[0001] This invention relates to a method of providing accurate fit recommendations for
individuals for footwear and/or garments.
[0002] The correct fitting of footwear continues to be of interest in footwear and clothing
retail, especially with the growth of internet based or on-line shopping.
[0003] Traditionally a standard size convention has been adopted by manufacturers and, in
the field of footwear, most people choose a shoe based on their notional shoe size.
For children, whose feet may have grown since a previous shoe fitting, a measurement
of foot length and possibly width may be made and compared to a sizing chart to determine
the notional shoe size required.
[0004] Electronic foot scanners have also been employed to measure a customer's feet and
therefore determine the notional shoe size needed by that customer. For instance US
patent
US5.164,793 describes a device which scans a laser beams across a foot to be measured and determines
three dimensional shape information about the foot. This data is used to determine
a length and width for the foot which can then be used to identify a notional shoe
size.
[0005] However a notional shoe size does not guarantee a good fit. The style of the shoe
can affect the fit, for instance the width of the toe section, with the result a customer
may require a different notional size for different styles. Further there may be differences
in size of shoes of the same general style between different manufacturers.
[0006] Correct fitting of shoes can not therefore be assumed with a high degree of confidence
based solely on a notional shoes size. This is overcome by retail customers through
trying on the notional sized shoe and determining the correct size through trial and
error. This is particularly an issue for mail order or internet based shopping where
a customer may order shoes based on their notional shoe size only to find that the
ordered size in the particular style/manufacturer does not fit. A high rate of returns
results in increased cost to the retailer and/or inconvenience to the customer.
[0007] To try to account for variations in shoe sizes between styles and manufacturers US
Patent
US6,741,728 describes a footwear sizing database system which uses precision 3D data of customers
feet and also uses precision 3D data of the footlasts used in manufacture of the relevant
shoes. It is suggested that for each model of shoe produced by a manufacturer the
various footlasts used in manufacturing that shoe could be scanned by a 3D scanning
system and the data taken as a representation of the internal volume of the shoe.
Customers feet could likewise be scanned and, based on certain key dimensions, a fit
chosen based on the foot dimension being within a certain range of appropriate footlast
dimension.
[0008] This method however requires footlasts to be scanned for each size and model of shoe
produced by each manufacturer. This imposes a burden on the manufacturers that not
all manufacturers may be willing or able to meet. The footlasts themselves are proprietary
to the manufacturer and often a manufacturer may not wish to disseminate dimensions
of the lasts used.
[0009] Further the size/shape of a footlast is not necessarily a good indicator of what
is a comfortable fit for a shoe. The footlast is designed to ensure the shoe material
adopts the desired shape during manufacture and the internal shape of the finished
shoe may be different to the shape of the footlast. Further the last may be designed
to deform the shoe material in a manner that would be uncomfortable for a wearer.
[0010] US Patent
US6,879,945 describes an alternative footwear sizing method for operation over a computer network
such as the internet. A computer is arranged to recommend to a customer a particular
size for a chosen model of shoe based on foot size data of the customer and footwear
size data for the chosen model. The customer foot size data may be acquired by the
customer, for instance the customer may measure their foot against a size chart or
use a simple measuring device. Alternatively the customer's foot size data may have
been obtained previously in a retail environment The footwear size data is based on
measured internal shoe measurement dimensions in combination with human test group
assessments. The customer's past profile may also be used in recommending a particular
shoe size.
[0011] This method however requires the internal measurements of each size of each model
of shoe to be obtained and also requires human assessment For a retailer selling a
large range of models of shoe from various manufacturers this would involve significant
effort and cost to develop and maintain.
[0012] US Patent Application
US2007/0011173 describes a method for providing shoe recommendations based on a user profile. In
terms of recommending a fit of shoe it is suggested that a customer may create a shoe
profile comprising a list of shoes that they possess and information about the comfort
of the fit of those shoes. Shoe recommendations may then be made by identifying other
users who also posses the same size and model of shoe and who have indicated the same
comfort of fit as the customer. Shoes owned by such other users may be presented to
the current customer as recommendations.
[0013] Whilst this method does not require any measurement of shoes it relies on common
ownership of shoes in making fit recommendations and thus may be not able to make
a fit recommendation for every model of shoe a customer may consider. It also requires
considerable effort from users to input past shoe history before the system becomes
effective.
[0014] The same considerations also apply to the fitting of clothing and other items that
come in a variety of sizes.
[0015] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method of providing a user
with a recommendation or indication regarding the fit of an item of interest to that
user which mitigates at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.
[0016] Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of providing
a user with an indication of fit for at least one article of interest comprising the
steps of: taking user body size data relating to the user; taking reference body size
data associated with the at least one article; comparing the user body size data with
the reference body size data and indicating whether said article would fit the user;
wherein the reference body size information is derived from body size data of a plurality
of people known to fit the particular article.
[0017] The user body size data will comprise data relating to the appropriate part of the
user's body. If the at least one article of interest is a pair of shoes the appropriate
user body size data will comprise foot size data. If the article of interest is a
pair of gloves the user body size data would comprise hand size data. The articles
of interest may be footwear or clothing or indeed anything where it is important to
fit the size of the user to the size of the article. The method may provide an indication
of fit to a plurality of articles of interest in which case the method may involve
indicating which, if any, articles would fit the user. The articles of interest could
be differently sized versions of the item, for example the articles of interest may
comprise a single model of shoe available in different sizes and the method of the
present invention may recommend which, if any, size of said shoe would fit the user.
Additionally or alternatively the articles of interest could comprise items of different
design, e.g. different styles of shoe, and the method of the present invention could
indicate which models would fit the user and/or which model would offer the best fit.
[0018] The present invention works by comparing user body size data to known reference body
size data to recommend a fit where available. However, unlike methods of the prior
art the reference body size data is not concerned with the size of the article per
se and is not derived from measurements of the articles in question nor from measurement
of items used in their manufacture (such as footlasts for shoes). Nor is the reference
body size data merely taken as a notional size from the manufacturer. Instead, in
the method of the present invention, the reference body size data is derived from
body size data, e.g. previous body size measurements, of other people known to fit
the particular article.
[0019] The manner in which the reference body size data is derived from the body size data
of people known to fit the particular article will be set out in more detail below.
However it will be clear that the present invention in effect compares the current
user's body size data against size data gathered from other people who are satisfied
with the fit of that article to determine the best match. In effect a match to a known
body size is identified and the article known to fit said known body size can then
be recommended with confidence of fitting correctly. In performing the method of present
invention one therefore need not know anything about the actual or relative sizes
of articles and no measurement of particles is required.
[0020] As mentioned above the user body size data and the reference body size data is data
relating to the size of the appropriate part of the body for the article in question.
For instance, when the articles of interest are articles of footwear, the user and
reference body size data will be data related to foot size. The body size data may
well include information about foot shape. The term body size data therefore refers
to any data which can be used to give information of the size and/or shape of the
appropriate part of the body. The amount and format of body size data available may
vary according to the fitting being performed. For instance in fitting of footwear
the body size data may comprise a variety of different measurements, for example one
or more of heel to toe length, heel width, foot width measured through the ball of
the foot, toe length, arch height etc.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment the user body size data is obtained from an automatic scanning
apparatus such as a two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) scanner. Various
scanners suitable for measuring body size are known in the art, for instance the laser
scanning based device of
US5,164,793 described above. Such scanners can be arranged to scan the relevant part of the body,
in a range of orientations if necessary, to determine body size data.
[0022] A convenient scanning apparatus is the 3D scanning apparatus described in international
patent publication
W020M/044525. In such an apparatus a structured light generator projects a two dimensional pattern
of light to the scene, such as an array of spots of light A detector is arranged relative
to the structured light generator to monitor the scene and a processor determines,
from the position of each spot in the scene the range to that spot. When a body part,
such as a foot, is illuminated by such a device the range to a two dimensional array
of spots on the foot is determined, from which the 3D shape and size of the foot can
be determined.
[0023] Conveniently the user body size data is obtained in the same format as the body size
data used to derive the reference body size data and conveniently all body size data
is obtained in the same general format, that is the same general measurements are
made. However, especially for automatic scanning it is not essential that the number
of measurement points is the same provided the key dimensions can be determined. Thus
different scanning apparatuses can be used for measurement in the method of the present
invention.
[0024] The present invention uses reference body size data derived from body size data of
people known to fit the particular article. There are various methods by which this
body size data can be obtained and the reference body size data derived. The method
therefore may comprise the step of obtaining body size data from a plurality of people
along with details of at least one article known to fit each of said people.
[0025] The data could be obtained through controlled trials of each article using people
who represent a cross section of the usual body sizes for the appropriate articles,
i.e. each article would be tested on a test group of people whose body size data has
been acquired. However such a deliberate testing regime would involve a reasonable
amount of effort and may not be cost effective or practicable in many applications.
[0026] The body size data of people known to fit an article may therefore conveniently be
acquired by recording the body size data of customers along with details of articles
they indicate they fit in other words given that customers try various articles in
the retail environment and ultimately select items that fit, the information regarding
items that do fit can be combined with body size data of that customer to provide
the reference body size data.
[0027] The customer could therefore uses conventional fitting steps such as, for instance,
trial and error based on a notional size to identify articles of interest. Conveniently
however user body size data is acquired to assist in the fitting process and an initial
fit may be determined by the method of the present invention. This encourages the
capture of body size information.
[0028] When a customer tries an article and indicates that said article fits that customer,
details of said article can be recorded along with the user body size data. For example,
consider a shoe store. A customer wishing to buy some shoes may have their feet scanned
by a store assistant. The resulting user body size data can be used to recommend a
particular size for each model of shoe the customer is interested in, Where there
is insufficient reference body size data available (for the article in question) the
fit recommendation may instead be made based on calculation of a notional shoe size.
The notional shoe size can then be used as the basis for trial of a range of shoes
the customer is interested in. If the assistant determines that any of the shoes tried
by the customer are a good fit they can record the appropriate shoe model and size
and this can be linked with the stored user body size data. Alternatively the customer
deciding to purchase shoes they have tried is a good indication that those shoes do
fit that customer and hence record of the shoe size and model purchased by that customer
can be stored. Thus in the normal course of shoe retail, user body size data and information
about the shoes that body size fits is collected which can be used to derive reference
body size data for the appropriate article.
[0029] Once sufficient body size data has been collected from people known to fit a particular
article and reference body size data has been derived then the method of the present
invention can be applied to any new customers. Returning to the example of a shoe
store such a new customer would have their feet scanned, if no previous scan data
existed, and then the new user body size data would be compared to the reference body
size data derived from the body size data of previous customers to identify shoes
known to fit that customer's foot size. If this fit is correct and the customer buys
the recommended size of shoes this data would be added to the store of body size data
of people known to fit those shoes. If however the initial suggested fit was not correct
the customer may still select the correct fit through trial of a different size and
ultimately buy the correct fit. This data would also be recorded as body size data
associated with the shoes they did buy and the reference body size data for those
shoes would be updated accordingly. Thus continual operation of the method of the
present invention results in increased accuracy off the frt recommendation.
[0030] It may also be useful in some instances to record information about articles that
the user does not fit, i.e. record a negative indication of fit. This could help refine
the accuracy of the fitting method further. However clearly care must be taken to
ensure that a non-fit is recorded accurately. Failure to buy a pair of shoes say that
a customer has tried does not necessarily indicate a bad fit, the customer may simply
not have liked the look of the shoes when worn. Capturing non-fit information would
therefore need a definite indication of non-fit from the customer or a fitting assistant
[0031] The Idea of recording articles purchased or rented by a customer as an indicator
that said article fits said customer can also be extended to remote transactions,
for Instance internet based shopping or mail order. Thus where a customer orders,
for example, a pair of shoes, and does not return said shoes, the shoes can be taken
to fit that customer. Clearly the recording of articles known to fit a user is only
useful in the method of the present invention if it can be linked to body size data
of the user. Body size data of a remote user could be obtained by the user themselves
and transmitted with the order for articles or the user may have body size data available
which had been acquired previously.
[0032] It is obviously important to note that the customer who buys the shoes may not be
the person for who the shoes are intended, for instance a parent may be buying shoes
for their children. Therefore in associating body size data with an article the actual
user of the article is preferably identified and if it is not clear that an article
purchased by a user is to be worn by that user then the data may not be recorded.
It should be noted however that the method of the present invention is robust and
can deal with the occasional incorrect allocation. For example consider the situation
of a parent purchasing shoes for more than one child in a shoe store. It is possible
that through error the body size data for one of the children is associated with the
wrong shoes, i.e. shoes not meant for them. If this body size data is then recorded
as being body size data of a person known to fit those shoes the data will be wrong
and this may effect the derived reference body size data. However in a data set with
tens or hundreds of correctly matched body sizes to the appropriate article the occasional
error will have a very minor effect. Further, if there is a significant difference
between the body size incorrectly allocated to that article and the body sizes correctly
allocated the fact it is an anomalous point may be easily detected and hence that
data could be excluded from the data set and not used in derivation of the reference
body size data.
[0033] Where user body size data is captured for a particular user is it useful to record
this data for future use to avoid the need for repeated measurement/scanning. The
useful life of the user body size data may depend on the particular part of the body
being measured and the age of the person. The user body size data for children will
need to be replaced in line with the growth of the child. For adults, data relating
to foot size say may remain current for many years. However user body size data may
vary over time due to weight gain or loss. Thus there may be a need to periodically
update stored body size data relating to an individual.
[0034] The stored user body size data may be provided to the user for their future use or
may be stored in a database along with a means of identifying the customer. As mentioned
above where a Customer has pre-existing user body size data they can use such data
in the method of the present invention and can do so in an in-store environment or
for remote shopping such as internet based shopping. A user could use a computer to
browse available articles to identify any articles of interest. If a user wants to
buy an article they could either supply their user body size data or the computer
system could use details of the customer to access the correct body size data on a
database. The user body size data could then be compared with article size data associated
with the article to determine the likely fit.
[0035] The reference body size data may be derived from the body size data of people known
to fit the article in various ways. For instance the reference body size data could
comprise a set of critical dimension ranges or limits or groupings derived from the
body size data set of people know to fit the article. In other words the set of body
size data collected from people known to fit a particular article could be analysed
to determine, for certain defined dimensions, the maximum and minimum within the set
of body size data. This could be used to set ranges for the reference body size data.
[0036] Alternatively the reference body size data for a particular article could comprise
a set of body size data collected from people known to fit the article. In this case
the invention may effectively compare the user body size data with body size data
of other people to determine a match in body size. Once such a match has been determined
the particular article known to fit the particular body data size can be identified.
[0037] The reference body size data may be derived from the body size data of other people
known to fit the article using self learning techniques. In other words the method
may involve collecting body size data from a plurality of people for each article
and allowing self learning type algorithms to determine the mapping between body size
and article fit.
[0038] For best accuracy a reasonable amount of body size data, i.e. the number of people
known to fit a particular article, is required to derive the reference body size data.
The reference body size data is therefore preferably derived from the body size data
of at least one person, ten people, or from at least twenty people, or from at least
fifty people, or from at least one hundred people, at least five hundred people or
at least one thousand people. The greater the amount of data the more analysis will
be needed but the more accurate the resulting article size data may be. Obtaining
body size data of a large number of people, say of the order of one hundred or more,
for each article would be very time consuming as part of a testing regime. However
if the data is acquired through normal retail practices as described above the data
may not take long to be acquired - especially for a retailer with a number of different
shops all using the method and accessing a common database or were different retailers
selling the same articles to share information in a common database. As mentioned
above the continually addition of reference body size information to the store also
means the accuracy of the fitting continually improves. Where there are gaps in the
reference body size database, interpolation techniques may be employed to produce
an estimate for the reference size. This may occur, for example, when there is a known
brand and style of article and whilst reference body size information has not been
accumulated sufficiently for a given size within that range, reference data is available
for multiple sizes above and/or below this specific size.
[0039] The present invention therefore offers a method of providing fit recommendations
to users of articles. The invention compares the body size of the user to reference
body size data which is derived from body size data from other users known to fit
the particular article. The body size data of other users can be collected as part
of the usual business activities of the article providers and hence no particular
testing regime is needed. The method requires no information about the size of the
article to be obtained but will automatically result in fitting recommendations which
are adjusted for the particular style of article.
[0040] This method provides added benefit in that the type of fit appropriate to that article
is incorporated within the reference body size database. The fit recommendation for
new customers of that article will therefore be automatically adjusted for function
of that article. An example of this may be that the fit recommendation of children's
shoes will automatically incorporate 'growing room' as that will have been a factor
in the original fit judgement. Similarly, purchasers of running shoes or other specialised
sports clothing will automatically have a fit recommendation that is appropriate for
their activity or function. This effectively accumulates and utilises the specialist
experience of all previous fit recommendations for each article.
[0041] The system can provide an indication of fit for articles that are selected through
this system by utilising statistical analysis techniques to compare the user's measurements
against the reference body size data. This may comprise an overall fit guide such
as snug or roomy for each article, or indicate the fit characteristics for specific
measurements. The system can also receive input from the purchaser about their preferred
fit and take this into account when analysing against reference body size data.
[0042] One key aspect of the present invention is the use of body size data of previous
users to derive reference size information for the articles, i.e. to derive size data
not from the article itself but from the body size of people whom that article is
known to fit. Thus In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of
providing reference size information about an article comprising the step of taking
body size data of a plurality of people known to fit that article and deriving said
reference size information from said body size Information.
[0043] The method of this aspect of the invention may comprise taking body size data of
users and recording article purchased or hired by or for the user as articles known
to fit said user. The method may also involve the step of scanning the user with an
2D or 3D imaging system to acquire body size data of the user.
[0044] The methods of the present invention may be implemented on a computer system and
another aspect of the present invention is a computer system programmed to carry out
at least one of the methods described above. The invention also provides a computer
programme on a carrier, which, when loaded into an appropriate computer will perform
at least one of the methods described above.
[0045] The invention will now be described by way of example only with respect to the following
drawing, of which:
Figure 1 illustrates the steps of one method of making a fit recommendation according
to the present invention as applied to in-store and on-line shoe retail.
Figure 1 illustrates the method of the present invention as applied to a shoe store
setting offering both in store and on-line shopping. The skilled person will appreciate
however that the present invention is applicable to all types of footwear or clothing
sales and rental and indeed to any articles which need correct fitting to users. Also
there will be other retail solutions which utilise the method of the present invention.
[0046] An in store customer wishing to purchase some shoes would browse for shoes they like
and decide which shoes they would like to try. Having identified shoes they would
like to try a foot data file for that customer would be obtained. If there were no
pre-existing foot data file for that customer this would involve having their feet
scanned 2 by a three dimensional foot scanner 4.
[0047] The foot scanner 4 comprises at least one optical scanning device such as described
in
W02004/044525. For each scanning device a spot projector projects an array of spots of light onto
the customers foot. A camera is arranged relative to the spot projector such that
the position of the spots in the scene captured by the camera can be used to determine
the range to that spot. The entire foot is illuminated and imaged, either by scanning
the device relative to the foot or by taking multiple scans of the foot in different
orientations. Both feet are scanned and a three dimensional point map of the surface
of each foot is constructed. The skilled person will appreciate however that a variety
of other scanning technologies could be employed, for instance the foot scanner described
in
US5,164,793 and the invention is not limited to any particular form of foot scan.
[0048] The foot scanner 4 may process the point map data to determine key dimensions of
the foot, such as heal to toe length, width at widest part, heel width etc. and produce
a customer foot data file or may simply maintain the 3D shape as the customer foot
data file.
[0049] The foot data file is stored in the foot scanner 4 for now along with a means of
identifying the customer to which the data relates. This could be by allocation of
a customer number, time of scan and/or addition of metadata supplied by the customer
such the customer's name.
[0050] For any particular model of shoe the customer is interested in the foot data file
is then compared to a shoe database 6 comprising information of reference foot size
data of other people known to have bought the same model of shoe. A matching algorithm
is applied to match the current customer's foot size data with the reference foot
size data in the shoe database 6. If a match is identified the relevant shoe size
associated with the reference foot size data is obtained.
[0051] If no match is identified because the database does not contain sufficient data about
the chosen model of shoe the fitting is instead performed by simply converting the
shoe data file into length and width measurements and determining a notional shoe
size from the manufacturer's shoe sizing table.
[0052] The identified shoe size is then recommended to the customer.
[0053] It should be noted that in some circumstances the shoe of interest to the customer
is not available in a size that would fit and, if this is the case, this fact is communicated
to the customer.
[0054] Also, the fit determined by the matching algorithm or look up table may need to be
adjusted for factors specific to the user such as preferred sock thickness or preferred
type of fit (snug or roomy). This could be applied by a scaling factor applied to
the customer foot data file prior to matching or by applying a compensation algorithm
after an initial match has been determined. A constant offset could also be applied.
[0055] The fit recommendation is communicated to the customer, for instance by means of
a printed recommendation slip. This slip may be provided with a barcode or other identifier
which links to the customers foot data file.
[0056] The customer would then try on 8 the size of shoe recommended. If the fit is correct
and the customer is happy with the shoe and wishes to purchase the item they go on
to purchase the shoes 10 as normal. Whilst completing the transaction the barcode
identifying the shoes is scanned by the shops electronic point of sale equipment (EPOS)
12 as is the barcode printed on the size recommendation provided to the customer.
This therefore identifies the make and model of shoe bought with the customer's foot
data file.
[0057] The fact that the customer is buying the shoes indicates that the shoes fit that
customer and hence the shoe model and size information is collated 14 with the customer's
foot data file and communicated to the shoe data base 6.
[0058] The shoe database 6 may be in store but preferably a central database is used by
a variety of shoe stores and accessed, for instance, via the internet 16. In this
way purchase from each of the stores automatically adds to the information in the
shoe database which in turn improves the accuracy of the system.
[0059] The customer's foot data file may also be stored separately for ease of access for
the customer in future use, especially via the internet. Additional or alternatively
it may be written to a removable storage medium to be taken by the customer or sent
wirelessly to a date storage device of the customer such as a suitable mobile phone
or personal data assistant. The customer may then get to keep their own foot data
file. The customer's foot data may also be incorporated into the customer reference
number and barcode, so that the printed sizing receipt becomes the stored data file.
The retail EPOS system, when scanning the receipt, inputs and stores the customer's
size information. The customer, when undertaking a remote transaction for further
shoes, enters the customer reference number from the receipt and in doing so provides
the fitting system with their relevant measurements. In this situation there is no
need to connect each foot scanner to a network or have other means to store and download
data files. The sizing information may be encrypted within the customer reference
number for commercial and data security reasons.
[0060] A customer who had previously had a foot scan could then use such data file in assuring
fit in on-line shopping 18. The customer would enter their unique customer number
or the metadata taken in the shop to locate their foot data file. Alternatively they
could download it onto an appropriate computer. The customer could then browse on-line
for shoes that they are interested in. Once they have chosen the shoes they are interested
in the foot data file could be compared to the shoe database 6 exactly as described
previously and obtain a size recommendation. If the customer is happy to proceed the
order could be placed on this basis. If subsequent the customer did not return the
shoes within the allowed time for returns this could be taken as an indication they
were happy with the fit and this data could be added to the shoe database.
[0061] As an alternative or in addition the system could recommend shoes to the customer
that they have not selected but which are known would fit the customer's feet. When
recommending shoes the system may use shoes that the customer is interested in as
a guide. That is if a customer is browsing for a particular style of shoes the system
may recommend other shoes of a similar style. The system may also use information
regarding the customer such as gender, age, shoe style preference etc. which may for
instance be supplied by and customer and/or stored in a customer profile, to make
sure the recommendations are appropriate.
[0062] The present invention therefore offers several advantages, over conventional shoe
fitting techniques. The scanner fitting performance is continuously refined and improved
based on what people find comfortable when they purchase shoes in shops. Where expert
fitters in the shop help customers to select the correct shoe size, this information
will also be automatically accumulated and integrated into the fit recommendation.
The system will automatically incorporate and optimise fit recommendation for any
brand and style of shoe without needing access to shoe lasts, measuring shoes, or
doing controlled fitting trials for each brand or style of shoe. The scanner and database
will quickly and automatically learn the fitting performance of new shoe styles which
are introduced into the marketplace.
[0063] The scanners and database will also automatically leam what are the correct 'comfort'
factors for different types of shoes e.g. children's, running etc.
[0064] Foot size and shoe sale data can be automatically analysed and provided back to the
retailer to optimise business efficiency, trend analysis, stock control etc.
[0065] Software can analyse the effect of the person having two differently sized feet and
the resultant preferred shoe size, and optimise fitting algorithms for these situations.
[0066] Following the launch of a new range of shoes in shops and on-line, there will be
a short period when the scanner system initially applies an estimated or default sizing
information to determine best fit. Once data on the fit performance of this new shoe
range starts to be received by the system database, a judgement on the fit accuracy
can be determined and new 'comfort' compensation factors applied and distributed back
to the foot scanners. This process will be iterated until the fit prediction consistently
matches the size of shoe purchased. The fit prediction can then become available for
on-line shoe sales. This optimisation process may take around 100 shoe sales for a
particular style and so is likely to stabilise very quickly, particularly if there
are a number of shoe shops connected to the system.
[0067] The foot shape can be established using 3D feet shape data or a set of published
or undisclosed measurement parameters. Each of the parameters can have a unique 'comfort'
factor applied for each style or brand of shoe. It is likely these parameters will
adopt standard foot metrics used by feet specialists, and so make this foot information
valuable to shoe designers and biometric surveys.
[0068] Comfort compensation factors can be developed and refined for different customer
types through a customer survey/data input e.g. gender, intended use of footwear,
ethnic origin etc. Each of these parameters could alter the type of fit compensation
applied to the shoe and therefore further improve quality of fit. Customers who don't
wish to participate would receive a more generic fit recommendation.
[0069] Fit performance could be ultimately tailored to individuals e.g. customer X prefers
tighter fitting shoes than the average. This could be established by monitoring the
size mapping of that customer compared to the average. Analysis of individual fit
parameters could indicate e.g. that the customer has a narrow foot or prefers more
volume around the toe. The fit mapping would be automatically tuned for specialist
sports footwear e.g. running, golf, hiking etc.
[0070] Input of sock type when the foot was scanned could be used to build up accurate compensation
for different sock types.
1. A method of providing a user with an indication of fit for at least one article of
interest comprising the steps of:
taking user body size data relating to the user;
taking reference body size data associated with the at least one article; comparing
the user body size data with the reference body size data and
indicating whether said article would fit the user;
wherein the reference body size data is derived from body size data of a plurality
of people known to fit the particular article.
2. A method according to claim 1 comprising taking reference body size data associated
with each of a plurality of articles of interest and indicating which, if any, of
said plurality of articles of interest would fit the user.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the articles of interest comprise differently
sized versions of the same item
4. A method according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the articles of interest comprise
items of different design.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the user body size data is obtained
from an automatic scanning apparatus.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5 comprising the step of scanning the appropriate part
of the body of the user with said automatic scanning apparatus.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the step of recording the user
body size data.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim where user body size data is obtained
in the same format as the body size data of the plurality of people known to fit the
particular article.
9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the step of obtaining body
size data from a plurality of people along with details of at least one article known
to fit each of said people.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the said body size data from a plurality of
people is acquired by recording the body size data of users along with details of
articles they indicate they fit.
11. A method as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the purchase or hire of an article
by a user is used as an indication that said user fits said article.
12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the reference body size data comprises
a set of critical dimension ranges or limits derived from the said body size data
of a plurality of people known to fit the particular article.
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the reference body size data comprises
a set of clusterings or groupings of measurements derived from said body size data
of a plurality of people known to fit the particular article.
14. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 - 11 wherein the reference body size data
for a particular article comprises a set of body size data collected from people known
to fit said article.
15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the preference body size data
is derived from said body size data of a plurality of people known to fit the particular
article using self learning techniques.
16. A method as claimed in an preceding claim wherein the reference body size data is
derived from the body size data of at least one person, or at least ten people, or
from at least twenty people, or from at least fifty people, or from at least one hundred
people, or from at least five hundred people or from at least one thousand people.
17. A method of providing reference size information about an article comprising the
step of taking body size data of a plurality of people known to fit that article and
deriving said reference size information from said body size information.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the step of taking body size data comprises
taking body size data of at least one user and recording articles purchased or hired
by or for said user as articles known to fit said user.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 further comprising the step of scanning
a user with an 2D or 3D imaging system to acquire body size data of said user.