WO2014201498A1

WO2014201498A1 - Method for generating foot characteristic information

Info

Publication number: WO2014201498A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000629
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Kinchington
Original assignee: Mamck Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-17
Filing date: 2014-06-17
Publication date: 2014-12-24

Abstract

A method and apparatus for generating foot characteristic information is disclosed. The footwear characteristic information may take the form of the structure of a foot, and the method may comprise obtaining and analyzing an image of a foot and outputting the foot characteristic information. A method and apparatus for generating footwear wear information is also disclosed. The footwear wear information may take the form of information relating to the deterioration of a shoe and the method comprises the steps of providing footwear use data and establishing footwear wear information.

Description

METHOD FOR GENERATING FOOT CHARACTERISTC INFORMATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

A method and apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot is disclosed. The footwear information may take the form of shoe selections that match the structure of a foot. The method and apparatus may be employed to assist consumers to make informed decisions in the footwear industry and the disclosure is herein described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to that use and may be applied to other industries such as the medical industry and the like. A method and apparatus for generating footwear wear information is also disclosed. The footwear wear information may take the form of information relating to the deterioration of a shoe.

BACKGROUND ART

The footwear industry is extensive and includes a large number of manufacturers and retailers. It is difficult for consumers to comprehend the quantity of products and amount of information available. For instance, upon visiting a running shoe store, a consumer shopping for running shoes will be faced with a wall that includes hundreds of options of running shoes. The consumer is then reliant on their knowledge of the products, or the opinions of a salesperson. Because of the number of shoes available, all with technical jargon, which is almost impossible for the consumer to decipher, it is very difficult for a consumer to select the most appropriate shoe for their foot.

An attempt has been made to remedy this problem. For example, some specialist running shoe retailers now limit the selection of shoes available to include only the shoes that they believe are good for the customers feet. In addition to this, some specialist retailers employ podiatrists and use specialist equipment to assess each customer to ensure that the shoes are tailored to the customer's foot shape and activity. There are a number of drawbacks with this method of tailoring shoe information for customers in the retail environment. It is expensive to employ podiatrists and purchase specialist equipment. Therefore, the cost of the shoes must increase to account for the additional business costs. Further, the customer must attend the retail store to have their feet assessed before they can make an informed purchase. The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the software application of the apparatus as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, there is disclosed a method for generating foot characteristic information. The method for generating foot characteristic information may include the steps of, obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system and outputting the foot characteristic information.

In some embodiments there is disclosed a method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot. The method may include the steps of obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system, associating the foot characteristic information to information relating to footwear held in a database and outputting footwear information suitable for a foot in dependence on the association.

In some embodiments there is disclosed a method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot. The method may include the steps of receiving foot characteristic information, associating the foot characteristic information to information relating to footwear held in a database and outputting footwear information suitable for a foot in dependence on the association.

In some embodiments there is disclosed an apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot. The apparatus includes a memory for storing a software application for determining foot characteristic information. The apparatus also includes a processor for running the software application, wherein the software application obtains foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system. The processor also associates the foot characteristic information to information relating with footwear held in a database. The apparatus also includes an output means for outputting the footwear information. In some embodiments there is disclosed a method for generating footwear wear information. The method for generating footwear wear information includes the steps of providing footwear use data, establishing footwear wear data using the footwear use data held in a database and outputting the footwear wear information.

In some embodiments there is disclosed an apparatus for generating footwear wear information. The apparatus for generating footwear wear information includes a memory for storing a software application for generating footwear wear data. The apparatus also includes a processor for analysing footwear use data, and establishing footwear wear data using the footwear use data held in a database. The apparatus also includes an output means for outputting the footwear wear information.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments of the method and additive will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for generating foot characteristic information;

Fig. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a pattern recognition system;

Fig. 3 illustrates a flow diagram for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot;

Fig. 4 illustrates another flow diagram for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot; Fig. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot;

Fig. 6 illustrates display on a mobile device; and

Fig. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of the method for generating footwear wear information;

Fig. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for generating footwear wear information; and

Fig. 9 illustrates display of the GPS tracker on a mobile device associated with the apparatus for generating footwear wear information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The disclosure is directed generally to assisting consumers to make informed decisions in the footwear industry, an industry with a large number of manufacturers and retailers that is difficult for consumers to navigate. While attempts have been made to improve the filtering of technical information available to customers in the retail environment, including onsite podiatric assessments using specialist equipment, these attempts have been unsuccessful in that they add to the cost for both retailers and consumers. In addition to this, specialist equipment is expensive, making it unaffordable to many shoe stores. Recently, access to high speed internet has increased the availability of online stores to consumers. Footwear has become one of the most popular products purchased online. Despite this, the problem remains the same. Vast amounts of information are available on the internet, making it even more difficult for consumers to find the footwear that is suitable for their feet. If consumers want to make an informed purchase online, they first need to see a podiatrist, or visit a retail store with access to specialist equipment before making the online purchase.

Surprisingly, a method and apparatus has been discovered whereby simple and readily available infrastructure can be used to solve the problem of providing consumers with useful information in relation to footwear. In addition to this, the method and apparatus make the information available to consumers outside of retail outlets. As such, the method and apparatus allow consumers to access the useful information remotely, on a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet.

In at least one embodiment, a method for generating foot characteristic information is disclosed comprising the steps of obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system and outputting the foot characteristic information.

In some forms, the pattern recognition system divides the image into elements.

In some forms, the pattern recognition system generates a foot subset from a portion of the elements.

In at least one embodiment, the pattern recognition system distinguishes the elements into a first and a second category of elements.

In at least one embodiment, the pattern recognition system determines the number of first and second category elements to obtain the foot characteristic information.

In at least one embodiment, the foot characteristic information represents the structure of a foot.

In at least one embodiment, the structure corresponds to a low, medium or high arch. In some forms, the image is a photo captured on a mobile device.

In some forms, the mobile device includes a software application to perform the method for generating foot characteristic information.

In at least one embodiment a method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system, and associating the foot characteristic information to information relating to footwear held in a database, and outputting footwear information suitable for a foot in dependence on the association.

In some forms, the database is held on the mobile device.

In some forms, the database is held on another device separate to the mobile device.

In at least one embodiment, the footwear information comprises information relating to shoes.

In at least one embodiment, the information relating to shoes is compared to the foot characteristic infomiation to establish at least one selected shoe.

In at least one embodiment, the mobile device includes a software application to perform the method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot.

In at least one embodiment, a method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot disclosed. The method for selecting footwear infomiation suitable for a foot disclosed comprises the steps of receiving foot characteristic information, associating the foot characteristic information to information relating to footwear held in a database, and outputting footwear information suitable for a foot in dependence on the association.

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for selecting footwear infomiation suitable for a foot is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing a software application for determining foot characteristic information, a processor for running the software application, wherein the software application obtains foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system, and associates the foot characteristic information to information relating with footwear held in a database, and an output means for outputting the footwear information.

In some forms, the image is a photo captured a camera that forms part of the apparatus.

In some forms, the database is held in the memory.

In some forms, the database is held in an external database.

In at least one embodiment, a method for generating footwear wear information is disclosed. The method for generating footwear wear information comprises the steps of providing footwear use data, establishing footwear wear data using the footwear use data held in a database, and outputting the footwear wear information.

In some forms, at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located remotely of a shoe.

In some forms, at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located within a shoe.

In some forms, at least a portion of the footwear use data is collected through an input into a software application.

In some forms, at least a portion of the footwear use data is weight.

In some forms, at least a portion of the footwear use data is distance.

In some forms, the database is held on a mobile device.

In some forms, the database is held on another device separate to the mobile device. In some forms, the footwear wear information is associated with an expected deterioration of the shoe.

In at least one embodiment, the mobile device includes a software application to perform the method for generating footwear wear information

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating footwear wear information is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing a software application for generating footwear wear data, a processor for analysing footwear use data, and establishing footwear wear data using the footwear use data held in a database, and an output means for outputting the footwear wear information.

In some forms, the database is held on the memory.

In some forms, the database is held on an external database separate to the database held on the memory.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, a method for generating foot characteristic information, in the form of a structure of a foot, is shown. The method for generating foot characteristic information 1 includes the steps of, obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system and outputting the foot characteristic information 13.

The image to be analysed by the pattern recognition system may be colour, greyscale, two dimensional or three dimensional. In the example below, the image is in the form of a two dimensional greyscale image of a foot print. The image is divided 5 by the pattern recognition system into elements 14. The elements, in the form of a grid, are overlayed on the image. Alternatively, the pattern recognition system could use the pixilation of the image to form the elements. The pattern recognition system generates a foot subset 7 from a portion of the elements. The foot subset is in the form of the portion of the foot that relates to the main body of a foot, being the region of a foot 18 that does not include the toes.

The pattern recognition system distinguishes the elements into a first and a second category of elements 8. The first category of elements are in the form of dark elements. The second category of elements are in the form of light elements. This can be determined by calculating the average intensity of colour for each of the elements in the foot subset and then using this average to determine the category to which the elements are attributed.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 6, the pattern recognition system is described in more detail. The pattern recognition system determines the number of dark and light elements to obtain the foot characteristic information. For a grey scale image, the dark elements are treated as black elements 17 and the light elements are treated as white elements 19. The ratio, or percentage, of dark to light elements provides the foot characteristic information, which is in the form of the structure of a foot. The structure of a foot corresponds to a high 69, flat 65 or medium 67 arched foot. The arch of a foot is formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones. The tarsal and metatarsal bones, in combination with the surrounding ligements and tendons, allow the foot to support the body weight of a human. Flat arches 65 represent a collapsed foot, where a large portion of the sole of a foot is in contact with the ground. In this situation, the ratio of dark elements to light elements will be relatively high. High arches 69 represent an erect foot, where a small portion of the sole of a foot is in contact with the ground. In this situation, the ratio of dark element to light elements will be relatively high compared with a flat arch. Medium arches 67 correspond to a foot where the arch is between a high arch and a flat arch.

A typical foot arch and the corresponding percentage of dark elements to light elements is as follows:

The image is typically a photo captured on a mobile device, in the form of a smart phone or tablet. The smart phone includes a camera for taking photos and a memory for storing the photos. The user of the smart phone can take a photo of their foot print to form the image. There are a variety of methods for obtaining a foot print. For example, the user could step in water with bare feet, and then step onto concrete to create an impression of their footprint. Following this, the user could take a photo using a smart phone of their footprint to create the image. The smart phone, includes a software application to perform the method for generating foot characteristic information. After the user has created the image of their foot on a smart phone, the image can be uploaded to the software application in the smart phone that implements the method for generating foot characteristic information. The software application outputs the shape that corresponds to the image of the footprint. This advantageously allows the user to select footwear that is designed for their foot shape. In embodiments not described but contemplated herein, it is possible to use the method of generating foot characteristic information to generate other useful information, such as the length, size or width of a foot, all of which relate to the foot structure.

Referring now to Fig. 3, a flow diagram for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot is shown. Rather than outputting the foot structure, the method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot associates (at step 31) the foot structure to information relating to footwear in a database.

The information relating to footwear is in the form of a list of shoes and their associated characteristics. For example, running shoes can be classified by structural characteristics, quality and cost. Running shoes can be split into at least three structural categories; shoes that are suitable for a high arch, shoes that are suitable for a medium arch, and shoes that are suitable for a flat foot. In addition to this, running shoes can be split into quality categories, whereby high quality shoes may offer more luxurious features or last for a long length of time before needing to be replaced. Low quality shoes offer less luxurious features or last for a short length of time before needing to be replaced. The information relating to characteristics and quality are combined to form the information relating to footwear.

The list of shoes and their associated characteristics is held on a database. The database may be placed on a mobile device, for example in the memory of a smart phone or tablet, or alternatively on another device, for example in the memory of a remote server. The database may be in the form of lookup tables. If the database is held on a remote server, the mobile device is able to communicate with the remote server. In at least one embodiment, rather than database being in the form of lookup table, the database is able to be compiled over the internet with the most 'up to date' data. For example, the database may be compiled by accessing multiple databases, which are provided by separate shoe manufacturers. This information (i.e. the characteristics of the latest range of shoes) is then downloaded onto the external server (accessible to the mobile device) or onto the mobile device itself.

The list of shoes and their associated characteristics is associated 31 with the structure of a foot obtained using pattern recognition technology. Following the association, the footwear information suitable for a foot, in the form of at least one selected shoe, is outputted 35. The output may be in the form of text, pictures or links displayed on an output means, such as the display of a smart phone or computer. Alternatively, the output means may be a speaker for outputting a verbal description of the selected shoes.

A mobile device, in the form of a smart phone or tablet, includes a software application to perform the method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot. The software application is able to access the database either locally, if it is held in the memory of the smart phone, or via radio waves and on the internet, if the database is held on another device.

As such, the user of the software application can take a photo of their footprint to form an image, as previously described, to select shoes that correspond with the structure of their foot. The software application advantageously provides the user with the ability to remotely obtain shoe selections that match the structure of their foot. For example, the user does not have to attend a physical retail outlet, or podiatrist, to receive advice on shoes that match the structure of their feet. The selected shoes that are outputted each match the structure of the users foot. The user is then able to browse the information relating to shoe quality and shoe cost to enable them to make an informed decision before purchasing a pair of shoes. Additionally, the user may also be able to select the shoes outputted and then be directed to a website through which the shoes can be purchased.

In an alternate embodiment, the method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot may not include the step of obtaining the foot structure using a pattern recognition system. Referring now to Fig. 4, the alternate method for selecting footwear information suitable 35 for a foot is shown. Alternatively, the foot characteristic information, in the form of foot structure, is received as an input 37. The input may be in the form of information describing the foot structure. A mobile device, in the form of a smart phone or tablet, includes a software application to perform this method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot. The user of the software application is able to enter their foot structure, i.e. arch type, foot length or foot width, into the software application. The software application then associates 38 the foot structure received with information held in a database. Following the association, the software application outputs 39 at least one shoe selection that corresponds to the users foot structure as previously described.

Referring now to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, an apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot is shown. The apparatus 50, in the form of a smart phone, includes a memory 51 for storing a software application 53 for determining foot structure. The smart phone also includes a processor 55 for running the software application, wherein the software application obtains foot structure by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system. As has been previously described, the foot structure could also be entered by the user 57 in an alternate embodiment. The processer 55 associates the foot structure to a list of shoes and their associated characteristics held in either an internal 59 or external 61 database. The smart phone also includes an output means, in the form of a display 63, for outputting the shoes that corresponds with the structure of a foot. The apparatus may also include a camera to capture the image of a foot.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is in the form of a smart phone or tablet that is in communication with an external server. The external server comprises a database that is maintained to ensure that the most 'up to date' manufacturer information is available. This arrangement is particularly advantageous as it manipulates existing and readily available infrastructure to solve the problem of providing consumers with useful information in relation to footwear.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a method for generating footwear wear information is shown. A characteristic of footwear is the capacity to support the foot, offer load attenuation by cushioning the body from ground forces and guide the foot and by association the entire musculoskeletal system of the body during locomotion activities. Therefore the integrity of the material which comprises footwear is critical to footwear longevity. Footwear can be divided into three main components (outsole, midsole and upper). Numerous factors govern footwear longevity including but not limited to body weight, foot type and function. For example, the shoe of a person weighing in excess of 100kg will not last as long as a person weighing 70kg. This is because load forces and body weight will result in material deformation. A person who weighs 70kg walking in the shoe will have a load forces approximately 1.5 times body weight per step. A person weighing the same, but whom primarily uses a shoe for running, will be subjected to load forces in excess of 2.5 times body weight. Therefore, the footwear will have quicker material deformation when used for running.

A person who has a flat foot and hyper-pronates when walking or running generally requires a firmer more stable shoe material than a person who has a high arch-rigid foot which is generally a poor absorber. Therefore, if a person with a flat-hyperpronated foot used a shoe intended for a high arch shoe (lighter in weight due to the material design), the shoe will deform at a faster rate than otherwise desired.

Therefore, bodyweight and foot type are important factors in determining shoe longevity and integrity. The method 70 for generating footwear wear information, in the form of information associated with the deterioration the shoe, includes the step of providing footwear use data 71, in the form of a person's weight and a shoe's travel distance. The method further includes the step of establishing the expected deterioration of a shoe 73. This may be perforaied by using the information associated with a person's weight and the distance a shoe has travelled, and associating it with footwear longevity data held in a database. Once the information regarding the deterioration of a shoe has been established, it is produced as an output 75.

The footwear use data may be split into at least two portions. The first portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device. The GPS tracking device measures the distance a shoe has travelled and may be located within, or remotely of, the shoe. For example, the GPS tracking device may be integrated into the sole of a shoe, in the form of a chip. Alternatively, the GPS tracking device may be a smart phone. The second portion of the footwear use data is provided through an input into a software application. The input is in the form of a data entrance which details a person's weight. The software application is stored in the memory, and run on the processor, of a smart phone. In another embodiment, the software application could be alternatively processed by a computer. Also, while the second portion of data is described as being a person's weight, in other embodiments this may include other data, for example a person's height, stride length, gender, foot structure, and the type of shoe use, such as running, walking, football, soccer, business etc.

The footwear longevity data is held on a database. The database may be placed on a mobile device, for example in the memory of a smart phone or tablet, or alternatively on another device, for example in the memory of an external server. If the database is held on an external device, it is accessible via radio waves and over the internet by a smart phone. The database is in the form of lookup tables. The footwear longevity data includes information relating to the integrity and longevity of shoes. As previously described, each shoe will have a different longevity data, in the form of the distance over which a shoe my travel before significant deterioration occurs, for different people and activities. All of this data is stored in the database for a range of shoes.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, an apparatus for generating footwear wear information is shown. The apparatus 80 comprises a memory 81 for storing a software application 83 for generating footwear wear data, a processor 85 for analysing footwear use data, and establishing footwear wear data by using footwear longevity data held in a database 81 or 89, and an output means 83 for outputting the footwear wear information.

The software application 83, in the forai of an app, not only provides features enabling foot structure characteristics (as previously described with reference to the method for generating foot characteristic information and methods for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot) but also provides a guide to shoe longevity based on body weight and wear (measured in distance). The apparatus includes a GPS tracking device, which logs distance accumulation, and provides general advice on shoe longevity through an output means, such as the display of a smart phone. As such, the apparatus monitors shoe wear distance for a shoe model selected 93 by a person. The GPS tracker, which may form part of a shoe or a smart phone, tracks each running-walking event and thus measures the distance particular to the shoe selected 93, and provides information when the shoe has expired based upon body weight and distance travelled. This information is outputted via a display means to the user. When the app is run on a smart phone, the GPS tracker, also located on the smart phone, may be started by toggling a 'tap to start running' 95 button on the screen of the smart phone. This screen may also include the location into which a person can enter inputs such as shoe type and 93 and body weight 91. The person then takes the mobile phone with them so that the GPS tracker can measure the distance the shoes travel. When the person finishes the activity, the GPS tracker is stopped by toggling the 'tap to stop running' 97 button on the screen of the smart phone.

This process is simplified when the GPS tracking device is embedded in the sole of a shoe. In this situation, the chip either stores the information, which is then uploaded into the memory of the apparatus, or communicates remotely via radio waves or the internet with the apparatus.

The thresholds for footwear longevity data, in the form of shoe longevity, are determined based upon information within the literature, manufacturer guidelines and clinical experience accumulated over 25 years by specialist podiatrists.

Alternatively, by not using the GPS system, a person can manually enter their body weight and set weekly distance (run or walked) which will then calculate the longevity of the shoe model the person has selected within the app. The information may be stored as a reminder in the memory of the apparatus, indicating when the shoe is due for renewal. This feature has the benefits of assisting with both shoe comfort and health implications to guard against or miminise injury and improve the overall experience of wearing footwear. The apparatus may be implemented in the sport (professional and recreational) industry, for occupational health and safety and in medicine to provide footwear health advice.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus.

Claims

1. A method for generating foot characteristic information comprising the steps of:

obtaining foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system; and

outputting the foot characteristic information.

2. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern recognition system divides the image into elements.

3. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to claim 2, wherein the pattern recognition system generates a foot subset from a portion of the elements.

4. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the pattern recognition system distinguishes the elements into a first and a second category of elements.

5. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to claim 4, wherein the pattern recognition system determines the number of first and second category elements to obtain the foot characteristic inforaiation.

6. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foot characteristic information represents the structure of a foot.

7. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to claim 6, wherein the structure corresponds to a low, medium or high arch.

8. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image is a photo captured on a mobile device.

9. A method for generating foot characteristic information according to claim 8, wherein the mobile device includes a software application to perfomi the method as defined in claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot comprising the steps of:

associating the foot characteristic information to information relating to footwear held in a database; and

outputting footwear information suitable for a foot in dependence on the association.

11. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 10, wherein the pattern recognition system divides the image into elements.

12. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 11, wherein the pattern recognition system generates a foot subset from a portion of the elements.

13. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the pattern recognition system distinguishes the elements into a first and a second category of elements.

14. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 13, wherein the pattern recognition system determines the number of first and second category elements to obtain the foot characteristic information.

15. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any of the claims 10 to 14, wherein the foot characteristic information represents the structure of a foot.

16. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 15, wherein the structure corresponds to a low, medium or high arch.

17. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of the claims 10 to 16, wherein the image is a photo captured on a mobile device.

18. A method selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the database is held on the mobile device.

19. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the database is held on another device separate to the mobile device.

20. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the footwear information comprises information relating to shoes.

21. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the information relating to shoes is compared to the foot characteristic information to establish at least one selected shoe.

22. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any of claims 10 to 21, wherein the mobile device includes a software application to perfomi the method.

23. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot comprising the steps of:

receiving foot characteristic information; and

24. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any of the claims 23, wherein the foot characteristic information represents the structure of a foot.

25. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 24, wherein the structure corresponds to a low, medium or high arch.

26. A method selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the database is held on the mobile device.

27. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the database is held on another device separate to the mobile device.

28. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the footwear information comprises information relating to shoes.

29. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the information relating to shoes is compared to the foot characteristic information to establish at least one selected shoe.

30. A method for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the mobile device includes a software application to perform the method.

31. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot comprising:

a memory for storing a software application for determining foot characteristic information;

a processor for running the software application, wherein the software application obtains foot characteristic information by analysing an image of a foot using a pattern recognition system, and associates the foot characteristic information to information relating with footwear held in a database; and

an output means for outputting the footwear information.

32. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot to claim 31, wherein the pattern recognition system divides the image into elements.

33. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 32, wherein the pattern recognition system generates a foot subset from a portion of the elements.

34. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the pattern recognition system distinguishes the elements into a first and a second category of elements.

35. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 34, wherein the pattern recognition system determines the number of first and second category elements to obtain the foot characteristic information.

36. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any of the claims 31 to 35, wherein the foot characteristic information represents the structure of a foot.

37. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to claim 36, wherein the structure corresponds to a low, medium or high arch.

38. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of the claims 31 to 37, wherein the image is a photo captured a camera that forms part of the apparatus.

39. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the database is held in the memory.

40. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the database is held in an external database.

41. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the footwear information comprises information relating to shoes.

42. An apparatus for selecting footwear information suitable for a foot according to any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the information relating to shoes is compared to the foot characteristic information to establish at least one selected shoe.

43. A method for generating footwear wear information comprising the steps of:

providing footwear use data; and

establishing footwear wear information by using the footwear use data and associating it with footwear longevity data held in a database; and

outputting the footwear wear information.

44. A method for generating footwear wear information according to claim 43, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located remotely of a shoe.

45. A method for generating footwear wear information according to claim 43, wherein a at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located within a shoe.

46. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims

43 to 45, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided through an input into a software application.

47. A method for generating footwear wear information according to claim 46, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is weight.

48. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims

44 to 47, wherein the first portion of the footwear use data is distance.

49. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein the database is held on a mobile device.

50. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein the database is held on another device separate to the mobile device.

51. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 43 to 50, wherein the footwear wear information is associated with the expected deterioration the shoe.

52. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any of claims 43 to 51, wherein the mobile device includes a software application to perform the method as defined in claims 43 to 51.

53. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information comprising:

a memory for storing a software application for generating footwear wear data;

a processor for analysing footwear use data, and establishing footwear wear data by using footwear longevity data held in a database; and

an output means for outputting the footwear wear information.

54. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located remotely of a shoe.

55. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is provided using a GPS tracking device that is located within a shoe.

56. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is collected through an input into a software application.

57. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to claim 56, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is weight.

58. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein at least a portion of the footwear use data is distance.

59. A method for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein the database is held on the memory.

60. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the database is held on an external database separate to the database held on the memory.

61. An apparatus for generating footwear wear information according to any one of claims 53 to 60, wherein the footwear wear information is associated with the expected deterioration the shoe.