SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPE CAPTURING AS USED IN PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS AND PEDORTHICS

摘要

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.