Patent Publication Number: US-2010130830-A1

Title: Foot examination and measurement system and method of the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a foot examination and measurement system and method of the same for diagnostic purpose, and more particularly to a system for examining, measuring and recording the shapes, modes, sizes, and movements of a whole of or parts of a human body. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Human being&#39;s feet are the most precise and complicated structure among the masterpieces of God&#39;s art. The feet occupies one fourth of the bones on the human body, and includes tightly connected and arranged bones, muscles, ligaments and joints. When this complicated structure has problems, different parts of the human body, including knees, pelvis, spine, or even different internal organs, would be disadvantageously affected to result in an unhealthy body as a house having an inclined foundation. Therefore, it is very important for one to maintain two healthy feet to ensure the whole body health. 
     However, foot problems are quite often found among people. According to a statistical material from the United States, the number of women having foot problems is four times as high as the number of men having foot problems. A result from an investigation by questionnaire indicates 87% of the people in the investigation have or had ached foot. And, 25% of the 1.6 millions of diabetic foot patients in the United States are subject to the danger of amputation. 
     According to investigations conducted in Japan, there are about 55 to 85% Japanese have had tired and uncomfortable feet, and about 50% of Japanese have had sore and painful waist, back, and hip joints. Moreover, almost 100% of pregnant women have had uncomfortable feet, waist, and back. 
     In Taiwan, about 60% of people say that they have had the symptom of painful feet. From investigations conducted in Taiwan, most people do not think they have ever worn correct shoes. About 55% of Taiwanese feel that their shoes are not comfortable enough for wearing, and about 26% feel that the shoes do not fit their feet. According to statistic materials from studies on flat foot in Taiwan, 13% residents in Kaohsiung, 23% residents in Taichung, 40% residents in Tainan, 25% and 31% residents in I-Lan in 2001 and 2002, respectively, are suffering from flat foot. In other words, in Taiwan, a large number of children in the stage of development are suffering from flat foot due to the use of a baby walker at a too much early stage of development to result in overloaded feet of children. Therefore, the occurrence rate of flat foot in Taiwan has now become higher because of the acquired flat foot. 
     Currently, a conventional inked footprint is used to determine a person&#39;s foot pressure distribution. The inked footprint is obtained by applying an amount of ink over a footprint imprint kit and causing the person to step on the imprint kit, so that the person&#39;s footprint is transferred to a white paper. The application of the ink over the imprint kit and the analysis of the footprint all require an experienced operator, so as to correctly determine the person&#39;s foot pressure distribution and whether the person has any foot disease. Since the footprint indirectly produced in the above-described conventional way is only visually observed with unaided eyes, there is a great possibility the analysis and determination about the footprint is incorrect or inaccurate. 
     Also a foot pressure sensing device is available in the market. This foot pressure sending device includes a plurality of pressure sensors. When a person steps on the foot pressure sensing device, the plurality of pressure sensors would immediately detect pressure values appeared in different small areas on the person&#39;s sole. The detected pressure values are then processed to produce a picture showing the pressure distributed over the person&#39;s whole foot. The above-mentioned foot pressure sensing device provides considerably accurate measurement and measuring results. However, the sensing device includes a large number of pressure sensors, which increase not only the overall cost, but also the future maintenance cost of the sensing device. As a result, the foot pressure sensing device could not become widely acceptable in the market. 
     Meanwhile, in selling shoes, a senior salesclerk determines a customer&#39;s shoe size by eye estimation and asking the customer to try on the shoes. And, in hand-making customized insoles, the maker determines the arch shapes and lengths of different sections of the customer&#39;s feet by directly touching the customer&#39;s feet or using the above-described inked footprints, and modifies the insoles through trial wearing by the customer until absolutely correct insoles are made. These steps are complicated and troublesome for both the customer and the maker. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to develop a foot examination and measurement system and method that provides a simple technique for examining and measuring foot, uses general image conversion principle to convert simple scanned picture and image into a simulated foot pressure distribution picture, and computes the size, shape, and other information related to foot. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement system and method of the same, which is able to examine and measure a user&#39;s foot to thereby provide various foot-related information, so that the user can use these information to choose shoes and/or insoles most suitable for the user&#39;s feet in order to improve the user&#39;s foot and whole body health. 
     To achieve the above and other objects, the foot examination and measurement system according to the present invention includes a scanning device for scanning a user&#39;s sole when the user steps on the scanning device; a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device for storing information about the user&#39;s foot outputted by the scanning device; a computing device electrically connected to the storage device for computing the user&#39;s foot information; and an interface device electrically connected to the computing device for displaying the user&#39;s foot information and computation results from the computing device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for examining and measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, and an interface device electrically connected to the computing device; allowing the user to step on the scanning device; using the scanning device to scan the user&#39;s sole; the scanning device outputting a full-color image and storing the same in the storage device; using the computing device to convert the full-color image into a grayscale image; using the computing device to categorize areas of different gray levels in the grayscale image, so that a pixel distribution picture consisting of a particular group of color levels is obtained; and displaying the pixel distribution picture obtained through computation on the interface device. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for measuring a user&#39;s actual foot length. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, and an interface device electrically connected to the computing device; allowing the user to step on the scanning device; using the scanning device to scan the user&#39;s sole; the scanning device outputting a full-color image and storing the same in the storage device; using the computing device to mark a highest point on the full-color image at a position corresponding to a most front point on the user&#39;s second toe; using the computing device to locate a lowest point on the full-color image from bottom to top; and using the computing device to locate a centerline of the user&#39;s sole by connecting the highest point and the lowest point, calculate a distance between the highest and the lowest point to determine an actual length of the user&#39;s foot. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for measuring an inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, and an interface device electrically connected to the computing device; allowing the user to step on the scanning device; using the scanning device to scan the user&#39;s sole; the scanning device outputting a full-color image and storing the same in the storage device; using the computing device to compute and locate in the full-color sole image two points that correspond to the prominent points on the inner and the outer side, respectively, of the user&#39;s heel bone, and another two points that correspond to the prominent points on the inner and the outer side, respectively, of the user&#39;s forefoot; using the computing device to connect the two prominent points on the inner side of the user&#39;s foot to obtain a third extending line, and connect the two prominent points on the outer side of the user&#39;s foot to obtain a fifth extending line; using the computing device to inwardly rotate the third extending line about the prominent point on the inner side of the user&#39;s forefoot by an angle so that the third extending line touches the full-color image and thereby produces a first contacting point, and inwardly rotate the fifth extending line about the prominent point on the outer side of the user&#39;s forefoot by an angle so that the fifth extending line touches the full-color image and thereby produces a second contacting point; using the computing device to connect the prominent point on the inner side of the user&#39;s forefoot and the first contacting point to obtain a fourth extending line, and connect the prominent point on the outer side of the user&#39;s forefoot and the second contacting point to obtain a sixth extending line; and using the computing device to calculate an angle contained between the third extending line and the fourth extending line as well as an angle contained between the fifth extending line and the sixth extending line. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for dividing a user&#39;s sole into different areas. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, an interface device electrically connected to the computing device, and a databank electrically connected to the computing device; allowing the user to step on the scanning device; using the scanning device to scan the user&#39;s sole; the scanning device outputting a full-color image and storing the same in the storage device; and retrieving a plurality of data built in the databank, and the user&#39;s sole as shown in the full-color image obtained in the previous step being automatically divided into several areas according to the data retrieved from the databank. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for measuring a user&#39;s foot angle. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, an interface device electrically connected to the computing device, and a first image capturing device electrically connected to the storage device; making two marks at a point at the user&#39;s heel bottom and a point above the user&#39;s heel bone, respectively; using the first image capturing device to capture a coronal image of the user&#39;s foot at a rear side thereof and storing the captured image in the storage device; using the computing device to connect the two marks to obtain a seventh extending line; and using the computing device to compute an inclined angle between the seventh extending line and a vertical line, or another inclined angle between the seventh extending line and a horizontal line. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a foot examination and measurement method for measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user steps on a scanning device like walking. The method includes the following steps: providing a foot examination and measurement system including a scanning device, a storage device electrically connected to the scanning device, a computing device electrically connected to the storage device, an interface device electrically connected to the computing device, and a second image capturing device provided in the scanning device; allowing the user to step on the scanning device like walking; using the second image capturing device to capture images of the user&#39;s soles at a first fixed rate while the user steps on the scanning device; the second image capturing device outputting a plurality of full-color images and storing the same in the storage device; using the computing device to convert the plurality of full-color images into a plurality of grayscale images; using the computing device to categorize areas of different gray levels in the grayscale images to obtain a plurality of pixel distribution pictures each consisting of a particular group of color levels; and displaying the pixel distribution pictures obtained through computation on the interface device. The method further includes a dynamic playback step of continuously playing back the plurality of pixel distribution pictures at a second fixed rate. The first and the second fixed rate can be 15 frames per second. 
     The foot examination and measurement system and method according to the present invention is able to examine and measure a user&#39;s foot to thereby provide various foot-related information, with which the user can choose shoes and/or insoles most suitable for the user&#39;s feet in order to improve the user&#39;s foot and whole body health. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. 
       The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein 
         FIGS. 1A to 1D  are block diagrams of different embodiments of a system for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing the steps according to the present invention for examining a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for converting a two-dimensional full-color image of a user&#39;s foot into a three-dimensional image of the foot; 
         FIG. 4  shows the calculation of a user&#39;s foot-ground contact area according to the method of the present invention for foot examination and measurement; 
         FIG. 5A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s actual foot length; 
         FIG. 5B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s actual foot length according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring the width of a user&#39;s forefoot; 
         FIG. 6B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the width of a user&#39;s forefoot according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring the width of a user&#39;s middle foot; 
         FIG. 7B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the width of a user&#39;s middle foot according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot eversion angle; 
         FIG. 8C  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s foot eversion angle according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring an inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe; 
         FIG. 9B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a conceptual view showing different areas defined on Asians&#39;soles as stored in a databank included in the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for dividing a user&#39;s sole into different areas; 
         FIG. 12A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot angle; 
         FIG. 12B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s foot angle according to the method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user steps on a scanning device like walking; and 
         FIG. 14  is a scanned full-color image showing changes in a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user steps on a scanning device like walking. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Please refer to  FIG. 1A  that is a block diagram of a system for foot examination and measurement according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the foot examination and measurement system in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a scanning device  10 , a storage device  20 , a computing device  30 , and an interface device  40 . The scanning device  10  is used to scan a user&#39;s foot when the user steps on the scanning device  10 . The storage device  20  is electrically connected to the scanning device  10  for storing information about the user&#39;s foot outputted by the scanning device  10 . The computing device  30  is electrically connected to the storage device  20  for computing the information about the user&#39;s foot. And, the interface device  40  is electrically connected to the computing device  30  for displaying the user&#39;s foot information and computation results from the computing device  30 . 
     With the above arrangements, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is able to examine and measure the user&#39;s foot pressure distribution, convert a planar (two-dimensional) full-color image of the user&#39;s foot into a three-dimensional image, compute the user&#39;s foot-ground contact area, measure the user&#39;s actual foot length, measure a width of the user&#39;s forefoot, measure a width of the user&#39;s middle foot, measure the user&#39;s foot eversion angle, measure an inclined angle of the user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe, etc. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 2  that is a flowchart showing the steps according to the present invention for examining and measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution. In a first step S 10 , the foot examination and measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is prepared. In a second step S 20 , the user steps on the scanning device  10 . In a third step S 30 , use the scanning device  10  to scan the user&#39;s sole. In a fourth step S 40 , the scanning device  10  outputs a full-color image and stores the same in the storage device  20 . In a fifth step S 50 , use the computing device  30  to convert the full-color image into a grayscale image. In a sixth step S 60 , use the computing device  30  to categorize areas of different gray levels in the grayscale image, so that a pixel distribution picture consisting of a particular group of color levels is obtained. In a seventh step S 70 , the pixel distribution picture obtained through computation is displayed on the interface device  40 . 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the step S 50  of using the computing device  30  to convert the full-color image into a grayscale image, a further step of removing the background from the full-color image can be included. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step S 50  of using the computing device  30  to convert the full-color image into a grayscale image, the following conversion formula is used to perform the conversion: 
         Y =(9798× r+ 19235× g+ 3735× b )/32768 
     Where, y is a gray value, and r, g, and b are corresponding intensities of red, green, and blue colors, respectively. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step S 60  of using the computing device  30  to categorize areas of different gray levels in the grayscale image to obtain a pixel distribution picture consisting of a particular group of color levels, every specific range of the gray values is defined as one color level, and the gray levels in the grayscale image are sequentially converted into their respectively correspondent specific color level according to their respective gray value. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for converting a two-dimensional full-color image of a user&#39;s foot into a three-dimensional image of the foot. To do this, in a step S 80 , after the above-described steps S 10  to S 50  are implemented to obtain the grayscale image and different gray levels and gray values for the gray scale image, the computing device  30  converts every gray level into a height value. Then, in a step S 90 , the computing device  30  combines the full-color image with the height values to obtain a three-dimensional image through further computation. Finally, in a step S 100 , the three-dimensional image is displayed on the interface device  40 . With the above-described method, the pressure endured by the user&#39;s foot is presented by a three-dimensional image that can be easily understood by any non-professional person, advantageously enabling wide application of the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention and easy promotion thereof in the market. 
       FIG. 4  shows the calculation of a user&#39;s foot-ground contact area according to the method of the present invention for foot examination and measurement. To do this, the computing device  30  divides a sum of all adjoining pixel blocks having a gray value above  144  by a total number of the pixels in the grayscale image, so as to obtain a proportion of the user&#39;s foot-ground contact area to the user&#39;s whole sole area. 
       FIG. 5A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s actual foot length; and  FIG. 5B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s actual foot length according to the method of the present invention. To do so, in a step S 110  after the steps S 10  to S 40  are completed to obtain the full-color image of the user&#39;s sole, the computing device  30  marks a highest point on the full-color image at a position corresponding to a most front point on the user&#39;s second toe. Then in a step S 120 , the computing device  30  also locates a lowest point on the full-color image from bottom to top. In a step S 130 , the computing device  30  locates a centerline L CENTRAL  of the sole connecting the highest point and the lowest point, computes a distance between the highest and the lowest point, and determines an actual length of the user&#39;s foot. With the above-described method, when the user steps on the scanning device  10 , no matter whether the user stands with two feet in parallel with each other or respectively directed outward at a certain angle, the actual foot length can always be accurately measured without being adversely affected by two skewed feet. 
       FIG. 6A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a width of a user&#39;s forefoot; and  FIG. 6B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the width of a user&#39;s forefoot according to the method of the present invention. To do so, in a step S 140  after the above steps S 10  to S 40  and S 110  to S 130  are completed to obtain the center line L CENTRAL , the computing device  30  locates a near-front point on the centerline L CENTRAL  with a distance between the near-front point and the highest point of the centerline L CENTRAL  being about 34% of a full length of the centerline L CENTRAL , and then, the computing device  30  extends a line from the near-front point toward two points P 11 , P 12  on the full-color image that are corresponding to two prominent points at an inner and an outer side of the user&#39;s forefoot, so as to obtain a forefoot cross line extended between the two prominent points P 11  and P 12 . In a step S 150 , the computing device  30  calculates the distance of the forefoot cross line. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the method for measuring the width of the user&#39;s forefoot further includes a manual measurement step, in which the user adjusts the positions of the two prominent points P 11 , P 12 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a width of a user&#39;s middle foot; and  FIG. 7B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the width of a user&#39;s middle foot according to the method of the present invention. To do so, in a step S 160  after the above steps S 10  to S 40  and S 110  to S 130  are completed to obtain the centerline L CENTRAL , the computing device  30  locates a near-rear point on the centerline L CENTRAL  with a distance between the near-rear point and the lowest point of the centerline L CENTRAL  being about 33% of a full length of the centerline L CENTRAL , and then, the computing device  30  extends a line from the near-rear point toward two points P 13 , P 14  on the full-color image that are corresponding to two innermost points on an inner and an outer side of the user&#39;s middle foot, so as to obtain a middle-foot cross line extended between the two innermost points P 13  and P 14 . In a step S 170 , the computing device  30  calculates the distance of the middle-foot cross line. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the method for measuring the width of the user&#39;s middle foot further includes a manual measurement step, in which the user adjusts the positions of the two innermost points P 13 , P 14 . 
     With the above-described method, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is able to automatically measure the widths of the user&#39;s forefoot and middle foot and thereby enables a non-professional person to help the user in choosing a shoe shape that is most suitable for the user. On the other hand, the foot examination and measurement method of the present invention includes the manual measurement step for a professional person to measure and obtain more accurate information about the widths of the user&#39;s forefoot and middle foot. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot eversion angle; and  FIG. 8C  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s foot eversion angle according to the method of the present invention. To do so, in a step S 210  after the steps S 10  to S 40  are completed to obtain the full-color image of the user&#39;s sole, the computing device  30  locates a first axis point P 21  on the centerline L CENTRAL  with a distance between the first axis point P 21  and the lowest point of the centerline L CENTRAL  being about 29% of the full length of the centerline L CENTRAL . In a step S 220 , the computing device  30  locates a second axis point P 22  on the centerline L CENTRAL  with a distance between the second axis point P 22  and the highest point of the centerline L CENTRAL  being about 38% of the full length of the centerline L CENTRAL . In a step S 230 , the computing device  30  extends a first extending line L 1  from the second axis point P 22  perpendicular to the centerline L CENTRAL  to intersect with an outline of the full-color image and thereby produces two contact points. In a step S 240 , the computing device  30  computes a distance between the two contact points, and locates a middle point between them to serve as a third axis point P 23 . In a step S 250 , the computing device  30  locates a second extending line L 2  extended between the first axis point P 21  and the third axis point P 23 . In a step S 260 , the computing device  30  computes an eversion angle δ between the centerline L CENTRAL  and the second extending line L 2 . 
     With the above-described method, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is able to automatically measure an eversion angle of the user&#39;s forefoot relative to the user&#39;s heel, enabling even a non-professional person to help a user in choosing a shoe shape that is most suitable for the user. 
       FIG. 9A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring an inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe; and  FIG. 9B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of the inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe and fifth toe according to the method of the present invention. To do so, after the full-color image of the user&#39;s sole is obtained through the above-described steps S 10  to S 40 , the computing device  30 , in a step S 310 , computes and locates in the full-color image two points P 31 , P 34  that correspond to two prominent points on the inner and the outer side, respectively, of the user&#39;s heel bone, and another two points P 32 , P 35  that correspond to two prominent points on the inner and the outer side, respectively, of the user&#39;s forefoot. In a step S 320 , the computing device  30  connects the point P 31  to the point  32  to obtain a third extending line L 3 , and connects the point P 34  to the point P 35  to obtain a fifth extending line L 5 . In a step S 330 , the computing device  30  inwardly rotates the third extending line L 3  about the prominent point P 32  on the inner side of the user&#39;s forefoot by an angle so that the third extending line L 3  touches the full-color image and thereby produces a first contacting point P 33 . And, in a step S 350 , the computing device  30  calculates an angle θ 1  between the third extending line L 3  and the fourth extending line L 4  to obtain an inclined angle of a user&#39;s first toe. Similarly, the computing device  30  inwardly rotates the fifth extending line L 5  about the prominent point P 35  on the outer side of the user&#39;s forefoot by an angle so that the fifth extending line L 5  touches the full-color image and thereby produces a second contacting point P 36 . In a fourth step S 340 , the computing device  30  connects the prominent point P 32  and the first contacting point P 33  to obtain a fourth extending line L 4 , and connects the prominent point P 35  and the second contacting point P 36  to obtain a sixth extending line L 6 . And the computing device  30  calculates an angle θ 2  between the fifth extending line L 5  and the sixth extending line L 6  to obtain an inclined angle of a user&#39;s fifth toe. 
     With the above-described method, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is able to automatically measure an inclined angle of the first toe and the fifth toe of the user&#39;s foot, allowing a non-professional person to help the user in choosing a shoe shape most suitable for the user. 
       FIG. 10  is a conceptual view showing different areas defined on Asians&#39;soles as stored in a databank included in the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention; and Table 1 listed below shows data about the sizes of different areas on Asian&#39;s soles as stored in the databank of the present invention. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Data of Different Areas on Asians&#39; Soles 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Middle 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Rear foot/ 
                 Rear foot/ 
                 foot/Whole 
                 Front foot/ 
                 Foot arch/ 
                 Foot arch/ 
                 Scaphoid/ 
                 Scaphoid/ 
               
               
                   
                 Whole foot 
                 Middle foot 
                 foot 
                 Whole foot 
                 Whole foot 
                 Middle foot 
                 Whole foot 
                 Middle foot 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Left foot 
                 0.29454 
                 0.47384 
                 0.62154 
                 0.37846 
                 0.32701 
                 0.52616 
                 0.405518 
                 0.652406 
               
               
                 Right foot 
                 0.2949 
                 0.47535 
                 0.62079 
                 0.37921 
                 0.3259 
                 0.52465 
                 0.405393 
                 0.653005 
               
               
                 Average 
                 0.29472 
                 0.474595 
                 0.621165 
                 0.378835 
                 0.326455 
                 0.525405 
                 0.4054555 
                 0.6527055 
               
               
                 proportion 
               
               
                 Average 
                 29.47% 
                 47.46% 
                 62.12% 
                 37.88% 
                 32.65% 
                 52.54% 
                 40.55% 
                 65.27% 
               
               
                 percentage 
               
               
                 Rounded 
                   29% 
                   47% 
                   62% 
                   38% 
                   33% 
                   53% 
                   41% 
                   65% 
               
               
                 average 
               
               
                 percentage 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Number of 
                 Effective for left foot: 1229 person-time 
                 Effective for left foot: 
               
               
                 examined 
                   
                 1218 person-time 
               
               
                 persons: 1400 
                 Effective for right foot: 1213 person-time 
                 Effective for right foot: 
               
               
                 person-time 
                   
                 1202 person-time 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Note: 
               
               
                 (a) In the case the same person accepts two times of examination, the two examinations are conducted at an interval of longer than six months. 
               
               
                 (b) Percentage of the forefoot joint to the whole foot is 34% 
               
               
                 Duration of Study: 2003.01~2007.12 
               
               
                 Study conducted by: Wei-Chan Lin 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In a foot examination and measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a databank  50  is further included, as shown in  FIG. 1B , for assisting in dividing a user&#39;s sole into different areas.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for dividing a user&#39;s sole into different areas. In a first step S 12 , the foot examination and measurement system including the databank  50  according to the second embodiment of the present invention is prepared. In a second step S 20 , the user steps on the scanning device  10 . In a third step S 30 , use the scanning device  10  to scan the user&#39;s sole. In a fourth step S 40 , the scanning device  10  outputs a full-color image and stores the same in the storage device  20 . In a fifth step S 410 , a plurality of data built in the data bank  50  is retrieved, and the user&#39;s sole as shown in the full-color image obtained in the step S 40  is automatically divided into several areas according to the data retrieved from the databank  50 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the method for dividing the user&#39;s sole into different areas further includes a manual measurement step, in which the user adjusts the positions and sizes of the areas defined on the user&#39;s sole through the above steps. 
     With the above-described method, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is able to automatically divide the user&#39;s sole into several areas and thereby enables a non-professional person to help the user in choosing a shoe shape that is most suitable for the user. On the other hand, the foot examination and measurement method of the present invention includes the manual measurement step for a professional person to more accurately divide the user&#39;s sole into different areas. 
     In a foot examination and measurement system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a first image capturing device  60  is further included, as shown in  FIG. 1C , for measuring a user&#39;s foot angle.  FIG. 12A  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot angle; and  FIG. 12B  is a conceptual view showing the measurement of a user&#39;s foot angle according to the method of the present invention. In a first step S 14 , the foot examination and measurement system including the first image capturing device  60  according to the third embodiment of the present invention is prepared. In a second step S 510 , two marks P 41  and P 42  are attached to a point at the user&#39;s heel bottom and a point above the user&#39;s heel bone, respectively. In a third step S 520 , the first image capturing device  60  is used to capture a coronal image of the user&#39;s foot at a rear side thereof and the captured image is stored in the storage device  20 . In a fourth step S 530 , the computing device  30  connects the mark P 41  with the mark P 42  to obtain a seventh extending line L 7 . In a fifth step S 540 , the computing device  30  computes an inclined angle α 1  between the seventh extending line L 7  and a vertical line, or an inclined angle α 2  between the seventh extending line L 7  and a horizontal line, as shown in  FIG. 12B . 
     With the above-described method, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention can be used to measure a user&#39;s foot angle, and thereby help the user in choosing a suitable insole. 
     In a foot examination and measurement system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a second image capturing device  70  is further included, as shown in  FIG. 1D , for measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure when the user steps on the scanning device like walking.  FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing the steps included in the method for foot examination and measurement according to the present invention for measuring a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user steps on a scanning device like walking. As shown in  FIG. 13 , in a first step S 16 , the foot examination and measurement system including the second image capturing device  70  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is prepared. In a second step S 610 , allow the user to step on the scanning device  10  like walking. In a third step S 620 , while the user steps on the scanning device  10  like walking, the second image capturing device  70  is used to capture images of the user&#39;s soles at a first fixed rate. In a fourth step S 630 , the second image capturing device  70  outputs a plurality of full-color images, which are then stored in the storage device  20 . In a fifth step S 640 , the computing device  30  converts the plurality of full-color images into a plurality of grayscale images In a sixth step S 650 , the computing device  30  categorizes areas of different gray levels in the grayscale images to obtain a plurality of pixel distribution pictures each consisting of a particular group of color levels. In a seventh step S 660 , the pixel distribution pictures obtained through computation are displayed on the interface device  40 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the method for measuring the user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user steps on the scanning device like walking further includes a dynamic playback step. In this step, the plurality of pixel distribution pictures is continuously played back at a second fixed rate. For example, the first and the second fixed rate can be 15 frames per second. 
     Please also refer to  FIG. 14  that shows full-color scanned images that are obtained using the foot examination and measurement method of the present invention when the user steps on a scanning device like walking and show changes in a user&#39;s foot pressure distribution. 
     Therefore, the present invention can provide a simple foot examination and measurement technique, in which the general image conversion principle is used to convert simple scanned pictures and images into foot pressure distribution pictures without the need of using special and expensive platform or hardware. With the advantages thereof, the foot examination and measurement system and method according to the present invention can be easily promoted and become popularized in foot examination and shoe market, allowing more non-professional people to engage in the shoe market and therefore enabling quick upgrade of the shoe industry. 
     From the above descriptions, it can be found the present invention is novel, improved, and industrially practical for use. More specifically, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention is novel and improved because it includes a scanning device, a storage device, a computing device, and an interface device to achieve the function of examining and measuring a user&#39;s foot to obtain different information about the user&#39;s foot. Moreover, the foot examination and measurement system of the present invention can further include a database for measuring different areas of the user&#39;s sole, a first image capturing device for measuring the user&#39;s heel angle, and a second image capturing device for measuring changes in the user&#39;s foot pressure distribution when the user walks. Therefore, the present invention is largely helpful in assisting the user to choose suitable shoes and/or insoles, and improving the user&#39;s foot and whole body health. Accordingly, it is predictable the present invention and products derived therefrom would fully meet the current market demands. 
     The present invention has been described with some preferred embodiments thereof and it is understood that many changes and modifications in the described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention that is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.