WO2003063634A1

WO2003063634A1 - A method, an apparatus and a computer program for mass production of custom-made footwear determining size and foot type information from a three-dimensional image of the foot

Info

Publication number: WO2003063634A1
Application number: PCT/FI2003/000075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tero Nevala; Jarno Fonsén
Original assignee: Pomarfin Oy
Priority date: 2002-01-31
Filing date: 2003-01-30
Publication date: 2003-08-07
Also published as: FI20020187A0; FI124259B; FI20020187A; EP1476040A1

Abstract

A method of determining foot measurement data needed for mass production of custom-made footwear. The method comprises measuring at least one foot with an imaging means, which is arranged to form a three-dimensional image of the foot. First measurement data for the foot are determined from foot reference points determined from the image in advance, the first measurement data comprising at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures. Size and foot type information is determined for the foot from the first pieces measurement data, the foot type information determining a foot width profile in relation to the foot length. Standard measurement data for production of footwear which fits the foot is determined on the basis of the foot type and shoe size information.

Description

A method, an apparatus and a computer program for mass production of custom-made footwear determining size and foot type information from a three-dimensional image of the foot

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to footwear production according to individually determined feet measurement data, particularly to production control on the basis of the measurement data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Footwear production is typically implemented as mass production where large numbers of each footwear model are produced in certain predetermined sizes and last models. In conventional production technology, as small variation as possible in models models, sizes and shapes has been advantageous since this enables production of sufficiently large series in respect of cost efficiency and small tolerance variations in respect of sizing. From the customer's point of view, however, this is undesirable since due to standard sizes and last models it may be difficult for the customer to find a pair of shoes which fits his feet.

[0003] It is also known from the prior art to prepare custom-made footwear. In that case the customer's feet are measured manually to obtain the necessary measures, according to which a shoe with a unique size and last model is prepared. This method typically involves a pair of shoes which is pre- pared mainly by hand as a unique piece, which means that the preparation will take a longer time and the costs will be high. If the customer wants to purchase custom-made footwear from another retail store, the time-consuming and difficult measurement process has to be performed again.

[0004] As the computer aided design and scanning techniques have become more sophisticated, various automatized foot-measuring methods have recently been devised. For example, US patents 5 128 880 and 5 206 804 describe a two-dimensional electro-optical foot scanner and a method of scanning a foot. On the basis of feet measurement data determined two- dimensionally, i.e. from the sole, height measures of feet can be determined computationally, or they are measured by a separate measuring tape, and the volume of foot is determined from these measurements. The footwear size is determined on the basis of these determinations, and shoes are ordered according to the determined size. The size determination is also used for determining the last model to be used in production. The production can also be controlled according to the orders placed and statistical prognoses can be calculated from the orders for the supply and demand of each footwear model.

[0005] A problem associated with the arrangement described above is that two-dimensional scanning is insufficient for measuring feet accurately. Experience from two-dimensional feet measurement made from the sole shows that in practice, two-dimensional measurement does not provide information on the height of the different parts of the foot and thus not sufficiently accurate foot volume measures. The computational determination of height measures on the basis of the sole dimensions does not take the variation in the foot volume between different persons into account. Furthermore, the mere volume measurement does not provide sufficiently accurate measures of the foot shape so that they could be used to produce footwear with a good fit. For example, the circumferences of feet with the same size (i.e. foot length) may differ from each other by several centimetres at certain points of the foot. On the other hand, manual measurement by a measuring tape is a slow process prone to mistakes and measurement of wrong dimensions. When measurement is carried out manually, the tightness of the measuring tape cannot be determined, and thus the measuring results vary depending on the person who has performed the measurement, even though the measurement point had been chosen correctly. Consequently, manual measurement is not a measurement process which can be reproduced reliably and which would provide the same results every measurement time. The production of fitting shoes, however, requires a high accuracy of all the determined measures.

[0006] Thus the lasts determined according to the two-dimensional measurement and the footwear to be produced do not match the size of the measured foot accurately enough. Since the footwear to be produced is not sized accurately enough, the customer does not obtain fitting footwear despite the scanning, which makes customers dissatisfied with the manufacturer and the seller. [0007] A further problem is that the customer's feet are measured at a certain retail store and customer-specific information is stored in the data system of that particular store. If the customer wants to purchase footwear from another retail store, the process of measuring the feet and storing and modifying the information has to be repeated. The shoes are also delivered to the customer through the particular retail store, which complicates delivery arrangements and increases the price e.g. if the customer visits a store located elsewhere in the country or abroad. The last models prepared individually according to the customer's feet are also submitted to the retail store or to the customer, who can use the last model to order more pairs of fitting shoes. This also makes it difficult for the customer to do business with another retail store. The above-mentioned difficulties experienced by customers are also problems for the footwear manufacturer since they may weaken the customers' brand loyalty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus implementing the method so as to solve the above-mentioned problems. The objects of the invention are achieved by a method, a measurement apparatus and a computer program which are characterized by what is disclosed in the independent claims.

[0009] The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on determining measurement data from the customer's feet necessary for implementing mass production of custom-made footwear. The determination is started by measuring the customer's feet by an imaging means which is arranged to produce a three-dimensional image of the foot. Such an imaging means may preferably be a three- dimensional electro-optical foot scanner. First measurement data including at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures are determined for the foot from the image using predetermined reference points of the foot. The first measurement data are used to determine size and foot type informa- tion for the foot, which describes the width profile of the foot in relation to the foot length. Finally, standard measurement data are determined for producing fitting footwear according to the foot type and shoe size information. Thus measurement data can be edited from the three-dimensional computer image of the foot. The measurement data determines the three-dimensional shape of the foot very accurately and also directly provides standard measurement data which are utilized in production.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, several foot circumference measures are determined from reference points whose location is determined in advance as a percentage relation with respect to the foot length and for which a measurement angle in relation to the sole level has been determined in advance. In addition, according a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foot circumference measure is determined at least from ten different points.

[0012] An advantage of the method according to the invention is that it provides measurement data on the customer's feet which determines the measures of footwear which fits the customer's feet exactly and which is also measurement data readily utilizable in footwear production. The measurement process can be reproduced reliably so that the measurement always gives substantially the same measurement data on the same feet. Since the feet measurement data are already processed into a standard format which can be utilized in production, an order can be processed through production fast, if necessary. The manufacturer has, collected in one place, information on all customers, their feet measurement data and information on shoe models they usually require and on their variations, which further facilitates optimisation of production. This procedure enhances customer loyalty since the customer can trust that the footwear will fit.

[0013] A further advantage for the customer is that the feet measuring process is quick and needs to be performed only once. After the customer's feet have been measured once with a foot scanner and the measure- ment data have been stored together with the customer's identification data in a database of the footwear manufacturer, the customer can order, regardless of time and place, any kind of footwear he wants which will exactly fit his feet. The customer is not dependent on retail stores, their location or opening hours. Neither does the customer need to store any customer information or last model since to order new shoes, a registered customer only needs to know his user name and password.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will now be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying draw- ings, in which

Figure 1 is a simplified flow chart illustrating determination of measurement data according to the invention; and

Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the structure of a data system used in the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The simplified basic idea of the invention will be described in the following with reference to flow chart 1. At least one feet of a customer, typically both feet, are measured with an imagining means which is arranged to produce a three-dimensional image of the foot (100). Such an imagining means may preferably be a three-dimensional foot scanner SK, for instance. The foot is measured as follows, for example: the customer puts a tight fitting thin socks on his feet, after which the customer places one foot at a time on top of the foot scanner SK. The foot is scanned with the foot scanner SK so as to determine the three-dimensional foot shape substantially accurately, after which the determined foot shape is stored in a memory connected to the scanner as a three-dimensional image.

[0016] As regards the invention, it is essential that standard measurement data (102) relevant to production can be determined from the foot shape stored in the memory. The first measurement data consist of certain reference points which need to be determined from the foot so as to be able to produce a fitting shoe. Thus the data system attached to the foot scanner, such as software executable by a computer PC, searches for standardized reference points in the three-dimensional foot image and determines first measurement data for the foot from the reference points.

[0017] The measurement data determined from the reference points include at least the foot length, foot width at the widest point and several foot circumference measures measured from the predetermined standardized reference points. The reference points are preferably determined as percentage relations with respect to the foot length. These percentage relations are determined in advance so that the foot circumference measurements made from the points concerned provide relevant measures for the production of fitting footwear. In addition, a measurement angle in relation to the sole level is also preferably determined in advance for the foot circumference measurements to be performed from the reference points, which ensures that the desired circumference is measured. If the measurement angle has not been determined and the circumference is measured e.g. from the top of the instep, where the foot clearly starts to curve, the circumference to be measured in vertical direction provides a result which differs considerably from the circumference meas- ured at an angle of 30 degrees, for instance. To obtain an accurate measure- ment result, it is thus important to determine the measurement angle in advance.

[0018] Furthermore, the production of fitting footwear requires a sufficient number of circumference measures. Based on statistical data collected from measurement data on different feet, it can be said that the number of necessary circumference measures is substantially at least ten. The most essential circumference measures in respect of the fit are the different circumference measures measured at the metatarsal arch and the ball of the foot, from which most of the measurements should be made. [0019] Based on the determined first foot measurement data, which are measured from predetermined reference points, a foot type is determined in the data system separately (104) for the customer's both feet. The foot type describes different values of the determined first measurement data proportioned to each other so that feet with substantially similar dimensions belong to the same foot type. It can be said that the foot type determines the width or width profile of the foot, which is a different thing from the foot volume. In practice, the foot type is determined by first determining a class parameter determined as a computational operation between the first measurement data. Various foot type information classes describing different foot width profiles in rela- tion to the foot length are determined according to certain limit values of the class parameter. A class parameter value is calculated for the measured foot as a relation between the first measurement data, and the class parameter value of the foot is compared to predetermined limit values of class parameters of foot type classes, after which foot type information is determined for the foot. [0020] The foot type information is combined with the shoe size determined from the foot length, which provides a preliminary pattern, i.e. standard measurement data for producing (106) fitting footwear. It should be noted that the foot circumference measures are not exactly the same as the measures of a fitting shoe or the measures of the last used to produce it since shoes have to be provided with certain comfort tolerances so that they do not pinch. On the other hand, the shoe has to fit at appropriate points, in which case certain last measures are preferably smaller than the shoe measures.

[0021] The foot type information is also control information for production standardized in advance according to the production methods and tools to be used. In theory, dozens or even hundreds of shoe types can be used, depending on how accurately one wants to distinguish between different foot types. Based on the above-mentioned statistical measurement data, it can be estimated that the correct foot type can be determined for most people using substantially fewer than 10, preferably 4 to 8, foot types which describe the foot width. In that case there are certain tolerance limits for each measurement data to be determined within which the different foot measurement data are proportioned to each other and on the basis of which the suitable foot type is determined. Furthermore, when 4 to 8 different foot types, for example, are used, several aspects of production control can be optimized with respect to the tools and materials to be used since the number of foot types is not unrea- sonably large.

[0022] A basic pattern for the footwear to be produced is obtained from a matrix, for example, where one dimension includes the most common sizes and the other dimension the above-mentioned 4 to 8 foot types. The basic pattern is determined as a combination of these dimensions. In the basic pattern the shoe measures have certain values which typically correspond to the average of the above-mentioned tolerance limits. In a data system according to the invention, the real measurement data measured from the feet can be compared to the determined shoe measures. Second measurement data which describe deviation of the measured foot from the average of the toler- ance limits can also be determined. Thus it can preferably be checked that the foot measures are within the tolerance limits, in which case the shoe will fit well the foot concerned with a high probability. Correspondingly, if a tolerance limit is exceeded, it can be examined whether another foot type matches the foot concerned. Alternatively, a shoe with dedicated measures can also be pro- duced without using existing foot type determinations.

[0023] To make sure that the individual comfort requirements are met, the foot measurement station is typically equipped with sample shoes which are typically produced for the basic last in all sizes and widths. The purpose of trying on the sample shoe indicated by the determined measures be- fore the final foot type determination is to ensure that the sizing is successful and borderline cases have been interpreted correctly.

[0024] This way we have preferably obtained all the necessary information on the customer's both feet. On one hand, the information can be used for producing shoes which exactly fit the customer's feet, and on the other hand, production control can be optimized so as to determine optimal production lots according to the foot type information and orders. As regards production control, determination of the foot type is important since it facilitates determination of the correct production tools, correctly sized materials and an optimized production lot for the footwear to be produced. The data system attaches the foot type information and foot dimensions determined for the cus- tomer's feet to the customer's identification data and stores these in a customer database CDB. Thus the foot type information and foot dimensions determined for the customer are readily stored in the manufacturer's data system, in which case production of fitting footwear and delivery to the customer concerned can be ensured in connection with further orders. [0025] An essential advantage achieved by the method of the invention in view of production is that the number of lasts and leather patterns to be used can be reduced to a reasonably small number while very well fitting footwear can be offered to most people. For example, in the case of five different foot types available in eight different shoe sizes (e.g. men's sizes 39 to 46), 40 different lasts are needed. In other words, very well fitting footwear can be produced for most men preferably only by means of 40 different lasts. All these lasts are preferably already in production, which enables fast execution of an order in production.

[0026] Footwear production can be controlled and optimized by means of an order database ODB. In addition to different features of the desired shoe model, the order information includes information on the shoe size and last. Determination of the foot type preferably also enables addition of new last models to the system, e.g. last models with different tip types, according to the variation of trends without having to measure the feet again or even without having to retrieve the feet measurement data from the customer database. At least certain shoe models can be offered for the customer in three different tip shapes, for example, and the customer then selects the tip shape he wants. In that case, the last to be used is selected according to the desired shape, foot type and size. The upper and lining of the footwear are cut with an automatic cutter, for which materials and leather patterns are preferably dimensioned to fit each size and foot type. In that case one can wait before starting production that a sufficient number of similar orders have been placed at the order database. The waiting time cannot preferably exceed a pre-determined limit value but the production is always started according to orders before the limit value is met, which allows to ensure that the delivery time is sufficiently short for the customer. On the other hand, since the measures of leather patterns are pref- erably determined to fit each size and foot type, at least leather patterns according to the most popular combinations of foot type and size can preferably be produced in advance. Completed orders which have been paid for are delivered to the customer in the method selected by the customer. [0027] The determination of measurement data according to the invention provides several advantages in production. The greatest advantages are achieved in sole making where footwear with the same last shape (e.g. the same tip shape, the same heel height) can be produced with the same tools without having to change the settings. Since standard measures which are di- rectly obtained in the order database when an order is placed are used in production, the production lots can be optimized for each last shape. It should be noted that the foot type and the last shape have a greater influence on the tools used in production than the shoe size. Furthermore, similar advantages are also achieved in production in roughening and gluing stages which pre- cede the sole-making stage and in which the sole part of the leather pattern is first roughened so that the adhesive would stick to it better, after which the adhesive is spread. Both roughening and gluing are performed by machines where the roughener and glue roll substantially follow the outer edge of the sole of the shoe to be produced. In that case it is also advantageous to opti- mize production by taking a large number of shoes with the same last model through these stages. It can be said that the method according to the invention enables tailored mass production of footwear where it is possible, on one hand, to produce footwear which fits the feet of a particular customer, and on the other hand, to optimize production control so that the production lots corre- spond to mass production.

[0028] The foot type and foot measurement data control the selection of a suitable last for footwear production. The data system comprises a last database LDB, which includes information on the existing last models. The feet measurement data and foot type are compared with the existing last mod- els and a suitable last model is selected for the shoe to be produced according to the measures. If a suitable last is not found in the existing last models, control information for an automatic lathe can be formed from the reference points included in the measurement data so that a suitable last can be produced. Thus footwear with deviating dimensions can also be produced without deter- mining feet measurement data differently than in the case of normal-sized feet. [0029] The data system also comprises a model database MDB, which includes information on different footwear models. When a customer places an order, he typically browses the collection in advance and decides which footwear model he wants. Depending on the footwear model, the cus- tomer may also specify the sole (e.g. rubber or leather sole), colour, the material of the upper and lining for the model. Furthermore, the customer's name can be printed on the sole lining or attached as a separate label, for instance. In some models, the customer's monogram can be embroidered on the upper lining. After the customer has defined the shoe he wants and placed an order, the order information is stored in the order database ODB included in the database server DBS. The customer's identification data and feet measurement data are copied from the customer database CDB into the order information.

[0030] In the above, a three-dimensional foot scanner, which may be based e.g. on electro-optical measurement performed by a low-power laser, was given as an example of an imaging means. The imaging means used is not, however, relevant to the implementation of the invention, but only the fact that an accurate three-dimensional image of the foot to be measured can be determined. Thus imaging methods which determine the foot volume or imaging methods based on x-rays or other kind of radiation used e.g. in medical imaging can be used in accurate three-dimensional measurement of foot.

[0031] It should be noted that the inventive functional elements of the method and measurement apparatus described can be preferably implemented as software, as a hardware solution or as a combination of these two. The determination of measurement data according to the invention is particu- larly suitable for implementation as computer software which comprises computer-readable commands for performing the functional steps of the invention. Determination of the standard measurement data for the shoe to be produced from a three-dimensional computer image can be preferably implemented as a software code which is stored in a storage means and can be executed by a computer-like device, such as a personal computer (PC), to implement measurement functionality on the device.

[0032] Such a computer program comprises at least a program code for receiving three-dimensional image information from the imaging means, the three-dimensional image information comprising a three- dimensional image of the foot, a program code for determining first measurement data for the foot from reference points determined in advance from the image, the first measurement data comprising at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures, a program code for determining size and foot type information of the foot on the basis of the first measurement data, the foot type information determining a foot width profile in relation to the foot length, and a program code for determining standard measurement data for production of footwear which fits the foot on the basis of the foot type and shoe size information.

[0033] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the structure of the data system employed in the invention. The customer's feet are meas- ured at an outlet equipped with a three-dimensional foot scanner SK. The customer's both feet are measured with the foot scanner SK, after which the data system programmed in the foot scanner computes reference points for both feet relevant to footwear production. The measurement data including the reference points are transferred from the foot scanner SK to a terminal DT1 at the outlet, which may be e.g. a terminal in a telecommunications network or a PC connected to the telecommunications network. By means of the terminal DT1 , preferably by means of a registration application RA employed therein, the customer's identification data are added to the feet measurement data. The identification data preferably comprise the customer's user name and pass- word related to the data system, the customer's name and other necessary contact information. The identification data on the outlet or the foot scanner can also be added to the customer information e.g. for payment of provisos or for monitoring the operation of the foot scanner. Preferably all terminals DT1 , DT2, DT3 of the outlets belonging to the data system are arranged to establish a telecommunications connection to the footwear manufacturer's database server DBS, which comprises a customer database CDB in which the above- mentioned foot measurement data are stored. The terminals DT may also employ the registration application RA either directly from the database server DBS over the telecommunications connection or the registration application RA may be stored in each terminal DT, in which case the registration application is arranged to store feet measurement data and the customer's identification data directly in the customer database CDB. Alternatively, the customer may already have registered in the data system either at an outlet belonging to the system or using a terminal CT connected to a public telecommunications net- work, such as the Internet, in which case the customer's identification data already exist. The database server DBS preferably also comprises the same registration application of customer information as the terminals at the outlet so that the customer can register by establishing a connection directly to the database server DBS. It does not actually matter in which order the customer's identification data are fed and the feet measured because all this information has to be stored before an order is placed.

[0034] The database server DBS further preferably comprises a last database LDB, which also includes information on the existing last models. The measurement data on the customer's feet are compared with the existing last models and a suitable last model is selected for the customer according to his measures. If a suitable last is not found in the existing last models, control information for an automatic lathe can be formed from the reference points included in the measurement data so that a suitable last can be produced. Also information on the suitable last, either an existing one or a custom-made one, is stored in the customer database CDB. All the customer information is pref- erably stored directly in the database maintained by the manufacturer, in which case the identification data and feet measurement data of a certain customer are independent of a certain retail store and its databases.

[0035] After the necessary customer identification data and feet measurement data of a customer have been stored in the customer database CDB, the desired shoe model can be selected and an order placed. The order can be placed either using an order application OA included in the terminal DT at the outlet or by establishing a connection from a private terminal CT in the telecommunications network via a public telecommunications network to the database server DBS, which includes a corresponding order application OA. The order application is started by feeding the customer's user name and password, after which the application retrieves the foot type of the customer in question on the basis of the user name. If the customer's toe shape does not fit tip types of the last, the system displays only the footwear models from which shoes can be produced for the customer in question. The customer selects the desired footwear model from among the footwear displayed to him. The database server DBS preferably includes a model database MDB, which comprises information on different shoe models and which can be browsed by means of the order application OA. The model database MDB may also be stored in the terminal DT at the outlet and in a separate server IS providing public Internet service where different shoe models are displayed e.g. on the company's home page. The models can then be freely browsed; neither registering as customer nor feeding user names is required. In that case the customer may have browsed the collection in advance and decided which shoe model he wants. In addition, shoe models may be on display at the outlet. The customer can also choose either delivery of ready shoes to his home address by mail or delivery to an outlet belonging to the system. Using the order application OA, the customer selects desired properties for the shoe to be ordered, in which case the shoe price is updated accordingly and is visible on the order application OA. After the customer has specified the shoe he wants and accepted them, determined the method of delivery and selected the method of payment, the order application OA stores the order in an order database ODB included in the database server DBS. The customer's identification data and feet measurement data are copied from the customer database CDB into the order information.

[0036] The data system according to the invention provides consid- erable advantages over the prior art solution both for the customer and the footwear manufacturer. After the customer's feet have once been measured with a foot scanner and the measurement data and the customer's identification data have been stored in the footwear manufacturer's data base, the customer can order desired custom-made shoes independently of time and place; it is sufficient that the customer has available means for establishing a telecommunications connection to the order application OA maintained by the manufacturer. Furthermore, the customer or the outlet does not need to store any customer information or last model but to order new shoes, it is sufficient that a registered customer knows his user name and password. The method of the invention is particularly applicable to ordering custom-made footwear since shoes can typically be purchased on the basis of a mere image, for example, if the customer can be sure that the size and last of the shoe will fit. The foot size of an adult, in particular, does not substantially vary with time, whereas any changes in the body make application of the inventive method to the production of clothes considerably more difficult. The reduced dependency on a retail store also provides advantages for the footwear manufacturer. The manufacturer has, collected in one place, information on all customers, their feet measurement data and information on shoe models they usually require and on their variations, which further facilitates optimisation of production. Since the customer can be confident that the footwear will fit, the customer loyalty increases and the fact that retail sale that is at least partly eliminated from the distribution chain allows the manufacturer to improve their profits.

[0037] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of determining foot measurement data needed for mass production of custom-made footwear, the method comprising the step of: measuring at least one foot with an imaging means, which is ar- ranged to form a three-dimensional image of the foot, characterized by determining first measurement data for the foot from foot reference points determined from the image in advance, the first measurement data comprising at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures; determining size and foot type information for the foot from the first measurement data, the foot type information determining a foot width profile in relation to the foot length; and determining standard measurement data for production of footwear which fits the foot on the basis of the foot type and shoe size information.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by determining the several foot circumference measures from reference points whose locations are determined in advance as a percentage relation with respect to the foot length and for which a measurement angle has been determined in advance in relation to the sole level.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by de- termining the foot circumference measure from at least ten different points.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by determining in advance several foot type classes as limit values of a class parameter, which is determined as a relation between the first measure- ment data, calculating a class parameter value for the foot as a relation between the determined first measurement data, determining foot type information for the foot by comparing the class parameter of the foot to the limit values of class parameters of pre-determined foot type classes.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterized by determining less than ten foot type classes, preferably 4 to 8.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by determining second measurement data for the foot as differences between several first measurement data on the foot and respective standard measurement data determined for the footwear to be produced; comparing the second measurement data to predetermined toler- ance limits; and re-determining, in response to exceeding at least one tolerance limit, foot type information for the foot.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by storing the first measurement data and size and foot type information on the foot together with customer identification data in a customer database provided in the footwear manufaturer's data system.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, c aracterized by the manufacturer's data system comprising a last database which includes the essential information on the last models used in production, comparing the standard measurement data determined for the footwear for production to the last models included in the last database, and alternatively storing the information on the suitable last model in the customer database in response to the fact that the last database includes a last model which fits the foot measure data, or controlling the data system to determine a new last model and store the information on the new last model in the customer database and last data- base in response to the fact that a last model which matches the measurement data of the foot is not found in the last database.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterized by controlling production lots on the basis of the last models included in the orders.

10. A measurement apparatus for determining foot measurement data needed for mass production of custom-made footwear, the measurement apparatus comprising imaging means which are arranged to form a three- dimensional image of at least one foot, characterized in that the measurement apparatus further comprises a data system which is arranged to I 1 HAK ^UϋJ

17 determine first measurement data for the foot from foot reference points determined from the image in advance, the first measurement data comprising at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures; determine size and foot type information for the foot from the first measurement data, the foot type information determining a foot width profile in relation to the foot length; and determine standard measurement data for production of footwear which fits the foot on the basis of the foot type and shoe size information.

11. A measurement apparatus according to claim 10, charac- terized in that the data system is arranged to determine the several foot circumference measures from reference points whose place is determined in advance as a percentage relation with respect to the foot length and for which a measurement angle has been determined in advance in relation to the sole level.

12. A measurement apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the data system is arranged to determine the foot circumference measure from at least ten different points.

13. A measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the data system is arranged to determine in advance several foot type classes as limit values of a class parameter, which is determined as a relation between the first measurement data, calculate a class parameter value for the foot as a relation between the determined first measurement data, determine foot type information for the foot by comparing the class parameter of the foot to the limit values of class parameters of pre-determined foot type classes.

14. A measurement apparatus according to claim 13, charac- t e r i z e d in that the number of the above-mentioned foot type classes is fewer than 10, preferably 4 to 8.

15. A measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the data system is arranged to determine second measurement data for the foot as differences between several first measurement data on the foot and respective standard measurement data determined for the footwear to be produced; compare the second measurement data to predetermined tolerance limits; and re-determine, in response to exceeding at least one tolerance limit, foot type information for the foot.

16. A measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to

15, characterized in that the data system is arranged to store the first measurement data and size and foot type information on the foot together with customer identification data in a customer database provided in the footwear manufacturer's data system.

17. A measurement apparatus according to any one of claim 10 to

16, characterized in that the imaging means is an electro-optical scanner.

18. A measurement apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to

17, characterized in that the measurement apparatus comprises a computer program arranged to receive three-dimensional image information on at least one foot from the imaging means and perform, on the basis of the image information, the above-mentioned determinations to form standard measurement data for producing of footwear which fits the foot.

19. A computer program for determining foot measurement data needed for mass production of custom-made footwear, characterized in that the computer program comprises a program code for receiving three-dimensional image information from an imaging means, the three-dimensional image information comprising a three-dimensional image of the foot; a program code for determining first measurement data for the foot from foot reference points determined from the image in advance, the first measurement data comprising at least the foot length and several foot circumference measures; a program code for determining size and foot type information for the foot from the first measurement data, the foot type information determining a foot width profile in relation to the foot length; and a program code for determining standard measurement data for production of footwear which fits the foot on the basis of the foot type and shoe size information.