Analysis of 3D digital technology of plantar scanner
- Principle of optical scanning technology
The plantar 3D scanner uses non-contact optical technology to achieve accurate modeling of foot morphology. The mainstream technologies include structured light scanning and laser scanning:
Structured light scanning: Project coded stripe light to the foot, capture the deformation of the light stripe through the camera, and calculate the 3D coordinates of each point on the surface of the foot with triangulation method, with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, which is suitable for fast dynamic capture scenes.
Laser scanning: Emit laser beams point by point and measure the reflection distance to generate high-precision 3D point cloud data, especially good at capturing subtle contours of the foot, such as arch curvature, phalangeal morphology, etc.
Multi-view synthesis: The device collects data through a multi-lens array surrounding the foot, automatically splices a complete 3D model after eliminating blind spots, and ensures seamless connection between the sole, dorsum and side of the foot.
- Data collection and 3D reconstruction process
Scanning preparation: The subject needs to stand barefoot in the scanning area, wear special scanning socks to reduce reflective interference, and maintain a natural and relaxed posture to obtain the real foot shape.
Point cloud generation: After the scanner projects light, it captures the foot reflection signal through a high-speed camera to generate a three-dimensional point cloud data set containing hundreds of thousands of points, accurately recording key parameters such as foot length, foot width, and arch height.
Data processing: After the point cloud is optimized by algorithms such as denoising and registration, it is imported into the three-dimensional modeling software to reconstruct an editable digital model, which supports rotation, scaling, and cross-sectional analysis, making it easy to observe the three-dimensional structure of the foot.
III. Clinical application and technological innovation
Corrective device customization: Based on the three-dimensional model, 18 parameters such as navicular height and metatarsal angle are extracted, and personalized insole support structure is designed in combination with biomechanical algorithms to improve deformities such as flat feet and high arches.
Medical diagnosis assistance: By comparing a large number of foot databases, AI algorithms can identify pathological features such as arch collapse and hallux valgus, providing quantitative basis for early screening of diabetic foot.
Sports science optimization: The three-dimensional data of athletes’ feet combined with gait simulation can optimize the cushioning design of running shoes, adjust the ground contact angle, improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury.
IV. Technology Evolution Trend
The latest microwave resonance scanning technology has broken through the limitations of the epidermis and can penetrate tissue to analyze the deformation of the fascia layer, providing microscopic biomechanical data for foot health assessment. Application cases of institutions such as the Hangzhou Asian Games Village show that 3D scanning technology has shortened the production cycle of customized rehabilitation equipment from several days to 2 hours, marking the entry of foot digitization into the era of precision medicine.
