Instruments to measure human feet using Reverse Engineering techniques

This study represents a preliminary activity for the biomechanical numerical modeling aimed at the prediction of the human foot behavior and the deformation under different load conditions. It also represents the starting point to develop a scientific approach for the functional mass customization aimed at the optimization of comfort in footwear. Reverse Engineering (RE) methodologies developed for building up the external shape of the human foot are presented and discussed. Aim of this work is to study the problem of the digitalization of human feet under different conditions using three technologies: shape from stereo, from silhouette and from shading. The foot is one of the most difficult human parts to reconstruct taking into account the complex surface and the high curvature. In this article the disadvantage and advantage of each technique are analyzed. In particular tests about reliability and precision of the measure are considered. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.