Utilization of Finite Element Method for Analysis of Shoe Size Assessment Method Based on Magnetic Field Measurements

Paper presents utilization of Finite Element Method (FEM) for analysis of usefulness of shoe size assessment method, based on magnetovision measurements. Measurement method based on disturbances of the uniform magnetic field (e.g. Earth’s magnetic field) is presented. Disturbances are caused by loose material of high magnetic permeability placed inside the tested shoe, which adapts to the insides of the shoe. The disturbed magnetic field is measured by the matrix of magnetometers. The values of magnetic field are an input into inverse transformation algorithm which fits the position of matrix sensors into the reference (obtained by FEM) distribution of magnetic field. Based on the fitted parameters of sensors matrix a ratio between the measured and reference shoe size was determined. A FEM-based forward transformation is presented, which allows for generation of three-dimensional array of magnetic field distribution. Initial tests of inverse transformation were conducted successfully. Next steps consisted of tests of inverse transformation method with an inclusion of the typical measurement noise. A FEM-based forward transformation was conducted of a modified shoe model (including simplified screw model). Inverse transformation was conducted but both influence of measurement noise, as well as the presence of additional high permeability material, resulted that the presented shoe size assessment method is not suitable for practical implementation.