprise a combination of multiple different types of force applicators or may comprise other force applicators such as those described hereafter with respect to Figures 10-12, wherein apparatus 420 provides multiple force applicators on each side of pressure plate 224 for providing different foot data acquisition modes. [00065] Figures 10-12 illustrate various other forms of force applicators. Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example foot data acquisition apparatus 520 upon which an example patient or person 221 is standing as foot measurements are being taken by apparatus 520. Foot data acquisition apparatus 520 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person is standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 520 independently senses pressure of a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed pressure values, controls the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 520 is similar to foot data acquisition apparatus 220 described above except that foot data acquisition apparatus 520 comprises force applicators 528A and 528B in place of force applicators 228A and 228B. Those remaining components of apparatus 520 which correspond to components of apparatus 220 are numbered similarly.

[00066] Force applicators 528A and 528B (collectively referred to as force applicators 528) apply independently controllable downward forces F1 and F2 to patient 221 while the person is standing on pressure plate 224 and while foot data measurements are being taken. Force applicators 528 are located on opposite sides of pressure plate 224 so as to apply an asymmetric downward force to the left and right sides of person 221 to reduce or eliminate uneven pressures being placed upon left and right feet and/or so as to increase the force or pressure upon each of the left and right feet to simulate active motion such as walking, running or landing as described above respect to force applicators 28 and 228.

[00067] Each of force applicators 528 comprises a rigid bar 552, a force interface 554 and an actuator 556. In the example illustrated, the rigid bar may comprise a pair of telescopic segments that are selectively extended and retracted by the actuator 556 to raise and lower the force interface 554. The actuator 556 may comprise a linear actuator such as an electric solenoid, a pneumatic cylinder-piston assembly, a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly or other forms of linear actuators. The force interface 554 may comprise a handle, bar or other structure which a person may grasp while actuator 556 is lowering bar 552 and interface 554, under the control of controller 40, so as to exert a downward pressure on a selected side of patient 221. Although force interface 554 is illustrated as a bar, in other implementations, force interface 554 may comprise a handle similar to handles 255 or a force interface similar to those force interfaces described below with respect to Figures 11 and 12.

[00068] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example foot data acquisition apparatus 620 upon which an example patient or person 221 is standing as foot measurements are being taken by apparatus 620. Foot data acquisition apparatus 620 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person is standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 620 independently senses pressure of a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed pressure values, controls the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 620 is similar to foot data acquisition apparatus 220 described above except that foot data acquisition apparatus 620 comprises force applicators 628A and 628B in place of force applicators 228A and 228B. Those remaining components of apparatus 620 which correspond to components of apparatus 220 are numbered similarly.

[00069] Force applicators 628A and 628B (collectively referred to as force applicators 628) apply independently controllable downward forces F1 and F2 to patient 221 while the person is standing on pressure plate 224 and while foot data measurements are being taken. Force applicators 628 are located on opposite sides of pressure plate 224 so as to apply an asymmetric downward force to the left and right sides of person 221 to reduce or eliminate uneven pressures being placed upon left and right feet and/or so as to symmetrically or equally apply force to increase the force or pressure upon each of the left and right feet to simulate active motion such as walking, running or landing as described above respect to force applicators 28, 228 and 528.

[00070] Force applicators 628 are similar to force applicators 228 described above except that force applicators 628 share a single force interface 654 which take the place of the two individual or separate handles 255. Force interface 654 comprises a belt sized so as to be worn about a waste of patient 221. Opposite sides of the belt forming force interface 654 are each pivotably are movably connected to ends of lines 252 of the respective force applicators 628. The belt forming force interface 654 is sufficiently flexible such that it may twist or bend, facilitating the transmission of different forces to the left and right sides of patient 221 when the different lines 252 are placed in different degrees of tension by take-up reel 250 and motor 256 (shown in Figure 7). The flexibility of the belt forming force interface 654 facilitates asymmetric application of force to the left and right feet, similar to the asymmetric force or tension applied in block 308 of method 300 described above (see Figure 8). For example, in one measurement session, line 252 of force applicator 628A may be placed in a first amount of tension which is transmitted to the left side of the belt which further transmits the force F1 to the left side of patient 221 and to the patient’s left foot. At the same time, line 252 of force applicator 628B may be placed in a second amount of tension, different than the first amount of tension, wherein the tension is transmitted to the right side of the belt which further transmits the force F2 to the right side of patient 221 and to the patient’s right foot. In some

implementations, the tension applied by lines 252 is symmetric such as when block 310 pursuant to method 300 is being carried out.

[00071] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example foot data acquisition apparatus 720 upon which an example patient or person 221 is standing as foot measurements are being taken by apparatus 720. Foot data acquisition apparatus 720 acquires foot data during deformation of the feet under load such that the data reflects characteristics of the feet as when a person is standing, walking or running. The example foot data acquisition apparatus 720 independently senses pressure of a person’s left foot and a person’s right foot and, based upon such sensed pressure values, controls the application of a downward force to the left side of the person and the right side of the person to control the application of a downward force to the left foot and the right foot. Foot data acquisition apparatus 720 is similar to foot data acquisition apparatus 220 described above except that foot data acquisition apparatus 720 comprises force applicators 728A and 728B in place of force applicators 228A and 228B. Those remaining components of apparatus 720 which correspond to components of apparatus 220 are numbered similarly.

[00072] Force applicators 728A and 728B (collectively referred to as force applicators 728) apply independently controllable downward forces F1 and F2 to patient 221 while the person is standing on pressure plate 224 and while foot data measurements are being taken. Force applicators 728 are located on opposite sides of pressure plate 224 so as to apply an asymmetric downward force to the left and right sides of person 221 to reduce or eliminate uneven pressures being placed upon left and right feet and/or so as to symmetrically apply force to increase the force or pressure upon each of the left and right feet to simulate active motion such as walking, running or landing as described above respect to force applicators 28, 228, 528 and 628.

[00073] Force applicators 728 are similar to force applicators 228 described above except that force applicators 728 each include a force interface 754 in place of force interface 254 described above. Force interface 754 comprises a shoulder strap, wherein a pair of shoulder straps

interconnected may form a harness which extends over and across the opposite shoulders of patient 221. The shoulder straps or harness are pivotably or movably connected to ends of lines 252 of the respective force applicators 728. In implementations where force applicators 72 a share a single harness (in contrast to a pair of individual shoulder straps), the harness is sufficiently flexible such that it may twist or bend, facilitating the

transmission of different forces to the left and right sides of patient 221 when the different lines 252 are placed in different degrees of tension by take-up reel 250 and motor 256 (shown in Figure 7).

[00074] The separate shoulder straps or the shared harness facilitate asymmetric application of force to the left and right feet, similar to the asymmetric force or tension applied in block 308 of method 300 described above (see Figure 8). For example, in one measurement session, line 252 of force applicator 628A may be placed in a first amount of tension which is transmitted to the left shoulder strap or the left side of the harness which further transmits the force F1 to the left side of patient 221 and to the patient’s left foot. At the same time, line 252 of force applicator 628B may be placed in a second amount of tension, different than the first amount of tension, wherein the tension is transmitted to the right shoulder strap or the right side of the harness which further transmits the force F2 to the right side of patient 221 and to the patient’s right foot. In some implementations, the tension applied by lines 252 is symmetric such as when block 310 pursuant to method 300 is being carried out.

[00075] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms“first”, “second”,“third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.