SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPE CAPTURING AS USED IN PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS AND PEDORTHICS
Systems and methods are provided to capture a digital 3D image of a portion of a subject's body. The systems and methods may be effective under static or dynamic conditions, either under the weight of a load or under non-weighted conditions. The system includes a grid of intersecting, flexible fibers arranged so as to achieve a variable surface contour. The surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches the surface contour of the subject when the grid covers a portion of the subject (i.e. residual limb, or deformity to correct). The coordinates of each point of intersection of two or more flexible fibers of the grid is recorded and produces a signal that generates a digital 3D image corresponding to the surface contour of the subject. The method includes covering a portion of the subject (i.e. residual limb or deformity to correct) with a grid of intersecting, flexible fibers and generating a digital three dimensional image. Optionally, the method may further include using the digital 3D image to create a prosthesis, orthosis, or foot orthosis having a surface contour matching the surface contour of the subject.
1 . A system for capturing a digital 3D image of a portion of a subject's body, the system comprising:
a grid of intersecting, flexible fibers having a variable surface contour;
wherein,
the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject; and
coordinates of each point of intersection of two or more flexible fibers of the grid is recorded and produces a signal that generates a digital 3D image corresponding to the surface contour of the subject.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject under static load conditions.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject under dynamic load conditions.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject under weighted conditions.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject under non-weighted conditions.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject and a corrective force is applied to the portion of the subject.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal is transmitted wirelessly.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the 3D image is used to create a prosthesis, orthosis, or foot orthosis.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the grid of intersecting, flexible fibers are arranged in the shape of a sock or glove.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the flexible fibers has an elastic quality.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein at least one sensor detects an amount of elastic strain.
12 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the elastic strain detected is recorded and is used to produce the signal that generates the digital 3D image.
13 . The system of claim 10 , wherein at least one sensor detects a distance of stretch of each flexible fiber.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the stretch detected is recorded and is used to produce the signal that generates the digital 3D image.
15 . A method for capturing a digital 3D image of a portion of a subject's body, the method comprising:
covering a portion of a subject with a grid of intersecting, flexible fibers having a variable surface contour, wherein, the surface contour of the grid conforms to and matches a surface contour of the subject, when the grid covers a portion of the subject; and
generating a digital three dimensional image corresponding to the surface contour of the subject based on coordinates of each point of intersection of two or more flexible fibers of the grid.
16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
creating a prosthesis or orthosis having a surface contour matching the surface contour of the subject.
17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method is performed under static load conditions.
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method is performed under dynamic load conditions.
19 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method is performed under weighted conditions.
20 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the method is performed under non-weighted conditions.
21 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising: applying a corrective force to the portion of the subject.