Abstract: A system is provided for integrated foot measurement and last manufacture which comprises a foot sizing device for determining foot sizing data by empirically measuring a foot to determine proper fit of a predetermined footwear style, a data processing device for receiving the foot sizing data from the foot sizing device and for transmitting the foot sizing and footwear style data, and a computer automated design mechanism for receiving the data from the data processing device and deriving machine readable data in a form suitable for transmission to footwear last production machinery for manufacture of a footwear last. The system also may include footwear last production machinery configured to utilize the machine readable data in the manufacturing of a footwear last. The foot sizing device preferably includes an electro-optical scanner which is capable of accurately determining foot sizing data of a foot covered by stocking as well as a foot of light or dark skin tones.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring bottom facing surfaces of a foot which comprise placing the foot against a reference surface, projecting light against the foot, and displaying an image of the foot on a visual display to differentiate relative distances of portions of the foot from the reference surface. In addition, the image differentiates portions of the foot exerting different pressures against the reference surface.

Abstract: A last having an outer footwear shaping surface is provided wherein the outer footwear shaping surface is constructed and arranged to have a foot length component corresponding to the length measurement of the foot, a width component corresponding to the width line, and curvature angles corresponding to the curvature angles of the foot. An arch-line component, a heel width component, and a foot volume component may also be provided to correspond with the foot.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing and managing the inventory of lasts needed for footwear production which comprises a foot sizing device for determining foot sizing data by empirically measuring a plurality of feet at a footwear sales location, a data processing device logically coupled to the foot sizing device for receiving the foot sizing data from the foot sizing device, and a statistical trend analysis mechanism logically coupled to the data processing device for analyzing the foot sizing data received by the data processing device and for identifying foot sizing data groups whereby efficient manufacture of footwear lasts according to empirical foot sizing needs may be achieved. The system may include an inventory control feedback mechanism logically coupled to the data processing device which provides last inventory status information on demand.

Abstract: An integrated system is provided for footwear visual image cataloging and selection which includes a foot measuring device for electronically measuring a customer's foot, a data processing device for receiving foot measurement data, customer identification data and customer preference data, a storage device for storing a footwear catalog comprising footwear images and footwear related data, and a visual display for displaying images and data related to the measured foot, suggested footwear images and suggested footwear related data stored in the footwear catalog wherein the suggested footwear images and footwear related data are automatically selected by matching the customer preference data and foot measurement data to footwear related data in the footwear catalog.

Abstract: A system is provided for video display foot imaging and overlaying of an image of selected footwear which includes a video display for displaying a measured foot image and an image of a selected footwear as well as an image device for causing relative movement between the image of the selected footwear and the measured foot image to electronically determine the fit of the selected footwear with the measured foot. The system may include a measurement device for measuring the foot and producing an image of the foot on the video display and a footwear database for providing selected footwear data to the video display.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring bottom facing surfaces of foot which comprises the steps of placing a foot against a reference surface within the scanning field of the scanner, scanning bottom facing surfaces of a foot, and electronically displaying the scan of the foot bottom facing surfaces on a visual display to produce a scanned foot image articulating distances of portions of the foot bottom facing surface from the reference surface. The electronically displaying step may further include assigning gray scale values to distances articulated to produce a scan foot image comprising more than two gray scale intensities so that a grey scale image with a stereoscopic appearance is provided. Alternatively, the electronically displaying step may include assigning color hues to the distances articulated to produce an image comprising more than two spectral hues so that a color image with a stereoscopic appearance is provided.

Abstract: A method for accurately sizing a foot 10 comprising the steps of deriving a length measurement from a foot centerline, calculating a width line between medial 40 and lateral 42 portions of foot 10 at the foot flexion points, determining an arch-line type, and comparing the angle of curvature of the medial edge and the lateral edge of foot 10 measured from a heel point 34 of foot 10. Calculations for heel width and foot volume are also provided.