The Sports Medicine Department of Tübingen University Hospital presents its project “Development of a dynamic 3-D foot scanner for the recording of three dimensional foot forms during walking” at the ORTHOPÄDIE + REHA-TECHNIK (21st to 24th of May 2008). This measuring technology is based on the principle of extensive triangulation. A projector is based on the principle of extensive triangulation.

A projector is employed to generate a sinus-like image pattern sequence in a rapid chronological sequence. A camera records the patterns projected onto the object, thus enabling spatial co-ordinates to be reconstructed (phase-coded triangulation). On the basis of the findings of the pilot study, an extensive validation study will be conducted throughout the duration of the fair in Hall 1, Stand G 42, on the Campus joint stand.

The goal of this study is primarily the verification of the measurement system and the measuring report. In addition, the influence of gender, body weight and foot size on the alterations in foot shape in dynamics are also investigated. “Although advances in technology have significantly improved the accuracy of measurements and the volume of data collected, measurements today are still conducted statically. However, it is known that the foot shape alters under stress (for example whilst walking),” explains Dr. Inga Krauss, Project Director. “Shoes should consequently be manufactured according to the dynamic foot form in order to enable an optimal fit for a foot in motion.”

Based on the findings of the plantar (foot sole) recording system, in project phase II tge synchronised scanning of the foot with a total of five different measurement sensors is to be implemented, in order to record the overall surface geometry of the object. Co-operation partners for the project are ViALUX Messtechnik + Bildverararbeitung GmbH and Giessen-Friedberg University of Applied Science. Phase 1 of the project is supported by the Fortune funding scheme of Economics and Technology (BMWi) via the PRO INNO II programme “Promoting the increasing of innovative competence amongst medium-sized companies”.

The Sports Medicine Department of Tübingen University Hospital unites a large number of the fields with a relevance to sports medicine under one roof, including internal medicine, performance diagnostics, sport orthopaedics, biomechanics, physiotherapy and training therapy for orthopaedic and internist patients. The tasks of the department also include support various prevention and rehabilitation sports groups such as coronary, hip and knee sport groups. With this, the department offers a broad range of support for patients, athletes and leisure sportsmen. Information on the academic work is available from the Medical Director of the Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Professor Dr. Thomas Horstmann, and the Director of Biomechanics, Dr. Stefan Grau.

ORTHOPÄDIE + REHA-TECHNIK (21st to 24th of May 2008)