WO2016024897A1

WO2016024897A1 - A method and a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern

Info

Publication number: WO2016024897A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/050834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Krister ANGEL; Erik BLOMQVIST
Original assignee: Babota, Balance Body Tape Ab
Priority date: 2014-08-15
Filing date: 2015-07-28
Publication date: 2016-02-18
Also published as: SE1450954A1; SE538141C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body comprising a machine(1) for producing the tape, a memory location (5) for storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns associated with a part of the body, a memory location (6) for storing tape templates defining a contour of a tape for correcting a motion pattern, a display unit (12) for providing information about said motion patterns, and allowing a user to choose the motion patterns, an image device (14) for capturing an image of a part of the body,an image processing module (7), and a tape production module (8) adapted receiving information about a chosen motion pattern, to select templates, determine the contour, generate instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour, and transfer instructions to the machine for production.

Description

A method and a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method and a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body. Prior Art

Corrections of a motion pattern of a body can be performed by applying a tape on a part of a body that needs correcting. Receptors present under the skin can be stimulated or inhibited by a tape applied on the skin. The receptor signals are sent to the brain, which in turn sends a signal to the muscles in the area of the tape. This correction technique has successfully been used in rehabilitation of injured patients and for sportsmen to optimise their technique.

The tape needs to be applied in such a manner that the right muscles are stimulated and other muscles are inhibited during use of the body part. Every part of the body comprises many muscles that collaborate during movement or a motion of the body part. Therefore, in order to apply a tape for correction of a motion pattern in a correct manner, extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the body is needed. In other words, qualified persons, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and the like, are needed to apply the tape on the skin.

Tapes for correction of motion patterns are readily available on rolls having a constant width, typically 50mm. These tapes can be manually adjusted in size and shape by a qualified expert, for example a physiotherapist, cutting the tape. A problem with these tapes is that individual differences in anatomy and in correcting problems are disregarded. Another problem with the application of these tapes is that the qualified experts are not always available to cut the tape and apply the tape on the skin to make sure that the right muscles are stimulated or inhibited. Without the aid of a qualified expert it is difficult, if not impossible, to provide a tape that can be used for correction of a motion pattern of the body. Damage may even be caused by incorrect application of a tape on a body part.

EP2269550 discloses a method and a device for determining a set of bandages for a particular injury, whereby the method provides a decision tree to determine what kind of bandage can be used for which kind of injury. No bandage is actually provided by the method.

US7,910,789 discloses a method for producing a wound dressing based on a set of characteristics of a wound, such as shape and size. An image from the wound is taken and transported to a computing device. These characteristics are determined based on the image. A wound dressing specification is generated based on the determined characteristics, which can be used as an instruction to a wound dressing fabricating device.

This method is not suitable for production of tapes for corrections of different motion patterns, which involve identification of several characteristics present under the skin, such as muscles, tendons and bones. Also, the relations between these sub-dermal tissues need to be taken into account for the production of a correction tape. Beside, expert knowledge of the anatomy of the body is required in order to know how a motion pattern of a body part can be corrected.

Object and summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above mentioned problems, and to provide an improved method for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body.

This object is achieved by a method as defined in claim 1.

The method comprises:

- storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns to be corrected, each motion pattern being associated with at least one part of the body,

- storing a plurality of tape templates for correcting said predefined motion patterns, each tape template defining a contour of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern,

- displaying information about the predefined motion patterns to be corrected, and allowing a user to choose one of the predefined motion patterns,

- receiving information about a chosen motion pattern,

- selecting one of the tape templates based on the chosen motion pattern,

- capturing a digital image of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern,

- determining at least one defined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern based on the digital image,

- determining the contour of the tape by adjusting the shape and size of the selected tape template in dependence on the determined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body and one or more predefined rules for how to adjust the tape templates,

- generating instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour of the tape, and

- transferring the instructions to a machine for producing the tape.

A motion pattern is a motion of a body part which is often repeated. Examples of motion patterns which can be corrected is motions during practice of sports, such as incorrect motions of a wrist, shoulder, or elbow during a golf swing, or an incorrect motion of a body part causing a medical problem, such as a poor posture of a back, or supination of an ankle.

A plurality of predefined tape templates with different contours are stored. Each of the templates has a contour specifically adapted to a certain motion pattern to be corrected and to the body part on which the tape is to be applied. With the contour of the tape is meant the contour line of the tape. The contour of a tape defines the shape of the tape.

One or more geometrical characteristic(s) of the part of the body are defined for each of the motion patterns. With geometrical characteristic(s) of a part of the body is meant measurable geometrical properties, such as defined positions of the body part, length and width of the body part, or other distances between defined anatomic landmarks of the body part. Preferably, the number of geometrical characteristics defined for each motion pattern to be corrected is at least two, and more preferably the number of geometrical characteristics defined for each motion pattern to be corrected is at least three.

By choosing a motion pattern, for example inhibit supination (inwards turning) of the ankle joint, a suitable tape template will be selected automatically. The selected tape template will inhibit completely or partly the supination of the ankle. An image of a body part, e.g. the ankle, will be used for determination of defined geometrical characteristics of the body part. Which geometrical characteristics to be determined depends on the chosen motion pattern. The selected tape template and the determined geometrical characteristics of the body part are then used to determine the contour of the final tape using predefined rules for how to adjust the shape and size of the tape templates. Once the contour of the tape is determined, instructions can be generated and sent to a machine for production of the tape.

The method provides for automatic production of individually adapted tapes for correcting different types of motion patterns for different body parts. Due to the fact that the templates for correcting the motions are developed by experts, the tapes are produced with expert knowledge of the anatomy of the body. The tape is individually adapted to the size and shape of the body part to which it is to be applied. Thus, the shape and size of the body part is taken into account when the tape is produced. This improves the functioning of the tape and improves thus the correction or healing process. The user or a coach may identify a motion pattern to be corrected. Neither the user nor the coach need to have any expert knowledge on how to design the tape. All the user needs to do is choose which motion pattern to be corrected and take a picture of the relevant body part. The method makes it possible for anybody to order a tape for corrections of a motion pattern for a body part. Costly visits to experts or institutions that provide correction devices such as shoes, bandages or tapes are no longer needed. Costs for healthcare can therefore be reduced.

The method according to the invention is adapted to take individual differences in anatomy as well as different correction problems into account. A wide variety of sports can be addressed since there are few limitations due to the size of the tape. This tape comes in sheets and can be quite big, up to 60 cm. That gives greater possibilities to correct large muscle groups compared to 5cm rolls.

The rules for how to adjust a tape template define how the contour of the tape template is to be adjusted in dependence on the determined geometrical characteristics of the body part. For example, the rules define how to adjust the length, width and curvature of the contour of the tape template based on the defined geometrical characteristic of the body part. The rules may, for example, include an algorithm and/or a mathematical model.

I n one embodiment, each of the tape templates comprises at least one parameter for adjusting shape and size of at least a portion of the contour of the tape, and the method comprises determining a va lue for the at least one parameter of the selected tape template based on the determined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern and the one or more rules for how to adjust the tape templates, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined value for the parameter. Suitably, each tape template comprises at least three parameters.

I n another embodiment, each of the tape tem plates com prises a plura lity of parameters for adjusting the shape and size of the contour of the tape, and the method comprises determining a plurality of geometrical characteristics of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern based on the digital image, determining values for the plurality of parameter of the selected tape template based on the geometrical characteristics of the pa rt of the body associated with the selected motion pattern and said predefined rules, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined values for the parameters.

The tape templates may comprise one or more parameters, such as length and width of different parts of the tape. The parameters are related to certain geometrical characteristics of the relevant body part, such as length and width of the body part. The defined geometrica l characteristic(s) of the body part are determined from the image a nd are used to determine values of the parameter(s). The value of a parameter can be determined by applying a rule to the determined geometrical characteristic. The rule can, for example, be to multiply the value of a certain geometrical characteristic with a predefined coefficient. For example, one geometrical characteristic can be a width of the wrist. From the image, a value of 50 mm is determined for the width of the wrist. The template has a parameter P related to the width of the wrist. The rule ca n be to multiply the measured width of the wrist with 1.2. The pa rameter P is then calculated by 1.2*50mm=60mm.The parameter and all subsequent parameters are combined in an algorithm to determine the contour of the tape that needs to be produced. I n one embodiment, one or more geometrical characteristics of the part of the body are defined for each of the motion patterns, each of the tape tem plates comprises one or more parameters for adjusting the shape and size of at least a portion of the contour of the ta pe, and the method comprises determining values for the parameters of the selected tape template based on the determined geometrical characteristics defined for the selected motion pattern and said predefined rules, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined value for the parameter. In another embodiment, a plurality of geometrical characteristics of the part of the body are defined for each of the motion patterns, each of the tape templates comprises a plurality of parameters for adjusting the shape and size of the contour of the tape, and the method comprises determining values for the geometrical characteristics of the part of the body for the selected motion pattern based on the digital image, determining values for the plurality of parameters of the selected tape template based on the plurality of geometrical characteristics of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern and said predefined rules, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined values for the parameters.

In a further embodiment, the parameters are related to a length, width and curvature of the contour of the tape template. Thus, the tape templates comprise parameters for adjusting length, width and curvature of the contour of the tape template.

In one embodiment, said instructions comprise instructions for cutting the tape and said machine is a cutting machine. Preferably, the instructions relevant for the determined contour of the tape can be sent directly to a machine that cuts the tape as desired. In another embodiment, said digital image is a 3D-image. The anatomy of the body is necessarily three dimensional. Most movements or motions are three dimensional (3D). For optimal corrections of the motions of a body part it is advantageous to use a 3D image for determining the geometrical characteristics of the body part. Through 3D images individual differences in the anatomy can be taken into account with even more precision. 3D images improve the accuracy of the determination of the geometrical characteristics of the body part even further. The value related to the 3D geometrical characteristics can be used to produce a tape that has improved ability to correct a motion pattern.

In one embodiment, the user choses more than one motion pattern. Sometimes, or for some injuries, it may be desired or needed to correct more than one motion pattern. In the method of the invention, two, three or four motion patterns can be chosen. The tape template will be selected based on a combination of the chosen motion patterns. The method thus allows to adapt the tape to individual differences between individuals for the correction of one or more motion pattern.

This object is also achieved by a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body as defined in claim 7.

The system comprises:

a machine for producing the tape, a memory location for storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns to be corrected, each motion pattern being associated with at least one part of the body,

a memory location for storing a plurality of tape templates for correcting said predefined motion patterns, each tape template defining a contour of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern,

a display unit for displaying a user interface for providing information about said predefined motion patterns to be corrected, and allowing a user to choose at least one of the predefined motion patterns,

an imaging device for capturing a digital image of a part of the body,

an image processing module adapted to determine at least one geometrical characteristic of the part of the body based on the digital image,

a tape production module adapted to receive information about a chosen motion pattern, to select one of said tape templates based on the chosen motion pattern, to determine the contour of the tape by adjusting the shape and size of the selected tape template in dependence on the determined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body and one or more predefined rules for how to adjust the tape templates, to generate instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour of the tape, and to transfer the instructions to the machine for producing the tape. The system may comprise a server unit for storage of motions patterns and tape templates. The system may further comprise one or more client devices, each client device including a display unit, and an imaging device. The server unit may comprise an image process module and a tape production module. The image process module is configured to determine values for defined geometrical characteristics from a digital image of a body part. Once a motion pattern is chosen by a user, the server unit selects a tape template.

The tape template may comprise parameters. The parameters are determined based on the values of the geometrical characteristics, and the parameters are used to determine the contours of the tape that is to be produced. Once the contours have been determined, instructions can be generated and transported to a tape cutting machine for production of the tape.

In one embodiment, the instructions comprises instructions for cutting the tape and said machine is a cutting machine.

In one embodiment, the system comprises an operator interface adapted to allow an operator to communicate with the tape production module and to adjust the contour of the tape template before the instructions for producing the tape are generated. This embodiment allows an expert to further adjust the shape of the template to further improve the tape. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one client device provided with said display unit and said image device, and a server device provided with said tape production module.

In one embodiment, the user interface is designed to allow a user to choose more than one of the predefined motion patterns.

The advantages of the system can be readily understood from the advantages mentioned for the method above.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for producing a tape for correcting a motion pattern of a body part according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2a shows an example of a body part and defined geometrical characteristics for correction of a first motion pattern.

Fig. 2b shows an example of a tape template for correction of the first motion pattern.

Fig. 3a shows another example of a body part and defined geometrical characteristics for correction of a second motion pattern.

Fig. 3b shows an example of a tape template for correction of the second motion pattern.

Fig. 4a shows the body part of figure 2a and defined geometrical characteristics for correcting a third motion pattern.

Fig. 4b shows an example of a tape template for correction of the third motion pattern.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body according to the invention.

Figs. 6a - d shows examples of user interfaces for the system. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an example of a system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body according to the invention. The system comprises a machine 1 for producing the tape 2, a server unit 3 including a memory location 5 for storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns to be corrected, a memory location 6 for storing a plurality of tape templates for correcting the predefined motion patterns, an image processing module 7 adapted to determine at least one geometrical characteristic of the part of the body based on a digital image, and a tape production module 8 adapted to determine a contour of the tape and to generate instructions for producing the tape. The system further comprises one or more client devices 10 including a display unit 12 for displaying a user interface for providing information about the predefined motion patterns to be corrected and allowing a user to choose at least one of the predefined motion patterns, and a digital image device 14 for capturing a digital image of a part of the body. The digital image device is, for example, a camera or a scanner. The system according to the invention can be arranged in many different ways. For example, the client device may include the image processing module 7. In an alternative embodiment, the system may comprises digital camera and a computer unit. The computer unit including the memory location 5 for storing motion patterns, the memory location 6 for storing the tape templates, the image processing module 7, the tape production module 8, and the display unit for displaying the motion patterns to be corrected, and allowing a user to choose motion patterns. The client device(s) is/are in communication with the server unit and is/are adapted to transfer information about chosen motion patterns to the server unit. The communication between the client device and the server unit can be wireless or via a wire. The client device is capable of communicating with the server device, for example, over a network, such as the Internet. The number of client devices may vary and is not limited. The client devices can, for example, be smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDA), lap top computers, personal computers (PC), or panel computers. In the embodiment example shown in figure 1, the client devices are a smart phones. The smart phone includes a touch screen which displays a user interface, and a camera. The server unit is preferably a computer, for example, a personal computer.

The client device includes a software module for generating and displaying the user interface and to communicate with the server unit. The software module is uploaded to the client devices, for example, in the form of software applications (Apps) which can be downloaded from the Internet. These can be in many forms, including, but not limited to, .NET, Java, HTML5, Javascript, Flash, or native applications for the client devices. The software modules are run on the client devices.

The image processing module 7 and the tape production module 8 are software modules. In this embodiment the processing module 7 and the tape production module 8 are run on the server unit 3. Alternatively, the image processing module 7 and/or the tape production module 8 are stored and run on the client device. The server unit includes hardware, such as a processing unit, for example a CPU, memory and data storage, for running software modules and to communicate with the client devices. The server unit 3 comprises a communication unit (not shown) for providing communication with the client devices. The server unit 3 may comprise an operator interface unit 16, for example, a display unit and a key board, adapted to displaying an interface for allowing an operator to communicate with the system and to handle the tem plates, for example add, remove or change the templates. Optionally, the operator interface 16 is adapted to allow an operator to communicate with the tape production module 8 and to adjust the contour of a tape before the instructions for producing the tape are generated. I n this case the operator is a qualified expert, and the system allows the expert to further adapt the tape to the body part in order to fine tune the contour of the ta pe a nd by that improve the effect of the tape. For exam ple, the contour of the tape is displayed overlapping the body part, and the operator is allowed to change the contour or part of the contour in relation to the body part.

A plurality of motion patterns, which can be corrected are predefined and stored in the server unit 3. Each motion pattern to be corrected is associated with at least one part of a body, for example the wrist, palm, back side of the hand, neck, elbow, shoulder, or ankle. There can be several different motion patterns to be corrected for the same body part.

Examples of movement patterns to be corrected :

-The wrist has a convex shape (refer to the back of the hand) in a backswing and at the top of the golf swing. The tape is applied with a concave wrist, which ca n be va ried in dependence on the degree of concavity.

-The golf boll is lifted through the swing. Here a tape is applied on the palm side of the wrist, so that excessive bending (extension of the wrist) is minimized.

-The wrist is dropped on top of the golf swing, i.e. the bend on the thumb side of the wrist becomes too large (la rge radia l bending). This is taped on the little finger side to reduce this unwanted movement.

- "Early release" means that the right wrist is thrown forward, i.e. stretched excessive at the thumb side. A tape is applied to the thumb side of the hand to reduce the movement.

- Elbow is bent too much during a golf swing. The tape is applied on the extension side of the elbow.

- The shoulder is closed during the hit of the golf boll. A tape is applied on the back of the shoulder

- Bad posture, poor postural control is taped up on back and neck in a couple of different versions of the tape templates.

- The ankle joint is tipping over on the outside, i.e. the outer ligaments are stretched. The tape limits the movement and protects the outer ligaments.

A plurality of different tape templates are stored. Each of the tape templates defines a contour of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern of a body part. The contour of the tem plate is adapted to the body part to be corrected and to the motion pattern to be corrected. The templates may also contain information on which body part the tape should be applied to. The templates may also contain information on which geometrical characteristic of the body part to be determined. The templates may also contain rules for how to adjust the tape templates based on the determined geometrical characteristic of the body part. Each of the predefined motion patterns is associated with one of the stored tape templates.

The tape production module 8 is adapted to receive information about chosen motion patterns from the client device 10. The tape production module 8 is adapted to select one of the tape templates based on the chosen motion pattern to be corrected. The tape production module 8 is adapted to select the tape template that is associated with the chosen motion pattern. The image processing module 7 is adapted to determine one or more geometrical characteristic(s) of the part of the body based on a digital image. It is well known in the art how to determine geometrical characteristics, such as positions and distances, from digital images. One common technology is marker tracking. This technology works by locating physical objects, so called markers, with known dimensions close to the object to be measured. For example, a credit card can be located close to the part of the body when the image is captured. Thus, geometrical characteristics of the body part can be determined based on a digital photo of the body part and a reference object of a known size.

Figures 2a -b illustrated how to produce a tape for correcting a selected motion pattern. In this example, the motion pattern to be corrected is scooping in a golf swing. This is done by a tape minimizing unwanted wrist extension. The body part 18 associated with this motion pattern includes the inside of a hand, a wrist, and an upper part of the inside of an arm, as shown in the figures. Figure 2a shows an example of a body part 18 and defined geometrica l characteristics Dl - D5 for the body part. The geometrical characteristics are related to the anatomy of the body part. In this example, the body part 18 includes the inside of a hand, a wrist, and an upper part of the inside of an arm minimize unwanted wrist extension, e.g. scooping in the golf swing. Five geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 are defined for this motion pattern, as shown in figure 2a. The geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 are measured distances of the hand, wrist and arm. For example, Dl is the width of the wrist, D2 is a first distance of the hand, D3 is a distance of the arm, D4 is a second distance of the hand, and D5 is the width of the hand.

In order to measure the geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 of an individual, a photo is captured of the body part. The image of the body part 18 may also include a reference object 19 of a highly specific known size. Real values of the geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 for the body part is determined using image recognition of the image.

The tape production module 8 is further adapted to determine the contour of the tape by adjusting the shape and size of the selected tape template in dependence on the determined geometrical characteristic of the body part and one or more rules for how to adjust the tape templates. Thus, the tape template is adapted to the size and shape of the body part. The tape template may be adapted to the real body part using one or more parameters. The parameters can be related to the length, width and curvature of the contour of the tape template. The values of the parameters are calculated based on the measured geometrical characteristic of the body part.

Figure 2b shows an example of a tape template 20 for correction of scooping in a golf swing. The tape template 20 has a contour 21 and contains five parameters PI - P5. The tape template is adapted to the body part 18 based on the geometrical characteristics Dl - D5. The parameters are calculated based on the geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 using predefined mathematical formulas. Each of the parameters is calculated based on one of the measured geometrical characteristics Dl - D5 and a predefined coefficient. In this example, the following mathematical formulas are used for calculating values of the parameters:

PI = 0.8*D1, P2 = D2, P3 = 0.8*D3, P4 = 0.6 * D4, P5 = 0.7*D5.

The contour 22 of the template is adjusted so that the values of the parameters PI - P5 are fulfilled.

Alternatively, the parameters are points on the contour of the template. One or more algorithms can be developed and used to determine the contours of the tape. Figure 3a shows another example of a body part and defined geometrical characteristics D6 - Dll for correction of a wrist having a convex shape in a backswing. In this example, the body part includes the back side of a hand, the wrist, and an upper part of the outside of an arm. Figure 3b shows an example of a tape template 23 for correction of the convex wrist. The tape template 23 has a contour 24 and contains six parameters P6 - Pll.

Figure 4a shows the same body part 18 as in figure 2a and defined geometrical characteristics for correction of "Early release" in a golf swing. For this motion pattern, only three geometrical characteristics D16, D17 and D18 are defined. Figure 4b shows an example of a tape template 25 to minimize unwanted ulnar flexion, e.g. early release in the golf swing.

In an alternative embodiment, the shape and size of the selected tape template is adjusted in connection with the image processing using digital image processing.

The tape production module 8 is further adapted to generate instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour of the tape, and to transfer the instructions to the machine 1 for producing the tape. The machine 1 is, for example, a cutting machine and the instructions include instructions to the machine for how to cut the tape.

Figure 5 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body according to the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flow chart can be implemented by computer program instructions. The user has, for example, loaded application software to a client device, such as a smart phone. Other parts of the software are suitably running on a server unit. Figures 6a - d show examples of user interfaces provided by the system.

The method comprises storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns to be corrected, each motion pattern being associated with at least one part of the body, and storing a plurality of tape templates for correcting said predefined motion patterns, each tape template defining a contour of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern and one or more rules for how to adjust the tape templates. The motion pattern and templates are preferably stored beforehand.

In a first step, the method comprises displaying information about the predefined motion patterns, which can be corrected, and allowing a user to choose one of the predefined motion patterns, block 30. Figure 6a shows an example of a user interface presenting motion patterns which can be corrected. The user selects at least one of the presented motion patterns. In a next step, the method comprises receiving information about a chosen motion pattern, block 32. For example, the client device 10 receives the information about the chosen motion pattern and forwards the information to the server unit 3. One of the stored tape templates is selected in dependence on which of the motion patterns is chosen to be corrected, block 34. The server unit retrieves the template associated with the selected motion pattern from the memory location.

The method further comprises capturing a digital image of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern, block 38. The image is, for example, a digital photo. For example, the user takes the photo of the body part. Instructions about how to take the photo of the body part may be displayed to the user, block 36. This step is optional. Figures 6b and 6c show examples of user interfaces with instructions to the user on how to place the body part to take a correct photo.

The captured image is, for example, sent to the server unit. One or more predefined geometrical characteristic(s) of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern is determined based on the digital image, block 40. The contour of the tape is determined by adjusting the shape and size of the selected tape template in dependence on the determined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body and one and more predefined rules for how to adjust the template, block 42. This can, for example, be done by stretching and moving the contour of the template. When the shape and size of the template has been adjusted, the template may be sent to the client device and displayed to the user, as shown in figure 6d. The user can then accept the tape and purchase it. Finally, the method includes generating instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour of the tape, block 44, and transferring the instructions to a machine for producing the tape, block 46. The machine cuts the tape and combines the tape with the contact and billing details of the user. The tape can then be rapped and delivered to the user. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example, the images can be 2D images as well as 3D images. The steps defined in the claims can be carried out in different order. For example, the tape template can be selected after the image has been captured. The system, as well as any method steps, may be controlled by means of a programmed computer apparatus. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings may comprise computer apparatus and methods that may be performed in computer apparatus, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code; object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or a hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

Claims

1. A method for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body, characterized in that the method comprises:

- storing a plurality of tape templates (20;23;25) for correcting said predefined motion patterns, each tape template defining a contour (21;24) of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern,

- receiving information about a chosen motion pattern,

- selecting one of said tape templates based on the chosen motion pattern,

- capturing a digital image of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern, - determining at least one defined geometrical characteristic (D1-D5; D6-D11; D16- D18) of the part of the body for the selected motion pattern based on the digital image,

- transferring the instructions to a machine (1) for producing the tape.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said one or more rules define how to adjust length, width and curvature of the contour of the tape template based on the defined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more geometrical characteristics (Dl- D5; D6-D11) of the part of the body are defined for each of the motion patterns, each of the tape templates comprises one or more parameters (P1-P5; P6-P11) for adjusting the shape and size of at least a portion of the contour (21;24) of the tape, and the method comprises determining values for the parameters of the selected tape template based on the determined geometrical characteristics defined for the selected motion pattern and said predefined rules, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined value for the parameter.

4. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a plurality of geometrical characteristics (D1-D5; D6-D11) of the part of the body are defined for each of the motion patterns, each of the tape templates comprises a plurality of parameters (P1-P5; P6-P11) for adjusting the shape and size of the contour (21;24) of the tape, and the method comprises determining values for the geometrical characteristics of the part of the body for the selected motion pattern based on the digital image, determining values for the plurality of parameters of the selected tape template based on the plurality of geometrical characteristics of the part of the body associated with the selected motion pattern and said predefined rules, and determining the contour of the tape based on the selected tape template and the determined values for the parameters.

5. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said instructions comprise instructions for cutting the tape and said machine (1) is a cutting machine.

6. The method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said digital image is a 3D- image.

7. A system for producing a tape for correction of a motion pattern of a part of a body, characterized in that the system comprises:

- a machine (1) for producing the tape,

- a memory location (5) for storing a plurality of predefined motion patterns to be corrected, each motion pattern being associated with at least one part of the body,

- a memory location (6) for storing a plurality of tape templates for correcting said predefined motion patterns, each tape template defining a contour of a tape for correcting a certain motion pattern,

- a display unit (12) for displaying a user interface for providing information about said predefined motion patterns to be corrected, and allowing a user to choose at least one of the predefined motion patterns,

- an image device (14) for capturing a digital image of a part of the body,

- an image processing module (7) adapted to determine at least one geometrical characteristic of the part of the body based on the digital image, and

- a tape production module (8) adapted to receive information about a chosen motion pattern, to select one of said tape templates based on the chosen motion pattern, to determine the contour of the tape by adjusting the shape and size of the selected tape template in dependence on the determined defined geometrical characteristic of the part of the body and one or more rules for how to adjust the tape templates, to generate instructions for producing the tape based on the determined contour of the tape, and to transfer the instructions to the machine for producing the tape.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said instructions comprises instructions for cutting the tape and said machine (1) is a cutting machine.

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the system comprises an operator interface (16) adapted to allow an operator to communicate with the tape production module (8) and to adjust the contour of the tape template before the instructions for producing the tape are generated.

10. The system according to any of the claims 7 - 9, wherein the system comprises at least one client device (10) provided with said display unit (12) and said image device (14), and a server device (3) provided with said tape production module (8).