IP Library › Granted Patent US 12663261
Granted Patent B2
US 12663261 · App. 17/523,902 · Granted Jun 23, 2026

Method for creating a 3D scan and contact element for such a method

Inventors: Julia Volkmar (Duderstadt, DE); Judith Wille (Duderstadt, DE); Mario Koppe (Duderstadt, DE); Benjamin Schirrmeister (Duderstadt, DE); Viktor Hörig (Duderstadt, DE); Leon Fiolka (Duderstadt, DE)
Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO KGAA
G01B11/24G01B5/20
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12663261
App. No.
17/523,902
Granted
Jun 23, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating a 3D scan of a body part which includes the steps of a. Molding a contact element to the body part, b. Capturing a first partial scan of the body part, c. Removing the body part from the contact element, d. Capturing a second partial scan of the contact element, and e. Creating the 3D scan at least also from the first partial scan and the second partial scan.

Claims (38)

1 . A method for creating a 3D scan of a body part, the method comprising:

a. molding a contact element to the body part, wherein the contact element has an original shape that follows a standard shape of the body part and the contact element includes at least one of a support, a cushion, or padding integrated into the contact element, wherein the contact element covers a hidden part of the body part while in contact with the body part, and wherein a visible part of the body part includes a portion of the body part not covered by the contact element while in contact with the body part,

b. capturing a first partial scan of the body part while the contact element is in contact with the body part, wherein the first partial scan of the body part captures the visible part of the body part,

c. removing the body part from the contact element,

d. capturing a second partial scan of the contact element after removing the body part from the contact element, wherein the second partial scan captures the hidden part of the body part as a negative mold of the contact element, and

e. creating the 3D scan from the first partial scan and the second partial scan.

2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein prior to capturing the first partial scan, the body part is positioned on a contact surface in such a way that the contact element is arranged between the body part and the contact surface.

3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the contact element is brought into a deformable state prior to molding and, after molding on the body part, it is brought into a dimensionally stable state.

4 . The method according to claim 3 , wherein the contact element is brought into the deformable state by heating, especially in a water bath.

5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the contact element is not moved relative to a reference marking is arranged on a contact surface between capturing the first partial scan and capturing the second partial scan.

6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first partial scan and/or the second partial scan is captured with a 3D scanner, preferably a mobile 3D scanner.

7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the body part is a foot and the contact element is molded to at least one part of a sole of the foot.

8 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the body part is brought into a target position during molding of the contact element.

9 . The method according to claim 8 , wherein the target position depends on a size, geometric shape and/or design of the contact element.

10 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the contact element is made of a silicone that is hardened prior to capturing the first partial scan.

11 . A contact element for a method according to claim 1 , wherein the contact element can be brought into a deformable state, especially by heating, and into a dimensionally stable state, especially by cooling.

12 . The contact element according to claim 11 , wherein the contact element is at least also made of a material that deforms into the original shape without an application of external force when it is brought into the deformable state.

13 . A method for creating a 3D scan of a body part, the method comprising:

bringing a contact element into a deformable state;

molding the contact element to the body part, wherein the contact element has an original shape that follows a standard shape of the body part and the contact element includes at least one of a support, a cushion, or padding integrated into the contact element;

positioning the body part on a contact surface such that the contact element is arranged between the body part and the contact surface, wherein the contact element covers a hidden part of the body part while in contact with the body part, and wherein a visible part of the body part includes a portion of the body part not covered by the contact element while in contact with the body part;

capturing a first partial scan of the body part while the contact element is arranged between the body part and the contact surface, wherein the first partial scan of the body part captures the visible part of the body part;

removing the body part from the contact element;

capturing a second partial scan of the contact element after removing the body part from the contact element, wherein the second partial scan captures the hidden part of the body part as a negative mold of the contact element; and

creating the 3D scan from the first partial scan and the second partial scan.

14 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the contact element is brough into a dimensionally stable state following molding the contact element to the body part.

15 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the contact element is brought into the deformable state by heating in a water bath.

16 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the body part is brought into a target position during molding of the contact element.

17 . A method for creating a 3D scan of a foot, the method comprising:

bringing a contact element into a deformable state;

molding the contact element to at least one part of the foot, wherein the contact element has an original shape that follows a standard shape of the foot and the contact element includes at least one of a support, a cushion, or padding integrated into the contact element;

positioning the foot on a contact surface such that the contact element is arranged between the foot and the contact surface, wherein the contact element covers a hidden part of the foot while in contact with the foot, and wherein a visible part of the foot includes a portion of the foot not covered by the contact element while in contact with the foot;

capturing a first partial scan of the foot while the contact element is arranged between the foot and the contact surface, wherein the first partial scan of the foot captures the visible part of the foot;

removing the foot from the contact element;

capturing a second partial scan of the contact element after removing the foot from the contact element, wherein the second partial scan captures the hidden part of the foot as a negative mold of the contact element; and

creating the 3D scan from the first partial scan and the second partial scan.

18 . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the contact element is molded to an entire sole of the foot.

19 . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the foot is brought into a target position during molding of the contact element.