Use condition suggestion system, use condition suggestion method, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a usage condition recommendation system, a usage condition recommendation method, and a non-transitory storage medium. The usage condition recommendation system includes a storage medium that stores a reference DB having multiple pieces of causal relationship information, wherein the multiple pieces of causal relationship information include training information and variation range information, wherein the training information includes a user's physical information and usage condition information of a training device, and the variation range information indicates the variation range of the joint angle of at least one joint of the user when the user uses the training device for training based on the usage condition information. A processor is configured to refer to the reference DB and, based on the physical information and the specified variation range information, extract the causal relationship information indicating the variation range that satisfies a predetermined relationship with the specified variation range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a usage condition suggestion system, a usage condition suggestion method, and a non-transitory storage medium. Background Art

[0002] There is known a pedal exercise machine for performing pedal exercises in a sitting position (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-094577 (JP 10-094577 A)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] In pedaling, the user's hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints mainly move frequently. However, the actual situation is that the movable ranges of the hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints of each user are different.

[0004] Here, the "movable range of each joint" refers to the range of the joint angle that can be moved without any effort or the range of the joint angle that can be moved without any pain. On the other hand, the "variable range of each joint" refers to the range of joint angle variation during actual pedaling exercise.

[0005] Therefore, when a user uses a pedal exerciser, it is desirable to adjust the use conditions of the pedal exerciser so that the variation range of each joint is within the movable range of the corresponding joint.

[0006] However, it is very difficult to predict how the range of variation of each joint will change (i.e., how the maximum and minimum values of the range of variation will change) based on how the usage conditions of the pedal exerciser are specifically adjusted. Therefore, when using the pedal exerciser, the user needs to undergo trial and error, such as performing a pedal exercise after randomly changing the usage conditions of the pedal exerciser and testing different usage conditions when any joint hurts. As a result, the user may find it difficult to start a pedal exercise due to the time it takes to adjust the usage conditions of the pedal exerciser, or may develop a dislike for pedal exercise due to some pain during the adjustment process.

[0007] The solution of the present disclosure provides a technology for setting a variation range of a joint angle as needed when training using a training apparatus.

[0008] The first embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a usage condition recommendation system. The usage condition recommendation system includes a storage medium and a processor. The storage medium stores a reference database (DB) having multiple causal relationship information, wherein the multiple causal relationship information includes training information and variation range information. The training information includes the user's physical information and the usage condition information of the training device, and the variation range information indicates the variation range of the joint angle of at least one joint of the user when the user uses the training device for training based on the usage condition information. The processor is configured to receive input of the user's physical information, receive input of specified variation range information indicating a specified variation range, wherein the specified variation range is a variation range specified for the joint angle of at least one joint of the user, refer to the reference DB, and based on the physical information and the specified variation range information, extract the causal relationship information indicating the variation range that satisfies a predetermined relationship with the specified variation range, and output the usage condition information from the extracted causal relationship information. According to this embodiment, the variation range of the joint angle when using the training device for training can be set as needed.

[0009] In this solution, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the change range indicated by the change range information matches the specified change range.

[0010] In this embodiment, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the difference between the maximum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the maximum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a first threshold, or may be a relationship in which the difference between the minimum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the minimum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0011] In this solution, the first threshold and the second threshold may be equal to each other.

[0012] In this solution, the physical information may be at least information indicating height.

[0013] In this aspect, the usage condition information may indicate a plurality of usage conditions that can be adjusted when using the training apparatus.

[0014] In this solution, the usage condition information may indicate a static usage condition.

[0015] In this solution, the training device may be a pedal exercise device, and the user uses the pedal exercise device to perform pedal exercises in a sitting position.

[0016] In this aspect, the at least one joint may be at least one of a hip joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint.

[0017] In this aspect, the plurality of pieces of causal relationship information may be different from each other in at least one of the body information and the usage condition information.

[0018] The second scheme of the present disclosure relates to a usage condition suggestion method executed by a CPU of a computer. The CPU of the computer is configured to refer to a reference DB having multiple causal relationship information, the multiple causal relationship information including training information and variation range information. The training information includes the user's physical information and the usage condition information of the training equipment, and the variation range information indicates the variation range of the joint angle of at least one joint of the user when the user uses the training equipment for training based on the usage condition information. The usage condition suggestion method includes receiving an input of the user's physical information, receiving an input of designated variation range information indicating a designated variation range, the designated variation range being a variation range specified for the joint angle of at least one joint of the user, referring to the reference DB, extracting the causal relationship information indicating the variation range that satisfies a predetermined relationship with the designated variation range based on the physical information and the designated variation range information, and outputting the usage condition information in the extracted causal relationship information. According to this scheme, the variation range of the joint angle when training using the training equipment can be set as needed.

[0019] In this solution, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the change range indicated by the change range information matches the specified change range.

[0020] In this embodiment, the predetermined relationship may be a relationship in which the difference between the maximum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the maximum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a first threshold, or may be a relationship in which the difference between the minimum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the minimum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0021] In this solution, the first threshold and the second threshold may be equal to each other.

[0022] In this solution, the physical information may be at least information indicating height.

[0023] In this aspect, the usage condition information may indicate a plurality of usage conditions that can be adjusted when using the training apparatus.

[0024] In this solution, the usage condition information may indicate a static usage condition.

[0025] In this solution, the training device may be a pedal exercise device, and the user uses the pedal exercise device to perform pedal exercises in a sitting position.

[0026] In this aspect, the at least one joint may be at least one of a hip joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint.

[0027] In this aspect, the plurality of pieces of causal relationship information may be different from each other in at least one of the body information and the usage condition information.

[0028] Furthermore, in this solution, the non-transitory storage medium may store a program that is executed by a processor and causes the processor to perform the above-described usage condition suggestion method.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, the range of change of the joint angle during training using the training apparatus can be set as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 is a side view of a pedal exercise machine;

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view of a pedal exercise machine;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a pedal exercise machine;

[0034] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of a usage condition suggestion device;

[0035] Figure 5A is a diagram showing a portion of the data structure of a reference database (DB);

[0036] Figure 5B is a diagram showing another part of the data structure of the reference database (DB);

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen;

[0038] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen; and

[0039] Figure 8 This is the control flow of the usage condition suggestion device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described by way of embodiments, but the present disclosure according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, as a means of solving the problem, not all configurations described in the embodiments are indispensable. In order to clarify the description, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In the drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof is omitted when necessary.

[0041] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Describe the pedal exerciser and refer to Figures 4 to 8 Describe the conditions of use of the proposed device.

[0042] Pedal exercise equipment

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A pedal exerciser 100 is shown. The pedal exerciser 100 is an exerciser that allows a user U to perform pedal exercises while seated. The pedal exerciser 100 is a specific example of a training device. In addition to the pedal exerciser 100, a training device may be a stepping exerciser that allows a user U to perform stepping exercises while seated, or another exercise device suitable for flexing and extending upper or lower limb joints.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a side view of the pedal exerciser 100. In the following description, for clarity, an XYZ three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system will be used. Specifically, the +X direction is forward, the -X direction is backward, the +Y direction is upward, the -Y direction is downward, the +Z direction is left, and the -Z direction is right. The front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are relative to the standard line of sight of the user U during exercise.

[0045] The pedal exerciser 100 allows for adjustment of the range of motion of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during pedal exercises. In the following description, the rotational direction of the ankle joint about the Z-axis is defined as the dorsiflexion direction, and the angle is defined as the dorsiflexion angle. The dorsiflexion direction includes the plantar flexion direction, which is the toes-down direction, and the dorsiflexion direction, which is the toes-up direction.

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, the foot exerciser 100 has a main body 20, a connecting rod 30, a crank 40 and an inclined base 50. A chair 10 is provided at the rear of the foot exerciser 100. While the user U sits on the chair 10, the user U performs foot exercise. The user U performs foot exercise in a sitting position. The chair 10 may be provided as an integral part with the foot exerciser 100, or may be provided as a separate body. For example, the chair 10 may be a chair in a facility or residence where the user U is located. That is, the user U or an assistant may install the chair 10 at the rear of the foot exerciser 100. The chair 10 may be a wheelchair that the user U normally uses.

[0047] The chair 10 includes a seat portion 11 as a seating portion and a backrest 12. When a user U sits on the seat portion 11, the backrest 12 supports the back of the user U. That is, while the user U leans on the backrest 12, the user U can perform pedaling exercises. In addition, the chair 10 is replaceable or adjustable to suit the user U. For example, for a user U who trains with a higher load, the chair 10 without the backrest 12 can be used. Alternatively, the backrest 12 may have a tilt mechanism. Then, the angle of the backrest 12 can be adjusted by the tilt mechanism.

[0048] In the pedal exerciser 100, the components attached to the main body 20 are horizontally symmetrical. Figure 2 In order to distinguish the right side component from the left side component, R is added to the right side component of the main body 20, and L is added to the left side component. Figure 2 , the right-side tilting base 50 is shown as tilting base 50R, and the left-side tilting base 50 is shown as tilting base 50L. Similarly, the right-side connecting rod 30 and pedal 31 are respectively connected rod 30R and pedal 31R, and the left-side connecting rod 30 and pedal 31 are respectively connected rod 30L and pedal 31L. Similarly, the right-side foot FT is referred to as the right foot FTR, and the left-side foot FT is referred to as the left foot FTL. In the following description, R and L are omitted when it is not necessary to distinguish between right-side and left-side components.

[0049] The main body 20 holds the crank 40 so that it can rotate. For example, the main body 20 is provided with a rotational shaft 21. The crank 40 is connected to the rotational shaft 21. The crank 40 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rotational shaft 21. The crank 40 rotates about the rotational shaft 21. The main body 20 may have a load resisting member that applies a load to the rotational movement of the crank 40. The main body 20 may also have a gear or the like that can make the load variable.

[0050] The main body 20 is arranged on the mounting base 15. The mounting base 15 is arranged on the floor surface. For example, the front portion of the main body 20 is arranged on the mounting base 15, and the rear portion is arranged on the floor surface. The mounting base 15 can be omitted.

[0051] The distance between the main body 20 and the chair 10 in the front-to-back direction can be changed according to the user U. For example, the user U can place the chair 10 close to the main body 20. Thereby, the user U performs pedaling exercise with the knee joints etc. relatively bent. Alternatively, the user U can place the chair 10 away from the main body 20. Thereby, the user U performs pedaling exercise with the knee joints etc. relatively extended. By changing the distance between the main body 20 and the chair 10 in the X direction in this way, the posture of the user U during the pedaling exercise changes. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the range of change of each joint during the pedaling exercise of the user U. The distance between the main body 20 and the chair 10 in the front-to-back direction is an example of the use condition of the pedaling exercise device 100. In the following, for the convenience of description, Figure 3 , the distance in the horizontal direction between the hip joint of the user U and the rotation axis 21 of the main body 20 is defined as the distance D1. The distance D1 is a specific example of a static use condition of the pedal exerciser 100. Here, the "static use condition" refers to a use condition that can be specified when the crank 40 is stopped. In contrast, for example, the rotation speed of the crank 40 is a dynamic use condition of the pedal exerciser 100. When the distance D1 is set to be large, the change range of the hip joint and the knee joint can be shifted toward the extension side, and the change range of the ankle joint can be shifted toward the plantar flexion side. When the distance D1 is set to be small, the change range of the hip joint and the knee joint can be shifted toward the flexion side, and the change range of the ankle joint can be shifted toward the dorsiflexion side.

[0052] The connecting rod 30 has a pedal 31 and a pulley 35. A crank 40 is connected to the front end of the connecting rod 30, and a pulley 35 is connected to the rear end thereof. The crank 40 and the connecting rod 30 are rotatably connected. For example, the connecting rod 30 is attached to the crank 40 via a bearing or the like. The pedal 31 is attached to the connecting rod 30 in the middle. The pedal 31 is a stepping pedal (foot pedal) on which the user U places his foot FT. The user U who is seated places his foot FT on the foot pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31. Figure 3 As shown, in a side view of the pedal exerciser 100, the angle θ1 between the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 30 and the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31 can be adjustable. For example, the angle θ1 can be adjusted between 0 and 45 degrees. When the angle θ1 is set to a large value, the range of variation of the ankle joint can shift toward dorsiflexion. When the angle θ1 is set to a small value, the range of variation of the ankle joint can shift toward plantar flexion. The angle θ1 is a specific example of the static usage condition of the pedal exerciser 100.

[0053] The pulley 35 is attached to the link 30 via a rotation axis (shaft). That is, the link 30 rotatably holds the pulley 35. The pulley 35 is a sliding member that slides on the inclined surface of the inclined base 50.

[0054] The user U places their foot FT on the pedal 31 and performs a pedaling exercise. That is, the user U moves their knee, hip, and ankle joints to pedal. This causes the crank 40 to rotate about the rotation axis 21. Furthermore, the angle between the connecting rod 30 and the crank 40 changes as the crank 40 rotates. In other words, the relative angle of the connecting rod 30 with respect to the crank 40 changes with the rotation angle of the crank 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the "crank angle"). The crank angle generally refers to the angle formed between the crank 40 and a reference line extending forward from the rotation axis 21. Furthermore, the pulley 35 moves in a front-to-back direction while in contact with the inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50. This causes the crank 40 and connecting rod 30 to rotate, causing the pedal 31 to move along an elliptical trajectory in response to the pedaling exercise. In other words, the user U applies a load to the various muscles that make up the user's calf by primarily moving the foot FT placed on the pedal 31 along the elliptical trajectory defined by the pedaling exerciser 100.

[0055] The pedals 31, pulleys 35, connecting rods 30, cranks 40, and tilt base 50 are provided for the left and right feet FT of the user U, respectively. Specifically, the pedals 31, pulleys 35, connecting rods 30, cranks 40, and tilt base 50 are provided on the left and right sides of the main body 20, respectively. The pedals 31R, pulleys 35R, connecting rods 30R, tilt base 50R, and the like provided on the right side of the main body 20 are associated with the right foot FTR of the user U. The pedals 31L, connecting rods 30L, and tilt base 50L provided on the left side of the main body 20 are associated with the left foot FTL of the user U.

[0056] The crank 40 is attached to the rotation axis 21 of the main body 20 so as to be in opposite phases relative to the left and right feet FT. That is, the rotation angles of the crank 40 for the left foot and the crank 40 for the right foot are offset by 180 degrees. The user U alternately extends and contracts the left and right legs to perform pedaling exercises.

[0057] The pulley 35 is attached to the rear end of the link 30. The pulley 35 has a wheel that slides on the inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50. The inclined base 50 has an inclined surface 50a that becomes higher toward the rear. As the link 30 rotates, the pulley 35 reciprocates in the X direction (front-rear direction). Figure 1 As shown, while the user U performs pedaling motion in the direction of extending the right leg and bending the left leg, the right pulley 35 moves forward and the left pulley 35 moves backward. Figure 2 As shown, when the user U performs a pedaling motion in the direction of extending the left leg and bending the right leg, the left pulley 35 moves forward and the right pulley 35 moves backward.

[0058] The height of pulley 35 changes along the inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50. The height of inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50 becomes higher toward the rear. In other words, the inclined base 50 is an uphill slope for pulley 35 moving backward. Therefore, as pulley 35 moves backward, it gradually rises. Conversely, as pulley 35 moves forward, it gradually lowers. The height of pulley 35 determines the angle of connecting rod 30.

[0059] Here, the angle of the pedal 31 provided on the link 30 is limited by the height of the pulley 35. That is, when the pulley 35 becomes higher, the pedal 31 rotates in the plantar flexion direction. When the pulley 35 becomes lower, the pedal 31 rotates in the dorsiflexion direction. Therefore, the range of variation of the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion angle of the ankle joint can be adjusted by utilizing the inclination angle of the inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50. Figure 3 As shown, the inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface 50a of the inclined base 50 relative to the horizontal is a specific example of the static usage condition of the pedal exerciser 100. When the inclination angle θ2 is set to a large value, the range of variation of the ankle joint shifts toward plantar flexion. When the inclination angle θ2 is set to a small value, the range of variation of the ankle joint shifts toward dorsiflexion.

[0060] The horizontal distance D2 between the front end 50b of the tilt base 50 and the rotation axis 21 is a specific example of the static usage condition of the pedal exerciser 100. As the distance D2 increases, the range of variation of the ankle joint shifts toward dorsiflexion. As the distance D2 decreases, the range of variation of the ankle joint shifts toward plantar flexion.

[0061] The use of the tilt base 50 is optional, and the pedaling exercise can be performed without using the tilt base 50. In this case, the presence or absence of the tilt base 50 is one of the specific examples of the static use condition of the pedaling exercise machine 100.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31 is longer than the total length of the foot FT. Therefore, the user U is able to place the foot FT near the end of the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31 (near the toes), or is able to place the foot FT near the rear end of the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31 (near the heel). The distance from the center of the pedal surface 31a in the longitudinal direction to the ankle joint is defined as the distance D3. The distance D3 is a specific example of the static use condition of the pedal exerciser 100. When the foot FT is placed near the end of the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31, the distance D3 becomes smaller, and when the foot FT is placed near the rear end of the pedal surface 31a of the pedal 31, the distance D3 becomes larger.

[0063] The user U performs pedal exercises using the pedal exerciser 100 primarily to train the lower limbs. In other words, the user U can apply loads to the muscles of the lower limbs and trunk by performing pedal exercises. Examples of muscles that can be trained using the pedal exerciser 100 include the rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, obturator externus, erector spinae, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, adductor brevis, biceps femoris, gluteus medius, plantaris, soleus, gluteus minimus, popliteus, tibialis anterior, iliacus, psoas major, and quadratus femoris.

[0064] In this embodiment, Figure 3 The distance D1, the distance D2, the distance D3, the angle θ1, and the inclination angle θ2 shown in FIG are specific examples of the static use conditions of the foot exerciser 100. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned ones, and when the height of the seat portion 11 of the chair 10, the link length of the link 30, and the diameter of the pulley 35 can be adjusted, they may also be the static use conditions of the foot exerciser 100.

[0065] As described above, the ranges of variation of the hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint can be adjusted by changing a plurality of static usage conditions of the pedal exerciser 100. Here, "adjustment range" refers to the maximum value of the adjustment range, the minimum value of the adjustment range, or any one of the maximum and minimum values of the adjustment range.

[0066] Therefore, for example, when the variation range of the hip joint, knee joint and ankle joint is adjusted so that the variation range of the hip joint, knee joint and ankle joint matches the movable range of the hip joint, knee joint and ankle joint of user U, user U can perform pedaling exercises without difficulty.

[0067] Use condition suggestion device

[0068] Then, refer to Figures 4 to 8 The following describes a usage condition suggestion device 1. The usage condition suggestion device 1 is a specific example of a usage condition suggestion system. The usage condition suggestion device 1 suggests static usage conditions of a pedal exercise device 100 for achieving a range of variation for each joint of user U to user U and his or her assistant simply by inputting the height of user U and specifying the range of variation for user U. Using the usage condition suggestion device 1, there is no need to conduct trial and error to match the range of variation for the hip, knee, and ankle joints with the movable range of user U's hip, knee, and ankle joints. Therefore, pedal exercise can be quickly started under conditions suitable for user U, and the pain associated with trial and error can be blocked.

[0069] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of the usage condition suggestion device 1. Figure 4As shown, the usage condition suggestion device 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1a, a random access memory 1b that can be read and written freely, and a read-only memory (ROM) 1c that can be read. The usage condition suggestion device 1 further includes a touch panel display 1d. The usage condition suggestion device 1 further includes a reference database 1e. The reference database 1e is typically a database stored in an HDD (not shown). However, instead of including the reference database 1e, the usage condition suggestion device 1 may access a reference database on an external server via the Internet.

[0070] Then, the CPU 1a reads and executes the control program stored in the ROM 1c, so that the control program causes the hardware such as the CPU 1a to function as the body information input unit 60 , the specified change range information input unit 61 , the extraction unit 62 , and the output unit 63 .

[0071] Reference DB 1e is a database including a plurality of pieces of causal relationship information. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The data structure of reference DB 1e is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the reference DB 1e includes 21,600 pieces of causal relationship information. That is, the reference DB 1e includes causal relationship information No. 1 to causal relationship information No. 21,600 ( Figure 5A shows causal relationship information No. 1 to causal relationship information No. 4320, and Figure 5B Showing causal relationship information No. 4321 to causal relationship information No. 21600).

[0072] Each piece of causal relationship information includes training information and variation range information corresponding to the training information.

[0073] The training information includes the physical information of the user U and the usage condition information of the pedal exercise machine 100 .

[0074] The user U's body information is information indicating the size of the user U's body, and is information indicating at least one of the user U's height, thigh length, calf length, and ankle height from the sole of the foot (hereinafter referred to as "ankle height"). In this embodiment, the user U's body information indicates the user U's height. However, the user U's body information may alternatively be any one of thigh length, calf length, and ankle height. Generally, there is a positive correlation between height and thigh length, calf length, and ankle height, and therefore, it is considered possible to derive the other three dimensions from any one of them.

[0075] The usage condition information indicates a plurality of static usage conditions that can be adjusted when the pedal exercise machine 100 is used. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example of , the usage conditions include usage condition 1, usage condition 2, usage condition 3, usage condition 4, and usage condition 5.

[0076] Use condition 1 corresponding to Figure 3 The inclination angle θ2 in .

[0077] Use condition 2 corresponding to Figure 3 The distance D2 in .

[0078] Use condition 3 corresponding to Figure 3 The distance D3 in .

[0079] Use condition 4 corresponding to Figure 3 The distance D1 in .

[0080] Use condition 5 corresponding to Figure 3 The inclination angle θ1 in.

[0081] Instead of indicating five usage conditions, the usage condition information may indicate only one usage condition, or may indicate six or more usage conditions.

[0082] The variation range information indicates the variation range of the joint angles of the hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint of the user U having the corresponding body information when the user U performs pedaling exercise using the pedaling exercise machine 100 based on the corresponding usage condition information. The joint angles are all joint angles around the pitch axis.

[0083] That is, when the user U with corresponding body information performs pedaling exercise using the pedaling exercise machine 100 based on the corresponding usage condition information, the maximum and minimum values of the variation range of the joint angle of the hip joint are as follows: Figure 5A and Figure 5B This also applies to the knee and ankle joints. However, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the , the value is abbreviated as "·".

[0084] A plurality of pieces of causal relationship information differ from each other in at least one of body information and usage condition information. Causal relationship information No. 1 to No. 4320 is causal relationship information about a user U with a height of 140 cm, and covers all combinations of sizes indicated by the five usage conditions as much as possible. In this embodiment, the tilt angle θ2 (usage condition 1) is divided into four types, the distance D2 (usage condition 2) is divided into five types, the distance D3 (usage condition 3) is divided into six types, the distance D1 (usage condition 4) is divided into nine types, and the angle θ1 (usage condition 5) is divided into four types. Therefore, 4×5×6×9×4=4320 types of causal relationship information are prepared as causal relationship information about a user U with a height of 140 cm. The height of the user U is divided into five types from 140 cm to 160 cm in increments of 5 cm. Therefore, the reference DB1e has 4320×5=21600 types of causal relationship information.

[0085] The 21,600 types of causal relationship information contained in the reference DB 1e can be generated, for example, by a simulator using a human-machine model. Specifically, the simulator generates a human body model and an exercise machine model based on training information, and records the maximum and minimum values of the range of variation of the joint angles of each joint as the crank angle changes. Alternatively, the causal relationship information can be generated based on measurements obtained by having multiple users U, each with a height of 140 cm, 145 cm, 150 cm, 155 cm, and 160 cm, actually perform pedaling exercises using the pedal exercise machine 100 based on their own usage condition information, and then measuring the maximum and minimum values of the range of variation of the joint angles of each joint as the crank angle changes at that time.

[0086] The body information input unit 60 receives input of body information of the user U who will now use the foot exercise machine 100. In the present embodiment, the body information indicates the height as described above.

[0087] The specified variation range information input unit 61 receives input of specified variation range information, which indicates a specified variation range as a variation range specified for a joint angle of at least one joint of the user. In the present embodiment, the specified variation range information indicates a specified variation range specified for a variation range of at least one joint angle of the user's hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. The variation range is usually specified by its maximum and minimum values. However, the variation range can be specified only by the maximum value or only by the minimum value. For example, when a knee joint has pain on the extension side of its joint angle but no pain on the flexion side, the variation range is specified only by the maximum value. The designated subject is usually the user U himself or herself or an assistant.

[0088] Figure 6An input screen for body information and designated variation range information displayed on the display screen 64 of the touch panel display 1d is shown. The user U himself or herself or an assistant inputs the user's height into the text box 65a displayed on the display screen 64. Similarly, the user U himself or herself or an assistant inputs the maximum value and the minimum value of the desired variation range of the joint angle of the hip joint into the text box 65b and the text box 65c, respectively. Similarly, the user U himself or herself or an assistant inputs the maximum value and the minimum value of the desired variation range of the joint angle of the knee joint into the text box 65d and the text box 65e, respectively. Similarly, the user U himself or herself or an assistant inputs the maximum value and the minimum value of the desired variation range of the joint angle of the ankle joint into the text box 65f and the text box 65g, respectively.

[0089] The user U himself or herself or an assistant does not have to input all from the text box 65b to the text box 65g, and for example, when he or she wants to specify only the maximum value of the variation range of the joint angle of the hip joint, can input only the desired value into the text box 65b. Figure 6 In the example shown, only the maximum value and minimum value of the variation range of the joint angle of the knee joint are specified. In this case, only the desired values are input to the text boxes 65d and 65e corresponding to the maximum value and minimum value of the variation range of the joint angle of the knee joint. Alternatively, the maximum value and minimum value of the variation range of the joint angles of the knee joint and the ankle joint can be specified, and the maximum value and minimum value of the variation range of the joint angle of the ankle joint and the maximum value of the variation range of the joint angle of the knee joint can be specified.

[0090] When pressed Figure 6 When the extraction processing start button 66 is pressed, the extraction unit 62 refers to the reference DB 1e and, based on the body information and the specified change range information, extracts causal relationship information indicating that the change range indicated by the change range information in the reference DB 1e satisfies a predetermined relationship with the specified change range.

[0091] exist Figure 6 In the example shown in FIG1 , the height of the user U is input as 155 cm, the maximum value of the variation range of the knee joint angle is input as −70 degrees, and the minimum value thereof is input as −100 degrees. Therefore, the output unit 63 refers to the reference DB 1e to extract causal relationship information indicating that the height information indicates 155 and that the maximum and minimum values of the variation range of the knee joint angle indicated by the variation range information are −70 degrees and −100 degrees, respectively.

[0092] However, in reality, there is no causal relationship information in which the maximum value of the variation range of the knee joint angle indicated by the variation range information is -70 degrees. This is because, even if reference DB 1e has 21,600 types of causal relationship information, as long as the number is limited, it is extremely rare for the maximum value of the variation range of the knee joint angle to match the specified maximum value. Therefore, in this embodiment, output unit 63 refers to reference DB 1e to extract causal relationship information in which the height information is 155 and the maximum and minimum values of the variation range of the knee joint angle indicated by the variation range information are -70 degrees ± 5 degrees and -100 degrees ± 5 degrees, respectively. By identifying the maximum and minimum values to be searched for within a range rather than at a point in this way, it is possible to prevent situations in which corresponding causal relationship information does not exist.

[0093] Instead of the above, the extraction unit 62 may refer to the reference DB 1e to extract causal relationship information indicating that the height information is 155 and that the maximum and minimum values of the variation range of the joint angle of the knee joint indicated by the variation range information are -70 degrees ± 3 degrees and -100 degrees ± 5 degrees, respectively. The same applies to the height information.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, output unit 63 outputs the usage condition information from the causal relationship information extracted by extraction unit 62 to display screen 64 of touch panel display 1d. When extraction unit 62 extracts multiple pieces of causal relationship information, output unit 63 outputs the usage condition information from the causal relationship information selected according to a predetermined rule from among the multiple pieces of causal relationship information extracted by extraction unit 62 on display screen 64 of touch panel display 1d. Here, the "predetermined rule" is generally a rule according to which extraction unit 62 selects the causal relationship information to be extracted first on the time axis. In addition, as another example, the "predetermined rule" may be a rule according to which causal relationship information having the minimum difference between the maximum value of a variation range and the maximum value of a specified variation range is selected.

[0095] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 The operation of the use condition suggestion apparatus 1 is described. The use condition suggestion apparatus 1 is usually realized by one personal computer. However, the use condition suggestion apparatus 1 can be realized by distributed processing by a plurality of personal computers configured to be capable of bidirectional communication.

[0096] Step S100:

[0097] First, the body information input unit 60 receives input of the user U's body information.

[0098] Step S110:

[0099] Next, the designated change range information input unit 61 receives input of designated change range information.

[0100] Step S120 and step S130:

[0101] When the button of the extraction process start 66 is pressed (YES in step S120 ), the extraction unit 62 refers to the reference DB 1 e to extract causal relationship information whose change range information matches the designated change range information.

[0102] Step S140:

[0103] The output unit 63 outputs the use condition information from the causal relationship information extracted by the extraction unit 62 to the display screen 64 of the touch panel display 1 d .

[0104] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the above-described embodiments have the following features.

[0105] A usage condition suggestion device 1 (usage condition suggestion system) includes a reference DB 1e having a plurality of causal relationship information items, the plurality of causal relationship information items including training information and variation range information. The training information includes physical information of a user U and usage condition information of a pedal exercise machine 100 (training machine), the variation range information indicating a variation range of a joint angle of at least one joint of the user U when the user U performs pedal exercise (training) using the pedal exercise machine 100 based on the usage condition information. The usage condition suggestion device 1 includes: a physical information input unit 60 that receives input of the physical information of the user U; a designated variation range information input unit 61 that receives input of designated variation range information indicating a designated variation range as a variation range designated for the joint angle of at least one joint of the user U; an extraction unit 62 that extracts causal relationship information based on the physical information and the designated variation range information with reference to the reference DB 1e, such that the variation range indicated by the variation range information satisfies a predetermined relationship with the designated variation range; and an output unit 63 that outputs the usage condition information from the causal relationship information extracted by the extraction unit 62. According to the above configuration, when the pedal exercise machine 100 is used for pedal exercise, the range of change of the joint angle of at least one joint can be set as needed.

[0106] The extraction unit 62 refers to the reference DB 1e, and based on the input body information and the specified change range information, extracts the causal relationship information in which the change range indicated by the change range information satisfies a predetermined relationship with the specified change range from the causal relationship information having the same or closest body information as the input body information.

[0107] The predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the variation range indicated by the variation range information matches the designated variation range. According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform a pedal exercise by using the pedal exercise machine 100 having the designated variation range.

[0108] The predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the difference between the maximum value of the variation range indicated by the variation range information and the maximum value of the specified variation range is less than or equal to a first threshold value, or a relationship in which the difference between the minimum value of the variation range indicated by the variation range information and the minimum value of the specified variation range is less than or equal to a second threshold value. According to the above configuration, a perfect match between the variation range indicated by the variation range information and the specified variation range is not required, and thus a situation in which the extraction unit 62 cannot extract causal relationship information that satisfies the conditions can be suppressed.

[0109] The first threshold value and the second threshold value are equal to each other. However, the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be different from each other.

[0110] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist.

[0111] In the above examples, the program can be stored and supplied to the computer by using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives) and magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media further include compact disc (CD)-read-only memory (ROM), recordable CD (R), rewritable CD (R / W), semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media further include programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash ROM, random access memory (RAM). The program can also be supplied to the computer via various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber or a wireless communication path.

Claims

1. A usage condition suggestion system, characterized in that: include: a storage medium storing a reference database having a plurality of pieces of causal relationship information, the plurality of pieces of causal relationship information including training information and variation range information, the training information including physical information of a user and usage condition information of a training apparatus, the variation range information indicating a variation range of a joint angle of at least one joint of the user when the user uses the training apparatus for training based on the usage condition information; and processor, which is configured to receiving input of the user's physical information, receiving input of designated variation range information indicating a designated variation range, the designated variation range being a variation range designated for the joint angle of the at least one joint of the user, extracting, with reference to the reference database, the causal relationship information of the change range indicated by the change range information as satisfying a predetermined relationship with the specified change range based on the body information and the specified change range information, and outputting the usage condition information in the extracted causal relationship information; in The predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the difference between the maximum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the maximum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a first threshold, or a relationship in which the difference between the minimum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the minimum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a second threshold.

2. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first threshold and the second threshold are equal to each other.

3. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, wherein: The body information is at least information indicating height.

4. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, wherein: The use condition information indicates a plurality of use conditions that can be adjusted when the training machine is used.

5. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, wherein: The usage condition information indicates a static usage condition.

6. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The training device is a pedal exercise device, and the user uses the pedal exercise device to perform pedal exercises in a sitting position.

7. The usage condition suggestion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one joint is at least one of a hip joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint.

8. The usage condition suggestion system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The plurality of pieces of causal relationship information differ from each other in at least one of the body information and the usage condition information.

9. A method for suggesting usage conditions, executed by a CPU of a computer, the CPU of the computer being configured to refer to a reference database having a plurality of pieces of causal relationship information, the plurality of pieces of causal relationship information including training information and variation range information, the training information including user's physical information and usage condition information of a training device, and the variation range information indicating a variation range of a joint angle of at least one joint of the user when the user uses the training device for training based on the usage condition information, the method for suggesting usage conditions being characterized by comprising: receiving input of the user's physical information, receiving input of designated variation range information indicating a designated variation range, the designated variation range being a variation range designated for the joint angle of the at least one joint of the user, extracting, with reference to the reference database, the causal relationship information of the change range indicated by the change range information as satisfying a predetermined relationship with the specified change range based on the body information and the specified change range information, and outputting the usage condition information in the extracted causal relationship information; in The predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the difference between the maximum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the maximum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a first threshold, or a relationship in which the difference between the minimum value of the change range indicated by the change range information and the minimum value of the specified change range is less than or equal to a second threshold.

10. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The first threshold and the second threshold are equal to each other.

11. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The body information is at least information indicating height.

12. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The use condition information indicates a plurality of use conditions that can be adjusted when the training machine is used.

13. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The usage condition information indicates a static usage condition.

14. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The training device is a pedal exercise device, and the user uses the pedal exercise device to perform pedal exercises in a sitting position.

15. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one joint is at least one of a hip joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint.

16. The method for suggesting usage conditions according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that: The plurality of pieces of causal relationship information differ from each other in at least one of the body information and the usage condition information. 17 . A non-transitory storage medium storing a program, wherein the program is executable by a processor and causes the processor to execute the usage condition suggestion method according to claim 9 .

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