The main difference between plantar scanners and plantar pressure plates
1. Technical principles and functional positioning differences
Morphological capture vs. pressure sensing
Plant scanners mainly use optical/laser three-dimensional reconstruction technology to obtain static structural data such as foot bones and arch height through non-contact scanning.
Its core goal is to establish a three-dimensional model of the foot. Pressure measurement relies on a pressure-sensitive sensor array, which detects mechanical feedback in the vertical direction through contact, and belongs to the category of dynamic analysis.
Separation of static and dynamic data
Plant scanners focus on static morphology (such as the degree of arch collapse and calcaneal eversion angle), while pressure distribution needs to be collected in real time during dynamic walking or standing. The requirements for hardware (such as sampling frequency and sensor density) are significantly different.
2. Equipment professional division of labor demand
Application scenario layering
Foot scanner: used for shoe customization, foot deformity screening (such as flat feet, high arches), orthopedic correction plan design
Pressure measurement equipment: serving sports medicine (gait optimization), diabetic foot ulcer prevention, and rehabilitation treatment effect evaluation
Data complementarity
In clinical practice, the two are often combined: first use a scanner to analyze the foot structure, and then verify the mechanical abnormality through the pressure plate/shoe insole sensor
For example, the correction of X-shaped legs requires first confirming the bone morphology through scanning, and then evaluating the force displacement of the knee joint through pressure testing
3. Cost and accuracy balance
Technical cost limitations
Integrating high-precision pressure sensors will greatly increase hardware complexity and cost. For example, dynamic pressure detection requires hundreds of sensors to be deployed within 1cm², and the optical components of the scanner already account for the main cost
Data interference risk
The pressure sensor requires the foot to contact the device, which may change the natural morphology of the sole (such as soft tissue deformation) and affect the accuracy of three-dimensional scanning
IV. Industry standards and equipment classification
International standard distinction
According to ISO 18861, foot measurement equipment is divided into morphology analyzers (3D scanning) and biomechanical analyzers (pressure/gait) according to their functions. Both types of equipment must pass independent certification.
Professional field adaptation
The shoemaking industry gives priority to scanners to optimize shoe last design;
Medical institutions choose equipment combinations according to needs (such as children’s foot screening priority scanners, and postoperative rehabilitation relies more on pressure monitoring).
The plantar scanner focuses on morphology digitization, while pressure measurement belongs to biomechanical analysis. The two have a clear division of labor due to differences in technical principles, application scenarios and industry standards.
In practical applications, the two types of equipment are often used in conjunction to achieve accurate diagnosis and intervention.
