Abstract: A method of designing a foot orthosis includes generating a customized digital model by modifying an initial digital model of the orthosis to include a posting structure having a surface profile obtained by applying local displacements to surface points of the initial model. Generating the customized model can include determining a peripheral and a salient portion of the surface profile from first and second subsets of the surface points, respectively; determining, for each point, a value of a first displacement parameter representative of a position of the point relative to the peripheral and salient portions, the peripheral and salient portions being respectively associated with minimum and maximum values of the first parameter, and a value of a second displacement parameter representative of a distance of the surface point from a reference surface; and computing, for each point, the local displacement based on values of the first and second parameters.

Abstract: A foot imaging apparatus includes a support structure and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive a foot thereon. The apparatus also includes a three-dimensional imager located under the flexible membrane and configured to acquire a topographical plantar image of the foot on the flexible membrane. The apparatus further includes a monitoring unit for monitoring a monitored region in order to evaluate a positioning of the foot on the flexible membrane. The monitoring unit includes a camera having a field of view, and at least one light deflector arranged to deflect light from the monitored region into the field of view of the camera. The camera acquires a monitoring image of the monitored region after deflection by the at least one light deflector. The monitoring image contains information about the positioning of the foot on the flexible membrane. A foot imaging method is also provided.

Abstract: A foot imaging apparatus includes a support structure and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive a foot thereon. The apparatus also includes a three-dimensional imager located under the flexible membrane and configured to acquire a topographical plantar image of the foot on the flexible membrane. The apparatus further includes a monitoring unit for monitoring a monitored region in order to evaluate a positioning of the foot on the flexible membrane. The monitoring unit includes a camera having a field of view, and at least one light deflector arranged to deflect light from the monitored region into the field of view of the camera. The camera acquires a monitoring image of the monitored region after deflection by the at least one light deflector. The monitoring image contains information about the positioning of the foot on the flexible membrane. A foot imaging method is also provided.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for use with a three-dimensional imager to obtain a topographical plantar image of a foot is provided. The assembly includes a support structure having a front end and a rear end elevated relative to the front end, and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive and support an entire plantar surface of the foot. The membrane defines and encloses an upper portion of an inflatable chamber, and includes a forefoot- and a rearfoot-receiving region respectively adjacent to the front and the rear end of the support structure. The rearfoot-receiving region is under less tension than the forefoot-receiving region. The imager is positionable under the membrane in order to acquire the plantar image when the foot is disposed on the membrane. An apparatus including a membrane assembly and a three-dimensional imager, and a method for imaging a foot are also provided.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for use with a three-dimensional imager to obtain a topographical plantar image of a foot is provided. The assembly includes a support structure having a front end and a rear end elevated relative to the front end, and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive and support an entire plantar surface of the foot. The membrane defines and encloses an upper portion of an inflatable chamber, and includes a forefoot- and a rearfoot-receiving region respectively adjacent to the front and the rear end of the support structure. The rearfoot-receiving region is under less tension than the forefoot-receiving region. The imager is positionable under the membrane in order to acquire the plantar image when the foot is disposed on the membrane. An apparatus including a membrane assembly and a three-dimensional imager, and a method for imaging a foot are also provided.

Abstract: A membrane assembly for use with a three-dimensional imager to obtain a topographical plantar image of a foot is provided. The assembly includes a support structure having a front end and a rear end elevated relative to the front end, and a flexible membrane suspended from the support structure and configured to receive and support an entire plantar surface of the foot. The membrane defines and encloses an upper portion of an inflatable chamber, and includes a forefoot- and a rearfoot-receiving region respectively adjacent to the front and the rear end of the support structure. The rearfoot-receiving region is under less tension than the forefoot-receiving region. The imager is positionable under the membrane in order to acquire the plantar image when the foot is disposed on the membrane. An apparatus including a membrane assembly and a three-dimensional imager, and a method for imaging a foot are also provided.